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Season 1, Episode 23: From Burnout to Balance with Kyra Cavanaugh

Introduction to Kyra Cavanaugh and Energy Management

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson is joined by Kyra Cavanaugh, an energy coach, Qigong teacher, and well-being consultant. We delve into the pervasive issue of burnout in our post-pandemic world and explore how to manage our energy to live a more aligned and fulfilling life. 

Kyra shares her personal journey from being a self-proclaimed workaholic to discovering the power of energy management through Qigong and Taoist traditions. We discuss the science behind why we are energetic beings, the importance of self-awareness, and practical steps to shift from a state of constant doing to a state of being.

This conversation covers the cultural pressures that lead to burnout, the difference between rest and recovery, and how to create a work environment that fosters well-being. 

Kyra explains how to identify and manage energy drains, the benefits of practices like Qigong, and the importance of self-compassion in the healing process. We also touch on the unique challenges faced by individuals and teams in corporate settings and how to cultivate a culture of trust and autonomy.

Key Takeaways:

•The concept of managing your energy, not just your time, and how to apply it in daily life.

•How to recognize the signs of burnout and the importance of self-awareness and compassion.

•The difference between mindset shifts and taking action to address burnout.

•Practical techniques for energy management, including Qigong, mindfulness, and setting boundaries.

•How to create a supportive work environment that prevents burnout and promotes well-being.

•The importance of finding what energizes you personally, whether it's a quiet hobby or an active pursuit.

Timestamps:

•00:00 - 01:39 | Introduction to Kyra Cavanaugh and the topic of burnout.

•01:39 - 07:17 | What is energy management and why is it important?

•07:17 - 12:32 | The importance of 'how' you do something over 'what' you do.

•02:32 - 17:34 | Practical steps to take when you're feeling burnt out.

•17:34 - 22:21 | Why is it so hard for us to rest?

•22:21 - 28:15 | Coaching teams to prevent burnout in a corporate setting.

•28:15 - 31:05 | How different personality types experience energy drain.

•31:05 - 35:01 | Kira's personal wellness routine

•35:01 - 44:04 | What is Qigong and how can it help with energy management?

•44:04 - 49:22 | The importance of feeling safe in your body and taking the first step on your healing journey.

•49:22 - 56:04 | Rapid-fire questions and how to connect with Kira.

Episode Links:

•15BE.com

•freeryourself.world

•Free Yourself World YouTube Channel

•Asheville Community Yoga

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Introduction to Rachele Scevola and Breathwork as Medicine
In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson welcomes Rachele Scevola, known as The Breath Nurse, a registered nurse turned breathwork facilitator. 

Rachele shares her journey from critical care nursing to discovering breathwork at a yoga festival, where it transformed her life—providing clarity and courage to leave a high-stress career. 

We explore how breathwork bridges traditional medicine and natural healing, its role in managing stress, anxiety, and burnout, and why it's accessible to everyone as a form of self-empowerment.

Rachele discusses the science behind breathwork, from nervous system regulation to potential hallucinogenic experiences via DMT release, and demystifies misconceptions—it's not always "woo-woo" or intense. 

We dive into practical tips for beginners, the benefits of group sessions for connection and energy amplification, and how breath awareness can integrate into daily life for better sleep, emotional release, and overall wellness. 

Rachele emphasizes simplicity in health, moving away from labels and diagnoses, and reconnecting with nature's rhythms in our tech-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

• Breathwork's origins in pranayama and yoga, and its evolution into modern practices like holotropic or somatic breathing
• How breath acts as a mirror for life, reflecting stress levels and nervous system state
• The transition from allopathic nursing to breathwork: spotting burnout and using breath for personal healing
• Transformative benefits: reduced anxiety, emotional catharsis, increased lung capacity, creativity, and resilience
• Misconceptions: Breathwork isn't just deep breathing—it's intentional, varied, and doesn't require daily practice
• Group vs. individual sessions: The magic of shared energy, community connection, and co-regulation
• Simplicity in wellness: Prioritizing basics like breath, sleep, light exposure, water, air, food, and human connection over gadgets
• Moving away from diagnoses: Treating people holistically, not as labels, to foster innate healing
• Practical techniques: Breath awareness, physiological sighs, box breathing, and setting phone alarms for deep breaths
• Breath's role in longevity: Linking to VO2 max, control pause, and metabolic health

Timestamps:
00:00 – 01:00 | Podcast intro and welcome to Rachele Scevola
01:00 – 05:00 | Rachele's nursing background, burnout, and accidental discovery of breathwork
05:00 – 08:00 | "Blasting off" in breathwork
08:00 – 12:00 | Defining breathwork
12:00 – 15:00 | Breath as a health measure
15:00 – 19:00 | Integrating breathwork with other wellness practices
19:00 – 23:00 | Accessible starting points
23:00 – 27:00 | Breath's effect on heart rate variability
27:00 – 31:00 | Handling life's challenges
31:00 – 36:00 | Moving away from diagnoses
36:00 – 40:00 | Simplicity in wellness
40:00 – 45:00 | Group breathwork magic
45:00 – 49:00 | Ancient software in a modern world
49:00 – 52:00 | How to connect with Rachele
52:00 – 53:00 | Podcast outro and Asheville wellness tips

Episode Links:
The Breath Nurse Website
The Breath Nurse Instagram

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 13: Unlocking Vibrational Astrology for Real-Life Clarity & Growth with Michael Spremulli

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I sit down with Michael Spremulli—consulting astrologer, educator, and specialist in Vibrational Astrology (VA). Michael breaks down how VA moves beyond horoscope hype with modern, evidence-based analysis to reveal how energy patterns shape your decisions, relationships, and business.

We explore the science behind vibrational astrology, examine how real energetic structures can illuminate your core drives, and discuss why this approach is resonating with entrepreneurs, healers, and wellness professionals looking for tangible growth. 

Michael shares practical, actionable examples from his consulting work—including highlights from my own chart reading experience.

