Dr. Melissa McRae, founder of Vitality Natural Wellness, joins us for a powerful and practical conversation about what really happens to women’s bodies during perimenopause and menopause — and why it matters far beyond personal health.

We dig into everything from gut health and hormone shifts to workplace burnout and self-advocacy. Dr. McRae explains why symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and brain fog are often misdiagnosed, how women are quietly exiting the workforce because they feel unsupported, and what it actually means to take a whole-body approach to wellness.

This episode is packed with insight, validation, and small steps you can take to better support yourself or someone you love — because wellness isn’t just personal. It’s how we show up for the village we’re building.

If you're new here, this is a place for everyone to laugh, learn, heal and build. Not alone. Not perfectly. But arm in arm, heart to heart. Because we were never meant to do this alone. We are always Better Together. 

Let's Connect! 

If this podcast feels like something you’ve been craving, hit subscribe, leave a review, and send it to a friend. The more voices we have in this village, the stronger we become.

Email Us: [email protected] 

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More about Dr. Melissa McRae

More about Vitality Natural Wellness

The 'Pause Life by Dr. Mary Claire Haver 

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A long-running legal battle between Bellville and Washington Township over a 1995 fire services agreement appears to be over after the Ohio Supreme Court declined to hear Bellville’s appeal. The court’s decision upholds earlier rulings that found the village is still bound by the contract, which requires annual payments to the township for fire protection in an annexed area. Despite objections from current officials, courts ruled the agreement remains valid unless both parties agree to end it or Bellville becomes a city.

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Since Shelby’s only full-service grocery store closed in June 2023, residents have had to travel out of town for basic food needs, a challenge that’s reshaping daily life and raising public health concerns. In this episode, we explore the results of a community survey showing overwhelming support for a new store, the impact on families without reliable transportation, and what local officials are doing to address the issue.

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A Richland County Hall of Fame is in the works—and local organizers want the community’s help to bring it to life. Spearheaded by Navy veteran Dick Baker, the effort aims to honor residents who’ve left a lasting impact in fields from public service to sports to the arts. With plans for a 2026 inaugural class, the committee is fundraising, researching, and inviting locals to get involved in shaping this tribute to homegrown excellence.

Read more: https://www.richlandsource.com/2025/05/26/richland-county-hall-of-fame-project-seeks-donations-for-charter-class/ 

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Shelby honors the life and legacy of former Mayor James Hunter, a beloved leader, teacher, and community voice who left an enduring mark on the city.

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City officials in Mansfield are considering bringing back weekend speed bumps along Park Avenue West, known as the "Miracle Mile", to combat reckless driving. The temporary measure, first tested last summer, led to a sharp drop in traffic incidents, but no decision has been made yet for this year. As summer approaches, officials are monitoring the area closely and say enforcement will ramp up if dangerous behavior returns.

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Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence and abuse. Please listen with care. If you or someone you love needs support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text BEGIN to 88788. In Richland County, Ohio, you can reach the Domestic Violence Shelter 24/7 at 419-774-5840 or visit thedvshelter.com.

How do you begin again after abuse? What does it take to rebuild trust, safety, and self-worth when they’ve been stripped away?

In this powerful episode, we speak with Colleen Rice, executive director of the Domestic Violence Shelter in Richland County, Ohio. With decades of experience, Colleen shares what she’s learned from survivors — why leaving isn’t simple, how trauma reshapes the brain, and what real empowerment looks like.

We also explore how community plays a role, from showing up without judgment, to providing shelter and resources, to modeling what healthy love looks like. Whether you're a survivor, a supporter, or simply someone who wants to understand more deeply, this conversation will stay with you.

If you're new here, this is a place for everyone to laugh, learn, heal and build. Not alone. Not perfectly. But arm in arm, heart to heart. Because we were never meant to do this alone. We are always Better Together. 
Let's Connect! 

If this podcast feels like something you’ve been craving, hit subscribe, leave a review, and send it to a friend. The more voices we have in this village, the stronger we become.

Email Us: [email protected] 

Subscribe to Maddie’s Blog

Listen to more of Sarah Goff's Music

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

The Shelter in Richland County

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Mansfield City Schools is cautiously optimistic about its financial future following significant staff cuts and a shift toward more disciplined budgeting. At a recent board meeting, Treasurer Tammy Hamilla shared a much-improved five-year forecast, projecting small surpluses and a positive cash balance through 2028. While challenges remain, Hamilla pointed to staffing reforms, cost controls, and proactive planning as key to keeping the district on stable ground.

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Plymouth’s West Broadway Street bridge has been closed for nearly three years, but progress is finally underway. At a recent town hall, residents heard from ODOT and Richland Engineering about updated designs, a tight funding deadline, and what to expect next. The village now has until next summer to award a construction contract. If all goes as planned, the rebuilt bridge could reopen soon after, with new safety features and improved drainage.

Fellowship: https://www.richlandsource.com/source-media-journalism-fellowship/ 

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In this episode of News Man Weekly, host and Deputy Managing Editor Carl Hunnell is joined by Tara Lautzenhiser, the new executive director for Richland County Children Services. Lautzenhiser talks about her goals for the public child welfare agency, challenges its case workers face every day, its finances and the growing need for more licensed foster homes in Richland County.

Hunnell is also joined by executive producer Zac Hiser and videographer Grant Ritchey in discussing a variety of topics, including a Mansfield man accomplishing his goal of photographing every monument and statue at the Civil War’s Gettysburg battlefield; recent law enforcement training on assisting local residents experiencing mental health difficulties; and a Mansfield teenager charged in two different homicide cases.

As always, News Man Weekly brings you local news and policy discussions with clarity and purpose, helping you stay informed about the issues shaping your community—and it all pairs perfectly with a cup of great coffee from our friends at Relax, It’s Just Coffee.
Relevant links:

• Mansfield man photographs every monument at Gettysburg
• Law enforcement training for assisting local residents experiencing mental health difficulties
• Mansfield teenager charged in two different homicide cases
• Visit the Richland County Children Services website
• Apply for the Source Media Journalism Fellowship -- deadline May 23

Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson.

Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

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