EducationHow ToSelf-ImprovementHealth & FitnessAlternative HealthFitnessMedicineNutritionKids & FamilyReligion & SpiritualityChristianitySpiritualitySociety & CultureRelationships

Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn

Autumn Swain

On this show, I provide tools, inspiration, and practical tips to help guide you in leading a life of wholeness. Whether you hold a leadership role in an organization, corporation, or business, lead a team or initiative in your community, or serve as a leader within your family, this podcast is customized for you. My desire is to assist you in leading from a perspective of holistic well-being. Say peace out to the fatigue, fog and frustration of living in a place that lacks abundant well-being, and join me for a thorough exploration of spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic well-being—all in one place! You can discover more at www.autumnswain.com. Thank you and be well!

Play

Open in

24 episodes
Avg 39 min
English

Episodes 24

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

October 31 · 53 min· Video
Ep 36: The Courage to Ask: Finding Wholeness Without All the Answers with Royce Lovett
What if the questions you've been afraid to ask are the very ones that could lead you toward greater freedom, deeper faith, and a more fulfilling life? We're often conditioned to believe that growth means finding answers, faith means having certainty, and strength means having everything figured out. But what if there's another way? In this episode of Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn, I'm joined by artist, musician, and author Royce Lovett, whose book The Way of Asking: A Journey Without Clear Answers invites us to reconsider the role of curiosity, uncertainty, and honest questioning in our lives. Together, we explore the intersection of faith, creativity, relationships, and whole-person well-being. From challenging long-held assumptions about God to examining how we care for ourselves and connect with others, this conversation invites us to consider how the questions we ask shape the lives we live. We also explore Royce's journey as a creative, husband, and father, and the experiences that have influenced his music, his message, and his understanding of what it means to live authentically. Because perhaps living a whole and aligned life isn't about having all the answers. It's about having the courage to ask the questions that matter. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain Guest Info: Royce Lovett Substack: https://substack.com/@itsroycelove Instagram: @roycelovett Website: www.roycelovett.com Royce Lovett Music and Common Hymnal Music can be found on all listening platforms!
October 6 · 33 min· Video
Ep 35: I Understand It Now: Why You Don't Follow Through
You want to be a person of your word. So why do you keep saying "I'm going to…" and then not doing it? In this episode of Aligned Living, Dr. Autumn uses a viral basketball moment to reveal what really happens between intention and action, and why "try harder" isn't the answer. She breaks down the biological, emotional, relational, and spiritual reasons we don't follow through, and introduces the Alignment Gap: the distance between what you say matters and what your life actually reflects. This isn't about perfection. It's about understanding the miss. Shoot. Assess. Adjust. Shoot again. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
September 7 · 32 min· Video
Ep 34: Good Intentions Aren't Enough: Build a Life That Supports What Matters
We all have good intentions—to eat healthier, exercise consistently, strengthen our relationships, spend more time with God, be more present, or finally pursue the things that matter most. So why is it often so difficult to follow through? In this episode of Aligned Living, Dr. Autumn explores the idea that we don’t rise to our intentions; we fall to our systems. And those systems go far beyond routines and calendars. Your sleep, nutrition, stress, nervous system, brain, environment, relationships, physical space, schedule, and daily rhythms all influence your capacity to live according to what you value. Instead of simply asking, “Why can’t I be more disciplined?” this episode invites you to ask a better question: Have I built a life that supports what I say matters? You’ll learn how to identify the friction between your intentions and your everyday life, understand why willpower alone isn’t enough, and begin creating systems that make aligned choices easier and more sustainable. Because good intentions can point you in the right direction—but alignment is what helps you actually live them. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
August 31 · 54 min· Video
Ep 33: Who's in Your Corner?
