Welcome to the Cultivating Calmness Podcast with your host, Kaela Vance. Kaela explores the crucial topic of testing, including blood, urine, and saliva tests, often overlooked in traditional healthcare. She delves into why these tests are essential, particularly when patients feel something is amiss despite normal results. Kaela advocates for comprehensive testing, such as full hormone panels and thorough thyroid tests, to provide a holistic view of one's health. She emphasizes the importance of understanding test results to guide lifestyle changes and achieve overall wellness. Join Kaela as she demystifies testing and empowers listeners to take charge of their health journey.

Episode #25 - Decoding Health: The Role of Comprehensive Testing

In this episode of the Cultivating Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance delves into the topic of anxiety and change, particularly in the context of the busy month of May. She discusses the various manifestations of anxiety, from fear of the unknown to past-oriented worries, and highlights how anxiety can be exacerbated during times of change. Kaela shares personal experiences of anxiety related to her expanding wellness practice, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and holistic approaches in managing anxiety. She explores the impact of diet, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and therapeutic techniques in addressing anxiety, providing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners seeking to cultivate calmness amidst life's challenges.

Episode #38 - Anxiety Unmasked: Holistic Approaches for Inner Peace

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between your gut health and mental well-being. From the surprising role of serotonin—mostly produced in the gut—to how the foods we eat can directly impact our mood, energy, and overall mental health, this episode breaks down the science behind it all. We discuss how diet influences gut bacteria, serotonin production, and the gut-brain axis, as well as the long-term effects of processed foods on emotional stability. Learn how making mindful changes to your nutrition can help heal your gut, improve serotonin levels, and support a healthier, more balanced mind.

Episode #71 - Your Gut: The Gut-Brain Connection

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela explores the benefits of Earthley's herbal tinctures and supplements, highlighting their powerful natural properties and how they can support overall health and well-being. With Earthley's annual tincture sale happening now, Kaela shares her personal experience using these products, including those that support immunity, energy, gut health, and mental wellness. She discusses how tinctures offer a concentrated way to benefit from herbs and explains their role in improving mental health by healing the gut. Tune in for insights into the healing potential of nature’s offerings and why these tinctures could be a great addition to your wellness routine.

Episode #72 - Tinctures: Healing from the Inside Out

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into the powerful connection between exercise and mental health, exploring the science behind how physical activity impacts our brains and emotions. She discusses how exercise increases feel-good hormones like endorphins and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, but also emphasizes the importance of listening to your body to avoid overexertion. Kaela also touches on the concept of cycle syncing for women, explaining how aligning exercise routines with the different phases of the menstrual cycle can optimize energy levels and mental well-being. Tune in for practical insights on how to move your body in a way that supports both your physical and mental health.

Episode #73 - Exercise: The Mental Health Benefits

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into a common experience many clients face: walking into therapy feeling like there’s nothing to discuss. She explores the underlying reasons why people often feel they don’t have anything to share and offers valuable insights into how we can uncover deeper emotions and struggles, even when it feels like everything is going well. Drawing from her years of experience as a therapist, Kaela discusses the importance of addressing the "hidden" issues that may be lying beneath the surface, helping listeners understand that therapy isn't just about tackling the obvious problems but also about exploring the things we avoid or don't even realize are affecting us.

Episode #76 - When You Feel You Have Nothing to Discuss in Therapy

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance reflects on her recent spring break vacation and how it provided an opportunity to practice mindfulness in a simple and calming way. As she shares her family’s experience searching for sea glass, Kaela connects this activity to mindfulness, highlighting the importance of focusing on the present moment to regulate our body and mind. From the soothing rhythm of the waves to the quiet concentration required to spot sea glass, Kaela discusses how these small, everyday activities can help us cultivate mindfulness and calmness. Whether you're on vacation or at home, learning to focus on one thing at a time can lead to a more peaceful and centered state of mind.

Episode #78 - Mindfulness: Lessons Learned from Sea Glass

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela explores the profound feeling of being "alone" during difficult times, even when surrounded by supportive people. Drawing on the classic poem "Footprints in the Sand," she reflects on how God’s presence remains with us, especially during the darkest moments of our lives. Kaela shares personal insights from her own journey of faith and experiences with clients, emphasizing that despite feeling isolated in our struggles, we are never truly alone—God walks with us through it all. This episode provides comfort for those wrestling with pain, grief, or trauma, offering a gentle reminder that we are seen, loved, and never abandoned.

