Bridging the Divide

Bridging the Divide

In this episode of the Made To Be Whole Podcast, Krista Michener explores the critical interplay between mental and physical health, challenging the outdated notion of treating them as separate entities. Drawing on recent research, including a March editorial from the Journal of Child and Pediatric Psychiatry, Krista Michener illustrates why true well-being requires us to treat the mind and body as interconnected parts of a whole. Through real-life examples and personal stories, the conversation shines a light on the importance of integrative health approaches and offers actionable guidance for individuals and caregivers navigating today’s fragmented healthcare system. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: * The problem with separating mental and physical health * Krista Michener explains how modern medicine has entrenched a mind-body divide, impacting diagnosis, care, and medical education. * Challenges of diagnosing and treating mental health in isolation * Why symptoms may be misunderstood or dismissed, and how physical health can directly influence mental well-being. * The power of integrative and root cause approaches * Exploring how genetics, nutrient testing, and understanding physiology lead to better outcomes. * Real-world barriers and creative solutions in healthcare * Practical stories about navigating broken systems to advocate for family and patients, including challenges with institutional policies. * Letting go of unrealistic expectations and embracing wholeness * Krista Michener shares personal lessons about prioritizing what matters most and focusing on whole-person health. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: * Journal of Child and Pediatric Psychiatry Editorial: "The Imaginary Divide between Mental and Physical Health" [https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcv2.70123] Take your health into your own hands: Advocate for integrated care by asking your providers to consider both mental and physical factors in your or your loved one's treatment plan. Consider genetic and nutrient testing: Explore root-cause health solutions for yourself or your family—information is power! Help others find hope: Share new knowledge or resources with someone in your immediate circle who might benefit from a wholistic approach. Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole. All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/ [https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/] Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent. Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Your Healing Timeline

In this episode of the Made to Be Whole podcast, Krista Michener addresses one of the most frequently asked questions in chronic illness care: “How long will it take for me to get better?” Drawing from her extensive experience with vector-borne infections and complex chronic illnesses, Krista Michener unpacks why traditional medical timelines don’t always apply, the multi-layered contributors to healing, and how patients can set realistic, hope-filled expectations. Tune in for a compassionate, practical guide to navigating the winding road to recovery and becoming whole in your healing journey. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: * Why recovery timelines for chronic illnesses are so unpredictable * The role of “ingredients plus conditions” in healing—medical science meets real life * The impact of environment, genetics, and individual history on prognosis * Why managing expectations and mindset is essential for chronic illness recovery * How to track progress and set meaningful, personalized health goals * Stories of hope and progress, even when the journey is slow * The importance of integrative, functional approaches to healing * How to balance self-care with avoiding a self-centered mindset * Tools and concepts for adapting and reframing the healing process Take a moment this week to set one small, meaningful health goal—and celebrate your progress, no matter how tiny! Want to know more about integrative approaches to healing? Visit AHP Integrative Health [https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/] for resources and program details. Share your healing wins or questions with us—your progress might inspire someone else on their journey! Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole. All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/ [https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/] Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent. Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Navigating Chronic Illness in Adolescence

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista sits down with health coach Isabel Michener to explore her journey of overcoming chronic illness, including her experiences with babesiosis, the process of deprescribing from antidepressants using DNA testing, and the unique challenges faced by young people with sudden-onset health issues. Isabel shares wisdom gained from navigating fluctuating symptoms, learning to manage emotions, and building a path toward wholeness. This episode provides valuable insights for patients, parents, and anyone seeking hope and practical strategies for chronic illness healing. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE * The Unique Support Needs of Young Patients with Chronic Illness * How Coaching Can Offer Hope and Guidance to Adolescents * Isabel’s Personal Story: From Early Onset Illness to Health Coach * Coping with Fluctuating Abilities: Staying Grounded on Difficult Days * Deprescribing Antidepressants: The Role of DNA Testing and Emotional Recovery * Building Resilience: Managing Emotions and Healing Over Time * Understanding and Handling PANS/PANDAS Symptoms * Advice for Parents: How to Support and Believe Your Child During Chronic Illness * Why an Accurate Diagnosis Changes Everything * The Importance of Having a Supportive Advocate and Buddy in the Healing Journey Are you or your child struggling with chronic illness? Reach out for support. A health coach can become your advocate and ally on the journey to wholeness. Reflect on your own healing journey: Take note of both the big and small improvements over time. Progress is rarely linear, but every step matters. Parents: Believe your child, even (and especially) when the answers are unclear. Your support can make all the difference. Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole. All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/ [https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/] Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent. Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com [https://bicurean.com/]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Creating a Compelling Future in Your Healing Journey

