
Alter Life
Dr. Benjamin Alter
Your perception shapes your reality. Alter Life is about shaking up stale thoughts, letting go of limiting beliefs, and exploring new ways to feel better, think clearer, and live more fully. This podcast dives into the deep connections between mindset, health, and consciousness—helping you thrive in your authenticity. From holistic health and nutrition to personal growth and expanded awareness, we explore what it really means to live well and feel fulfilled.
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Top 10 Alter Life Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Alter Life episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Alter Life for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Alter Life episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

07/06/22 • 29 min
Many associate Brain and Mind as one and the same.
The brain is the organ that rests inside the skull. It's like a computer made up neurons that wire the entirety of the physical body to control autonomic and somatic functions.
Mind is the universal wisdom, energy, and inspiration that animates all of life. It is the more spiritual essence alive in us all and thriving in every moment.
Of course there is a Brain-Mind connection, as the non-local mind lives in brain cells, as well as every other cell and fragment of the universe.
On Medicinal Monday's Alter Your Health from Head to Toe we discussed optimizing the physiology of the brain addressing the common issues of vascular health, metabolic function, and toxicity associated with such issues like brain fog, stroke, and age related cognitive decline, or dementia.
In today's Wisdom Wednesday where we share Insights from Head to Toe, we draw the connections between Mind and Brain. Of course, the ever-shifting state of the nervous system feeds back to effect neurophysiology. We share our insights around the mindset to optimize cognitive clarity as we age in today's episode.
Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth
Some highlights from today's WW episode...
⁃How physiologic stress causes a state of confusion or lack of clarity
⁃Chronic stress leads to chronic inflammation (including neuroinflammation), manifesting as symptoms of brain fog, as well as cognitive decline
⁃Chronic stress increase the progression of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, two of the major risk factors of Alzheimers.
⁃Age-related cognitive decline may be a symptom of our refusal to deal with the world
- Memory issues or brain fog are a way we can distract ourselves from a world we cannot accept
Links to some more good stuff
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner
Peace and Love.
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

06/13/22 • 28 min
No... this is not a commercial for some special new hair product! In fact, quite the contrary...
In this opening episode of Alter Your Health from Head to Toe we are starting our journey on the top of the head to talk about hair.
Of course, we have hair covering our entire body like any other mammal, but it is generally that which is atop our heads that gets most of the attention... especially when it starts to thin, fall, turn gray, or anything else deemed undesirable by our standards.
It may be common to think about hair as some appendage disconnected from the intricate whole of the body. In reality, however, the quality and resilience of hair is a reflection of our inner state of health (along with skin and nails).
For this reason, topical hair products (shampoos, conditioners, etc.) might make hair look nice in the short term, while doing nothing to address true hair health. In fact, oftentimes products can be more damaging in the longterm.
Tune into this week's Alter Your Health from Head to Toe episode and learn much more about the basics for creating and maintaining strong and healthy hair!
As always, you can join us live each Monday at 12 PT / 3 ET on the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth
Some highlights from today's episode on HAIR..
- Nutritional deficiencies can be seen in falling or thinning hair as the body's resources are shunted to higher priority organs/systems
- Hair falling is almost always due to stress, but other inflammatory/immune-related conditions also exist, such as alopecia
- Hair products (shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, etc.) can be toxic and actually cause poor hair health (and other systemic symptoms)
- Our (mainly Dr. Susanna's!) natural hair care routine with apple cider vinegar and baking soda
- Nutritional and lifestyle considerations to optimize hair resilience (minerals, vit C, zinc, cold water, and more)
Links to some more good stuff
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner
Peace and Love.
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

#290 | WW - Beyond Cognitive Dissonance
Alter Life
03/23/22 • 16 min
Cognitive dissonance means "mental stress or discomfort experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time."
To be honest, I didn't really know what it meant until the last couple of years as I've heard the term used more and more.
It turns out that we all live to preserve our mental wellbeing, and avoid this mental stress. For some, this means avoiding such "contradictory beliefs."
But, we don't need to live in a right or wrong dichotomy. We can live in a way that prioritizes connection, relationship, growth, and learning.
In today's Wisdom Wednesday we explore the human nature of perception and separate realities that always exist and share insights to navigate in the world with a compassionate heart and open mind.
Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth
For more, deep conversations on the topics of Mind, Thought, and Consciousness come on into Peace on Earth: https://alter.health/peace-on-earth
Some highlights from today's WW episode...
- Every human being has a unique perception, always changing from moment to moment
- We, as humans, are not our thoughts or perception, but the consciousness through which we experience our reality
- Freedom doesn't come from isolating in an echo chamber and avoiding contradicting viewpoints, but understanding that we, and perceived others, are not our thinking
- We can get curious about other perspectives rather than close our eyes, ears, heart, and mind
- Life is not about being right or wrong, but connection, relationship, growth, and learning
Links to some more good stuff
- Join weekly Peace on Earth conversations: https://www.alter.health/peace-on-earth
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner
Peace and Love.
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

01/03/22 • 29 min
Ugh... back pain. We've probably all had it, or at least 80% of us will, according to the NIH.
It can be a real pain in the butt! Or sometimes neck.... or hip... or.... you get the idea!
Sadly, over half of the population has back pain that persists for 5+ years with 200 BILLION dollars being spent treating the symptoms... yes, treating symptoms.
In this week's episode, we talk about the root cause of 99.9% of back pain which is almost NEVER addressed by any doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, or any other well-meaning physical medicine practitioner.
*This topic is very timely for us, Dr. Susanna in particular, as she is right in the midst of Healing Back Pain. She shares a bit of her story and journey today.
If you'd like to join these conversations live, be sure to Subscribe to the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth
Some highlights from today's MM episode...
- People are so often told their back pain is due to: Herniated discs, osteoarthritis / degenerated disc disease, “Pinched nerve”, “Sciatica”, osteophytes / bone spurs, spondylolisthesis
- People are told and reaffirmed that their backs are fragile and vulnerable and they must be sure not to "injur" or "aggravate"
- The underlying cause of back pain stress/tension (Tension Myositis Syndrome or TMS) according to the work of Dr. Sarno
- Back pain is a physical symptom with psychological roots
- Most feel it easier and more socially acceptable to deal with physical pain than emotional issues
- The “Goodists” or “Perfectionists” tend to be most vulnerable
- Conventional treatments fail to address the root of the issue: Anti-inflammatories, Physical therapy, Chiropractic, Massage, Spinal Traction, Yoga, Rest, Surgery, Etc, etc, etc.......
- Tensionmyositis is also a probable root cause of many other chronic pain conditions
Books and Resources Referenced in the episode
- Healing Back Pain - https://amzn.to/3sUmac0- The Mind Body Prescription - https://amzn.to/3mTz1aG- The Divided Mind - https://amzn.to/3pOqV4R- All The Rage Documentary - http://alltheragedoc.com- Episode 74 of Alter Your Health - https://podcast.alter.health/74
Links to some more good stuff
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner
Peace and Love.
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

#211 | MM - What About Sugar Cravings!?
Alter Life
04/20/21 • 26 min
Let's talk about CRAVINGS. We are told to just "deal with it," "force it" or "harness willpower." But, that only takes us so far. Cravings have a way of persisting despite what we do... up until now!
Here's a new way of thinking of things...
Cravings are messages from the body. The body CRAVES that which it requires for survival; carbohydrates, aka "sugar!" Of course craving an apple is a little different than craving a piece of cheese cake. In this episode we tweeze apart these two distinct circumstances - physiologic cravings vs. psychologic cravings... it is a bit blurry and hard to navigate at times, but this information should help!
If you'd like to join these conversations live, join the Plant Based & Stress Free FB group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/alterhealth
Also, please join us starting next week in the next WFPB Challenge, the Eat More Weigh Less Series! Register at https://www.alter.health/wfpb-challenge-eat-more-weigh-less
Some topics covered include...
- Why sugar cravings are a natural part of being human
- How low carb eating naturally perpetuates sugar cravings
- Physiologic vs Psychologic cravings
- The importance of repleting glycogen in liver and muscle
- Overcoming fruit fear (and potato fear!)
- Ditching beliefs of restriction and indulging in what the body thrives on
Links to some more good stuff
- Join the Plant Based &. Stress Free FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- Join the WFPB Challenge, the Eat More Weigh Less Series at https://www.alter.health/wfpb-challenge-eat-more-weigh-less
- ATTN Health Practititioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Base Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner
Peace and Love.
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