Key Takeaways:

– What makes vibrational astrology evidence-based (not fluffy)
– How energetic patterns reveal strengths, challenges, and growth potential
– Why entrepreneurs and healers use VA for career and life pivots
– Real stories and examples from Asheville’s wellness community
– Ways to align decision-making with authentic energy (and avoid stereotypes)

Timestamps:

00:00 – 04:30 | Michael’s journey into Vibrational Astrology
04:30 – 12:00 | What is vibrational astrology? How does it work?
12:00 – 18:00 | Energetic structures: chart analysis and case studies
18:00 – 24:00 | Practical uses: business, relationships, personal growth
24:00 – 29:15 | My chart reading with Michael—what surprised me
29:15 – 33:45 | Q&A, upcoming learning opportunities, and Michael’s message

Episode Links:

Blue Ridge Astrology (Michael Spremulli)
Vibrational Astrology Institute
Book a Reading with Michael
Be Well Asheville Podcast Archive

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Regenerative Healing & Non-Surgical Orthopedics with Dr. James Pinkston

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. James Pinkston, founder of Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics & Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Pinkston is a board-certified osteopathic physician specializing in neuromusculoskeletal medicine. He’s known for helping patients overcome pain and regain mobility using advanced techniques like PRP, stem cell therapy, hydrodissection, and shockwave therapy—without surgery. We dive into his holistic philosophy on healing, why conservative care matters, and how team-based, hands-on approaches are changing the future of pain relief in Asheville.

Key Takeaways
– Exploring the science and promise of regenerative medicine: how PRP, stem cell therapy, and hydrodissection support the body’s natural repair process.
– Pain isn’t just about damaged tissue—why function, lifestyle, and mindset are crucial to healing.
– Movement as medicine: why strength training and physical therapy are foundational for long-term mobility and resilience.
– The future of non-surgical orthopedics, patient-centered care, and why more people are seeking natural and advanced alternatives.
– Dr. Pinkston’s approach: thorough listening, conservative interventions, personalized plans, and collaboration with physical and functional medicine pros.

Timestamps
00:00 – 03:00 | Dr. Pinkston’s journey: from athletic trainer to regenerative medicine pioneer
03:00 – 10:00 | What is neuromusculoskeletal medicine? Hands-on assessment, manual therapy, and osteopathic perspective
10:00 – 16:00 | Game-changing treatments: hydrodissection, PRP, and stem cell therapy explained
16:00 – 22:00 | Holistic team care: integrating PT, functional medicine, and lifestyle change for better outcomes
22:00 – 26:00 | What patients really need: being heard, taking the time, and conservative care before surgery
26:00 – End | Practical advice on movement, pain, healing, and patient empowerment

Episode Links
Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics & Regenerative Medicine – Dr. James Pinkston
What is PRP? Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Information
More About Regenerative Medicine Approaches
Book your free laser session consultation

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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The Power of Human Design for Life & Business with Rayana Starre

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I’m joined by Rayana Starre, certified Human Design analyst and business consultant. We explore the science-spirituality intersection of Human Design: how it works, what it means to live in alignment with your design, and how it changes everything from relationships to business to career.

We dig into what it means to be a Projector, the magic of waiting to be recognized & invited, how your decision-making authority works, and real-world practices that bring more authenticity, clarity, and less effort into daily life.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the four Human Design Types: Generators, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, Reflectors — what each type needs & how each “machine” operates.
• Projectors are wired to guide. They don’t generate constant energy but have a powerful presence when recognized & invited.
• Decision-making is personal: whether by gut/sacral, emotional clarity, splenic intuition, etc. Honoring that authority matters.
• Practical use: Human Design isn’t just “woo-woo.” It can shape career moves, business team structure, relationships, and personal boundaries.
• Living in alignment leads to more ease: less bitterness, more peace, greater self-trust, and energy conserved.

Timestamps

00:00 – 03:00 | What is Human Design, and its origin story
03:00 – 08:00 | The four energy types explained + what they mean for daily flow
08:00 – 13:00 | Deep dive on Projector life: strategy, recognition, invitations
13:00 – 17:30 | How decision making works in Human Design: authorities & examples
17:30 – 22:00 | Real business applications: teams, roles, and collaboration
22:00 – 26:30 | Rayana’s personal journey: boundaries, rest, and embodiment
26:30 – End | Advice for listeners: how to experiment with your design

Episode Links

• Rayana Starre – Human Design Analyst & Business Consultant
• Asheville Human Design Meetup
• Human Design Coaching with Rayana
• Discovering Your Unique Traits & Strengths with Gates & Channels
• Hatch Co-Working

The Wellness in Asheville Podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local source for health, wellness, and intentionally aligned living in the mountains. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I'm joined by Cathy Cleary, a longtime Asheville changemaker in the food justice world. Through her work with Bountiful Cities, she's helped build community gardens, educational kitchens, and networks that nourish people and restore land.

We explore how food access, equity, and healing all intersect, and how growing your own food can be one of the most revolutionary things you do. Cathy shares insights from 15 years with Bountiful Cities, including their comprehensive FEAST program that teaches children cooking and gardening skills from seed to harvest.

Key Takeaways

• Food Sovereignty – Why choice and access to fresh produce is foundational to health
• FEAST Program Impact – 100% of parents report increased school enjoyment; children with food sensitivities expand their diets
• Community Gardens – Supporting neighborhood food access while empowering local management
• Generational Knowledge Gap – Only 10% of farmers are under 35; programs bridge this critical gap
• Local vs. Organic – Why supporting local farmers often trumps expensive certifications
• Mental Health Benefits – Garden-based education improves self-regulation and emotional wellness

Timestamps

00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction & Cathy's Journey to Food Justice
02:00 – 05:00 | Bountiful Cities Overview: FEAST, Community Gardens & Food Hub
05:00 – 09:00 | Food Sovereignty & Community Garden Network
09:00 – 13:00 | FEAST Program: Transforming Children's Relationship with Food
13:00 – 16:00 | Cooking Education & Creative Recipe Development
16:00 – 18:00 | Family Impact & Student Entrepreneurship Stories
18:00 – 22:00 | Societal Solutions: Aging Farmer Crisis & Knowledge Transfer
22:00 – 27:00 | Food Policy, Sustainable Agriculture & Consumer Choices
27:00 – 32:00 | Program Expansion: Middle & High School Vision
32:00 – 34:00 | Community Support Needs & Ways to Get Involved
34:00 – End | Rapid Fire: Favorite Foods, Spaces & Food Memories

Episode Links

• Bountiful Cities
• Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council
• Pearson Food Hub
• Asheville City Schools Foundation
• FEAST Program Volunteer Opportunities
• Community Garden Network Resources

Additional Resources:

• Pearson Food Hub Volunteer Sign-up (Liability waiver required)
• City of Asheville Food Policy Action Plan
• Asheville Edibles Map - Interactive map of public edible plants

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 9: Storytelling as Wellness with Matt Peiken of The Overlook

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I’m joined by Matt Peiken, award-winning journalist and host of The Overlook, Asheville’s premier podcast on arts, culture, and community.

