In this week's episode Colette sits down with Valerie Probstfeld, RN, MSN, FNP-BC who is an advocate for moms.

Becoming a mother is a transformative experience, but for Valerie, it was also a profound paradigm shift. In this episode, she shares how her journey into motherhood took an unexpected turn when her first baby had to go to the NICU. Despite preparing and envisioning the motherhood experience, she quickly realized that control was an illusion.

Valerie reflects on the emotional and mental toll of that period, how being referred to as "mom" in the hospital felt both beautiful and identity-altering. She explores the verb "to mom" and how, for her, it became synonymous with love. Through writing and deep reflection, she navigated feelings of trauma, OCD, and the weight of responsibility, eventually finding empowerment in spreading awareness and advocating for other mothers facing similar challenges.

Inspired by her own experiences, Valerie founded To Mom Is to Love (www.tomomistolove.com), a platform dedicated to redefining what it means to be a mother. She emphasizes that mothering is not just a role but an active expression of love, care, and resilience. Through her writing and advocacy, she encourages mothers to embrace both the joys and challenges of motherhood.

As she continues to process her journey, Valerie shares the biggest lesson she learned, while we can't control everything in life, we can always choose love over fear.

Episode Highlights:

03:03 Valerie's Grandmother's smile: the powerful impact it had on her mindset

12:56 Valerie's insight to her performance as a mom and her intentional choice to change generational patterns

18:03 Valerie's to-be-published book: coming together as a community with a growth mindset

22:46 Leading with more love and less fear

Key Takeaways:

- The illusion of control in motherhood and the importance of surrender

- The emotional impact of the NICU experience and identity shifts
- Defining "to mom" as an act of love and resilience
- How advocacy and awareness can help other mothers feel less alone

Connect & Share:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow mom or someone who needs to hear this message. Let's continue the conversation about the emotional journey of motherhood, advocacy, and choosing love over fear.

Get to Know Valerie:

Valerie Probstfeld, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner, writer, flutist, and podcaster. She is the founder of “To Mom is To Love” (tomomistolove.com) a community that encourages mothers to live their verb and promote love as an action. Valerie graduated from Bradley University with degrees in nursing and music. She also received her masters in nursing from Yale University. Valerie has experience in a variety of medical settings including pediatric neurology and primary care.

Website: https://www.tomomistolove.com/

Podcast: https://www.tomomistolove.com/podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQhKAdlZP8_tq2-zv3CqhrQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerie_probstfeld/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-probstfeld-23022448/

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette

In this powerful episode of Limitless Healing with Colette Brown, Colette welcomes Mariela Dominguez Leandro, a dedicated yoga instructor specializing in yoga for cancer, to explore the profound impact of yoga and breathwork on healing. Having faced her own experience with cancer, she deeply understands the complexities of living with it and is passionate about helping others cultivate strength, resilience, balance, and improved health through yoga. With a deep passion for supporting individuals at every stage of their cancer journey, Mariela shares how mindful movement and conscious breathing can empower the body and mind.

Breathwork plays a crucial role in calming the nervous system, enhancing immune function, and promoting deep relaxation. Mariela explains how specific breathing techniques help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and increase overall well-being.

Beyond yoga, Mariela is also the heart behind Ostara, a sustainable lifestyle store in St Andrews, Scotland. At Ostara, you’ll find handpicked items that nurture both the body and the planet, all chosen with the same mindfulness Mariela brings to her yoga practice. Her commitment to sustainability and wellness extends beyond the mat, creating a space where people can embrace balance in all aspects of life.

Tune in now to discover the power of yoga, breathwork, and sustainable living for holistic well-being.

Episode Highlights:

02:55 Mariela childhood memories and trajectory of her young adulthood

06:27 Her immersion in Tibetan yoga, Yantra yoga and Tibetan medicine

07:48 Mariela's cancer diagnosis

11:48 Mariela guides us through a breathwork exercise

19:40 Cancer patients feeling disconnected from their bodies

22:07 Kinder gentler fabrics to wear and benefit our worl

26:10 The power of presence and meditation

More about Mariela:

Mariela is the owner of Ostara, an independent shop in St Andrews, Scotland, offering sustainable, ageless fashion and sensory-friendly designs. Originally from Argentina and with Spanish roots, Mariela is also a certified yoga instructor specialising in yoga for cancer and Tibetan yoga. Having faced her own experience with cancer, she deeply understands the complexities of living with it and is passionate about helping others cultivate strength, resilience, balance, and improved health through yoga. As an autistic individual, Mariela brings a unique perspective to wellbeing, promoting inclusivity and mindful living in all that she does. Through her yoga practice and her shop, she is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to embrace life fully.

Mariela's shop website is ostaralife.com - https://ostaralife.com and her yoga website is marielayoga.com -https://marielayoga.com. Please visit both to find out more.

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette

In this episode of Limitless Healing, host Colette Brown welcomes Brandon LaGreca, a licensed acupuncturist and expert in traditional Chinese medicine, to share his incredible journey of healing from stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma using an integrative oncology protocol that included immunotherapy.

Brandon dives into the role of environmental toxins, and the emotional factors behind disease, offering practical strategies for detoxification, stress reduction, and strengthening the immune system. He explains how immunotherapy, holistic therapies, and lifestyle changes played a crucial role in his recovery.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking cancer prevention, healing, and optimal wellness.

Episode Highlights:

02:20 Get to know Brandon his exposure to Asian ways and before his cancer diagnosis

06:33 Brandon's diagnosis of non Hodgkin's lymphoma

08:27 Chinese medicine and how everything comes back to being inbalancewith nauture

12:04 Personality types that tend to get cancer

16:35 Stresses if the day carrying over into night making us sick

20:05 Blood sugar regulation steps to balance well being

25:50 The importance of air purification in our world today

27:53 Lifestyle approaches we can all try to be healthier

More about Brandon:

Brandon LaGreca, LAc, MAcOM, grew up on the East Coast of the US and attended
Montclair State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in science with a
minor in religion, summa cum laude. He then moved to the West Coast to fulfill a drea he had from the age of 12 of studying traditional Chinese medicine. He was accepted to the prestigious Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, where he earned a master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. His postgraduate work included studying and working at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in China. After 10 years of private practice, Brandon experienced firsthand the journey of the wounded healer when a series of small bowel obstructions led to hospitalization and diagnosis of stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He achieved remission eight months later following an integrative oncology protocol that included immunotherapy without surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. He now lectures and writes on the epigenetics of cancer and has dedicated his career to empowering patients through and beyond chronic illnesses such as cancer. His latest interests include studying indigenous forms of healing and eco-spirituality.

Publications:

- Cancer and EMF Radiation: How to Protect Yourself From the Silent Carcinogen of Electropollution

- Cancer, Stress & Mindset: Focusing the Mind to Empower Healing and Resilience.

- Cancer, Trauma & Emotions: A Traditional Medicine Path to Spiritual Wholeness

- Empowered Patient Blog

Website: http://BrandonLaGreca.com
Amazon: https://amazon.com/Brandon-LaGreca/e/B07LGB5ZTK
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brandon-lagre
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18731846.Brandon_LaGreca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredPatientBlog/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/brandonlagreca

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette

In this episode, Colette Brown interviews Dr. Patti Gonzalez, a former chiropractor turned health concierge with a focus on holistic health. Dr. Gonzalez discusses her background in chiropractic care and her transition to becoming a health concierge. She emphasizes the importance of gut health, detoxification, and understanding the gut-brain connection. The conversation delves into the specifics of parasite cleanses, the impact of toxins on the body, and practical tips for maintaining overall wellness.

Episode Highlights:

02:04 Dr. Patti Gonzalez'sBackground and Journey

05:01 Transition to Health Concierge

06:32 Understanding Chiropractic Education

09:32 The Importance of Detoxification

11:30 Parasite Cleansing: Benefits and Process

14:40 Practical Tips for Parasite Cleansing

23:14 Parasite Cleanse Program Details and Final Thoughts

Learn more about Dr. Gonzalez:

Dr. Patti Gonzalez is a retired chiropractor turned Health Concierge. She believes optimal health is not merely a destination; rather it's a return to our original template, your Innate Roots. Drawing inspiration from the intricacies of our body's cellular composition and the connection between our gut and brain, she’s curated a holistic approach to restore your health blueprint, focusing on gut health, parasites, and other root cause issues.

Website: www.innateroots.com for more on Dr. Patti and her Health Concierge Services

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pattigonzalez/

The Big 6 Lymph Points: https://stan.store/DrPatti-InnateRoots/p/get-the-free-guide-i3pkht54

Take the Parasite Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/HhIA1vI9

Personalized Parasite Cleanse Program: https://stan.store/DrPatti-InnateRoots/p/personalized-parasite-cleanse-group

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette

In this heartfelt episode, I share personal and collective challenges brought on by the devastating Palisades fire. With homes lost, routines disrupted, and uncertainty looming, this is a moment that tests our resilience, compassion, and ability to adapt.

Episode Highlights:

01:55 A Personal Story: My family’s experience with the fire, including evacuating, facing air quality challenges, and navigating the emotional toll of uncertainty.

02:24 Community Kindness: Heartwarming examples of generosity, from businesses donating essentials to neighbors opening their homes.

05:09 Creating Stability in Chaos: The power of small routines, traditions, and meaningful connections to provide a sense of normalcy.

05:48 Listening to Our Kids: How to truly hear and validate their emotions while guiding them through difficult times.

07:14 Mindfulness & Breathwork: Learn the simple yet powerful practice of box breathing to reduce stress and build clarity during chaos.

08:43 Leaning on Each Other: The importance of collective support and how small gestures can create a ripple effect of compassion.

Thank you for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and encouragement. From messages to offers of support your kindness reminds us that we’re not alone in this. Let’s continue to extend that compassion to those around us; outreach can make a world of difference.

