The Food Heals Podcast with Allison Melody and Suzy Hardy

There is a common theme that happens at the beginning of every new year: We set resolutions and intentions to work out more, to lose weight, to eat better, and to get healthier. But unfortunately, even with our best of intentions the research shows that usually by February most people have fallen back into their old habits and forgotten their resolutions, or decided that whatever diet or exercise plan they chose to follow just didn't work.   Very often we are not getting to the root cause of the original problem and so we are doing the surface level things (that in theory should work) but because these are temporary fixes or bandaid approaches, they are not lasting and sustainable lifestyle changes. So we are not actually dealing with the issues that got our bodies to be sick or tired or overweight in the first place.   To create sustainable lifestyle changes we can take a mind body, and spirit approach to maintaining a healthy weight. On this episode of Food Heals, you’ll hear some of our most inspiring

Three of the myths we often hear about going plant-based is that is time consuming, expensive and difficult. So today we have three plant-powered pioneers in the plant-based space who are busting every single one of those myths and teaching us how easy, affordable and fun it is to eat a vegan diet.   First up is Toni Okamoto, author of Plant‑Based on a Budget: Delicious Vegan Recipes for Under $30 a Week who is here to share her tips and knowledge on making eating delicious plant-based faire easy and affordable.   Then Alli and Suzy are talking to Maya Kaimal, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Maya Kaimal Foods and winner of the Julia Child Award for her cookbook Curried Favors, Family Recipes from South India to learn more about plant-based indian cuisine. And finally Alli sits down with Food Heals favorite Leslie durso, who is currently the vegan chef at the Four Seasons Punta Mita and the Four Seasons Santa Barbara to hear her plant-powered tips and advice for making vegan easy and not compromisi

Nicole Davidsohn is the cofounder and herbalist at Eva, a unique self-care company that uses organic superfoods and hemp flowers to give people a better quality of life.    When Nicole was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, she thought things couldn’t get much worse.    Enter: Traumatic Brain Injury.   Months of pain and pills, fatigue and struggle, Nicole was ready to give up.   Until she discovered the plant that would play a critical role in her journey back to health.   Enter: Hemp.   The raw cannabis juice from hemp began to give Nicole her life back and she and her partner, Dane soon discovered a way to preserve the raw plant in its raw form while retaining 99% of all vitamins, minerals, cannabinoids, terpenes, and more.     In October 2016, Nicole’s dog Mary Jane was diagnosed with Lymphoma, a form of canine cancer, and given 90 days to live. Nicole and Dane decided to skip the expensive chemotherapy treatments, and began feeding Mary the raw cannabis juice. She immediately responded with

Following the premature death of his mother from breast cancer, Dr. Platt began the journey of assimilating his knowledge about hormones and the importance of keeping them in balance for optimum health and wellness. Through the observation of thousands of patients, he uncovered secrets to the body’s master system, namely hormones. In 1995, he opened a clinic in Palm Desert, California where he has been consulting with his patients and clients employing his Platt Protocol, a natural approach to hormone balance and wellness. Since 1997, the Platt Wellness Center has been a pioneer in the research and advancement of the therapeutic use of progesterone cream and other bio-identical hormones. Platt is considered an important pioneer in observational, functional, alternative, and allopathic medicine focused on bio-identical hormones and adrenaline overload. His award-winning books, “The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones”, How I Lost My...fatigue, hot flashes, ADHD, ADD, fibromyalgia, PMS, osteoporosis, weight, s

In 2012, JJ Virgin was in a hospital room next to her sixteen-year-old son who was struck by a hit-and-run driver and left for dead. She was told by doctors that he wouldn’t last through the night and to let him go.   With every reason to give up, JJ chose instead to invest her energy into the hope that her son would not just survive, but thrive.   In the latest episode of Food Heals, she shares the journey of overcoming the worst moment of her life.   It’s a story of western medicine and holistic healing modalities working together to heal a young man and a mom that wouldn’t take no for an answer.   During this difficult time, JJ learned valuable personal lessons that helped her rebuild her life and find success and purpose in herself, her work, and teach her sons and community how to face their own obstacles and trials.   JJ believes that inside every mother is a fierce, resilient, intuitive woman who has the ability to tap into an indomitable mindset and create heroic outcomes—for her children, h

You already know meditation is incredible for your mental, spiritual and emotional health. You may have even tried to meditate before. But, you can’t seem to get into the regular habit. You really want to and you know it’s time to figure it out.   Today’s guest, Katie Krimitsos teaches us that a regular meditation practice doesn’t have to look like getting up at 5am and meditating for an hour with incense burning every single day.  It can be so much more simple!  And completely customized for you. Creating your own regular meditation practice can make you feel more calm, reduce stress and anxiety, help you sleep better and ultimately help you connect to your inner wisdom...which all lead to a happier, more fulfilled life! Ready to feel more calm, connected and happier? Check out the Women’s Meditation Network! The Women’s Meditation Network is the home for guided meditations that are created for the very special journey that we women walk throughout this life. While we are all different and unique, there

Michael O’ Neal is a multi-faced entrepreneur who is a podcaster, speaker, coach, YouTuber and drummer. In this episode, Michael and Allison discuss their shared experience of losing both their parents (and their dogs) way too young. Hear the heartwarming stories of how Michael’s dad passed after winning a jeopardy question and how Alli’s passed at a cookout his him with a cigar in his hand. And how these tragedies profoundly affected both of their lives. Our Favorite Moments: Michael coaches Alli on how to be a better podcaster What not to do after someone passes away The most unselfish way to help someone who is experiencing a loss Why it’s imperative to record your parents stories now How to say yes opportunities that scare you The difference between average people and extraordinary people ABOUT MICHAEL: While the word unemployable might strike fear in the hearts of some, Micheal reframes it to be “Proudly” unemployable meaning to take your skills, hobbies, and passions and turn them into a thr

Justified & Heroes Actor James Kyson joins Allison Melody and co-host Recovering "big law"Attorney Ashley Fillingim to talk healthy parenting hacks for the modern parent.   James is passionate about creating media that promotes wellness, fitness, and consciousness. Ashley is passionate about helping wellness entrepreneurs build their dreams.   As a new parent, James is balancing a demanding Hollywood career while also being a dedicated hubby and brand new dad. In this episode, James offers advice on work/life balance, healthy parenting hacks and more! ABOUT JAMES: One of today's most exciting & versatile actors, James Kyson has been voted by Buzzfeed as a Top 10 Asian-American Leading Man, and by TV Guide as “Hollywood's 25 Hottest Body.” James recently guest starred in AMC's Preacher, CBS' Elementary and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and FOX's Sleepy Hollow. He also recently starred in NCIS:LA, the new Nickelodeon sitcom School of Rock, the FX drama Justified, and is beloved for his 5-year run on NBC

Whoever told you money can’t buy happiness was probably not good at managing it. In today’s episode, learn from Nicole Lapin’s experience and see how simple tricks can change your financials, career, and relationships.   Nicole is a New York Times Best Selling Author of the books Boss Bitch, Rich Bitch, and her new book Becoming Super Woman. She’s also the host of the nationally syndicated business reality competition show, “Hatched,” and has been an anchor on CNN, CNBC and Bloomberg, but her story started much differently. Nicole started out making 20k/year and getting into almost as much in credit card debt. What was ironic is that she took a job as a finance anchor at the time… but was a mess with her own. She eventually got out of this mess, and when she finally did, she learned a valuable lesson… and today she’s going to share it with us!   In this episode you’ll learn: How to have a healthy relationship with money Practical holiday spending tips The 3 E’s of spending Why you need to treat yourse

  Today we’re coming to you from Pura Vita restaurant! We’re chatting about good food, the delicious world of eating gluten free, and going vegan with JJ Flizanes and chef Tara Punzone.   Tara has strong Italian roots. Her parents had a sandwich shop in Brooklyn, and both of them were amazing cooks. She’s always been into the food aspect of her culture, and as she grew up, she began to develop a stronger passion for it.   She started cooking at age 10 and found she was really interested in it. Around that time, Tara decided she didn’t want to eat meat any more and become a vegetarian. Even though she wanted to give up meat, she didn’t want to give up the foods her parents would cook. Thankfully her parents were very accommodating and jumped in the kitchen to make foods that worked for her!   After a few years of being vegetarian, she went fully vegan and eventually became the owner of Pura Vita, a vegan Italian restaurant in Los Angeles that offers tons of gluten-free options - Allison and JJ think it’

'Tis the season to get spooky, and there's no better way to do it than by talking to a psychic who truly does see dead people! From to celebrity deaths to the truth about ghosts, there is no creepy topic off-limits in today’s Halloween episode of Food Heals!   So pour yourself a pumpkin spice latte, lower the shades and prepare to be spooked and entertained as we discuss theories about dark energies, demonic forces, psychic protection and more with Celebrity Psychic Laura Powers   Our Favorite Moments: What Laura did the first time she saw a ghost Find out what made Suzy say, “I see dead people!” How to Protect Your Space From Dark Energies How to Talk to Your Angels What the heck is Scorpio time? The Truth about the “27 Club”, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, and more Robin Williams is A-OK! What Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are doing on the other side ;)   ABOUT TODAY’S GUESTS:   Laura Powers: Laura Powers is a celebrity psychic who has been featured by Buzzfeed, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, Mother

Today we’ve got Power Couple Samir and Laura in the house to chat all about Psychiatry, Psychics, and Psychology in the latest episode of Food Heals.   Samir Srivastava is a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist who works for the National Health Service in London. He assesses and treats mentally disordered offenders at the oldest psychiatric hospital in Europe, the Bethlehem Royal Hospital. Additionally, he works and assists external agencies like the Courts and the police and acts as an expert witness in cases where mental health concerns are raised.    Samir is passionate about treating patients with serious medical conditions and guiding them and advising them on future life choices such as those with criminogenic backgrounds.    In addition to his work in psychiatry, Samir is a producer and works at a company called  Peoples Production Limited. PPl produces short films, autobiography documentaries and most recently an advert for a new medical application to help teach and assist junior medical surgeons.

What do cancer, autoimmune diseases, allergies, mental health and fertility all have in common? The gut. Your microbiome does everything from digesting food to absorbing minerals to regulating your immune system and your hormones. All disease begins in the gut… and that’s where healing begins as well. So in this week’s episode we couldn’t wait to interview an international expert on the topic of gut health, Katherine Maslen.   Katherine got into nutrition after witnessing a close friend’s journey through lupus, an autoimmune disease. As she got sicker, her medicine cabinet grew, yet none of these medications had any positive effect on her health. She passed away at just 52. Katherine knew there had to be a better way. This is what led her to create the Shift Clinic, an international wellness company that is changing the face of health and empowering people to take control of their healing journey.   Katherine’s tips for rebalancing your microbiome, improving your fertility, detoxing, and boosting your wel

Hypnobirthing? What’s that? Basically, it is a natural birthing technique without any medication, that uses self-hypnosis techniques to combat fear and pain during labor. The result: you’re not screaming in agony (like the typical birthing scene in films!), you’re not linked up to all those bleeping machines in a brightly lit room with doctors and nurses running around you, and you’re not pumped full of painkiller meds. Instead, birthing becomes a connective, intensely powerful female experience.   That’s why more and more women are opting out of the traditional hospital birth, and going for natural hypnobirthing instead. Like today’s co-host Laura Petersen (which you know from some of our previous episodes). Laura is a best-selling author and self-publishing coach, and she’s expecting her first child. She’s opted for a natural hospital birth using the Mongan Method.   Melissa Tucker, podcast host and marketing expert, has one of the most intriguing birth stories we’ve ever heard. After having two childre

In order to be healthy we have to take a WHOLISTIC approach to health- this means looking at our health as a whole and not taking a band-aid approach. In this episode Allison Melody and John Lee Dumas discuss tools and tactics to hack your health like mindful eating, intermittent fasting, breathwork, exercise, food allergies, fat-burning, blue-light blocking, infrared saunas and so much more.   We’re throwing back to last year where Allison had the honor of being interviewed on Entrepreneurs on Fire by John Lee Dumas. So the format is a little different today because you are going to hear JLD interview Alli on Physical, Emotional, Spiritual & Financial Game-Changing Practices to hack your health.   John is the founder & host of Entrepreneurs On Fire, an award-winning podcast where he interviews inspiring Entrepreneurs to help YOU on your Entrepreneurial journey! His goal with Entrepreneurs On Fire is to deliver the inspiration and strategies you need to FIRE UP your entrepreneurial journey and create the