Matt shares his journey from public radio at Blue Ridge Public Radio to launching The Overlook, and how storytelling itself can be a wellness practice. We explore why being seen, heard, and understood is healing—individually and collectively.

The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, trusting your gut, leaving toxic jobs, and recognizing when it’s time to “drop the rock” of burdens that no longer serve you.

Key Takeaways

• Storytelling as Healing – Why voice and narrative help individuals and communities thrive.
• Trusting Your Gut – How intuition, not fear, can guide life and career choices.
• Drop the Rock – A metaphor for letting go of toxic jobs, relationships, or burdens.
• Wellness Beyond the Body – Journalism as connection, meaning-making, and social healing.
• Asheville’s Cultural Fabric – How local media highlights hidden stories and creative change-makers.

Timestamps

00:00 – 04:00 | Matt’s Journey to Asheville & Blue Ridge Public Radio
04:00 – 10:00 | Leaving BPR & Creating The Overlook
10:00 – 15:00 | Storytelling as Wellness: Being Seen & Understood
15:00 – 20:00 | Dropping the Rock: Letting Go of Toxic Work & Relationships
20:00 – 27:00 | Hidden Stories: Local Journalism as Community Healing
27:00 – 33:00 | Entrepreneurship, Grants & Building Independent Media
33:00 – End | Reflections, Courage, and the Next Chapter for The Overlook

Episode Links

• Matt Peiken's Website
• The Overlook Podcast
• Blue Ridge Public Radio
• Fresh Air – NPR (inspiration)
• Drop the Rock – 12-Step Spirituality Book (metaphor reference)

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, we explore the world of neurofeedback and brain training with Megan Hearne, a Neurofeedback Provider and Health Coach with over six years of experience helping people regulate stress, improve focus, and restore balance. Megan holds a Master’s degree and advanced training from the Institute for Applied Neuroscience, NewMind Academy, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She bridges brainwave training and lifestyle coaching into an empowering healing experience, now offered at her new space inside the Heartwood Collective in downtown Asheville.

We also dive into my own journey with biofeedback—from Deepak Chopra’s early biofeedback games, to exploring HeartMath HRV training, and now experimenting with the MUSE headband for real-time meditation feedback. Megan and I discuss how these tools fit into the larger landscape of nervous system regulation and self-healing.

The conversation highlights how neurofeedback can address sleep struggles, anxiety, focus challenges, and even support digestion and mood regulation. We also explore how brain training amplifies the benefits of other wellness practices—from float therapy and yoga to meditation and stress reduction—making it a powerful complement to Asheville’s thriving healing community.

Key Takeaways

• What Neurofeedback Is – How brainwave training works and what to expect in a session.
• From Stress to Clarity – Neurofeedback helps regulate the nervous system, reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
• Biofeedback vs. Neurofeedback – Understanding the difference and why both are valuable.
• Amplifier Effect – How brain training enhances other wellness practices like meditation, float therapy, and yoga.
• Self-Regulation = Better Relationships – Calming your own nervous system influences family, work, and community dynamics.
• Plasticity & Possibility – The brain is adaptable and capable of lasting change throughout life.

Timestamps

00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction: Megan Hearne’s path from environmental science to neurofeedback
 02:00 – 06:00 | Why brain training matters: better decisions through nervous system regulation
 06:00 – 11:00 | What actually happens in a neurofeedback session
 11:00 – 15:00 | Biofeedback vs. neurofeedback: HeartMath, MUSE, and Chopra’s early biofeedback games
 15:00 – 20:00 | Regulating stress, healing injuries, and improving sleep
 20:00 – 26:00 | Co-regulation: how calming yourself benefits those around you
 26:00 – 30:00 | Sleep, digestion, and mood as downstream benefits of brain training
 30:00 – 34:00 | Asheville’s wellness landscape and Megan’s new space at the Heartwood Collective
 34:00 – End | Special Offer: $100 off first session at Vitality Neuro when mentioning this podcast

Episode Links

• Vitality Neuro – Megan Hearne’s Practice
• Heartwood Collective, Downtown Asheville
• HeartMath Institute
• MUSE Brain-Sensing Headband
• The Journey to Wild Divine – Chopra’s biofeedback game

The Wellness in Asheville Podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local source for health + wellness new

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, we dive into the world of scent-based healing, chakra alignment, and aura cleansing with visionary entrepreneur Laura McCann, founder and CEO of Auratherapy
.

After a high-powered career in fashion, retail, and tech in NYC, Laura turned to aromatherapy to heal her own chronic health challenges—sparking a transformation that led her to create Auratherapy, a brand blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Today, she helps thousands reconnect with their inner energy through custom aura readings, essential oils, and immersive experiences.

Listeners also get an exclusive offer: 15% off at auratherapylife.com with code AVLwellness15.

🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How scent and essential oils can balance chakras and support energy healing
• The science and experience behind aura readings and real-time chakra feedback
• Laura’s entrepreneurial journey from fashion to wellness in Asheville and Miami
• The creation of the Aura Sanctuary, a new community wellness hub in Woodfin
• Why Gen Z and Millennials are leading a shift toward self-discovery and conscious living

🕒 Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + introduction
 01:00 – Laura’s journey from NYC fashion to Asheville wellness
 06:00 – The power of essential oils and aura readings
 13:00 – Building a wellness brand with a partner
 22:00 – Clean beauty, chemicals, and conscious consumerism
 34:00 – Experiential retail and Auratherapy’s Sanctuary project
 47:00 – What’s next for Auratherapy: book launch + community growth
 50:00 – Special listener discount and closing thoughts

🔗 Resources & Links

• Auratherapy Website: AuratherapyLife.com
  (use code AVLwellness15 for 15% off)
• Auratherapy Instagram: @auratherapylife
  
  
• Be Well Asheville: bewellavl.com
  
  
• Rate & Review: Apple Podcasts + Spotify

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, we dive deep into nervous system healing with Robin and Corey Costanzo, the visionary founders of Stillpoint Wellness. Known for Esalen® massage, saltwater floatation therapy, and integrative healing experiences, Stillpoint has become one of Asheville’s most respected centers for transformation.

