The Rooted Health Practice Podcast

IIn this episode, Dr. Alex explores how your relationship with yourself, your team, and your patients directly impacts your energy, leadership, and sustainability as a practice owner.What You’ll Learn:Why over-responsibility leads to burnoutHow boundaries shape sustainable leadershipThe difference between caring and losing yourself in the processHow your internal patterns show up in external relationshipsKey Takeaway:Burnout often lives in your relationships—not just your workload.Resources:Leadership Energy Audit → rootedpractice.co/audit

Dr. Alex Swenson-Ridley delves into the often unacknowledged struggles faced by healthcare professionals who venture into entrepreneurship. This episode sheds light on the contradiction of seeking to help others while feeling constrained by the business models inherited from previous mentors. The discussion revolves around the concept of 'reinventing the wheel' in healthcare, promoting creativity and autonomy over conforming to outdated norms. Dr. Alex shares her personal journey of overcoming a lack of self-worth and the necessity of establishing clear boundaries to prevent burnout, ultimately advocating for a redefined approach to healthcare business leadership.

In this episode of the Rooted Health Practice Podcast, Dr. Alex Swenson Ridley explores the concept of self-worth and the challenges it presents in business ownership. She delves into the idea of the 'upper limit problem' from Gaye Hendricks' book 'The Big Leap,' discussing four fundamental fears that often inhibit our growth and success. These fears include feeling fundamentally flawed, being a burden to others, leaving others behind, and outshining others. Dr. Alex shares personal experiences, including a battle with illness, which reflects how these fears manifest as self-sabotage, hampering both personal and professional development.Referenced in this Episode:The Big Leap, by Gaye HendricksDownload the Leadership Energy Audit Here

In this episode of the Rooted Health Practice Podcast, Dr. Alex Swenson Ridley shares her compelling journey from an unexpected pregnancy and a tumultuous job in Alaska to opening her own chiropractic practice. Despite facing significant challenges, including a chaotic and traumatic work environment and a high-stress pregnancy, she persevered to build a successful business. This story underscores the importance of understanding the true driving force behind one's entrepreneurial pursuits, whether it's necessity or opportunity, and emphasizes the significance of aligning one's business with personal values to achieve sustained wellbeing and fulfillment.Articles referenced in this episode:Gilstrap, C. M., Weber, T., & Gilstrap, C. A. (2024). Navigating the Unknown: How Healthcare Entrepreneurs Manage Uncertainty. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 29(2), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1084946724500146Kearney, C., Dunne, P., & Wales, W. J. (2020). Entrepreneurial orientation and burnout among healthcare professionals. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 34(1), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1108/jhom-09-2019-0259Manchiraju, S., Akbari, M., & Seydavi, M. (2023). Is entrepreneurial role stress a necessary condition for burnout? A necessary condition analysis. Current Psychology, 43(5), 4766–4778. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04704-zRyff, C. D. (2018). Entrepreneurship and eudaimonic well-being: Five venues for new science. Journal of Business Venturing, 34(4), 646–663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2018.09.003Take the Leadership Energy AuditAs always, feel free to reach out to Dr. Alex with any questions, deep thoughts or support: [email protected]

In this enlightening podcast episode, Dr. Alex Swenson Ridley delves into the complexities of leadership for healthcare entrepreneurs. Exploring insights from the book 'The Six Types of Working Genius,' she highlights the importance of aligning work roles with personal strengths to prevent burnout. Dr. Alex shares her personal journey of discovering her creative strengths, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's unique leadership style. By embracing personal strengths, entrepreneurs can lead practices more authentically and effectively. This episode offers thought-provoking perspectives on developing positive leadership and reshaping practice roles for genuine entrepreneurial success.Resources from this episode:Working GeniusVIA Character Strengths Leadership Energy AuditAligned Authority Workshop--Available 2/16Connect Call with Dr. Alex

