My vibrant friend Vera Marcinko is this episode’s guest of honor. As a doula, Vera is a birth and postpartum mentor who shares her own postpartum journey, and its effect on her health, her marriage, and her identity. There’s something in this episode for everyone., as we go wide and deep, covering:

+Why community is crucial for humans, especially in pivotal life moments

+What you can do if you feel unsupported as a partner, a parent, a friend - or just a human in general

+How to connect with yourself and others

+How to navigate intimacy as new parents

+What constitutes true intimacy

+What to do when you feel stuck/powerless/alone

+How approaching partnership, parenthood, and life from a place of understanding changes everything

+How to fill your own cup, especially as a caregive

Why you should prioritize patterns over perfection

A very meaningful and helpful episode.

Find Vera on Instagram @thespanglishdoula or @dlnvera

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

+We Can Do Hard Things Podcast: Find Healing In Your Partnership and Balance Inequality in Your Home with Kate Mangino

+The Breathing Cure: Develop New Habits for a Healthier, Happier, and Longer Life

+@theteachermomma on Instagram

In this hard-hitting yet cozy episode, I sit down with the SheEO herself: Sheena Daniels. Sheena is a podcast host, businesswoman, yoga instructor, and female empowerer. She shares tough lessons she’s learned upon getting a divorce and leaving the LDS church. We also get into:

• how to connect with yourself and your kids

• how to empower yourself and your kids

• how to reduce shame and guilt

• how to learn to trust yourself

• how to use your body as a healing tool

• the power of the pause and the necessity of stillness

• how your mistakes are your entry points for connection

• how to make your mess your message

It’s good. Oh, so good.

Find Sheena on Instagram @shelyfe, and listen to her on Pivot and Pursue, the podcast she hosts with Britney Neibaur

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

I identify a certain blind spot you might have that’s interfering with your  friendships, relationships, and social interactions, and how to address it. I explain  why giving and taking are equally important.

I suggest what to do if you find yourself imbalanced on either side. I guide you on how to tell if you dominate conversations.

I also share a tip for preserving your battery if you find yourself depleted during social interactions.

It’s a short - but important - episode.

Thanks for listening,

w

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

I start this free-flowing solo episode with no set topic or structure. In this age of personal branding, formulaic creating, and calculated sharing, I discuss prioritizing connection over commodification. I tell how after extensively researching and studying the best marketing practices, I opted for authenticity over algorithm. I note where I think social media is heading, and suggest what to do about it.

What comes forth ultimately coalesces into a theme of reclamation: of self, of creativity, of privacy, of time, of authenticity, of soul, of passion, of balance, of LIFE. Whether you have a personal brand or not, this episode touches on something we can all relate to: choosing how we show up in the world, and how we individually and collectively shape that world.

We’re all in it together.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

x,

w

I somehow got my long-time friend Amanda Frost to agree to come on, and I think you’ll be glad I did. In this light-hearted - yet substantive - conversation, we cover quite a bit of ground. After revealing our real reasons for posting outfits of the day on social media, we continue on to chat about the importance of:

• immunizing yourself against shifting trends and opinions by determining what works for you

• identifying what works for you and what doesn’t, from your personal aesthetic to your ideology to your lifestyle

• allowing flexibility in your perspectives and routines

• investing continually in your self and your craft

• communicating directly

• discovering it’s less about looking good, and more about feeling good

• recognizing and appreciating beauty in everyone

As Amanda framed it, this was simply a play date - and you’re invited.

Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandafrostbeauty

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

It’s nice - even preferred - to feel special, right? To feel exceptional? However, to be special and exceptional requires being different. So why do we disparage weirdness? Why do we actively criticize/avoid it?

I get into why.

I also get into why we shouldn’t; why our oddities should be celebrated and even cultivated. I share some of my own weirdo tendencies, and offer a pretty strong argument on letting your freak flag fly (whatever that means to you).

Be you. Be awesome. You little weirdo.

xx,

w

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

Wow - I did not expect this conversation to go as deep or as long, but man am I glad it did. If you want a comfortable, superficial, breezy listen, this isn’t it. If you want a meaningful, profound, and heart-opening listen, this is it. Do with that what you will.

In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known since elementary school: Catlin Palmer, LMSW and published author. I initially asked Catlin, a licensed therapist and Ute tribe member, to come on to share his work incorporating Native American culture and spirituality in recovery (interesting, right?!). While we did cover that, we also [un]covered so much more.

Throughout our dynamic session, Catlin candidly relays how his personal experience with OCD and substance abuse inform and heighten his efficacy as a counselor. As if that wasn’t deep enough, the conversation really intensifies (in a good way) when Catlin explains the role of Indigenous culture and history in understanding not only his specific clients, but the community as a whole. (Note: Catlin is careful to speak to his own knowledge and experience, and not for Indigenous people as a whole.) He clarifies how and why Indigenous people are so often misunderstood, and how damaging and frustrating that can be. THIS MATTERS.

Catlin emphasizes rather than pity, retribution, or compensation, he simply seeks awareness: of what the Indigenous people experienced, of why the ripple effect is so extensive, and of how the history is still relevant.

We spotlight the importance of identity - personal, cultural, national - and how threatening/losing it can damage our lives, our health, and our connections (to ourselves and to others).

Thank you for listening. xx

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

Find Catlin on Instagram @flomentum_movement

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Have you personally experienced the power of music? Of sound? Are you interested in optimizing your health? Feeling your best? Calming your mind and body? Is there anything you need to heal? Have you wanted to meditate but find it hard to achieve stillness? Is it hard for you to concentrate on the task at hand? Need help calming your kiddos before bed? Then this could be a game changing episode for you.

Healing through sound frequencies is becoming more and more popular (sound bath, anyone?), and research suggests there’s really something to it.

In this episode, I explain what sound frequencies are, and the profound benefits they can bring. I delve into the science behind it, and share my own cool experiences with it. It’s a fascinating subject.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

xx,

w

In this episode I sit down with my friend Mindy Cervantes, an experienced massage therapist and all-around radiant, COOL person. Not even halfway through, my jaw literally dropped (and stayed dropped) as she related what she feels and accomplishes during her massage sessions.

Mindy is a true healer, who offers insight on connecting to your body, recognizing its signals, and helping it thrive. She shares tools and framework for attuning to your body, including guidance you can perform on yourself, no professional necessary.

We discuss the importance of the lymphatic system and what everyone should do daily to optimize it (hint: it’s not dry brushing). This right here could be the game changer you seek, or didn’t even know you need. Trust me.

We highlight the purpose of pain, and what you can do to understand and start to resolve yours (acute and chronic). We explain how physics and energy work are directly tied. And of course, sprinkled throughout are various (relevant!) tangents, like how water can actually dehydrate you (and how to avoid it). This episode clearly reflects the emerging integration of science and “woo woo” and it’s not only interesting, it’s applicable and actionable.

The person I reference a jillion times throughout is Perry Nickelston of Stop Chasing Pain. You can find him on YouTube and Instagram (@stopchasingpain on Instagram). He is an absolute goldmine of information. Try his Big 6 here and thank me later.

Find Mindy on Instagram @idaho_sport_massage

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

In this short solo episode, I tackle the timeless, universal question of how to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Easily done in 30 minutes, right? Despite the little time, I cover big ground and offer important distinctions that may seem minor, but actually make all the difference: when to push and when to pivot; how to integrate discipline and rest; and how to differentiate between self worth and self confidence. I also present a pretty convincing (if I do say so myself) re-frame for why you should shoot your shot, no matter how many similar products are on the market, no matter how many like thoughts are in the literature, and no matter how many fish are in the sea.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

The book I reference is Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima.

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

xo

w

This is a special episode because it features a special person: my close friend Melissa Curtis, who shares her experience having a medically-complex child. She tells us the progression from first receiving the unexpected news, to adapting and navigating her new reality. She discusses how she maintains perspective, and suggests things for us all to remember, no matter our situation. Melissa has a way of navigating life with such poise, grace, awareness, and resolve. Get ready to be inspired.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

xx,

w

In this playful and inspiring episode, I sit down with competitive adult gymnast Peyton Kiggins. Daring to defy society’s age limits, Peyton shares why she re-entered competitive gymnastics, and how she’s a stronger competitor now than when she was younger. Peyton tells us how she stays fit mentally and physically, and what she does to minimize injury and maximize growth and FUN. She highlights the crucial role of playfulness, and offers a helpful and empowering re-frame for failure. She exemplifies how we can do far more than we think - and are often told - we can. Peyton’s approach to gymnastics - and life in general - is remarkably healthy, balanced, and motivating. Listen, and you’ll see what I mean.

Find Peyton on Instagram @peytonamore

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Do you ever feel unable to decode what your body is telling you? Unsure why you’re feeling a certain way, physically or emotionally? Are you caught in a loop of stress/anxiety? Have you experienced persistent, maybe even baffling, symptoms? Do you feel stuck and frustrated? Untethered? Lost? Does the past have a chokehold on you? Or maybe you feel okay but want to feel your best.

In this episode, I explain embodiment, and why you need it for true, optimal health. I outline how and why you can become disconnected from your body, and how to restore that vital connection. This is an episode that may at first glance feel irrelevant to you, but may actually be your missing link - exactly what you need. It definitely was for me.

Thanks for being here.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Feminism gets a bad rap, and is clouded by myths and misunderstandings. I’m here to [possibly] change your understanding, not your mind. This episode aims to clarify and illuminate something many may support without even knowing it: feminism. I debunk myths, I explain what feminism is and is not, and I share my thoughts and experiences being a woman in this world. If you’re a human, this episode is for Y O U. You decide what to believe and how to live your life.

Happy National Women’s History Month.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

xx,

w

Ever feel overwhelmed by world events? Ever feel dragged down by negativity? Ever feel frustrated by miscommunication? Ever feel compelled to elevate your interactions/environment? Ever wonder how much you actually matter?

This episode is for you.

Well, really, there’s something in here for all of us.

In this episode, I differentiate between influence and manipulation. I explain how and WHY our thoughts and words are so powerful. I briefly nerd out on how energy and vibes aren’t “woo woo” and are actually grounded and measured in science and physics. And most helpfully, I offer you specific questions to ask and steps to take to influence yourself, and the people and world around you.

Love you.

As promised, if you’re interested in getting involved with the Goodwill Gang (as mentioned in the episode) as a gangster/donor/nominator/subscriber, please click on the tab at the top of this site (aptly labeled Goodwill Gang), and follow the instructions. You may also navigate there directly via www.thenativist.net/goodwill-gang

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

We’re constantly encouraged to have a growth mindset; to be disciplined; to always strive to improve and to evolve, in virtually every area of life. But can that ever be taken too far? How do you know when it’s become problematic? What can you do to prevent that? Is there ever a time when a growth mindset is not appropriate or beneficial? What is true growth?

In this solo episode, I highlight red flags to be aware of and questions to consider when setting goals and seeking your highest self. I offer a re-definition of your actual highest self, and explore the importance of self-trust. I differentiate between discipline and dogmatism, and propose how to own your routine (rather than it owning you). I explain why rigid rules are common for those with conditions such as ADHD and eating disorders, and what that rigidity indicates. I reveal the reasoning of why I chose The Nativist brand name, and how I feel about it now.

It’s all so simple, yet so complex. C’est la vie.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Love. Communication. Discipline. Respect. Resilience. Adaptability. Empathy. Humility. Tenacity. Curiosity. Patience. Consideration. All key words for parenting and for life, and how you apply them matters.

In this episode Byron + Ashley Hunt share how they fostered healthy cohesion while nurturing individual empowerment  - for themselves + their kids. They reveal how they became a close family team that shows up for each other in every way.

They tell us what made the difference for them in cultivating a family that genuinely respects + supports each other.

Their approach contains heavy-hitting life lessons for ALL of us. Worth listening to even if you’re not a parent. Worth listening to if you’re a human who values connection.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

The books we reference in the show:

• The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It by Warren Farrell and John Gray

• The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

• Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way by Jocko Willink

Brooke Richardson Photography

In this first episode back after my hiatus, I detail my experience having my breast implants removed. I share with you the health scare that compelled me to finally get them taken out, the explant surgery and recovery processes I went through, and the complications and emergency surgery I encountered. I open up about body image and how I feel about mine post-explant. I talk breast implant illness symptoms, and why this condition is receiving more awareness.

If you’re like me, you make life 10x harder than it needs to be. Because you’re exhaustively overthinking, because you’re obsessively problem solving, because you’re overly complicating.

In this short episode, I share realizations I’ve made, and techniques I’ve used, to flow with life, not against it. I offer perspectives and identify possible energy and time sucks that are zapping you dry. You might be surprised.

Love you.

Whitney

Connect with me on Facebook and instagram @the_nativist

What you feed, grows. What you focus on becomes your reality. If you want to change your reality, you must first change your focus.

What you focus on affects your life, your relationships, your environment, and the world. Sound dramatic? I’ll explain why it’s not. I’ll also offer different ways of evaluating how you’re spending your most valuable currency (your focus), and suggest various ways to upgrade this. Some of these may surprise you.

The considerations are complex, but the solutions are simple. Come join me.

Find me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist