The Scientific Hippie

11/13/2025

I just want to say thank you to all the furloughed and excepted Feds here. We hung in there together, and although we’ll likely face this same situation again come January, we survived the longest shutdown in government history.

What a ridiculous and mentally taxing thing to do to dedicated employees who serve our country. These politicians are elected by us. Right or left, and any party in-between, it’s unacceptable to put people’s livelihoods on the line like they have. I’m really tired of the blame game—especially when every single one of them is still getting paid. Remember, “We The People” elect them. It’s their duty to make sure we’re taken care of.

Let’s keep fighting and moving forward together ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸🇺🇸

11/05/2025

Day 35 of the government shutdown. Since the shutdown began, the last time I checked, federal employees have taken out over $320 million dollars in loans. I don’t know how realistic it is for people to keep holding on. It’s pretty disgusting to be told to take out loans just to survive while back pay is still not guaranteed. You don’t know people’s situations or what they’re going through.

Federal government is not run like a private-sector. It’s unacceptable that we go through this kind of budget crisis every single year while politicians continue to get paid. But it’s part of the territory of being a fed. Yesterday, another group and I were called to report back to duty under a new furlough letter, moving us into exempt status. This time, we’re required to work with still no pay. Leave isn’t accruing, and we’re not allowed to take any time off. I’m fortunate to be one of the few not severely affected financially because of my business. However, I can’t close my eyes and pretend nothing is happening when so many of my colleagues especially single parents and dual federal employee families are struggling.

This past month has challenged my mental health in ways I never could have imagined. I hold my agency in the highest regard, from the people we serve to the oath I took to serve our country. Honestly, I didn’t think I could bring myself to report back to duty—but I did. We hadn’t seen each other in a month, and when we did, we all shared the biggest hugs. I’ve cried so much this past month watching how ugly people have become toward one another. What has happened to humanity?

I’ve had several veterans ask me not to leave, and that really made me pause—to think about balancing my commitment to them with my own mental health. None of this has been easy. I’ve stepped away from social media to block out the noise and misinformation. It’s become too much.

My mission in returning was to develop research and data, a risk I’m proud I took, now supported by doctors, scientists, and researchers nationwide. Now, 3 years later, it’s taking off nationwide. Everything in life is a choice, and right now, my choice is to stay in it for the hardest and longest haul.

10/28/2025

In October, we celebrate the birthdays of three amazing family members and Jay! We love you guys!

10/24/2025

Life is so much better with you by our side .stephanie.ballantyne What a magical night being in the frequency and energy of the plants . Time always freezes when we are together.

09/23/2025

My 7-year-old twins and I celebrated the Fall Equinox by attending Natalie’s sound immersion class. We love receiving from Natalie.

My girls have been experiencing sound immersion since the womb. They begin the class in a Beta brainwave state and naturally drop into Theta and Delta waves.

It’s relaxing and calming for us all! Photo captured by Auntie Steph!

08/27/2025

I would like to express my gratitude. I must admit that I haven’t had the bandwidth to keep up with a lot of social media lately, as my focus has been entirely on my family, work and personal growth.

I’m thrilled to announce that I have successfully graduated from year two of the innovation program. Each step has been a journey of learning, growth, and discovery, and I’m excited to share that I am now moving forward to year three, where I will be delving into complementary and integrative health.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been told many times that it takes a special kind of person to tackle the challenges associated with my project. And while I am humbled by these words, I believe that anyone with the right passion, dedication, and support can achieve remarkable things.

Year three presents new challenges and opportunities, and I’m eager to embrace them. My focus will be on integrating new health practices and innovations that can benefit our community. I am committed to exploring and implementing solutions that not only address current health issues but also promote overall well-being and preventive care.

I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and leveraging our collective expertise to drive meaningful change. Together, we can pioneer advancements that truly make a difference and inspire others in the field.

Thank you for your continued support, and I am excited to embark on this next chapter!