#203 | Mastering Macros - Protein
Alter Life
06/04/20 • 27 min
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR PROTEIN!?
Are you still being asked this silly question?
In this episode we dive deep to understand WHAT protein actually is, WHAT it does for your body, and HOW MUCH you actually need.
In the end, we debunk a lot of misconceptions held about proteint requirements and your plant based diet.
In this episode we get a little sciencey to discuss some critical information to understand so you can fuel your body optimally.
DISCLAIMER: We do NOT recommend counting macronutrients, or any other nutritional metric for that matter, including calories!
Some important takeaways include...
- The miracle of nitrogen-fixing bacteria
- Essential vs non-essential amino acids
- "plant protein" vs "animal protein"
- How animal protein can acidify the body
- The risks of a high protein diet
- The myth of protein deficiency
Join the conversation and tune in LIVE on Thursdays at 12PM pst on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM!
You may also be interested in these episodes...
Toxic Truth of Collagen and Bone Broth - https://www.alter.health/episode107
Ray Cronise on Healthspan - https://www.alter.health/episode146
Mastering Macros - CARBS - https://www.alter.health/episode201
Links to learn more
SHOW NOTES: https://www.alter.health/episode203
JOIN PLANT BASED & STRESS FREE FB GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alter...
TAKE OUR ONLINE COURSE: https://www.alter.health/course
SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/alterhealth
GET OUR BOOK: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3
APPLY TO WORK WITH US: https://www.alter.health/holistic-int...
CONNECT ON FACEBOOK:
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

#201 | Mastering Macros - CARBS
Alter Life
05/28/20 • 30 min
A whole food plant based diet is a carbohydrate-rich diet... and that is a good thing!!! This is because carbohydrates are the preferred fuel source for each of the 10 trillion cells in your body.
In this episode we get a little sciencey to discuss some critical information to understand so you can fuel your body optimally.
DISCLAIMER: We do NOT recommend counting macronutrients, or any other nutritional metric for that matter, including calories!
ADDITIONALLY, "carbs" are NOT a food group! ALL whole plant foods contain ALL macronutrients, along with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that synergistically support your metabolism and health.
Some important takeaways include...
- What carbohydrates have to do with the sun
- Simple vs complex carbs and glucose vs fructose
- The digestion, absorption, and metabolism of carbohydrates
- The role of insulin, and what REALLY causes insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes
- Why it's impossible to be a human without 'sugar/carb cravings'
- Debunking the myth that carbs make you fat
Join the conversation and tune in LIVE on Thursdays at 12PM pst on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM!
You may also be interested in these episodes...
End Sugar Cravings for Good - https://www.alter.health/episode167
Master Diabetes with Cyrus Khambatta - https://www.alter.health/episode174
Food Combining to Optimize Digestion and Metabolism - https://www.alter.health/episode175
Links to learn more
SHOW NOTES: https://www.alter.health/episode201
JOIN PLANT BASED & STRESS FREE FB GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alter...
TAKE OUR ONLINE COURSE: https://www.alter.health/course
SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/alterhealth
GET OUR BOOK: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3
APPLY TO WORK WITH US: https://www.alter.health/holistic-i
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

#200 | Ellen Friedman: Dear Virus...
Alter Life
05/25/20 • 60 min
My mom is back! She was here to talk about 'grace and ease with pain and disease' in episode 126 and we take the conversation deeper in this episode as she shares her intimate experience with 'the virus.'
Upon emerging on the other side of her experience with the viral infection, Ellen wrote a letter to The Virus.
Dear Virus,
I was wondering if you were coming for a visit. Thanks for the advance warning. I'm appreciative of all the information I received of your upcoming arrival. I’m grateful for the wisdom that guided me during your visit. And, I’m more grateful for the mild symptoms and the gentle whispers for deeper self care. As my mentor, Dr. Bill Pettit says, I received your symptoms as love letters from my body.
I want people to know that your visit can be gentle. I want people to know that your visit can be temporary, just like everything else that passes through us. Just like all of our thoughts. Just like all of our experiences.
I was worried that if I told people that I was experiencing your variety of symptoms, that I could be adding more worry to the world. I've read and heard the fearful and worried responses of others sharing their journeys. I was resistant to the possibility of hearing worry from friends and family.
You were the catalyst for some meaningful insights. I realized that I was concerned about my own worried thoughts. Then, a beautiful glimmer of light came through the cracks of my thinking. I can have worried thoughts and not always have to have the worried feelings that typically accompany the thoughts. I became aware of the thoughts as separate from myself. Thoughts are there and I’m here. It is really possible to have worried thoughts and not have the experience of worry. How powerful!
Then, I had another insight. Who am I to think that I am responsible for the worry of others? The thinking, feeling and experience of others is not up to me. Every person has their own perspective of life from their own level of understanding.
True freedom.
With love and gratitude,
Ellen
PS - I knew that peace of mind was good for my immune system.
Some highlights include...
- The insights had from 2 weeks of symptoms
- How wisdom guides us through symptoms and feelings
- Some of the supportive strategies used to keep her immune system functioning
- How experience with an illness translates into the rest of life
- Tapping into peace and stillness during pain and chaos
Hope you enjoy! Please feel free to leave a comment, rating, or review on whatever platform you choose to tune in on!
You may also be interested in these episodes...
Mental Health with Dr. Bill Pettit - https://www.alter.health/episode8
Peace in Chaos with Dicken Bettinger - https://www.alter.health/episode60
Relationships with Rohini Ross - https://www.alter.health/episode80
Links to learn more
SHOW NOTES: https://www.alter.health/episode200
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

05/18/20 • 73 min
We all have different perspectives, beliefs, and opinions. With the seemingly increased polarization in our world it might feel daunting or difficult to share one's own truth - at least it has been for me (Dr. Benjamin)!
When it comes down to it, there are relatively few hard truths in the world that are unarguably factual. Nevertheless, we all have our own personal truth, and the world needs to hear it!
As we speak our truth, we also move our physiology into a healing state, while also promoting healthy evolution of our society.
Some takeaways...
- The collective emergence into the 'satya yuga' from the 'kali yuga'
- The difference between universal truths and personal truths
- As we speak our truth we give others permission to do the same
- The risk of censorship as it relates to collective evolution
- The physiologic benefits of sharing truth, and the consequence of stifling it
- When in doubt, trust the good feeling and share from there
We encourage you to come on into the Facebook group and join the Plant Based & Stress Free community at www.facebook.com/groups/alterhealth
Hope you enjoy! Please feel free to leave a comment, rating, or review on whatever platform you choose to tune in on!
You may also be interested in these episodes...
Relationships - https://www.alter.health/episode44
Pandemic for Peace - https://www.alter.health/episode187
Global Pandemic or Growing Pains - https://www.alter.health/episode194
Links to learn more
SHOW NOTES: https://www.alter.health/episode198
JOIN PLANT BASED & STRESS FREE FB GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alterhealth/
TAKE OUR ONLINE COURSE: https://www.alter.health/course
SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/alterhealth
GET OUR BOOK: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3
APPLY TO WORK WITH US: https://www.alter.health/holistic-intensive
CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc
CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alter.health
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

04/28/25 • 33 min
What if healing isn’t about trying harder— but about living in harmony with the deeper laws that govern your body, mind, and life?
In this episode, I explore two universal truths that show up again and again for those navigating symptoms, stuckness, and the healing journey.
Here are some key points covered:
- Why what you resist persists
- How attachment blocks true receiving
- How resistance creates physiological stress and stalls detox/healing
- How surrender and curiosity unlock deeper flow
- Why your relationship to the "issue" matters more than the issue itself
Healing isn’t random.
It’s wired into the way life moves—when we stop fighting and start trusting.
Links to more good stuff
Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products
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FAQ
How many episodes does Alter Life have?
Alter Life currently has 408 episodes available.
What topics does Alter Life cover?
The podcast is about Plant Based, Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Alternative Health, Mental Health, Awakening, Podcasts, Consciousness and Health.
What is the most popular episode on Alter Life?
The episode title '#354 - My Grace-Full Birth Journey' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Alter Life?
The average episode length on Alter Life is 38 minutes.
How often are episodes of Alter Life released?
Episodes of Alter Life are typically released every 3 days, 13 hours.
When was the first episode of Alter Life?
The first episode of Alter Life was released on May 13, 2018.
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