Whole by Design

Grief doesn’t always follow a clear path. For many people, it can feel layered, disorienting, and difficult to move through, especially when the emotions don’t resolve in the ways we expect.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your grief or unsure how to carry both the love and the pain, this conversation offers a way of understanding what’s happening beneath the surface.

In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez and grief expert Aurena Green e...

Stress is often treated like something to eliminate, but what if understanding it differently could help you move through life with more clarity, strength, and intention?

In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez is joined by clinician and clinical director Amanda Good to explore the stress equation, a practical framework for understanding why stress affects people differently and how lasting balance is created.

Together,...

What do high-pressure emergency response and intimate relationships have in common? Communication under stress.

In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) Lee Collins to explore what truly strengthens connection in relationships.

Drawing from his background in corporate leadership, emergency response, and clinical counseling, Lee shares how high-pressure enviro...

Fertility is often framed as a purely biological issue, but what if there’s more shaping our ability to create and receive in life than we realize?

In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez is joined by Dr. Natalie Grigorian, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Master of Acupuncture, to explore the hidden factors that influence fertility, not just in conception, but across all areas of life.

Together, they discuss how stres...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and self-harm.

Suicidality can be complex, painful, and often misunderstood.

In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Faith Ferber, a trauma-informed Viva therapist, and her mother, Brenda Ferber, a writer, to explore Faith’s journey with mental health challenges from childhood through adolescence. They discuss early warning signs, the impact of family dynamics, and the one thi...

Poor sleep can affect more than just energy. It can shape mood, focus, and mental health in surprising ways.

In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Andres Barkil-Oteo to explore the hidden connection between sleep apnea and mental health. They discuss why sleep apnea often goes unnoticed, how it can mimic depression or ADHD, and what steps you can take to uncover and treat it.

This episode is an empowering...

Disordered eating impacts millions of Americans, yet so many people face it in silence. If you’re struggling, you are not alone.

In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Christie Dondero Bettwy, Executive Director of Rock Recovery, to talk about her personal journey of disordered eating recovery and her work making treatment more accessible. Together, they explore how cultural messages about food and bodies fuel shame, why s...

Psychedelics and breathwork may seem like very different paths to healing, but what if the breath alone could unlock the same powerful states of awareness?

In this episode, Dr. Julie Lopez speaks with Mark Worster, a psychiatric nurse, entrepreneur, and trauma survivor, about how deep breathwork can be a psychedelic experience without substances. Together, they explore non-ordinary states of consciousness, shadow work, and how acce...

In this episode of Whole by Design, Robyn Brickel, an expert in trauma-informed clinical work, sheds light on how we are all built for survival. Robyn explores how healing deep-rooted wounds can lead to healthier connections, improved emotional regulation, and a more peaceful life. Tune in for valuable insights on recognizing trauma's impact and practical steps for healing that can transform the way you relate to yourself and other...

Did you know you can use your imagination to rewire your brain and heal trauma? In this episode, Tracy, a leading expert in brain science, explains how visualizing nurturing experiences can create new neural pathways. Learn how the powerful therapeutic approach of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)  can reduce emotional reactivity and transform your mental health, helping you break free from old patterns and creat...

Feeling stuck, drained, or unsure of your next step? You’re not alone. In this episode of Whole by Design, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with Pascale Cook-Fernandes—coach, Reiki master, and founder of Women Finding Clarity—to explore how overwhelm and self-doubt can keep us from fully showing up in our lives.

Pascale shares her powerful approach to stepping out of the fog and into clarity, drawing from energy work, self-awareness pract...

Have you ever felt like there's a powerful voice inside you, just waiting to be discovered? In this episode of Whole by Design, we explore the profound impact of the human voice and how it can be a tool for healing, confidence building, and authentic self-expression, enabling you to live more fearlessly.

We will examine the common inhibitions that prevent individuals from fully expressing themselves and offer strategies for overcom...

Join host Julie for a groundbreaking conversation with Aditi Manocha, gut and hormone nutrition coach, as they challenge the dismissive "it's all in your head" approach and explore empowering strategies to advocate for your health.

In this episode, we unpack the pervasive issue of medical gaslighting and delve into Aditi's personal journey through the maze of chronic health issues. Discover how connecting the dots in your health pu...

Ready to reframe your pain perception, build resilience, and take control of your life?

In this episode, Dr. Julie sits down with Jen Uschold to discuss a holistic, science-based approach to understanding and managing pain. By exploring the intricate relationship between the nervous system, mental fitness, and well-being, Uschold provides listeners with practical strategies to change their relationship with pain. Through her three-...

Join host Dr. Julie Lopez for a conversation with Sabrina Hansen of The Relational Mastery Institute as they challenge the conventional thinking around Relationship OCD and explore a more empowering perspective on this debilitating experience.

In this episode, we move beyond the limitations of labels like "Relationship OCD" to understand the deeper needs driving these thought patterns and behaviors. Sabrina shares her insights on h...