08/27/2025

That time is flying by! Chasing every second.

08/20/2025

First day of second grade!

08/05/2025

🚫 Don’t Call Yourself a Sound Therapist (Unless You Are One)

There’s a BIG difference between a music therapist and a sound practitioner.

🎓 Music Therapists:

🎵Hold a degree & are board-certified (MT-BC)

🎵Legally licensed to treat mental & physical health

🎵Work in clinical settings (hospitals, mental health, etc.)

🎶 Sound Practitioners:

🎶 Use sound for wellness, relaxation & energy work

🎶 Not medically licensed

🎶 Can’t claim to diagnose, treat, or heal

⚠️ Calling yourself a therapist without credentials is illegal in many states and could lead to lawsuits.

✨ Use accurate titles:
Sound Practitioner • Sound Healing Guide • Vibrational Wellness Facilitator

👉 Stay ethical. Stay safe. Respect the field.

08/05/2025

Why are protein bars so disgusting?!
Why do they always have pictures of pastries or some kind of sweet treat on the package?

I get it — I probably have the worst sweet tooth in the world. But that doesn’t mean I want to eat a doughnut every day.

I bought a protein bar that had a Pop-Tart on the wrapper (gross). I do love the Quest 2 Peanut Butter Cups, though. We’ll see how the other two hold up.

Send me your favorite protein bar recs or recipes — preferably ones that don’t taste awful!

08/05/2025

We have made our way to the University of Utah teaching our first to many courses.

This course is capped to six students and we have one spot filled already.

Our first collaboration is Introduction to Sound Healing, Featuring Crystal Singing Bowls and Tibetan Singing Bowls

Have you been interested in sound healing but aren’t sure of where to start?

In this very special 6-hour workshop you will learn about crystal singing bowls and Tibetan singing bowls. It’s the perfect duo introduction into the world of sound healing.

This class is not only for anyone looking to add sound healing to their family, friends or clients, but also perfect for taking your own personal practice to an entirely new level.

What will be covered:
* The Basic Fundamentals of Sound Healing
* The Science Behind Sound
* How Sound Healing Works
* How to Incorporate Sound into your Practice
* Hands-on Experience with Both Types of Singing Bowls

No experience is required for this sound healing workshop.

You don’t need to own bowls to participate in this training workshop. We’ll provide multiple sets of crystal and Tibetan bowls for you to play with and get hands-on experience.

Why Choose Sound Healing?
Every particle, cell, person, and thing in the universe holds a frequency and a vibration. It makes sound healing impactful and powerful since it can pe*****te both the physical and energetic body– creating a unique healing experience, unlike any other healing modality.

We’re all energy. We’re all sound. We’re all sound healers.

Venmo: or sign up below. We also accept HSA and FSA for payment, send us a DM and we will get an invoice sent over.

Space is limited! Reserve your spot today.

Location: University of Utah
Rice Eccles Stadium
451 S. 1400 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Date: August 12, 2025
Time:11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuition: $250

What You’ll Receive:
* Manual
* Pen
* Journal
* Snacks & beverages

Suggestions to bring:
* Water
* Lunch if you’d like to pack on. We’ll take an hour lunch break.
* Yoga mat
* Blanket
* Meditation cushion

Only 5 spots left.

Resources for Study:
Ethics in Energy Medicine- Boundaries and Guidelines for Intuitive and Energetic Practices by Heidi Light

The 7 Secrets of Sound, by Jonathan Goldman - click here to purchase

7 Chakra Stone Set
7 Chakra Stone Set - Reiki Healing Crystal with Engraved Chakra Symbols - click here to purchase

Preferred incense to prepare a space.
Please reach out if you have any questions at info@isoundinstitute.org or call 801.231.2565

In gratitude,

iSOUND Institute

RSVP below 🧬🎵🥁

https://www.isound.institute/education/p/812-introduction-to-sound-healing-featuring-crystal-singing-bowls-tibetan-bowls

08/05/2025