
Hosted by Dr. Alexandra Swenson-Ridley · EN

In this episode of the Rooted Health Practice Podcast, Dr. Alex Swenson Ridley explores the concept of self-worth and the challenges it presents in business ownership. She delves into the idea of the 'upper limit problem' from Gaye Hendricks' book 'The Big Leap,' discussing four fundamental fears that often inhibit our growth and success. These fears include feeling fundamentally flawed, being a burden to others, leaving others behind, and outshining others. Dr. Alex shares personal experiences, including a battle with illness, which reflects how these fears manifest as self-sabotage, hampering both personal and professional development.Referenced in this Episode:The Big Leap, by Gaye HendricksDownload the Leadership Energy Audit Here

In this episode of the Rooted Health Practice Podcast, Dr. Alex Swenson Ridley shares her compelling journey from an unexpected pregnancy and a tumultuous job in Alaska to opening her own chiropractic practice. Despite facing significant challenges, including a chaotic and traumatic work environment and a high-stress pregnancy, she persevered to build a successful business. This story underscores the importance of understanding the true driving force behind one's entrepreneurial pursuits, whether it's necessity or opportunity, and emphasizes the significance of aligning one's business with personal values to achieve sustained wellbeing and fulfillment.Articles referenced in this episode:Gilstrap, C. M., Weber, T., & Gilstrap, C. A. (2024). Navigating the Unknown: How Healthcare Entrepreneurs Manage Uncertainty. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 29(2), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1084946724500146Kearney, C., Dunne, P., & Wales, W. J. (2020). Entrepreneurial orientation and burnout among healthcare professionals. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 34(1), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1108/jhom-09-2019-0259Manchiraju, S., Akbari, M., & Seydavi, M. (2023). Is entrepreneurial role stress a necessary condition for burnout? A necessary condition analysis. Current Psychology, 43(5), 4766–4778. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04704-zRyff, C. D. (2018). Entrepreneurship and eudaimonic well-being: Five venues for new science. Journal of Business Venturing, 34(4), 646–663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2018.09.003Take the Leadership Energy AuditAs always, feel free to reach out to Dr. Alex with any questions, deep thoughts or support: dralex@rootedpractice.co

In this episode, Dr. Alex Swenson Ridley delves into the complexities of leadership for healthcare entrepreneurs. Exploring insights from the book 'The Six Types of Working Genius,' she highlights the importance of aligning work roles with personal strengths to prevent burnout. Dr. Alex shares her personal journey of discovering her creative strengths, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's unique leadership style. By embracing personal strengths, entrepreneurs can lead practices more authentically and effectively. This episode offers thought-provoking perspectives on developing positive leadership and reshaping practice roles for genuine entrepreneurial success.Resources from this episode:Working GeniusVIA Character StrengthsLeadership Energy AuditAligned Authority Workshop--Available 2/16Connect Call with Dr. Alex

What happens when you do everything “right”—and still burn out?In this first full episode of The Rooted Practice Podcast, Dr. Alex Swenson-Ridley introduces the core idea behind the show: the practice beneath the practice—the internal foundation that shapes how we lead, work, and sustain ourselves, often without being named or supported.This episode explores why so many capable, committed practice owners and leaders find themselves exhausted despite external success. Why following the rules, applying the strategies, and doing what you were taught can still lead to burnout—not because you failed, but because the model you were following never included the whole human.Through reflection, lived experience, and a grounded reframe, this conversation invites you to pause and consider what’s been happening beneath your leadership and your work.This is not an episode about fixing yourself.It’s about understanding what’s been missing.In This Episode, We Explore:Why burnout isn’t always caused by doing too muchWhat “the practice beneath the practice” actually meansHow leadership, nervous system capacity, and self-worth intersectWhy external success can coexist with deep internal exhaustionHow a different foundation makes sustainable leadership possibleA Personal ReflectionDr. Alex shares part of her own journey—building a successful practice by every traditional measure, and slowly realizing that something essential was missing. Not as a story of failure, but as context for why so many leaders reach a breaking point while doing exactly what they were taught to do.This episode is an invitation to see your experience not as a personal shortcoming, but as a signal that a different way of practicing and leading may be needed.Who This Episode Is ForPractice owners who feel successful on paper but depleted in real lifeLeaders questioning whether this is what success is supposed to feel likeThose who’ve outgrown hustle but don’t yet have language for what’s nextAnyone sensing that the real work begins underneath the strategyA Gentle InvitationIf today stirred something, the Leadership Energy Audit offers a gentle place to reflect, without urgency or expectation.About the PodcastThe Rooted Practice Podcast explores inside-out leadership, practitioner wellbeing, and building a sustainable, aligned practice rooted in what matters most. Through reflective conversations and evidence-informed insight, this podcast supports leaders who want alignment—not just achievement.

What happens when success no longer feels sustainable?The Rooted Practice Podcast is a space for practice owners and purpose-driven leaders who are successful on the outside—but quietly exhausted, disconnected, or questioning the way they’ve been taught to lead.In this short trailer episode, host Dr. Alex Swenson-Ridley introduces the core idea behind the show: the practice beneath the practice—the inner leadership, nervous system patterns, values, identity, and emotional dynamics that shape how we lead, work, and live.This podcast explores inside-out leadership, practitioner wellbeing, burnout recovery, and building a sustainable, aligned practice rooted in what matters most. Rather than focusing on hustle, productivity, or quick fixes, these conversations invite reflection, regulation, and a different definition of success.If you’ve outgrown hustle culture…If leadership feels heavier than it used to…If you’re ready to stop pushing from the surface and start building from the roots—You’re in the right place.Our first two episodes will launch 2/2/26. Come back to listen then!

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the show! In this first episode of 2025, I shared my personal journey of overcoming burnout, a topic I've discussed extensively on this podcast. After celebrating my 40th birthday and spending quality time with my family, I felt it was important to revisit this subject, especially as I've recently reached the other side of burnout after a six-year struggle.I outlined the five most impactful steps that helped me heal from burnout, hoping they can serve as a guide for anyone currently experiencing it. Here are the key takeaways:Acceptance and Rest: Recognize that you're burned out and give yourself permission to stop pushing. This involves reducing physical, emotional, and mental stress and allowing yourself to rest and recover.Body Sensation Awareness: Learn to connect with your body's sensations as they are indicators of your emotional state. This can help you understand and address underlying issues contributing to burnout.HeartMath and Emotional Connection: Utilize HeartMath techniques to connect with positive emotions like love, appreciation, and compassion. This helps in achieving physiological coherence, which is crucial for healing.Making Time for Yourself: Dedicate time to connect with yourself, feel your emotions, and reflect. This can be through a morning or evening routine, ensuring you have space to process and heal.Somatic Movement: Engage in somatic movement practices to release stored trauma and stress from your body. This can be particularly effective in the final stages of healing.I also emphasized the importance of seeking support, whether from a therapist, coach, or understanding friend, and the need to break free from guilt and shame associated with burnout.For those interested, I mentioned a guide I created to help connect with oneself and start the healing process, which will be available in the show notes. Additionally, I am available for coaching and support if needed.Remember, healing from burnout is possible, and it requires intentional changes and support. Don't suffer in silence; reach out and take the first step towards a rejuvenated life. Thank you for listening, and I look forward to connecting with you in the next episode.Reach out to me with any questions or just to chat dralex@emeregentwomencoaching.comDownload The Flourishing Handbook (originally made for chiropractors, but appplies to everyone): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kKjGpjuG-4JQUN7eeSTgbFCc57J-ZNTs/view?usp=drive_link

Is it my thyroid?!? 1:8 women will have a thyroid problem at some point in their lives. After menopause, it’s 1:3. But sadly conventional medicine doesn’t typically offer more than lifelong medication once you’re so far past “fine” that it’s hard to get back. Today’s episode is a deep dive into all things thyroid with the Thyroid Fixer-Dr. Amie Hornaman.Dr. Amie Hornaman DCN, MsN, CFMP, a.k.a The Thyroid-Fixer, a woman on a mission to optimize thyroid patients around the world and give them their lives back using hertransformational program: The COMPLETE Thyroid Fix Method (CTFM).After her own experience of insufferable symptoms, misdiagnoses, and improper treatment, Amie set out to help others who she KNEW were going through the same setof frustrations and who were on the same medical roller coaster.She grabs your hand, gives you answers about your health that no one has told you, and gives you the actual tools and treatment to fix you. That’s the transformational journey.With a focus on optimizing thyroid function and thus optimizing her patients, Amie looks at each person as a unique individual and not JUST a lab value. She examines all factors that tie into thyroid dysfunction and thyroid symptoms and treats the person from top to bottom to give them their lives back.Are you looking for the next step on your health journey and want to get some one-to-one support? As a thank you for listening to the show and being proactive with your health I’d like to offer you a $200 discount on an initial consultation with me. On this visit, we do a deep dive into your current state of health and the goals you have and together craft a plan to help you move forward confidently. To learn more visit https://www.emergentwomenih.com/initial-consult. The link is also in the show notes. I would love to connect with you and partner with you on your health journey.Thank you for tuning in to rejuvenated women- impeccable health for high-performing women, where we provide you with the tools, information, and inspiration you need to transform from overwhelmed, overworked, and overweight to vibrant, energetic, and on fire. If you enjoyed the show, please head over to iTunes to subscribe and leave us a review. Each month I will select one lucky reviewer to receive a special impeccable health sample kit from me. Also, I don't want to be working with you on your health, only once or twice a week. I want to be in this conversation, and in the trenches with you every single day. I invite you to join me at www.emergentwomenih.com for even more information, inspiration, and motivation to transform your health and become vibrant, energetic, and on fire. Until next time, remember to keep putting yourself first so that you can better serve the ones you love. And the things you are passionate about.Be sure to check out our website, follow us on Facebook and Linked In, and Instagram