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette

In this inspiring episode, Colette sits down with British-born director, producer, writer, and founder of Mother & Daughter Entertainment, Elizabeth Blake Thomas. Known for her socially impactful, family-friendly films, Elizabeth shares her journey of intentional living, creativity, and personal growth.

From childhood memories of simple joys like picnics and outdoor adventures to her philosophy on balancing technology and mental health, Elizabeth offers profound insights into the power of living consciously. She discusses her book Living with Intention, the importance of vision boards, and how she and her daughter embrace mindfulness in their daily lives.

Elizabeth also delves into the pivotal moments that shaped her career and personal philosophy, including a wake-up call to live a balanced life while raising her daughter. Her TED Talk, "Embracing Mortality," and her reflections on the inevitability of life's challenges provide a thoughtful exploration of what truly matters.

Tune in for a heartwarming and thought-provoking conversation about creativity, purpose, and the legacy we leave behind.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Elizabeth’s upbringing influenced her creative approach to life.
• The importance of simple joys and staying connected to nature.
• How technology impacts mental health and the need for balance in a fast-paced world.
• The lessons she shares about living intentionally.
• Practical exercises for living with intention and building a meaningful life.

Learn more about Elizabeth and her work at:

Website: https://www.medicinewithwords.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medicinewithwords/
Elizabeth's Books: https://www.medicinewithwords.com/products

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette

In this heartfelt episode, Colette Brown speaks with Liz Nieves and her husband Rodrigo Rodriguez about their transformative journey through cancer, healing, and lifestyle change.

Rodrigo’s courageous battle with Stage 4 cancer supporting all along the way by his wife Liz who educated herself and became certified as a a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner to help her husband battle cancer.

Rodrigo's battle became a catalyst for purpose, shifting his career to advocate for water purification systems. Liz, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, emphasizes the importance of spiritual grounding and empowering families to embrace healthier habits.

Episode Highlights:

00:30 Meet Liz and Rodrigo: A Journey of Love and Resilience

02:09 Rodrigo's Childhood Memories and Immigration Story

02:52 Liz's Harrowing Escape from Cuba

08:18 A Love Story Rekindled: Liz and Rodrigo's Reunion

13:03 The Cancer Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment

18:41 Post-Surgery Realizations

19:21 The Diagnosis and Timeline

20:44 Facing the Reality of Stage 4 Cancer

21:42 The Caregiver's Perspective

24:07 Nutritional Journey and Career Shift

24:45 Integrative Care and Lifestyle Changes

32:42 The Importance of Water Purification

35:31 Final Reflections and Messages of Hope

What You’ll Learn:

• How Rodrigo turned his cancer diagnosis into a life-changing opportunity.
• Liz’s four-pillar approach to integrative cancer support: toxicity, deficiencies, nutrition, and emotional wellness.
• Practical tips for adopting a healthier family lifestyle.
• The impact of clean water on health and Rodrigo’s advocacy journey.
• Why spiritual resilience is vital for mental and physical well-being.

Key Quotes:

• "Ownership of your habits is the key to change." – Liz
• "Cancer was a blessing because it transformed our lives." – Rodrigo
• "Spiritual grounding is the anchor in times of hardship." – Liz

• Connect with Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liznieves08/

Don’t Miss This Inspiring Episode!
Discover how love, resilience, and lifestyle changes can transform challenges into blessings.

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette

In this episode, Colette Brown interviews Lewis Swire, an 18-year-old social entrepreneur and advocate for youth empowerment. Despite his young age, Lewis has founded several impactful initiatives, including Reel It In a campaign to combat social media addiction.

Lewis shares his journey, starting from his childhood in Edinburgh, Scotland, his passion for modern ballet at the Royal Conservatory of Scotland, and his early ventures with The Curious Times and the Global Young Entrepreneur Society. He discusses his keynote speeches at high-profile events, his recognition with awards like the Diana Award and the UK Prime Minister's Point of Light Award, and the importance of balancing digital restriction with active lifestyles for youth.

Lewis sheds light on the alarming statistics around social media consumption by young people, the need for peer-to-peer education, and the importance of creativity, resilience, and integrity in achieving one's potential.

01:01 Meet Lewis Swire: The 18-Year-Old Social Entrepreneur
03:55 Early Life and Inspirations
05:57 The Birth of The Curious Times
06:36 Family Influence and Digital Restrictions
07:18 The Impact of Social Media on Youth
08:59 Achievements and Future Aspirations
14:35 Reel It In: Combating Social Media Addiction
19:19 Strategies for Reducing Screen Time
22:43 The Power of Human Potential
23:32 Teaching Financial Responsibility to Kids
26:27 Encouraging Resourcefulness and Resilience
28:28 Final Thoughts on Passion and Purpose
28:22 Listening to Your Inner Voice
33:23 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
36:48 The Impact of Our Actions
38:56 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Connect with Lewis:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewisswire/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewisswire/

Website: REEL IT IN https://www.reelitin.uk/

The Global Young Entrepreneur Society https://www.gyes.org/

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette