We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Music has always been an essential part of the human experience, with archaeological evidence suggesting it dates back to at least 40,000 years ago.

With health and wellness benefits such as emotional expression, stress relief, mood enhancement, increased creativity, and enhanced cognitive function, it is easy to see why humans have always felt connected to music.

Few things have brought us together as a species, like the power of music. Music helps individuals feel more connected to their community and a stronger sense of belonging through shared experiences and emotional connection.

Music transcends language, social, and cultural barriers, creating a sense of unity and belonging among diverse groups.

Music has also raised awareness about social and political issues, inspiring action and promoting positive change.

Welcome to Episode Sixty-Five of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with acclaimed singer, songwriter, and banjo-wielding melodist Justin Lansing. A Grammy-winning Okee Dokee Brothers member, Justin entertains crowds of all ages. Recently, he decided to write and record his first solo album, "Rocky Mountain Time."

Join us as we talk to Justin about his musical journey, the importance of flow state for musicians, how approaching a solo project has fueled his musical creativity, and how coming home to Colorado greatly impacted him in all areas of life,

Justin discusses the power of community, the lost art of committing to essential things, and how music has always been a critical "therapy" for his mental and emotional health.

He even shared some of his therapy by playing the title track of his new album "Rocky Mountain Time."

This conversation was music to our ears, literally.

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

Justin's Website: https://www.justinlansingmusic.com/

Justin's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7BuUH9xkpDCg3ojNIP4wqB?si=g1vlIrSVTtmM2SEJvEs_fw&nd=1&dlsi=fe3c10402b0d4693

Justin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.lansing/

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

One thing I know for sure is that humans deal with many things. Our headlines are filled with economic insecurity, technological advancements, environmental struggles, geopolitical issues, and social division.

Sometimes, life feels fast, cluttered, and noisy. We struggle to connect with our communities and crave presence and peace.

We seek resources and opportunities to help us deliberately slow down and experience recovery and restoration.

Retreat centers offer time away from our daily lives, providing a structured environment that encourages reflection, social connection, spiritual growth, and personal development.

They allow individuals or groups to disconnect from common distractions intentionally, focus on specific goals, and experience a sense of holistic renewal.

Welcome to Episode Sixty-Four of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with Don Oakley and Patty Bottari, Founders of the Well Being Retreat Center in Tazewell, Tennessee. Situated on 160 acres within a 2 ½ mile bend of the scenic Powell River, the retreat center provides a venue for various instructors in Yoga, Nature appreciation, movement, meditation, and healthy living.

Join us as we discuss Don and Patty's incredible journey together, how they found and settled on this incredible property, the organic growth and offerings at WBRC, and their love affair with the natural world.

They discuss the power of honoring and integrating into a community, the intentionality of the property's design and function to encourage renewal and growth, and their commitment to being stewards of the land.

Mark recently attended a nature retreat at WBRC and discussed the magic that he experienced.

This conversation left us feeling renewed and rejuvenated.

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

Well Being Retreat Center Website: https://www.wellbeingretreatcenter.org/

Don's Books: https://www.wellbeingretreatcenter.org/category/all-products

Well Being Retreat Center "What is It?" Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXOElSdYWj4

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Food is one of the foundational components of human existence that unites us all.

Whether food is part of our social and cultural interactions, part of our recreation or hobbies, or to simply survive… we need it to be at our best. We all eat.

But do you know where your food comes from?

Humans began farming independently in various world regions around 12,000 years ago. This shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agriculture is considered one of the most significant transitions in human history. In cultures worldwide, farmers have been revered as some of our most important citizens.

But small farmers are facing threats of never-before-seen proportions.

What will it mean for our health and wellness if we lose those who feed us?

Welcome to Episode Sixty-Three of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with Dana DiPrima, founder of the For Farmers Movement, a dedicated advocate for small farmers, and the host of the One Bite is Everything podcast on Heritage Radio Network. With a corporate leadership and grassroots activism background, Dana brings a strategic, solutions-driven approach to conversations about food and farming. She believes that food is more than just what’s on our plates—it’s a powerful force shaping our health, communities, environment, and economy.

