Embracing Flow

Fertility isn't just about making babies — it's about the health and vibrancy of your entire life. In this no-holds-barred conversation, Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a naturopathic endocrinologist and best-selling author, reveals how hormones, toxins, and misunderstood medical advice are impacting far more than we realize.We explore why true fertility is an indicator of your body's health, creativity, and resilience — and how understanding your cycle, avoiding common toxins, and tuning into your womb wisdom can change everything.Whether you’re trying to conceive, heal your hormones, or simply live your fullest life, this episode will empower you to protect your future.Time Chapters:00:00 - Welcome and Dr. Aumatma’s Journey to Womb Wisdom04:00 - Shame, Culture, and the Early Messages We Receive About Periods09:00 - What Is a FABNE? (Fellow of American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology)13:00 - Why IVF Isn't Always the Answer18:00 - The DIY Fertility Trap: Why Google and AI Are Not Your Doctors24:00 - How Everything in Your Body is Connected to Fertility29:00 - Toxic Tampons, BPA, Fragrances, and Hidden Hormone Disruptors38:00 - Why Fertility Awareness Matters at Every Stage of Life46:00 - Cyclical Living: Harnessing Your Seasonal Superpowers53:00 - How Men (and Businesses!) Can Benefit from Womb Wisdom57:00 - Final Thoughts: Creating Safety to Create (Anything)I'm a Naturopathic Doctor in practice for almost 20 years. I also have a speciality as a FABNE - which is a fancy acknowledgement that deems me an expert on hormones in a holistic way. For a majority of my time in practice, I have focused on fertility, and over the years have helped the birth of thousands of healthy babies. My best-selling book "Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You about Baby-Making" reveals a lot of my research and real-life experience beyond what's commonly taught to us as medical professionals-- and shares the major reasons why I am so passionate about educating women. I believe that ALL women should have access to knowledge about our bodies and what I have come to title 'womb-wisdom' which is the source of our creative energy - babies or other creations! Over the years, I have learned that one of my gifts is to take lots of pieces of information and convert it into a distilled take-away that someone can put to use instantly! So, I have stepped into the educational space of training the next generation for fertility specialists that approach fertility from a holistic perspective. Also, running a multi-6-figure business based on my female superpower (my menstrual cycle) is knowledge that I teach, train, and coach on for female entrepreneurs who want to up level their businesses without the grind-- and the burnout. I feel like the 'womb-wisdom' I referred to earlier is a core source of creation energy that we have access to as women. So, while most female entrepreneurs learn to grind like men (yep, I have been there too!) I think it's time that we access our own superpowers!Website: https://holisticfertilityinstitute.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/holisticfertilitydoctor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aumatma/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HolisticFertilityExpertEgg Meets Sperm Podcast: https://www.holisticfertilityinstitute.com/podcastBook: https://amzn.to/4lQRZvu  Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this enlightening episode of Embracing Flow, host Heather Allmendinger is joined by Bonnie D'Arcangelo, a clinical herbalist and holistic health consultant, to unpack the intricacies of personalized herbal medicine. Bonnie shares her journey, expertise in herbal formulations, and the significance of understanding individual energetics for effective healing. Together, they explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of health, the risks of over-the-counter medications, and the need for individualized care in achieving true wellness. Tune in to discover how to become your own healer by embracing holistic and personalized approaches to health.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:27 Bonnie's Background and Expertise01:53 Personal Story: First Menstruation03:45 Naming the Business and Spiritual Traditions08:13 The Importance of Individualized Herbal Medicine27:05 Emotional and Spiritual Aspects of Healing31:40 Dangers of NSAIDs and Natural Alternatives46:34 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom Bonnie D'Arcangelo is a clinical herbalist and holistic health consultant with a Master of Science in Herbal Medicine and is a certified Aromatherapist with the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. She is the co-founder of AEtherbal (Ee-th-herbal) and the founder of Veusebeia (Veh-you-say-bee-ya) Phytotherapy Center. She is the herbal formulator of AEtherbal's topical products that blend science and herbal medicine to provide advanced delivery of medicinal herbs. She has helped hundreds of people to live pain-free lives and find relief for "What Ails" them. Bonnie also seeks to give back to nature what she takes and is the founder and president of Michigan Protects a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to plant and protect native Michigan medicinal plants that are at-risk for extinction.Website: http://www.aetherbal.