The Bitter Truth

About The Bitter Truth

Join Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing for a podcast on all things Ayurveda, Reproductive Care, Hormones, Herbs and Health! We'll be sipping herbal bitters and talking truth. abbeyjoyhealing.substack.com (https://abbeyjoyhealing.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Abbey Joy Cmiel

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

22 Aug 2025

Latest episode

22 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

20 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Sept 2026

   S2 Ep 10: The Bitter Truth About Bitters with Kate August

   This was such a fun episode because, AT LAST, we dove into the namesake of the podcast: BITTERS! In this final episode of the season, I interviewed my extraordinary friend and teacher Kate August. She is a long-time acupuncturist, herbalist, teacher, mixologist, and bitters whiz. I met Kate while studying at the California School of Herbal Studies and was amazed by her breadth of knowledge about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Western Herbalism, Culinary Herbalism and so much more. I know you will love and be as fascinated by this episode as I was. Some of my favorite topics included: * The health benefits of bitters and why you should eat or drink them daily * The difference between how TCM, Western Herbalism, and Ayurveda view bitters * The wild history of bitters and how nearly every culture has a unique bitter drink * The most coveted bitters in the world and the lengths people have gone to acquire them More about Kate: Kate August was born and raised in the Bay Area and finds inspiration by our diverse communities and landscape. She is a graduate of ACCHS in Oakland, where she received a Masters in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. She has ten years experience as an educator and clinical western herbalist and is staff faculty at the California School of Herbal Studies. As an herbal medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, she believes in the body’s innate ability to heal when provided the correct support and environment. Kate’s Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/august_west_acupuncture/) Resources from the Show: * Podcast (https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1030-stuff-the-british-stole/episode/15999596-the-fever-tree-hunt)on the British Quest for Fever Tree * For All the Tea in China Book (https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/for-all-the-tea-in-china-espionage-empire-and-the-secret-formula-of-the-worlds-favourite-drink_sarah-rose/357706/) * Doctors and Distillers Book (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/616731/doctors-and-distillers-by-camper-english/) This Episode of the Bitter Truth Podcast is hosted by Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing. (https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/) Abbey offers holistic Women’s Health Care based in Sebastopol, Petaluma and Mill Valley, California. See her website to book a session for holistic breast, womb or hormone care. https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/ Follow the Bitter Truth Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/bitter_truth_podcast/) on Instagram Thanks so much for listening and can’t wait to catch you for the next season! Get full access to Abbey Joy Healing Newsletter at abbeyjoyhealing.substack.com/subscribe (https://abbeyjoyhealing.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   S2 Ep 9: Sexuality & Consciousness with Dr. Sinéad Corrigan

   This was SUCH an insightful episode with Dr. Sinéad Corrigan that turned my ideas about pleasure and sexuality on their head. We dove into many different ancient and modern philosophies around pleasure to uncover how to develop a more meaningful relationship with sensuality. Some of my favorite topics we covered in this episode were: * How to connect with and cultivate innate pleasure * How to build healthy libido * Sexual and sensual practices for overall wellbeing * The concept of the “multi-orgasm” * And so much more! PLUS an exciting update! I just released my new website and store! Check it out at www.abbeyjoyhealing.com (https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/) You can listen to the past episodes with Sinéad on Creativity (https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Afx11HU4DTopv9kijajPp?si=dc1a80f4c2784de2)and Beauty (https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lBX066JrlSHCIxNH9BxWW?si=d1800745577b42b7) here. If you would like to learn more with Sinéad here are some amazing opportunities coming up: *FREE MASTERCLASS: MONDAY, 9/7/26 7:30pm EST save your spot: https://app.arketa.co/innerbodydata/checkout/q7ZrhqbV8akmo05vMXAx (https://app.arketa.co/innerbodydata/checkout/q7ZrhqbV8akmo05vMXAx) Join Dr. Sinéad Corrigan for a FREE SNEAK PEAK of practices covered in “DESIRE” - my upcoming 6-week online qigong course for men this Fall 2026. Learn practices for how to “channel desire” into creativity, productivity, and purpose. Understand the steps for achieving non-ejaculatory orgasm and full-body orgasm. Transform your relationship with sex, porn, cravings, over-working, struggles with intimacy, and sexual shame. *ON DEMAND COURSES: https://www.innerbodydata.com/courses/qigong-for-men (https://www.innerbodydata.com/courses/qigong-for-men) -Sex & Power 4 week course to transform your relationship with sex. Overcome addiction to porn, sex, and overworking. Understand the connection between sex & emotions. -Desire & Transformation - 9 week course for men, women, and couples for a deep dive into “channeling sexual energy”. Includes bonus content to support your daily practice. Can be used like a retreat, or as a self-paced course. *ON DEMAND MEMBERSHIP: https://www.innerbodydata.com/membership (https://www.innerbodydata.com/membership) -Join the Inner Body Data™ On Demand Membership to enjoy a growing library of 150+ practice videos of qigong, yin yoga, kundalini yoga, pranayama (breathwork). Great for building a daily practice, learning the basics of qigong, and deepening embodiment. Includes the 100-day qigong challenge, 5-10minute lessons daily to help you create a new habit. *PRIVATE INSTRUCTION/SUPPORT THE CAUSE: https://www.patreon.com/c/Dance4Plants/membership (https://www.patreon.com/c/Dance4Plants/membership) -Join DANCE_4_PLANTS Patreon Member - Become a top-tier member for a $200 discount on 1-on-1 qigong for channeling sexual energy instruction, plus access to a library of sensual movement classes + performances. This is the deep dive to totally transform your sex life, ability to experience pleasure, physical and sexual vitality, improve concentration, productivity, & creativity, and feel empowered rather than drained by your desires. All proceeds go towards supporting Albi Garden LLC - learn more: www.albigarden.com (http://www.albigarden.com/) *IN PERSON SERVICES (acupuncture in Miami, Kauai, and Chapel Hill www.innerbodydata.com (http://www.innerbodydata.com/) ; www.calendly.com/bodydata (http://www.calendly.com/bodydata) The Bitter Truth Podcast is hosted by Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing. (https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/) Abbey offers holistic Women’s Health Care based in Sebastopol, Petaluma and Mill Valley, California. See her website to book a session for holistic breast, womb or hormone care. https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/ Get full access to Abbey Joy Healing Newsletter at abbeyjoyhealing.substack.com/subscribe (https://abbeyjoyhealing.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

