Sunny Side Up with Ali Long

Your gut is more than just a digestive organ- it's a living symphony, and every note tells a story about your health!In this enlightening and eye-opening episode, Ali sits down with Virginia A. Caldwell, MM, MT-BC, NMT, HNP—a board-certified music therapist and owner of Caldwell Community Services—to explore the fascinating connection between gut health, music therapy, and whole-body healing.Virginia’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From healing her own endometriosis through gut health to helping others restore harmony in their bodies, she offers wisdom for everyone—whether you’re just starting your wellness journey, living with an autoimmune condition like Crohn’s, IBS, Arthritis or Diverticulitis, or simply wanting to feel your best.You’ll learn: Why your gut works a lot like an Amazon warehouse (a great way to think about what we allow IN and OUT!) Sneaky toxins you might be overlooking—like sucralose and glyphosates—that disrupt digestion, mood, and healing The link between what you eat, how you feel, and your ability to recover from chronic illnessAs Virginia reminds us, “The road to good health is paved with good intestines.”This episode is packed with hope, science, and a healthy dose of joy. If you have friends and family who rely on fast food and processed snacks, consider this a loving nudge to share this conversation with them.  Listen now and let your gut’s song inspire your healing.

Our next Sunshine Guest, Kate Steele, has an awe-inspiring story of resilience. After surviving a catastrophic car accident, she has spent the last 14 years navigating life as a mom, quadriplegic, entrepreneur, and connector. But at her core, she is simply human—seeking, stumbling, and finding her way back to her essence.Kate’s journey is a testament to the power of light, surrender, and trust. She shares how Salt has played a profound role in her healing, reminding us of Matthew 5:13-16:“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”Living with paralysis means relying on 24/7 care—a reality that has shaped Kate’s deep perspective on health, well-being, and what it means to truly trust. Through survival, she has found strength. Through surrender, she has found light.“I believe in a world where you become whole within yourself, and that frequency radiates to the environment around you and all that you touch.”Kate’s story invites us all to reflect: How are we shining our light? How are we seasoning the world around us?Join us for a conversation that will move your heart and uplift your spirit.

With so much information (and misinformation) floating around about women’s health, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Social media influencers, trendy wellness advice—how do we know what to trust?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Helen Kociba, a Naturopathic Doctor, lead instructor for the Doula Program at The Naturopathic Institute, and a passionate women’s health advocate with over 25 years of experience. Together, we cut through the noise and dive into the essentials of women’s health.We explore:  What it means to be a Doula  Trends in women’s health— period management, hormone balance, thyroid issues & burnout  The BIG O—how oxytocin, orgasms, and dopamine are deeply connected to overall well-being  Practical ways to manage stress and support your body naturallyDr. Kociba brings powerful insight and practical tips to help you feel more connected to your body. This episode is your reminder that you are not broken, and you never were. Your body is designed to thrive—you just need the right tools to bring it back into balance.Grab your notebook, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!To reach out to Dr. Kociba directly, visit: https://www.wisewomannaturalhealth.com/**Take advantage of this amazing online course from Dr. Kociba being offered for a LIMITED TIME: https://wise-woman-online-academy.thinkific.com/bundles/complete-herbalist-bundle Also mentioned in this episode, The Sunshine Retreat on May 17th in Highland, MI. To learn more CLICK HEREThank you to our sponsor, Creating Harmony Co.

This episode is a must listen for EVERY WOMAN and "the golden ticket" to all things Perimenopause and Menopause! Leslie Andrews is a Women's Health Coach that specializes in Menopause and has helped dozens of women navigate this tricky, often times frustrating, part of life. If you are suffering in the midst of perimenopause or menopause, Leslie and I offer natural ways to navigate these hormonal changes. She has the most amazing resource called: Graceful Menopause. You can download it at : https://adept-innovator-9313.kit.com/8cebadf3f1 Leslie's 12 Day Detox KICKS OFF January 6th! Start the New Year feeling refreshed, revitalized, and in control of your menopause journey. The 12-Day Menopause Detox is a simple, natural way to rebalance your hormones, reduce inflammation, and reclaim your energy and confidence—no powders, no shakes, just real, whole foods. Sign up here: https://turningpointwomenshealthtransitionsllc.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1177544 Learn more about Leslie's business and coaching programs at : https://www.turningpointwomenshealth.com Also, JOIN US for the next round of The Cleanse Club starting January 21 @ https://www.alimarielong.com/thecleanseclub Please support the show by following @SunnySideUpWellnessLLC and @SunnySideUpPodcast on Instagram, as well as my special guest, @health_naturally_withleslie Mentioned in this episode: Shop Ali's recommended supplements and products for perimenopause + menopause. Root to Rise Coffee Alternative w/ Cacao by i.e. KAWA

