Untwist Me: Faith, Healing & Emotional Freedom with Elena Huggins

What if faith could do more than just comfort you—it could actually liberate you from anxiety, trauma, and emotional pain? This week on the Natalie Tysdal Podcast, I’m joined by author and pastoral care leader Elena Huggins, whose life journey will inspire anyone struggling with mental or emotional health. Drawing from her work with trauma victims, her own path through PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and her deep-rooted faith, Elena shares practical and spiritual "life hacks" for true healing.

Elena’s raw and relatable story uncovers the power of combining therapy, neuroscience, and the supernatural element of faith. She reveals how inviting God into your darkest moments can be a game changer—not just for survival, but for genuine liberation. From recognizing harmful thought patterns to specific steps you can take today, this episode is packed with hope and actionable wisdom.

Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Elena Huggins

01:29 – Mind, body, and spirit connection

02:34 – Growing up with confusion about faith

06:28 – Facing trauma and marriage challenges

10:31 – Healing outside of God vs. seeking faith

13:31 – Steps toward healing and freedom 16:39 – Real-life examples of spiritual insight

20:12 – The role of busyness and distraction

24:48 – Honest self-reflection and facing trauma

28:53 – Creating your personal healing list

32:02 – Parenting, healthy environments & next steps

Guest Links/Resources: Elena’s Website and Book: https://elenahuggins.com
Book: “Untwist Me: Uncomplicated Life Hacks for Mental and Emotional Liberation” https://amzn.to/4pPy6H5

Additional Resources/References: N/A

🎙️ Listen now—and start changing the beliefs that hold you back.

📅 New episodes drop every Monday. Subscribe for weekly wellness wisdom.

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Disclaimer: Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. This podcast is informational only, not medical advice.

Ever feel stuck in patterns you can’t shake—self-doubt, procrastination, perfectionism? In this episode, host Natalie Tysdal sits down with Shelly Lefkoe, co-founder of the Lefkoe Institute, to uncover how invisible beliefs shape your health, habits, and confidence. More importantly—Shelly shows how you can change them, permanently.

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• Where limiting beliefs come from—and why most people don’t realize they’re running the show
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• How beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not important” quietly sabotage health and self-care
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• Why affirmations often fail (and what actually creates lasting change)
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• The link between beliefs, emotions, and everyday struggles like procrastination or people-pleasing
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• Simple steps to uncover your own hidden beliefs and dissolve them
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• Real-life transformations, including Dr. Mark Hyman, who used these tools to break free of old patterns
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Why listen: If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unable to prioritize your well-being, it’s not about willpower—it’s about your beliefs. This conversation will help you spot what’s holding you back and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident life.

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• Shelly Lefkoe / Lefkoe Institute: lefkoeinstitute.com
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• Instagram: @shellylefkoe
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• Natalie Tysdal: natalietysdal.com | IG: @ntysdal | TikTok: @ntysdal | FB: Natalie Tysdal
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🎙️ Listen now—and start changing the beliefs that hold you back.

📅 New episodes drop every Monday. Subscribe for weekly wellness wisdom.

Disclaimer: Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ever feel like your brain just can’t take one more thing? You’re not broken—you’re overstimulated.

In this solo episode, Natalie Tysdal breaks down why overwhelm has become the new normal, how digital overload is rewiring your nervous system, and the simple resets that help you reclaim calm and focus.

• • What “overstimulation” really means—and why it’s everywhere
  • How constant notifications and task-switching drain your brain
  • The silent ways your phone hijacks your focus
  • Key signs of overstimulation: irritability, brain fog, “tired but wired”
  • Why multitasking is a myth (and what actually works)
  • Practical resets: micro-breaks, Pomodoro, grounding, vagus nerve hacks
  • Step-by-step strategies for taking back control of your phone
  • Permission to unplug—especially for women carrying it all

If you’re exhausted by the always-on culture, this episode gives you language for what’s happening—and tools to change it. These resets aren’t about doing less; they’re about living with more focus, peace, and energy.

• • Website: https://www.natalietysdal.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">natalietysdal.com
  • Instagram: https://instagram.com/ntysdal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@ntysdal
  • TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@ntysdal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@ntysdal
  • Facebook: https://facebook.com/natalietysdal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natalie Tysdal
  • Pomodoro Timer:

  https://amzn.to/3Kb0Eup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon |

  https://pomofocus.io" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Online Tool

🎙️ Listen now and take the next step toward feeling your best.

📅 New episodes drop every Monday—subscribe for weekly wellness wisdom.

Disclaimer: Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Parenting while caring for yourself can feel impossible—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Natalie welcomes Holly Swenson—author, registered nurse, and mother of four—who shares her four-step framework for moving from burnout to balance. Her book, Stop, Drop, Grow and Glow, offers practical, mindful strategies for parents to thrive without losing themselves in the process.

Whether you’re juggling toddlers, teenagers, a demanding career, or caring for aging parents, this conversation is filled with honest and actionable tools to help you live—and parent—more intentionally.

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• How to create a sustainable self-care routine—even if you only have five minutes a day
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• Holly’s four-step “Stop, Drop, Grow and Glow” method for intentional parenting
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• Simple, mindful practices to reduce stress and avoid parental burnout
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• Ways to move from surviving to thriving in your family life
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• Why self-care is not selfish—and how reframing this can transform your home
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• The importance of cultivating self-awareness and recognizing your own needs
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• Practical mindset shifts for balancing caregiving, career, and personal fulfillment
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Parenting is the hardest job—and the one we’re least prepared for. The pressure to be everything for everyone can leave us running on empty. Holly’s holistic approach reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish; it’s the only way to raise healthy, resilient families. If you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting space, time, or joy for yourself, this episode will encourage and guide you toward building habits that serve both you and your loved ones.

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• Guest website: liveyourglow.live
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• Holly Swenson on Instagram: @hollyswensonliveyourglow
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• Natalie’s website: natalietysdal.com
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• Instagram: @ntysdal
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• TikTok: @ntysdal
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• Facebook: Natalie Tysdal
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🎙️ Listen now and take the next step toward feeling your best.

📅 New episodes drop every Monday—subscribe for weekly wellness wisdom.

DISCLAIMER:

Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Here’s the truth: if you’re fighting fatigue, weight gain, digestive issues, or brain fog, your liver may be the missing piece. Health journalist Natalie Tysdal sits down with Lisa Pickart—nutrition & fitness coach, empty nester, and outspoken advocate for liver health—to unpack why this overlooked organ drives your energy, metabolism, hormones, and mood.

Expect clear, actionable steps to support your liver and get your life back—without gimmicks.

1. 
   
2. Your Liver Runs the Show. It quietly influences hormones, metabolism, skin, energy, and mood. When it’s overworked, the signals—joint pain, brain fog, thyroid issues—show up everywhere.
3. 
   
4. Diet Myths, Debunked. Lisa’s shift from vegan to carnivore reveals why some women do better with quality animal protein and healthy fats, and why “moderation” and high-fiber dogma don’t work for everyone.
5. 
   
6. Habits & Mindset Beat Willpower. Sustainable health isn’t deprivation—it’s food freedom. Learn how to handle cravings, social pressure, and build non-negotiable routines.
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• Why the liver is the body’s power source for detox, metabolism, hormones, and mental health
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• Surprising signs your liver needs support—fatigue, hair loss, stubborn fat, irregular periods
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• Lisa’s transformation: from obesity and autoimmunity to thriving on a carnivore approach
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• The truth about fiber, vegetables, and why “healthy” carbs aren’t always your friend
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• How to transition your diet, eat out confidently, and navigate cravings & social situations
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• Red flags of liver dysfunction, helpful labs, and daily rituals for recovery (hint: hot water with lemon first thing!)
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🎙️ Listen now and take one actionable step toward vibrant health.

Lisa Pickart — Nutrition & Fitness Coach

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• Website: go.lifebacksystem.com/home
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• Email: lisa.pickart@lifebacksystem.com
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• Website: natalietysdal.com
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• Instagram: @ntysdal
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• TikTok: @ntysdal
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• Facebook: Natalie Tysdal
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New episodes drop every Monday—subscribe for weekly wellness wisdom.

DISCLAIMER

Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ready to move beyond “goops and creams”? In this episode, Natalie sits down with
Cathy Goldstein—functional medicine leader, acupuncturist, and founder of Tru Energy Skincare—to uncover what really drives healthy, glowing skin.

Drawing from Cathy’s own healing journey, they cut through beauty-industry noise and dig into the science, energy, and everyday habits that transform skin from the inside out.

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• Why skincare is about more than products—and how stress and emotions show up on your face
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• The surprising link between emotional intelligence, facial muscles, and how we age
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• Hydration and nutrition: why they’re the real foundation of radiant skin
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• The truth about “clean” skincare, active ingredients, and reading labels with confidence
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• How energy, functional medicine, and biophoton frequencies could shift the future of skincare
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• Simple daily practices to support your skin, mind, and body—why less is often more
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• The hidden impact of facial expressions (and why numbing our faces affects kids, too)
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In a culture chasing youth, it’s easy to forget: true beauty comes from wellness, not perfection. Cathy and Natalie challenge outdated beauty standards and remind us that aging can be a process of empowerment—not invisibility.