Robin and Corey share their personal journeys—from the Esalen Institute in Big Sur to building a sanctuary for healing in Asheville. We explore how massage, float therapy, and somatic awareness support nervous system regulation, helping people move from chronic stress into deep rest.

The conversation also touches on the power of grief work, the role of integration in sustaining wellness, and the importance of presence, gratitude, and daily practices that bring us back into balance.

Key Takeaways

• Floatation & Esalen Massage – Both modalities foster self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and emotional release.
• The Only Way Through Grief is Through – Float therapy offers a safe environment to process grief and trauma.
• Integration is the Key – Healing isn’t a one-off; it becomes sustainable when woven into daily habits and practices.
• Presence = Love – Being fully present with ourselves or others is itself a profound act of love and regulation.
• Gratitude & Affirmation – Simple practices shift brain chemistry, reduce stress hormones, and elevate well-being.
• Asheville as a Healing Hub – With saunas, yoga centers, float tanks, and holistic practitioners, Asheville is uniquely positioned as a wellness destination.

Timestamps

00:00 – 04:00 | Robin & Corey’s Journeys: From NYC and Omaha to the Esalen Institute
04:00 – 08:00 | Esalen’s Legacy in Human Potential & Somatic Psychology
08:00 – 11:00 | Travis’s First Float Experience & Learning to Truly Relax
11:00 – 15:00 | Grief, Trauma & the Nervous System: Why “The Way Out is Through”
15:00 – 20:00 | Integration: Turning One-Off Experiences into Lasting Habits
20:00 – 24:00 | Daily Practices: Meditation, Headspace, and Nervous System Regulation
24:00 – 28:00 | Presence, Gratitude & Affirmations as Healing Tools
28:00 – 32:00 | Asheville’s Wellness Community & the Rise of Social Wellness
32:00 – 37:00 | Addiction Recovery, Wellness Travel & Asheville as a DIY Retreat Destination
37:00 – 40:00 | Rapid Fire: Favorite Rituals, Books, Teachers, & Hidden Asheville Spots
40:00 – End | Closing Thoughts & Invitation to Experience Stillpoint

Episode Links

• Stillpoint Wellness Website
• Book a Floatation or Massage Session
• Learn More About Esalen Institute
• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
• The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer
• Alan Watts
• Somatic Experiencing – Peter Levine
• Headspace Meditation App

Special thanks to Jill Terrill for her support in post-production of this podcast

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 5: Restoring Balance & Vitality with Marissa, Director of the Center for Massage & Natural Health

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville podcast, host Travis Richardson welcomes Marissa, Director of the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Asheville, NC—a leading school and spa that has been cultivating skilled massage therapists and promoting holistic wellness for over two decades.

We explore how massage therapy goes far beyond relaxation—supporting nervous system regulation, pain relief, emotional well-being, and injury recovery. Marissa shares the Center’s unique approach to bodywork education, community wellness services, and its role in Asheville’s thriving holistic health scene.

This conversation also dives into self-care as a lifelong practice, the science behind touch and healing, and how professional massage training can transform both the practitioner and the recipient. Whether you’re considering massage as a career, looking for ways to manage stress naturally, or seeking the best massage experiences in Asheville, this episode offers expert insights you can apply right away.

Key Takeaways

• Massage as Medicine – How skilled touch supports the body’s innate healing mechanisms.
• Career Path in Bodywork – Why massage therapy is both a healing art and a sustainable profession.
• Mind-Body Connection – How releasing muscle tension can help release stored emotional stress.
• Asheville’s Wellness Landscape – The Center’s role in shaping a community of mindful healers.

Timestamps
00:00 – 03:15 | Introduction & Marissa’s Journey
03:15 – 15:30 | The Healing Power of Massage
15:30 – 27:00 | Education & Professional Training
27:00 – 39:15 | Self-Care for Practitioners & Clients
39:15 – End | Closing Thoughts & Wellness Tips

Episode Links

• Center for Massage & Natural Health
• Center for Massage & Natural Health Student Clinic

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 4: Daoist Traditions – Bridging Ancient Chinese Medicine & Modern Wellness

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Dr. Mary Cissy Majebe, founder and president, and Rachel Nowakowski, vice president, of the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts — one of the Southeast’s most respected institutions for classical Chinese medicine education and holistic clinical care.

Dr. Majebe and Rachel share the inspiring origin story of the college, from its early days as a small, women-led initiative to becoming a nationally recognized hub for acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Daoist philosophy. They discuss the difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Classical Chinese Medicine, the deep mind-body-spirit approach that guides their training, and how Daoist principles shape both patient care and practitioner development.

We explore the college’s commitment to root-cause healing, its integration of emotional and spiritual components into treatment, and its role in Asheville’s rich wellness legacy. You’ll also hear about their student clinic — an affordable, supervised setting open to the public — and the school’s ongoing community outreach with organizations like Haywood Street Congregation, Veterans Healing Farm, and 12 Baskets Café.

Whether you’re curious about acupuncture, considering a career in Chinese medicine, or seeking new ways to approach your own wellness journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• Classical vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine – How classical practice preserves spiritual depth alongside physical treatment.
• The Daoist Approach to Healing – Treating the person, not just the symptom, and embracing harmony with nature.
• Holistic Education – Why immersive, heart-centered training transforms both practitioners and patients.
• Community Connection – How students serve Asheville through outreach clinics and integrative care.

Timestamps:
00:00 – 02:30 | Introduction & Personal Connection to Daoist Traditions
02:30 – 15:00 | Founding Story & Early Challenges
15:00 – 28:00 | Classical vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine Explained
28:00 – 40:00 | Daoist Philosophy in Practice & Curriculum
40:00 – 54:00 | Student Experience & Transformation
54:00 – 1:05:00 | Community Outreach & Partnerships
1:05:00 – End | Enrollment Opportunities & Closing Reflections

Episode Links:

• Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts – Website | Instagram
• Student Clinic – Affordable Acupuncture Care
• Haywood Street Congregation
• Veterans Healing Farm
• 12 Baskets Café – Asheville Poverty Initiative

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Introduction to Natty Trebotich and Food For Adventures
In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson connects with Lee "Natty" Trebotich, adventure chef, biologist, and founder of Food For Adventures. Natty and his wife Meghan bring people together through wild foraging, outdoor cooking over fire, and immersive experiences that reconnect us with nature and each other.

From leading kids' summer camps teaching scratch cooking and paddleboarding, to multi-day expeditions, wild cocktail classes, and annual nationwide tours, Natty shares his 20+ years of global mountaineering, foraging, and culinary expertise. We dive into the nutritional power of wild edibles, hormesis and adaptogens, rewilding in a modern world, and why sharing food breaks down barriers—no matter the language.

This conversation is packed with stories from Nepal to Mexico, practical tips on safe foraging, and a reminder that in uncertain times, we're all in this together—best around a campfire with wild-gathered ingredients.

Key Takeaways:

• Why wild foods pack superior nutrition and adaptogenic benefits compared to store-bought
• The healing power of community through shared outdoor meals and adventures
• Hands-on experiences like edible plant hikes, forage-to-plate classes, and expedition cooking
• Building resilience through nature connection, Leave No Trace principles, and proper foraging
• Stories of cultural food moments that transcend language barriers
• Natty's partnerships, sponsorships, and excitement for the 2025 Cooking, Camping & Conversations Tour

Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:00 | Intro: Travis's personal connection to wild outdoors and foraging
03:00 – 07:00 | Natty's summer camp for kids: Outdoor cooking, unplugging, and building skills
07:00 – 10:00 | Natty's background: Global travels, mountaineering, and food as motivation
10:00 – 14:00 | Services: Team building, expeditions, edible hikes, wild cocktails, and diverse clients
14:00 – 18:00 | Entrepreneurial journey: Grinding, niching into foraging + cooking, partnerships
18:00 – 23:00 | Nutritional benefits of wild edibles, hormesis, and adaptogens
23:00 – 29:00 | Rewilding, community over isolation, and food as universal language (with stories)
29:00 – 36:00 | Upcoming tour, wild cocktails, and accessible entry points in Asheville
36:00 – End | Wrap-up and thanks

Episode Links:

• Food For Adventures (foodforadventures.com)
• Instagram (@food_for_adventures)

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Sanctuaries of Consciousness: with Dr. Haydn & Terry Hasty, Founders of Wellspring Wellness Center

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville podcast, we delve into the essence of the consciousness movement with Hayden and Terry Hasty, founders of Wellspring Wellness Center. Established in 2016, Wellspring fosters an environment of holistic healing with services like acupuncture, massage, yoga, and reiki. 

Hayden and Terry share their spiritual journey and discuss their latest initiative, Truth Springing, which aims to nurture inner truth and creative transformative gatherings. 

They discuss the upcoming Truth Spring Conference scheduled for September, which focuses on deep spiritual exploration. The conversation covers their personal experiences, the philosophical underpinnings of consciousness, and how personal transformation can influence global change.

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Key Takeaway:

Consciousness as Core to Wellness – Hayden and Terry Hasty emphasize that true wellness is not merely physical but emerges from the mind and level of consciousness, with the outer world being a manifestation of the inner state.

Existence vs. Experience – They distinguish between existence (the truth of who you are) and experience (external events), stating that experiences can only be fully understood when grounded in the awareness of existence.

The Role of Relationships in Growth – In both personal and professional partnerships, they highlight the importance of mutual respect, freedom from expectations, and seeing one’s partner “new each day” to maintain deep connection over decades.

Truth Springing and Soul Evolution – Their initiative, Truth Springing, focuses on spiritual realization as a means to accelerate personal and collective growth, with the belief that the soul evolves only through physical life experiences.

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TimeStamps:
00:00 – 02:15 | Introduction & Background

02:15 – 08:30 | Consciousness & Wellness

08:30 – 20:00 | Inner vs. Outer Worlds & Facing Hardship

20:00 – 38:00 | Relationships & Conscious Partnership

38:00 – 59:00 | Truth Springing & The Soul’s Evolution

59:00 – 1:08:00 | The Truth Spring Conference

1:08:00 – End | Closing Reflections

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Episode Links:

• Wellspring Wellness Center: Website | Instagram
• The Becoming You Conference Sep 11-14 Website
• A Course in Miracles – mentioned as an influence or source within the content. Website
• David Hawkins – likely referring to Dr. David R. Hawkins, author of works such as Power vs. Force. Website
• Michael Singer – known for The Untethered Soul and The Surrender Experiment. Website
• Wellness Networking Meetup Group (for health+wellness experts)
• Join Our Newsletter

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Exploring Wellness with Asheville Wellness Tours Founder, Nicole Will

In this episode of the Wellness Nashville Podcast, Travis Richardson talks with Nicole Will, the founder of Asheville Wellness Tours. Nicole shares her journey in the wellness industry, blending adventure with mindfulness and nature. They discuss her business's community-driven approach, the importance of listening to customer needs, and her insight into maintaining personal wellness while managing entrepreneurial pressures. Travis and Nicole emphasize the importance of exploring various wellness practices and the impact of supportive relationships. From goat yoga to forest bathing, Nicole's innovative offerings aim to help guests reconnect with themselves and nature.

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Episode One

00:46 Meet Nicole Will: Founder of Asheville Wellness Tours

01:40 Nicole's Journey and Vision for Wellness

03:41 The Birth of Asheville Wellness Tours

04:59 Community-Driven Wellness Initiatives

06:58 The Importance of Nature and Listening

08:52 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Self-Care

11:46 Defining Wellness and the Role of Play

18:01 Local vs. Tourist Participation in Wellness

19:31 Building a Supportive Team and Community

28:45 Future Projects and Collaborations

31:57 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Join me for the very first episode of the Wellness in Asheville podcast, where I share the vision behind this new platform for our city’s vibrant wellness community. Discover why Asheville is unlike anywhere else when it comes to healing, connection, and collaboration—and what you can expect this season.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Asheville’s wellness scene is unique: From collaboration over competition to a shared pride in serving both locals and visitors.
• Season 1 sneak peek: Meet the 25+ experts we’ll be featuring across all areas of health and wellness.
• Three big themes we’ll dive into: Medicine 3.0, The Many Faces of Wellness, and Trusting Yourself.
• My personal wellness journey: How a lifetime of health, fitness, and self-discovery led me to launch Wellness in Asheville.

