Understanding Your Vagus Nerve: Moving from Survival Mode to Safety with Melissa Armstrong

Carrying the Torch: Returning to Apricot Oak After Loss

In this short update episode, I’m stepping back to the mic after a few months away. After pausing the show following the passing of my father in April, I’m sharing a bit about this season of grieving, honoring his legacy of wisdom and kindness, and how carrying his torch forward is shaping the heart of the podcast. We’re officially back, and I'm so grateful you're here for the journey. What’s coming up next on Apricot Oak: * Parenting & Connection: Practical strategies, tools, and mindsets you can try right away as a parent or caregiver. * Overcoming Hardship: An inspiring interview on surviving brutal physical health challenges and finding strength through general life struggles. Thank you for your continued support, ratings, and reviews—it truly helps our community grow! Connect with the Show: * Instagram: @apricotoakpodcast [https://instagram.com] * Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review if this episode encouraged you today!

Understanding Your Vagus Nerve: Moving from Survival Mode to Safety with Melissa Armstrong

Do you feel like you can never truly relax, even when your to-do list is empty? In this episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, host Rachel sits down with holistic health coach Melissa Armstrong to understand why our bodies stay "on edge." We explore Polyvagal Theory—the science behind your body's internal map of safety and threat. Melissa explains that many of us aren't just "stressed"; we are living in a chronic state of functional freeze, where we get things done but feel completely disconnected from ourselves, others, and God. In this episode, we discuss: * The Science of Safety: Why safety isn't just the absence of a threat, but the presence of internal peace amidst chaos. * Functional Freeze: How high achievers stay productive while their nervous systems are actually shut down. * The Trauma-Body Connection: Understanding how past wounds (from playground bullying to chronic stress) create inflammation and physical symptoms today. * The Vagus Nerve as a "Communication Superhighway": How your body sends more messages to your brain than the other way around. * Practical Somatic Tools: Simple, "stupidly simple" ways to signal safety to your body right now through breath and awareness. Key Quote: "Safety isn't the absence of problems... it's the presence of internal peace amidst the chaos." — Melissa Armstrong Timestamps & Highlights * [00:00] – Introduction: Moving from breakthrough to flourishing. * [04:15] – Defining "Functional Freeze": When your body is a place you can't rest in. * [08:42] – The Biblical Promise: Why the Bible promises difficulty but offers peace through a regulated spirit. * [12:10] – What is Trauma? Gabor Maté’s definition and how it disconnects us from our bodies. * [18:30] – The Physical Cost: How "thoughts, traumas, and toxins" lead to gut issues and fatigue. * [22:15] – The Vagus Nerve: Your biological path to safety. * [25:50] – The "Belly Breath" Exercise: A 30-second somatic tool you can use anywhere. * [31:10] – Modeling for the Next Generation: Why regulating your own nervous system is the best gift for your kids. Connect with Melissa Armstrong * Website: holistichealthbymelissa.com [http://holistichealthbymelissa.com/] * Instagram: @holistichealthbymelissa [https://www.instagram.com/holistichealthbymelissa] * Podcast: Holistic Health with Melissa Connect with Apricot Oak: Follow the show on Instagram @ApricotOakPodcast for more content on healing, trauma recovery, and reconnection. Don't forget to rate, share, and review the show to help others find these tools for flourishing. Keywords: Nervous System Regulation, Polyvagal Theory, Vagus Nerve Healing, Somatic Exercises for Anxiety, Functional Freeze, Chronic Stress Recovery, Faith and Mental Health, Holistic Healing

Reclaiming Your Identity: Turning Broken Pieces Into Purpose with April Farlow

What happens when the labels you’ve built your life around suddenly fall apart? April Farlow joins us to share how a devastating medical detour and a lost season of her 20s forced her to strip away every title to find her true identity. Discover how the broken pieces of your life align to reveal a beautiful, unexpected purpose. In this episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, host Rachel (trauma-informed therapist) dives deep into the psychology of "Who vs. Whose." April Farlow, leadership coach and author of Pieces of You, reveals how a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder led her to build a life on "false stability" until the truth set her on a path toward radical authenticity and a place of flourishing. If you are navigating trauma recovery, seeking well-being, or trying to reconcile your faith with a messy reality, this conversation offers the "mirrors" you need to see the masterpiece God is building. * The Identity Shift: Why rooting your self-worth in roles (parent, professional, high-achiever) is a recipe for a "crushing" collapse. * The Kaleidoscope Metaphor: A powerful framework for seeing how your "shattered pieces" are being aligned into a beautiful pattern. * Authentic Leadership: Why leading from your history of brokenness is more effective than leading from your successes. * Finding Your "Tension": Practical steps to identify the burdens in your life that point directly to your calling. * [04:15] – The trap of "Who vs. Whose": Distinguishing your roles from your foundation. * [12:30] – The London Detour: Facing a season of extreme family trauma and "shattered pieces." * [21:10] – The Label of "Unstable": Living 4 years under a medical misdiagnosis and rigid stability rules. * [30:45] – Grieving the Season: How to restart from scratch when your life’s foundation is proven wrong. * [42:00] – The Foundational Anchor: A father’s daily reminder that points to a heavenly identity. * [55:20] – Lydia’s Place: Turning personal brokenness into a ministry for foster youth in Athens, GA. [01:05:00] – Practical Steps: How to look for the "tension" in your life to discover your purpose. April’s Book: Pieces of You The Ministry: Lydia’s Place (Athens, GA) Follow April on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fragmentsoffaith_/ [https://www.instagram.com/fragmentsoffaith_/]Follow April on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567739151510 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567739151510] Get the book: Pieces of You https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-You-Knowing-Light-Whose-ebook/dp/B0DFK79ZJH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NCOZ9W5ZSK17&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XGvVSPSiXgbYZRr4EwH9Lnkc6ky27mwML785RkWeXyo.FKeTLVLczJMMflIyjE8Wn7NavQBPanjhcLhsfOCMNw0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Pieces+of+You+April+Farlow&qid=1773025082&sprefix=pieces+of+you+april+farlow%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-You-Knowing-Light-Whose-ebook/dp/B0DFK79ZJH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NCOZ9W5ZSK17&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XGvVSPSiXgbYZRr4EwH9Lnkc6ky27mwML785RkWeXyo.FKeTLVLczJMMflIyjE8Wn7NavQBPanjhcLhsfOCMNw0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Pieces+of+You+April+Farlow&qid=1773025082&sprefix=pieces+of+you+april+farlow%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1] Lydia’s Place https://lydias-place.com/ [https://lydias-place.com/] Yorkshire Publishing https://yorkshirepublishing.com/ [https://yorkshirepublishing.com/] https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=yorkshire%20publishing [https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=yorkshire%20publishing] https://www.instagram.com/yorkshirepublishing/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/yorkshirepublishing/?hl=en] Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apricotoakpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/apricotoakpodcast/] Rate & Review: If this episode helped you find clarity, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Stop Repeating the Past: Breaking Cycles With Kathy Stommel

About Today's Episode: Are you tired of trying all the things to find healing without seeing real change? In this powerful episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of faith and holistic mental health with guest Kathy Stommel. If you’ve felt stuck in old patterns or overwhelmed by the weight of the past, this conversation is the invitation your soul has been waiting for. We explore the reality of healing trauma through a lens of trauma-informed spirituality, moving beyond surface-level fixes to engage in deep soul work. Kathy shares her profound insights on how we can begin breaking generational cycles by addressing the emotional and spiritual wounds that have been passed down through our families. In this episode, you’ll discover: * Practical tools for healing that integrate your faith with modern psychological understanding. * The difference between "spiritual bypassing" and true spiritual wellness. * How to navigate faith-based trauma recovery without losing your connection to God. * Steps to achieving lasting emotional wellness by listening to the wisdom of your body and spirit. Whether you are just beginning your journey or have been seeking a breakthrough for years, this episode provides a compassionate roadmap for anyone ready to move from survival mode into true flourishing. Connect With Today's Guest: Kathy Stommel can be found at: https://www.ignitingpurpose.net/ kathleenstommel@gmail.com IG: @Igniting_Purpose Connect with the Apricot Oak Podcast: * Subscribe so you never miss an episode of deep healing and transformation. * Leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Godcaster to help us reach others searching for hope and healing. * Fine me and connect on Instagram @ApricotOakPodcast *Please like, rate, and share this episode, it truly helps grow the show! I appreciate you so much. Thank you for listening.

How to Rewire Your Brain for Flourishing: Positive Psychology & Soul Work with April Thorndyke

ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: In today’s episode, we are diving deep into positive psychology—the scientific study of what truly makes life worth living. We’re going to explore how this field moves us beyond just 'getting by' and into a state of genuine flourishing. We’ll also look at the 'why' behind it all: how focusing on our strengths and cultivating well-being can actually rewire the brain, providing you with the practical tools to build a healthier, more intentional life. I want to thank April for showing up and sharing her expertise on the Apricot Oak Podcast. Also, a huge shout out to my loving husband who edits the show. I couldn’t do this without him and am forever grateful for him. ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST:  April Thorndyke is the Founder and CEO of Empower Counseling—an organization recently celebrated as the 2025 'Best of Georgia' in Mental Health. April is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has built a remarkable career on the foundation of creating safe, judgment-free spaces. Whether she is helping clients navigate deep-seated trauma, supporting families through the perinatal journey, or serving our military and veteran communities, April’s mission remains the same: to foster self-acceptance and empower people to see their lives through a brand-new lens. Beyond her clinical work, she is a no fluff, authentic and encouraging voice in the podcasting world as the host of Empower Hour. CONNECT WITH APRIL: April Thorndyke can be found on Instagram @empowercounselingpllc She is on TikTok, Facebook, and you can find her at: https://www.empowercounselingservice.com/ [https://www.empowercounselingservice.com/] where you can also access her podcast Empower Hour. ————————————————————————————————— CONNECT WITH RACHEL: You can find me and follow me on Instagram: @ApricotOakPodcast Thank you for rating, reviewing, and sharing the show on social media, it means a lot to me and helps grow the show!