Conversations on Healing Podcast

Jonathan Gluck is a writer whose powerful storytelling has been in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and Vogue. He has served as deputy editor and managing editor of the New York Magazine. Over the course of his distinguished career, Jonathan has earned multiple National Magazine Awards. Now, he turns inward with his latest work, An Exercise in Uncertainty [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760582/an-exercise-in-uncertainty-by-jonathan-gluck/]: A Memoir of Illness and Hope, a deeply personal account of his diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma—an incurable blood cancer—and the emotional and physical journey that followed.  In this episode, host Shay Beider speaks with Jonathan about his journey with the blood cancer he’s lived with for over two decades. He shares what life looked like at the moment of his diagnosis, the emotional complexity of telling loved ones, and the guilt that often comes with being the one who is sick. The pair discuss how caregiving carries its own burdens and quiet heroism. Jonathan shares the details on promising innovative treatments like CAR-T cell therapy. Finally, he speaks to the strength of family, the power of optimistic realism, and the life lessons that have emerged from a diagnosis he never expected. Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing [https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing]  Show Notes: * Read Jonanthan’s book An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760582/an-exercise-in-uncertainty-by-jonathan-gluck/] * Check out Stand By Me here [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Stand-By-Me/Allison-J-Applebaum/9781668005811] * Learn more about CAR-T therapy [https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/immunotherapy/car-t-cell1.html] * Read The Anatomy of Hope [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC419499/] This podcast was created by Integrative Touch [https://www.integrativetouch.org/] (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. Their success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.  Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, both in person and through Telehealth. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate to Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org