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/veusebeia/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniedarcangeloYoutube: https://youtube.com/aetherbalBusiness website: https://www.aetherbal.com/Sophia, Goddess of Wisdom, Bride of God Book Link: https://amzn.to/4itOWqd  Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this solo episode of Embracing Flow, host Heather Allmendinger shares her deeply personal journey through a season of transition, from the challenges of perimenopause to her partner's cancer diagnosis. Heather discusses the importance of surrendering control, slowing down, and trusting that transformation and growth happen in these slower, quieter moments. She invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider the wisdom in embracing life's natural cycles.00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections01:04 Facing Life's Unplanned Transitions02:07 The Impact of a Partner's Illness02:59 Embracing the Slowdown04:07 Trusting the Process of Letting Go05:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement06:20 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode of Embracing Flow, host Heather explores the profound impact of birth control on women's health with guest Michael Gaskins. They discuss personal experiences, historical insights from the Nelson Pill hearings, the dangers of misinformation from the medical establishment, and the issues surrounding hormonal birth control. Gaskins shares his journey from a layperson deceived by a renowned physician to a passionate women's health advocate and author of 'In The Name of The Pill.' They uncover the detrimental effects of birth control on both individuals and the environment, emphasizing the critical need for informed consent and self-advocacy in healthcare. 00:00 Introduction to Menstrual Health Issues00:38 Personal Journey and Discoveries01:22 Podcast Introduction and Guest Introduction02:04 Michael Gaskins' Advocacy and Research04:38 The Impact of Birth Control on Health08:43 Personal Stories and Tragic Outcomes15:57 The Nelson Pill Hearings and Historical Context26:40 Doctor's Dismissal and Patient Experiences27:54 The Business of Birth Control28:24 Fertility Awareness vs. Hormonal Methods30:51 Pharmaceutical Deficiency and Medical Practices32:36 The Nelson Pill Hearings and Birth Control Safety39:54 Advocating for Personal Health42:26 Finding Reliable Information and Trusting Intuition45:20 Connecting the Dots and Final Thoughts50:10 Closing Remarks and Resources Mike Gaskins is an author and media producer who began his journey as a women’s health advocate after a world-renowned physician lied to him about birth control side effects. This chance encounter triggered a passion for research that led Mike to discover many shocking levels of deceit and misinformation surrounding these potent drugs. He frequently writes for a number of websites, and his book, In the Name of The Pill, explores the dubious nature of both the history and science of hormonal birth control.Connect with Michael Gaskins!Website: https://inthenameofthepill.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthenameofthepill/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inthenameofthepill Check out Michael’s book, In the Name of The Pill, on Amazon! https://amzn.to/3UAuRpV Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this eye-opening episode of Embracing Flow, host Heather Allmendinger tackles the marginalized subject of fertility awareness and body literacy. Heather discusses the shortcomings of traditional health education, which often reduces the menstrual cycle to simply a tool for reproduction and birth control. She shares personal stories and insights about the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle beyond fertilization, highlighting how it serves as a vital health marker. Heather emphasizes the need for broader education and systemic change, encouraging listeners to embrace cyclical living as a means to better advocate for their overall health. Tune in to explore how fertility awareness can transform your relationship with your body and optimize your well-being.00:00 Introduction to Embracing Flow00:38 The Gap in Body Literacy Education03:23 Redefining Fertility Awareness05:02 The Importance of Ovulation Beyond Reproduction07:46 Personal Journey and Discoveries10:51 The Cultural and Systemic Blind Spot14:24 Empowering Through Knowledge19:02 Conclusion and Call to Action Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode of Embracing Flow, host Heather Allmendinger welcomes Dr. Cody Goldman, a holistic health expert specializing in body and mind optimization. Dr. Goldman challenges mainstream health narratives by advocating for natural healing and mindset transformation over medications. With a background in chiropractic care, neuroscience, and functional health, he shares insights on how to combat common health issues like fatigue, weight struggles, gut issues, and brain fog by addressing root causes instead of symptoms. The discussion dives into the crucial concept of being a fat burner versus a sugar burner and its impact on women's health, particularly around perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Goldman outlines his four-step program to reset the body's metabolism, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition, and debunking common dieting myths such as fasting and ketogenic diets. Heather and Dr. Goldman also touch upon the cyclical health of women, and how hormonal balance plays a pivotal role in overall well-being. Dr. Goldman’s course and resources are highlighted as actionable steps for listeners.00:00 Introduction to Embracing Flow00:04 Meet Dr. Cody Goldman01:24 Dr. Goldman's Journey into Holistic Health01:45 The Problem with Excess Fat04:24 Understanding Fat Burners vs. Sugar Burners05:30 The Impact of Stress and Diet on Health06:54 Symptoms of Being a Sugar Burner07:57 The Role of Hormones in Health12:49 Steps to Reset Your Metabolism12:55 The Misconception About Fasting19:15 Turning on Your Fat Furnace22:07 The Key to Fat Loss22:41 Day Three: Removing Oils and Fats25:04 The Fast 40: Hormone Reset26:10 Fat Burner vs. Sugar Burner26:46 Understanding Arthritis and Inflammation29:46 Women's Health: Myths and Realities30:57 Impact of Diet on Menstrual Cycles37:00 Free Resources and Final Thoughts Connect with Dr. Cody…Dr. Golman is challenging the mainstream health narrative and helping people unlock the full potential of their body and mind—naturally. Dr. Cody Golman is a Holistic Health & Mind-Body Optimization Expert who believes that the body has everything it needs to heal and thrive—without relying on medications. His approach combines cutting-edge science, natural healing, and mindset transformation to help people achieve lasting health and peak performance. With a background in Chiropractic care, neuroscience, and functional health, Dr. Golman has dedicated his career to helping people break free from fatigue, weight struggles, gut issues, and brain fog—all by getting to the root cause rather than just treating symptoms. He’s here to share powerful insights on how to rewire the body, reprogram the mind, and take control of your health in ways most doctors won’t tell you.Free Gift: https://drcodygolman.mykajabi.com/registration-page-057d1274-e5d0-4f37-a1a2-3ea12cf3d332?preview_theme_id=2151543493Facebook: facebook.com/fast40bydrcodyInstagram: instagram.com/dr.codygolmanTikTok: tiktok.com/@dr.cody.golman?lang=enPinterest: pinterest.com/fast40bydrcodyYoutube: youtube.com/@DrCodyGolman?sub_confirmation=1 Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode of Embracing Flow, host Heather Allmendinger welcomes Dr. Emilie Wilson, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, author, and new mom. Dr. Emilie shares her personal journey with significant weight loss, pregnancy, a traumatic home birth, and postpartum depression. She discusses the lack of adequate maternal healthcare, especially among BIPOC and transgender birthing parents, and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and building a supportive community postpartum. Dr. Emilie also talks about her book 'Post: The Essential Guide to Creating Your Postpartum Self Care Plan in Pregnancy,' which offers invaluable resources for expecting and new mothers to help them navigate the complex postpartum period.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:17 Dr. Emilie's Background and Expertise01:56 Personal Cycle Story06:51 Postpartum Journey and Challenges08:24 Becoming a Naturopath and Acupuncturist11:21 Postpartum Depression and Recovery22:50 Advocating for Postpartum Care23:15 Resources and Final Thoughts35:47 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationConnect with Dr. Emilie…Dr. Emilie Wilson is a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, author, and new mother. Her clinical background is in women's cardiometabolic and hormone health. After a traumatic childbirth in late 2022, she entered a very difficult postpartum time, including struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety. She knew that if she could struggle so much as a naturopathic doctor, then too many other new parents were, too. So she wrote a book to guide expecting parents to create their Postpartum Self-Care Plan in pregnancy, to set them up for the best postpartum experience possible. In early 2024 her book "POST: The Essential Guide to Creating Your Postpartum Self-Care Plan in Pregnancy" was released. By walking expecting parents through specific, research-based steps to create their Postpartum Self-Care Plan, Dr. Wilson intends to empower new parents to have the best postpartum time possible, so they can focus on what matters: their health, and their relationship with their new baby.Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTMZL58H?