Join us as we discuss Dana’s personal journey with nature, how she became an “accidental farmer,” the challenges that small farmers face, and our detachment from our food.

Dana discusses the For Farmers Movement, which provides grants to help small farms manage modern demands and how buying local helps strengthen communities.

This conversation taught us how to plant the seeds of change, nurture and grow them, and harvest them when the time is right.

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

www.instagram.com/xoxofarmgirl/

www.forfarmersmovement.com

www.thelocalfoodchallenge.com

https://venmo.com/u/forfarmersmovement (for $1 donations or a $7 latte!

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Humans crave information, an essential component of our daily lives.

The need for quality information is at the center of our personal growth, healthcare needs, environmental conditions, and economic development.

Sharing accurate data is critical for building trust, effective decision-making, and encouraging collaboration.

Accurate information begins with quality research. Questioning and scrutinizing findings, identifying potential errors, and replicating results lead to reliable and trustworthy scientific knowledge.

Accurate healthcare data is crucial for improving patient outcomes and optimizing healthcare delivery, keeping us healthy and safe.

In a time when science seems to be under attack, access to accurate information is critical to making informed decisions, achieving our goals, and having a better quality of life.

Welcome to Episode Sixty-Two of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Tyler Amell, an internationally recognized thought leader and keynote speaker on workplace health and productivity. He is a trusted advisor to organizations, including insurers, healthcare service providers, employers, and investment firms, on strategic and integrated workplace health and productivity.

Join us as we discuss Tyler’s personal relationship with nature, his work conducting research that helps further human health and wellness, and the foundational need for “evidence-informed” research in all fields.

Tyler discusses some of the current challenges facing scientific research, the dangers of misinformation and data suppression, and ways to find reliable sources of information.

This conversation was a successful experiment in making us better versions of ourselves.

#nature, #naturelovers, #emotion, #emotions, #mentlhealth, #mentalwellness, #wellness, #wellbeing, #worksitewellness, #data, #mentalhealthawareness, #health, #worksitewellness, #research, #Information, #evidencebased, #informationsharing, #resilience Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

Dr. Amell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtyleramell/

Medikeeper Website:https://medikeeper.com/

Avidon Health: https://avidonhealth.com/

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Since humans have gathered, nature and community health have always been intrinsically linked, with nature providing countless benefits to human well-being and community resilience.

Communities actively participating in nature conservation and restoration efforts experience environmental and social benefits.

Time spent in the natural world offers numerous benefits for family health, strengthening family relationships through shared experience.

Introducing children to time in nature provides many lifelong benefits, including physical and mental health and academic competency.

One of the greatest gifts parents can give their children is their time…especially outside.

Welcome to Episode Sixty-One of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with retired MLB pitcher Tim Collins. Throughout his 14-plus-year professional baseball career, Tim exemplified determination and resilience, overcoming physical and professional challenges to make a significant impact both on the mound and as a mentor in the sport. Now retired, Tim puts all his efforts back into youth development through coaching.

Join us as we discuss Tim’s approach to managing adversity, how mentors have played a significant role in his success, his philosophy of ‘family first,’ and the importance of being present for those around him, both on and off the field.

Tim shares his philosophy of getting the most out of young athletes, the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness, how our values factor into personal and professional decision-making, and the challenges and rewards of being a big leaguer.

We left this home run of a conversation ready to hit any curveball life throws at us (puns so intended)

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

Tim Collins Instagram: @tim_collins37

Military Baseball Camps Tim is working with: https://www.mvp360sports.com/

Virginia Baseball Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/583372864743378

Major League Baseball:https://www.mlb.com/

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Nature has always had a way of showing unconditional love and support.

The natural world has never withheld its abundance, welcoming us to share its many benefits.

Research has shown that time spent in nature has positive effects on our overall health and wellness throughout the many phases of our development.

