Podcast Update 3/17/2025 - Meridian Passage Wellness

Why I Started The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast

I wanted to take a moment to share the intentions behind my recent foray into podcasting. With so many podcasts out there, you might wonder, Why should I listen to this one? It’s a fair question. Most of my episodes focus on issues related to veteran care. However, veterans represent only a small portion of the population. Yet, their experiences often reflect the same struggles many of us face — difficulties accessing adequate healthcare, navigating mental health challenges, and, perhaps most importantly, simply feeling heard. If you’ve found your way to this blog, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with these struggles too.

Episode 1: Ehlers-Danlos and Connective Tissue Disorders

My first episode dives into Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and connective tissue disorders. If you missed it, you can catch the full episode here on Youtube or here on Spotify and check out some one-minute shorts here. Dr Brianna Cardenas dives into this complex condition sharing her both her personal experiences as a patient with EDS as well as her professional work helping others with EDS.

I’ve already recorded episodes two and three, which will be released soon. Let me give you a quick rundown of what’s coming up and why I think you’ll find it valuable.

Episode 2: Matthew “Whiz” Buckley and The No Fallen Heroes Foundation

In the second episode, I sit down with Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, founder and CEO of The No Fallen Heroes Foundation. This organization advocates for psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans, first responders, and their families to address PTSD, anxiety, and depression — ultimately aiming to reduce suicide in these communities.

According to the VA, 14% of male and 24% of female veterans under their care are diagnosed with PTSD. Despite these significant numbers, the effectiveness of traditional treatments is debatable, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, a promising approach, remains largely underutilized. If we can’t begin researching this approach with a population as vulnerable as veterans, I wonder how long it will take for the broader healthcare system to catch up. My goal is to raise awareness so you can explore whether this path might be worth considering for yourself.

Episode 3: Dr. Gillian Richards — Acupuncture, Brain Injuries, and Invisible Wounds

In episode three, I speak with Dr. Gillian Richards, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine based in Bend, Oregon. As a VA-credentialed provider, Gillian bridges the gap between conventional and alternative medicine for veterans in her area. While psychedelic therapy isn’t for everyone, acupuncture and other traditional world medicine practices are more accessible and have proven effective for many.

Our conversation also delves into traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — both the obvious and the invisible. I was recently featured in a New York Times article about TBIs among service members, highlighting unexpected causes and underrecognized symptoms. If you’ve experienced a concussion or live with a seizure disorder, sleep issues, or other conditions with overlapping symptoms, it may be worth reconsidering whether a brain injury could be part of the picture. Gillian shares insights into recovery through acupuncture and applied neurology, offering hope for those struggling with unseen injuries.

The New York Times

What’s Ahead: Exploring the Intersection of Conventional and Alternative Medicine

For the rest of this limited six-episode series, I’ll be speaking with three more incredible guests:

Dr. Lance Cutsforth and Kegan Gill, veterans experienced in the psychedelic therapy space.
Dr. Ryan Phillips, a naturopathic doctor in Colorado. Ryan has a unique background, including time spent living in India, and a passion for non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical mental health treatments like biofeedback. We’ll also discuss the challenges naturopathic medicine faces in the U.S. and, yes, his interest in psychedelic therapy.

Each of my guests blends conventional and alternative flight plans to healthcare, offering insights and stories that can inspire anyone — veteran or not — facing health challenges that seem to have no clear answers.

My hope is that through these conversations, you find new perspectives, practical tools, and a sense of community. We all deserve to be heard, understood, and cared for — and if you’re searching for that, this podcast might just be for you.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, like, and share so you don’t miss an episode. Sharing it with friends, family, or anyone who might benefit from these conversations helps us spread the word about the work we’re doing. Your support means a lot and helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me!

Be well,

Kristin/Rosie

Have a question for me?

Reach out at hello@meridianpassagewellness.com. Want a consult with me? Click here to schedule a one-on-one. I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and LAc offering medical care in Washington State. Additionally, I offer coaching services and case consults to those outside of Washington.