I AM HUMAN

How has the I AM HUMAN podcast community embraced the beauty of imperfection and vulnerability over the past year? We reflect on our ‘imperfectly perfect’ path in 2024.  

In this episode of I AM HUMAN, Dr. Yami reflects on a year of fascinating guests, topics, and episodes, sharing some of her favorites. She also shares the reason she’s taking a break and when the show will return. 

The I AM HUMAN podcast (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio), has been marked by thought-provoking conversations and incredible guests with an amazing breadth of knowledge and experiences. With 48 episodes and 160,000 downloads in 2024, Dr. Yami and her guests have explored topics like aging gracefully, plant-based cooking, spirituality, wellness, breathwork, menopause, and even microdosing. This episode celebrates and highlights how embracing imperfections and purpose can lead to a fulfilling life, and be part of the journey by sharing your favorite episodes and reviews. Don't miss this heartfelt reflection on the I AM HUMAN podcast. 

Discussion points: 

• (01:19) Some of Dr. Yami’s favorite episodes 
• (04:44) Listener reviews, shout-outs to staffers 
• (08:30) Reasons for stepping back 
• (14:38) Clip compilation - guests and their answers to “What does it mean to be human?” 
• Follow, subscribe, share, and rate….Send me your comments and feedback on the show! 
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Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. 

The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [email protected] 

Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com. 

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"I wish more people knew that psychedelics are safe and effective when used intentionally." - Guest Paul Austin

In this episode of I AM HUMAN, we learn about the controversial subject of psychedelics, microdosing and the evolution in this space. My guest Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave, shares his journey from a traditional upbringing to becoming a leading figure in the psychedelic community, offering a unique perspective on overcoming stigma and embracing these substances for personal growth and healing.  

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the therapeutic applications of psychedelics, particularly in mental health. Paul illustrates how small, regular doses can serve as maintenance for the mind, enhancing daily life without disrupting routines. We also discuss the profound impact of high doses in alleviating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, emphasizing the importance of setting and intention for effective therapy. With promising findings from clinical trials on substances like MDMA, we highlight how these therapies offer hope to veterans and others suffering from long-term PTSD. Finally, we explore the shifting legal landscape, focusing on places like Oregon and Colorado, where plant medicines have been legalized.  

Paul Austin, a prominent figure in psychedelics, has guided millions to safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences through his work as the founder of Third Wave. Featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, and the BBC's Worklife, he pioneers the convergence of psychedelics, personal transformation, and professional success. Paul empowers leaders, creatives, and pioneers to leverage psychedelics for profound personal and professional growth. He views psychedelics as refined skills cultivated through mentorship, exploration, and purposeful use—critical for  humanity's ongoing evolution. As the longest-standing and youngest entrepreneur in this field, Paul's focus on merging psychedelics with professional development is evident in his transformative training program Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The program caters to individuals who seek to integrate their psychedelic experiences into their business practices, all under the guidance of one of the industry’s most trusted leaders. 

Discussion points: 

• (00:00) Introduction of guest Paul Austin, his path to psychedelics 
• (09:00) Defining and categorizing psychedelics 
• (14:00) Overview of decriminalization and legal use in certain regions, high doses vs. microdoses in mental health   
• (20:00) Historical context and modern applications for PTSD treatment, the importance of safe use for predisposed psychiatric conditions 
• (23:00) Three waves of psychedelics, misinformation and legal shutdown in the 60s 
• (28:00) Guide to use with trained oversight, debunking myths, setting intention for effective therapy 
• (30:00) What actually happens to the brain when microdosing, how long it takes, what to expect, advise on how to start, mastering their use 
• (42:00) Places where natural medicines are legal or decriminalized 
• (45:00) Closing questions, what we wish people knew 
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Resources: 

In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I chat with Kamini Wood about her work as a life coach and how she helps high achievers heal their relationship with themselves. We discuss limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, work/life balance and people pleasing. She shares great tips and where to start on aligning your life with your values. 

As someone who has helped countless individuals navigate the stress of external validation, Kamini shares profound insights on overcoming limiting beliefs and the relentless chase of "nexting." Our conversation uncovers the crucial steps needed to align with one's core values, helping listeners understand the symptoms of living on autopilot and offering guidance to reconnect with what truly matters. 

Discussing the complex layers of imposter syndrome, especially for those stepping into new roles, the discussion highlights the subtle ways fears of self-doubt can manifest. By naming and addressing these fears, Kamini guides us toward a stronger sense of self-trust and personal growth. We also explore how authenticity and alignment with core values can serve as anchors, providing stability amidst the storm of societal expectations. In our final segment, we emphasize the empowering journey of breaking free from people-pleasing tendencies and societal judgments. Strategies for setting boundaries and initiating uncomfortable, yet necessary, conversations are shared, offering tools for anchoring oneself in authenticity.  