In college students, time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, positively impact the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve memory recall, concentration, sleep patterns, and overall mood.

Nature is the ultimate "study buddy."

Welcome to Episode Sixty of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with Sam Kocurek, a graduate student at the University of Michigan studying Environment and Sustainability. In addition to his master's coursework and work with campus sustainability, Sam has been a passionate and involved member of the Nature Rx project team, a group of staff, faculty, and students advancing nature-based health interventions and habits at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus.

Join us as we discuss Sam's lifelong journey of healing through nature, how nature-based programs positively impact student life, and the importance of filling a "deficit of joy" through time in nature.

Sam shares how humans are naturally predisposed to learn from the natural world, what it is like to host a university nature symposium, how to get students engaged in nature, and the importance of creating a culture of sustainability.

We left this conversation feeling as though the student had become the master.

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well
-NOW ™️

University of Michigan NatureRx Program: https://nature-rx.umich.edu

Univ of Michigan Nature Rx Symposium Resources: https://nature-rx.umich.edu/nature-for-wellness-symposium/symposium-resources

Campus Rx Network: https://campusnature.com

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Although we find ourselves in a time of division and struggle; there are universal human experiences that we all share.

Grief impacts everyone, regardless of geography, socio-economic status, race, gender, identity, or level of education.

Grief is a natural human response to any type of loss or significant life change.

Grief can be complicated regardless of age, but it is especially difficult for children and adolescents.

For anyone experiencing grief, time in nature can be beneficial, offering holistic health advantages such as reduced stress, lowered symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhanced overall well-being.

Welcome to Episode Fifty-Nine of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with Jason Stout, youth programs advisor for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and winner of the 2024 Richard Louv Prize for Innovation in Nature Connection. Through his company, Stoutreach, Jason leads mindfulness and nature-based well-being programs for grieving youth, adults, military survivors, educators, and professionals.

Join us as we discuss his personal journey of healing from childhood loss and grief, how nature-based programs taught him the power of healing, and how he turned a lifelong connection to the natural world into a profession centered on helping others navigate the grief process.

Jason shares the difference between “helping” and “spotting” young people as they manage emotions, the power of honoring those we have lost through ceremony, and how building rapport and trust is paramount in any helping role.

This conversation offered us solace, peace, and an opportunity to grow in our own grief.

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well
-NOW ™️

Jason's Website: www.missionstoutreach.org

TAPS Website: https://www.taps.org

Outward Bound: https://www.outwardbound.org/

Children & Nature Network: https://www.childrenandnature.org/

National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG): https://nacg.org/?srsltid=AfmBOorW68jSpnKtUfd1-zS7dAoXnpwfv-yYzGHN4MlnGPtXVWGCgxet

Judi's House: https://judishouse.org/

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Few things are more critical to human existence than water. We need water to survive and can only live for a few days without it.

Clean water is vital to a healthy environment, economic development, and, most importantly…human health and wellness.

Essential for basic needs such as drinking, playing a crucial role in bodily functions, and maintaining hydration. Having a critical role in hygiene and agriculture, clean water sources serve as the foundation for all life on the planet.

Any challenge to the sustainability and access of our waterways is a direct threat to our existence. More than 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, a global problem.

Welcome to Episode Fifty-Eight of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with Trout Unlimited President and CEO Chris Wood. An avid angler, hunter, author, and conservationist, he previously served at the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Now he helps to champion the Trout Unlimited vision, “For communities across America to engage in the work of repairing and renewing the rivers, streams and other waters on which we all depend.”

Join us as we discuss his lifelong connection to the natural world, the importance of access to sustainable sources of clean water, and the greatest challenges our water sources face.

Chris shares Trout Unlimited’s amazing mission of waterway restoration, the many health and wellness benefits of time spent near water, and how we can all do our part to conserve the streams and rivers we depend on for survival.

We certainly found our flow with this conversation (pun intended).

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

Trout Unlimited Website: www.tu.orghttps://www.tu.org/

Trout Unlimited Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TroutUnlimitedNatl

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.