What happens when you do everything “right”—and still burn out?In this first full episode of The Rooted Practice Podcast, Dr. Alex Swenson-Ridley introduces the core idea behind the show: the practice beneath the practice—the internal foundation that shapes how we lead, work, and sustain ourselves, often without being named or supported.This episode explores why so many capable, committed practice owners and leaders find themselves exhausted despite external success. Why following the rules, applying the strategies, and doing what you were taught can still lead to burnout—not because you failed, but because the model you were following never included the whole human.Through reflection, lived experience, and a grounded reframe, this conversation invites you to pause and consider what’s been happening beneath your leadership and your work.This is not an episode about fixing yourself.It’s about understanding what’s been missing.In This Episode, We Explore:Why burnout isn’t always caused by doing too muchWhat “the practice beneath the practice” actually meansHow leadership, nervous system capacity, and self-worth intersectWhy external success can coexist with deep internal exhaustionHow a different foundation makes sustainable leadership possibleA Personal ReflectionDr. Alex shares part of her own journey—building a successful practice by every traditional measure, and slowly realizing that something essential was missing. Not as a story of failure, but as context for why so many leaders reach a breaking point while doing exactly what they were taught to do.This episode is an invitation to see your experience not as a personal shortcoming, but as a signal that a different way of practicing and leading may be needed.Who This Episode Is ForPractice owners who feel successful on paper but depleted in real lifeLeaders questioning whether this is what success is supposed to feel likeThose who’ve outgrown hustle but don’t yet have language for what’s nextAnyone sensing that the real work begins underneath the strategyA Gentle InvitationIf today stirred something, the Leadership Energy Audit offers a gentle place to reflect, without urgency or expectation.About the PodcastThe Rooted Practice Podcast explores inside-out leadership, practitioner wellbeing, and building a sustainable, aligned practice rooted in what matters most. Through reflective conversations and evidence-informed insight, this podcast supports leaders who want alignment—not just achievement.

What happens when success no longer feels sustainable?The Rooted Practice Podcast is a space for practice owners and purpose-driven leaders who are successful on the outside—but quietly exhausted, disconnected, or questioning the way they’ve been taught to lead.In this short trailer episode, host Dr. Alex Swenson-Ridley introduces the core idea behind the show: the practice beneath the practice—the inner leadership, nervous system patterns, values, identity, and emotional dynamics that shape how we lead, work, and live.This podcast explores inside-out leadership, practitioner wellbeing, burnout recovery, and building a sustainable, aligned practice rooted in what matters most. Rather than focusing on hustle, productivity, or quick fixes, these conversations invite reflection, regulation, and a different definition of success.If you’ve outgrown hustle culture…If leadership feels heavier than it used to…If you’re ready to stop pushing from the surface and start building from the roots—You’re in the right place.Our first two episodes will launch 2/2/26. Come back to listen then!

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the show! In this first episode of 2025, I shared my personal journey of overcoming burnout, a topic I've discussed extensively on this podcast. After celebrating my 40th birthday and spending quality time with my family, I felt it was important to revisit this subject, especially as I've recently reached the other side of burnout after a six-year struggle.I outlined the five most impactful steps that helped me heal from burnout, hoping they can serve as a guide for anyone currently experiencing it. Here are the key takeaways:Acceptance and Rest: Recognize that you're burned out and give yourself permission to stop pushing. This involves reducing physical, emotional, and mental stress and allowing yourself to rest and recover.Body Sensation Awareness: Learn to connect with your body's sensations as they are indicators of your emotional state. This can help you understand and address underlying issues contributing to burnout.HeartMath and Emotional Connection: Utilize HeartMath techniques to connect with positive emotions like love, appreciation, and compassion. This helps in achieving physiological coherence, which is crucial for healing.Making Time for Yourself: Dedicate time to connect with yourself, feel your emotions, and reflect. This can be through a morning or evening routine, ensuring you have space to process and heal.Somatic Movement: Engage in somatic movement practices to release stored trauma and stress from your body. This can be particularly effective in the final stages of healing.I also emphasized the importance of seeking support, whether from a therapist, coach, or understanding friend, and the need to break free from guilt and shame associated with burnout.For those interested, I mentioned a guide I created to help connect with oneself and start the healing process, which will be available in the show notes. Additionally, I am available for coaching and support if needed.Remember, healing from burnout is possible, and it requires intentional changes and support. Don't suffer in silence; reach out and take the first step towards a rejuvenated life. Thank you for listening, and I look forward to connecting with you in the next episode.Reach out to me with any questions or just to chat [email protected] The Flourishing Handbook (originally made for chiropractors, but appplies to everyone): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kKjGpjuG-4JQUN7eeSTgbFCc57J-ZNTs/view?usp=drive_link

