All Things Vagus

Episode 40: Why We Don't Sleep

April 14th, 2026  |  38 mins 34 secs

blood sugar, caffeine, gaba, herbal medicine, herbs, insomnia, limbic system, melatonin, natura, natura health and wellness, naturopathic, nervous system, pain, red willow learning center, restless leg, seritonin, sleep, stress, the university of montana, thoughts, wmt-ahec

In this episode, Kathy talks with Dr. Christine White and Dr. Michael Smith, from Natura Health and Wellness in Missoula, about factors affecting sleep. Topics include: the complex mechanisms of sleep, herbal medicine, and solutions for sleeping better.

Episode 28: Utilizing the Power of Plant Medicine

February 21st, 2025  |  25 mins 3 secs

adaptogens, elaine sheff, essential oils, green path herb school, herbalist, herbs, kathleen managan, nervines, plant medicine, red willow learning center, tea, university of montana, western montana ahec, wmt ahec

Elaine Sheff, a clinical herbalist and author of several books on herbal medicine and healing, has been passionate about sharing herbal knowledge for over 30 years. She is the co-director of Greenpath Herb School in Missoula, Montana, where she inspires and empowers students and clients to reconnect with the earth, plants, and their own healing journey. A professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, Elaine teaches workshops and speaks at conferences both nationally and internationally.

Episode 3: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Application

September 1st, 2022  |  41 mins 20 secs

acupuncture, behavioral, body, chinese medicine, chronic, emotions, expertise, health, herbal medicine, herbs, homeopathy, medicine, mind, mind/body, nervous system, nutrition, professional, self care, selfcare, university, vagus, wellbeing

Janet Galipo is a doctor of Oriental medicine who has been in private practice since 1993. Her areas of study and expertise include acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, and both Chinese and herbal medicine. Dr. Galipo has traveled the globe as an advanced instructor and ambassador of leading edge mind body energy medicine.Today, her Miami based practice is a testament to the powerful integration of all aspects of her holistic mind body spirit approach to health and wellbeing. If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Galipo's approach to health and well being, please visit her website at bodyintuitive.org.

This podcast is brought to you by Western MT AHEC and Red Willow Learning Center.

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Robin Mochi: [email protected]

Episode 2: Emotional Awareness: Learning To Better Understand Yourself

July 28th, 2022  |  34 mins 9 secs

behavioral, body, chronic, dickinson, emotions, end of life care, fairleigh, herbs, medicine, mind, mind/body, montana, nervous system, professional, psychology, psychopharmacology, self care, selfcare, trauma, university, vagus

Our guest today is Carilyn Ellis who received her doctorate in clinical psychology from George Fox University and then her postdoctoral masters in clinical psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is the former president of the Oregon Psychological Association, has her own private practice, and also teaches graduate psychology and behavioral medicine for George Fox University. She has worked in a variety of medical settings and has completed formal training as well as professional development in the areas of trauma, chronic medical conditions, pain, and end of life care.

This podcast is brought to you by Western MT AHEC and Red Willow Learning Center.

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Robin Mochi: [email protected]

Episode 1: Daily Rhythms: Stay In Sync Regardless of Your Schedule

June 29th, 2022  |  47 mins 14 secs

ayurvedic, body, circadian rhythm, herbs, microbiome, mind, mind/body, montana, nervous system, neuropharmacology, neuroscience, pathophysiology, pharmacy, professional, self care, selfcare, university, vagus

Diana I. Lurie, PhD., is a Professor of Neurophamacology in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana. She recieved he PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania. She directs a research laboratory focusing on dysfunction and the response of the nervous system to natural products, including Ayurvedic herbs. The Lurie laboratory is currently studying neuroinflammation in the brain, and is evaluating the ability of select Ayurvedic herbs to inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Dr. Lurie teaches in the areas of neuroscience pathophysiology. She is a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and teaches courses in Ayurveda.

This podcast is brought to you by Western MT AHEC and Red Willow Learning Center.

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Robin Mochi: [email protected]