The Alternative Flight Plan

Healing becomes possible when the nervous system stops bracing for impact.Keith W. Fiveson shares a grounded approach that blends mindfulness, breathwork, narrative repair, and parts-based understanding of protectors and coping strategies—without overselling outcomes.Themes include:Breath as spiritus: a practical bridge between physiology and meaningWhy “autopilot” keeps people stuck, and how small shifts create spaciousnessFood, shame, and the “hungry ghost” pattern many carry quietlyKindness with boundaries: compassion that tells the truth and changes behavior Follow the show to save conversations that support your wellness journey → https://open.spotify.com/show/00GFdWpvo9Jv6m0wON85OZ?si=4j4kbTzxS2289bQvpvVThQ

You don’t need a more disciplined mindset. You need a safer internal operating system.A freak accident put Jim Pehkonen in a moment where he was sure he was dying. What surprised him wasn’t fear. It was peace. And when he came back, the work he’d been doing for decades around trauma, family systems, and resilience started to shift direction.This episode follows that shift and lands on a theme that’s hard to ignore: young men are often expected to carry everything alone, then criticized for where they go to find belonging.A few grounded waypoints from this conversation:Trauma isn’t a contest. Different stories can leave the same nervous system imprint.Healing moves with understanding, not self-punishment or “powering through.”Masking who you are taxes the nervous system more than most people realize.Community isn’t a buzzword. It’s a condition for repair.If you’re navigating trauma recovery, chronic stress, or the feeling that the old way of coping isn’t working anymore, this one offers a steady framework and a human reminder: healing is possible.Watch full episodes on YouTube. → https://www.youtube.com/@alternativeflightplan

Since 2001, far more veterans have been lost at home than on the battlefield.It’s time we start talking about what healing really means.On this week's Alternative Flight Plan, Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with former Marine Gary P. Hess, who found his way out of deep trauma through intentional plant medicine, breathwork, and community support.Today, Gary leads Warrior Tribe Assembly and VAHA, helping veterans and first responders reconnect to themselves and rediscover purpose through holistic and peer-led care.This episode is about breaking stigma, rebuilding trust, and finding real ways forward — beyond pills and protocols.Learn more or get involved:👉 https://warriortribeassembly.com/👉 https://meridianpassagewellness.com/Like. Share. Keep the conversation going — healing starts with awareness.#TheAlternativeFlightPlan #DrKristinBarnes #VeteranMentalHealth #PlantMedicine #HolisticHealing #Veterans #FirstResponders #TraumaRecovery #PeerSupport #CommunityHealing #NaturopathicMedicine #HealingJourney

Trauma doesn’t just disrupt the body—it can disrupt meaning. Signals arrive without context. Sensations don’t add up. What once felt intuitive becomes confusing, even alien.In this episode, Christine Ruch offers a grounded framework for understanding why this happens and where healing often needs to begin: the nervous system. When the nervous system is locked into protection, the body can speak loudly without being understandable. Restoration isn’t about forcing regulation or chasing outcomes—it’s about rebuilding capacity, safety, and trust over time.The conversation explores the difference between change and transformation. Change tends to be linear and goal-driven. Transformation unfolds in cycles, advancing and retreating, resisting timelines. Many people seeking healing have already tried fixing symptoms while keeping the rest of life the same. Christine challenges that model, pointing to how daily patterns, identity stories, and unresolved stress can quietly keep the nervous system in a state of dysregulation.A central reframe runs through the episode: what if the body isn’t betraying you—what if it’s communicating? When safety increases, interpretation becomes possible. And when interpretation becomes possible, agency can return.Visit Meridian Passage Wellness to begin your Healing Journey: https://www.meridianpassagewellness.com

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 Paths01:20 Understanding Fascial Counter Strain05:59 The Specificity of Counter Strain08:51 Chronic Pain and Mental Health11:58 The Bridge Back Project and Research Initiatives17:41 The Study on PTSD and Counter Strain23:44 Physiological Responses to Trauma29:21 The Role of Counter Strain in Healing35:34 Expanding Access to Counter Strain39:19 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 #HolisticHealth00:00 The Quest for Healing: First Responders and Alternative Medicine02:53 Angela's Journey: From Chronic Illness to Healing05:43 The Power of Iboga: A New Path to Recovery08:49 Morgellons Disease: Misdiagnosis and Stigma11:40 Neuroplasticity and Healing: The Role of Psychedelics14:54 The 343 Fund: Supporting First Responders' Healing Journeys17:43 Building a Supportive Community: Integration and Coaching20:32 Sauna Therapy: Detox and Recovery for First Responders23:52 The Future of Healing: Vision for the 343 Fund26:40 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/dAyQVioRJRkWhether 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 #TheAlternativeFlightPlan00:00 Empowerment Through Health Coaching02:45 The Journey to Functional Medicine05:59 Mindfulness and Its Impact on Health08:50 Navigating Testing in Functional Medicine11:37 The Role of Health Coaches14:44 Understanding Genetics and Health17:52 The Psychology of Eating24:43 Cultural Influences on Eating Habits31:45 Metabolic Health and Body Image39:40 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 Medicine01:40 Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine05:59 The Journey to Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor09:51 Cultural Influences on Healing Practices13:33 Understanding Naturopathy and Its Distinctions17:19 Exploring Psychedelic Medicine21:28 Challenges in Regulated Psychedelic Practices25:10 Healing Retreats in Mexico29:26 Navigating Bad Experiences with Psychedelics33:06 The Role of Integration in Healing37:17 Indigenous Practices vs. Western Approaches40:58 The Importance of Holistic Assessment44:55 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/CKZJ2EVN96AWhether 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 #TheAlternativeFlightPlan00:00 The Journey of Healing and Integration07:41 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact15:33 Navigating Life After Military Service23:18 The Complexity of Personal Beliefs and Family Dynamics31:03 Embracing Change and Acceptance38:45 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 #NeuroGrove00:00 Navigating Healthcare: A New Perspective02:46 Mind-Body Connection: Bridging the Gap05:56 Cultural Influences on Health Perspectives09:12 Integrative Approaches in Naturopathic Medicine12:02 The Challenge of Accessibility in Healthcare15:14 The Economics of Psychedelic Therapy18:02 Regulation and Its Impact on Healing Practices30:01 Navigating Mental Health Licensing and Accessibility31:31 The Mental Health Crisis in America36:06 The Role of Naturopathic Doctors in Mental Health42:55 Integrative Approaches to Mental Health49:45 Understanding the Complexities of Mental Health56:27 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 Ejection05:48 The Psychological Battle11:52 The Struggles of Recovery18:09 The Dark Side of Treatment23:51 Finding Hope in Alternative Therapies26:13 The Harsh Reality of Mental Health Facilities30:04 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing36:52 Integration: Building New Habits for Recovery44:27 Sharing the Journey: The Importance of Storytelling48:41 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 Healing02:50 Introduction to Holistic Healthcare06:08 Understanding Substance Use Disorder08:59 The Role of the Amygdala in Behavior11:50 Navigating Emotional Experiences15:10 Functional Medicine and Healing17:52 Behavior Modification and Identity21:06 Integrating Heart, Gut, and Mind24:00 The Importance of Community and Connection26:49 Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy30:14 Nature as a Healing Force33:02 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 Health01:51 Psychedelic Therapy: A New Hope for Healing06:09 Personal Journeys: Trauma and Transformation11:46 The Role of Community in Healing18:04 Challenging Stigmas: Men and Mental Health24:11 The War on Drugs: A Failed Approach27:56 A New Era: Veterans Leading the Charge28:25 Transformative Journeys: Healing Through Ibogaine32:19 Integration Challenges: The Aftermath of Healing34:44 The Crisis of Care: Veterans and Alternative Medicine39:30 The Role of Relationships in Healing46:02 Navigating Change: The Impact of Medicine on Relationships54:35 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 Paths03:04 Understanding Trauma and Its Manifestations05:52 The Role of Neurosomatic Intelligence09:10 Trauma and the Nervous System11:56 The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury14:47 Acupuncture and Its Efficacy18:08 Veteran Care and Community Support20:54 Research and Future Directions24:12 Personal Healing Journeys27:02 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 #AlternativeMedicine00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Challenges02:46 Navigating Complex Illnesses05:57 The Limitations of Conventional Medicine08:47 Personal Experiences with Healthcare12:03 The Cash-Based Healthcare Model14:52 Innovative Treatment Approaches17:55 The Role of Alternative Medicine20:48 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care24:10 Overcoming Healthcare Barriers27:01 The Journey from Disability to Empowerment29:54 Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine33:06 The Power of Fascial Counterstrain35:56 Reframing Medical Language38:48 Educating Future Healthcare Providers41:59 Conclusion and Resources