💥 Kicking Off SEASON 4️⃣ w/ this gorgeous human! You will be INSPIRED and shaking your head “yes yes yes” —- more of this! 💪 ❤️✏️ In the words of this magnificent woman, Meghan Stimmel, "Your trauma and your memories are stored in your heart and we have so many walls around it. When I can help people open their heart, they are more connected and can feel the flow of everything. They can feel the frequency of being and it’s such a beautiful process..."When you finally actualize the frequency of ‘being’.Of being a leader who goes first.The frequency of being a clear channel that God can create through.Of someone who can hold the hands of their clients while they travel through the depths of their hearts and souls so they can also become the highest versions of themselves.The investments I have made in myself have allowed for:-Personal and spiritual growth that I could have never imagined.-Community and true friendships-The ability to see and experience WHAT IS ACTUALLY POSSIBLE in this lifetime.When you stay where you are, you only see what you always see.Investing in myself physically shows me that my dreams can and will become reality.I jump into the next level even when it feels scary. Because I know, trust and believe that God is waiting to catch me on the other side. Always. Every time.🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Sunny Side Up w/ Ali Long📣 You will receive notification when a new episode airs! Thanks for supporting local entrepreneurs and sharing tools to get through the storms!☀️ And follow this SUNSHINE SISTER at https://mkstimmel.wixsite.com/meghankristine and on Instagram @iammkstim

Welcome to our latest episode, where we delve deep into the transformative journey of healing and self-discovery. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of childhood wounds on personal development, focusing on how these experiences shape our self-esteem and life choices. Our amazing guest, Melissa Skardoutos, shares valuable insights and coaching techniques to help individuals, particularly women, overcome their past traumas. We discuss the crucial role of sobriety in maintaining mental clarity and emotional stability, and how it supports the healing process. We also touch on practical strategies for reclaiming your voice and showing up authentically in your life. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of self-love and recovery, offering listeners inspiration and actionable steps to build a more empowered and fulfilling life. Tune in to learn how to navigate your personal healing journey, embrace your true self, and start living a life aligned with your deepest values and desires. You can follow Melissa on Instagram at @impowerwithmelissa Break free from old patterns and reclaim your power! https://linktr.ee/impowerwithmelissa

In July 2024, Megan Venable published her first book, Perfect Illusion, which she wrote in just seven months‼️ In this episode, she courageously shares the real, raw truth about her struggles with sobriety, along with heartfelt tips on how she’s managed to stay sober for almost nine months. Her approach is grace-centered, offering a way to move forward without shame and focusing on self-love.In Megan’s own words: “The world tells you to love yourself—well, no shit! But how do I do that?!” She believes that the more you fail, the closer you are to getting sober. This perspective brings so much HOPE! 🙏❤️Megan also talks about the challenges of unlearning, letting go of shame, and believing you are worth it.📚 You can purchase Megan’s book on @amazon 🎥 The video interview will is also available on @vimeo.👉🏻 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to Sunny Side Up Pod so you don’t miss future episodes. #podcast #selflove #sobriety #author #perfectillusion

We are all born with a purpose, but what does it FEEL like to live that purpose? Ordained Minister and Transformational Leader, Dr. Tammy Gailliard shares her incredible story of faith and frequency. She knew from childhood that something was different and that her "heartbeat has always been for the kingdom of God." She was able to "feel frequency and energy" from others and recognized this gift as the Lord's guidance. A CRAZY chance encounter, early in her life, changed the trajectory of everything for Dr. Tammy! In this episode, she shares details about this encounter and how God brought her to a place where she said, "ok, I am ready, reveal your truth to me!" Buckle up for an INCREDIBLE story that will have you thinking about your own faith journey and how one experience can truly change everything. You can learn more about Dr. Tammy at KingdomStrategiesNow.com See the VIDEO EPISODE HERE

Kobie was born prematurely at 29 weeks old, spent 8 weeks in the NICU and was later diagnosed with Autism. By the grace of God he is a thriving, energetic 3-year-old boy. His mama, Ana Poling, is our next guest on Sunny Side Up Pod and she shares the struggles and the wins of motherhood and what it looks like to raise an autistic child. April is World Autism Awareness Month so we decided to record this episode together to create awareness around Autism. Whether or not you have someone in your life with Autism, Ana's story will warm your heart and enlighten you. Raising a child with special needs requires a lot of patience, compassion, grace and support. In this episode we talk about the struggles of how isolating motherhood can be, how marriage can get tricky raising kids and why community, self care and sisterhood is so so important. Ana hopes to create a social media platform soon around Autism and share her journey with Kobie. In the meantime, please show her love and support by commenting on this episode with your own stories about autism and resources. You can also bornsunnysideup@gmail.com Thank you to Ana for sharing her story. 🙏 And to all the warrior mamas out there--- KEEP THE FAITH! There is hope.

