In this live and in-person episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with the dynamic Melanie Smith, founder of Moves with Melanie, a health and wellness company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. With a powerful blend of pharmacy expertise, fitness instruction, and integrative nutrition coaching, Melanie shares her personal and professional journey one that took her from a military childhood to pharmacy school to a life changing pivot into holistic wellness.

Maria and Melanie explore:

• How growing up as a “military brat” shaped Melanie’s go for it mindset

• The realities of burnout in the healthcare system and the bold decision to walk away

• Why her retreats offer a rare mix of structure and radical freedom for women

• How imposter syndrome and racialized beauty standards show up in the wellness space

• The power of building inclusive, body-positive, and evidence-informed spaces for healing

Melanie brings humor, honesty, and a no nonsense approach to helping others thrive emotionally, spiritually, and physically. This episode is a must listen for anyone navigating burnout, craving more authenticity in wellness, or searching for a place where they truly belong.

Learn more about Melanie’s work at mymoveswithmelanie.com