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100https://www.sanoswellness.com/https://www.facebook.com/emilieclasgenswilson/https://www.instagram.com/sanoswellness/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilie-wilson-2320a22a1/ Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this solo episode of Embracing Flow, host Heather Allmendinger addresses common misconceptions about periods and menstrual health. She challenges outdated beliefs by discussing the impact of lifestyle on menstrual health, clarifying that painful periods and severe PMS are not normal, and explaining the actual fertility windows in a menstrual cycle. Heather also highlights the importance of understanding one's cycle beyond reproduction, viewing it as a vital sign of overall health. This informative episode empowers listeners to take control of their menstrual health and make informed decisions.00:00 Introduction to Menstrual Misconceptions00:37 Myth #5: Birth Control is the Only Solution01:55 Myth #4: Painful Periods are Normal03:43 Myth #3: Pregnancy Can Happen Anytime06:47 Myth #2: Ovulation Always Happens on Day 1408:31 Myth #1: Periods are Only for Having Babies10:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode of Embracing Flow, host Heather interviews Dana Parisi, a certified parent and family coach, and brain spotting practitioner. Dana shares her expertise on trauma-informed approaches to parenting, particularly for families with children facing early life trauma, neurodiversity, or mental health struggles. Throughout the conversation, Dana talks about her journey into parent coaching, the importance of self-care for parents, co-regulation techniques, and her experience with brain spotting. She also discusses the nuances of parenting daughters during their menstrual cycles and offers practical tips like the 'Post-it Note Challenge' to foster positive reinforcement in children. Dana concludes with empowering advice, encouraging parents to embrace growth mindsets and believe in their capability as the right person for the job.00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:19 Dana's Background and Mission01:35 Personal Stories and Reflections04:40 Parenting Approaches and Challenges08:12 Understanding Trauma and Family Dynamics22:37 Brainspotting Explained29:01 Positive Parenting Tips34:31 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationDana Parisi is a Certified Parent and Family Coach, and a Brainspotting Practitioner. She has a focus on trauma-informed approaches. Dana is the mom to four children, two biological and two adopted, ranging in age from 10 to 19 years old. She is passionate about working with families of kids who have persistent challenging behaviors as a result of early life trauma, neuro-diversity or mental health struggles. Her mission is to help families move from survive to Thrive. Through her business Lives Touched, she works with parents locally, as well as globally through one-on-one coaching, webinars, presentations, self-paced courses and Brainspotting. Her first book, Parenting Marathon: The 10-Step Guide to Navigate Parenting Challenges was released in September 2023 and became an Amazon International Best Seller!Connect with Dana…Book: Parenting Marathon The 10-Step Guide to Navigate Parenting Challengeshttps://www.parentingmarathon.com/#/https://www.livestouchedcoaching.com/#/https://www.instagram.com/dana.parisi/https://www.facebook.com/livestouchedhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-parisi-157758210/ Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this episode of Embracing Flow, digital marketing expert Dena Farash shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Dena discusses her methods to empower moms in their business ventures while maintaining calm and confidence. She also reflects on the importance of meditation, personal fulfillment, and modeling resilience for her children.00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:22 Dena's Background and Expertise01:29 Ice Cream Favorites03:34 First Cycle Stories06:17 Journey into Digital Marketing15:19 Meditation and Mindfulness19:32 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship37:06 Final Thoughts and WisdomDigital Marketing + Engagement pro, Dena Farash, is here to help moms confidently grow their businesses while she takes care of all the backend tech work. With Dena managing the digital details, you can focus on working on your business, not in it. She empowers moms to feel cool, calm, and confident in their entrepreneurial journeys without guilt or overwhelm.As the founder of Dena Does Digital, Dena has created a space where moms learn how to leverage online marketing tools, systems, and automation to build thriving businesses from home. She shows women how to create personal fulfillment while growing their online presence.Happily married and a mom of three, Dena believes in the power of balancing business and family. She shares her knowledge of digital marketing to help women become the best version of themselves while creating opportunities to raise resilient, confident children.When not helping moms streamline their digital marketing efforts, Dena loves to spend time at the gym, with her girlfriends, or enjoying her favorite treat—ice cream!Connect with Dena!denadoesdigital.comhttps://www.facebook.com/dena.kapelushnik Connect with Heather Allmendinger!Website: https://vivydus.com/podcast/FB Group: https://facebook.com/groups/611487486871608/FB Personal: https://www.facebook.com/heather.m.allmendingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivydus/Website: https://vivydus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmallmendinger/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VivydusAmazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Dpf8nwAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.