Please note: This is the last episode in this season as I’m taking a break from the podcast while I move back to the UK. If you’d like to get in touch please find me at @holistichealingproject or via my website www.drlaurenmacdonald.com In this episode we discuss: -     What we mean by Integrative Medicine -     Dani’s journey to working with cannabis -     The endocannabinoid system in the human body -     The cannabis plant and key cannabinoids including CBD and THC -     The various uses for industrial hemp -     Current indications for medical cannabis eg. chronic pain, epilepsy, MS, chemotherapy-related nausea etc -     The challenges prescribers in the UK currently face -     Cannabis and cancer -     Over-the-counter CBD, potential uses and the wellness industry -     Dani’s new book The CBD Bible [out now] -     And so much more… I’d love to hear your thoughts on this rapidly growing industry. Have you tried CBD oil? Let me know @holistichealingproject. Find out more about Dani at: www.drdanigordon.com and @drdanigordon. The CBD Bible is available to buy at all good bookshops now. Please support local booksellers whenever possible. A Fascinate Productions podcast

In this episode we discuss: -    Julian’s journey from physiotherapist to oyster mushroom farmer -    The process of setting up urban mushroom farms using coffee waste -    Key medicinal mushrooms [AKA functional mushrooms] including chaga, turkey tail, lions mane and reishi -    How medicinal mushrooms can be used to support the immune system -    The research showing psilocybin [“magic mushrooms”] may help reduce depression and anxiety in terminally-ill cancer patients -    Mushrooms as a planet-friendly meat replacement -    The importance of soil health and regenerative agriculture -    Mycelium biotechnology and the circular economy business model -    The ethos behind Life Cykel and advice for would-be business owners -    And so much more… Please note: Where possible I advocate for a whole-foods diet rather than using supplements. Mushrooms are among the few natural sources of dietary vitamin D - essential for maintaining overall health, especially for bones, teeth and muscle. A simple hack for increasing the vitamin D content in your culinary mushrooms is to place them on a windowsill in the sunshine for 15 minute before cooking. Culinary mushrooms like shiitake are nutritionally rich and may support the immune system but mushrooms alone are not a cure-all . Instead, they should be included as a vital part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. With regards to COVID, several fungi experts, including Paul Stamets, suggest that you might want to stop using medicinal mushrooms if you get a fever and show symptoms of COVID-19. Some mushrooms may increase the production of inflammatory compounds in the lungs. These compounds are called cytokines, and the body may release them as a natural response to some polysaccharides found in fungi. Please consult a medical professional to discuss this fully if you become unwell. One last thing, please avoid eating foraged mushrooms unless they can be properly identified - some mushrooms are poisonous. www.drlaurenmacdonald.com Find out more about Life Cykle: https://lifecykel.com Connect with Life Cycle on Instagram @LifeCykel A Fascinate Productions podcast

Professor David Nutt is a neuropsychopharmacologist who has spent his career making the argument for a rational, evidence-based approach to drug policy and drug use. Since 2019 he’s also headed up the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London alongside Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris. This episode explores the latest research in the field of psychedelics as well as the historical war on drugs and the ongoing challenges that come with studying psychedelics. In this episode we discuss: -    Why psychedelic research is so important -    The War on Drugs as one of the worst examples of censorship of research in the history of science -    How current drug policy that does not reflect the truth about the majority of illegal drugs -    The societal impact of poorly informed drug policy -    The therapeutic potential for a range of psychedelics -    Psilocybin for the treatment of depression and end of life anxiety -    LSD, MDMA and ayahuasca (DMT) -    How psychedelics can expand our understanding of consciousness itself -    The evidence for microdosing -    Medicinal cannabis -    The detrimental impact of alcohol on health -    And so much more… I’d love to hear how this episode lands with you. Please get in touch to let me know your thoughts @holistichealingproject. Find out more about Drug Science: www.drugscience.com Connect with Professor David Nutt on Twitter @ProfDavidNutt and on The Drug Science Podcast. Professor Nutt is Director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit at Imperial College London, President of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and Chair of the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs. He is also the current Edmund J Safra Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London. www.drlaurenmacdonald.com A Fascinate Productions podcast

Louie Schwartzberg is an award-winning pioneer in the field of time-lapse cinematography. His work can be seen in his “Moving Art” Netflix series, in films like “Wings of Life” narrated by Meryl Streep, his Visual Healing series played in hospitals in the USA, and as part of his three hugely popular TED talks. More recently, he brought us Fantastic Fungi with mycologist Paul Stamets. This informative, educational and breath-taking documentary invites us to not only observe nature but recognise that we are nature. In this episode we discuss: -      Why Louie was drawn to time-lapse photography and specifically to capturing nature -       How his work aims to shift human consciousness to aid the healing of the planet and how we treat each other -       How the underground mycelium network is a beautiful model for how we can live our lives; a shared economy where nutrients are shared without greed to enable ecosystems to flourish -       Fantastic Fungi as an exploration of nature, science, history, medicine, psychedelics, death, spirituality and environmentalism -       The power of Visual Healing in the hospital setting -       How gratitude, wonder and awe support our physiology -       Nature as a portal to spirituality -       Why we should celebrate the interconnectedness, rhythms and beauty of life on Earth -       And so much more… "Beauty and seduction are nature’s tools for survival, because we protect what we fall in love with. It opens our hearts and makes us realise that we are a part of nature and not separate from it. When we see ourselves in nature, it also connects us to every single one of us, because it’s clear that it’s all connected and one.” Find out more about Louie Schawatzberg at www.movingart.com Connect with Louie @louieschwartzberg Please pop over and say hello at @holistichealingproject Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com A Fascinate Productions podcast

My guest this week is Mary Hoang. Mary is the head psychologist and founder of The Indigo Project, Australia's largest and most progressive psychology practice. Working as a psychologist for a youth charity early on in her career, Mary observed the stigma surrounding her profession often prevented young people who needed support from seeking it. Combining a creative approach to psychology, alongside a refreshing willingness to be open with her own struggles, Mary has helped open up the conversation about mental health and wellbeing. Through a combination of 1:1 therapy [including online sessions], workshops, events and online courses, Mary and the team at The Indigo Project help you “get your shit together” In this episode we discuss: -     Why it’s import to think creatively about mental health and wellbeing -     How being vulnerable invites deeper connection -     Why it was important to Mary to dismantle any hierarchy between therapist and client -     Holistic approaches to mental health -     Why finding your Purpose isn’t as difficult as you think -     The role of music, dance, breathwork and meditation in helping us move from head to heart -     Simple self-care practices that support human flourishing -     How we can access more joy, awe and wonder -     And so much more… Books mentioned during this conversation:  - Lost Connections - Johann Hari - Phosphorescence On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When the World Goes Dark - Julia Baird Finally, please remember if you’re currently going through a challenging time there is always someone you can speak to. The Samaritans UK are available 24/7 on 116 123. Your own GP is always another person you can speak to. The Indigo Project, although based in Australia, also offers online courses and Zoom therapy sessions. Find out more about The Indigo Project: https://www.theindigoproject.com.au Connect with Mary Hoang on Instagram: @maryhoangindigo Please pop over and say hello at @holistichealingproject Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com A Fascinate Productions podcast

Charles is a speaker, writer and self-described “degrowth activist” who focuses on healing humanity and planet Earth. He is the author of several books including The Ascent of Humanity, The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible, and Climate: A New Story. More recently he explored the COVID-19 pandemic in two insightful essays, The Coronation and The Conspiracy Myth - both well worth your time.  In this conversation with Charles we discuss: -     The interconnectedness of health -     Healing as a return to wholeness -     Why we need to explore our unconscious beliefs and biases -     COVID-19 and the various narratives being put forward -     The role of viruses, bacteria and fungi in human evolution -     How the “Story of Separation” has led to suffering, loneliness and poverty -     How believing we’re on "team good" leads to the endless quest for power and control -     How myths play into the massive polarisation of society -     How the pandemic could potentially be a pivot point in human history. From here we can choose another story - one of interdependence and love rather than fear and separation. -     And soooooo much more… I hope you enjoy this episode. Please rate and review of you do. Sending love to you all. Find out more about Charles at www.charleseisenstein.com Please pop over and say hello at @holistichealingproject Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com A Fascinate Productions podcast

Hello everyone. I hope you're doing OK and managing to navigate this surreal time. I’m presuming the vast majority of us are doing our bit by staying at home and whilst there’s a sense of being “in it together”, I appreciate we also have unique situations and challenges to contend with during this time. In some ways it all feels very uncertain, yet there are still some things within our control. We explore some of these factors during this episode. We also discuss The importance of self care The role of gratitude  The lifestyle changes that helped Rupy overcome his own health challenge Nutrition as a key pillar of health and wellness How Lifestyle Medicine is becoming increasingly important as diseases of poor lifestyle choices affect increasing numbers of people around the world – resulting in rising incidences of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, auto-immune diseases, cancer and dementia.  Simple tips to support immune health The importance of living an authentic life - both personally and professionally Trauma and post-traumatic growth And so much more… I hope you enjoy the episode and that it brings you some comfort as you go about your day.  Sending love to you all. Find out more about Rupy at www.thedoctorskitchen.com Please pop over and say hello at @holistichealingproject Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com A Fascinate Productions podcast

In this episode we explore: - How Nick’s intention for his music has evolved over the years -   The creative process involved in making music that moves people -   How Nick came to collaborate with East Forest for the re-work of “Please Pass The Bliss” -   Nick’s journey to finding his voice and letting himself be truly seen on stage -   The power of storytelling -   The importance of connecting to nature in light of accelerating climate change and the rapid decline in biodiversity -   And so much more… I really hope you enjoy our conversation. If you do, please take a moment to subscribe and review. Find out more about Nick at www.nickmulvey.com Find Please Pass The Bliss on Apple or Spotify under: Nick Mulvey, East Forest, Ram Dass - Please Pass The Bliss (Nick Mulvey Rework) Find out more about Embercombe and Mac Macartney at www.embercombe.org Please pop over and say hello at @holistichealingproject Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com A Fascinate Productions podcast

Wherever you are around the world, I really hope you’re doing OK out there. There’s no doubt that life has been turned upside down by COVID-19 and it’s understandable if you’re a little discombobulated. Right now we’re navigating not only our individual fear and anxiety but also that of the collective - something we’ve never experienced on this scale in our lifetime. Fortunately, there’s plenty that we, as individuals, can do during this time to support not only ourselves but our wider communities. In this episode I share simple tips and practices that can help you navigate uncertainty, support your immune system and come to a place of acceptance and surrender. I hope you enjoy this episode and that it offers you some comfort and support. Please remember to rate and review if you find it helpful. Sending love x Please pop over and say hello at @holistichealingproject Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com A Fascinate Productions podcast

*Please note this episode was recorded in early March* In this episode we explore: - Tara’s own healing journey from burnt out NHS Psychiatrist to Executive Coach, Author and Speaker - Her rock bottom as the catalyst for her reinvention - Self-awareness as the first step on any healing journey - The practices and tools that can help us switch from autopilot to conscious living - The science behind the law of attraction - Moving from lack thinking to abundant thinking - The Source as the alignment of our brain, body, and spirit - The role of journaling, visualisation and action boards in manifesting - How we can support our gut-brain axis and tap into our intuition - Micro-changes as being key for behavioural change - How growth, healing and fulfilling your potential is a journey not a final destination - And so much more… I really hope you enjoy our conversation. If you do, please take a moment to subscribe and review. Find out more about Tara at www.drtaraswart.com Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com Instagram: holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

Bronnie Ware is an international best selling author, an inspirational speaker, artist, singer-songwriter and mother. Best known for her international bestselling book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, a memoir based on her time as a palliative care worker, Bronnie is also the author of several other books including Your Year For Change and Bloom. Through her words she invites us, the reader, to recognise the sacredness of time and embrace our power of choice in any given moment. This weeks episode was recorded last month [before coronavirus took centre stage across the globe] so whilst we don’t touch on this specific topic, we do explore life, death, courage, uncertainty, surrender and everything in between - all highly relevant topics given the current global crisis. There’s no doubt that things have certainly escalated since the last episode came out [only a week ago] so whether you are feeling vulnerable or unwell, are a healthcare worker on the front line, are worrying about elderly loved ones, or you have a business that is struggling… my heart goes out to you and I hope this conversation offers you some loving support and guidance during this difficult time. In this episode we explore: -     Bronnie’s own path to healing and heart-led living -     The five major regrets of the dying -     Key suggestions for how we can all live a more courageous, regret-free life. -     The importance of conscious choice to create a life free of regrets -     Bronnie’s own debilitating illness and the power of surrender -     Pain and discomfort as a path to growth and awakening -     The self care tools Bronnie relied on during her time working in palliative care -     And so much more… This is a beautifully honest and inspiring conversation. My hope is that it will help support you in overcoming any life challenges and help you to live a happier, more fulfilling life. If you can take a moment to rate and review our conversation that would be hugely appreciated too. Thank you for being here. Find out more about Bronnie at www.BronnieWare.com Instagram: Bronnie.Ware Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com Instagram: holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

In this episode we explore: -    Why cases of spontaneous remission are so challenging to study -    How Dr Rediger has changed his own life as a result of studying these cases -    The key pillars identified in his research -    How nutrition, the immune system, reducing stress, love, beliefs, faith and identity all contribute to healing -    The importance of an individual N=1 approach to healing -    And so much more… Dr Jeffrey Rediger is a Psychiatrist, the Medical Director of McLean SE Adult Psychiatry and Community Affairs at McLean Hospital and the Chief of Behavioural Medicine at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Centre. Find out more about Dr Jeffrey Rediger at www.drjeffreyrediger.com HIs new book Cured: The Science of Spontaneous Healing is available to buy online and in bookshops now. Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership or want to find out more about my retreats head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com @holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

In this episode we discuss: -  Sophie’s personal journey to setting up Trew Fields -  The festival as a space where integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, spirituality and shamanism collide -  The role of community in health and healing -  The challenges and gifts that come with working in the cancer space -  Death and dying -  And so much more This is a raw and honest conversation so I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please take a moment to subscribe and review. Trew Fields will be held from 3rd-5th July 2020. You can find out more about Sophie and the festival at www.trewfields.com or @trewfields Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership or want to find out more about my retreats head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com @holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

In this episode we discuss: -  Erin’s personal journey to work with plants -  The gap between conventional medicine and naturopathic medicine -  How many modern day pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plants -  Key plants, herbs and spices that can help support your health and wellbeing -  The hidden dangers of plants/herbal supplements and how to keep yourself safe -  How plants can support the gut microbiome -  The importance of consulting with a herbalist for individualised care -  How you can bring more plants into your everyday life -  The intention behind Erin’s new book: Plants For The People -  The reciprocal relationship between people and plants I really hope you enjoy the episode. If you do, please subscribe and leave a review. You can find out more about Erin at www.ErinLovellVerinder.com and @erinlovelverinder Her beautiful new book Plants For The People is available to pre-order from book stores and online now Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership or want to find out more about my retreats head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com @holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

In this episode we discuss: -   The Mind-Body connection -   How emotions impact our physiology -   The impact of trauma on physical, mental and spiritual health -   Addiction as something we all experience -   Multigenerational trauma -   Plant medicine as a tool for healing -   The other tools that have helped Gabor on his own healing journey -   The need for a more holistic approach to “illness” especially regarding mental health I really hope you enjoy the episode. If you do, please subscribe and leave a review. You can find out more about Dr Gabor Maté at www.drgabormate.com This is the link the article we discuss regarding aboriginal trauma: https://theconversation.com/strength-from-perpetual-grief-how-aboriginal-people-experience-the-bushfire-crisis-129448 Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership or want to find out more about my retreats head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com @holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

Anthony is a teacher, breathwork practitioner, motivational speaker and the founder of Alchemy of Breath. I first came across Anthony about 18 months ago and was touched by how much love and warmth he radiates out into the work but also his mission to empower people to self-heal and transform using the power of breath. In this episode we explore: - The practice of breathwork -   Anthony’s personal journey to breathwork, including the survival and transformation of a his own serious illness -   How ancient practices like pranayama, the Sufi breathing of chanting and holotropic breathwork informed the breathwork practice Anthony created with Alchemy of Breath -   How breathwork supports healing on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. -   The role of the breath in healing from trauma -   Breathwork as a tool to elevate consciousness -   Simple breathing techniques you can try today -   The importance of conscious communities -   Breathing practices as a way to restore self-awareness, love and compassion in the world I loved speaking with Anthony so I really hope you enjoy our conversation too. As always if you can rate and review that continues to help me to spread the message of self-healing and empowerment with world. And finally, just to say… Inhale. Exhale. Because all we have is this moment. Lauren Xx You can find more about Anthony and Alchemy of Breath at www.alchemyofbreath.com and @alchemyofbreath DISCLAIMER: Breathwork is not recommended for people with certain conditions like severe asthma, epilepsy or heart problems. Pregnant women should also seek advice before trying this practice. If you are totally new to breathwork I recommend joining a local class in the first instance so you can be properly guided and supported through the practice. Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership or want to find out more about my retreats head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com @holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

Robin is also a dōTERRA essential oil advocate and a TED X speaker. Most recently Robin has been recovering from breast cancer and in this episode we explore: -   The two big life events that helped Robin understand the difference between healing and curing -   How she now views her own cancer diagnosis as a transformative experience -   Healing as a return to wholeness -   Nature as being a key part of her healing journey -   The practice of medicine as an art rather than a science -   The crucial role of the Doctor-Patient relationship -   Holistic healing as being intuitive and heart-led -   And so much more… Please leave a review if you enjoy the episode and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode. You can find more about Robin over on Instagram @drrobinfawcett Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership or want to find out more about my retreats head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com @holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

In this episode we explore: -   Candace’s personal journey from stock broker to kundalini yoga teacher -   The catalyst for her career change -   How kundalini differs to other styles of yoga -   The role of breathwork, the movement kriya sets and chanting -   Why kundalini teachers always wear white -   The science behind yoga and meditation -   How sound healing impacted her fellow traders on the stock exchange floor -   How to start a daily meditation practice -   The way cacao supports heart-opening in a ceremonial setting -   The importance of maintaining a sense of fun and lightness on any spiritual journey -   The difference between feminine and masculine energies and how we all need to embrace the feminine to help the world heal -   Alignment of body, mind and soul as being key for healing Please leave a review if you enjoy the episode and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode. You can find more about Candace at: https://soulfiresocial.com Instagram: soulfiresocial Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership or want to find out more about my retreats head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com @holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

Stefana is Co-Director of the UK Psychedelic Society and regularly facilitates the Society’s Psychedelic Experience weekends in the Netherlands. After gaining a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford and a subsequent Masters in International Affairs she previously worked in Human Rights before following her intuition to work with psychedelics. She is also a Holistic Counsellor and a Forrest Yoga teacher.  I recently joined Stefana to take part in a legal, ceremonial psychedelic retreat in The Netherlands using psilocybin-truffles. In this episode we explore:  Stefana’s personal journey to working as a psychedelic facilitator Why she transitioned from Human Rights to Psychedelics How psychedelics helped her process her own grief  The origins of The Psychedelic Society Why psychedelics remain a taboo subject for many people My personal reason for attending the psychedelic retreat The research, evidence and hype around psychedelics The retreat experience itself  Vulnerability as the key to love and connection Safety, boundaries and screening of participants  The importance of Set, Setting and Integration Touch as a vital healing modality Love as being central to healing  Please leave a review if you enjoy the episode and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode. You can find more about The Psychedelic Society at www.psychedelicsociety.org.uk Instagram: @PsychedelicsUK Additionally, if you’re interested in my Holistic Healing Inner Circle membership or want to find out more about my retreats head on over to: www.drlaurenmacdonald.com @holistichealingproject A Fascinate Productions podcast

When you hear the term “energy medicine”, what do you think? For many people it’s a case of rolling their eyes and declaring it “woo woo”. But what if energy medicine can support health and healing? I’m hoping this week’s guest can persuade you to keep an open mind.  Dr Gemma Newman has a huge following on instagram under @plantpowerdoctor and regularly appears on TV and podcasts. She is passionate about the study of psychology and meditation, and uses techniques she has learned to help her patients change their mindset to facilitate healing. She is also interested in the field of energetic healing, and is a qualified Jikiden Reiki practitioner. In this episode we discuss:  Reiki as “soul medicine” What led Gemma to study Jikiden Reiki The scientific evidence for reiki in chronic pain, cancer related pain and depression The potential for reiki to be more than simply placebo effect The history of Jikiden Reiki The principles of The Goki  The science of matter and energy  Lifestyle Medicine and nutrition The role of meditation, breathwork, love and gratitude in healing I’ll be continuing this conversation over on instagram. Come and join me @hoslitichealingproject. Lauren x To find out more about Dr Gemma: www.gemmanewman.com Instagram @plantpowerdoctor A Fascinate Productions podcast