What if the relationships in your life are shaping your health more than you realize? Dr. Autumn sits down with therapist, social worker, and doctoral researcher Heydie Orr to unpack relational resilience — our capacity to grow through healthy, mutually supportive relationships. They talk about why independence isn't the same as wholeness, why being surrounded by people doesn't mean you're truly connected, and how reciprocity, consistency, vulnerability, boundaries, and healthy conflict turn a relationship from draining into strengthening. If you've ever felt lonely, struggled to trust after being hurt, or wondered what a healthy relationship should actually look like, this one's for you. Relational health is mental health, and none of us were built to do life alone. Guest info: Heydie Orr https://heydie-orr.clientsecure.me/ https://www.atscorp.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/heydie-orr-lmsw-ssw-ctrp-c-868066138/ Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
August 21 · 43 min· Video
Ep 32: An Interruptible Life: Making Room for What Matters Most
What if the interruptions we work so hard to avoid are actually invitations to become more present, resilient, and fully human? In this episode, Dr. Autumn sits down with Chrissy Weeks, Executive Director of DC127, to explore what it means to live an interruptible life. In a culture that ties our value to productivity and constant accessibility, Chrissy challenges us to consider what our response to interruption reveals about what we value, and what might change if we made more margin for God, ourselves, and the people around us. Chrissy shares stories from her work with families impacted by the foster care system, illustrating a truth as humbling as it is universal: even the strongest among us still need people, and community can build the resilience necessary for lasting change. This episode is an invitation to ask how you respond when you're interrupted, where you might need more margin, and whether you have the kind of community around you that helps you flourish. Because sometimes becoming more whole isn't about adding something else to your life. It may be about creating space to be interrupted. Guest Info: Chrissy Weeks www.dc127.org Article Link: https://mailchi.mp/dc127/living-an-interruptible-life Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
July 12 · 36 min· Video
Ep 31. The Biology of Becoming: Why Spiritual Formation Is More Embodied Than We Think
Prayer and Scripture get most of the credit for spiritual growth, but Dr. Autumn unpacks a piece we usually skip: the body. This episode makes the case that sleep, emotional health, relationships, and daily rhythms aren't distractions from discipleship, they're part of how the Holy Spirit actually forms us. The payoff is practical too: the self-control and discernment we need to live out what we already know God is calling us to do. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
May 29 · 26 min· Video
Ep 30: What Narratives Shape Your Life?
Most of us know what we should do—so why don't we do it? Because beneath our choices are stories. Exhaustion is normal. My value comes from achievement. Busy means important.These narratives quietly shape our health, relationships, leadership, and well-being in ways we rarely examine. In this episode, Dr. Autumn helps you identify the hidden stories running your life—and what it looks like to replace them with something rooted in wholeness, wisdom, and shalom. The question this episode will help you ask: What story is shaping my choices? Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
April 2 · 33 min· Video
Ep 29 You're Doing Everything Right. So Why Are You Still Exhausted?
You're sleeping. Eating well. Taking the supplements. And still — you're exhausted. In this episode, Dr. Autumn breaks down why energy isn't just physical, and why no amount of sleep will fix a nervous system that's overloaded, a mind full of clutter, or emotions you haven't had the chance to process. She unpacks the hidden forces quietly draining you, including disrupted sleep rhythms, dehydration, spiritual misalignment, and the invisible weight of modern life. This isn't another wellness checklist. It's a real conversation about what's actually happening in your body and mind, plus what it looks like to restore energy from the inside out. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
March 16 · 43 min· Video
Ep 28: You Can't Compartmentalize Wholeness with Guest Joshua Symonette
In this episode of Aligned Living, Dr. Autumn speaks with Joshua Symonette—pastor of Hopeville in Baltimore, nonprofit leader, husband of 23 years, and father of four—to explore the hidden cost of unprocessed emotions in leadership and everyday life. Joshua shares a vulnerable turning point when an unexpected emotional breakdown revealed he had been living in constant problem-solving mode—running on “survival skills” instead of “thriving skills.” Together, they unpack why emotional health isn’t optional for leaders, why ignoring emotions quietly shapes our relationships and environments, and how practices like silence, slowing down, naming emotions, and prayer help cultivate true wholeness. If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding everything together on the outside while something inside feels off, this conversation offers a powerful invitation to pause, pay attention, and ask one honest question: Why do I feel this way? Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain Guest Info: Joshua Symonette IG: jmsymonette iamhopeville.com
March 8 · 36 min· Video
Ep 27: Refined Through the Stretch: Trusting God in Hard Seasons
Ever whispered, “God… what is happening?” In this episode, Dr. Autumn speaks to the seasons that rattle your certainty — heartbreak, disappointment, unanswered prayers, emotional exhaustion — and shows you how to walk through them without losing your faith, your nervous system, or your integrity. Blending biblical lament, nervous system regulation, and the principles of Aligned Living, she reframes hard seasons not as punishment, but as preparation. Learn how to steady your body, guard your thoughts, protect your character, and stay anchored — even when life feels disorienting. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain Mentioned Resources: The Playground Leader by Dr Autumn Swain Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah
Dec 30, 2025 · 39 min· Video
Ep 26: The Thought That Changes Everything: A Series Finale on Aligned Living
In the series finale of Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn, we break down why making wise choices isn’t just about discipline or willpower. It’s about whether your mind and body feel regulated enough to support good decision-making. This episode explains how emotions provide important information, how a calm nervous system keeps the brain’s decision-making center (the prefrontal cortex) functioning, and how chronic stress disrupts judgment and self-control. Drawing from neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and faith, Dr. Autumn shows how caring for your whole self helps you make consistent, aligned choices—without burnout or constant struggle. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
Oct 10, 2025 · 36 min· Video
Ep 25: When Purpose Speaks: Reclaiming Voice and Wholeness
In this episode, Dr. Autumn sits down with spoken word artist Cookie B, who discovered her gift through a reluctant college assignment—and later had to fight to reclaim it. Together they explore what it means to walk in your God-given gifts, heal from what silences you, and find freedom in creativity and faith. Through personal stories and powerful poetry, Cookie reminds us: when you live out your purpose, you don’t just serve others—you come alive. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain How to find our guest, Cookie B. https://www.itscookieb.com/ IG: itscookieb You can find her Spoken Word pieces including her new album on all listening platforms.
Oct 3, 2025 · 41 min· Video
Ep 24: The Body Remembers: Healing Trauma and Realigning with Your True Self
In this episode of Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn, Dr. Autumn talks with Cindy Lamb—trauma-transformation therapist and founder of the Human Liberation and Balance Institute—about how both childhood and adult traumas shape the brain and body. Together, they explore how healing happens when we unlearn old survival patterns and relearn how to live from a place of safety, freedom, and authenticity. With insights from neuroscience and real-life experience, this conversation is a reminder that no matter your past, you have the power to rewire and realign your life. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain How to find our guest: Cindy Lamb, LCSW, LSCSW, CCTP HumanLBI.org
Aug 3, 2025 · 31 min· Video
Ep 23 The Courage to Rethink Faith
What if wisdom—not certainty—is the key to a deeper, stronger faith? In this episode, Dr. Autumn unpacks why spiritual growth isn’t about rigid rules or black‑and‑white answers, but about holy curiosity, discernment, and courage. Through her own story of wrestling with tough decisions and rethinking inherited beliefs, Autumn reframes “deconstruction” as something better: faith evolution. She shows how asking hard questions doesn’t push us away from God—it draws us closer. With warmth and practical wisdom, Autumn reminds us that real growth, like strength training, requires resistance. The result? A faith that’s wiser, braver, and built to last. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
Jul 9, 2025 · 47 min· Video
Ep 22 The Right Way to Train: Build Strength, Boost Brain Health, and Cultivate Longevity
What if your workout could sharpen your mind, regulate your emotions, and rewire your brain? Fitness expert Dylan Novak joins Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn to unpack how intentional movement—like dynamic stretching and progressive strength training—not only builds physical power but also boosts mental clarity, emotional stability, and long-term health. You’ll learn how fitness impacts your longevity, how dopamine shapes your motivation and memory, and why modern habits can throw your brain and body off track. We’ll also break down what the right fitness practices actually are, why they work, and how to fit them into a busy, full life. Whether you’re brand new to training or refining your rhythm, this conversation will shift the way you think about strength—for your body, your mind, and your soul. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain Guest info: Dylan Novak, CSCS, FRCMS, CFSC, MS kinesiology https://www.methodstrong.com/
Jun 27, 2025 · 46 min· Video
Ep 21 Exclusive Preview: The Emotional Health Shift That Changes the Game
In this special episode of Aligned Living with Dr. Autumn, Coach Autumn invites you behind the scenes of her membership platform with a raw and impactful teaching on emotional health. What began as a course recording turned into a heartfelt message about why emotional regulation and maturity are essential to making progress in every area of life—whether it’s your health, relationships, or spiritual growth. Autumn shares why our emotions often drive the choices we make, and how learning to navigate them can unlock the transformation we’re longing for. With a blend of vulnerable insight and practical takeaways, this episode offers a meaningful starting point for anyone looking to live with more intention, alignment, and wholeness. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain
Jun 4, 2025 · 34 min· Video
Ep 20: What Are You Listening To? How Music Shapes Our Minds, Moods & Moves
What if rest—not hustle—is the key to creativity? In this episode of the Aligned Living Podcast, Dr. Autumn sits down with Nashville-based artist Wes Harris to talk music, healing, and living with intention. From growing up as a pastor’s kid to using music as a tool for emotional and other forms of holistic wellness, Wes shares how he's learned to say “no” with purpose, embrace stillness, and protect his peace while navigating the demands of a creative life. They dive into the emotional impact of lyrics, the tension between sacred and secular music, and what it really means to live aligned. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain Guest info: https://sociatap.com/imwesharris/ Find Wes Harris on all your listening platforms including Apple Music and Spotify IG: @imwesharris
Apr 9, 2025 · 42 min· Video
Ep 19: The Heart of Connection: Why Community Matters More Than Ever
In this episode of Aligned Living, Autumn Swain chats with Alexis Browning, a former healthcare professional turned nonprofit leader, on the power of authentic community. Inspired by a mission trip to Kenya, Alexis left medicine to foster meaningful connections. They dive into why social well-being is essential to overall health and how vulnerability and proximity create deeper relationships. Alexis shares personal insights on embracing connection—even in tough times—and practical ways to build a sense of belonging. This episode is a powerful reminder: We’re not meant to do life alone. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain Where to find our Episode Guest: Alexis Browning https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-browning-853870264/ https://www.instagram.com/a_browning90/
Jan 6, 2025 · 34 min· Video
Ep 18: The Truth About Motivation
Dr. Autumn challenges conventional wisdom about motivation, revealing that it's often a result of action rather than its catalyst. She explores how our decision-making is shaped by emotions, hormones, and physical states, offering practical strategies to align our choices with long-term goals. By understanding the complex interplay between brain and body, listeners learn to make better decisions even when motivation seems elusive. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain Referenced in this episode: DrLeaf.com, Podcast: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess
Nov 19, 2024 · 34 min· Video
Ep 17: Aligning Passion with Purpose: A Conversation with Artist Lionel Daniels
In this episode, artist Lionel Daniels reveals the transformative power of aligning passion with purpose. By courageously leaving a six-figure job to pursue art full-time, he demonstrates how trusting one's intuition and maintaining a deep spiritual connection can unlock extraordinary personal and professional fulfillment. Through resilience, prayer, and a commitment to personal growth, Lionel shows listeners that true success comes from embracing authenticity and staying true to one's deepest calling. Intro and Outro Music Credit: Savage by Beat Mekanik, Free Music Archive, License type: CC BY Please visit: www.autumnswain.com Contact: autumn@thealignedleader.org IG: @drautumnswain FB: Autumn Alena Swain Guest info: IG: @LionelDanielsArt (Personal), @thestudioshow_ (art show) Youtube: @thestudioshow_2019 Website: www.lioneld.com

Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes