People & Planet

14: Releasing Trauma Through Somatic Therapy with Cheyenne Carell

In today's episode, I speak with Cheyenne Carell, a somatic experiencing practitioner and co-active coach. She has been supporting people in healing from trauma for over a decade. 
Cheyenne began by working in substance abuse treatment centers, and she now works on developing trauma-informed curriculum for substance abuse treatment centers and seeks to understand the root of trauma in the nervous system, which can lead to many issues. 
Hope you enjoy! 
 
Cheyenne's Links: 
resolvingtrauma.org 
Alya’s Links:
Follow me on Instagram:@wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/?hl=en
Visit my website: https://alyaalhamad.com/
 
Episode Timestamps: 
(00:28) Introduction
(01:20) Getting to know Cheyenne and Somatic Therapy
(06:45) The Difference Between Physical and Mental Response to Trauma 
(10:46) The Definition of Trauma
(20:00) Releasing Trauma in a Session
(27:30) Trauma Gaslighting
(34:20) Embodied Definition
(37:53) Do We All Walk Around With Trauma? 
(50:00) Practices for Emotional Regulation
(55:40) How Emotional Trauma Impacts Physical Health 
(59:10) Outro 

13: Learning About Animal Sentience With Dave Neale From Animals Asia

In this episode, I speak with Dave Neale, the Global Animal Sentience and Welfare Director for the Animals Asia organization. Animals Asia is committed to ending bear bile farming and improving the welfare of animals across Asia. 
In this episode, we discuss the history of bear bile farming, elephant riding tourism, circuses, and ocean parks, and the improvements in animal welfare that have been made in each industry. 
Hope you enjoy! 
 
Dave’s Links: 
Animals Asia website: https://www.animalsasia.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/animalsasia/?hl=en
The Asia for Animals Coalition https://www.asiaforanimals.com/
 
Alya’s Links:
Follow me on Instagram:@wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/?hl=en
Visit my website: https://alyaalhamad.com/
 
Episode Timestamps: 
(00:31) Intro
(02:28) Animals Asia & The History of Bear Bile Farming
(10:16) Intervention and Education in Bear Bile Farming
(17:32) How Bears Respond to Cruelty and Sanctuary
(26:55) Where Animals Asia is at Today
(29:50) Other Work of Animals Asia
(32:15) Elephant Riding Tourism and Developments in the Industry
(37:11) The Effects of Elephant Riding Tourism on the Elephants Themselves
(42:02) Circuses and their Harm
(47:48) The Truth Behind Ocean Parks
(56:04) The Path Forward and the Importance of Raising Awareness
(58:58) Where You Can Learn More About Wildlife Ethics
(1:03:20) Outro
 

12: Demystifying Perimenopause with Zeina Maktabi

In this episode, I speak with Zeina Maktabi, a functional medicine practitioner and expert in gut health, hormone balance, and menopause. In her professional life, Zeina helps women navigate the perimenopause transition through nutrition and lifestyle interventions. 
 
In this episode, we dive into the difference between perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Zeina helps to define each phase, while also demystifying each and making recommendations to mitigate the uncomfortable symptoms that come with perimenopause. 
 
Hope you enjoy! 
 
Zeina’s Links: IG @upcloseandhealthy https://www.instagram.com/upcloseandhealthy/
https://upcloseandhealthy.com/
 
Alya’s Links:
Follow me on Instagram:@wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/?hl=en
Visit my website: https://alyaalhamad.com/Episode Timestamps: 
(01:45) Intro
(06:06) The Symptoms of Perimenopause
(16.00) The Effects of Estrogen
(18:55) Advice to Women in Their 40s
20:39 Lifestyle Factors to Reduce Symptoms
(24:00) Gut Health and Nutrition
(30:00) Strength Training and its Benefits
(33:32) Detox
(37:02) Supplement Recommendations for Women
(40:34) Stress and the Role of Cortisol 
(46:30) The Risks of Ashwagandha Overuse
(48:33) Myth Busting
(51:37) Doctors to Speak to About Menopause
(54:11) Ways Women Can Test for Perimenopause
(1:00:21) Outro

11. An Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Advice On Preventing Injury, Healing, And Recovery; A Conversation With Dr. Naser Al Nusif

Dr. Naser Alnusif discusses injury prevention, emphasising the importance of strengthening muscles and stretching before and after exercise. He highlights the role of nutrition and rest in maintaining optimal physical health. Dr. Alnusif also explains the risks of overstretching and the importance of finding the right balance. He provides insights into preventing injuries in paddle sports and clarifies misconceptions about tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. Additionally, he discusses advancements in medicine and surgery, including the use of robotics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Dr. Alnusif emphasises the value of seeking help and guidance from mentors in both personal and professional life.
Takeaways
Strengthening muscles and stretching before and after exercise can reduce the risk of injuries.
Proper nutrition and rest are essential for optimal physical health and recovery.
Overstretching can lead to injuries, and it is important to find the right balance.
Advancements in medicine and surgery, such as robotics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, are revolutionising the field.
Seeking help and guidance from mentors is valuable in personal and professional life.
 

10. Embracing Your Inner Wisdom with Sara Abiqwa

In this episode, I connect with Sara Abiqwa, a self empowerment coach dedicated to helping women remember their authentic selves and connect to their natural inner power. 
Sara is an expert on intuition and self-love, and has worked with hundreds of women across the globe to embrace self love. 
We touch on a variety of other topics in today’s episode, including nervous system regulation, understanding triggers, managing mental narratives, and building a connection with our inner wisdom. 
Hope you enjoy! 
 
Sara’s Links: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraabiqwa/
Website: https://saraabiqwa.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saraabiqwa?_t=8mHrbISL61Q&_r=1
Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0O1ySdsikgUPyadWXErv13?si=7PCRhLP7TsCgRXNMHHlFKQ
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@saraabiqwa111?si=b2_2wrmoE9_tghKh
 
Alya’s Links:
Follow me on Instagram:@wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/?hl=en
Visit my website: https://alyaalhamad.com/
 
Book Links: 
Solve For Happy by Mo Gawdat
Chatter by Ethan Kross
Burnout: The Secret To Unlocking The Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
 
Episode Timestamps
(01:45) Intro
(06:00) Your Personality
(15:00) The Evolution of Your Truth 
(19:25) Truth and The Mind
(28:20) Differentiation Between Inner Truth and Trauma
(35:30) Internal Family Systems 
(47:00) Safety
(52:50) Social Media

9: Discussing Environmental Issues with Samia Al Duaij

In this episode, I speak with Samia Al Duaij, an expert in sustainable development, natural resource management, environmental governance, and climate change. 
Samia’s work spans the Middle East and she focuses on a multitude of sectors, mainly oil spill contingencies, sustainable fisheries, and solid waste management. 
We touch on a variety of other topics in today’s episode, including fast fashion, energy efficient homes, marine ecosystems, air pollution, and more. 
Hope you enjoy! 
 
Samia’s Links: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samia-alduaij-8649728/?originalSubdomain=kw
Instagram: @sustainablelivingkw 
https://www.instagram.com/sustainablelivingkw/?hl=en
 
Alya’s Links:
Follow me on Instagram:@wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/?hl=en
Visit my website: https://alyaalhamad.com/
 
Episode Timestamps: 
(2:21) Intro
(04:00) Coral Bleaching
(13:20) The Value of Water, Desalination
(16:00) Pollution and Air Quality
(25:00) The Importance of Indigenous Plants
(25:40) Droughts in Iraq and Syria
(32:00) Single-Use Plastics
(34:45) Conspicuous Consumption
(45:15) Textile Waste
(49:22) Climate Action
(55:37) Outro
 

8: Learning About NAD+ With Longevity Expert Dr. Nichola Conlon

This conversation with Dr. Nichola Conlon explores the topic of NAD+ and its role in the body, particularly in relation to ageing and longevity. The discussion covers different methods of administering NAD+, including IVs and supplements, and the safety considerations associated with each. We also delve into the effects of NAD+ on the heart and brain, the connection between NAD+ and inflammation and discuss cancer risks. The importance of testing NAD+ levels and biological age is highlighted, along with the concept of fixing the root causes of NAD+ decline. Dr. Nichola Conlon explains the importance of NAD as an essential nutrient and its role in maintaining overall health. She emphasises the need to consult a doctor before taking any supplements, especially if undergoing cancer treatment. Dr. Conlon also highlights the impact of lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet on NAD production. Additionally, she highlights how fasting can boost NAD levels and promote cellular repair. The episode concludes with a discussion on the detrimental effects of smoking, alcohol, and sun damage on NAD levels.
 
Takeaways:
 
NAD+ is a natural molecule found in every cell in the body and plays a critical role in energy production and cell repair.
 
NAD+ levels decline with age, leading to a decrease in energy production and an accumulation of cellular damage.
 
Different methods of administering NAD+ include IVs, injections, and precursor supplements.
 
Safety considerations should be taken into account when using NAD+ IVs or injections, as high doses can lead to adverse side effects.
 
Testing NAD+ levels is challenging due to the instability of the molecule, but biological age tests can provide insights into inflammation levels.
 
Nuchido's approach to NAD+ supplementation focuses on fixing the root causes of NAD+ decline and includes ingredients that boost NAD+ production and inhibit inflammation.
 
NAD+ does not cause cancer, but targeting NAD+ supply to cancer cells is being explored as a potential treatment. NAD is an essential nutrient required by all cells for optimal functioning.
 
Consult a doctor before taking NAD supplements, especially if undergoing cancer treatment.
 
Lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet can influence NAD production.
 
Fasting can boost NAD levels and promote cellular repair.
 
Smoking, alcohol, and sun damage can deplete NAD levels.
 
