Podcast
The Ali Damron Show
Hosted by Ali Damron, L.Ac. · EN
Ali Damron, a hormone and nervous system expert for women and mom of two boys, shares her knowledge and experience on life, health, fitness, hormones, business and life and how to tie it all together.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How Hormones Influence Emotional Eating and Body Image
3d ago00:48:11Tap to summarizeSummary Krista Day-Gloe, a licensed clinical social worker and body-led mental health expert, discusses the complex relationship between hormonal cycles, emotional eating, and mental health. She shares insights on how understanding the menstrual cycle, neurodivergence, and body-mind connection can transform approaches to disordered eating and chronic health issues. Key Topics Hormonal impact on mood and eating Menstrual cycle phases and their effects Neurodivergence and its relation to eating behaviors Body-mind connection in mental health Practical tools for tracking hormones and symptoms Guest Name Krista Day-Gloe Sound Bites "Estrogen makes us feel more satiated." "Our hormones are different every day." "Our thoughts create our reality." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Eating and Hormonal Impact 10:08 Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Its Effects 18:41 The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Emotional Well-being 29:37 Navigating Mental Health and Body Awareness 40:10 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Resources and Krista's Links Healing Roots Wellness Center - https://healingrootswellness.com Mood and Moon Book - https://www.example.com/mood-and-moon Hormone Tracker Download - https://healingrootswellness.com/hormone-tracker Instagram - https://instagram.com/healingrootswellness Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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The Real Reason You Feel Exhausted But Cannot Relax
1w ago00:40:43Tap to summarizesummary Ali Damron explores the impact of stress, hormonal fluctuations, and lifestyle habits on women's nervous systems, sleep, and overall well-being. She offers practical strategies for calming the nervous system, managing stress, and creating sustainable habits to improve health and resilience. key topics Stress and nervous system regulation Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause Practical habits for stress resilience sound bites "Boredom is now perceived as a threat." "Blood sugar stability is key to reducing anxiety." "Over-functioning and control are major stressors." Chapters 00:00 Understanding Women's Exhaustion and Relaxation 05:54 The Impact of Pressure and Expectations 11:58 Navigating Perimenopause and Hormonal Changes 18:03 The Role of Nutrition and Eating Habits 24:00 Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety 29:51 Building Sustainable Habits for Wellness resources Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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Supporting Your Nervous System During Life's Overwhelm
2w ago00:38:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ali Damron shares insights on navigating the emotional and physical challenges that come with busy seasons, hormonal fluctuations, and life's unpredictability. Whether you're dealing with perimenopausal symptoms, overwhelming schedules, or emotional stress, this discussion offers practical advice rooted in understanding and neuroscience. Key Topics: How busy seasons, like end-of-school chaos, amplify emotional stress and overwhelm Recognizing that feelings of anxiety, irritability, or fatigue are normal responses to societal pressures and hormonal shifts The importance of acknowledgment, acceptance, and support during demanding times The impact of hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause on mood, sleep, and resilience Practical self-care strategies: prioritization, trusting others, decreasing mental load The significance of establishing routines: regular meals, hydration, sleep hygiene, movement, and mindfulness How to reduce unnecessary mental and emotional clutter by trusting others and minimizing over-communication The concept of "Recovery on the Run": integrating supportive practices into daily life Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction: Recognizing seasonal overwhelm and the importance of support (02:36) - The peak of busy end-of-school activities and managing emotional load (04:53) - Normalizing feelings of sadness and anxiety as part of life's chapters (09:16) - Understanding how societal over-stimulation and chronic stress affect our nervous systems (12:44) - Comparing childhood summer freedom to today's over-scheduled summers (13:47) - The intersection of perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations, and emotional reactivity (16:19) - How hormonal shifts increase anxiety and stress sensitivity (18:28) - Managing mental overload and the importance of reducing attempts at control (20:28) - Practical steps for prioritization and gut-checking daily routines (22:34) - Delegating, trusting others, and loosening control in parenting and daily tasks (27:46) - Foundations for hormonal resilience: nutrition, hydration, sleep, movement (30:24) - The simple power of breakfast and hydration for stabilizing mood and energy (32:11) - Setting boundaries with screen time and daily commitments (34:03) - Embracing ebbs and flows; supporting your body's natural rhythm (36:17) - Actionable tips: integrating recovery into busy lives and seeking help Remember, supporting your nervous system and managing expectations are key. By slowing down, trusting others, and taking small daily steps, you can navigate stressful seasons with resilience. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out—help is available, and recovery can be integrated into your busy life. Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 25% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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You Don't Need to Fix Your Feelings
