What does turning 50 teach you about life, health, adventure, and what really matters?

In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing what my 50th year has already taught me—and why I believe we’re never finished growing, changing, and becoming.

From celebrating with my kids in Nashville and Seattle, to wake surfing, making sourdough, traveling, and creating experiences instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, this episode is a reflection on what it means to intentionally create the next chapter of your life.

But 50 also brought some unexpected health revelations.

After experiencing joint pain, brain fog, inflammation, weight changes, and other symptoms, I decided to dig deeper into what was happening in my body. That journey led to testing for Lyme disease and co-infections—and to a whole new chapter of learning about health, nutrition, and the mind-body-spirit connection.

And then came the bigger realization:

Sometimes the universe asks us to cocoon before we're ready to become the butterfly.

I share what that cocooning season has looked like for me, the messages I've been receiving about the next evolution of my work, and why I'm stepping forward to support others navigating Lyme, chronic health challenges, and mysterious illnesses.

✨ If you're entering a new decade, navigating a major transition, feeling called toward something new, or simply wondering what you want the next chapter of your life to look like, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to have it all figured out.

You just have to keep going.

You might be in your cocoon right now.

And your butterfly may be closer than you think.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Please use your own discernment and seek professional care when needed.

What if healing isn't just about managing symptoms—but about understanding your body, supporting your immune system, and becoming an active participant in your own health?

In this episode, I sit down with Mindy to talk about her personal healing journey, Lyme disease, the immune system, inflammation, nutrition, and the alternative approaches that have transformed the way she thinks about health.

We have a candid conversation about what happens when you start questioning the traditional narrative around chronic illness and become curious about what else might be possible.

We explore:

• Mindy's experience with Lyme disease and chronic illness

• The connection between inflammation, immunity, and overall health

• Why she believes the body has an incredible capacity to heal

• Acemannan and the research surrounding it

• Nutrition, dairy, supplements, and supporting the body from the inside out

• Telomeres and the idea of measuring cellular age

• Alternative approaches such as iridology and functional medicine
• Why mindset and the stories we tell ourselves matter
• Moving away from fear and toward informed decision-making
• The importance of researching your options and advocating for yourself
• Finding a deeper purpose through your own healing journey
• Mindy's mission to help others reclaim their health and live the life they feel called to live

One of the biggest themes in this conversation is ownership.

Not blindly accepting one answer.

Not living in fear.

Not assuming that a diagnosis has to define the rest of your life.

But becoming curious, asking questions, learning about your body, and exploring what support might be available to you.

And ultimately, remembering that your health isn't separate from your life, your energy, your relationships, or your purpose.

✨ When your body feels better, you're able to give more of yourself to the life you're here to live

Mindy Haukedahl is a licensed neuropsychotherapist, certified brain health professional, author, researcher, and international speaker whose mission is to bridge the gap between neuroscience, immune health, and the body's remarkable ability to heal.

After spending more than four years battling chronic neurological Lyme disease and multiple co-infections, Mindy experienced a dramatic recovery that transformed the direction of her life. Today, she dedicates her work to helping others understand the science behind immune optimization, brain health, and the powerful connection between mindset and physical healing.

Mindy is the founder of Afton Therapy in Minnesota, where she specializes in integrative neuropsychotherapy, ADHD assessments, qEEG brain mapping, and neurofeedback. She is also a PhD candidate in Integrative Medicine at Quantum University, conducting clinical research on the synergistic effects of immune activation through acemannan alongside guided mindset training in individuals with Lyme disease.

She is the author of the memoir Suffering Never Silences Calling and A Body That Feels Safe: The 120-Day Mindset Experience, and is the founder of Lyme Rewired, a platform dedicated to educating people about the science of healing, chronic illness recovery, and hope.

Through her research, speaking engagements, podcasts, and social media, Mindy is passionate about helping people understand that healing is not just about treating symptoms—it's about creating the conditions for the body and brain to function as they were designed to.

Join Lillian's Open Up Community:

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Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Please use your own discernment and seek professional care when needed.

What if the secret to vibrant health isn't found in the latest diet... but in returning to the way nature intended us to live?

In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with raw food advocate and author Axay Shah (Raw Foodiest) to explore how the foods we eat impact not only our physical health, but our energy, longevity, mindset, and connection to nature.

This isn't about perfection or following another restrictive diet.

It's about questioning what we've been taught, becoming curious, and discovering what truly nourishes our bodies.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Akshay chose a raw food lifestyle—and how it transformed his health
• The difference between eating for pleasure and eating for nourishment
• How our food choices impact aging, energy, and vitality
• The role of fiber and the gut microbiome in overall health
• Breaking free from lifelong food conditioning
• Why change feels uncomfortable before it feels natural
• Progress over perfection when creating healthier habits
• The connection between nutrition, spirituality, and living in harmony with nature
• Why asking questions—and testing ideas for yourself—is one of the greatest acts of self-care

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation:

Your body is incredibly wise—but it can only thrive when we begin giving it what it was designed to receive.

Whether you're curious about eating more whole foods, improving your energy, or simply creating a healthier relationship with food, this conversation is an invitation to become more intentional—not more rigid.

✨ Small changes practiced consistently can create extraordinary transformation.

Axay Shah is the founder of RawFoodiest.com and the author of IN NATURE WE TRUST: A Raw Food Manifesto for Energy, Healing & Longevity, which received a Kirkus Starred Review. At 50 he was told his fading energy was a normal part of aging. He refused to accept it. Today, at 67, after more than two decades eating 100% plant-based raw food, he takes zero medications, has zero chronic disease, has completed eight marathons, and has published 21 years of his own medical records for anyone to examine.

Join Lillian's Open Up Community:

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Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Please use your own discernment and seek professional care when needed.