I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Tammy Guest on the Naturopathic Futures podcast, and it turned into one of those conversations that takes you right back to why you chose this work in the first place.
In the episode, I share my journey into naturopathy which began long before it became a profession for me. I grew up in California in the 1970s, surrounded by both science and alternative health approaches, so questioning, exploring, and blending worlds always felt natural. After an accident and a period of significant health challenges, I was introduced more deeply to naturopathy, which eventually led me to an Austrian naturopathic fasting clinic in Germany. That experience was genuinely life-changing and set me on a path that has now spanned over 30 years in practice, and 25 years as a lecturer and teacher.
We talked about what it was like returning to Australia for my training, and how fortunate we are here to practise naturopathy in a system that while not perfect allows a level of freedom and flexibility that simply doesn’t exist in many other parts of the world. In some countries, naturopathy is heavily restricted or outright illegal. In Australia, we work in a “grey zone” that, for all its challenges, has allowed the profession to grow, adapt, and remain accessible without requiring a doctorate to practise or teach.
A big part of our conversation focused on the intersection of science and holistic healing, and why I don’t believe they are at odds. For me, healing has always included an energetic dimension alongside biochemistry and physiology. I also shared one of my core philosophies as a practitioner and teacher: my goal has never been to make clients dependent on me. I want to teach people enough that they become confident advocates for their own health — sometimes to the point where they no longer need my services at all. Watching clients grow into practitioners and educators themselves is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
Tammy and I also explored the current identity crisis within naturopathy, particularly in Australia. We spoke openly about the tension between evidence-based medicine and traditional healing wisdom, and the importance of not losing our historical roots in the rush to modernise. I truly believe the future of naturopathy lies in integration — honouring the sacred, experiential foundations of the profession while continuing to engage with science, research, and contemporary healthcare conversations.
We also touched on the growing visibility of naturopathy, thanks largely to social media and increased public awareness. While it can be frustrating to see long-held naturopathic principles repackaged without acknowledgment, it’s also encouraging to see these ideas reaching a broader audience and finally being taken seriously.
I’m honoured to be part of the Naturopathic Futures Academy faculty, where I teach within the Forgotten Healing Arts subjects, and this conversation felt like a meaningful reflection of why that work matters.
If you’re a practitioner, student, or simply curious about where naturopathy has come from and where it may be heading, I think you’ll enjoy this episode.
The Science & The Sacred of Naturopathy
