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

Humans and forests have always had a deeply interdependent and harmonious relationship. 

Humans depend on forests for vital resources like food, building materials, and oxygen.  Forests benefit when human actions maintain the health and biodiversity of their environment. 

While vital for the overall health of the planet, time in a forest has been shown to increase our immunity, reduce stress, and improve mood.  

 Studies continue to show a decline in outdoor activity and participation. 

Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guides create a safe, reflective space, helping participants slow down, engage their senses, and cultivate a deeper connection to the natural world.

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

In this episode, we spoke with award-winning naturalist, interpreter, and hiking guide Ronna Schneberger. With over 30 years of experience in the Canadian Mountain Parks, Ronna became one of the first certified forest therapy guides and trainers in Canada, and serves as Chair of Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada, advocating for the integration of guided nature-based therapies into mainstream health.

Join us as we talk to Ronna about her strong connection to nature, her journey of self-discovery that led to a successful career connecting humans with nature, and her essential work connecting executives, leaders, and children with the natural world. 

Ronna discusses the role of a nature and forest therapy guide, how humans benefit from entering a liminal space through nature time, and her current collaboration, which trains healthcare professionals to serve as guides, bringing nature into their personal and professional practices. 

Ronna guided us on a fantastic journey of healing and growth.

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️ 

Ronna's Instagram: @forestfixcanada

Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada: https://natureforesttherapycanada.org/

Association of Nature and Forest Therapy: https://anft.earth/

Nature & Systems Institute: https://www.naturesystemsinstitute.com/nature-as-medicine-practitioner-training

* 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.

Humans have always found solace, support, and shared experience in our relationship with stories.

Storytelling is deeply rooted in the human experience and has always played a critical role in our social, spiritual, and evolutionary development.

The earliest form of human communication, storytelling, is a building block in how we learn, remember, process information and feelings, and build meaningful connections with others. 

Our experiences with nature have always been deeply interwoven into our stories.

Our stories bout the natural world have created a sense of belonging, influenced our behaviors and philosophical perspectives, and inspired environmental stewardship.

By observing and immersing themselves in the natural world, writers can find unique perspectives, vivid imagery, and deeper emotional connections for their stories.

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

In this episode, we spoke with bestselling author and conservationist Steve Ramirez. After experiencing the healing power of nature, following a professional military and law enforcement career, Steve became a catalyst for helping others connect with nature and share in his desire to protect and respect the natural world. 

Join us as we talk to Steve about his strong connection to nature, the power of a well-told story in shaping human culture and behavior,  and his desire to inspire others through his books to care for the planet proactively.

Steve discusses some of the challenges facing both humanity and the environment, how he found healing on trails and in rivers, and how adversity can be a strong starting point for lifestyle change.

Steve's story is definitely one we are excited to share.

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️ 

Steve's Website: https://www.steveramirezauthor.com/

Steve's Instagram: @steveramirezuthor

SIgned copies of Steve's books: https://www.bobwhitestudio.com

Trout Unlimited: https://www.tu.org/

The Nature Conservancy https://www.nature.org/en-us/

* 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.

Wellness is a term that is far too often misunderstood and misrepresented. 

Prioritizing our levels of wellness enhances quality of life, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, increases our levels of joy and life satisfaction, and boosts resilience.

Worksite wellness refers to the overall physical, mental, and emotional health of employees within an organization from top to bottom.

This concept encompasses a range of factors that contribute to the happiness, satisfaction, and productivity of a workforce. Prioritizing workplace wellness has become recognized as critical for employee retention, productivity, and overall organizational success. 

In essence, companies that emphasize worksite wellness make a strategic investment in their most valuable asset – their employees. 

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

In this episode, we spoke with nationally recognized wellbeing strategist, worksite wellness authority, and visionary healthcare leader Maria Dee. Maria works with business leaders and serves as a thought leader to inspire collaborations and partnerships across all sectors, encouraging the sharing of innovative practices and the latest research to help solve some of the biggest challenges in achieving improved health and wellbeing for a workforce.  

Join us as we talk to Maria about her journey with the natural world, the qualities of a successful wellness program, and some of the biggest challenges facing the health and wellness field. 

Maria discusses the need for holistic approaches to worksite wellness, the benefits of involving all levels of an organization in building a successful wellness program, the importance of involving family in lasting lifestyle changes, and the power of vulnerability in mentorship opportunities.

This conversation reminded us that wellness is a journey, not a destination.

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️ 

Wellness Alliance Website: https://www.wellnessalliance.org/home

* 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.

The written word has played a significant role in human growth and development.   

The first written language is believed to have emerged in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) around 3200 BCE, serving as a form of record-keeping. Writing continues to be crucial for societies and individuals, as a foundational source of communicating ideas and feelings.

Writing poetry has always been important because it offers a unique way to explore complex ideas, express difficult emotions, and form deeper connections with others. It has been shown to enhance literacy skills, foster empathy, and allow students a sense of self-expression and reflection. 

The written word is one of the most fundamental social and technological advancements that have shaped our world. It is essential to recognize those who have learned to utilize it in ways that support the growth and development of others. 

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

In this episode, we spoke with award-winning novelist, poet, songwriter, and editor Wyn Cooper. Wyn has published five books of poetry, with a sixth book scheduled for release in 2026. His poems, stories, essays, and reviews have appeared in publications such as The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Poetry, and more than 100 other magazines. In 1993, “Fun,” a poem from his first book, was turned into Sheryl Crow’s Grammy-winning song “All I Wanna Do,” while other songs have been featured on six television shows. 

Join us as we talk to Wyn about his journey with the natural world and the written word, his incredible work in the entertainment and writing worlds, and his desire to help others achieve their goals. 

Wyn discusses the need for community, the power of a postcard, the story of how his poem became a song that became a global phenomenon, and offers tips for anyone who has ever wanted to start down the path of becoming a writer of any kind.

He even took time to share some of his poetry with us. 

All we wanted to do was have some fun…and WE DID!!

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

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️ 

Wyn's Website with links to many of his works: www.wyncooper.com

Wyn's Novel, Way Out West: http://www.concordepress.com/

Wyn's most recent book of poems, Mars Poetica, and forthcoming book, The Unraveling: www.whitepinepress.org

Madonna student film on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DUfsUW7RJs&list=RD2DUfsUW7RJs&start_radio=1

Most of Wyn's books can also be purchased at Bookshop.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.

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.

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.

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.