Deb Dana [https://www.soundstrue.com/blogs/authors/deb-dana?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=_&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=15761298840&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20946870396&gbraid=0AAAAAD_iRlTVdkoZ31Ddzr5lnbfCmiZVH&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oOJm3_lEl0N8z6mOqTvCHJUyLd0_s01pG1m5TvfbiyXAUzwwgqJTnahoCs-kQAvD_BwE], LCSW, is a renowned clinician, consultant, speaker, and author whose groundbreaking work bridges the science of the nervous system with everyday wellbeing. As a founding member of the Polyvagal Institute [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org] and advisor to both Khiron Clinics [https://khironclinics.com] and Unyte [https://integratedlistening.com/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=unyte&utm_campaign=brand%20-%20nam%20-%20search%20-%20all%20devices&utm_content=%7Bcontent%7D&hsa_acc=2148588241&hsa_cam=15863070919&hsa_grp=135735989881&hsa_ad=711962128024&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-312312779890&hsa_kw=unyte&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15863070919&gbraid=0AAAAAD-uAzlsieZgQTTqWhy8xuw3Rrv5y&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oOEkVhZOf3jH0urbDbJGZp5ewAf9IvzWkIzP-cyGCPjngiJ47l2QfTRoCXqAQAvD_BwE], Deb is widely recognized for making Polyvagal Theory accessible to both professionals and the general public. She pioneered the Rhythm of Regulation [https://www.rhythmofregulation.com]® approach to help people understand and connect with their nervous systems in meaningful ways. Deb’s clinical publications, The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy [https://www.amazon.com/Polyvagal-Theory-Therapy-Interpersonal-Neurobiology/dp/0393712370/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ckHgMg9PTBNtPfjSSSuumWk9z6Sy5iuPwTCh9umAWQunKGNUlnjcK2efK05uwVy4S3uHGo7j7WIV9HKTR4yU847UtEo5vMc3w3Ay7OenigrdjJ-A2PY3seKv4ykys-RwRTiRp62S-ss31RiSiIWiYOM9pf09_6zzAmsms7Ut9ebL2hI6R03cKVTnEAWPB_FhK1DFM_tIfyrRhlyV9XxTM0qDu8osc9bUPj7WvtJ0Mw0.MFtKXEXgV1HgfhTWiZk3ipHmB-D5UNOr19pcZJZfH30&dib_tag=se&hvadid=694851452059&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9026934&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=2706067285141386701--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2706067285141386701&hvtargid=kwd-446552289817&hydadcr=20835_13322498&keywords=the+polyvagal+theory+in+therapy&mcid=c52e58a5ff183b7ca713d8a1bc8d898d&qid=1750100709&s=books&sr=1-1] and Polyvagal Exercises [https://www.amazon.com/Polyvagal-Exercises-Safety-Connection-Client-Centered-Practices/dp/0393713857], have become foundational texts in the field, while her bestselling books, including Anchored [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=anchored+deb+dana+book&hvadid=693976943414&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9026934&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=8005805614857463902--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8005805614857463902&hvtargid=kwd-1912853722712&hydadcr=15522_13517448&mcid=6ae8edda5f69394385d15a43e1cfcac8&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_35zpai79y8_e_p67] and The Nervous System Workbook [https://www.amazon.com/Nervous-System-Workbook-Practical-Exercises/dp/1649631928/ref=asc_df_1649631928?mcid=0f1bd0fe24f73d87846c35ed6fcf8cf5&hvocijid=18217165187932653005-1649631928-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18217165187932653005&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026934&hvtargid=pla-2281435179778&psc=1], bring this transformative work to a broader audience.   In today’s episode, host Shay Beider welcomes Dana Deb to discuss her work with regulating the nervous system using the principles of Polyvagal Theory. Deb explains that every nervous system is wired for connection and regulation and emphasizes the importance of understanding how our nervous system functions. There are three organizing principles: neuroception, hierarchy, and co-regulation that the duo discuss. Deb shares her personal story of navigating loss and how her “Glimmers Journal [https://www.amazon.com/Glimmers-Journal-Reflect-Moments-Connection/dp/1324082070/ref=asc_df_1324082070?mcid=3dc5aa4d8f293b699ba80157f45a0613&hvocijid=18335419554847642127-1324082070-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18335419554847642127&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026934&hvtargid=pla-2281435179778&psc=1]” allows readers to reflect on small moments of hope that create larger moments of healing. Finally, the pair discuss reframing behaviors through an autonomic lens, viewing negative behaviors as dysregulated rather than malicious.   Listen to the complete episode by clicking the player above. Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing [https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing]    Show Notes: * Learn more about Deb here [https://www.soundstrue.com/blogs/authors/deb-dana?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_content=_&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=15761298840&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20946870396&gbraid=0AAAAAD_iRlTVdkoZ31Ddzr5lnbfCmiZVH&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oOJm3_lEl0N8z6mOqTvCHJUyLd0_s01pG1m5TvfbiyXAUzwwgqJTnahoCs-kQAvD_BwE] * Check out the Polyvagal Institute [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org] * Read about Khiron Clinics [https://khironclinics.com] * Check out Unyte [https://integratedlistening.com/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=unyte&utm_campaign=brand%20-%20nam%20-%20search%20-%20all%20devices&utm_content=%7Bcontent%7D&hsa_acc=2148588241&hsa_cam=15863070919&hsa_grp=135735989881&hsa_ad=711962128024&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-312312779890&hsa_kw=unyte&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15863070919&gbraid=0AAAAAD-uAzlsieZgQTTqWhy8xuw3Rrv5y&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oOEkVhZOf3jH0urbDbJGZp5ewAf9IvzWkIzP-cyGCPjngiJ47l2QfTRoCXqAQAvD_BwE] * Read more about Rhythm of Regulation [https://www.rhythmofregulation.com] * Read “Anchored [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=anchored+deb+dana+book&hvadid=693976943414&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9026934&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=8005805614857463902--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8005805614857463902&hvtargid=kwd-1912853722712&hydadcr=15522_13517448&mcid=6ae8edda5f69394385d15a43e1cfcac8&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_35zpai79y8_e_p67]” * Read “The Nervous System Workbook [https://www.amazon.com/Nervous-System-Workbook-Practical-Exercises/dp/1649631928/ref=asc_df_1649631928?mcid=0f1bd0fe24f73d87846c35ed6fcf8cf5&hvocijid=18217165187932653005-1649631928-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18217165187932653005&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026934&hvtargid=pla-2281435179778&psc=1]” * Buy the “Glimmers Journal” here [https://www.amazon.com/Glimmers-Journal-Reflect-Moments-Connection/dp/1324082070/ref=asc_df_1324082070?mcid=3dc5aa4d8f293b699ba80157f45a0613&hvocijid=18335419554847642127-1324082070-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18335419554847642127&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026934&hvtargid=pla-2281435179778&psc=1] This podcast was created by Integrative Touch [https://www.integrativetouch.org/] (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. Their success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.  Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, both in person and through Telehealth. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate to Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org

Laurel Braitman [https://www.laurelbraitman.com] is a bestselling author, speaker, educator, and a leader in the field of medical storytelling. She serves as the Director of Writing and Storytelling at the Stanford School of Medicine, where she helps healthcare professionals harness the power of narrative to support healing and mental wellness. Laurel is the author of What Looks Like Bravery [https://www.amazon.com/What-Looks-Like-Bravery-Journey/dp/1501158503?tag=googhydr-20&hvqmt=&hvbmt=%7BBidMatchType%7D&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1ehi8sny9z_e]: An Epic Journey from Loss to Love and the acclaimed book Animal Madness [https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Madness-Compulsive-Elephants-Understand/dp/1451627009]. She holds a PhD in Science, Technology, and Society from MIT and is the founder of Writing Medicine, a global community for healthcare writers. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, Radiolab, and on platforms such as the BBC, NPR, and Good Morning America. In today’s episode, host Shay Beider talks with Laurel about how writing and storytelling help us to make sense of loss. As “meaning-making animals,” Laurel says we naturally seek connection through narrative, and writing allows us to become characters in our own lives—fostering both empathy and understanding. The duo discuss how suppressing grief can also mute our capacity for joy, and how nature, nonverbal relationships, and honest feedback from others are all essential to the healing process. Through story, reflection, and relationships, Laurel invites us to explore grief as a gateway to deeper connection and meaning. Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing [https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing]    Show Notes: * Learn more about Laurel here [https://www.laurelbraitman.com] * Check out her book, What Looks Like Bravery [https://www.amazon.com/What-Looks-Like-Bravery-Journey/dp/1501158503?tag=googhydr-20&hvqmt=&hvbmt=%7BBidMatchType%7D&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1ehi8sny9z_e] * Read Animal Madness [https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Madness-Compulsive-Elephants-Understand/dp/1451627009] here   This podcast was created by Integrative Touch [https://www.integrativetouch.org/] (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. Their success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.  Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, both in person and through Telehealth. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate to Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org

Dr. Jonathan Fisher [https://www.drjonathanfisher.com] is a Harvard-trained cardiologist, mindfulness teacher, and organizational well-being leader with three decades of experience in healthcare. A practicing physician and best-selling author of Just One Heart [https://www.amazon.com/Just-One-Heart-Cardiologists-Happiness-ebook/dp/B0D1526W7D]: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness, Dr. Fisher integrates mind-body science, mindfulness, and compassion to help people live healthier, more connected lives. Through his inspiring keynotes, workshops, and retreats, he has supported thousands—including healthcare professionals and leaders from Fortune 100 companies—to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and embrace a more wholehearted approach to health and well-being.   In today’s episode, host Shay Beider talks with Dr. Fisher as they explore the deep connection between healing, health, and happiness—emphasizing that healing is not a stepwise path but a dynamic mix of navigating both pain and joy. Dr. Fisher highlights the four dimensions of the heart, physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental, and he explains how each of these contribute to healing. He also shares how loneliness can have physiological effects on the heart and can lead to higher burnout rates and depression. The duo discusses that healing happens through relationship, and this is especially critical in a world where many Americans lack even one close friend. After personally struggling with burnout for a decade, Dr. Fisher now leads efforts in burnout prevention and compassionate leadership, with a growing interest in how we can heal—together.   Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing [https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing]    Show Notes: * Check out Jonathan’s website here [https://www.drjonathanfisher.com] * Read his book, Just One Heart [https://www.amazon.com/Just-One-Heart-Cardiologists-Happiness-ebook/dp/B0D1526W7D]: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness * Learn more about Dr. James Doty [https://www.jamesrdotymd.com] and listen to his conversation with Shay here [https://integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing/dr-james-doty/] * Check out Richard Boyatzis [https://case.edu/weatherhead/about/faculty-and-staff-directory/richard-boyatzis] and his Conversation on Healing [https://integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing/dr-richard-boyatzis/] This podcast was created by Integrative Touch [https://www.integrativetouch.org/] (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. Their success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.  Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, both in person and through Telehealth. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate to Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org

Dr. Uché Blackstock [https://ucheblackstock.com] is an emergency medicine physician and thought leader whose work is deeply woven with both personal and professional experiences, dedicated to addressing the impact of inherited racism and social ideas of difference within healthcare institutions. She attended Harvard University for her undergraduate degree and medical school. As the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity [https://advancinghealthequity.com], she leads a transformational organization focused on partnering with health systems to understand implicit bias, enforce accountability and promote cultural competence. Dr. Blackstock's groundbreaking book, Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine [https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Physician-Reckons-Racism-Medicine/dp/0593491289], quickly became a New York Times Bestseller, highlighting the urgent need to dismantle racial inequities through the voices of those affected. In today’s episode, host Shay Beider and Dr. Blackstock explore the urgent need for conversations around implicit bias in medicine. Dr. Blackstock shares how honoring her mother’s voice and story sheds light on the barriers in medicine that transcend individual effort or excellence. The pair discuss the racialized legacy embedded in medical education and practice, and how deeply rooted biases continue to create harmful health outcomes for patients today. Dr. Blackstock challenges healthcare professionals to move beyond performative niceness, confront uncomfortable truths, and examine data that reveal alarming disparities. Shay and Dr. Blackstock also discuss that systemic change is possible and is rooted in understanding, compassion, and cultural humility. Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing [https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing]    Show Notes: * Find out more about Dr. Blackstock [https://ucheblackstock.com] * Check out more on Advancing Health Equity [https://advancinghealthequity.com] * Read Dr. Blackstock’s book here [https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Physician-Reckons-Racism-Medicine/dp/0593491289]   This podcast was created by Integrative Touch [https://www.integrativetouch.org/] (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch exists to alleviate pain and isolation for anyone affected by illness, disability or trauma. This includes kids and adults with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization provides proven integrative medicine therapies, education and support that fill critical healthcare gaps. Their success is driven by deep compassion, community and integrity.  Each year, InTouch reaches thousands of people at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, both in person and through Telehealth. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a unique scholarship model called Heal it Forward that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate to Heal it Forward, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org