Episode #80 - Feeling Alone: Finding God in the Darkest Moments

In this episode of The Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we dive into the topic of boundaries—why they are essential for our mental health, how they protect us, and how to set them in a way that fosters healthier relationships. Whether it's managing difficult family dynamics, handling emotional triggers, or learning how to say no, setting boundaries allows us to define what’s acceptable in our lives. This episode explores common misconceptions, practical examples, and the importance of following through with your limits to create the space for growth, peace, and self-respect. Tune in for insightful tips on strengthening your personal boundaries and cultivating emotional well-being.

Episode #87 - Boundaries: Learning to Say No Without Guilt

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela is joined by Jonathan Miller from Miller Counseling to discuss social anxiety, a disorder that often slips under the radar in therapy. Jonathan, with his 25 years of experience, sheds light on what social anxiety is, its subtle but powerful impact on daily life, and the role of exposure therapy in overcoming it. Together, they explore how social anxiety manifests, how it can sneak up on individuals, and the importance of addressing it with compassion and practical strategies. Jonathan also shares his personal experiences with social anxiety, offering insight into how it can affect self-esteem and social interactions. Tune in to learn how we can help clients face their fears, build confidence, and create lasting change.

Episode #88 - Social Anxiety: A Deep Dive with Jonathan Miller

In this eye-opening episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela is joined by functional dietitian and founder of Nourished by Taylor, Taylor Lechner, to discuss the often-overlooked connection between hormonal birth control and mental health. Taylor shares her personal and professional journey of recovering from the pill, uncovering root causes like high copper and gut dysfunction that can trigger anxiety, depression, and more. Listeners will gain insight into the importance of functional testing, how birth control alters the brain and body, and what steps women can take to start healing naturally. This conversation empowers women with informed consent and reminds us that when we feel something is off—our intuition is often right.

Episode #90 - Birth Control: Taylor Lechner Talks Women's Health

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between our inner dialogue and the world we experience. Inspired by a video featuring Peter Crone, “The Mind Architect,” we dive deep into the concept of negative core beliefs—those deep-rooted thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m unlovable”—and how they silently shape our lives, reactions, and relationships. Drawing from real-life examples, therapeutic insight, and EMDR techniques, this episode unpacks how past experiences wire our brains for defense and how we can begin to rewrite our inner narratives to live with more confidence, compassion, and freedom.

Episode #91 - Core Beliefs: Rewriting Your Inner Narrative

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we welcome Rebecca Dunaway, a certified HeartMath® practitioner, Reiki master, and sound therapy trainee, to explore the healing power of HeartMath®. Drawing on her decades-long career in the medical field and her personal experience with burnout, Rebecca shares how HeartMath® tools—like heart-focused breathing and coherence techniques—can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and bring heart, mind, and body into harmony. We discuss how these tools complement traditional therapy, how they're used in everyday life (even in traffic!), and how they support healing from trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress. This episode is a heart-centered guide to reconnecting with yourself and supporting your clients more deeply.

Episode #92 - HeartMath®: Tools for Trauma Recovery

In this powerful episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance sits down with fellow LPCC-S and trauma specialist Rikki Grace to explore the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), a therapeutic approach designed specifically for complex trauma. Rikki shares her journey into the world of counseling and how she discovered NARM, explaining what sets it apart from other trauma modalities like EMDR and DBT. Listeners will gain insight into how NARM integrates relational, emotional, cognitive, and somatic elements while emphasizing client agency, consent, and non-pathologizing therapeutic relationships. Whether you’re a clinician, a trauma survivor, or simply curious about healing through connection, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on what it means to experience and process trauma in a safe, supportive way.

Episode #93 - Trauma: NeuroAffective Relational Model

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance sits down with K Preston Moore—TEDx speaker, national mental health and addiction advocate, and person in long-term recovery—to have a powerful, honest, and energizing conversation about the real roots of emotional dysfunction and the stigma that keeps people stuck. Preston shares how his own experiences with addiction, recovery, and emotional growth shaped his work, and why building a culture of proactive mental and emotional wellness is more critical than ever. Together, they explore how vulnerability, consistency, and community can reshape lives—long before a crisis forces change. Whether you're a clinician, a parent, or someone who just wants to live more intentionally, this episode offers both insight and practical inspiration.

