The Great Connect

The Great Connect

por Carrie Allen

Intermittent Fasting 101: What It Is, What It Isn’t & Where to Start (For Beginners) With Jim Jackson

Let's be honest—if you've Googled intermittent fasting lately, you've probably ended up in a rabbit hole of conflicting advice, extreme protocols, and someone telling you that hunger is just a mindset. This episode is not that. Carrie sits down with holistic health practitioner Jim Jackson to cut through the noise on one of the most talked-about (and most misunderstood) approaches to eating. No dogma, no hardcore protocols—just a real conversation about what intermittent fasting actually is, why it's not as scary as it sounds, and how to start in a way that doesn't make you want to quit by day three. In this episode: What intermittent fasting actually is (and isn’t)—and why your ancestors were basically already doing it The difference between real hunger and "I'm bored and the kitchen exists" hunger Why starting with a simple 12:12 fast is a completely valid move The actual benefits: fat burning, insulin regulation, mental clarity, and cellular repair (yes, really) What to eat when you break your fast (hint: not a donut) Special considerations for women—especially around hormonal shifts and your cycle Why your diet matters before you start fasting Whether you've tried IF before and gave up, or you're completely new to the concept, this is your starting point. 🔗 Resources mentioned: Learn More and Connect With Jim Jackson: https://www.holistichealthhub.app/jim-jackson [Free Resource] Download Intermittent Fasting Guide: https://portal.holistichealthhub.app/offer/jija-intermittent-fasting-guide Light Me Up! Retreat Details (including a $300 discount!): https://portal.holistichealthhub.app/offer/light-me-up-retreat

Patient Advocacy 101: Navigating Treatment, Building Your Team & Finding Your Voice w/Deb Krier

Navigating cancer treatment can feel overwhelming—like you've been dropped into a complex system where you're expected to make critical decisions without a roadmap. Deb Krier has faced cancer—more than once, including breast cancer (that became stage four), as well as thyroid cancer. She went into septic shock during her first chemo, had a double mastectomy, and learned that the difference between surviving and thriving often comes down to one thing: knowing how to advocate for yourself. This isn't your typical "stay positive!" cancer story. This is an honest conversation about what actually matters when you're facing a serious diagnosis and trying to navigate the healthcare system. In this episode: Why your care team matters more than you think (and how to recognize when a doctor isn't the right fit) The actual role of integrative cancer coaching (and how it works alongside traditional treatment) How humor becomes a genuine coping mechanism during difficult times Real talk on balancing traditional treatments with holistic approaches (because both can coexist) Why "doing your own research" needs guardrails and trusted guidance Here's what we wish more people knew: Holistic health can include MDs. It can include chemotherapy. It can include rest and pie and joy. And it definitely includes advocating for yourself—because your voice matters in your own care. Deb now runs tryingnottodie.LIVE, supporting professionals facing cancer with community, resources, and the kind of honest conversations that often get missed in clinical settings. This episode is for you if: You're navigating cancer (or supporting someone who is) You're trying to make sense of conflicting health information You want to learn how to effectively communicate with your medical team You believe healing can include both evidence-based medicine and maintaining your humanity CONNECT WITH DEB: tryingnottodie.LIVE Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply survive. And sometimes surviving means knowing which questions to ask, which professionals to trust, and how to find moments of lightness even in dark times. About The Human Array: We know holistic health can feel chaotic and overwhelming. We're here to help you navigate it with honesty and clarity—no BS, no miracle cures, just real conversations about what actually works. Subscribe for honest discussions about health, science, and the reality of living well.

Holistic Pet Care 101 w/ Jeff the Vet: Fresh Food, Natural Health, and Better Wellness

Your pet's health works just like yours—holistic, interconnected, and way more than just treating symptoms when they pop up. In this episode, holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeffrey Feinman shares how to move beyond kibble and quick fixes to actually improve your pet's quality of life. We cover the whole-system approach to pet health: fresh food vs. ultra-processed kibble, how much exercise your pet actually needs, the power of presence and love in healing, and why proactive care beats reactive treatment every time. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why fresh, raw, varied foods beat processed kibble for dogs and cats ✅ The 4 P's of Scientific Wellness: Personalized, Proactive, Predictive, Participatory ✅ How to start transitioning your pet to a healthier diet (micro-shifts work!) ✅ Why exercise isn't one-size-fits-all—let your pet lead ✅ The role of love, presence, and energy in your pet's health ✅ Understanding the exposome: genetics + environment = your pet's health outcomes ✅ How to focus on vitality and quality of life, not just individual symptoms Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Jeff's Free Masterclass on Holistic Pet Care: https://www.holisticactions.com/masterclass/ 📖 Holistic Actions Book (Coming Soon): https://www.holisticactions.com/book/ About The Human Array: We're your smartest, funniest friend who did all the holistic health research so you don't have to—for humans AND pets. Real talk, evidence-based info, zero BS. 👍 Like this episode? Hit subscribe and the notification bell 💬 Questions? Drop them in the comments 👎 Disagree with something? We want to hear it

Sleep 101: The Science Behind Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep, and Waking Up Rested w/ Dr. Andrea Matsumura

How to Improve Sleep Quality | Sleep Doctor Explains Why You're Always Tired Getting 8 hours of sleep but still waking up exhausted? You're not alone. Sleep doctor Dr. Andrea Matsumura explains why sleep quality matters more than sleep quantity—and how to actually fix your sleep problems, as naturally as possible. 🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Sleep Quality vs Sleep Quantity Why hours of sleep don't matter if you're not getting restorative sleep, plus signs of poor sleep quality you shouldn't ignore Circadian Rhythm Disorders How to tell if your body clock is misaligned and what to do about it (spoiler: bright light therapy and low-dose melatonin actually work) The Truth About Naps When napping helps vs. when it's destroying your nighttime sleep quality Sleep and Menopause What hormonal changes do to your sleep and evidence-based solutions that actually help Melatonin, Blue Light, and Sleep Supplements What works, what doesn't, and how to use them correctly (not what wellness influencers tell you) Sleep Hygiene Tips That Work Practical, science-backed sleep improvement strategies you can start tonight 🔬 ABOUT DR. ANDREA MATSUMURA: Dr. Matsumura is a board-certified sleep medicine physician who specializes in treating insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and sleep problems related to menopause and hormonal changes. 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dr. Matsumura's Mini Insomnia Toolkit: https://shop.andreamatsumuramd.com/products/insomnia-reset-toolkit Sleep Supplement She Recommends: https://shop.andreamatsumuramd.com/products/pause-sleep Best Sleep Mask for Light Blocking: https://shop.andreamatsumuramd.com/products/dream-sleep-silk-eye-mask Empower Collective Conference (March 13-15, Oregon Coast): https://mpowercollective.com/shift2026/ Connect with Dr. Andrea Matsumura: Website: https://andreamatsumuramd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandreamatsumura/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamatsumuramd/ 🎙️ ABOUT THE HUMAN ARRAY PODCAST: Real conversations about holistic health without the BS. We cover functional medicine, women's health, sleep science, gut health, and everything in between—with experts who actually know what they're talking about. 💬 Have sleep questions? Drop them in the comments—Dr. Matsumura might answer them in a future video! 👍 If this helped you understand your sleep issues better, give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more evidence-based health content.

Acupuncture 101: Your Questions Answered (Yes, Even the Weird Ones) With Autumn Bear

We've all Googled "does acupuncture actually work" at 2am—let's talk about it. In this episode, Carrie sits down with acupuncturist and herbalist Autumn Bear to demystify one of the oldest healing practices on the planet. Spoiler: those tiny needles aren't magic, but what they can do is pretty impressive. What We Cover: What acupuncture actually is (and what it's not) How those 365 energetic points communicate with your organs and emotions The diagnostic process: tongue and pulse reading explained like you're a human, not a med student Real talk on bruising, bleeding, and whether it hurts (short answer: not really) How to incorporate acupuncture into your wellness routine—whether you're managing chronic issues or just trying not to fall apart Acupuncture for hangovers, Sunday scaries, athletic recovery, and more Why Western medicine is finally catching up to what's been working for 5,000 years Common Myths We're Busting: ❌ "It's just placebo effect" ❌ "You have to believe in it for it to work" ❌ "It's going to hurt like hell" ❌ "It's only for pain management" Autumn breaks down the eight diagnostic parameters of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), explains why your tongue says so much about your health, and gives us the honest truth about what acupuncture can (and can't) do. No wellness woo-woo, no miracle cure promises—just practical information from someone who's been doing this work for years. Perfect for you if: You're acupuncture-curious but intimidated You've tried everything else and you're running out of options You want to understand how Chinese medicine actually works You're looking for preventative care that doesn't involve 47 supplements Find Autumn Bear: https://www.autumnbear.com/ Connect with us: The Human Array: https://thehumanarray.com The Human Array LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ Carrie Allen LinkedIn https://bit.ly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanarray/ TikTok: https://bit.ly/THATikTok About The Human Array: We cut through the holistic health chaos so you don't have to open all the tabs. Real research, honest conversations, zero BS about miracle cures. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes where we actually explain this stuff 💬 Drop your acupuncture questions in the comments 👍 Hit like if you learned something (or if you can relate to Googling symptoms at 2am) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness practice.

Essential Oils 101: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why Quality Matters w/ Katie Hussong & Megan Schneider

Essential oils: do they actually work—or is it all hype? In this episode of The Great Connect, host Carrie Allen sits down with Katie Hussong and Megan Schneider to break down what essential oils really are, how they work in the body, and how to use them safely and effectively as part of a holistic health approach. Essential oils have become one of the most polarizing topics in wellness. Some people swear by them for stress relief, headaches, and immune support. Others dismiss them as pseudoscience. So what does the research actually say—and where does real-world experience matter? This conversation cuts through the noise with a clear, evidence-informed, no-BS look at essential oils so you can decide what’s right for your body. 🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ What essential oils actually are (steam-distilled plant extracts containing therapeutic compounds) ✔️ Why quality and purity matter for safety, effectiveness, and results ✔️ The three main ways to use essential oils: ✔️ Evidence-based uses for common concerns like stress, headaches, and digestion ✔️ How to get started safely without overwhelm ✔️ Why education and community matter when using essential oils ✔️ How doTERRA approaches purity testing and ethical sourcing 🧠 The Honest Truth Essential oils aren’t a magic cure-all—and they’re not meant to replace medical care. But when you understand how they work and use high-quality products appropriately, they can be a powerful tool in your holistic health toolkit. If you’ve ever felt confused, skeptical, curious, or overwhelmed by essential oils… this episode is for you. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Connect with Katie HussongWebsite Instagram Connect with Megan SchneiderWebsite Instagram Check out a Cō-Practice Discover which oils are best for you 💬 Join the Conversation Have questions about essential oils? Curious about how to use them safely? Drop your questions in the comments—we read every one. 👍 If this episode helped you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend who’s wellness-curious but hype-averse.

2026 Wellness Trends with Dr. Catherine Clinton: Quantum Biology & Natural Light

What if your health isn't just about what you eat—but also about light, sound, and electromagnetic fields? In this episode, Dr. Catherine Clinton breaks down quantum biology: the emerging science of how waves of information impact your cells and create measurable biological action. We're talking natural light exposure, blue light blocking, sound frequencies, and why 2026 might be the year wellness gets simple again. What we cover: What quantum biology actually means (and why it matters for your health) How light and sound create biological responses in your body Why natural light might be more important than supplements Practical blue light strategies that actually work Dr. Clinton's predictions for 2026 health trends Simple, non-invasive practices you can start today Dr. Catherine Clinton is a licensed naturopathic physician with 17+ years of clinical experience and founder of the Quantum Biology Health Institute. After healing herself from two autoimmune conditions and Lyme disease, she's dedicated her career to teaching practitioners and health enthusiasts worldwide how to apply quantum biology principles for optimal health. This conversation will change how you think about health. Resources mentioned: Dr. Catherine Clinton's website: https://www.drcatherineclinton.com/ Quantum Biology Health Institute: https://www.quantumbiologyhealthinstitute.org/ "Optimize" book: https://www.drcatherineclinton.com/optimize Connect with Dr. Catherine Clinton: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.catherineclinton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.catherineclintonnd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.catherineclinton LinkedId: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-clinton-17b87b42/ Connect with us: The Human Array: https://thehumanarray.comThe Human Array LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/Carrie Allen LinkedIn https://bit.ly/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanarray/ TikTok: https://bit.ly/THATikTok

Our Wake-Up Calls & Your Fresh Start (Living Holistic-ish)

Four women. Four wake-up calls. One honest conversation about living “holistic-ish.” This week on The Human Array Podcast, host Carrie Allen sits down with Amanda, Erin, Kristina, and Jeannette to get real about their holistic health journeys—the scary diagnoses, the family health crises, the 2am Google spirals, and the small changes that changed everything. They share how autoimmune disease, cancer, natural birth, and Whole30 became unexpected teachers in learning to trust their bodies. You’ll also hear practical ways to start your own wellness journey (without the BS): sleeping better, reading ingredients, adding gentle movement, and embracing progress over perfection. You'll hear: How an autoimmune disease diagnosis led to intermittent fasting, yoga, and finally feeling strong again How a family member's cancer survival through diet changed an entire family's approach to health How preparing for natural birth opened the door to understanding the body's capabilities How Whole 30 made us realize we had no idea what was in our food As well as: The mind-body connection we couldn't ignore How to navigate Western medicine while exploring holistic alternatives Why finding supportive healthcare providers matters Practical advice for starting your own holistic-ish journey Real talk: This isn't a "we have it all figured out" episode. We're living holistic-ish—not holistic perfect. Some days that's meal prepping organic everything. Some days it's surviving on coffee and spite. (Both are valid.) If you're overwhelmed about where to start, pick one thing: sleep, movement, or reading ingredient labels. That's enough. — Living Holistic-ish is our series about doing holistic health imperfectly, honestly, and without the BS.

