The Expanded MD

The Witch Wound & Worthiness: Our Invisible Burden

You may be asking yourself why we're talking about witches today and if we've finally totally lost the plot somewhere between MDs and witch doctors, but rest assured - there are very real and scientific reasons for how we got here! Today's guest is Eileen March, a former midwife turned intuitive coach, wild medicine energy healer, podcast host, and "slow living witch" - a title that reclaims the connection to feminine wisdom and creates a culture of care for community, including for ourselves. Eileen and Sarah discuss how the very definition of a "witch" got skewed through the male-dominated power structures of history, with far-reaching effects that can still be felt today in our inability to slow down and embrace our own worthiness - especially for those of us constantly striving for more. Detaching self-worth from productivity is no easy task, so this episode invites you to start small and begin with awareness - just hit play and join the slow revolution. To learn more about Eileen, be sure to check-out her website, www.myluminouslife.ca [http://www.myluminouslife.ca/], or her Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iameileenmarch/].

The Power of Connection: Why Putting Yourself in the Room Matters with Jess Marley

In this episode, Dr. Sarah sits down with community-builder Jess Marley, owner of The Local Inc., to explore the power of connection and why "getting in the room” matters. Jess shares her journey from corporate litigation to creating markets and events that bring people together, support local business, and remind us of the joy of gathering. They talk about the risks and rewards of event-building, the science behind why connection is a fundamental human need, and the courage it takes to show up—especially in seasons of life that feel isolating. Jess also gives us a sneak peek into Unburdened: The Experience happening Sept 28 in Victoria, BC. Resources & Links Mentioned: Follow  the Unburdened Co-Hosts on Social Media: Jessica Marley @thelocalinc [https://www.instagram.com/thelocalinc/]; Dr. Sarah @dr.sarah.lea [https://www.instagram.com/dr.sarah.lea/] and Autumn Fowler @autumn.fowler.relationships [https://www.instagram.com/autumn.fowler.relationships/] Learn more about Unburdened: The Experience [http://www.drsarahlea.com/unburdened ](Sept 28, Victoria BC) ✨ And a gentle reminder: you’re not alone—and connection might be the most radical form of self-care.

From Overloaded to Unburdened: Reclaiming Rest and Connection in Motherhood

Motherhood is supposed to be joyful, but for many women it’s also isolating, exhausting, and overwhelming. In this episode of The Expanded MD: Bridging Science and Spirituality, Sarah sits down with clinical counsellor Autumn Fowler [https://www.instagram.com/autumn.fowler.relationships/]to explore the realities of burnout in motherhood - what it looks like, why it’s so hard to talk about, and how we can start to lighten the load. Together they unpack: * The hidden isolation many new mothers face * How identity shifts and “shouldering” culture fuel shame and guilt * Why burnout in motherhood mirrors workplace burnout (but is rarely named) * The role of the nervous system in how we show up for our families * Practical steps to move from martyrdom to connection and community They also share their personal experiences of early motherhood, the guilt of not “doing it all,” and why modelling rest and self-care is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. ✨ Plus: Hear about our upcoming event, Unburdened: The Experience, [https://nestcounselling.thrivecart.com/unburden-the-experience/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadEx8UH52CdpJOxkCZcK47J4FV9jofJ4OqFduuO19egWfhPw10kW_Oebc90cg_aem_Ar1uCRHPC7YUC-eYEPlwAg] on September 28th in Victoria, BC—a half-day retreat designed to help mothers step away from the grind, reconnect with themselves, and find support in community.

Crafting a Morning Routine That Actually Works for You

In this episode of The Expanded MD Podcast, Dr. Sarah Lea sits down with Kristin Woodford, host of The Routine Queen Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-routine-queen-podcast-healthy-habits-and/id1682795368], to explore how morning and evening rituals set the tone for the day ahead in more ways that we realize. Kristin shares her personal journey from feeling lost and exhausted, to achieving vitality through intentional morning rituals. She breaks down how to construct a personalized morning routine, emphasizing the importance of starting with your "why," assessing the time you have, and incorporating activities from physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual "menus." This conversation is both practical and inspiring - an invitation to rethink how we transition from day to night, and how small, consistent choices ripple into the days and weeks ahead! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode * The Miracle Morning [https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710] by Hal Elrod * The Slight Edge [https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463] by Jeff Olson * Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself [https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Habit-Being-Yourself-Create/dp/1401938094] by Dr. Joe Dispenza * Atomic Habits [https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0735211299?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzshefou0f-20&creativeASIN=0735211299&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.31H94YOMH6U11&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_s_ofs_mixed_d_asin] by James Clear * The Routine Queen Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-routine-queen-podcast-healthy-habits-and/id1682795368] with Kristen Woodford * Instagram: @kristenwoodford [https://www.instagram.com/kristinwoodford/] ✨ Connect with Dr. Sarah Lea * Instagram: @dr.sarahlea [https://www.instagram.com/dr.sarah.lea/] * Email: hello@drsarahlea.com [hello@drsarahlea.com] * Website: drsarahlea.com [https://www.drsarahlea.com/]

Mom Guilt and Time Confetti: The Myth of Doing It All

A confounding feeling: within the joy and freedom of summer, there’s often an undercurrent of guilt and stress. Maybe when you’re relaxing, you feel you should be tackling your to-do list. Or when you’re working, you feel guilty for not being fully present with your family. Sound familiar? In this heartfelt episode of The Expanded MD, Dr. Sarah Lea speaks directly to the weight of “Mom Guilt.” She teases out the difference between destructive and productive guilt, shares strategies to manage the demands of summer, and reminds you of the power of self-compassion. You’ll also hear about Unburdened: The Experience [https://nestcounselling.thrivecart.com/unburden-the-experience/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafSyfYmiV68bJ9siD2g8eBLXqfNEWCh4Uqp7056waCOmy6wl8iYno43yJXB5w_aem_6JUemaJOqHp1fJt_Rl9OVA] - an upcoming day retreat for parents designed to offer community, support, and practical tools to lighten the load of modern parenting. Join Sarah as she tries to find solace in connection and practice self-compassion, and check out Dr. Kristin Neff's website and resources [https://self-compassion.org/] for a deeper dive!