In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with a very special guest: Desiree Carscadden, Reiki Master, hypnotherapist, co-owner of the Holistic Healers Community… and her sister.

This conversation is a little different from the usual HHCP episode, because Crystal and Des aren’t just talking about their work in the holistic space. They’re talking about them.

They reflect on growing up together, their very different personalities, and how those differences sometimes created more tension than closeness. They talk about family, connection, the ways we can carry old dynamics into adulthood, and the very different places they each tend to access their power from. For Des, anger has often been a source of power. For Crystal, it’s sadness.

They also share how their grandmother played an important role in awakening and nurturing their shared curiosity about the magical, mysterious, and unexplained parts of the universe. From there, the conversation takes plenty of sibling detours, because that’s what happens when sisters get together.

Des also opens up about her recent experience participating in the Monologue Mavens event at HHC in collaboration with Nikki. They explore why the experience may have felt so cathartic for her and how giving herself permission to express what had been held inside may have helped her move through the stress cycle rather than continuing to carry it.

Crystal and Des also talk about the beautiful evolution of HHC’s event offerings and the work Des has poured into expanding what the community can experience within the space. They tease an upcoming breathwork class coming to HHC, talk about what it has looked like for Des to attune her children to Reiki, and explore some of the ways that practice has shown up in their lives.

And, of course, there are plenty of completely random sibling digressions about family, relationships, childhood, and connection along the way.

This episode is part holistic conversation, part sister therapy session, part trip down memory lane, and a reminder that some of our most meaningful relationships can hold both tension and deep connection.

Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Des and how to work with her on her IG.

IG: @desireholisticwellness

Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Mara Aguilar to explore her firsthand experience as a gestational surrogate and the journey that led her to make the decision to carry a baby for intended parents.

Mara shares what motivated her to become a surrogate, what she looked for when choosing an agency, and what an ideal relationship with intended parents looked like for her. She walks us through some of the practical aspects of the process, including the requirements to qualify as a surrogate, what goes into a contract between a surrogate and intended parents, and the many decisions that have to be considered before the journey even begins.

Mara also gives an honest look at the physical and emotional experience of surrogacy. From the hormonal preparation and embryo transfer to the unexpected challenges she encountered throughout pregnancy and the different things she tried to do to manage and mitigate those issues. She opens up about labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and what the experience was actually like from her perspective.

And, of course, Mara answers the question that she gets asked all the time: Would you do it again?

Whether you’ve considered becoming a surrogate yourself, know someone who has, or are simply curious about what the process is really like, this episode offers an opportunity to hear about surrogacy directly from someone who has lived it.

Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or ask Mara any further questions you may have on her IG.

IG: @mara.aguilar11

Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Dr. Zerri Gross - a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Reiki Master, crystal and sound healer, trauma-informed yoga instructor, Goddess Temple Priestess, author, retired veteran, and holistic life coach - for a deeply honest conversation about transformation, burnout, spirituality, and learning to make space for every part of ourselves.

Dr. Z shares her journey from the military into the mental health field, the early experiences that challenged her to reflect on her own growth as a therapist, and the gradual shift toward holistic healing that initially began as something she pursued for herself. She opens up about the internal and religious beliefs she had to work through in order to make space for these modalities, as well as the barriers that kept her from believing her trainings and gifts were meant to be shared with others.

Eventually, burnout and life’s challenges pushed Dr. Z toward opening her own private practice, only to reveal a whole new layer of healing around money, visibility, social expectations, and the narratives we inherit about what we’re “supposed” to do. Together, Crystal and Dr. Z explore what happens when the person who has spent years caring for everyone else finally gives herself permission to be cared for, too.

Dr. Z also shares about her upcoming Disconnect to Reconnect event at HHC on August 29th, created specifically for the teachers, therapists, healers, and “strong friends” who are so accustomed to being the ones everyone else relies on.

And in one of the most memorable parts of the conversation, Dr. Z introduces a powerful reframe for working with the inner child: Instead of making our inner child responsible for healing us, what if we fired them from the role of “healer” and hired them as a consultant? Someone whose experiences, needs, creativity, and wisdom can inform the way we move forward.

This episode is an invitation to reconsider what healing, spirituality, success, and self-care can look like when we stop abandoning parts of ourselves in order to become who we think we’re supposed to be.

Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Dr. Z and how to work with her on her website & IG.

IG: @greaterself_dr.z

Website: www.greaterself.org

Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Nikki Hinsen-O’Connor, certified sound therapist and alchemist, to explore the powerful intersection of sound, healing, and self-awareness.

Nikki shares her personal journey into this work, which began with her search for relief from chronic migraines. What started with binaural beats eventually led her to the world of sound baths, opening the door to a deeper understanding of how sound can impact the body, mind, and nervous system.

In this conversation, Nikki breaks down the science behind sound healing and explains how frequency, vibration, and resonance can support regulation and healing within the body. She also speaks candidly about her first sound bath experience not being relaxing or comfortable, and how a private, in-home session allowed her to truly soften, feel safe, and connect more deeply with herself.

This episode also highlights the importance of trauma-informed care within this modality. Nikki shares about her certification through Kin Unified Healing and why proper training matters when working with sound, as dissonance or lack of awareness from an untrained practitioner can potentially be dysregulating or harmful.

Beyond the modality itself, Nikki reflects on how sound healing has supported her own mental and emotional health by creating a foundation of awareness. One that has inspired her to incorporate other supportive practices like meditation and therapy. She describes sound as an ongoing invitation to return to her body and reconnect with her higher self.

Crystal and Nikki also discuss her Heartfire Family sound baths hosted at the Holistic Healers Community, as well as the unique and often profound effects sound healing can have on children.

This episode is both an introduction and an invitation to listen more deeply, to become more aware, and to explore the ways sound can support your healing journey.

Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Nikki and how to work with her on her IG.

IG: @hearthfiresound

Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Yvonne Calderon, a newly graduated massage therapist and founder of Rooted From Ruins, to explore the deeply intentional and healing work of trauma-informed touch.

Yvonne shares the story of how her business began long before she even knew what it would become. Starting with a meaningful ritual that inspired the creation of her logo, planting the seed for something much greater. After experiencing the impact of massage for herself, she felt called to pursue it as a career, eventually carving out a powerful niche in supporting individuals who have experienced body-based trauma.

This conversation explores Yvonne’s mission to reintroduce safe, intentional touch to the body, especially for those navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the lasting effects of sexual abuse or domestic violence. She offers insight into what trauma-informed massage actually looks like, both before and during a session, and how creating a sense of safety, consent, and empowerment is at the core of her work.

Yvonne also speaks to the deeper intention behind Rooted From Ruins. Not just as a massage practice, but as a space designed to support individuals in reconnecting with their bodies, reclaiming their strength, and standing fully in their power.

Together, they reflect on how easy it can be to disconnect from the body in the busyness of everyday life, and how important it is to listen to the subtle cues and messages our bodies are constantly communicating.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t have to be rushed, and that with the right support, it is possible to rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and connection within ourselves.

Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Yvonne and how to work with her on her IG.

IG: @rooted_from_ruins

Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Vincent Edwards to explore the powerful and often misunderstood modality of Structural Integration.

Vincent shares how his lifelong love of sports and movement led to a series of injuries that ultimately guided him toward this work. Through his own efforts to heal his body, he discovered that Structural Integration was the only approach that provided him with true, lasting relief. What began as a personal healing journey has since evolved into a deep commitment to helping others reconnect with their bodies.

Together, they break down what Structural Integration actually is, including its focus on alignment, body awareness, and the body’s relationship to gravity. Vincent explains how many of us live in ingrained patterns (such as a forward-leaning, chronically activated posture) that can contribute to physical discomfort over time, including common issues like tension patterns and postural imbalances.

This conversation also explores the intentional 10-session series that Structural Integration is known for, and how each session builds upon the last to address the body as a whole system. Rather than chasing pain at its source, this modality works with the fascia and overall structure of the body, creating changes that naturally ripple toward areas of discomfort.

Vincent also shares insights from his ongoing certification journey, including his path toward completing 1,000 hours of hands-on experience, and his foundational belief that every body is inherently perfect, both when it arrives and when it leaves. His work is not about fixing, but about supporting the body in finding more space, length, and ease.

This episode is an invitation to see the body through a new lens. One rooted in curiosity, connection, and trust.

Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Vincent and how to work with him on his IG.

IG: @vxe.si

Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with fellow Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Jacky Rojas, for an honest and grounding conversation about private practice, consultation, and what it really means to build a career in this field without doing it alone.

Crystal shares how their consultation group was formed around the same time she launched her private practice, becoming a consistent source of support, connection, and reflection throughout her journey. What started as a space for case consultation has evolved into something much deeper: A place where both therapists can exhale, process, and show up fully as humans navigating both personal and professional experiences.

Together, they explore Jacky’s recent decision to step into private practice this year, doing it scared, and the excitement and uncertainty that can come with building something of your own. They talk about the pressure to “niche down,” the challenge of having multiple passions within the field, and how Jacky has found her footing as a relational therapist working with both couples and individuals, as well as specializing in ADHD.

This episode also highlights the ways they’ve intentionally expanded their consultation space beyond case conceptualization, incorporating a therapy-related book club, skills-building, and even moments of creativity and fun (like hosting Jacky’s headshot photoshoot in the HHC podcast studio).

This conversation is a reminder that therapists need support too, and that when we create spaces to be seen, held, and challenged, we not only grow as clinicians, but as people.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your work, this episode is for you.

Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Jacky and how to work with her on her website.

IG: @jrojastherapy

Website: www.jrojastherapy.com

Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove

In this episode of the Holistic Healers Community Podcast, Crystal sits down with Krishna Lopez: Certified doula, sound healer, Reiki Level 2 practitioner, and community builder. They share a deeply nurturing and expansive conversation on motherhood, healing, and the power of intentional support.

Krishna shares the heart behind her recent Matriarchal Magic event, a space created for women to gather, heal, and support one another through a variety of holistic services. She reflects on the magic that unfolded, not only in the connections between attendees, but in her own personal healing and growth through facilitating the experience.

Together, Crystal and Krishna explore how Krishna’s personal journey shaped her path. From her conception journey leading her to become a doula, to her pregnancy experience inspiring her work in sound healing. This conversation highlights the deep wisdom that can emerge when women are supported and empowered throughout each phase of motherhood.

They also dive into the gaps that exist in accessible holistic care for pregnant women and new mothers, and the importance of postpartum preparation (something that is often overlooked, yet essential). Krishna shares insight into common postpartum experiences, including anxiety, rage, depression, and even psychosis, helping to normalize conversations that are too often kept in silence.

This episode also touches on the profound identity shift that comes with becoming a mother, the differences in how motherhood and fatherhood are experienced, and the awe-inspiring process of bringing new life into the world.

This conversation is both grounding and eye-opening. An invitation to honor the full spectrum of the motherhood journey, while remembering that no woman is meant to walk it alone.

Have a listen & don't forget to follow the podcast to stay up to date on episodes! You can also leave feedback on the episode over at HHC’s Instagram @holistichealerscommunity or find out more about Krishna and how to work with her on her IG & website.

IG: @therainbowdoula

Website: www.therainbowdoula.com

Music credit: Blind Love by TuneTrove