Welcome to Episode One of Becoming Natural! They say to start messy so there’s nowhere to go but up.
I wanted to start my first episode by introducing myself, sharing my history, and explaining why I started this podcast. Why did I go from “No way” to “OK”? Today, I want to share my vision and my why—I think I might surprise you. I have a long history of surprising my doctors, so why not you too?
My Story
I am just a regular mom with big faith and three incredible teenage boys who mean the world to me. I have two very entertaining dogs and a wonderful husband who, despite his deep-seated anxiety around hospitals, has stood by my side through thick and thin. While he finds hospitals overwhelming, I find them to be my second home. I am an Occupational Therapist, and I love helping patients recover from life-altering conditions. My passion has always been for critical cases, especially Traumatic Brain Injury patients fresh out of the ICU. It has fascinated me how our bodies have an orderly, divine pattern of healing—one that ultimately led me to discover the healing power of plants. I wasn’t always this aware of natural healing. In fact, I was cynical. But life has a way of opening our eyes.My Health Journey
Before I became an OT, I was battling severe digestive issues, which were ultimately diagnosed as Crohn’s Disease when I was 24. My symptoms had worsened for over 20 years, leading to two reconstructive stomach surgeries. At the time, I was working in a Level One Trauma Center and had never even heard of Crohn’s. Now, it’s a household name—why is that? After my surgeries, I transitioned into a pharmaceutical sales role, selling one of the most well-known acid-reducing pills on the market. I enjoyed the work, but my health continued to decline. Despite having access to some of the best GI doctors and specialists across the country, nothing seemed to help. By 2015, I had 80% of my stomach removed and nearly lost my life due to sepsis. Those dark days were very difficult.A Shift in Perspective
During my recovery, I began questioning everything. Why was I on medication that suppressed my immune system, only to develop bleeding gums, a ganglion cyst, and repeated pneumonia? Why was I taking painkillers that simply masked my symptoms instead of addressing the root cause? When my friend introduced me to essential oils, I was skeptical. But when they worked—and even my doctors were shocked—I knew I had to dig deeper. I studied the chemistry of plants, their terpenes and flavonoids, and how they protect both plants and humans from disease. I witnessed miracles in my healing—from a disease that supposedly can’t be healed. My journey transformed my faith, my marriage, and my perspective on health.The Purpose of This Podcast
I want Becoming Natural to be the go-to podcast for moms who want to clean up their lifestyle and take control of their health. Chronic illness is exhausting, and I want to share all the things I wish I had known 20 years ago. Health isn’t just about diet and exercise; it’s also about removing hidden toxins from our lives. From household products to emotional stress, there are countless factors affecting our well-being. It can feel overwhelming, but I believe in making small, sustainable changes that lead to lasting health.What I Am (and What I Am Not)
I am not anti-medicine. Western medicine has made great advancements, but I believe we are too quick to medicate before allowing the body to heal naturally. I am not perfect, nor am I a fitness guru or a health nut. I believe in balance. I still have my daily Coke, and I take small, achievable steps toward cleaner living every day.What You Can Expect
In each episode of Becoming Natural, I’ll share pieces of my journey, practical tips, and the faith-based perspective that guided my healing. We will chat about:- Simple food swaps
- How I addressed my chronic illness naturally
- Eliminating harmful household chemicals
- When to use plants as medicine
- The role of emotions in health
- The importance of preventative care
- How faith plays a role in healing
- Supporting loved ones with chronic illness