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista explores the vital theme of creating a compelling future as a cornerstone in your healing journey. Drawing on personal stories, practical strategies, and the integration of advanced therapies like therapeutic plasma exchange, this episode guides listeners on how to maintain hope, use AI as a supportive tool, and make informed decisions for complex chronic illness. Learn why cultivating a vision of wholeness—both short-term and long-term—can be life-saving, and how to leverage real connections, accurate data, and self-advocacy to move forward. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: * How to Create a Compelling Future When Facing Chronic Illness: * Strategies for envisioning both immediate and long-term hope. * Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) as a Game Changer: * What plasma exchange is, who it helps, and the journey to bring this advanced treatment into integrative health practice. * Using AI and Online Health Information Wisely: * Benefits and pitfalls of AI health tools, and how to assess online data with the guidance of trusted health professionals. * Navigating Complex Data & Chronic Illness Trials: * Understanding evidence, real-world limitations, and why personalized care often trumps large-scale studies for rare and complex health conditions. * Maintaining Identity Beyond Illness: * Encouragement to connect with real people, not let diagnoses define you, and seek supportive, healthy communities. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: * Apheresis Conference Information (general resource) [https://www.apheresis.org/] * Article: Hallucinated citations are polluting scientific literature. What can be done? — Nature, Apr 2026 [https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00969-z] * Infuserve America: Methylene Blue information [https://infuserveamerica.com/] * MTBW Ep 24 Season 2 on Methylene Blue-https://shows.acast.com/made-to-be-whole/episodes/the-healing-power-of-methylene-blue-for-lyme-disease-bartone Reflect on your own compelling future. Take five minutes today to write down what motivates you to keep moving forward on your healing journey. Looking for advanced therapies or support? Reach out to our office if you have questions about plasma exchange, membership, or any recent changes in our practice. Share this episode! Know someone who struggles to find hope or feel overwhelmed by online health info? Send them this show and help them discover they're not alone. Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole. All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/ [https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/] Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent. Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Lyme and Babesia Healing Journey: From Patient to Health Coach

In this episode of the Made to Be Whole podcast, host Krista Michener sits down with Lyme disease and Babesia survivor Molly to explore her long journey toward healing, remission, and her decision to become a health coach. This intimate conversation covers the realities of living with chronic illness, misdiagnosis, the value of integrative and innovative treatments, and how lived experience inspires Molly to support others on their path to wholeness. If you or a loved one have been impacted by Lyme, Babesia, or chronic health struggles, this episode offers hope, practical advice, and insight from someone who’s walked the path and returned to help others. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE * A Survivor’s Story: Molly shares her personal experience with years of undiagnosed symptoms, misdiagnoses, and how her eventual Babesia and Lyme diagnosis changed her life and recovery path. * Navigating Complex Symptoms: Understanding the physical, neurological, and emotional toll of Lyme and Babesia, from debilitating pain and night sweats to challenges with mental health and relationships. * Integrative Treatment Approaches: How comprehensive, modalities-based care (including plasmapheresis and IV therapies) helped Molly reach remission, and why ongoing professional development in integrative health is key for better patient outcomes. * Peer Support & Coaching: The vital role of patient-to-patient support and why a coach who’s “been there” can make the healing process less isolating and more effective. * Education and Advocacy: Molly’s insights as an educator on working with schools, advocating for children with chronic illness, and how customized education solutions can support families facing similar journeys. * Understanding Membership and Access to Care: Krista Michener and Molly explain the new membership program, addressing common concerns, and how it aims to increase access, responsiveness, and individualized support. Connect with Us: Struggling with Lyme, Babesia, or chronic symptoms? Reach out for support from our team of health coaches who have walked the walk. Learn More: Visit AHP Integrative Health [https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/] for resources on innovative treatments, education advocacy, and to learn about our new membership options. Book a Consultation: Ready to take the next step in your healing journey? Schedule a visit or call to receive individualized care and support. Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole. All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/ [https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/] Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent. Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.