For years, no one could explain his pain and suffering. He experienced rashes, hives, lethargy, depression, swellings, allergies, and crippling back pain. No doctor could identify his mysterious disease, and some seemed to think he was crazy. Frustrated and losing hope, he almost agreed with them. That’s when he took his health into his own hands. Through research and experimentation, Dr. Christopher J. Dorais found answers. He discovered several problems that stemmed from external and internal sources. It all boiled down to a simple, yet complex concept: detoxification. From poisonous mercury that leeched into his bloodstream via tooth fillings to pathogenic bacteria and parasites, Dorais recognized the sources of his myriad symptoms. He found effective ways to detoxify his body, and his health slowly returned. Now, those years of discomfort are a distant memory, and Dorais is healthier than ever. Detox Memoir chronicles his descent into physical misery, his frustrations with the medical establishment, his personal research, and his subsequent recovery. It’s a complete detox story for patients who struggle with similar problems or doctors who are flummoxed by medical mysteries. If patients inform themselves, and doctors think outside the box, no one will have to relive the same nightmare. You can purchase the book HERE

What your gut is telling your brain is a conversation worth paying attention to and the connection between the health of your microbiome and the vitality of your brain is undeniable.  Dating back to over 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates said: “All Disease Begins in the Gut” and modern science continues to prove him right. In this episode I read from my research paper on Gut Health/ Brain Health and we cover topics like birth control, antibiotics, processed foods, fiber, probiotics and more! Link to the my full research paper HERE To schedule a Natural Health Consult with me, visit https://www.alimarielong.com/book-online

What do the Argentine Tango and Good Vibes have in common? They make up our next Sunny Side Up guest, Samantha Schmuck! She is the founder of VIBE & Embodiment and a Holistic Life Coach dedicated to helping others reduce stress and live life to the fullest.  You will love this chat as she shares with us what VIBE Embodiment means and how to join the community. You can also experience her iconic workshop at The Sunshine Retreat on May 18th in Highland, MI.  She reassures us that sometimes in life it might not feel like we can get through the storm we are in, but it is possible. She speaks from experience w/ a history of health issues, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.  Diet played a big role in Sam's recovery - specifically eliminating gluten and dairy - and helped manage her severe inflammation and depression. She is passionate about sharing so others don't have to stay in the dark.  We also talk about the science behind emotional health, the importance of intuitive movement and the ins and outs of detoxing/  healthy swaps.  Not sure where to start w/ detoxing?! In this episode Sam shares the TOP 3 ways to start!

*This episode is not for little ears. What does your wife mean when she says, "I'm Fine." It means she’s overwhelmed, bro. It means that she does not have the capacity or the exact words to tell you the depths of her ocean of overwhelm. It means she wants to be OK. She is trying to be OK. But in order to be OK she has to process the weight and the gravity of what’s on her chest and she doesn’t have the wherewithal to tell you the about the universe and stars that are circling every cell in her body at the moment.  This may sound dramatic, but as a woman I can tell you, it’s the truth.  Listen to this episode for more insight into the MIND OF YOUR WIFE. ;)

"We might have broken the internet with this episode." That's what I told ⁠Rachelle Beazley⁠, Founder of ⁠Aloe and Alchemy⁠, after this interview. :) This episode is filled to the brim with EVERYTHING that will make you smile and sit at the edge of your seat, wondering... what the heck is OBSESSION and The Body Love Immersion? We chat about Aloe and Alchemy's upcoming retreats to BAMF, Idaho and other magical places. I attended one of Rachelle's retreats last September and it was indulgent and magnificent. HIGHLY recommend! Other things we geek out about in this interview: cold plunging, MTHFR gene and Joe Rogan, scalar waves and DNA.

Meet Lindsaya VanDeusen - a human that is truly GIFTED at speaking in a way that reframes every word into an opportunity for growth. Grab a notebook RIGHT NOW because you are going to want to listen TWICE and write down every morsel that this beautiful woman shares. Her self-proclaimed mantra is: "This or Something Greater" and that perfectly emulates what Lindsaya stands for. Lindsaya's background in the beauty industry established her marketing expertise and excellence in content creation and high level coaching. Brene Brown's Leadership Training shaped the model of Lindsaya's business, Wellness Warrior Collective, and helped her step fully into a way of living that is unapologetic, transparent and brilliant.  In this interview, she shares her explant story - the current storm she is walking through with authenticity and courage. She shares, "If I am unable to model what it means to love me, how can I expect others to love me?" She is the host of Wellness Warrior Collective Podcast, as well as the host of The Daily Self Love Practice on Clubhouse.  Lindsaya leads many other Live Virtual Community Circles and in-person experiences. Her story is also published in a book, coming soon! You can follow her journey on Instagram at Lindsaya_com 

