Life On Earth

Like many people growing up, I viewed my health care needs in a very "reactive" manner, and mostly in terms of acute need. However, Adam and I welcomed a massage therapist named Jasmine to Life on Earth, and she discussed the importance of being proactive with health. She also broke down the importance of viewing wellness as less of a singular, event driven process, and more of an overall part of your life maintenance. This discussion went way beyond skeletal and muscular health, and dove in to the role massage therapy can play in mental health, spiritual health, as well as immune support. This is one of the conversations that changed how I look at the topic being discussed, in a deep and fundamental way. A complete re-understanding of total body wellness. 

After 8 episodes of great info, Adam and I touch base on what we have learned so far. We also discover a hidden reward, that the podcast has started to take on a life of its own. The whole point of starting this podcast was to speak to actual experts about hard to understand topics. It stands to reason that as this happens, the show is starting to create its own direction and path. Adam and I are limited to our own prior information and knowledge base when planning and forecasting, however as we speak to actual experts, they have really dictated where the information will take us. 

Adam and I welcomed the Rev Paul Trudeau to our show. Paul is a Co-Director of City Hope, a homeless mission in San Francisco's Tenderloin district. He previously served as chaplain at the San Francisco County Jail. We had an amazing conversation about the role servitude plays in spirituality. Paul's responses to "service" and the role of "giving" was completely unexpected. His beliefs on "taking", in terms of growth and healing, was enlightening. It was refreshing to have such an open, and inclusive message in a period of time that feels so divisive. This interview had many great points that I know will stay with me. It is good to hear from someone dedicated to restoring humanity to segments of society that seem to have humanity robbed from them. 

Adam and I welcomed Dr. Milligan, a licensed Naturopathic Dr. Dr. Milligan discussed his own health journey and how that lead him to seek "alternative" wellness options outside of traditional western medicine. He was extremely candid about what he personally went through. He also dove deep into what differentiates Naturopathic medicine from traditional western medicine. We covered total wellness, the patients role in their own healing, and misconceptions about healthcare that impede patient progress. Dr Milligan also spoke to the need for proactive care, as well as system changes he beliefs would aid people in their journeys. Of course, being the only non medical provider in a conversation with a Dr and PA, the conversation included me playing the role of guinea pig and being diagnosed on the air. 

Vona joined us to discuss the benefits of mental health maintenance. She had amazing insights on the barriers people face in seeking mental health, and the way public opinion is changing in regards to the importance of being proactive with your mental health. I dont want to spoil any of the information she shares with a lengthy description, because she quantifies things better than I can with any description I provide. 

Dr. Spencer Chun is an Urgent Care Doctor working on the island of Oahu. Dr. Chun's Urgent Care is seeing a high volume of Covid patients and was kind enough to join Adam and I in a discussion of exactly what his experience has been. We not only discussed the impact Covid is having on overcrowding ICU's, but also some of the mental impacts on healthcare workers. Dr. Chun was also helpful in letting us know what to look for in regards to symptoms. 

Today we spoke to a PA named Anya who is a Addiction Medicine Provider and Clinical Director. We had a great conversation about so many aspects addiction. Everything from some of the origins of addiction to the stigmas that inhibit people from seeking help. This was one of what we hope are many conversations to come with Anya. This is not intended to be a diagnostic process or used as medical advice, but a candid discussion about the effects of addiction and fuel for thought. 

Today we interviewed Joey Dussel. Joey has a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Exercise Science with an additional focus on Nutrition, and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association. He works as a trainer at the Nike World Campus, and has wonderful insights on both the physical and mental hurdles people face in obtaining their fitness goals. 

We discussed the role of ego as a hurdle for fitness goals, as well as both the physical and mental aspects of achieving your goals. Everything from the need for stretching, to overcoming self defeating language and behaviors to attain a functional body that will allow you to thrive as you age. Functionality over vanity. 

This was a fun interview with plenty of great information. You can read more about Joey, or obtain his services at.... http://www.joeydussel.com and http://www.transformation-possible.com

We had a great discussion with a pediatric ICU doctor, named Rich, who came in to share his personal recovery story. He was able to convey his addiction and subsequent recovery in a way where Adam and I could relate his words and feelings to areas of our lives that we are struggling with. Rich was extremely well versed in the process of recovery and his own journey gives extra power to his words. His vulnerability was inspiring. 

Life on Earth is a podcast based on finding the best "you". No one podcast can solve your problems. There isn't one TV show or internet video that is the answer to all that ails you. Your life is probably a mess of hot nonsense. Well, take comfort, so are everyone else's lives. Welcome to Life On Earth. A podcast brought to you with the idea of beginning conversations with physical/spiritual/mental health professionals and allowing them the forum to deliver their message. Along the way, hosts Ed Kiester, and Adam Bailey, will address topics of concern in their growth progression, with the hope that you find some clarity in your journey as well.