Episode #96 - Rethinking Stigma: Preston Moore’s Journey and Message

In this episode of The Cultivate Calmness Podcast, I’m joined by Molly Olejownik, a licensed mental health specialist working in a local school district, to discuss the essential and often overlooked collaboration between school-based counselors and community therapists. We explore the evolution of her career from cheer coach to school counselor to private practice clinician—and now, back into schools as a mental health specialist serving students with IEPs. Molly shares the challenges of large caseloads, how emotional regulation is central to her work, and why building strong partnerships with parents, teachers, and therapists is key to supporting students. We also dive into the reality of burnout, perfectionism in high-achieving districts, and the importance of self-care for those who serve others.

Episode #97 - School Counselors: Supporting Kids at School and Beyond

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we tackle the exhausting myth that you’re supposed to “do it all” — perfectly, all the time. From the picture-perfect lives we see on social media to the increasing demands of modern life, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. I share personal reflections, the reality behind those polished images, and a practical exercise to help you assess your life’s priorities without burning out. You’ll learn why trying to change everything at once sets you up for failure, how to focus on one key area for a ripple effect of positive change, and why it’s time to let go of impossible standards.

Episode #98 - Slowing Down: From Overwhelm to Balance

In this deeply personal episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela shares her own story of losing her mom to ovarian cancer at the age of seven and reflect on what grief has looked like over the past 30 years. From unexpected triggers, to the ways grief evolves through different life stages, she explores how loss never fully disappears, but grows and changes alongside us. She talks about the mementos her mom left behind, the special connections she still feels today, and how becoming a parent has reshaped her understanding of grief. This episode is a vulnerable reflection on love, memory, and the way grief continues to shape who we are—decades later.

Episode #99 - My Story: Lessons From 30 Grief Anniversaries

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, I sit down with therapist and practice owner Emily Hanlon of Spiral Path Counseling to explore the power of Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and expressive arts therapy in supporting trauma recovery and self-care. Together, we dive into how these approaches intersect, offering both clients and clinicians fresh ways to view “self-sabotage,” connect with their inner parts, and practice embodied self-regulation. Emily shares her journey from burnout to discovering somatic and parts-based therapies, highlighting the importance of compassion, creativity, and safety in the healing process. Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or simply curious about holistic approaches to mental health, this conversation offers insight, hope, and practical tools.

Episode #100 - Parts Work: Exploring Internal Family Systems

In this milestone 101st episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, I take a moment to reflect on what it means to have been sharing conversations, insights, and stories for over two years. What began as a way to connect and share mental health knowledge has grown into a platform for community, interviews, and holistic discussions around grief, trauma, and functional wellness. From solo reflections to engaging dialogues with fellow professionals, this journey has reshaped not only my practice but also the way I approach therapy and life. Join me as I look back on the path so far, the lessons learned, and the vision for what’s to come in the next 101 episodes.

Episode #101 - 101 Episodes: Two Years of Cultivating Calmness

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness, Kaela sits down with Dr. Suzanne Pikula, DC, a trauma-informed, systems-oriented chiropractor and founder of several integrative clinics, to explore how bodywork can accelerate mental health healing. Dr. Suzanne explains why “everything is connected”—from fascia and cranial-sacral flow to the vagus nerve, limbic system, and gut-brain axis—and how gentle, safety-first somatic techniques can help anxious, overwhelmed, or neurodivergent clients actually receive care. We unpack collaboration between psychotherapy (EMDR/brain-based work) and chiropractic approaches, discuss stored trauma after surgeries (like C-sections), and look at practical ways to calm hyper-arousal, improve sleep and focus, and reduce persistent pain. If you’ve ever wondered how nontraditional adjustments, scar work, and nervous system regulation can complement talk therapy, this conversation offers a grounded, trauma-responsive roadmap for healing mind, body, and spirit.

Episode #102 - Brain & Body: Bridging Therapy & Chiropractic Care

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, takes listeners behind the scenes of her work not only as a grief and trauma therapist but also as the host of monthly Mental Health Professionals Luncheons and the new president of the Central Ohio Counseling Association (COCA). Kaela shares the heart behind creating spaces where counselors can connect, consult, and collaborate through luncheons, CEU events, coffee and consultations, and social gatherings. Whether you’re a new professional, a seasoned clinician, or simply curious about how community can help sustain mental health providers, this episode highlights the importance of coming together, sharing resources, and building meaningful professional relationships in Central Ohio and beyond.

Episode #103 - Building Community for Counselors in Central Ohio

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, explores the wide spectrum of grief reactions we see both publicly and privately, from anger and numbness to hope and faith. Drawing from personal experiences, professional insights, and reflections on recent events, she emphasizes that no two people grieve in the same way—and that judgment often deepens wounds rather than heals them. Kaela reminds listeners that grief is complex, unpredictable, and deeply human, and encourages us to meet others with empathy, compassion, and support instead of criticism. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or are walking alongside someone who has, this episode offers perspective, validation, and practical ways to help without judgment.

Episode #104 - The Many Faces of Grief and How We Respond

In this week’s episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, reflects on the power of connection and the urgency of preserving memories with loved ones while we still have the chance. Drawing on her own experiences with family and her work as a grief and trauma therapist, she explores how sudden loss—whether personal or public—reminds us that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Kaela discusses simple, meaningful ways to capture family stories and histories, from asking intentional questions to recording conversations, and emphasizes how these practices not only honor those we love but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Episode #105 - Preserving Memories Before It’s Too Late

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, holistic grief and trauma therapist Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, addresses a heartbreaking story that shook her community — the loss of a child to a viral social-media “challenge.” Kaela explores the darker side of technology and how digital platforms, algorithms, and online predators can endanger our kids’ safety and mental health. She offers practical, compassionate guidance for parents and caregivers: how to create tech agreements, monitor online use, and open healthy conversations about trust, privacy, and boundaries. This episode is both a sobering wake-up call and an empowering reminder that proactive, mindful parenting can make all the difference in a digital world designed for distraction.

Episode #106 - Digital Dangers: Keeping Kids Safe on Social Media

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, explores how relationships grow best when we take time to build a strong emotional foundation—one step (or wave) at a time. Using her ocean and beach analogy, Kaela reflects on the importance of exploring relationships slowly, developing trust, and learning each other’s depths before diving in. Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or simply someone seeking healthier connections, this episode invites you to consider how self-awareness, pacing, and emotional curiosity help us create meaningful, lasting bonds that don’t just float—they thrive.

Episode #108 - How We Build Trust One Step at a Time

In this week’s episode of The Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into what she calls “sugar overload season”—that stretch of holidays from Halloween through Valentine’s Day where candy, cookies, and cocktails dominate. She explores how excess sugar impacts the immune system, why you might feel run down despite taking vitamins, and how small, mindful choices can strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Drawing on her holistic and functional mental health approach, Kaela also shares practical ways to listen to your body’s early warning signs, use food and supplements intentionally, and teach your family to recognize those same cues. This episode offers a compassionate reminder to enjoy the season while nurturing your physical and emotional wellness.

Episode #109 - The Hidden Cost of Holiday Sugar

In this week’s episode of Cultivate Calmness, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, shares exciting updates about Teal Saguaro Wellness’s upcoming CEU luncheon for mental health professionals, as well as new online CEU courses now available through her website. Kaela discusses the heart behind these events—building community, collaboration, and growth among Ohio clinicians—and offers insight into how therapists, counselors, and social workers can get involved as presenters. Whether you’re looking to attend a luncheon, earn CEUs online, or share your expertise as a presenter, this episode is your invitation to connect, contribute, and grow together.

Episode #110 - Bringing Connection to Continuing Education

In this week’s episode of Cultivate Calmness, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, shares her personal reflections on the arrival of Ohio’s first snow and explores how the shift in seasons affects our mental and physical health. Kaela explains how sunlight, vitamin D, and movement influence mood and energy, and offers holistic strategies to prevent the “winter blues.” From mindful outdoor walks and light therapy boxes to nutritional support and joyful winter activities, she guides listeners through simple, functional steps to help their bodies and minds adjust to the colder months. Whether you love winter or dread it, this episode reminds you that the season doesn’t have to control your mood — you can prepare, stay grounded, and find calm no matter the weather.

Episode #111 - How to Prepare Your Mind and Body for the Season

In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, takes time to pause and reflect on gratitude — for her clients, her colleagues, her community, and the journey that brought her here. She shares the lessons she’s learned from the brave clients who trust her with their stories, the clinicians who collaborate and present at her CEU luncheons, and the loved ones who help her bring her mission to life. From running a small private practice to leading in her professional community, Kaela explores how gratitude can anchor us through challenges and strengthen our connection to purpose, people, and healing.

Episode #112 - Gratitude, Growth, and Grace

Welcome to the "Cultivate Calmness" channel, presented by Kaela Rae Vance LPCCS. Kaela is one of Central Ohio's few Holistic Clinical Counselors who specializes in advanced counseling techniques, real world strategies, & guidance around complex grief and trauma issues.

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