Rachel Gomillion shares her story of building a business from the ground up and how it all came to a halt after unexpectedly losing her brother in a plane crash. It was an unimaginable tragedy that left her questioning everything. Shortly after the accident, her business caught fire and she knew in that instant that it was time to close a chapter and start a new one. Her story truly is one of finding the SUNSHINE in the dark storms and Rachel embodies what it means to SHOW UP AUTHENTICALLY. Rachel is the the co-owner of TrvFit in Berkley Vibe w/ Sam Schmuck Wellness Warrior Collective Jess Itzler Michigan Adventure Racing Barefoot and Free Festival Detroit Moms

One of my favorite things that guest, Kristin Allen says in this episode is "depression is a liar." Isn't that the truth!? Sometimes we feel like "the well" of life is inescapable. How could God possibly draw living water out of a well so deep? That's the amazingness of our God. He can move mountains and He is a fountain of hope! In this episode Certified Life Coach, Kristin Allen, talks openly about her journey and struggles with anxiety and shares how she turned her challenges into a business. Kristin helps people find freedom from anxiety and she is a beacon of hope for families and individuals in the Milford, MI area. You can book a FREE consultation and learn more at: https://www.yourbestselfclub.com/ In-person and Virtual appointments available. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." - Brene Brown BRAVE is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of this episode with Lisa Husken. Sharing the deepest parts of ourselves is never easy, but in this 60 minute chat Lisa takes us on her journey of navigating an eating disorder since the age of 8 years old. At one point in her road to recovery she was 90 lbs. and 3-5% body fat.  If you struggle with anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphia, or any kind of disordered eating, this episode is for you! For many of us, the journey to self-love is long, arduous and all about control. When the world is spinning out of control (divorce, grief, loss, stress etc.), what we put in our mouths and how we LOOK is something we can control. Unfortunately this kind of control is an illusion and leads down a path of self-destruction. Eating disorders aren't just something we "get over" --- healing is a process and often times requires professional help. Don't be ashamed to ask for help; in fact, asking for help is a super power! Lisa tells us in this episode, "If and when you slip on your road to recovery, don't beat yourself up. Your eating disorder doesn't define you." She also shares about the pressures of being in the fitness community, how to help someone with an eating disorder and the TOP 3 things that supported her healing journey. ACTION from the episode: We need to STOP talking about women's bodies and remember that our kids are ALWAYS listening, watching, witnessing and being influenced by our words/actions. Whether we realize it or not, we are always setting an example for younger generations and it's ALL of our responsibility to change the conversation and landscape. ____________________________________________ Eating Disorders Helpline Call the ANAD helpline toll-free: 1 (888)-375-7767 ANAD’s free, eating disorders Helpline is available to provide emotional support and referrals. Call us for any of the following reasons: If you think you have an eating disorder If you think someone else has an eating disorder Treatment referrals Support and encouragement General questions about eating disorders ADDITIONAL RESOURCES If you are looking for treatment options, please check out https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Check out our Excerpts from the Experts video series at https://www.youtube.com/@NEDAonline If you are in a crisis and need help immediately, call 988 or continue to contact Crisis Text Line by texting “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line is a separate organization staffed by volunteers who provide free, 24/7 support via text message to individuals who are struggling with mental health, including eating disorders, and are experiencing crisis situations.

If you are a regular listener of Sunny Side Up you won't be surprised at all when we dive right into the HEART of Tanya Pence, Founder of RevolutionaryPeace.Net, retired Police Officer, Yoga Entrepreneur, "Ice Queen" and magical mama. In this episode, she challenges us to change the way we see the world. Upcoming REV Travels (as she calls them) include Puerto Rico (October 29- Nov 2), Puerto Vallarta (Jan 30 - Feb 6) and SPRING 2024, a 4 day/3 night hike to The Lost City in Colombia, including a luxurious stay near the beautiful National Park, Tayrona. There's different levels of adventure for solos, couples or groups; truly something for everyone seeking a revolutionary experience. Traveling with Tanya means your adventure will include it all--- missionary work, history of the places you visit, how to travel on a budget and adventure like no other. Also in this episode we discuss the mental and physical benefits of cold water therapy and why/how it's good for auto-immune diseases, depression, anxiety and inflammation. You DEFINITELY want to tune in! Learn more about Tanya's upcoming adventures at RevolutionaryPeace.Net

Are you overwhelmed by your things?  Are your belongings managing you instead of the other way around? Have you ever been embarrassed to open a door in your home for fear that guests will see the contents of a closet, guest room or pantry? Creating Harmony can help! There's no better way to GET ORGANIZED and kick-off SEASON 3 of Sunny Side Up Podcast, than to chat with Heather Kinder, CEO and Founder of Creating Harmony. A story of travels, chasing dreams, adoption, nature vs. nurture and finding harmony in your life (& home) by getting organized.