Whether you’re confused by the skincare aisle or ready to simplify your routine, this episode gives you practical, science-backed steps to care for your skin naturally at every stage of life.

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• Tru Energy Skincare – Cathy Goldstein
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• More episodes + resources at NatalieTysdal.com
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• Follow Natalie:
  Instagram |
  TikTok |
  Facebook
  
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🎙️ Listen now—and take the first step toward healthier skin and deeper self-acceptance.

📅 New episodes drop every Monday. Subscribe for weekly wellness wisdom.

Disclaimer: Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Headaches, food sensitivities, fatigue—but “normal” test results? You may be dealing with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). In this episode of The Natalie Tysdal Podcast, Natalie sits down with Dr. Kelly McCann, a leading expert in functional, integrative, and environmental medicine, to break down what MCAS really is, why it’s on the rise, and how you can find answers and healing.

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• What mast cells are and how they impact your immune system
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• The most common MCAS symptoms (migraines, gut issues, allergies, fatigue)
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• Why MCAS is becoming more prevalent in today’s toxin-filled environment
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• The connection between MCAS, mold exposure, Lyme disease, toxins, and stress
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• How conventional vs. functional medicine approaches MCAS diagnosis
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• Steps to take if you suspect MCAS: finding the right specialist and advocating for yourself
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• Practical lifestyle changes to calm symptoms and support nervous system health
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• Hopeful recovery stories showing that healing is possible
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Millions live with undiagnosed MCAS, struggling with unexplained reactions and chronic symptoms. This conversation brings clarity, validation, and actionable steps for anyone navigating complex health issues.

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• Guest Website: Dr. Kelly McCann – The Spring Center
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• Institute for Functional Medicine
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• American Academy of Environmental Medicine
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• ISEAI: International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness
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• Natalie’s website
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• @ntysdal on Instagram
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• @ntysdal on TikTok
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• Natalie Tysdal on Facebook
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New episodes drop every Monday. Subscribe for weekly wellness insights.

Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before making health decisions.

Are you struggling with unexplained health issues like fatigue, anxiety, or mysterious allergies? Toxic mold might be the hidden culprit. In this eye-opening episode, Natalie sits down with holistic nutritionist and mold expert Danielle Wollmann to uncover the silent dangers of indoor mold and reveal practical steps to reclaim your health and home. Discover how to identify symptoms, test for mold, and start healing—plus, learn why so many people are undiagnosed.

Welcome to the Natalie Tysdal Podcast! This week, Natalie explores the often-overlooked topic of toxic mold and its impact on health with special guest Danielle Wollmann, a registered holistic nutritionist and mold survivor. After over 16 years of personal struggles with hidden mold and the health consequences, Danielle now empowers others to identify, remediate, and recover from mold exposure. This conversation is packed with must-hear information for anyone dealing with mysterious symptoms or concerned about their indoor environment.

• • Signs and symptoms of toxic mold exposure, including anxiety, brain fog, autoimmune conditions, and hormone imbalances
  • Why so many people—and professionals—miss the hidden signs of mold in homes, schools, and workplaces
  • How to test your home for mold using the ERMI dust test, plus tips for finding a reputable Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) or mold inspector
  • Common myths and mistakes in mold remediation, including what never to do with bleach and why simply painting over mold isn’t enough
  • Actionable steps for starting the mold detox process, from ensuring clean air to long-term healing strategies
  • How mold can lead to gut issues, chronic fatigue, Hashimoto’s, and even autoimmunity—and what you can do about it
  • The emotional and practical challenges of dealing with mold in rentals, workplaces, and schools, and what rights you may have as a tenant or employee
  • The power of trusting your gut, advocating for your health, and finding hope after years of feeling dismissed

Millions are silently suffering from symptoms they can’t explain—and toxic mold might be the missing link. If you or a loved one has hit dead ends with doctors, or feels “gaslit” by repeated testing, this episode delivers validation, solutions, and a path forward. Danielle’s story proves you can recover, and Natalie’s compassionate questioning ensures you’ll walk away empowered to protect your health and loved ones.

• • Danielle Wollmann’s Website: https://www.nourishingrootsnutrition.net/
  • Mold Test: https://amzn.to/4oVaZL1
  • Natalie’s Website: https://www.natalietysdal.com
  • Instagram: @ntysdal
  • TikTok: @ntysdal
  • Facebook: