Holistic Wellness: Exploring Ways to Wellness – Details, episodes & analysis

Discover unconventional paths to wellness and rejuvenation on the 'Exploring Ways to Wellness' podcast. Host Sarah Gorev invites you on a journey to uncover alternative holistic health practices and mindfulness techniques that go beyond mainstream self-care advice. 

Each week, Sarah has honest chats with real people who've found unique solutions for boosting energy, relieving burnout, and achieving a better feeling of balance - without spending a fortune. She’ll break down barriers, challenge assumptions, and ask: What are the alternatives, why try them, and do they work? 

If you're curious about emerging wellness trends, from crystals and astrology to breathwork and meditation, this podcast is your guide to exploring different ways to feel good again. 

Subscribe now before the January 2025 launch!

Thanks for listening.

Season One Finale: Reflecting on 12 Weeks of Wellness Practices

Episode Summary

In this special season finale, host Sarah reflects on twelve wonderful weeks of alternative wellness conversations. From cold water swimming to sound healing, mindfulness to EFT tapping, the first season of Exploring Ways to Wellness has covered an eclectic mix of practices that have transformed lives. Join Sarah as she highlights memorable moments, lessons learned, and announces exciting plans for season two.

Episode Highlights

00:55 Reflecting on the Journey
01:28 The Birth of Exploring Ways to Wellness
02:39 Memorable Guest Stories
06:32 Guests Finding Wellness at Rock Bottom
11:46 Personal Reflections and Commitments
15:53 Season Highlights and Recommendations

• Onika on journaling and The Artist's Way (Ep.2)
• Jacqueline on Human Design types (Ep.3)
• Millie on cold water swimming benefits (Ep.4)
• Emma on EFT tapping techniques (Ep.5)
• Gil on practical Transcendental Meditation (Ep.6)
• Becca on simple mindfulness practices (Ep.7)
• Jacquie on sound healing frequencies (Ep.8)
• Carle on neurodiversity in wellness practices (Ep.9)
• Anna on deep presence-based gratitude (Ep.10)
• Lindsay on Qigong for improved sleep (Ep.11)

28:58 Announcements for Season Two and new community initiatives

What's Next

• New Facebook group "Wellness Explorers" launching for community support
• Weekly newsletter with updates on season two progress
• Season two topics to include Reiki, Laughter Yoga, and more
• Seeking new guests, especially former sceptics who found transformation

Connect With Us

• Join our Facebook group: Wellness Explorers 
• Subscribe to the newsletter for behind-the-scenes content
• Share your favourite episode or suggest topics for season two
• Follow on Instagram: @sarahgorev

Mentioned Practices & Episodes

• Journaling & The Artist's Way
• Human Design
• Cold Water Swimming
• EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)
• Transcendental Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Sound Healing
• Neurodiversity in Wellness
• Gratitude Practice
• Qigong

Thanks for listening.

In this episode of Exploring Ways to Wellness, host Sarah explores the gentle Chinese practice of Qi Gong with guest Lindsay. Discover how this accessible movement meditation combines flowing motions, breathwork, and mindfulness to balance your body's energy and improve wellbeing.

Lindsay shares her journey as a beginner who found Qi Gong during the pandemic through online classes. Learn how this ancient practice: • Significantly improved her sleep quality • Complements modern yoga practice • Can be done in just 5-10 minutes • Is accessible for all ages and fitness levels • Requires no special equipment or prior experience

If you've been curious about energy practices but felt intimidated by complex poses or mystical language, this conversation offers a refreshingly practical perspective. Lindsay approaches wellness with both openness and healthy skepticism, discussing how energy work fits into a balanced approach to health.

For anyone interested in stress reduction, better sleep, increased mobility, or general wellbeing, this episode provides an inspiring introduction to a practice that can be done anywhere, even your own back garden.

Resources and links mentioned in the show:

Why Woo Works Book - https://amzn.to/3DQSZP5 [affiliate link]

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Qigong and Today's Guest

01:40 Lindsay's Journey into Qigong

02:25 Understanding Qigong Movements

03:51 Benefits of Online Qigong Classes

07:47 Combining Qigong with Other Practices

14:13 Exploring Other Wellness Practices

15:26 Scepticism and Science Behind Wellness

20:59 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

23:29 Conclusion and Takeaways

Thanks for listening.

Unlocking Creativity and Courage: Onika's Transformation Through The Artist's Way

In this inspiring episode, I chat with Onika, a busy mum and business analyst who discovered an unexpected path to wellness through creativity. What started with an out-of-character solo skiing trip to Oslo evolved into a profound journey of self-discovery that transformed her life in ways she never imagined.

At the heart of Onika's transformation was her experience with The Artist's Way, a creative self-discovery course that uses daily journalling and dedicated 'me-time' to unlock hidden potential. She candidly shares how these simple practices helped her overcome the guilt of prioritizing herself and the discomfort of being alone - challenges that many busy women face. Through honest conversation, Onika reveals how making space for creativity helped her reconnect with forgotten passions and embrace new challenges, ultimately leading her from someone who avoided cameras to competing in Hyrox races in front of them.

This episode is packed with practical insights about how small, consistent acts of self-discovery can create ripple effects of positive change in your life. Onika's journey shows that transformation doesn't require expensive programs or huge time commitments - just a willingness to start and the courage to keep going.

Whether you're feeling stuck in life's daily routine, curious about The Artist's Way, or simply searching for a fresh approach to wellness, this conversation offers achievable steps and heartfelt inspiration. Perfect for any woman wondering if there's more to life than just getting through the daily checklist.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Onika's Hyrox journey: https://linktr.ee/lifeopenedup
The Artist's Way Book: https://amzn.to/40vc0Pw [affiliate]

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:05 Meet Onika: A Journey to Self-Discovery

02:24 The Accidental Path to Wellness

05:40 Discovering The Artist's Way

07:50 The Power of Journaling and Play Dates

11:17 Challenges and Revelations

18:08 Creating a Being Board

26:58 Embracing New Challenges: Hyrox

30:06 Final Thoughts and Advice

34:41 Conclusion and Resources

Thanks for listening.

Meet Sarah Gorev, your guide to questioning everything you thought you knew about wellness. In this candid first episode, Sarah shares how breaking free from conventional wisdom led her to discover life-changing alternative practices - and why she's passionate about helping others do the same.

From embracing hypnobirthing in 2007 (when everyone told her she was crazy) to leaving a successful marketing career to pursue energy work and EFT, Sarah's story is about trusting your instincts when they collide with conventional advice. Her journey weaves through the mystical Beltane Fire Festival, finding unexpected love in Mexico, and discovering how ancient practices like meditation and energy healing can transform modern lives.

But this isn't just another wellness origin story. It's a manifesto for gentle revolution - a call to question the "shoulds" and "musts" of traditional wellbeing advice. Sarah explains her vision for the podcast: creating a judgment-free space where curiosity trumps convention, where ancient wisdom meets modern science, and where every listener is empowered to write their own wellness rules.

Whether you're dabbling in crystals but keeping them hidden in your desk drawer, curious about sound healing but skeptical it could work, or simply tired of one-size-fits-all wellness advice, this podcast promises real talk about alternative approaches that actually work - without the pretence, jargon, or pressure to conform.

Join Sarah each week for honest conversations with guests who've torn up the rulebook and found their own path to feeling good again. From energy healing and oracle cards to cold water swimming and human design, we're exploring it all - with plenty of laughs, aha moments, and absolutely zero judgment.

Perfect for the wellness rebel who:

• Questions conventional wisdom about health and wellbeing
• Seeks alternatives to mainstream wellness advice
• Wants to explore complementary therapies without the woo-woo overwhelm
• Believes there's no single "right way" to feel good
• Is ready to write their own wellness story

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Exploring Ways to Wellness Podcast

00:36 Meet Your Host: Sarah Gorev

02:40 A Personal Wellness Journey

03:29 Discovering Hypnobirthing

05:09 Exploring Various Wellness Practices

06:17 The Birth of This Podcast

06:28 Embracing Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

08:34 Holistic Approaches to Wellness

12:10 The Purpose of This Podcast

18:00 Exciting Themes and Techniques to Come

19:07 Final Thoughts and Invitation

Thanks for listening.

In this episode of Exploring Ways to Wellness, host Sarah engages in an enlightening conversation with Anna, an empowerment coach for mums and the host of the Unstoppable Mama podcast. Discover how becoming a mother deepened Anna's understanding of gratitude as not just appreciation, but a practice that reduces stress, boosts happiness, and improves physical wellbeing.

Anna shares practical techniques from her daily routine, including morning journalling and mindfulness exercises anyone can try. Learn how finding gratitude in even the smallest things—like appreciating your pillow or counting your steps—can transform your perspective, especially on difficult days. The conversation explores the fascinating connection between gratitude and manifestation, plus the crucial importance of self-care for mothers.

Perfect for anyone seeking accessible wellness practices that don't require extra time or resources. Whether you're a busy parent or simply looking to incorporate more positivity into your life, this episode offers valuable insights to help you start your own gratitude journey.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Hear more from Anna including her wonderful podcast

Spotify

Apple 

Instagram

Facebook

Books (affiliate links): 

The Secret: https://amzn.to/4kHPGKs

The Magic: https://amzn.to/43zOu5S

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Gratitude with Anna

01:16 Meet Anna: Empowerment Coach for Mums

02:26 Discovering the Deeper Meaning of Gratitude

03:40 Gratitude as a Daily Practice

04:51 Combining Gratitude with Mindfulness and EFT

07:06 Journaling and Morning Gratitude Routines

09:13 Overcoming Challenges in Gratitude Practice

10:38 The Power of Small Gratitudes

13:06 Inspiration from 'The Secret' and 'Magic'

16:47 Manifestation and Gratitude

24:06 Self-Care and Gratitude for Mums

27:56 Anna's Unstoppable Mama Podcast

30:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening.

Ever tried visualisation only to wonder what on earth everyone else is seeing when they "picture a peaceful place"? You're not alone!

In this eye-opening chat, I'm joined by the lovely Carle who reached out after our mindfulness episode to share her experience with wellness practices as someone who is neurodivergent. She discovered there's a name for the inability to visualise images in your mind – aphantasia – and it's particularly common in people with autism and ADHD.

Carle shares her journey of trying wellness techniques and feeling like she was "doing it wrong" until discovering why traditional approaches weren't clicking. From mindfulness mishaps to finding her perfect yoga-mindfulness combo, her story is both refreshing and reassuring.

We discuss:

• What aphantasia is and how it affects mindfulness practice
• Adapting wellness techniques for neurodivergent brains
• Why group settings sometimes work better than solo practice
• How short moments of stretching and breathing can be game-changers
• Introducing wellness to children with neurodiversity

Whether you struggle with visualisation or simply fancy discovering more inclusive approaches to wellness, this warm conversation reminds us that there's no "right way" to find your calm – just your way.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Carle’s children's books: www.cjgilroybooks.co.uk

Picture colour scale: https://aphantasia.com/article/strategies/think-of-a-horse/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:48 Carle's Journey with Neurodiversity

03:17 Discovering Aphantasia

04:25 Adapting Mindfulness Practices

07:30 Yoga and Mindfulness: A Perfect Combination

23:01 The Importance of Finding the Right Instructor

24:26 Carle's Work and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening.

Fancy discovering how sound could transform your wellbeing? In this enlightening episode, experience sound healer Jackie Metzger shares her remarkable journey from traditional healing practices to becoming a sound therapy expert. We dive into the science behind sound healing, from the fascinating crystalline structures in our bodies to how different instruments affect our physical and spiritual wellness. 

Perfect for anyone curious about sound healing, this episode covers everything from simple at-home practices like humming to professional sound therapy sessions. Learn how sound healing helped Jackie, why crystal bowls might not suit everyone (especially if you have tinnitus!), and how even skeptics can benefit from this accessible healing practice. Whether you're battling anxiety, chronic pain, or simply seeking deeper relaxation, this conversation offers practical insights into the transformative power of sound healing. This episode might just inspire you to look at your shower singing in a whole new light! 

Sound healing, while generally safe, can be intense and should be approached mindfully. Certain frequencies and instruments (particularly crystal bowls) may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with tinnitus or hearing sensitivities. For the best experience, start gently and consider working with a qualified sound healing practitioner who can guide you safely through the practice. While there are many sound healing resources available online, ensure you're using them at comfortable volume levels and pay attention to how your body responds.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jacquie's website: https://www.empower-your-purpose.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JacquieMetzger

 Other resources you may find useful: 

https://www.youtube.com/@MalteMartenMethod

Sonic Wellness Journey: Super Deep Brown Noise Spectrum For Focus Meditation and ADHD Relief: https://youtu.be/-oghf2ByQVc?si=TZX0UPdXWJj6bIHK

Time stamps

00:00 Introduction to Sound Healing with Jackie Metzger

01:05 Jackie's Journey into Alternative Healing

02:47 Discovering Reiki and Sound Healing

06:00 The Power of Tibetan and Crystal Bowls

10:01 How Sound Healing Works

14:46 Practical Applications and Personal Experiences

23:09 Virtual vs. In-Person Sound Healing

26:38 Memorable Moments and Final Thoughts

33:25 Conclusion and Next Steps

Thanks for listening.

Discover the transformative power of mindfulness with experienced practitioner Becca, who brings decades of holistic therapy wisdom to this illuminating conversation. Moving beyond the buzzword, learn what mindfulness really means and how it can revolutionise your daily life through simple yet powerful practices.

Becca shares her personal journey from struggling with stress and anxiety to finding lasting calm and joy through mindfulness. She reveals how taking just one mindful breath can break the cycle of stress reactions, leading to more thoughtful responses in challenging situations. From mindful breathing and eating to movement and self-compassion, discover practical techniques you can start using today.

Whether you're dealing with workplace stress, personal challenges, or simply seeking more peace in your daily life, this episode offers valuable insights for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Learn how simple practices like savouring your morning cup of tea can make a profound difference, and explore how mindfulness integrates with other wellness techniques like EFT tapping.

Ready to start your mindfulness journey? This episode provides the perfect starting point with accessible techniques and practical wisdom for bringing more awareness and calm into your everyday life.

Resources and links mentioned in the show:

Becca Reay's website: Livinglifemindfully.co.uk

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness

00:59 Becca's Journey into Mindfulness

03:15 Understanding Mindfulness

06:31 Practical Applications of Mindfulness

10:05 Mindfulness in Daily Life

12:30 Courses and Further Learning

26:30 Combining Mindfulness with EFT Tapping

30:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening.

Curious about Transcendental Meditation (TM) but wondering if it's right for you? In this intimate episode, discover how this ancient practice fits into modern life through an honest conversation with my husband Gil. From initial skepticism to finding deep relaxation on busy commuter trains, Gil shares his transformative journey with TM - revealing how this simple technique became a cornerstone of his wellness routine.

Whether you're new to meditation or exploring different practices, this episode offers practical insights into what makes TM unique. Learn how this twice-daily practice differs from other meditation techniques, requiring just 20 minutes of sitting comfortably - no special poses or complicated techniques needed. Gil candidly discusses his experience from first learning TM in his twenties to using it to manage the demands of a high-pressure consulting career today.

We explore the real benefits of consistent practice, including improved focus, stress management, and finding calm in chaos. Gil shares practical tips for beginners, discusses common challenges, and explains why TM might be perfect for those who think they're 'too busy' to meditate. From power naps to profound relaxation, discover how this accessible practice can fit into even the busiest lifestyle.

Whether you're meditation-curious or skeptical, this conversation offers valuable insights into how TM can become part of your wellness journey. You'll learn why this technique is particularly valuable during stressful life transitions and how it can provide an anchor of calm in an unpredictable world. Who knows? This might be your first step toward finding peace - even on a packed morning train!

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

01:07 Gil's Journey with Transcendental Meditation

05:48 Understanding Transcendental Meditation

08:32 Practical Benefits and Personal Experiences

12:42 Incorporating Meditation into Daily Life

18:10 Recommendations and Final Thoughts

30:48 Conclusion and Farewell

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Transcendental Meditation website: https://www.tm.org/en-gb/what-is-tm

Thanks for listening.