End Holiday Overwhelm: Boundaries, Self‑Care, & Realistic Expectations with Therapist Chloë Bean

A real‑talk therapist’s guide to holiday stress, gathering fatigue, festive comparison syndrome, and creating a season that actually feels good for your nervous system.​ In this episode, Carrie sits down with therapist and wellness educator Chloë Bean to unpack holiday stress, gathering fatigue, and what “festive comparison syndrome” is doing to your mental health and nervous system. You’ll hear practical somatic tools for when anxiety spikes at the dinner table, simple ways to set holiday boundaries without feeling like an asshole, and realistic self‑care practices that help you rest, regulate, and actually enjoy parts of the season on your own terms.​ We've all been there—mid-December, scrolling through picture-perfect holidays while juggling real-life chaos and complicated family dynamics. Chloë shares grounded, actually-practical tools for navigating holiday overwhelm, holiday anxiety, and the people-pleasing patterns that tend to flare this time of year. Expect somatic support you can use on the spot, simple boundary-setting, and a more realistic take on holiday self-care. What We Cover: Festive comparison syndrome Somatic tools for holiday anxiety Communicating boundaries without guilt A non-performative gratitude practice Gift giving without the stress Why rest counts as productivity Resources Mentioned: Chloë’s Free People Pleaser Workbook Take Chloë’s Burnout Quiz Real talk: You can’t control the season—but you can regulate through it. This episode helps you create a holiday that feels calmer, kinder, and more aligned with your nervous system. Connect with Chloë Bean: Website: https://www.chloebeantherapy.com/meet-chloe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloebeantherapy/ Connect with us: The Human Array: https://thehumanarray.com The Human Array LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ Carrie Allen LinkedIn https://bit.ly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanarray/ TikTok: https://bit.ly/THATikTok

Letting Go of Holiday Food Guilt: Mind‑Body‑Spirit Eating with Dietitian Lee Cotton

In this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian and holistic health champion Lee Cotton to talk about how to release holiday food guilt, quiet diet‑culture ‘food noise,’ and honor mind–body–spirit at the holiday table. You’ll hear practical ways to listen to your hunger cues, navigate family traditions and ‘that person’ moments, keep your grounding routines while traveling or hosting, and enjoy nostalgic foods like pumpkin pie without betraying your body. The holidays are here—which means the annual holiday food guilt spiral is lurking. You know the script: “Should I eat this?” “I’ll be good today.” “Well…I already blew it, might as well keep going.” “I’ll detox in January.” Yeah. Let’s not do that this year. This week, Carrie sits down with registered dietitian Lee Cotton to unpack where holiday eating without guilt actually begins (spoiler: generational patterns + diet culture and food noise)—and how to move through the season with more intuition, nourishment, and ease. In this episode: How emotional eating during the holidays is real, valid, and often deeply nostalgic (hello pumpkin pie and family traditions) What intuitive eating during the holidays actually looks like, including tuning into your hunger cues and intuition Why keeping a normal eating routine matters during travel and holiday family dynamics How bringing a nutrient-dense dish is holiday stress + self-care, not moral superiority And yes…Lee’s controversial take on marshmallows on sweet potatoes Meet Lee Cotton: Registered dietitian and author of A Nourishing Perspective, helping people build calm, confident, non-complicated relationships with food (especially during post-holiday food guilt season). The holidays are chaotic enough without adding shame to your plate. Let’s move through the season with less guilt—and more pie. Connect with Lee Cotton: Website: leecottonnutrition.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecottonnutrition/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leecottonnutrition Pre-order Lee Cotton's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Perspective-Reconnect-Harmonize-Relationship/dp/B0FSF9BBPJ Connect with us: The Human Array: https://thehumanarray.com The Human Array LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ Carrie Allen LinkedIn https://bit.ly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanarray/ TikTok: https://bit.ly/THATikTok
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