The Free Fork Podcast

S1 E8 - Your Gut is Listening

Summary This episode explores the profound connection between stress, trauma, and gut health, emphasizing how emotional and physical well-being are intertwined. It offers practical tips for supporting gut health through lifestyle changes, nervous system regulation, and trauma awareness. Keywords gut health, stress, trauma, gut-brain axis, nervous system, digestion, inflammation, holistic health, self-care, mental health Key topics * Gut-brain axis and the enteric nervous system * Impact of trauma and chronic stress on digestion * Practical tips for supporting gut health and nervous system regulation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefreefork.substack.com [https://thefreefork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

S1 E7 - The Head, Heart and Gut

Summary Exploring the interconnectedness of the head, heart, and gut in health and well-being, and how understanding this can transform our approach to stress, emotional eating, and overall health. Keywords health, mind-body connection, stress, emotional eating, gut health, nervous system, holistic health, vagus nerve, self-awareness Key Topics * The head, heart, and gut as interconnected systems * The science behind the mind-body connection * Impact of stress on physical health * Addressing root causes of emotional eating * Vagus nerve and nervous system regulation Takeaways * Our decisions are rooted in the head, heart, or gut. * Conventional medicine often treats body systems separately. * Chronic stress impacts digestion, inflammation, and mood. * Addressing stress and nervous system health is key to healing. * Mindful questions can help identify underlying needs. Sources https://welldoing.org/article/three-brains-theory-why-head-heart-gut-matter-in-decision-making [https://welldoing.org/article/three-brains-theory-why-head-heart-gut-matter-in-decision-making] https://www.physio-pedia.com/Vagus_Nerve [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Vagus_Nerve] https://www.massgeneral.org/news/article/vagus-nerve [https://www.massgeneral.org/news/article/vagus-nerve] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefreefork.substack.com [https://thefreefork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

S1 E6 - Signed, Exhausted Mom

Keywords motherhood, stress, self-care, mental health, parenting, wellness, support, movement, quiet stressors, mindfulness Summary In this episode, Michelle Sadowski explores the challenges of modern motherhood, focusing on the often-overlooked aspects of stress and self-care. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing quiet stressors, understanding the body’s response to stress, and the need for mothers to listen to their bodies. The conversation highlights the significance of creating supportive environments and the necessity of self-care in maintaining well-being. Takeaways * This episode is not about pushing harder. * Moms often feel depleted and overwhelmed. * Stress can be misdiagnosed as just being busy. * Quiet stressors can have a significant impact. * Movement should support your energy, not drain it. * Listening to your body is crucial for well-being. * Healing starts when you feel safe. * Self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary. * You don’t need to overhaul your life to feel better. * Understanding your exhaustion is key to support. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefreefork.substack.com [https://thefreefork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

S1 E5 - Understanding Naturopathic Care

Keywords health, wellness, naturopathic medicine, holistic care, personal journey, empowerment, symptoms, education, integration, self-care Summary In this episode of The Free Fork podcast, Michelle Sadowski explores the complexities of health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of viewing oneself as a whole human rather than a collection of symptoms. She shares her personal journey through digestive issues and the transformative experience of seeking naturopathic care. The conversation highlights the differences between conventional and naturopathic medicine, advocating for an integrated approach to health that empowers individuals to understand and listen to their bodies. Takeaways * Health and wellness can often feel overwhelming and confusing. * Many people live in a gray area between sick and well. * Naturopathic medicine looks at the whole person, not just symptoms. * Symptoms can be signals of deeper issues in the body. * Understanding your body can lead to empowerment and healing. * Conventional medicine is essential for acute care but limited in exploration. * Naturopathic care encourages active participation in health. * Curiosity about health can lead to significant changes. * Education is a key component of naturopathic medicine. * Integrating different medical approaches can enhance overall well-being. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefreefork.substack.com [https://thefreefork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

S1 E4 - Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work

Keywords New Year’s resolutions, goal setting, holistic health, self-awareness, balance, SMART goals, intention setting, personal growth, wellness, self-reflection Summary In this episode of The Free Fork podcast, Michelle discusses the ineffectiveness of New Year’s resolutions and offers a holistic approach to goal setting. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, intention setting, and creating specific, measurable goals that align with one’s current life situation. The conversation also explores the various pillars of wellness and the need for balance in life. Michelle encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and assess areas that require more support, ultimately guiding them towards meaningful change. Takeaways * New Year’s resolutions often lead to feelings of failure. * Real change comes from reframing our self-perception. * Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). * Intention setting helps maintain focus on deeper motivations. * Understanding the ‘why’ behind goals leads to meaningful change. * Execution is key; make a plan to achieve your goals. * Self-awareness is crucial for identifying areas of imbalance. * You can’t give 100% to all aspects of life at once. * Reflect on where you’re thriving and where you need support. * Reconnect with yourself in a sustainable and supportive way. Links These were mainly for students, so feel free to replace any statements about campus or schooling to your workplace or a different prompt. Self-Assessment Option #1 [https://umatter.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf2181/files/media/princeton-umatter-wellness-self-assessment.pdf] Self-Assessment Option #2 [https://www.colorado.edu/health/sites/default/files/attached-files/personal_assessment_-_8_dimensions_of_wellness.pdf] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefreefork.substack.com [https://thefreefork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]