Sarah’s story starts with a text message. It was 2008. She was living a sheltered life - married to her childhood sweetheart, children, a family home. And one day she saw a text on her husband’s phone that revealed he had been having an affair. Her world blew up instantaneously. The life she knew ended in 5 minutes. One minute they were sitting down to dinner, the next minute she’d thrown him out. Three days later they filed for divorce. She hit rock bottom.   But often the toughest times are those we need the most, even though it might not feel like it in the moment. Her divorce was the catalyst for a new beginning. Sarah began to realize she had the freedom to invent who she wanted to be. She started making a future board - finding pictures that illustrated the life she wanted to experience, and daydreaming about it. And the magic happened. Because when you shift your focus from what you’ve gone through in the past, or are going through in the moment, to what you want to create, you make your dreams happe

On today’s bonus episode I am getting real with you, sharing my story - my physical, emotional, spiritual and financial journey that has led me to exactly where I am today.   And though it’s been tough, traumatic, and painful at times, I know now that it was all perfect. But, it took me some time to be able to see it that way. I have done deep healing, spiritual work on myself. And I’m not done.   I don’t think we are ever done healing, but I am at the point in my life finally where I am willing to share unapologetically exactly who I am, what I have been through and what I stand for. To stop playing small. To be bold and brave.   I now tell my story everywhere I can. From an Instagram post, to the podcast, to my film, to my book, to speaking on stages across the US and internationally I am speaking my truth.   The crazy thing about sharing my story is it has led to me living a beautiful, sexy, amazing life that I literally never thought I could have. Opening up about myself has unlocked magic and so

Being hailed as “Sex and the City for Food,” The Food Heals Podcast brings together experts in the field of nutrition, health and healing to teach you the best-kept natural secrets to being a hotter, healthier, happier YOU!   The Food Heals Podcast is hosted by Allison Melody with guest co-hosts like Suzy Hardy, Leslie Durso, Whitney Lauritsen, Sophie Uliano and more – all self-proclaimed natural chicks who will rock your world and change your beliefs about health! This sexy, savvy show provides eco-friendly advice on a variety of issues including the healing power of nutrition, living authentically, turning your passion into your career, choosing the best natural health and beauty products, the benefits of a plant-based diet and so much more!   Past notable Food Heals Podcast guests include NutritionFacts.org's Michael Greger, The Universe Has Your Back Author Gabby Bernstein, The Miracle Morning Author Hal Elrod, NBA Champion & Vegan Activist John Salley, The McDougall Program Author Dr. McDougall, 

Laura Powers was born in the same part of France as one of the world’s most famous psychics: Joan of Arc. In a sense, it was her destiny to become a clairvoyant. But just like all journeys, Laura had to overcome many obstacles before finding her true path.   Having been thin all her life, at 30 years old Laura was on the edge of obesity. She had gained a ton of weight, and nothing she did was helping her lose it. She had bad skin, sleep problems, leaky gut, and PCOS. She was also unemployed and in a toxic marriage.   So how did she heal her body and transform her life to become a celebrity psychic, model, writer, actress, singer, producer and podcaster?   She tuned in, listened to her intuition, and connected with her guardian angels. There are angels everywhere, just waiting for you to reach out and ask for guidance. When she did, they answered. Knowing she wasn’t alone gave Laura the courage to make choices from a place of love and hope.   She transformed her diet, quitting diary, soy and wheat. Did

Cancer. It’s the kind of diagnosis that no one wants to hear. And yet, cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. For our guests, cancer was an opportunity to build up their health from the inside, and be a force for positive change.   Evita Ramparte - Healing ovarian cancer - Episode 57 When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Evita made the brave decision not to have surgery, radiation or chemotherapy - against her doctor’s wishes. She knew that toxic food and toxic thinking had caused her cancer, and she was determined to heal herself. Thanks to detoxing, fasting, and a lot of inner work, she did exactly that. In just 4 months, her tumor had disappeared, she lost 50 pounds, and felt better than ever before.   Chris Wark - Beating colon cancer - Episode 236 At just 26, Chris was told he had stage 3 cancer - it started as a tumor the size of a golf ball in his colon, and spread to his lymph nodes. He was given one option: chemotherapy. But poisoning himself back to health didn’t make sense to Chr