Getting our hands dirty is not a new idea. A strong connection to soil has always been critical for human thriving. 

Around 12,000 years ago, our hunter-gatherer ancestors started transitioning into a farming culture. Growing crops became a reliable and sustainable way to access high-quality food.  

Besides the nutritional benefits, gardening has been shown to improve our well-being in many ways. Studies have shown that time spent gardening can increase physical activity, offer a tangible sense of purpose, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Some research has shown that regular gardening may assist in reducing the risk of dementia by up to 50%.

Therapeutic horticulture programs have been used in hospitals for many years, increasing satisfaction and reducing stress, which can reduce healing times. Contact with specific bacteria in the soil, called Mycobacterium vaccae, releases serotonin in the brain, which serves as a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system. 

According to a 2021 National Gardening Association study, over 18 million people became new gardeners, and existing gardeners spent 47% more time with their hands in the dirt.   

Welcome to Episode Thirty-Five of The Nature of Wellness Podcast. 

On this episode, we sat down with a couple of amazing representatives of the horticulture world. Alexis  Ashworth is the Founder and CEO of Root in Nature, a Canada-based company with the vision of “A world where people live their healthiest lives through connection with plants and nature. Katie McGillivray, a Registered Horticultural Therapist, is the company’s Lead for Courses and Community. 

Join us as we talk to Alexis and Katie about their personal and professional relationships with the natural world, the many benefits of horticultural therapy, and the community-serving mission of Root in Nature. 

These two “Green Thumbs” discuss how a garden is a perfect backdrop for social connection, which plants best serve us based on our needs, and the best ways to start gardening as a beginner. 

This was a conversation we could certainly “dig” (pun intended). 

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Root in Nature Website: https://rootinnature.ca/

Root in Nature Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/root.in.nature

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/root-in-nature/

Alexis’ contact: alexis@rootinnature.ca

* The Nature of Wellness Podcast is produced by the remarkable Shawn Bell.

** The NOW theme song was written, performed, produced, and graciously provided by the incredibly talented Phil and Niall Monahan. 

Just in case it wasn’t clear, humans are complex. How our minds and bodies function together is nothing short of fascinating. 

One of our favorite aspects of human performance and well-being is the neuroscience behind how we live. 


Neuroscience is understood to be a multidisciplinary science, one that is focused on the unique structure and function of the human nervous system. 

Research continues to show that how we interact with the natural world impacts our neurology in many ways. Studies have found that time in nature can lead to better attention and focus, increased sensory processing, enhanced cognitive flexibility and function, and more creativity. 

As we have mentioned on multiple occasions, natural time leads to positive effects on our mental and emotional health as well, including the management of symptoms of anxiety and depression.

We do not doubt that most (if not all) of us have experienced these effects after spending time outside, but maybe we didn’t fully understand why. 

Welcome to Episode Thirty-Four of The Nature of Wellness Podcast. 

On this episode, we sat down with author, researcher, and nature-focused neuroscientist Dr. Susan A. Masino. Dr. Masino is a Professor of Applied Science at Trinity College, with a joint appointment in Neuroscience and Psychology. She is a former Fellow in Forest Research at Harvard and has published papers and policies on the natural stewardship of forest ecosystems, the promotion and restoration of brain health, and the relationship among metabolism, brain activity, and behavior.

Join us as we talk to Susan about her personal and professional journey with the natural world, the multiple benefits of how time in nature profoundly impacts our neurology,  and the need to protect natural spaces for our continued existence as a species.

Dr. Masino also shares her personal experiences for creating and protecting what she calls “community wilds,” which is a critical need in our current social landscape of division and isolation.  

We left this amazing conversation with nature on our brains (pun intended). 

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Dr. Masino Faculty Profile at Trinity College:

https://internet3.trincoll.edu/facprofiles/default.aspx?fid=1117011

Trinity College Frederick Olmsted Brain Series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaFy3DAjq6qd5t0GBwe8cq5YVI-n7Ku4I

 Article Showcasing Dr. Masino:

https://www.thetransmitter.org/craft-and-careers/into-the-woods-with-susan-masino/

Nature and Our Best Future by Dr. Masino:

https://www.thethinkingrepublic.com/3-seconds/nature-and-our-best-future-a-neuroscientists-perspective

RESTORE- the North Woods:
www.RESTORE.org 

Old Growth Forest Profile:

https://www.oldgrowthforest.net/forest-advocates

* The Nature of Wellness Podcast is produced by the remarkable Shawn Bell.

** The NOW theme song was written, performed, produced, and graciously provided by the incredibly talented Phil and Niall Monahan. 

In this updated edition, Paul Pennington talks to Austin Willet from Different Strokes, to dispell the myth that stroke only affects older people. Nic Wray from Tinnitus UK talks to Paul about concerning new research surrounding the impact of tinnitus.  Paul looks at the worrying rise in the incidence of scabies with Dr Tess McPherson, from the British Association of Dermatologists.  Lizzie Moscardini from the British Heart Foundation joins Paul to discuss the free online CPR training the charity is offering as part of Heart Month to help redude deaths from cardiac arrests, and in his final interview,Paul catches up  with Consultant Dietitian, Anne Holdaway from the Malnutrition Pathway to discuss revised guidance on  C.O.P.D and Malnutrition.

"... are you someone out there who's a little bit like me,
who knows deep down I'm not where I'm meant to be?

Every day's a little harder as I feel my power grow.
Don't you know there's part of me that longs to go into the unknown? ..."

- Extract from the song "Into the Unknown" from the 2019 Disney film "Frozen 2"


**This is a 2-part-series. It is recommended to listen to part 1 first: Episode 98: Become fully alive, unstoppable, and free - Cassie Crow (Part 1 of 2)**


In the second part of the conversation, Coach Cassie Crow and Host Masako dive further into:

• How we can embrace and embody the infinite nature of who we are
• What actually happens when we trust ourselves and step into the unknown versus when we don’t
• How meditation plays a role in the process of connecting with your consciousness

About Cassie:

• Cassie Crow - Senior Trainer
• Productive Learning

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Joe Dispenza
• Song: "Into the Unknown"
• Song: "Show Yourself"

Ways to connect with Masako:

• Let's meditate together on InsightTimer!
• Why not meditate? FB Group
• whynotmeditate.podcast IG
• masakozawa_coaching IG
• Website

According to the Global Wellness Institute, mental wellness is “an internal resource that helps us think, feel, connect, and function; it is an active process that helps us to build resilience, grow, and flourish.”

By definition, this means that it is more than just the absence of mental illness, which is what we normally lump under the catch-all term “mental health” in modern society. Mental wellness helps us shift our perspective from stigma to more of a sense of shared humanity, which we desperately need. 

According to the American College Health Association's (ACHA) Spring 2022 National College Health Assessment, which surveyed over 54,000 undergraduate students,  approximately 77% were experiencing moderate to serious psychological distress. 

We have more “Mental Health” resources available than ever before, but we continually hear that we are mentally unwell. It raises the question and need for more whole-person approaches to well-being. 

Welcome to Episode Thirty-three of The Nature of Wellness Podcast. 

On this episode, we sat down with a 20+ year veteran of the healthcare and wellness fields, Past President of the National Wellness Institute Board, and healthcare entrepreneur Brian Schroeder. Brian is the founder and CEO of Preventia, a health-tech startup and virtual care platform that helps people better manage habit, behavior, and mental well-being.” 

Preventia’s unique “Coach Approach” empowers people to manage habits, behavior, and mental health more effectively – by connecting them to caregivers who are trained in behavior change. Their primary focus is on the mental and emotional well-being in college and university, business, and healthcare cultures. 

Join us as we talk to Brian about his incredible personal and professional health and wellness journey, his extremely personal motivation for beginning a health and wellness tech company, how time in nature is good for any entrepreneur, and how a “whole-person approach” is needed for our ongoing mental health challenges. 

Preventia partnered with Butler University to provide the first Student Mental Wellness Summit in JAN 2024. The event was built by the identified needs of the student body and supported by all aspects of Butler's leadership. Mark and Brian created a brief recap of the event at the end of this episode. 

We all left this conversation feeling ready and equipped to be part of the mental wellness solution.  

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Preventia Overview:
 https://preventiagroup.com

Student Mental Wellness Summit Recap:
https://preventiagroup.com/butler-university-student-athlete-mental-wellness-summit/

University Hosts Mental Health Summit:
https://www.wishtv.com/news/education/butler-university-hosts-1st-student-athlete-mental-wellness-summit/

Bolstering Student-Athlete Mental Wellness Story:
https://www.wishtv.com/news/allindiana/bolstering-student-athlete-mental-wellness/

* The Nature of Wellness Podcast is produced by the remarkable Shawn Bell.

** The NOW theme song was written, performed, produced, and graciously provided by the incredibly talented Phil and Niall Monahan. 

In this edition, Paul Pennington looks at the worrying rise in the incidence of scabies with Dr Tess McPherson, from the British Association of Dermatologists.  Lizzie Moscardini, British Heart Foundation joins Paul to talk about the free online CPR training the charity is offering as part of Heart Month to help redude deaths from cardiac arrests.  Hannah Beecham MBE, CEO of Red January talks about how to turn the winter blues – red and, in the final interview of this episode,  Paul catches up  with Consultant Dietitian, Anne Holdaway from the Malnutrition Pathway to discuss revised guidance on  C.O.P.D and Malnutrition.

Originally created for a client, I'm excited to share this track with all of you as its message feels incredibly timely. In this session, my focus is on speaking powerful affirmations over you, guiding you through a transformative sleep meditation that challenges the norm of perpetual busyness.

In a world that often undervalues the importance of rest, this meditation is a revolutionary act of self-care. It offers a collection of empowering affirmations specifically tailored to promote deep, healing sleep.

Consider this meditation your personal sanctuary amidst the chaos of daily life. Each affirmation is carefully crafted to help you release the stresses of the day, allowing you to embrace rest as a crucial component of overall well-being.

This meditation is perfect for those who struggle with staying asleep, falling asleep, or simply crave a moment of tranquility in their hectic lives. It serves as a reminder to resist the 'always-on' culture and reconnect with your body's need for rejuvenation. Wake up refreshed, revitalized, and equipped with newfound energy and mental clarity.

Audio Track by: Shy5

Want to book your own guided meditation session with desi? Head over to desiehall.com/desimeditates and get a session today. Use the code "MEDesi2023" for a 30% discount!

This episode of Nutrition Unlocked discusses pre, pro and post-biotics, a very popular and trending topic in #nutrition. Our host, Amir Nashed, speaks to Dr. Joe Petrosino. Together they talk about the gut microbiome and how #prebiotics, #probiotics and #postbiotics all play an important role in maintaining a healthy gut. 

This podcast is sponsored by Nestlé Health Science. This podcast represents opinions of host Amir Nashed and their guest on the show and does not reflect the opinion of Nestlé Health Science. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.   

Wellness as we know it gained notoriety in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. 

The writings and leadership of an informal network of US physicians and scholars were pivotal in shaping how we began exploring “holistic” ways of addressing health.  

The wellness field is built on the foundations of multiple medical, intellectual, and spiritual movements throughout history. Aspects of the field can be traced to ancient civilizations in Rome, Asia, and Greece. 

Ayurveda, a naturally holistic and preventative medicine system, originated in India over 3,000 years ago. The word Ayurveda translates to “Knowledge of Life” and encourages specific lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment.

One could easily consider Ayurveda “The World’s First Wellness Model.”

Welcome to Episode Thirty-two of The Nature of Wellness Podcast. 

On this episode, we sat down with Ayurvedic Practitioner, End-of-Life Doula, and Yoga Instructor Larissa Hall Carlson. Named one of the “100 Trailblazers in Yoga and Ayurveda” by Spirituality & Health Magazine, Larissa leads transformative, empowering, and inspiring workshops, retreats, and trainings worldwide. 

Larissa is co-director of multiple Yoga Journal online courses and formerly served in various positions within the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, including Education Manager for the Institute for Extraordinary Living and Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda.

Join us as we talk to Larissa about her incredible personal health journey, how nature serves as a source of personal and professional motivation, how taking risks can yield highly positive results, and how a random VHS tape changed the trajectory of her life.

Larissa discusses the powerful foundations of Ayurvedic practice, how simple lifestyle changes can lead to significant health results, how to “live and eat with the seasons,” and how practices like yoga and mindfulness can enhance optimal performance. 

This incredible conversation left us feeling “whole.”

