Shows
Tech Talk with OptimalRxThe Five Elements with Janella PurcellKristin and Julianne speak with Janella Purcell, a pioneer in Australia’s Health and Wellness industry with over 25 years of clinical experience as a Naturopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist. Janella rose to prominence as a whole-food TV chef on shows like Good Chef Bad Chef, The Biggest Loser, and What’s Good For You, and has since become a sought-after public speaker, retreat facilitator, and healer in private practice. Janella is also the award-winning author of five best-selling books, widely used in Natural Health Colleges and wellness communities. In this podcast, Janella shares her knowledge of the Traditional Chinese Medicine conce...2025-07-031h 18Tech Talk with OptimalRxAstrology - The Missing Energetic Map of Western Herbalism with Rebecca HollyKristin and Julianne speak with Rebecca Holly, a Naturopath, Astrologer, and Green Witch practicing Folk Herbalism in an earth-centred and heart-led way. In this podcast, Rebecca explores some of the language and concepts in Astrological energetics, differentiates Western and Vedic Astrology, and discusses herbal medicine prescribing using Astrology, particularly focusing on the properties of solar herbs and their capacity to act as antidepressants. Rebecca generously shares patient case examples which incorporate Astrological energetic concepts and offers her wisdom to practitioners who would like to incorporate Astrology into their clinical practices. Through this podcast, Rebecca provides our practitioners with an ins...2025-06-031h 12Tech Talk with OptimalRxTraditional Herbal Prescribing – Incorporating TCM, Ayurveda, and Western Energetics with Dr. Jimi WollumbinKristin and Julianne speak with Dr. Jimi Wollumbin, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor and a registered medical practitioner with AHPRA, regarding the depth and richness of traditional medicine systems, including TCM, Ayurveda and Western Herbalism. Since completing his TCM internship in Beijing in 2002, Dr. Jimi has pursued extensive research across India, Tibet, Mongolia, Persia, and Siberia, exploring diverse healing traditions and integrating the wisdom of these traditions into his practice clinically and soulfully. In this podcast, Dr. Jimi discusses the meaning behind the term “Energetics”, compares and contrasts different traditional healing systems, and generously shares his case taking fund...2025-05-051h 18Tech Talk with OptimalRxHerbal Wisdom Through Seasonal, Lunar, and Menstrual Phases with Amanda TriegerKristin and Julianne speak with Amanda Trieger, an experienced Naturopath, Doula and Women’s Health Educator. Amanda has a deep connection to Earth Medicine and cyclical living and in this podcast Kristin and Julianne discuss with Amanda how practitioners, and their patients, can thrive by aligning their lives and businesses with the natural rhythms of the seasons, the moon, and the menstrual cycle. Amanda discusses the use of herbal medicine in promoting both physical and emotional balance across the seasons, and how herbal medicine can support women in different lunar phases and through different hormonal transitions. Amanda is a passi...2025-03-271h 07Tech Talk with OptimalRxPrescribing Medicinal Mushrooms - Part 2In this podcast, Kristin and Julianne follow on from last month's Part 1 of Prescribing Medicinal Mushrooms by further discussing how they individually prescribe medicinal mushrooms based on the mushroom's clinical affinities and therapeutic actions. Kristin and Julianne differentiate the use of specific medicinal mushrooms in both cardiometabolic and nervous system/mood patient presentation, as well as provide the key clinical pictures for each of OptimalRx's eleven medicinal mushroom extracts. To learn more about our medicinal mushrooms and to obtain your free copy of the medicinal mushroom educational resource pack, please log into your OptimalRx account online. 2025-03-0134 minTech Talk with OptimalRxPrescribing Medicinal Mushrooms – Part 1In this podcast, Kristin and Julianne discuss the clinical use of medicinal mushrooms with a focus on how the individual mushrooms can be a part of a wider herbal medicine dispensary, the impact of mushroom polysaccharides on the immune system, and how their individual immune nuances lead to efficacious prescribing.To learn more about our medicinal mushrooms and to obtain your free copy of the medicinal mushroom educational resource pack, please log into your OptimalRx account online. -- Available to registered practitioners only.Send us a textwww.optimalrx.c...2025-01-3139 minTech Talk with OptimalRxSummer Series - Unsung Herbal Heroes: a Clinician’s Perspective on Unique Phytomedicines (Part 2) with Kristin Gilmour and Julianne Grant In this podcast, Kristin and Julianne delve into four unique phytomedicines, Houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata), Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum), Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis), and Red Root (Ceanothus americanus). They discuss the characteristic ways in which they dispense these herbs, while also noting research insights to their clinical application.Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) - 00:25Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) - 10:50Red Root (Ceanothus americanus) - 21:32Houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata) - 36:00For more information about these phytomedicines, and to access the free educational resources, please log into your account on our website. Send us a textwww.optimalrx.com.au...2024-12-2746 minTech Talk with OptimalRxSummer Series - Unsung Herbal Heroes: a Clinician’s Perspective on Unique Phytomedicines (Part 1) with Kristin Gilmour and Julianne GrantIn this podcast, Kristin and Julianne delve into four unique phytomedicines, Burr Marigold (Bidens species), Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), and Kudzu (Pueraria lobata). They discuss the characteristic ways in which they dispense these herbs, while also noting research insights to their clinical application.Timestamps:Burr Marigold (Bidens species) - 1:40Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) - 15:08Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) - 32:17Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) - 45:50 For more information about these phytomedicines, and to access the free educational resources, please log into your account on our website. Send us a...2024-11-291h 00Tech Talk with OptimalRxMale Mental Health Throughout Key Life Stages with James HancockKristin and Julianne speak with James Hancock, an experienced clinical Naturopath and passionate Herbalist, about the diverse mental health challenges that can occur through key life stages in the male patient. James delves into the concept of seven-year vitality cycles and draws upon many traditional and Naturopathic concepts of vitality, resilience and adaptation. Tapping into his extensive clinical experience as a Herbalist and Naturopath, James shares his most valued phytomedicines in support of male mental health and discusses integrative strategies to provide holistic support for this patient cohort.