Dr. Nichola Conlon’s Links:
Instagram: @drnicholaconlon https://www.instagram.com/drnicholaconlon/
Nuchido Instagram: @nuchido https://www.instagram.com/nuchido/
Nuchido Website: https://nuchido.com/
 
Alya's Links: 
Instagram: @wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/
Website: www.alyaalhamad.com
 

7: How Mold Exposure Impacts the Human Body with Jessica Alana

In this episode, I speak with Jessica Alana, a board-certified, Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioner who specializes in mold illness, otherwise known as Sick Building Syndrome. 
Jessica’s work is instrumental in furthering the study of mold and its impacts on the human body, all of which we cover in this interview. 
We touch on a variety of other topics in today’s episode, including an overview of Jessica’s work, Sick Building Syndrome, symptoms associated with the illness, how mold shows up in food, and much more! 
 
Jessica's links: 
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jessicaalanas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaalana/
Website: https://www.jessicalana.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-alana/
 
Alya's Links:
Follow me on Instagram: @wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/?hl=en
Visit my website: https://alyaalhamad.com/
 
Episode Timestamps: 
(1:32) Intro 
(2:20) Sick Building Illness overview
(05:00) Who’s impacted by SBI 
(07:15) Symptoms and how to treat SBI
(15:20) Tips for suspected exposure
(20:08) Mold in food
(25:50) Testing for the genotype
(27:34) Surprises in mold work 
(32:00) How women are affected by mold exposure
(35:00) Where to find Jessica

6: Improve Your Health And Your Waistline With Lymphatic Drainage - A Conversation With Flavia Morellato, London’s Favorite Lymphatic Drainage Expert

Flavia Morellato delves into the lymphatic system's role in health, emphasizing its collaboration with the circulatory system. She highlights how it influences metabolism, hydration, digestion, and immunity, shedding light on lymph nodes and fluids. Flavia introduces her specialized lymphatic drainage technique, which uses deeper pressure and gut manoeuvres.
She underscores the significance of movement, hydration, and proper breathing for lymphatic efficiency and links emotional stress to lymphatic health. Flavia advocates for regular lymphatic drainage, offering advice on care before and after sessions.
Discussing lymphatic drainage's advantages, Flavia points to its effectiveness in managing pain, supporting hormonal balance, and enhancing fertility. She suggests auxiliary therapies like triple detox, ozone, and cryotherapy. She provides insights into correct facial and body massage techniques, cautioning against common errors and underscoring pain-free procedures. Flavia wraps up by stressing hydration's role in maintaining lymphatic health.
 
Links: 
Flavia’s IG: @flaviamorellato  https://www.instagram.com/flaviamorellato/
Falvia’s website:  https://www.flaviamorellato.co.uk/
Can also visit the Biolite Clinic in Dubai to enjoy the Flavia Morelatto method: https://www.biolitedubai.com/
 
Alya's Links: 
Instagram: @wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/
Website: www.alyaalhamad.com
 
Episode Timestamps: 
(0:00) intro 
(2:42) Overview of the lymphatic system
(10:55) The Flavia Morelatto method
(25:05) Who benefits from lymphatic drainage
(27:08) Preparing for a session 
(31:02) Supplements for lymphatic health
(36:06) Interesting client stories
(44:32) Wrapping up 
 

5: Understanding The Gut-Brain Connection With The Functional Nutritionist Lulu Alarmeli

In this conversation, Lulu Alarmali, a Functional Nutritionist and gut health specialist, discusses the importance of gut health and its impact on overall well-being. She explains the difference between conventional medicine and functional medicine, highlighting the comprehensive approach of functional medicine in treating the root cause of health issues. 
Lulu emphasises the role of food in gut health and how it can either promote a healthy gut microbiome or contribute to inflammation and imbalances. She also explores the gut-brain-axis and the connection between gut health and mental health, explaining how gut inflammation can affect brain function and mood, but also how stress and negative thoughts can impact gut health.
Lulu addresses the impact of gut health on sleep, highlighting the importance of a healthy gut microbiome for quality sleep. The conversation explores the impact of gut inflammation on cortisol and sleep, the importance of sleep and recommended hours, the connection between cortisol, stress, and weight gain, the effects of belly fat and estrogen dominance.
We explore the body positivity movement and its health implications, understanding skinny fat and the importance of muscle mass, the impact of snacking or "grazing" on gut health, and tips for starting a gut health journey. 
In this conversation, Lulu discusses the importance of a diverse gut microbiome and the positive impact of exercise on the microbiome and overall health. She emphasises the need to cycle probiotics and shares a study that shows a positive improvement in microbial balance after exercise. Lulu also mentions the connection between exercise, movement, mental health, and serotonin levels. 
 
Lulu's Links:
Lulu’s Instagram: @thefunctionalnutritionist https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalnutritionist/?hl=en
Lulu’s Website: https://www.thefunctionalnutritionistkw.com/
Alya's Links
Instagram: @wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/?hl=en
Website: www.alyaalhamad.com