3. 

   10 Aug 2026

   S2 Ep 8: The Bitter Truth About Metabolism, Blood Sugar, and GLP-1s with Mary Sheila Gonnella

   In this episode, Mary Sheila Gonnella helps de-mystify one of the most confusing topics of modern medicine: metabolism. In a world of GLP-1 drugs, weight loss programs, and fasting techniques, she breaks down how we can actually support our metabolism from the root up. Rather than promoting another 10-day cleanse, Mary Sheila shares with us how we can build our metabolism and vitality through simple daily practices. Her deep knowledge of both ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern Western research helps draw an incredible map of practices to support overall health. I was so grateful to learn the basics of how blood sugar and metabolism work so I can support my body from the foundation. Some of the top tips we talk about include: * How to build your meals for feelings of satiety * The basics of fasting and meal spacing for metabolic health * The best ways to regulate your blood sugar to set a foundation of insulin and digestive health * Essential hydration tips to support your lymphatic health and beyond * How to help your body metabolize food with exercise, walking, bitters, and more We also talked about some of the most “bitter truth” topics around metabolism and weight loss including her thoughts on GLP-1 drugs, how our metabolism changes with our cycles and menopause, and whether you should try a Continuous Glucose Monitor The Bitter of the Day: This episode featured my very own “Love Buzz Bitters” featuring Spilanthes flower, Rose, Damiana, and Cacao. My bitters will be available online soon and can currently be purchased at my studio at 369 S Main Street Sebastopol More About Mary Sheila: Mary Sheila Gonnella, BCHN is a nutritionist, summit host, and metabolic health mentor who blends functional nutrition with Ayurveda. She has been practicing for over 20 years, working both in Sonoma County and virtually with clients around the world. Mary Sheila is the founder of Occidental Nutrition and creator of her online membership, The Vitality Club, where she supports health-conscious women and men in navigating midlife and beyond, helping them build lasting vitality through nutrition, lifestyle, and rhythm. With expertise in blood sugar balance, bone health, brain health, and autoimmunity, she offers online courses, live retreats, and meaningful ways to connect both in community and one-on-one. Learn more at Occidental Nutrition or by emailing her at occidentalnutrition@gmail.com (mailto:occidentalnutrition@gmail.com) This Episode of the Bitter Truth Podcast is hosted by Abbey Cmiel of Abbey Joy Healing. (https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/) Abbey offers holistic Women’s Health Care based in Sebastopol, Petaluma and Mill Valley, California. See her website to book a session for holistic breast, womb or hormone care. https://www.abbeyjoyhealing.com/ Get full access to Abbey Joy Healing Newsletter at abbeyjoyhealing.substack.com/subscribe (https://abbeyjoyhealing.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

23 ratings

Contact The Bitter Truth

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.