Kamini Wood, a certified life coach, helps high achievers heal their relationships with themselves. She helps people take courageous steps in identifying limiting beliefs, reasons for stagnation and overcoming self-doubt in order to live a fulling professional and personal life. She is the creator of AuthenticMe® and CEO of Live Joy Your Way - a coaching company helping high performers and overachievers who have seen success through old-rooted, traditional metrics, reestablish their relational self-awareness. 

Discussion points: 

• (00:00) Introduction of guest Kamini Wood 
• (05:15) What a high achiever actually is, the concept of "nexting" - the constant pursuit of achievements without reflection 
• (08:45) Limiting beliefs and how you got them, aligning goals with personal values and needs, imposter syndrome, addressing self-doubt in new roles and personal growth 
• (17:00) Recognizing fears of failure, identifying, naming and overcoming fears to build self-trust, providing stability amidst societal expectations, your core values, empowering authenticity and personal growth, releasing societal judgments and aligning actions with values 
• (23:00) Mom guilt about not doing crafts, setting boundaries, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies with self-check-ins 
• (29:30) Initiating uncomfortable conversations, embracing necessary discussions for authentic living 
• (30:59) Closing questions, what we wish people knew 
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Resources: 

Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing to some individuals. We encourage listener discretion and self-care. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please seek help immediately.

In this episode of I AM HUMAN, Nathan Crane, holistic cancer coach, shares his incredible journey and inspires us with his life story. He also shares with us why he is passionate about helping those that have been diagnosed with cancer. It is a very inspirational and impactful episode.

Nathan's story is a testament to the power of adopting a plant-based lifestyle and embracing spiritual practices, demonstrating how these elements can profoundly impact personal well-being and purpose. His holistic approach to health incorporates mindset, nutrition, and spirituality. Through candid reflections on overcoming substance abuse, legal troubles, and personal hardships, Nathan reveals how spiritual teachings and compassionate living helped him build a meaningful and harmonious existence. You’ll hear the captivating stories of ‘cancer conquerors’ and the lifestyle changes that played a role in their recovery. Nathan shares valuable insights into the significance of addressing emotional trauma and reducing toxins to promote healing as well as the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich plant-based diet.

Nathan Crane is a multi-faceted health professional and inspirational leader with an impressive background as a certified nutrition coach, certified holistic cancer coach, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, natural health researcher and educator, plant powered athlete, and 20X award-winning documentary filmmaker with over 17 years of dedication to natural health, leadership, and personal development. His work has transformed millions of lives, providing valuable insights and practical advice on holistic health and wellness.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Nathan Crane intro, early life and troubles with health and lifestyle, health as a means to spiritual self-realization
• (0:06:48) Embracing spirituality and plant-based living for transformation
• (0:13:00) Overcoming criminal teen years, beating suicide, addiction and achieving personal growth
• (0:30:53) Exploring attachment, karma, and spiritual enlightenment, compassion in plant-based communities and spiritual traditions
• (0:47:01) Nathan's commitment to cancer research and education, success stories of cancer conquerors and lifestyle medicine, addressing emotional trauma, plant-based diet, misconceptions about veganism, and practical lifestyle advice.
• (0:59:58) Closing questions, what we wish people knew
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Resources:

In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I interview Dr. Romie Mushtaq about using BrainSHIFT to cure busy brain syndrome and ending the stress-success cycle. We talk about sleep, hormones and strategies to heal your neuroinflammation and get back on track with your life and your goals. 

You’ll hear the specifics around Dr. Mushtaq’s groundbreaking BrainSHIFT Protocol, and Dr. Mushtaq’s personal journey through chronic stress, emphasizing the need to listen to our bodies and prioritize mental well-being over relentless productivity. With insights drawn from her work with Fortune 500 companies and professional athletes, she highlights the importance of addressing sleep, hormones, inflammation, food, and technology in achieving mental clarity and success. Dr. Romi also discusses the broader implications of stress related to race and gender, advocating for a balanced approach that combines lifestyle changes with medical treatment. 

Discussion points: 

• (00:00) Dr. Romie shares her journey of overcoming chronic stress and the disconnect between success and internal struggles in the medical field. 
• (11:20) The “stress-success cycle” and its impact on high-achieving individuals, leading to chronic stress and "busy brain syndrome”. 
• (22:05) Busy brain syndrome is linked to stress and burnout, and can be managed through the BrainSHIFT 8-week Protocol. SHIFT: Sleep, Hormones, Markers of Inflammation, Food, Technology 
• (30:58) Thyroid function and mental health, balancing medication and lifestyle, prioritizing tasks, achieving success with focus and integrity. 
• (40:41) Closing questions, what we wish people knew 
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Resources: