In today's episode we're diving into one of my all-time favorite wellness staples: matcha. This vibrant powdered green tea may be a popular choice at trendy coffee shops, but its roots run much deeper. Used for centuries in Japanese tea ceremonies and traditional medicine, matcha is so much more than a pretty latte. We'll explore its rich history, its powerful antioxidant properties, and why it's become a go-to for those looking to boost energy, focus, and overall well-being without the jitters of coffee. I'll also share how I incorporate matcha into my daily routine, some fun recipe ideas, and what to look for when choosing a quality matcha. Topics Include: the origins of matcha how matcha is grown and made matcha health benefits different grades what to look for when choosing matcha how to make matcha at home my favorite ways to have matcha Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder History of Matcha

Ep 125: On this episode we explore the topic of the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body that sends information to and from the brain to every vital bodily system. We chat about how the vagus nerve impacts our heart, lungs, digestive tract as well as mental health, anxiety, and depression. Topics Include: what is the vagus nerve what does the vagus nerve connect how to measure vagus nerve health vagal tone what causes low vagal tone stress, mental health, anxiety microbiome and the vagus nerve improving vagal tone exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve and more!  Osea Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist Diaphragmatic Breathing Podcast Episode 

Ep 124: In today's episode I chat about my recent life updates, including my podcast hiatus and husband's health scare. I also share some exciting BIG NEWS at the end. Topics: podcast hiatus social media  wellness burnout my husband and his collapsed lung experience at hospital spontaneous pneumothorax Big NEWS Reveal! 

Today’s episode with Robert Cheeke, a New York Times bestselling author and longtime vegan activist. His new book, The Impactful Vegan, applies the principles of effective altruism to animal advocacy work to determine how to do the most good for animals.  If you care deeply about animal or planetary suffering, it can overwhelming to know what to do. Robert’s evidence based research is not only inspiring, but also can help alleviate the fatigue that people who care deeply can experience. Topics Include: Robert's life growing up on a farm vegan bodybuilding leading by example what inspired him to write The Impactful Vegan effective altruism maximizing the good we can do in the world how to save the most animals animal charity evaluators vegan strong method  relieving compassion burnout  and more! Learn more and how to order The Impactful Vegan. Robert's IG: @robert.cheeke www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie  

While we cannot choose our genetics, we do have the power to decide what we put in our bodies and how we care for them. This insight has become a guiding principle for Madeline Lee, the creator of Superfree Food, a company focused on creating delicious and satiating anti-inflammatory foods to help nourish and "embrace regenerative and expansive healing". Madeline's gut journey began when she was just 18 years old and diagnosed with Crohn's, an often devastating digestive disorder. She went in and out of the hospital, tried different pharmaceuticals, and somewhere along the way discovered and began studying all about anti-inflammatory foods. This inspired her to focus on nutrition to improve her health, leading her to create products centered around that goal. Eventually, Superfree Food was created and Madeline is passionate about sharing its benefits and her story. Topics Include: getting diagnosed with Crohn's at 18 years old discovering the anti-inflammatory approach trauma  rest and digest hustle culture life in NYC animal friends  creating Superfree Food high quality fats parasympathetic state escaping a restrictive mentality social media and more! Get 15% off your first online order with the code BEARAINBOWBODY. www.superfreefood.com Madeline's Superfree IG: @superfreefood Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com

On this episode we chat all about the healing power of mushrooms for our pets with Joni Kamlet, a Registered Veterinarian Technician and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant.  When her dog, Waffles, was diagnosed with mammary cancer in 1996 (the same time Joni was diagnosed with ovarian cancer), Joni decided to go a different route, trying a plethora of alternative healing modalities, including raw feeding, homeopathy, and herbs. Both of their positive responses to natural therapies started Joni on her holistic path, and she has been working in the field of integrative veterinary medicine ever since.  Joni is passionate about holistic options for humans and animals alike.  Topics Include: Yogaville ovarian cancer signing an AMA starting the path of integrative healing Joni's dog Waffles getting diagnosed with mammary cancer becoming a veterinarian nurse mushrooms for cancer mushrooms in history are mushrooms safe for cats and dogs species appropriate diet dry kibble  supplementing for pets Lion's Mane for cognitive function Real Mushrooms  and more! www.realmushrooms.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie.com www.therefinedhippie.com

Ep 120: On this episode we chat with Michael Hobson, founder of the award winning Aquene Springs, all about water! Michael has spent the last decade studying water in all its capacities. His takeaways shed new light on not only what good water can do for our bodies, but also the importance of silica for our systems, especially as we age.  Topics: Michael's road to water structured water  water quality in the USA memory of water science and its resistance to new ideas municipal water Aquene Springs quartz crystals blessing our food lightly mineralized low versus high surface tension in water RO (reverse osmosis) water what is silica reasons we need silica high pH waters how to make silica rich water at home detoxing heavy metals silica and aluminum aluminum and dementia speaking kindly to water and ourselves Use the code TRH10 to receive 10% off your order at Aquene Springs!  www.aquenesprings.com Aquene Springs IG: @aquenesprings www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie Also, be sure to check out episode 51 about water and the environment. 

Ep 119: CBD is becoming more widely used and recognized, but what about in skincare? Today's guest is a trailblazer in the world of CBD skincare and spa treatments. Taylor Jameson, owner and CVO of The Hemp Spa in Wilmington, NC, began her journey with CBD after experiencing its remarkable benefits for managing her chronic pain, leading her to break free from traditional pain medications.  Driven by a passion for the transformative power of CBD in her own life, Taylor made the bold decision to incorporate CBD skincare into her esthetics practice. This marked the birth of North Carolina's first Hemp Spa, where a commitment to holistic wellness and results-driven treatments became the cornerstone of her approach. On this episode we chat about all things CBD skincare and cannabis, showcasing Taylor's dedication to providing a holistic and effective skincare experience while normalizing cannabis and beauty. Topics: Taylor's discovery of CBD for pain management cannabis and skin The Hemp Spa importance of education normalizing cannabis beauty industry cannabis and racism endocannabinoid system top beauty benefits of CBD sourcing products regulation and quality topical CBD labeling tinctures legalization and The Farm Bill Aerolase laser treament and more! The Hemp Spa IG: @thehempspa The Hemp Spa The Refined Hippie IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com   Other CBD Episodes: Ep 104: The Basics of Cannabis with David Miller from FlowGardens Ep 80: Salt Therapy, CBD Skincare, and Healthy Living with Liana Belanich Jones Ep 73: All About Cannabis with John Malanca Ep 15: Deal with PCOS, Hormones, and All About CBD with Elizabeth Kuntz

Ep 118: On this episode we chat with Amber Law, a certified hypnotherapist who specializes in clinical, regression, and spiritual hypnotherapy, all about hypnosis, visualizations, and the power of the mind. Topics Include: how Amber got into hypnotherapy what is hypnosis who can be hypnotized meditation affirmations empowering you to become the controller how to get the life you want deprogramming old beliefs fear state fight or flight immune system shifting the perspective visualizations common reasons people get hypnotized how limiting beliefs can develop www.healingleavesnc.com Healing Leaves IG: @healing_leavesnc www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie

Ep 117: On this episode we chat with plant-based lifestyle and mindset coach, Kathy Davis, all about meal planning. Kathy has been eating vegan for more than 9 years and whole food plant-based for over 4. One tool she used to stay consistent and make her plant-based lifestyle sustainable was meal planning. She founded the Meal Plan Accountability Club to help others become efficient and effective meal planners to stay on track and achieve their goals. Topics Include: living in an RV national parks national parks versus national monuments traveling with cats meal planning in an RV meal planning intention over perfection getting out of the "should" mindset challenges when changing your lifestyle meal planning versus meal prepping making an inspiration list common myths of being plant-based meal planning template Get your own MEAL PLAN TEMPLATE here! www.veginspired.com Kathy's IG: @veginspired www.therefinedhippie.com The Refined Hippie IG: @therefinedhippie

Ep 116: Today's guest, Lauren Levine, is no stranger to the podcast. She joined us on episode 56, when we chatted all about diaphragmatic breathing and the power of the breath. Since that interview Lauren has been through a lot of changes that led her to a new passion as a psychic medium. Lauren is now an Intuitive Medium along with being a Movement and Breath Specialist and Mentor. She works with women desiring to connect with their body and intuition on a deeper level, as well as bring themselves out of pain, imbalance, and stress. Lauren guides women to tap into their own intuition more deeply, hear it more clearly, and heal their own body and soul. She is known by her clients as "the Body Whisperer".  Topics Include: Lauren's childhood experience with spirits growing up in an old home how media molds fear becoming more intuitive what are spirits energy being projected back spirits and dreams frequency encountering spirits being open to receive logical mind versus intuitive mind are there bad spirits coming from a place of love psychic mediumistic readings guides versus angels medium versus psychic being supported by spirit www.laurenlevinemovement.com Lauren's IG: @laurenlevinemovement Book a reading www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie Movie I spoke about: Defending Your Life with Albert Brooks

Ep 115: On this episode I sat down with Lauren Burke, founder and coach of Power House Happy. Lauren helps clients shed what's holding them back, discovering their new truth and self. She's also a yoga teacher and volleyball coach.  Topics Include: behind the scenes of film making human connection how to build community  being vulnerable  the four agreements people pleasing  high control groups and cults cognitive dissonance  aligning our values veganism non-judgement sober life thrive and shine and more! www.powerhousehappy.com Lauren's IG: @powerhousehappy www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca IG: @therefinedhippie

Ep 114: On this episode I do a quick overview of the Huberman Lab's podcast episode all about alcohol. This was an excellent episode by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, where he discusses the overall effects of alcohol on the body, brain, and health. I have created a 30 minute review on my main take aways from the show. Topics: is alcohol neurodegenerative chronic drinking basic chemistry of alcohol  genetic predisposition gut microbiome  gut-brain-liver axis hangovers red wine and resveratrol food and alcohol  mocktails  my favorite mocktail brands Watch Huberman's full episode on YouTube. Seedlip Non Alcoholic Drinks Amass  Three Spirit www.therefinedhippie.com The Refined Hippie Instagram: @therefinedhippie

Ep 113: Today's episode is with Dr. Crystal Heath, a veterinarian in the Bay Area who also happens to be vegan. In a profession that is supposedly all about ANIMALS, you would think this wouldn't be that uncommon but unfortunately and oddly enough it is. Dr. Heath is an outspoken animal rights advocate, on the founding committee of Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown, which urges the American Veterinary Medical Association to re-classify ventilation shutdown as a “not recommended” method of depopulation. She’s also part of ourhonor.org, who’s goal is "to create an organized network of professionals who are able to formally challenge unethical institutionalized systems and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized". She's been a target of the agricultural industry, which was revealed by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) showing the industry’s coordinated efforts to discredit her and portray her as a “dangerous animal rights activist” for speaking out against factory farming. Dr. Heath garnered worldwide attention after an Intercept article laid out the details of the story.  Topics Include: vet school and the veterinarian profession animals on farms versus animals in the wild Dr. Crystal's story shelter medicine terminal surgeries testing on animals FDA modernization act smear campaigns on Dr Crystal ventilation shutdown AVMA policies livestock medicine changing hearts and minds transitioning farms to grow plants EATS act  salmonella taking action defeateats.com ourhonor.org Intercept Article  Dr. Crystal's IG: @dr.crystalheath The Refined Hippie IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com

Ep 112: The "greatest generation" had a lot of daily habits that helped give them a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and an overall sense of life contentment. On this episode we explore the 5 habits we should bring back from our grandparents. Most of these may seem pretty basic, but they can have profound effects on our mental and physical well being. 

Ep 111: Today's episode is your Adaptogens 101 course, where we chat all about these incredible plants, herbs, and mushrooms that have astounding health benefits and help the body manage stress. Topics Include: history of adaptogens adaptogen qualifications primary adaptogens secondary adaptogens  ashwagandha shilajit cordyceps how to consume adaptogens Anima Mundi www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie Anima Mundi Mushroom Podcast Episodes

Ep 110: When I started having digestive issues years ago, one of the first things I did was become gluten-free. Of course at the time I had no idea why, it was just a buzz word floating around, but it did help. I felt lighter and more clear headed. Many others are seeing the benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle and there's now a surge of gf products on the market. However, as with anything, they are not all created equal.  Today's guests, Adam and Maddie, are also passionate about gluten-free, so much so that they created a company making delicious wholesome bread that tastes great and leaves you feeling incredible. Pacha is a certified organic bread made from sprouted and fermented buckwheat, a crop that's good for soil health, has a delicious hearty flavor, a plethora of health benefits, plus important for regenerative agriculture.   Topics Include: how Pacha got started gluten-free bread making buckwheat cover crops benefits of growing buckwheat why soak and sprout regenerative agriculture compostable packaging convenience culture the process of getting into WholeFoods creating companies that care raising capital oceanography the impact of nutrient inputs dead zones  and more!  Get 20% off your Pacha order by using the code THEREFINEDHIPPIE or click here. Pacha's IG: @livepacha Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com

Ep 109: It's the dreaded c-word, cancer, the second leading cause of death in the world.  On this episode we chat with Nathan Crane, a certified holistic cancer coach and natural health researcher. Nathan's also a best selling author, inspirational speaker, and 20x award-winning documentary filmmaker. But how does a person become passionate about cancer?  We get into Nathan’s story of being a troubled teen, addicted to drugs, to his incredible transformation of becoming a holistic cancer coach with over 15 years in the natural health, leadership, and personal development space. Topics: how Nathan healed his own inner emotional trauma personal forgiveness trauma and chronic disease root causes of all cancer cancer fear allopathic view on cancer misconceptions of cancer what causes chronic inflammation how to heal traumas  recommendations for therapy  Qi-gong energetic healing and more!  Thank you for listening! Please be sure to subscribe and share this episode!  Nathan's IG: @nathancranepodcast Nathan's Book: Becoming Cancer Free www.nathancrane.com www.healinglife.net Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com  

Ep 108: A new season of the podcast is here and we are taking off with a bang, chatting all about wellness burnout and compassion fatigue, two psychological phenomenon that can happen to many of us trying to live a healthy and/or compassionate lifestyle. I started using the term 'wellness burnout' after learning of friends and clients (even myself) who'd experienced exhaustion from their health journey. It can happen to anyone who's been devoting an extreme amount of time and energy to healing. We also discuss compassion fatigue, a condition that can leave animal lovers feeling hopeless, stressed, and anxious. Topics Include: signs of 'wellness burnout' what is burnout how to overcome it finding perspective knowledge or information paralysis compassion fatigue empathetic distress cognitive empathy animal rights versus animal welfare and more!  The Refined Hippie IG: @therefinedhippie www.therefinedhippie.com https://animalandmind.com/2017/07/24/bearing-witness-animal-activists-and-compassion-fatigue/

Ep 107: The health of our GI tract is finally getting the attention is deserves. However, many people believe they can just take a probiotic and call it a day. But just as everything in the supplement industry is concerned, not all probiotics are created equal.  Today’s guest is Natasha Trenev, dubbed “The Mother of Probiotics”, having significantly contributed to the evolution of the probiotic industry. Her extensive experience and knowledge of the industry began with her family’s 750 year history of producing prized yogurt by the royal family of Yugoslavia. In 1980 she became the first person in North America to introduce the category of probiotic dietary supplements for human use. She is the founder and president of Natren Inc, which makes probiotic products that come with 40 years of focused, rigorous scientific research, and technology from leading scientists and researchers in the field of probiotics.  We chat all things gut microbiome, microbiota, probiotics, the supplement industry, and how the gut impacts every aspect of human health - physical, mental, emotional, skin and organ health. We get into autism, mental health, and more.  Topics Include: what is the microbiome microbiota the probiotic and supplement industry regulations  shelf stable versus enteric coated pills the best way to encapsulate probiotics healthy ecosystems educating the public mental health what to do if one has to take antibiotics soil bacteria doing the right thing and helping others energy exchange and more! www.natren.com Natren IG: @natrenprobiotic Natasha's IG: @natashatrenev www.therefinedhippie.com Rebecca's IG: @therefinedhippie