In this episode, we welcome Catherine Brooks, a professor emeritus from the University of Fairbanks, Alaska, and author of the new book "Sirens." Dr. Alex and Catherine discuss her journey of writing the book, reflecting on how it has served as a healing process and a way to follow her heart. Catherine shares insights about the challenges of finding time to write and the importance of carving out space for creativity. This heartfelt conversation delves into the significance of living authentically and the transformative power of storytelling. Join us to explore Catherine's experiences and the inspiration behind her latest work.Timestamps[00:01:15] Following your heart in writing.[00:08:21] Writing as a healing tool.[00:12:26] Healing through writing.[00:17:08] Trauma and support systems.[00:20:19] Emotional suppression and its impact.[00:26:06] Painful past experiences and healing.[00:30:38] Diet soda addiction awareness.[00:38:37] What happened to you?[00:40:45] Following the call of sirens.[00:45:32] Trauma and alternative healing avenues.To connect with Catherine visit www.catherinebrooksalaska.comOrder your copy of Sirens here.Follow Catherine on social channels: @catherinebrooksalaskaTo connect with Dr. Alex visit www.emergenthumans.co or email [email protected]

In this episode of the podcast, host Dr. Alex welcomes Sanja Ralevic, a mental resilience mentor and advocate for emotional intelligence and resilience in the corporate world. Sonja shares her unique perspective on navigating the complexities of business while emphasizing the importance of emotional self-regulation and intelligent personal energy management for sustainable success. They discuss the challenges of burnout, the need for a shift in traditional leadership styles, and how positive organizational development can foster a more inclusive and effective approach to leadership. Tune in to gain valuable insights that can help you thrive in today's fast-paced business landscape.Timestamps[00:02:04] Burnout recovery journey.[00:06:39] Emotional self-regulation for leaders.[00:09:30] Sustainable self-care practices.[00:12:16] Self-worth and energy management.[00:19:31] Energy drainers and chargers.[00:23:13] Intelligent energy management.[00:27:40] Resilience and sustainability in fitness.[00:30:27] Heart-focused breathing technique.[00:38:30] Living life for oneself.[00:43:10] Boundaries and self-empowerment.Sanja is the founder of HeartVista Performance, a mentor at Foresight and runs multiple resilience coaching programs for entrepreneurs and executives. As a trained biofeedback practitioner, Sanja combines technology and evidence-based practices, offering practical and actionable tools for achieving mental resilience and maximized performance.Connect with her by visiting www.heartvistaperformance.com

In this episode, we reflect on the theme of gratitude following Thanksgiving in the U.S. Dr. Alex shares personal insights about the varying perspectives on gratitude, particularly from her step-sons aged 19 to 22, who seem to approach the concept with skepticism. She emphasizes the tendency for gratitude to become superficial, often reduced to mere phrases without genuine emotional connection. Drawing from her studies in a master's program in positive psychology, she highlights the significance of deeper emotional experiences, with a focus on self-compassion and its physiological benefits. Join us as we explore the true essence of gratitude and its impact on our lives.Timestamps[00:01:26] The health benefits of gratitude.[00:05:24] Toxic positivity and gratitude.[00:09:40] Gratitude and meaningful connections.[00:12:32] Overcoming burnout conversation.To connect with Dr. Alex send an email to [email protected]

In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming my dear friend Paulina Równy, a burnout coach originally from Poland, now living in Edinburgh. We shared our personal journeys of healing and self-discovery, particularly focusing on the theme of rewriting our stories of worthiness.Paulina opened up about her experience with burnout in the corporate world and how she took a year off to reflect and develop her practice. During this time, she faced significant identity challenges, which led to our collaboration on a program called "Rooted in Worth." This program aims to help individuals navigate their own struggles with self-worth and identity, drawing from our shared experiences and insights.We discussed the impact of familial relationships, particularly the dynamics with our mothers, and how these relationships shaped our perceptions of worthiness. Paulina shared her realization about the disempowering nature of being labeled as "lucky," while I reflected on my own experiences of being a peacekeeper in my family.Throughout our conversation, we emphasized the importance of acknowledging and embracing our emotions, rather than running from them. We also introduced the concept of our program, which is designed to guide participants through a journey of self-exploration and empowerment, using the metaphor of a tree to illustrate the layers of worthiness we will uncover together.As we prepare to launch "Rooted in Worth" in January, we invite listeners to join us for introductory sessions to learn more about the program and how it can support their personal growth. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of our journeys and the transformative power of understanding our worth.Get Updates on the Launch of Rooted In Worth and upcoming introductions: www.emergenthumans.co/rootedReach out with questions or comments:Dr. Alex: [email protected]: [email protected]

In this episode, I share some exciting personal updates and invite you to reflect on your own life changes. After starting a master's program in positive psychology and reactivating my chiropractic license, I’m thrilled to return to practice part-time. This journey has been transformative, especially after experiencing burnout in my previous decade of practice.As I navigate these changes, I’ve decided to adjust the podcast's release schedule. Starting in November, I will be releasing two episodes a month instead of weekly. This shift allows me to focus on the quality of content I provide, ensuring that each episode is meaningful and valuable to you.I also discuss the importance of balancing commitments without feeling the need to drop everything for new pursuits. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, I’m embracing a mindset that allows for flexibility and quality in my endeavors. I encourage you to consider where you might be focusing on quantity over quality in your own life and how you can create space for new opportunities without sacrificing what you already have.Additionally, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter, the Soul Shift Chronicle (www.emergenthumans.co/subscribe), where I’ll share curated content, including highlights from past episodes and insights from my studies. I would love to hear your feedback on the podcast—what you enjoy, what you’d like to see more of, and how I can better serve you. Please shoot me an email at [email protected] and let me know what you'd like to see more of so that I can bring this show to life in the best way for you. Join me next week for a fantastic interview with my friend Paulina Równy, where we’ll discuss a collaborative project we’ve created together. Thank you for being part of this journey, and I look forward to connecting with you in the coming episodes!Links from this episode:Subscribe to the Soul Shift Chronicle: www.emergenthumans.co/subscribeDr. Alex's Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Dr. Alex delves into her recent journey of starting a master's program in positive psychology, a field she has been passionate about for years. She shares insights from her studies, particularly focusing on the significance of positive emotions such as love, gratitude, and joy, and their impact on our overall well-being. Dr. Alex highlights the fascinating connection between the heart and emotions, explaining how the heart operates independently of the brain and has its own "heart brain." She challenges listeners to start to explore their own relationship to their emotions with three simple exercises they can try over the next week. These include:Removing significance from emotions by stating "I am noticing that I am feeling..." instead of "I am feeling..."Starting to create a Positivity Portfolio (coined by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson) this can include photos, memories, smells, music etc that elicit positive feelings for you.Write down Three Good Things (events) that occured that day.Listen to the full episode to explore the profound relationship between positive psychology and our emotional health!What method did you choose to try implementing this week? Send an email to [email protected] and let us know!00:00:34 - Interest in Positive Psychology00:00:56 - Positive Emotions and HeartMath00:01:17 - The Heart's Independent Response00:01:50 - Heart Development and Intelligence00:02:11 - Accessing a Range of Emotions00:02:22 - Society's Focus on Negative Emotions00:02:55 - Personal Mindfulness Practice00:03:16 - Building a Repertoire of Positive Feelings00:03:27 - Dr. Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden and Build Theory00:04:10 - Benefits of Positive Emotions00:04:22 - Starting Points for Positive Emotions00:04:42 - Activity 1: Noticing Your Feelings00:05:28 - Activity 2: Building a Positivity Portfolio00:08:03 - Activity 3: Three Good Things00:09:19 - Impact of Positive Practices00:09:30 - Connecting with Intuition and Heart Intelligence00:09:51 - Recap of Activities

In this episode, we welcome Lou O'Connell, a HeartMath practitioner and author, who shares her profound journey with adult ADHD and the impact of bereavement on her life. Lou opens up about her childhood experiences, including the loss of her brother at a young age and the passing of her mother when she was just 13. She also discusses the heart-wrenching loss of a partner due to an undiagnosed heart condition while serving in the British army. Through her story, Lou emphasizes the importance of being heart-centered and heart-focused, highlighting how these experiences have shaped her path towards healing and understanding. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, grief, and finding one’s true self amidst life's challenges.[00:02:41] Bereavement and personal growth.[00:06:38] Post-traumatic growth concept.[00:10:25] Late diagnosed ADHD journey.[00:14:36] Self-compassion and ADHD diagnosis.[00:20:23] Identity shifts and personal growth.[00:22:09] Distraction techniques and healing journey.[00:25:56] Trusting your body’s guidance.[00:30:25] Women, ADHD, and entrepreneurship.[00:33:15] Rooted in Worth course.[00:40:10] Emotional regulation and ADHD.[00:44:09] Self-care and heart coherence.[00:46:35] Heart-centered living and regulation.[00:49:44] Women's guide to ADHD.About Lou: Lou O'Connell MBE, otherwise known as the Mental Wealth Mentor, is a decorated veteran with over 28 years' service in the British Army and received an MBE for her work with bereaved military families. As a qualified mental health professional, Lou supports diverse clients, including LGBTQ+ members, bereaved individuals and students with mental health conditions, empowering them to thrive and navigate life's challenges with resilience and creativity. Much to her initial surprise, Lou received a diagnosis of ADHD at the age of 45, leading her down a rabbit hole of research. Initially to find ways of helping herself, however, the more she learnt, the more she found she was helping others going through late diagnosis. This led to her completing additional training in ADHD coaching and offering her coaching services within this field. Connect with Lou:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lou.oconnellInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_mental_wealth_mentor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-o-connell-mbe-b50b5057/To purchase Lou's Book-Amazon UK https://amzn.eu/d/cDxGWWQAmazon US https://a.co/d/1XPULCfAmazon Canada https://a.co/d/b3eJJSR"It is the book I wish I'd had at the start of my journey towards a late diagnosis of ADHD. In the book, people will learn to:Explore the intricacies of ADHD, from diagnosis to coping mechanisms.Learn about the challenges in accessing a diagnosis and advocating for yourself within the healthcare system.Discover how female hormones affect ADHD symptoms and what helps mitigate these effects.Get practical tools and hacks for better memory and time management.Learn tips and techniques for emotional regulation and managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphora (RSD).Identify burnout in yourself and discover tips to avoid it by recognising and working with your strengths.Understand the challenges ADHD poses in relationships and find strategies to improve communication and reduce impulsivity.Learn about support systems at work and in higher education, including reasonable adjustments and government schemes.My hope in writing the book is that people feel empowered and equipped to manage your ADHD in a way that works for them. By the end of the book, they'll have practical strategies to enhance focus, productivity, and overall quality of life."To connect with Dr. Alex visit www.emergenthumans.co or email [email protected]

In this episode, Dr. Alex explores the transformative power of heart-focused living and the concept of coherence — the alignment of the heart, head, and nervous system. She discusses how most people operate under constant stress and emphasizes the importance of cultivating renewing emotions such as gratitude, love, compassion, joy, and appreciation to achieve coherence. Dr. Alex shares her personal journey over the last 220 days, during which she has intentionally worked on attaining coherence using a biofeedback device. She reflects on how this practice has influenced her work, and brought her back towards chiropractic after retiring three years ago. It also highlights the significance of addressing both emotional and physical aspects of healing. Tune in to discover how living and leading from the heart can create profound changes in your life and work.Time Stamps[00:00:23] Heart-focused living and coherence.[00:06:13] Walls vs. Boundaries in Healing.[00:10:16] Breaking free from limitations.[00:11:31] Inner guidance and emotional healing.[00:15:17] Boxes we exist in.To connect with Dr. Alex visit www.emergenthumans.coOr email [email protected]

In this episode of "Live and Lead with Heart," Dr. Alex invites listeners on a personal journey of healing and vulnerability. She shares insights from her recent experiences, highlighting the importance of being open to receiving feedback, praise, and criticism. Despite hosting over 260 episodes and connecting with a global audience, Dr. Alex reflects on her struggles with truly engaging with listeners and understanding their perspectives. This episode encourages self-discovery and growth, as Dr. Alex emphasizes the significance of building a deeper connection with both oneself and the audience. Tune in for an authentic conversation about breaking down barriers and embracing vulnerability.Time Stamps:[00:02:30] Vulnerability and self-worth journey.[00:04:49] Inner transformational healing journeys.[00:10:02] Voicing our own greatness.[00:12:10] Vulnerability and mental health.To connect with Dr. Alex please send an email to [email protected]. She is the one who will read and respond, and would love to hear from you!

In this episode, host Dr. Alex welcomes Valerie Hope, an Art Math Certified coach and TEDx speaker, to the show. They dive into the journey of living and leading from the heart, exploring how Valerie's upbringing in a practical, logic-driven family influenced her initial perception of emotions. Valerie shares insights on the evolution of her understanding of emotional intelligence in the corporate world, discussing how feelings can transition from being seen as liabilities to valuable assets. Join Alexandra and Valerie for an inspiring conversation about the importance of heart-centered leadership and the transformative power of embracing our emotions.Timestamps[00:02:27] Heart opening through divorce.[00:04:37] Emotional expression in leadership.[00:09:55] Repressed anger and healing.[00:12:30] Assertiveness and emotional expression.[00:16:25] Finding power in self-expression.[00:21:37] Emotional guidance scale explained.[00:25:43] Heart-centered emotional ownership.[00:29:51] Quick coherence technique for emotions.[00:32:45] Heart-focused breathing technique.[00:35:48] Power of positive thinking.[00:40:58] Vibrational energy in leadership.[00:44:28] Trauma and operational coherence.[00:46:05] Heart-centered paths and connections.To Connect with Valerie visit www.valeriehope.com