----This podcast is part of a Webinar Se...2024-10-1655 minTech Talk with OptimalRxMental Health Through The Menopausal Transition with Rhiannon HardinghamKristin and Julianne speak with Rhiannon Hardingham, an experienced Naturopath and educator who has dedicated her Naturopathic practice to supporting the reproductive health of her patients. In this podcast, Rhiannon chats about the unique mental health challenges faced during the menopausal transition, including the significant rise in cases of depression, suicide and cognitive issues, and provides the listeners with an insight into navigating these changes within mood and neurological health through a hormonal lense. Rhiannon draws on her wealth of knowledge and hands on experience to help practitioners successfully navigate these challenges with their patients, and gives us a br...2024-09-2729 minTech Talk with OptimalRxMental Health Through Adolescence with Sheryl SivellKristin and Julianne speak with Sheryl Sivell, an experienced Naturopath who has been in full time family Naturopathic clinical practice for 32 years. In this podcast, Sheryl chats about the unique mental health challenges faced by adolescents, including anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and draws on her wealth of knowledge and hands on experience to help practitioners successfully navigate these challenges with their patients. Listeners will gain insights into how Sheryl effectively supports the mental health of her teenage patients and hear her discuss her favourite phytomedicines for this patient po...2024-08-3054 minTech Talk with OptimalRxPhytomedicine Wisdom from the Masters - Assoc. Prof. Bevin Clare: North American BotanicalsAssociate Professor Bevin Clare has dedicated her life to plants. Bevin has studied herbal medicine around the world, blending her knowledge of traditional uses of plants with modern science and contemporary healthcare strategies. Several years ago, OptimalRx had the privilege of interviewing Bevin around her clinical knowledge and passion for herbal medicine, and in this podcast episode they share excerpts from a lecture she recorded in 2014. This episode goes back through the Materia Medica of Central North American herbs, American Ginseng, Black Cohosh, and Poke Root. Bevin also discusses salient sustainability issues surrounding these herbs. This is an important...2024-08-0142 minTech Talk with OptimalRxPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Addiction with Alisa AsanoKristin and Julianne speak with Alisa Asano, a Naturopath, Nutritionist and Counsellor, who specialises in supporting individuals with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and addiction. Alisa draws on her unique qualifications and clinical experience with this patient population, sharing her holistic approach in supporting patients with PMDD and discussing the significant link between PMDD and alcohol consumption. This podcast also delves into the beneficial impact of herbal medicine interventions in these patients and Alisa notes her favourite phytomedicines to utilise. Send us a textwww.optimalrx.com.au2024-06-2832 minTech Talk with OptimalRxManaging Addictions with Prof. Eric YarnellKristin and Julianne welcome back Prof. Eric Yarnell to the podcast, an experienced Naturopathic Doctor from the United States of America. Eric brings his wealth of knowledge and clinical experience in the realm of addictions, particularly focusing on how natural medicine practitioners can best manage and support patients with different types of addiction. This podcast delves into some specific addictive substances, including opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, and nicotine, as well as the beneficial use of herbal medicine in this patient population.----This podcast is a teaser to our webinar, Clinical Herbalism - The Addiction Series. Benefit...2024-05-3128 minTech Talk with OptimalRxThe Biochemical Foundations for Addiction and Recovery with Christina VeselakJoin Julianne and Kristin as they interview Christina Veselak, a licensed Psychotherapist and addiction recovery/relapse prevention specialist from the United States of America. Christina has specialised in addiction recovery for over 40 years and has a vast range of experience and training in supporting the emotional, social and spiritual components of recovery, including her expertise as a mental health nutritionist and training in Western Herbal Medicine. This podcast delves into the underlying biochemical and psychosocial aspects of addictive disorders, and how we as natural healthcare practitioners can support these patients via dietary interventions, herbal medicine, and the importance of co...2024-05-0148 minTech Talk with OptimalRxA Naturopath's Approach to Topical Steroid Withdrawal with Melissa ColosimoJoin Kristin and Julianne as they interview Naturopath Melissa Colosimo of Husk Naturopathy about the complex and often misdiagnosed condition of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). Melissa Colosimo is a naturopath and nutritionist with a clinical focus on chronic and debilitating skin conditions. Eczema and TSW is a subject she is hugely passionate about, not only as an advocate for her clients, but also as they are conditions she experienced herself. Melissa dives into the ins and outs of the condition, as well as her approach to treatment. --To learn more contact us via our website or...2024-04-0341 min