The Mindful Table

Seasonal Medicine: Spring Renewal & the Energy of Growth

In this episode, Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne (Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Hypnotherapist) and Health Empowerment Coach Joanna Mickel explore how aligning with seasonal energetics can transform your health, mindset, and decision-making. Focusing on the energy of spring, they unpack how this season represents renewal, movement, and growth—not just in nature, but within the body and mind. Drawing from Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and modern mindfulness, they explain how seasonal shifts influence emotional patterns, motivation, and the ability to take action—especially when feeling stuck or overwhelmed. The conversation highlights the role of the liver and gallbladder systems in supporting clarity, direction, and forward movement, and why spring is the optimal time to support these pathways through nutrition, lifestyle, and intentional practices. Together, they discuss how working with natural rhythms—rather than against them—can improve energy, resilience, and overall well-being. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern life, helping you reconnect with your natural timing and move forward with clarity and intention. To learn more about Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne, visit her website for Heart Body Glow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠] To learn more about Joanna Mickel, Health Empowerment Coach, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.healthempowermentcenter.com⁠⁠ [http://www.healthempowermentcenter.com]⁠⁠⁠

Adrenal Fatigue, Chronic Stress & Burnout: The Body’s Call for Support

In this episode, Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne (Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Hypnotherapist) and Health Empowerment Coach Joanna Mickel sit down with Dr. Doris-Owanda Johnson, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, nutritionist, and founder of the Heart & Soul Institute of Natural Medicine, to explore the deeper roots of adrenal fatigue and burnout. Together, they unpack how chronic stress is more than an emotional experience—it’s a physiological cascade that impacts hormones, immunity, digestion, and long-term vitality. Through the lens of East Asian medicine, Dr. Doris discusses how specific acupuncture approaches, herbal medicine, and functional strategies can help restore balance in the face of chronic stress and adrenal depletion. She explains how gentle, individualized treatment supports the body in rebuilding its reserves and recovering from burnout. In this conversation, you’ll discover: • Subtle signs of adrenal depletion and impending burnout • How gut health and hormonal pathways intertwine • Why “resource-building” (rest, nourishment, emotional support) is foundational for healing • How acupuncture, herbal medicine, and integrative care support resilience • Why pushing the body too hard can create healing setbacks This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen to your body, and approach healing with reverence instead of force. Whether you’re an overwhelmed professional, a practitioner, or someone navigating unexplained fatigue, this conversation offers grounded, holistic tools to help you rebuild from within. Dr. Doris Johnson has been serving patients since 1993 and is described by many as a blend of old-fashioned medicine woman, modern integrative healer, and lifesaver. She holds a MATCM from Yo San University and a Ph.D. in Oriental Medicine from American Liberty University. A passionate educator, herbal alchemist, Tai Chi practitioner, and community activist, she has taught at Daoist Traditions College and Wongu University and volunteered with Acupuncturists Without Borders in Haiti. Her life’s work centers on helping individuals reclaim radiant, balanced health—body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Tune in and discover how resource-based healing can help you reclaim your energy and your life. To learn more about Dr. Doris Johnson and the Heart & Soul Institute of Natural Medicine, visit: https://www.doris-owandajohnson.com/ To learn more about Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn more about Joanna Mickel, Health Empowerment Coach, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.healthempowermentcenter.com⁠

Food Is Medicine, Part 2: Food, Hormones, and Creating Balance

In this episode, Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne (Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Hypnotherapist) and Health Empowerment Coach Joanna Mickel explore how food choices shape hormones, chronic disease risk, and mental well-being. Through both modern research and traditional wisdom, they unpack how nutrition serves as a foundation for neurotransmitter balance, immune resilience, and long-term vitality. Together, they discuss how life stages, stress, and environmental exposures influence nutritional needs, and examine fascinating examples from traditional diets and human adaptation to nutrient deficiencies. The conversation highlights the role of key micronutrients—such as iron, zinc, selenium, iodine, and vitamin D—in thyroid function, brain health, and immune regulation, as well as the growing impact of pesticides, herbicides, and ultra-processed foods on nutrient absorption and chronic illness. They also bridge perspectives from naturopathic medicine and Chinese medicine, exploring the gut-brain axis, blood sugar regulation, and the energetic balance of yin and yang through food. Topics include hydration strategies, herbal infusions, and electrolytes; the effects of artificial dyes and sweeteners on brain health and hyperactivity; and how traditional food systems contrast with today’s fast, industrialized diets. Throughout the episode, they emphasize mindful eating, the relationship we have with food, and how nourishment extends beyond calories to include awareness, balance, and intention. Tune in for a grounded, integrative conversation that reframes nutrition as a powerful tool for hormonal harmony, mental clarity, and whole-body healing. To learn more about Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne, visit her website for Heart Body Glow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠] To learn more about Joanna Mickel, Health Empowerment Coach, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.healthempowermentcenter.com⁠ [http://www.healthempowermentcenter.com]⁠⁠⁠

Food Is Medicine: : Nourishment as a Path to Healing

In this episode, Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne (Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Hypnotherapist) and Health Empowerment Coach, Joanna Mickel, explore the timeless principle of food as medicine, inspired by the teachings of Hippocrates, who famously said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Together, they discuss how whole foods support healing, the balance between macronutrients and micronutrients, and how fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are digested and utilized by the body. The conversation highlights how everyday food choices influence immunity, inflammation, and long-term health. They also bridge perspectives from naturopathic medicine and Chinese medicine, examining how food sensitivities, allergies, and immune responses can evolve over time. Throughout the episode, they emphasize mindfulness in eating, the impact of beliefs and behaviors around food, and how nourishment extends beyond nutrients to include awareness and relationship. Tune in for a grounded, thoughtful conversation that reframes food as a powerful tool for healing and resilience. To learn more about Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne, visit her website for Heart Body Glow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠] To learn more about Joanna Mickel, Health Empowerment Coach, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.healthempowermentcenter.com⁠ [http://www.healthempowermentcenter.com]⁠⁠⁠

Navigating the Holidays with Intention

In this episode, Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne (Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Hypnotherapist) and Health Empowerment Coach, Joanna Mickel, dive into the real heart of goal-setting—beyond pressure, not meeting expectations, or the typical “New Year, New Me” mindset. Together, they explore the art of balancing ambition with ease as they discuss goal setting, lifestyle changes, and New Year's resolutions. As the holiday season approaches, they share insights on maintaining healthy habits, and the power of reflection and mindfulness in achieving personal growth. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories that will help you navigate the holiday stress with mindfulness and compassion. Whether you are preparing for the New Year, craving a fresh start, or simply wanting to move through the holidays with more ease and intention, this episode offers inspiration, clarity, and strategies to help you create a more mindful and fulfilling life. To learn more about Dr. Maame-Mensima Horne, visit her website for Heart Body Glow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://heartbodyglow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠] To learn more about Joanna Mickel, Health Empowerment Coach, visit: ⁠⁠⁠www.healthempowermentcenter.com [http://www.healthempowermentcenter.com]⁠⁠⁠