Thrive with Cate Stillman Podcast

The Hidden Immune Switch: Dr. Charles Akle on Microbiome, Chronic Inflammation & Mycolysate IMI

About this Episode: In this groundbreaking conversation, Cate Stillman sits down with Dr. Charles Akle, pioneering surgeon, immunologist, and co-creator of IMI—a mycolyssi soil bacterium–based immune modulator backed by 25+ years of research. With decades of experience in transplantation, oncology, and immunology, Dr. Akle brings rare clarity on how the immune system actually works, why chronic inflammation is rising globally, and how reconnecting with soil-based microbes may be the missing link in human health. Together, they explore the science behind the gut-brain-immune axis, the role of mycolyssi bacteria in regulating inflammation, why modern environments weaken immunity, and the future of "bugs as drugs" for cancer, autoimmune disease, and post-viral syndromes. Key Takeaways: 🧬 Your Immune System Is an Orchestra Health isn't about killing pathogens—it's about tuning the entire immune "symphony." Mycolyssi bacteria act as the conductor that brings the immune system back into balance. 🌱 Soil Microbes Are Medicine For most of human history, we absorbed beneficial mycobacteria through dirt, animals, and nature. Modern sanitized living breaks this evolutionary relationship—and our immunity pays the price. 🧠 The Gut-Brain-Immune Superhighway New research shows the gut sends direct immune instructions to the brain via dendritic cells and the vagus nerve—reshaping how we understand placebo, mood, inflammation, and healing. 🔥 Chronic Inflammation Is an Immune Misfire Post-viral fatigue, brain fog, autoimmunity, and even some cancers stem from immune cells that have "gone to sleep." Mycolyssi bacteria help "wake" and repolarize these cells. 🌿 Natural Immunotherapy Is the Future From early cancer trials to mood improvements, the data on mycolyssi bacteria is impressive—and points toward a future where gentle, nature-based immune modulation replaces harsh interventions. 🌍 Modern Life is Anti-Immune Ultra-processed foods, sterile environments, and lack of microbial diversity weaken immune resilience. Rewilding your microbiome is now essential, not optional. Resources Mentioned: Learn about IMI → https://immy.co/ [https://immy.co/] Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immyhealth/ Yogahealer → https://www.yogahealer.com [https://www.yogahealer.com/] Club Thrive → https://clubthrive.global [https://clubthrive.global/] Uninflamed by Cate Stillman → https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2 [https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2] Cate's Books: Body Thrive, Master of You, Primal Habits About Cate Stillman: Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, author, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. For over 20 years she has guided wellness pros and conscious leaders in reversing inflammation, reconnecting with body intelligence, and leading regenerative, purpose-aligned lives. Tune In & Reflect: What if the key to healing chronic inflammation, fatigue, and immune dysfunction has been under our feet all along?

The Hidden Immune Switch: Dr. Charles Akle on Microbiome, Chronic Inflammation & Mycolysate IMI

About this Episode: In this groundbreaking conversation, Cate Stillman sits down with Dr. Charles Akle, pioneering surgeon, immunologist, and co-creator of IMI—a mycolyssi soil bacterium–based immune modulator backed by 25+ years of research. With decades of experience in transplantation, oncology, and immunology, Dr. Akle brings rare clarity on how the immune system actually works, why chronic inflammation is rising globally, and how reconnecting with soil-based microbes may be the missing link in human health. Together, they explore the science behind the gut-brain-immune axis, the role of mycolyssi bacteria in regulating inflammation, why modern environments weaken immunity, and the future of "bugs as drugs" for cancer, autoimmune disease, and post-viral syndromes. Key Takeaways: 🧬 Your Immune System Is an Orchestra Health isn't about killing pathogens—it's about tuning the entire immune "symphony." Mycolyssi bacteria act as the conductor that brings the immune system back into balance. 🌱 Soil Microbes Are Medicine For most of human history, we absorbed beneficial mycobacteria through dirt, animals, and nature. Modern sanitized living breaks this evolutionary relationship—and our immunity pays the price. 🧠 The Gut-Brain-Immune Superhighway New research shows the gut sends direct immune instructions to the brain via dendritic cells and the vagus nerve—reshaping how we understand placebo, mood, inflammation, and healing. 🔥 Chronic Inflammation Is an Immune Misfire Post-viral fatigue, brain fog, autoimmunity, and even some cancers stem from immune cells that have "gone to sleep." Mycolyssi bacteria help "wake" and repolarize these cells. 🌿 Natural Immunotherapy Is the Future From early cancer trials to mood improvements, the data on mycolyssi bacteria is impressive—and points toward a future where gentle, nature-based immune modulation replaces harsh interventions. 🌍 Modern Life is Anti-Immune Ultra-processed foods, sterile environments, and lack of microbial diversity weaken immune resilience. Rewilding your microbiome is now essential, not optional. Resources Mentioned: Learn about IMI → https://immy.co/ [https://immy.co/] Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immyhealth/ Yogahealer → https://www.yogahealer.com [https://www.yogahealer.com] Club Thrive → https://clubthrive.global [https://clubthrive.global] Uninflamed by Cate Stillman → https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2 [https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2] Cate's Books: Body Thrive, Master of You, Primal Habits About Cate Stillman: Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, author, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. For over 20 years she has guided wellness pros and conscious leaders in reversing inflammation, reconnecting with body intelligence, and leading regenerative, purpose-aligned lives. Tune In & Reflect: What if the key to healing chronic inflammation, fatigue, and immune dysfunction has been under our feet all along?

The Cosmological Spirituality of Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicines: David Crow & Cate Stillman

About this Episode: In this powerful conversation, Cate Stillman interviews David Crow—renowned author, herbalist, plant-medicine researcher, and founder of Floracopeia. Together, they explore the worlds of Tibetan, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine through the lens of lineage, ritual, and spiritual ecology. David shares his extraordinary journey—from being one of the first Western students in acupuncture college in the 1980s, to closing his clinic and moving to Kathmandu to study Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine directly from lineage-holding masters. He speaks about transmission, apprenticeship, plant spirit intelligence, and the disappearing wisdom of traditional herbalism. Cate and David dive into the deep relationship between inner and outer alchemy—how consciousness, meditation, ritual, and plants work together to heal, awaken, and extend longevity. They also explore how modern people can reconnect to ecosystems, attention, and plant intelligence in simple, practical ways. If you're a wellness pro, herbalist, yogi, or seeker of spiritual ecology, this episode is a masterclass in ancient medicine—and a reminder of how far we've drifted from the natural world. Key Takeaways Transmission Matters: Healing wisdom traditionally passed through relationship, ritual, and mentorship—not data alone. David recounts learning from Tibetan teachers who safeguarded ancient manuscripts. Inner & Outer Alchemy: Asian medicine teaches that herbal medicine is ultimately for longevity and spiritual illumination—not just symptom relief. Meditation Potentizes Herbs: Where attention goes, prana flows. Mindfulness amplifies plant medicine more effectively than high doses. Ecology = Pharmacology: The same plant species changes potency based on terrain, direction, climate, and ecosystem health. Herbalism Requires Context: Not every ancient practice fits modern physiology. David teaches how to evaluate herbs safely in today's world. Mind–Plant Intelligence: Plants respond to ritual, attention, and intention—something modern supplement culture often forgets. Resources * David Crow's Main Website: https://www.crowconsultations.com [https://www.crowconsultations.com/] * David Crow's Blog/Further Information: https://www.crowconsultations.com/blog [https://www.crowconsultations.com/blog] * Floracopeia Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/floracopeia [https://www.facebook.com/floracopeia] * Floracopeia Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/floracopeia [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/floracopeia] * Floracopeia YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@floracopeia [https://www.youtube.com/@floracopeia] * Yogahealer → https://www.yogahealer.com [https://www.yogahealer.com] * Club Thrive → https://clubthrive.global [https://clubthrive.global] About Cate Stillman Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, behavior-change expert, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. For 20+ years she has guided wellness professionals toward deeper healing, embodiment, and regenerative leadership. How could you bring more attention, ritual, or ecological connection into your plant-medicine or self-care practice?

Conscious Living, Conscious Aging: Rediscovering Purpose in Elderhood with Ron Pevny

Aging is not a decline—it's an initiation. In this episode of the Thrive with Cate Stillman Podcast, Cate Stillman speaks with Ron Pevny, founder of the Center for Conscious Eldering and author of Conscious Living, Conscious Aging, to explore how the later chapters of life can become a time of growth, purpose, and legacy. Ron shares his evolution from guiding vision quests to leading Conscious Eldering retreats, helping people transform retirement into renewal. His work illuminates a new paradigm of aging—one that integrates emotional maturity, spiritual awakening, and service to future generations. Why Conscious Aging Matters Modern culture glorifies youth and productivity while neglecting the sacred role of elders. Ron explains that true elderhood is less about age and more about inner development—forgiveness, self-reflection, and deep listening to the call of spirit. Key Lessons from the Conversation 🌿 Elderhood as Evolution Aging invites transformation, not stagnation. The conscious elder cultivates wisdom, compassion, and purpose. 🌀 The Inner Work of Transition Letting go of past identities creates space for renewal. Reflection, solitude, and connection with nature are vital rites of passage. 💫 From Retirement to Renewal These years are a gift—a chance to live fully, share your gifts, and contribute meaningfully to the world. 🤝 Intergenerational Wisdom Elders play a crucial role in healing cultural divides by mentoring younger generations and modeling integrity, curiosity, and care. ✨ Community as Continuum The conscious aging movement invites circles of elders and youngers to grow together—bridging experience and innovation. Redefining Elderhood As Cate and Ron emphasize, the future of aging lies in conscious participation, not withdrawal. By engaging the heart, mind, and spirit, we reclaim the elder's sacred purpose—to embody wisdom and guide the next generation with humility and light. Resources & Links 📘 Conscious Living, Conscious Aging by Ron Pevny → Amazon [https://www.amazon.in/Conscious-Living-Aging-Embrace-Chapter/dp/1582704384] 📘 Uninflamed by Cate Stillman → Amazon [https://www.amazon.in/Uninflamed-Anti-Inflammatory-intermittent-kickass-microbiome-ebook/dp/B0BMFB34W4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2IHAYATVOPGW4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CM2R2zHPHub9k0qcVB1GFuTEinbNneo7XSZJmRUG4k0.ZcywpSlJQ4T-taMh3BXopm_zZbl_tACILnfor9aTMWU&dib_tag=se&keywords=uninflamed+book&qid=1761751485&sprefix=uninflamed%2Caps%2C306&sr=8-2] 🌿 Join Club Thrive 🧘 Yogahealer Website About the Host – Cate Stillman Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, author, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. For over two decades she has guided wellness professionals and conscious seekers to unlock body intelligence, reverse inflammation, and live in alignment with purpose. She is the author of Uninflamed, Body Thrive, Master of You, and Primal Habits.

Biological Dentistry & Whole-Body Healing with Dr. Toni Engram

In this enlightening conversation, Cate Stillman sits down with Dr. Toni Engram, founder of Flourish Dental Boutique in Dallas, to explore how biological dentistry bridges oral health and whole-body wellness. Together, they unpack why your mouth is the mirror of your overall health—and how what's happening in your teeth and gums can reveal the state of your immune system, hormones, and even emotional resilience. Dr. Toni shares her journey from a traditional, insurance-based dental practice to creating a toxin-free, holistic clinic grounded in terrain theory, functional medicine, and Eastern-Western integration. She explains how addressing inflammation, hidden infections, and oral microbiome imbalance can prevent chronic disease and autoimmune flare-ups. The conversation also explores how breathing patterns, ozone therapy, and nutritional care are transforming modern dentistry into a foundation for long-term vitality. A powerful theme throughout this dialogue is medical freedom and informed choice—how Dr. Toni's experience during the pandemic reinforced her commitment to individualized care, clean practices, and patient empowerment. Key Takeaways: 🦷 The Mouth–Body Connection: Each tooth corresponds to an organ system. Oral inflammation and hidden infections can trigger systemic issues like fatigue, autoimmunity, and hormonal imbalance. 🌿 Terrain over Germ Theory: Health depends on the body's internal environment. By strengthening the terrain—through nutrition, detoxification, and non-toxic dental care—you naturally resist disease. 💧 Ozone in Dentistry: Ozone therapy cleanses infection, enhances healing, and supports a balanced oral microbiome—without harsh chemicals or antibiotics. 💫 Fluoride-Free Future: Dr. Toni explains the risks of fluoride exposure, how it entered our water supply, and why mineral-rich, fluoride-free options are the smarter path forward. 🌬 Breathe for Better Health: Mouth breathing alters jaw growth in children and disrupts the oral microbiome. Retraining to nasal breathing supports deeper sleep, stronger immunity, and calmer energy. 🧬 Oral Microbiome Testing: With new saliva-based tests, dentists can map bacterial balance and tailor precise healing protocols that blend functional medicine with oral care. 💖 Integrative Care & Coaching: Dr. Toni and her team pair dentistry with health coaching to address habits, diet, and lifestyle—because true healing requires more than dental work. 🔗 Resources: 🌐 Flourish Dental Boutique → https://flourishdental.com [https://flourishdental.com] 📱 Instagram: @drtoniengram [https://www.instagram.com/drtoni.engram] 👩‍💼 About Cate Stillman: Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, behavior change expert, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. For over two decades, she has guided wellness professionals and conscious seekers to unlock deep healing, body intelligence, and aligned leadership. Author of: 📗 Primal Habits → https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx [https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx] 📘 Uninflamed → https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2 [https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2] 📙 Body Thrive → https://amzn.to/3udNFR0 [https://amzn.to/3udNFR0] 📕 Master of You → https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn [https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn] 🎧 Tune in and reflect: How might upgrading your oral care routine and breathing habits become the foundation for your next level of energy, focus, and longevity?