3w ago00:38:28Tap to summarizeReframing Anxiety and Emotions: A Deep Dive into Nervous System RegulationIn this episode, Ali Damron explores the human experience of emotions, anxiety, and nervous system regulation, emphasizing a compassionate and normalized approach to mental and emotional health. Discover how understanding your body's signals can lead to better self-awareness and health. Main Topics Covered: The importance of normalizing human emotions and experiences How anxiety and stress are your body's communication tools The role of cognitive distortions and how to identify them Differentiating between thoughts from the anxious vs. wise brain Somatic tracking and other methods to process emotions The connection between repressed anger and chronic physical conditions Practical strategies for emotional regulation and nervous system safety The impact of societal narratives on mental health diagnoses In this episode: Ali discusses the misconception that emotions like anxiety are pathology, highlighting they are normal human signals. She shares insights on how to recognize and validate feelings rather than suppress them. An exploration of cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing and mind reading, with tips to identify and reframe them. Practical tools like feelingswheel.com and somatic tracking for emotional awareness. The link between unprocessed anger, autoimmune diseases, and chronic pain, referencing Dr. Gabor Mate. Emphasizes that a regulated nervous system involves acceptance of highs and lows, not constant calmness. Ali advocates for deeper work to address root causes of stress and emotional dysregulation for lasting health. Timestamps: 00:00 - Understanding the deeper function of emotions and nervous system signals 01:23 - Surface symptoms and the journey towards nervous system regulation 02:48 - Asking about life to identify hidden stressors 04:35 - The societal narrative around fixing mental health issues 05:42 - Emotions as communication: betrayal, jealousy, sadness, and more 06:42 - Using emotion vocabulary tools like feelingswheel.com 08:33 - Curiosity and self-compassion as keys to emotional resilience 09:57 - Normalizing anxiety and the impact of diagnostic labels 11:18 - Addressing societal pressure to fix or pathologize human struggles 12:46 - The loneliness of emotional suppression and curated vulnerability 13:11 - Thoughts, sensations, and the importance of accepting your current experience 14:08 - Differentiating between thoughts from the anxious vs. wise brain 15:54 - Cognitive distortions: catastrophizing, mind-reading, magical thinking 16:51 - The evolutionary need to belong and its influence on emotional perception 18:06 - Strategies for rewiring anxiety and managing triggers 19:31 - Disengaging from anxious thoughts and feeling emotions physically 21:10 - Processing emotions without pressure or needing to fix them instantly 22:35 - Somatic tracking for emotional regulation and pain management 24:52 - Active strategies to release anger healthily 27:14 - Recognizing and owning anger without shame 31:06 - The nervous system's constant danger scan and creating safety 32:33 - Misconceptions about emotional balance and the reality of regulation 34:23 - The importance of self-acceptance and deeper emotional work Resources & Links: Feelings Wheel Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown Gabor Maté's Work on Emotions & Chronic Disease This episode encourages a compassionate perspective on emotional health, emphasizing that understanding and accepting our human experience can lead to profound healing and vitality. Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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5 Steps to Overcome Emotional Eating with Ali Damron
May 500:31:53Tap to summarizeAli Damron explores emotional eating through the lens of nervous system health, emphasizing non-judgmental awareness, physiological factors, and healing strategies. This episode offers practical steps to understand and transform emotional eating patterns. Key topics Nervous system as a root cause of emotional eating Physiological factors influencing hunger and cravings Practical steps for emotional regulation and healing Sound bites "Discomfort is not dangerous" "Emotions are safe to feel" "One moment doesn't define you" Chapters 00:00 Understanding Emotional Eating and the Nervous System 10:05 Physical Drivers of Emotional Eating 19:58 Building Awareness and Processing Emotions 25:30 Healing the Nervous System and Emotional Eating resources Ali Damron's Website - https://alidamron.com Feelings Wheel - https://feelingswheel.com Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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Navigating the Storm of Anticipatory Grief in Life and Health
Apr 2800:21:22Tap to summarizeAli Damron explores the complex experience of anticipatory grief, sharing personal insights and practical advice for coping with the emotional journey before a loss occurs. This episode offers valuable understanding for anyone facing impending loss, whether due to health issues, life transitions, or other significant changes. key topics Definition and misconceptions of grief The stages and signs of anticipatory grief Personal story of caring for a loved one with cancer The importance of feeling and validating emotions Strategies for coping and seeking support takeaways Grief begins before the actual loss, often with diagnosis or health changes. Anticipatory grief involves complex emotions like fear, sadness, and anxiety. Feeling all emotions is normal; grief is not only tears but also anxiety, numbness, and fatigue. Strength and avoidance of emotions can be costly; leaning into pain can help process grief faster. Support from others and witnessing your experience are crucial for healing. sound bites "Feelings are meant to be felt, not avoided." "Find someone who can witness your pain." "You're not alone in this journey." Chapters 00:00 Understanding Anticipatory Grief 02:53 The Complexity of Grief 06:02 Navigating Emotional Exhaustion 08:46 The Importance of Feeling 11:42 Finding Support in Grief 14:55 The Journey of Healing resources David Kessler - Grief Expert - https://www.grief.com/ Hospice Bereavement Support - https://www.hospice.org/support The Five Stages of Grief - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross - https://www.amazon.com/Five-Stages-Grief-Death-Denial/dp/0716730680 Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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Why Rest Alone Won't Fix Deep Fatigue: Understanding Your Nervous System
Apr 2100:29:49Tap to summarizeKey Topics: Differentiating between sleep-related fatigue and deeper neurophysiological exhaustion How stress and emotional load impact mineral balance and energy levels Reframing fatigue: body's signals rather than personal failure Recognizing the role of nervous system protection responses like hypervigilance and shutdown The importance of feeling your feelings without cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing Practical strategies to support your nervous system including slowing down and reducing stimulation The significance of basic self-care elements: consistent meals, hydration, movement, sleep, and sunlight Setting boundaries with technology and overstimulation Seasons of life: recognizing when fatigue is temporary and when to seek support The concept of support and softness over constant self-optimization Timestamps: 00:00 - Understanding the difference between sleep fatigue and deeper exhaustion 02:10 - How stress burns through minerals and affects energy 03:03 - Flipping the question from "why am I so tired" to "why does my body need more rest" 04:24 - The invisible load: carrying mental and emotional responsibilities 05:23 - How protective nervous system responses affect physical health and energy 06:47 - Recognizing and managing the cycle of checking and avoidance to create safety 08:12 - Overriding fight-or-flight reactions and creating conscious safety 09:38 - The nervous system's fire Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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Mastering Nervous System Sensitization: Practical Strategies
Apr 1400:30:30Tap to summarizeAli Damron discusses practical strategies for managing nervous system sensitization, anxiety, and emotional regulation. She emphasizes the importance of acceptance, slowing down, and teaching the brain safety to build resilience. Nervous system sensitization and regulation Fight or flight response and how to manage it Practical techniques for emotional resilience sound bites "Fight or flight doesn't always look like a panic attack." "Reassurance often doesn't work when you're in threat mode." "Drop the pressure to fix everything; just be present." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nervous System Sensitization 02:49 Understanding Fight or Flight Response 05:51 The Impact of Stress on the Body 09:03 Navigating Anxiety and Emotional Processing 11:55 Changing Your Response to Anxiety 14:41 Slowing Down to Regulate Your Nervous System 17:54 Paying Attention to Pleasant Sensations 20:48 Personal Story of Grief and Resilience 23:39 Finding Hope and Solidarity in Healing resources David Kessler's books on grief - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=David+Kessler Ali Damron's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ali_damron/ Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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Why We're Addicted to Fixing Ourselves (and Why It Keeps Us Stuck)
Apr 800:26:37Tap to summarizeSummary Ali Damron discusses the pitfalls of constant self-fixing, the importance of understanding your nervous system, and how to approach health and healing from a place of safety and acceptance. She emphasizes the difference between the wise brain and anxious brain, and how shifting your mindset can lead to better health outcomes. Key Topics The danger of hypervigilance and constant self-fixing The difference between the wise brain and anxious brain How stress and fear impact physical health and symptoms The importance of acceptance and safety in healing Practical steps to shift from threat to rest and digest Sound bites "Doing things from the anxious brain keeps us stuck." "Grief is a myriad of emotions, not just one thing." "Acceptance is key to shifting from threat to safety." Chapters 00:00 The Pressure to Fix Ourselves 06:06 Understanding the Anxious Brain vs. Wise Brain 11:58 The Cycle of Fixing and Its Consequences 17:57 Shifting from Fixing to Acceptance and Safety Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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How Your Brain Handles Grief and Stress
Mar 3100:25:49Tap to summarizeSummary Ali Damron shares a heartfelt journey through grief, mental health, and the neuroplasticity of emotions, offering insights on how to navigate hard times with acceptance and compassion. keywords grief, mental health, neuroplasticity, emotional resilience, nervous system, acceptance, healing, self-compassion key topics The colander brain concept and how it explains processing grief and stress The importance of acceptance and allowing emotions to flow Neuroplasticity and its role in mental health and healing takeaways Your brain processes grief and stress in small, manageable chunks like a colander. Allowing and accepting emotions speeds up healing and reduces chronicity. Understanding your nervous system helps manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout. sound bites "Your body is asking for more rest" "Your brain is like a colander" "Meet yourself where you are right now" Chapters 00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss 08:28 Understanding Emotions and the Colander Brain Concept 18:09 The Journey of Healing and Acceptance Ali's Resources: Consults with Ali BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10 www.alidamron.com/magnesium Master Your Perimenopause Course + Toolkit "Am I in Perimenopause?" Checklist. What Hormone is Imbalanced? Quiz! Fullscript (Get 10% off all supplements) "How To Balance Your Hormones For Better Sleep, Mood, Periods and Energy" Free, On Demand Training Website Ali's Instagram Ali's Facebook Group: Holistic Health with Ali Damron
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