In this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Holly Christy—naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and founder of The Bridge Back Project—for a fascinating look into the world of fascial counterstrain, an emerging hands-on therapy changing how we understand chronic pain, trauma, and healing.
Dr. Christy shares insights from her recently published study in the Military Medicine journal, which examined the impact of counterstrain therapy on veterans and first responders living with chronic pain and PTSD. Together, she and Dr. Barnes explore how this precise, physiology-based approach can help reset the body’s nervous system—offering relief where traditional medicine often falls short.
From life-altering patient stories to groundbreaking clinical results, this conversation sheds light on the future of integrative care. Dr. Christy also discusses her vision for expanding access through The Bridge Back Project, which funds treatments and research for trauma recovery and supports practitioners dedicated to this work.
If you’ve ever wondered how the body holds—and can release—pain and trauma, this episode is a must-listen.
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/dgVEeVONee0
#AlternativeFlightPlan #KristinBarnes #DrHollyChristy #BridgeBackProject #CounterstrainTherapy #PTSDRecovery #ChronicPainRelief #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealing #VeteranWellness #FirstResponderSupport #MindBodyMedicine #TraumaHealing #IntegrativeHealth
00:00 Introduction to Alternative Healing Paths
01:20 Understanding Fascial Counter Strain
05:59 The Specificity of Counter Strain
08:51 Chronic Pain and Mental Health
11:58 The Bridge Back Project and Research Initiatives
17:41 The Study on PTSD and Counter Strain
23:44 Physiological Responses to Trauma
29:21 The Role of Counter Strain in Healing
35:34 Expanding Access to Counter Strain
39:19 Conclusion and Future Directions
When you’ve tried everything and the system still fails you—what’s next? In this deeply moving episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Angela Skudin, founder and CEO of The Case Skudin 343 Fund, to explore healing beyond the conventional. Angela shares her powerful personal story of chronic illness, medical gaslighting, and finally finding relief through alternative therapies like iboga and bee venom therapy. Her journey from near collapse to mission-driven advocate is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Angela opens up about her late husband Casey—a 16-year FDNY veteran—whose legacy inspired the founding of the 343 Fund, an organization dedicated to bringing life-saving psychedelic therapies and holistic healing to first responders. From battling Morgellons disease and Lyme to investing in pre/post-journey support systems, she unpacks the reality of healing on your own terms. This is more than medicine—it’s a revolution in how we care for those who serve others.
Watch the full episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast featuring Angela Skudin and host Dr. Kristin Barnes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OfAtApyAIx8
#AlternativeFlightPlan #KristinBarnes #AngelaSkudin #343Fund #FirstResponderWellness #PsychedelicHealing #FunctionalMedicine #ChronicIllnessRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #IbogaineTherapy #VeteransSupport #WomenInWellness #PodcastEpisode #TraumaHealing #HolisticHealth
00:00 The Quest for Healing: First Responders and Alternative Medicine
02:53 Angela's Journey: From Chronic Illness to Healing
05:43 The Power of Iboga: A New Path to Recovery
08:49 Morgellons Disease: Misdiagnosis and Stigma
11:40 Neuroplasticity and Healing: The Role of Psychedelics
14:54 The 343 Fund: Supporting First Responders' Healing Journeys
17:43 Building a Supportive Community: Integration and Coaching
20:32 Sauna Therapy: Detox and Recovery for First Responders
23:52 The Future of Healing: Vision for the 343 Fund
26:40 Conclusion: A Call to Action for Support and Awareness
In this insightful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, a pioneering clinical psychologist and founder. Together, they explore how small daily habits and mindset shifts can profoundly influence our health, emphasizing that our destiny isn’t solely determined by genetics. Dr. Sandra shares her journey from traditional psychology to integrating functional medicine, positive psychology, and mind-body techniques—empowering listeners to take control of their well-being and challenge limiting beliefs about health and aging.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sandra emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and personalized support in navigating chronic health conditions, menopause, and even disordered eating. She discusses how coaching can serve as a powerful tool for fostering self-advocacy and resilience, especially for women over 50 who are seeking purpose, vitality, and a renewed sense of possibility. Her approach encourages a mindset shift from limitations to opportunities, inspiring listeners to embrace health at every age.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode—watch the full conversation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dAyQVioRJRk
Whether you're interested in redefining your health journey, exploring natural approaches, or learning how mindset impacts well-being, Dr. Sandra’s expertise offers valuable insights. Subscribe to The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast for more conversations that empower you to craft your own healing path.
#FunctionalMedicine #MindBodyHealth #HealthAtEveryAge #WomenOver50 #TheAlternativeFlightPlan
00:00 Empowerment Through Health Coaching
02:45 The Journey to Functional Medicine
05:59 Mindfulness and Its Impact on Health
08:50 Navigating Testing in Functional Medicine
11:37 The Role of Health Coaches
14:44 Understanding Genetics and Health
17:52 The Psychology of Eating
24:43 Cultural Influences on Eating Habits
31:45 Metabolic Health and Body Image
39:40 Menopause and Empowerment
Welcome to the Alternative Flight Plan Podcast hosted by Kristin Barnes! In this enlightening episode, Kristin sits down with Dr. Erica Zelfand, a renowned naturopathic doctor from Oregon, to explore the powerful intersection between science and soul in medicine. They delve into how alternative modalities, including psychedelic medicine, can bring a deeper, more holistic approach to healing—bridging the gap between conventional and indigenous healing systems. Dr. Zelfand shares her journey from growing up in a Russian-American family to becoming a medical director involved in innovative retreats and therapies that support mind, body, and spirit. Tune in to hear how she combines her medical expertise with soulful practices to help patients reclaim their lives.
You can watch the full episode on YouTube here: [https://youtu.be/GjPp6HbNvI8). In this conversation, Dr. Zelfand discusses her personal experiences with psychedelic medicines like psilocybin and ayahuasca, emphasizing their role in accessing the unseen layers of healing—such as beliefs, karma, and ancestral wounds. The episode also highlights the importance of safety, cultural differences in medicine practices, and the need for authentic integration and community support. Whether you're curious about how psychedelics can be used responsibly or how naturopathic medicine can incorporate these powerful tools, this episode offers valuable insights.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the future of healing modalities and how we can merge science with soul to create more compassionate, effective care.
#AlternativeMedicine #PsychedelicHealing #HolisticHealth #NaturopathicMedicine #SpiritualHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney
00:00 Bridging Conventional and Alternative Medicine
01:40 Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine
05:59 The Journey to Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor
09:51 Cultural Influences on Healing Practices
13:33 Understanding Naturopathy and Its Distinctions
17:19 Exploring Psychedelic Medicine
21:28 Challenges in Regulated Psychedelic Practices
25:10 Healing Retreats in Mexico
29:26 Navigating Bad Experiences with Psychedelics
33:06 The Role of Integration in Healing
37:17 Indigenous Practices vs. Western Approaches
40:58 The Importance of Holistic Assessment
44:55 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine
In this compelling episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Dan Gurley, a fellow Tomcat aviator and trauma-informed life coach, to explore the complex journey of healing from trauma and integrating life after military service. Dan shares his personal story of navigating childhood trauma, the impact of complex PTSD, and how he’s found purpose in coaching others through similar struggles. Their conversation dives deep into the importance of self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and learning to get out of life's messes even when it feels overwhelming.
Dan reflects on his own recovery process, emphasizing that while we can't control the traumas that happen to us, we can control how we respond and what we do with those experiences. They discuss the significance of widening our window of tolerance, the role of plant medicine in healing, and the power of community and safe spaces to process difficult emotions. His story underscores that healing is not linear, but with intentional effort, it's possible to rebuild and find clarity in the chaos.
Don’t miss this insightful discussion—watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/CKZJ2EVN96A
Whether you’re dealing with trauma, navigating life’s challenges, or seeking a new perspective, this episode offers valuable tools and inspiration. Subscribe to The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast for more conversations that help you reframe your journey.
#TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #AviationLife #TheAlternativeFlightPlan
00:00 The Journey of Healing and Integration
07:41 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
15:33 Navigating Life After Military Service
23:18 The Complexity of Personal Beliefs and Family Dynamics
31:03 Embracing Change and Acceptance
38:45 The Role of Plant Medicine in Recovery
What happens when modern healthcare isn’t enough—and a new paradigm is waiting in the wings? On this episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Ryan Phillips, a naturopathic doctor, certified psychedelic-assisted therapy provider, and board-certified biofeedback expert. Together, they take flight into a powerful conversation on integrative mental health, psilocybin-assisted therapy, and the vital role of naturopaths in America’s broken healthcare system.
Dr. Phillips shares his personal journey from a conservative Indiana upbringing to living in the Himalayas, and how those years transformed his understanding of medicine, community, and healing. He unpacks the structural flaws in our system—particularly the divide between physical and mental health—and how his work at Transcendent Integrative Health and NeuroGrove is helping patients bridge that gap. He also dives deep into the regulation and economics of psychedelic care, offering an unfiltered look at the real costs and bureaucratic hurdles involved in creating legal access to psilocybin treatment.
This episode explores why true integrative medicine isn’t just about having a menu of modalities—it’s about crafting a five-course healing experience. From nutrition and neurofeedback to trauma-informed counseling and plant medicine, Dr. Phillips explains how to create synergistic systems of care that nourish the whole person, not just the symptoms.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to practice medicine differently—or how to access healing beyond the “Golden Corral buffet” of healthcare—this episode is a must-listen.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/kbnrXQvQLGY
#TheAlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #DrKristinBarnes #DrRyanPhillips #PsilocybinTherapy #NaturopathicMedicine #MentalHealth #IntegrativeHealth #PlantMedicine #Biofeedback #Neurofeedback #HealthcareEquity #PsychedelicTherapy #FunctionalMedicine #TranscendentHealth #NeuroGrove
00:00 Navigating Healthcare: A New Perspective
02:46 Mind-Body Connection: Bridging the Gap
05:56 Cultural Influences on Health Perspectives
09:12 Integrative Approaches in Naturopathic Medicine
12:02 The Challenge of Accessibility in Healthcare
15:14 The Economics of Psychedelic Therapy
18:02 Regulation and Its Impact on Healing Practices
30:01 Navigating Mental Health Licensing and Accessibility
31:31 The Mental Health Crisis in America
36:06 The Role of Naturopathic Doctors in Mental Health
42:55 Integrative Approaches to Mental Health
49:45 Understanding the Complexities of Mental Health
56:27 The Collective Nature of Health and Healing
What does it take to survive the fastest ejection in Naval aviation history—and rise again with purpose?
In this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes former Navy F-18 pilot and bestselling author Kegan “Smurf” Gill. After ejecting at nearly the speed of sound, Kegan endured catastrophic injuries, a long and painful recovery, misdiagnoses, and mental health crises that pushed him to the edge. But instead of giving up, he fought to reclaim his life—and is now helping others do the same.
Kegan’s story is a breathtaking look at the intersection of trauma, brain injury, psychedelics, and true resilience. He opens up about the limits of conventional medicine, the dark reality inside VA mental health facilities, and the healing power of sleep, nutrition, nature, and plant medicine. If you or someone you love is searching for hope through extreme adversity, this episode will stay with you.
📺 Watch the full episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast with Dr. Kristin Barnes and guest Kegan Gill here: https://youtu.be/I-uIBYkpQzY
#TheAlternativeFlightPlan #KeganGill #PhoenixRevival #KristinBarnes #VeteranHealing #PsychedelicTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaticBrainInjury #Resilience #NaturopathicMedicine #Veterans #Iboga #Ayahuasca #PTSDRecovery #TBIHealing #PodcastClip #HealingJourney
00:00 The Unthinkable Ejection
05:48 The Psychological Battle
11:52 The Struggles of Recovery
18:09 The Dark Side of Treatment
23:51 Finding Hope in Alternative Therapies
26:13 The Harsh Reality of Mental Health Facilities
30:04 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing
36:52 Integration: Building New Habits for Recovery
44:27 Sharing the Journey: The Importance of Storytelling
48:41 Creating a New Healthcare Model for Veterans
In this powerful new episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Dr. Clarence Cutsforth, founder of Mon Sana, to talk about transforming trauma, healing from addiction, and the science of functional medicine. Dr. Cutsforth shares his inspiring journey from Army veteran to leading holistic health expert, and how Mon Sana was created to support veterans, first responders, and individuals seeking true emotional and physical healing.
Dr. Kristin Barnes and Dr. Clarence Cutsforth explore the connection between trauma, substance use disorder, PTSD, and how the gut-brain-heart connection plays a critical role in full-body recovery. They discuss how functional medicine, forgiveness, and community-based healing methods offer hope beyond traditional approaches—and why Mon Sana is quickly becoming a destination for those seeking lasting change.
Watch the full conversation with Dr. Kristin Barnes and Dr. Clarence Cutsforth now and discover how true healing happens from within. Click here to watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ztQkWx8YtRg
#AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #KristinBarnes #ClarenceCutsforth #MonSana #FunctionalMedicine #TraumaHealing #SubstanceUseDisorder #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthMatters #HolisticHealth #HealingJourney #GutBrainConnection #Podcast
00:00 The Power of Community in Healing
02:50 Introduction to Holistic Healthcare
06:08 Understanding Substance Use Disorder
08:59 The Role of the Amygdala in Behavior
11:50 Navigating Emotional Experiences
15:10 Functional Medicine and Healing
17:52 Behavior Modification and Identity
21:06 Integrating Heart, Gut, and Mind
24:00 The Importance of Community and Connection
26:49 Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
30:14 Nature as a Healing Force
33:02 The Journey of Healing Together
In the latest episode of the Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Matthew "Whiz" Buckley, CEO of No Fallen Heroes, to discuss the urgent need for alternative mental health solutions for veterans. Whiz shares his transformative experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapies, emphasizing the significant role they can play in addressing PTSD and trauma in the veteran community.
Whiz highlights the challenges veterans face in accessing treatment, including stigma and bureaucratic obstacles that deter them from seeking help. He shares success stories from No Fallen Heroes, reminding listeners of the importance of community support and connection.
The conversation underscores the transformative power of psychedelic therapy and the need to rethink societal attitudes toward mental health care for veterans. Tune in for this enlightening discussion on compassion, healing, and the future of veteran support.
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_EEzjWjiCtM
#AlternativeFlightPlan #MentalHealth #VeteranSupport #PsychedelicTherapy #NoFallenHeroes #HealingTogether #EndVeteranSuicide #CommunityCare
00:00 The Deeper Crisis: Veterans and Mental Health
01:51 Psychedelic Therapy: A New Hope for Healing
06:09 Personal Journeys: Trauma and Transformation
11:46 The Role of Community in Healing
18:04 Challenging Stigmas: Men and Mental Health
24:11 The War on Drugs: A Failed Approach
27:56 A New Era: Veterans Leading the Charge
28:25 Transformative Journeys: Healing Through Ibogaine
32:19 Integration Challenges: The Aftermath of Healing
34:44 The Crisis of Care: Veterans and Alternative Medicine
39:30 The Role of Relationships in Healing
46:02 Navigating Change: The Impact of Medicine on Relationships
54:35 Connecting with Resources: Finding Help for Veterans
Can healing really happen outside the traditional medical system? On this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Jill Richards, Doctor of Acupuncture and founder of Catalysis Acupuncture in Bend, Oregon. With deep experience treating both veterans and civilians, Dr. Richards opens up about the connection between trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic health challenges—especially in patients with invisible wounds like traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In this heartfelt and enlightening conversation, Dr. Richards explores how unresolved trauma—whether from combat, sexual assault, or a childhood experience—can manifest physically as pain, disrupted hormones, heart irregularities, or even loss of vision. She shares her own journey with TBI, how Feldenkrais therapy helped her become pain-free, and why acupuncture and neurosomatic intelligence have become life-changing tools in her practice. Together, she and Dr. Barnes break down how nervous system regulation is the missing piece in the healing puzzle—and why true recovery often begins outside of insurance-driven medicine.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TvwiLlOiGOg
#AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #KristinBarnes #DrJillRichards #CatalysisAcupuncture #TBIRecovery #TraumaHealing #VeteranCare #Acupuncture #NervousSystemHealth #InvisibleInjuries #FunctionalMedicine #NSI #SomaticHealing #HolisticHealth #Feldenkrais #BrainHealth
00:00 Exploring Alternative Healing Paths
03:04 Understanding Trauma and Its Manifestations
05:52 The Role of Neurosomatic Intelligence
09:10 Trauma and the Nervous System
11:56 The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury
14:47 Acupuncture and Its Efficacy
18:08 Veteran Care and Community Support
20:54 Research and Future Directions
24:12 Personal Healing Journeys
27:02 Concluding Thoughts on Healing and Support
In the very first episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin "Rosie" Barnes takes off on a transformative conversation with Dr. Brianna Cardenas, a Physician Assistant and complex illness specialist. Dr. Cardenas shares her powerful journey through nearly two decades of personal health struggles, her challenges with the medical system, and how she now helps others heal using a blend of conventional and alternative medicine.
Dr. Barnes, a retired Navy F-14 Tomcat pilot turned naturopathic doctor, brings her aviation leadership mindset into healthcare, aiming to create meaningful change in how patients receive care. Together, they dive deep into the limitations of traditional healthcare, the need for patient-centered treatment, and how fascial counterstrain therapy and integrative medicine have reshaped their own paths to healing.Ready to explore a new flight path in medicine? Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ZPD0I4aJIYc
#AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #DrKristinBarnes #DrBriannaCardenas #IntegrativeMedicine #PatientCenteredCare #ComplexIllness #FascialCounterstrain #MedicalInnovation #HealthcareTransformation #AlternativeMedicine
00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Challenges
02:46 Navigating Complex Illnesses
05:57 The Limitations of Conventional Medicine
08:47 Personal Experiences with Healthcare
12:03 The Cash-Based Healthcare Model
14:52 Innovative Treatment Approaches
17:55 The Role of Alternative Medicine
20:48 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care
24:10 Overcoming Healthcare Barriers
27:01 The Journey from Disability to Empowerment
29:54 Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine
33:06 The Power of Fascial Counterstrain
35:56 Reframing Medical Language
38:48 Educating Future Healthcare Providers
41:59 Conclusion and Resources