Episode links:

The following Asheville Wellness Experts were mentioned on the above podcast. Check them out below:

Marissa Gross (The Center for Massage & Natural Health): Website

Dr. Mary Cissy Majebe (Daoist Traditions Medical College): Website

Dr. James Pinkston (Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics): Website

Megan Hearne (Vitality Neuro Coaching): Website

Nicole Will (Asheville Wellness Tours): Website

Dr. Hadyn Hasty (Wellspring Wellness Center): Website

Corey Costanzo (Stillpoint Wellness): Website

Natty Trebotich (Food for Adventures): Website

Jodie Appel (Asheville Salt Cave): Website

Rayanna Starre (Catalyst Coaching Solutions, Human Design): Website

Matt Peiken: Website

Michael Spremuli (Blue Ridge Astrology): Website

Get Involved:

Wellness Networking Meetup Group (for health+wellness experts)

Join Our Newsletter

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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🎙️ Trailer – Welcome to Wellness in Asheville

Welcome to Wellness in Asheville — a podcast celebrating the healers, guides, and holistic spaces shaping our vibrant mountain town.

Hosted by health coach and community connector Travis Richardson, this show features in-depth conversations with Asheville’s most inspiring wellness professionals — from acupuncturists and bodyworkers to herbalists, fitness experts, energy workers, and regenerative doctors.

🎧 In this trailer, Travis shares:

• What the podcast is all about
• How it ties into a bigger wellness ecosystem
• Ways for listeners and practitioners to get involved
• What to expect when the show launches August 4th

Whether you're a seeker, a practitioner, or just love Asheville's healing scene — this is your space.

Subscribe now, and join the movement at bewellasheville.com or on IG @bewellasheville.

 Practitioners: Join our Meetup and come to the first networking event on July 24th at 10AM at Wellspring Wellness Center!  Event link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asheville-health-wellness-networking-tickets-1413044497129?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Introduction to DahVid Weiss and Vibrational Healing for Pets

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with DahVid Weiss, Doctor of Oriental Medicine and founder of A.S.H.A. Asheville Sound Healing for Animals. With over 33 years in holistic environments, DahVid shares his transformative journey into Chinese Medicine, Vibrational Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, and his passion for sound therapy.

DahVid discusses his innovative ACU-SOUND technique using specialized tuning forks on dogs, other animals, and humans—both directly on the body and in the energetic field—to release pressure from anxiety, pain, digestive issues, and promote overall health. He also introduces his unique tuning fork designed to amplify the Love Vibration. We explore how sound healing supports nervous system regulation, enhances well-being for pets and their humans, and can be applied in homes, veterinary clinics, and shelters.

This conversation highlights the growing field of holistic pet care, the power of vibrational medicine in reducing stress and pain naturally, and why educating pet owners on at-home sound techniques is transforming animal wellness in Asheville.

Key Takeaways:

The science and practice of vibrational medicine using tuning forks

How ACU-SOUND works on physical points and in the auric field for animals and humans

Addressing common issues like anxiety, pain, digestive problems, and general vitality in pets

The role of the Love Vibration tuning fork in fostering emotional connection and healing

Benefits of sound therapy in veterinary settings, shelters, and daily pet care

Empowering pet owners with simple at-home sound healing tools

The intersection of Oriental Medicine, Naturopathy, and sound for holistic health

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:00 | Introduction and Travis’s thoughts on Asheville’s holistic pet community

03:00 – 08:00 | DahVid’s 33-year journey into holistic and vibrational medicine

08:00 – 14:00 | Discovering sound therapy and teaching ACU-SOUND worldwide

14:00 – 20:00 | How tuning forks work: on the body, in the field, and for anxiety/pain relief

20:00 – 26:00 | ACU-SOUND applications for dogs, animals, and humans—case examples

26:00 – 32:00 | The Love Vibration tuning fork and its role in emotional healing

32:00 – 38:00 | Holistic pet care in homes, vets, and shelters + upcoming Facebook group launch

38:00 – 43:00 | Practical tips for pet owners and special listener offer

43:00 – 44:00 | DahVid’s favorite Asheville spots and closing thoughts

Episode Links:

A.S.H.A. Asheville Sound Healing for Animals

https://www.asha3.com/pricing

40% off Vibroacoustic Sound Table Treatment: https://www.asha3.com/store/p/vibroacoustic-sound-table-treatment-only

Asheville Area Holistic Pet Care Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/p/Asheville-Area-Holistic-Pet-Care-61575826628957/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/asha_soundavl/

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Thriving After Cancer: Reclaiming Your Body & Life with RN Health Coach Brynn Barale

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Brynn Barale, a registered nurse, holistic health coach, and 18-year breast cancer thriver who empowers survivors to trust their bodies and live a “kick-ass life after cancer” through Wildflower Health Coaching. 

Together they explore what happens after treatment ends—the identity shifts, body image changes, and emotional whiplash that so many women experience in survivorship. Brynn shares how her own diagnosis reshaped her life, why traditional after-care often misses the mark, and how nervous system awareness, gentle movement, and community can help survivors move beyond overwhelm into a vibrant, self-honoring life.​

Listeners will hear about Brynn’s weekly online Reiki and healing circle for women, practical practices for reconnecting with a post-cancer body, and how to rebuild confidence when scars, fatigue, and fear of recurrence are part of daily life. This conversation is for anyone navigating life after cancer—or who loves someone who is—and for providers who want to better understand the unique landscape of survivorship.​​

Key talking points:

• Brynn’s story as an 18-year breast cancer thriver and what “thriving” actually looks like day to day​
• The gap between “ringing the bell” and feeling supported in survivorship
• Rebuilding trust with a body that feels like it has betrayed you
• Body image, weight changes, and embracing a new shape after surgery and treatment
• How holistic health coaching weaves together nutrition, movement, mindset, and nervous system regulation for cancer survivors​
• Brynn’s weekly online Reiki and healing circle for women after cancer and how energy work can support emotional healing​
• Practical daily grounding practices for anxiety, fear of recurrence, and medical trauma

Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:00 | Welcome to Wellness in Asheville & Travis’ reflections on being humbled by cancer thrivers
03:00 – 08:00 | Brynn’s diagnosis story and what 18 years of survivorship have taught her
08:00 – 14:00 | The emotional crash after treatment ends and why survivorship can feel lonelier than active treatment
14:00 – 20:00 | Rebuilding trust with your body and navigating body image after surgery and weight changes
20:00 – 27:00 | Holistic health coaching pillars: nutrition, movement, mindset, and nervous system support for cancer survivors​
27:00 – 33:00 | Community, group support, and Brynn’s weekly Reiki & healing circle for women after cancer​
33:00 – 40:00 | Practical tools for grounding, managing fear of recurrence, and returning to everyday life
40:00 – 47:00 | What Brynn wishes every provider knew about life after cancer and her message to current survivors
47:00 – 50:00 | How to work with Brynn, links, and Travis’ closing thoughts:

Episode Links:

• Wildflower Health Coaching: https://www.wildflowerhealthcoaching.com​
• About Brynn:  https://www.wildflowerhealthcoaching.com/about​
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildflowerHealthCoaching
• Instagram: https://ww

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 18: Building Community in Asheville with Daniel Ratner

• Introduction to Daniel Ratner, Co-Founder of Drip Sauna
• Insight on Ashevilles' first wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience
• The epidemic of loneliness and how community spaces like Drip Sauna foster belonging (60% of Americans feel lonely)
• Travis shares a vulnerable story about grief, healing, and the power of sweat during tough times
• The role of sauna and cold plunge for somatic healing, resilience, and transformation
• Building a values-driven business in wellness: collaboration, authenticity, and ease
• Sauna culture as a container for inclusivity, deep conversation, and bridging divides
• The importance of men's and women's circles and gender-inclusive wellness
• Ritual, habit, and the future of wellness gatherings in Asheville

Key Takeaways:

• Drip Sauna is equal parts healing, relaxation, and community-building
• Cold plunges and sauna can help move emotional pain and create clarity
• Wellness businesses thrive through authentic connection and diverse community
• Small-group spaces naturally lead to deep conversation and real friendship
• Curiosity, authenticity, and ‘saying yes’ are the foundation for building community
• Inclusivity and intentional collaborations are vital for Asheville’s holistic scene
• Listeners receive code BEWELLDRIP25 for 25% off a session!

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – 03:00 | Welcome and Community Spotlight
• 03:00 – 07:00 | Daniel's journey and the Drip Sauna origin story
• 07:00 – 15:00 | Connection, loneliness, and the power of authentic gathering
• 15:00 – 25:00 | Personal healing stories, cold plunging, and grief
• 25:00 – 38:00 | Building spaces for men & women; inclusivity and collaboration
• 38:00 – 44:00 | Practical tips, rapid-fire questions, and Daniel's special offer
  
  

Episode Links:

Drip Sauna

Taylor Johnson on Orgasmic Mastery for Men

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 17: Mindful Midlife—Women's Hormones, Community, and Conscious Living with Jaclyn RebekahRoberts

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson welcomes Jaclyn Rebecca Roberts—founder of Natural Rhythm Yoga and the SoulFit Academy, board-certified health coach, yoga teacher, and medical Reiki master based in West Asheville. Jaclyn guides women to reconnect with their bodies, reclaim agency midlife, and balance hormones through mindfulness, movement, and supportive community.

We explore why self-awareness and community are essential during life’s transitions, the science and spirit of hormone balance, and trauma-informed practices to help women live with conscious intention. Jaclyn shares her story, practical advice for tuning into bodily rhythms, the importance of sisterhood, and how breath, yoga, and holistic coaching can spark real empowerment in women’s lives. This conversation touches on midlife transitions, perimenopause, body changes, and how reclaiming agency creates a foundation for lasting wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• How to listen to the body’s energy and rhythms for hormone balance and self-awareness
• The midlife transition: perimenopause, shifting motivation, body changes, and the power of community support
• Why reclaiming agency means coming home to yourself and consciously choosing your next chapter
• Practical tools: breathwork, yoga, meditation, and finding the right teacher or tribe
• The science behind hormone replacement therapy and holistic alternatives
• Trauma, embodiment, and the journey to wholeness as women

Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:00 | Introduction and Jaclyn’s background
03:00 – 09:00 | Women’s health, hormone journeys, and the role of mindful awareness
09:00 – 15:00 | Midlife transitions, reclaiming agency, and supportive community
15:00 – 23:00 | Yoga, breathwork, trauma in the body, and daily practices
23:00 – 30:00 | Coaching, custom journeys, and building wellness support networks

Episode Links:
Natural Rhythm Yoga
So(u)lFit Academy
Jaclyn's Free Guide: 3 Hacks to Balance Your Hormones During Perimenopause without Giving Up Caffeine! 

Be Well Asheville
Be Well Asheville Podcast Archive
Join Our Newsletter

Get Involved:
Follow Jaclyn at:

https://www.facebook.com/SoulFitAcademy1111
https://www.instagram.com/soul_fitacademy/
https://www.facebook.com/naturalrhythmyoga
https://www.instagram.com/naturalrhythmyoga/

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Dawn Sagonias, a sound healing practitioner, biologist, and former massage therapist with 25+ years of experience. We explore the fascinating intersection of science, spirituality, and sound—and how vibrations can literally "massage your brain" for healing.

Dawn shares her unique journey from studying music and biology to becoming a certified sound healing practitioner with two retreat spaces in the Asheville area: The Sound Nest in Alexander and Inner Wolf Retreat Space in Mars Hill. We dive deep into the neuroscience of sound healing, how frequencies affect our biofield, the importance of practitioner intention, and why rest retreats are transforming women's nervous systems.

This conversation explores the biological mechanisms behind sound healing (from Emoto's water crystal research to neural pathway creation), how to remember calm after a session, and why regular practice helps create new patterns in the brain. Dawn discusses her science-backed approach influenced by researchers like Tom Kenyon, Joe Dispenza, and Eileen McKusick, plus practical ways to integrate healing into daily life.

Key Takeaways:

• How sound healing uses vibration to affect cellular water, organs, and the biofield
• The science behind neural pathway creation and why weekly sessions deepen healing
• How practitioner intention amplifies through sound.
• The connection between sound, brainwave states (theta), and nervous system reset
• Why rest retreats help women "remember how to rest" and shed accumulated stress
• Practical self-care techniques: meditation, chanting, time in nature, and setting boundaries with to-do lists
• The difference between peak experiences and sustainable integration

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:00 | Introduction and welcome to Dawn Sawgonias
03:00 – 06:00 | Dawn's journey from music and biology to sound healing
06:00 – 11:00 | The neuroscience of sound: massaging the brain and resetting the nervous system
11:00 – 16:00 | How sound healing helps the body enter deep healing states
16:00 – 22:00 | The water crystal research of Dr. Emoto and intention transmission through sound
22:00 – 28:00 | Creating new neural pathways: why regular sessions matter for lasting change
28:00 – 33:00 | The biofield and how sound dissolves stuck energy pockets
33:00 – 38:00 | Balancing business with self-care: Dawn's MBA perspective on wellness entrepreneurship
38:00 – 43:00 | Rest retreats for women: witnessing transformation from stress to restoration
43:00 – 48:00 | Meditation tips for busy minds.
48:00 – 52:00 | Asheville as a historic wellness destination and Dawn's special 50% BOGO offer
52:00 – 53:00 | Closing thoughts and upcoming events

Episode Links:

• Be Well Asheville
• Be Well Asheville Podcast Archive
• Sound of a New Dawn
• Inner Wolf Retreat Space
• Robert Monroe Institute
• Dr. Masaru Emoto Water Research

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 15: Healing Trauma & Relationships with Leslie Brooks

Introduction to Leslie Brooks and Trauma-Informed Healing

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Leslie Brooks, a trauma-informed life coach and the creator of the Peaceful Goddess Project and the Women Who Whine Facebook community (with over 2,100 members). We explore the profound journey from surviving complex trauma to building healing communities for women.

Leslie shares her transformative path from 20+ years as a massage therapist to becoming a somatic experiencing practitioner, and how her personal experience with narcissistic parenting, abusive relationships, and family trauma shaped her understanding of nervous system healing. We dive deep into the science of somatic work, the power of empathetic witness, and why women in their 40s are reclaiming their authentic selves.

This conversation explores the intersection of feminine and masculine energies, the biological roots of women's need for community connection, and how patriarchal structures have pitted women against each other

Key Takeaways:

• The connection between trauma symptoms and muscle tension patterns in the body
• How somatic experiencing uses five channels (sensation, image, behavior, emotion, meaning) to discharge stored trauma
• Why women's biology drives them toward connection and how estrogen influences bonding behaviors
• The difference between masculine (doing) and feminine (being) energies as complementary forces
• How competition among women stems from historical survival patterns and collective trauma
• The healing power of empathetic witness and co-regulation in community settings
• Practical daily techniques for nervous system regulation and grounding

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:00 | Introduction and Travis's thoughts on Asheville's divine feminine energy
03:00 – 06:00 | Leslie's journey from massage therapy to trauma-informed coaching
06:00 – 11:00 | Understanding complex trauma (C-PTSD) and the body's role in healing
11:00 – 16:00 | Somatic experiencing explained: accessing the 80% of experience held in the body
16:00 – 22:00 | Love addiction, attachment patterns, and the stories we tell ourselves
22:00 – 28:00 | Masculine and feminine energies: the river and the riverbank
28:00 – 33:00 | How competition among women stems from biological survival and collective trauma
33:00 – 38:00 | The healing power of community: empathetic witness and co-regulation
38:00 – 43:00 | Daily nervous system regulation practices and finding beauty in simple moments
43:00 – 44:00 | Leslie's favorite Asheville spots and closing thoughts

Episode Links:

Be Well Asheville

Be Well Asheville Podcast Archive

Leslie Brooks CLC

Peaceful Goddess Project

AVL Women Who Whine Facebook Group

Wild Woman Project

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Jodie Appel, owner of the Asheville Salt Cave, to explore the transformative power of stillness and ritual in wellness. 

Jodie shares the inspiring story of how her father’s life-changing experience in a salt spa led to the creation of the Asheville Salt Cave, and how her background in massage therapy and veterinary care shaped her holistic approach. We dive into the science and history behind salt therapy (speleotherapy), the rejuvenating experience of the Turkish-Moroccan hamam, and the growing demand for community-driven wellness practices in Asheville.

Jodie discusses how her business fosters human connection, helps people reconnect with their bodies, and supports a range of health benefits—from respiratory relief to creative breakthroughs. We also touch on the evolving concept of wellness, the importance of unplugging from distractions, and the need for accessible self-care rituals in today’s fast-paced world.

Key Takeaways:

• The origins of Asheville Salt Cave, inspired by a 700-year-old Polish salt mine and Jodie’s father’s health journey
• How speleotherapy (salt therapy) supports conditions like asthma, eczema, and stress, with real client stories
• The role of the hamam in cleansing body and spirit, fostering community and ritual
• The shift in wellness culture toward human connection and away from digital distractions
• Practical ways to integrate self-care rituals into daily life for lasting peace and balance

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction and Travis’s personal experience at the Salt Cave
• 02:00 – 07:00 | Jodie’s journey: From massage therapy to opening the Asheville Salt Cave
• 07:00 – 11:00 | The science and history of salt therapy, inspired by the Wieliczka Salt Mine
• 11:00 – 16:00 | Exploring the hamam: A Turkish-Moroccan cleansing ritual
• 16:00 – 21:00 | The evolution of wellness and the rise of social wellness in 2025
• 21:00 – 29:00 | Benefits of speleotherapy: Client stories and real-world impacts
• 29:00 – 34:00 | The power of rest and reclaiming stillness in modern life
• 34:00 – 39:00 | Rapid-fire Q&A, Jodie’s vision for the future, and closing thoughts

Episode Links:

• Asheville Salt Cave
• Be Well Asheville
• Dobra Tea
• Be Well Asheville Podcast Archive

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.