Sunny Side Up with Ali Long

Oof I am fired up today… thoughts?

Your gut is more than just a digestive organ- it's a living symphony, and every note tells a story about your health! In this enlightening and eye-opening episode, Ali sits down with Virginia A. Caldwell [https://www.instagram.com/tunein_2_health], MM, MT-BC, NMT, HNP—a board-certified music therapist and owner of Caldwell Community Services—to explore the fascinating connection between gut health, music therapy, and whole-body healing. Virginia’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From healing her own endometriosis through gut health to helping others restore harmony in their bodies, she offers wisdom for everyone—whether you’re just starting your wellness journey, living with an autoimmune condition like Crohn’s, IBS, Arthritis or Diverticulitis, or simply wanting to feel your best. You’ll learn: *  Why your gut works a lot like an Amazon warehouse (a great way to think about what we allow IN and OUT!) *  Sneaky toxins you might be overlooking—like sucralose and glyphosates—that disrupt digestion, mood, and healing *  The link between what you eat, how you feel, and your ability to recover from chronic illness As Virginia reminds us, “The road to good health is paved with good intestines.” This episode is packed with hope, science, and a healthy dose of joy. If you have friends and family who rely on fast food and processed snacks, consider this a loving nudge to share this conversation with them.   Listen now and let your gut’s song inspire your healing.

Our next Sunshine Guest, Kate Steele [https://www.instagram.com/katielivesfreely/], has an awe-inspiring story of resilience. After surviving a catastrophic car accident, she has spent the last 14 years navigating life as a mom, quadriplegic, entrepreneur, and connector. But at her core, she is simply human—seeking, stumbling, and finding her way back to her essence. Kate’s journey is a testament to the power of light, surrender, and trust. She shares how Salt has played a profound role in her healing, reminding us of Matthew 5:13-16: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Living with paralysis means relying on 24/7 care—a reality that has shaped Kate’s deep perspective on health, well-being, and what it means to truly trust. Through survival, she has found strength. Through surrender, she has found light. “I believe in a world where you become whole within yourself, and that frequency radiates to the environment around you and all that you touch.” Kate’s story invites us all to reflect: How are we shining our light? How are we seasoning the world around us? Join us for a conversation that will move your heart and uplift your spirit.

With so much information (and misinformation) floating around about women’s health, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Social media influencers, trendy wellness advice—how do we know what to trust? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Helen Kociba, a Naturopathic Doctor, lead instructor for the Doula Program at The Naturopathic Institute, and a passionate women’s health advocate with over 25 years of experience. Together, we cut through the noise and dive into the essentials of women’s health. We explore: *  What it means to be a Doula *  Trends in women’s health— period management, hormone balance, thyroid issues & burnout *  The BIG O—how oxytocin, orgasms, and dopamine are deeply connected to overall well-being *  Practical ways to manage stress and support your body naturally Dr. Kociba brings powerful insight and practical tips to help you feel more connected to your body. This episode is your reminder that you are not broken, and you never were. Your body is designed to thrive—you just need the right tools to bring it back into balance. Grab your notebook, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in! To reach out to Dr. Kociba directly, visit: https://www.wisewomannaturalhealth.com/ [https://www.wisewomannaturalhealth.com/] **Take advantage of this amazing online course from Dr. Kociba being offered for a LIMITED TIME: https://wise-woman-online-academy.thinkific.com/bundles/complete-herbalist-bundle [https://wise-woman-online-academy.thinkific.com/bundles/complete-herbalist-bundle] Also mentioned in this episode, The Sunshine Retreat on May 17th in Highland, MI. To learn more CLICK HERE [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-sunshine-retreat-tickets-909364984147?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl] Thank you to our sponsor, Creating Harmony Co. [https://www.creatingharmonyco.com/]

This episode is a must listen for EVERY WOMAN and "the golden ticket" to all things Perimenopause and Menopause! Leslie Andrews is a Women's Health Coach that specializes in Menopause and has helped dozens of women navigate this tricky, often times frustrating, part of life. If you are suffering in the midst of perimenopause or menopause, Leslie and I offer natural ways to navigate these hormonal changes. She has the most amazing resource called: Graceful Menopause. You can download it at : https://adept-innovator-9313.kit.com/8cebadf3f1 [https://adept-innovator-9313.kit.com/8cebadf3f1] Leslie's 12 Day Detox KICKS OFF January 6th! Start the New Year feeling refreshed, revitalized, and in control of your menopause journey. The 12-Day Menopause Detox is a simple, natural way to rebalance your hormones, reduce inflammation, and reclaim your energy and confidence—no powders, no shakes, just real, whole foods. Sign up here: https://turningpointwomenshealthtransitionsllc.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1177544 [https://turningpointwomenshealthtransitionsllc.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1177544] * Learn more about Leslie's business and coaching programs at : https://www.turningpointwomenshealth.com [https://www.turningpointwomenshealth.com/] * Also, JOIN US for the next round of The Cleanse Club starting January 21 @ https://www.alimarielong.com/thecleanseclub [https://www.alimarielong.com/thecleanseclub] * Please support the show by following @SunnySideUpWellnessLLC [https://www.instagram.com/sunnysideupwellnessllc] and @SunnySideUpPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/sunny_side_up_pod] on Instagram, as well as my special guest, @health_naturally_withleslie [https://www.instagram.com/health_naturally_withleslie/] Mentioned in this episode: * Shop Ali's recommended supplements and products for perimenopause + menopause. [https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-29b1d6e0/list/16X0M932OB7CI?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_TE9A7XAYYWMCMPZ4171V] * Root to Rise Coffee Alternative w/ Cacao [https://www.iekawa.com/shop/p/root-to-rise] by i.e. KAWA