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast. It truly helps us extend the reach of these powerful messages.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Larissa's Website: www.larissacarlson.com

Instagram: @LarissaHallCarlson

Larissa's Insight Timer Resources: https://insighttimer.com/larissahallcarlson

* The Nature of Wellness Podcast is produced by the remarkable Shawn Bell.

** The NOW theme song was written, performed, produced, and graciously provided by the incredibly talented Phil and Niall Monahan. 

Happy New Year!!!

Many of us start each January by setting goals, deciding on priorities, and declaring resolutions for the upcoming year.  

The most common goals each year center around health and well-being, with many falling under the umbrella of “getting in shape” or “losing weight.”

According to a new survey by Forbes Health, the top resolutions for 2024 include improving fitness, finances, and mental health. "Getting to the gym more, drinking less, and being more active and healthy,"  

Regardless of the specifics of our goals, as the ball drops on New Year's Eve, millions focus intention on lifestyle changes. We want to start fresh and become a better, healthier, and happier version of ourselves. 

Welcome to Episode Thirty-one of The Nature of Wellness Podcast. 

On this episode, we sat down with workplace health pioneer, author, and thought leader Richard Safeer, M.D. 


For the past 20 years, Dr. Safeer has assessed cultures, trained leaders, and conducted and explored research on the intersection of individual and organizational behavior. 


He currently serves as the Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-Being for Johns Hopkins Medicine, where he leads the Healthy at Hopkins employee health and well-being strategy.    

In early 2023, Richard released A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce, which was extremely well-received in the healthcare and wellness fields. 

Join us as we talk to Dr. Safeer about his impressive personal journey within the healthcare field, the most important (and often overlooked) factors for a successful culture, and how we can integrate our workplace into New Year’s resolutions. 

Richard discusses how his incredible book is meant to serve leaders in all fields, the need for organizations to employ “internal wellness champions,” how time in nature impacts his personal and professional roles,  and how “well-being is a team sport.”

We left this conversation ready to face a new year, happier, healthier, and spending more time outside. 

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast. 

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Dr. Safeer's Website: https://richardsafeer.com/

Connect with Dr. Safeer on LinkedIn

Learn how to create a well-being culture on your team: CreatingAWellbeingCulture.com

Pick up a copy of 'A Cure for the Common Company: https://amzn.to/3bG1q1D 

Dr. Safeer's Book and Discussion Guide: https://richardsafeer.com/bookshelf/

Ten Minute Well-Being Tips for Managers on Boundaries is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNQYej4C31A


* The Nature of Wellness Podcast is produced by the remarkable Shawn Bell.

** The NOW theme song was written, performed, produced, and graciously provided by the incredibly talented Phil and Niall Monahan. 

In this edition, Paul Pennington talks to FND Action Chairman, Tom Plender about Functional Neurological Disorders.  Dr Gill Jenkins joins Paul to talk about the importance of  Vitamin D.  Dr Ronnie Cheung from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health discusses the importance of the childhood vaccination programme. Paul speaks  to Jenny Seed from the charity Guts UK about an innovative approach to detect oesophageal cancer and, how you can help. In the final interview of this episode, Andy Moorling from the MHRA speaks with Paul about the illegal trade of so called 'skinny jabs'.           

Remember the time when we let our insecurities steer us away from seeking help? What if there was a way to turn those insecurities into your most powerful tool for personal growth? Join us as Suzi and George Foreman III talk about the importance of physical health and mental wellness.

George' approach of creating supportive and inclusive space is unique! He discusses the importance of his meticulous process of personally interviewing the first 150 gym members prior to joining the Craft Boxing Club to ensure a cultivated community. 

Join us as we explore the power of community, and the journey to personal growth in this episode of Be Crazy Well.

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com
Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at suzigma@gmail.com or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.
suzilandolphi.com
vetsandplayers.org
wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

This episode of Nutrition Unlocked explores the role nutrition plays in shaping our immune systems. Our host Anna Mohl chats to Dr Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer Emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and award-winning author. Anna and Dr. Roizen discuss how our immune systems function, how our immunity changes as we age, and the key role #nutrition plays in improving our #immunity.  

This podcast is sponsored by Nestlé Health Science. The podcast represents opinions of host Anna Mohl and her guest on the show and does not reflect the opinion of Nestlé Health Science. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.   

Trauma is a pervasive experience that can affect people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and walks of life, including older people.  In this episode we focus on the importance of being trauma aware and informed when delivering aged care services and supports.  

We discuss the different experiences of trauma for some older people, and consider how these might impact, or present as barriers for an older person accessing or receiving aged care.  In addition to highlighting the relationship between trauma informed care and a rights-based approach we share our thoughts about how good trauma informed practice aligns with the delivery of inclusive, person centre care that is tailored to the specific needs, preferences, and experiences of each older person.   

A new rights-based approach will soon be introduced to the aged care system.  This approach will underpin the new Aged Care Act and will guide the development and delivery of aged care system into the future.  

So, what is a rights-based approach?  Why is it important?  How will it impact the way services are delivered, and importantly what will it means for older people who access aged care services?  In this episode we explore these questions while discussing how a rights-based approach aligns with aged care reform, the strengthened quality standards, and inclusive person-centred practice, where each older person is placed at the centre of care.   

Discover your power of finding common ground despite someone else's differences and the importance of not taking things personally. 

Come along with Suzi as she shares the nuances of family dynamics and how past experiences can cloud our perceptions, sometimes creating rifts in relationships. She will discuss strategies to look beyond these differences, especially during family gatherings, aiming to foster connections that are deeper and more meaningful.

Learn to observe others without judgment and focus on joy as you enter into this holiday season. 

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com
Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at suzigma@gmail.com or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.
suzilandolphi.com
vetsandplayers.org
wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Today Suzi is at the Craft Boxing Gym having a pow wow with several members on combining physical activity and talking to help with emotional healing. We chat about how your feelings can be better managed during intense workouts and how family dynamics influence our emotional expressions. 

We also chat about navigating through the delicate balance of personal happiness and independence. We discuss the challenge of emotional detachment from family and the importance of focusing on personal goals. 

So pull up a chair and take a listen as we jump into the heart of personal growth, family dynamics, and emotional healing.

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com
Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at suzigma@gmail.com or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.
suzilandolphi.com
vetsandplayers.org
wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Growing and learning how to be a human doing is a practice. Today Suzi is super excited to have Kristian King, from Higher Ground, joining her today to talk about being congruent and authentic in the effort of bringing your thoughts, feelings and actions together as a unit. 

Kristian King has been a practicing Recreational Therapist for the past 9 years and a Veteran and First Responder Program Manager with Higher Ground USA. Higher Ground USA provides free recreational therapy week-long programs to veterans, first responders, and their significant others ranging from climbing, scuba, surfing, rafting, skiing, mountaineering, and cycling. Kristian also works with teens in recovery at Paradigm Treatment Centers in Malibu, CA as a Clinical Assistant. Paradigm is an intensive residential treatment program that integrates the whole person, a sense of community, and family. 

Kristian is currently working on his graduate degree in Clinical Psychology focusing on somatic psychotherapy and trauma-informed care. Life balance is important to Kristian, so he intentionally carves out time to BE through date nights with his girlfriend and friends, meditating, yoga, traveling, working out, cooking, photographing, skiing, surfing, and climbing.

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com
Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at suzigma@gmail.com or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.
suzilandolphi.com
vetsandplayers.org
wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Suzi has always been a disruptor at heart, which led her to create the first condom store in the US, and defend her rights against religious extremism.  She takes you down memory lane of her intriguing journey towards becoming a therapist and how her adventures, mishaps, and personal trauma have been her stepping stones. She explores how sometimes therapy can be more harmful than helpful.

Brace yourselves for a peek behind the curtain into some of the ethical dilemmas of therapy. 

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com
Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at suzigma@gmail.com or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.
suzilandolphi.com
vetsandplayers.org
wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

This episode of Nutrition Unlocked explores the role nutrition plays in overcoming malnutrition. Our host Anna Mohl chats to Professor Agathe Raynaud-Simon, a Geriatrician and Nutritionist from Bichat, Beaujon and Bretonneau APHP hospitals in Paris. Together, Anna and Agathe discuss the common signs of #malnutrition, who it most commonly impacts in our communities, and the practical #nutrition changes we can all encourage in loved ones who are suffering from malnutrition.

This podcast is sponsored by Nestlé Health Science. This podcast represents the opinions of host Anna Mohl and her guests on the show and does not reflect the opinion of Nestlé Health Science. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.