The Rise 2 Thrive Podcast with Matt and Brooke

Scott Estrada is a coach and guide within the Journey Collective, the online community built around the work of Dr. Zach Bush MD, and runs his own consulting practice helping people co-create environments for home, work, and play that allow biology to flourish. His inquiry into regeneration began early, caring for his father after a spinal cord injury, and spans 35+ years studying food as medicine, inner terrain and microbiome, movement, hydration, and circadian biology. A turning point came in 2017 while recovering from a traumatic brain injury, when applied circadian biology and Dr. Bush's work reframed health as an ecological and relational process. In immersions, Scott creates spacious environments that invite people to shift from fixing toward remembering.

We sit down with Scott Estrada — Brooke's original Journey coach from 2022 — for a wide-open conversation about what Scott calls the biological renaissance. Scott shares the event that ended his juice company and the "you can do this" phone call that changed his life, how Zach Bush left a triple-board-certified academic career to follow the trail from cancer research to glyphosate to soil, and what happens when 120 people gather off-grid with Lakota elders and let nature run the schedule. Along the way: why symptoms want to be witnessed rather than fixed, the quantum math behind four million possible versions of your body, and the lux meter that got an entire hospital wing wheeling patients outside. If you've been treating your body like something broken, this one reframes the whole project.

Key Topics:

• Microbiome health and its link to emotional and physical well-being
• Sacred water, land stewardship, and living in nature's rhythms
• Lessons from Zach Bush, indigenous elders, and regenerative community
• Reframing illness as a teacher and reclaiming responsibility for your health

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Skin health, the gut-skin axis, and the liver connection 

03:00 - Zach Bush on Joe Rogan and the biological renaissance 

06:00 - Crisis as opportunity: why the future belongs to the adaptable 

12:00 - Journey of Intrinsic Health and the power of a container of eight 

15:00 - The juice company, hundred-hour weeks, and the wake-up call 

18:00 - Zach Bush: from cancer research to glyphosate to soil health 

22:00 - Costa Rica and Utah: letting nature orchestrate the program 

31:00 - "I'm not your guru" — embodiment over following a leader 

34:00 - Curiosity, childhood gut issues, and the shame we carry 

39:00 - Reframing illness as blessing, not brokenness 

44:00 - The quantum body: four million versions of you 

58:00 - Environmental toxicity and why so many people move 

1:02:00 - Light as medicine: the lux meter and his dad's recovery 

1:06:00 - Sacred water, structured water, and Veda Austin's work 

1:11:00 - More light per cubic centimeter than the sun 

1:15:00 - We're better together: shared meals and the web of biosis 

1:19:00 - Play, sacredness, and being your flavor of weird 

1:25:00 - What makes a thriving life 

1:29:00 - How to work with Scott and what's coming next

Connect with Scott Estrada:

• Journey Immersion / journeyimmersion.com
• Scott's Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/scott_estrada

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website / https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe
• Brooke's Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie
• Matt Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer

Resources & Links:

• The Ultimate Lifestyle Transformation / https://www.ultlifestyle.com/?giftcard=RISE2THRIVE
• Our Drinks: Can't BEET This / https://link.sharepurium.com/XJSH
• Our Amino Acids / https://link.sharepurium.com/XJSB
• Spirulina / https://link.sharepurium.com/LUSU
• Chlorella / https://link.sharepurium.com/LUSM

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about

Subscribe to Matt + Brooke's "Updates from the Road" Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe

Jules Cassetti is a board-certified holistic nurse, death doula, and psychedelic integration specialist who helps people navigate grief, loss, and life's biggest transitions. A nurse since 2016, Jules cut her teeth in the conventional system — travel nursing across multiple cities and working as an ICU nurse through the height of COVID. Today, Jules bridges modern healthcare with holistic and spiritual approaches to healing — offering grief and psychedelic integration coaching, consulting for healthcare professionals ready to leap into more authentic careers, and in-person death doula support for people and families traversing life's biggest thresholds.

In this episode, Matt and Brooke reunite with Jules Cassetti — a friend since their Sedona desert days in 2021 — for a raw and surprisingly playful conversation about death, grief, and what it actually takes to feel alive. Jules shares her path from burnt-out COVID ICU nurse to death doula, why the goal is never to remove grief but to integrate it, and how unprocessed grief silently drives disease, addiction, and the "gnawing hunger" of modern society. She breaks down the five stages of grief (and why they're anything but linear), the alchemy of turning pain into creative expression, and the single most accessible healing practice available to anyone: sharing your story and being truly witnessed. If you've been carrying grief you don't know what to do with — or you're facing a threshold of your own — this conversation is a hand to hold.

Key Topics:

• Jules's journey from ICU nurse during COVID to holistic nurse and death doula
• Shedding the job-title identity: what nursing taught her about the human condition
• How hospitals reveal the link between unprocessed trauma and physical disease
• Losing her mother unexpectedly — and why her mom's death was her own death too
• Integrated grief vs. "taking the pain away": why holding space beats fixing
• The five stages of grief and why the path to acceptance is nonlinear and chaotic
• The alchemy of grief: painting, movement, voice, and turning pain into expression
• Why unprocessed grief becomes bitterness, disease, and the shadow of the collective
• Practical tools: stream-of-consciousness journaling, dream work, and Internal Family Systems
• The power of being witnessed: sharing the myth of your life in noble silence
• Deathbed wisdom: the #1 regret, returning to innocence, and death as homecoming
• What it means to live a thriving life: scrubbing shame and being of service

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Jules and her path to death doula work
02:00 - From ICU nursing during COVID to ketamine therapy and holistic nurse coaching
10:00 - Nurse coaching explained and finding freedom beyond the job-title identity
15:00 - Grief and death as the through line: ego deaths, Costa Rica, and the leap
21:00 - Losing her mom — the biggest initiation and the healing journey that followed
25:00 - Integrated grief: managing expectations and holding space instead of fixing
29:00 - Matt's grief portals, the five stages, and the nonlinear road to acceptance
33:00 - The alchemy of grief: turning raw pain into art, movement, and voice
43:00 - How unprocessed grief becomes disease — the key to regenerative health
47:00 - Practical tools to tap into grief: journaling, dreams, IFS, and plant medicine
51:00 - The most accessible medicine of all: sharing your story and being witnessed
69:00 - What a thriving life looks like: no shame, service, and playing full out
73:00 - How to work with Jules, flow arts, and closing thoughts

Connect with Jules Cassetti:

• Jules's Website / julescassetti.com
• Jules's Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/julesnflow

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website
• Brooke's Instagram
• Matt Instagram

Resources & Links:

• The Ultimate Lifestyle Transformation

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃

Subscribe to Matt + Brooke's "Updates from the Road" Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here

Yarrow Dankert is a regenerative health practitioner, iridologist, and herbalist based in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Raised by a self-taught herbalist mother in the mountains of Evergreen, Colorado, Yarrow grew up foraging herbs and living outside the conventional medical system — a foundation that shaped a lifelong path through nationally certified massage therapy, herbology training under world-renowned herbologist Michael Moore, running her own juice bar, and advanced study at the Institute of Regenerative Health. Today she runs a full home apothecary where she crafts her own line of herbal tinctures and guides clients worldwide through deep detoxification and regeneration protocols. Her work bridges the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers of healing — helping people clear the terrain so the body can do what it was designed to do: heal itself. 

In this episode, Matt and Brooke sit down with their personal go-to healing guide, Yarrow Dankert, for a masterclass in regenerative health — from what mucoid plaque actually is and why your lymphatic system (80% of you!) is the body's forgotten sewage system, to the correct order of detoxification and why most people get it backwards. Yarrow breaks down terrain theory, food combining, fascia and cellular memory, structured water, and the emotional work that has to accompany any physical cleanse. If you've ever wondered whether your body can truly heal itself, this conversation is the roadmap.

In this episode:

• Yarrow Dankert’s journey from herbalist and iridologist to regenerative health practitioner
• The principles behind mucoid plaque formation and its role in health issues
• How detoxification pathways (kidneys, bowels, lungs, skin) function and their importance
• The analogy of the body as a fish tank: cleaning, shaking up, and regeneration
• The role of fascia and myofascial release (roping) in emotional and physical health
• Restoring cellular balance and the impact of trauma stored in tissues
• The significance of food choices, especially fruits, in detox and healing
• Addressing fears around fruit and blood sugar, debunking myths
• Practical tips for starting holistic health routines and emotional work
• The importance of intention, mindfulness, and holistic participation in healing
• Resources for deeper learning and how to connect with Yarrow

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Yarrow and her holistic journey

02:00 - How Yarrow’s early life influenced her health philosophy

05:00 - The significance of mucoid plaque and detox pathways

13:00 - The body as a fish tank analogy for regenerative health

23:00 - Understanding fascia, cellular memory, and rolfing

37:00 - Emotional releasing through bodywork and fascia work

45:00 - Debunking myths around fruit, blood sugar, and detoxification

57:00 - Practical steps for beginners and building a holistic routine

68:00 - Connecting the physical, emotional, and spiritual for thriving life

73:00 - Resources, connection, and closing thoughts

Connect with Yarrow Dankert:

• Work with Yarrow (20% off Promo) 👉🏼 Use code: rise2thrive
• Yarrow’s Website/ https://www.yarrowsapothecary.com/
• Yarrow’s Instagram/ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yarrow_dankert/

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website / https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe 
• Brooke’s Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie 
• Matt Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer

Resources & Links:

• The Ultimate Lifestyle Transformation / https://www.ultlifestyle.com/?giftcard=RISE2THRIVE
• Our Drinks: Can’t BEET This / https://link.sharepurium.com/XJSH
• Our Amino Acids / https://link.sharepurium.com/XJSB
• Spirulina / https://link.sharepurium.com/LUSU
• Chlorella / https://link.sharepurium.com/LUSM

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about

Subscribe to Matt + Brooke’s “Updates from the Road” Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe

Jamie Light Heart is a leader in the mens work movement. A Steward and advocate for the medicine of cacao. A storyteller, explorer and wayshower, he is a renaissance man for the revolution. With over 20 years experience in event production, he is here to create expansive spaces for people to access and amplify the genius of their heart, mind and soul. All to be of service, to be put to good use and create the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.

In this episode, Jamie talks about presence as a regulating force in high-stress environments, the "collective disease of disconnection," and what it means to walk with elders and wisdom keepers in a culture that's forgotten how. After discovering a 5,500-year-old cacao ceremonial site in Ecuador he unpacks how it shaped his mission to protect heirloom cacao and rebuild ancestral connection.

Main Topics:

• The spiritual significance and healing power of cacao and land in indigenous cultures
• How large-scale festivals and gatherings can serve as microcosms for societal healing
• The importance of presence, vulnerability, and ancestral remembrance in personal and collective thriving
• The role of story, set, and setting in transformation and community building
• Practical ways to integrate ritual and sacred space into everyday life for sustainable well-being

Timestamps:

00:33 - Jamie lights a cacao prayer for collective protection and connection

03:15 - Introduction to Jamie Light heart and his journey in land, cacao, and story

06:01 - The evolution of Sacred Sons and the Sanctuary space at Remembrance

08:26 - Transforming youth spaces with eclectic influences and intentional healing environments

11:02 - The importance of storytelling, set, and setting in collective transformation

13:36 - Managing chaos and stress through presence and regulated nervous systems

16:23 - Cultivating calm and leadership in festival and event production

22:48 - Journey from disconnection to embodied vitality and healing practices

25:53 - The significance of ritual, community, and ancestral reverence in land and land-based medicines

30:07 - The evolution of festival culture from escape to embodiment and service

35:51 - Building intentional fires and communal hearths as primal gathering spaces

42:17 - Personal stories of trauma, healing, and the power of vulnerability

54:49 - Reclaiming ancestral lineage and walking with elders in Ecuador and beyond

75:28 - The importance of supporting sustainable cacao cultivation and honoring land-based knowledge

82:36 - Living a thriving life: choosing vitality, offering, and presence

Connect with Jamie:

• Jamie’s Instagram/ https://www.instagram.com/jamie.finnan/
• Jamie’s Website/ http://www.jamielightheart.com
• Corazón de Luz Cacao/ http://Www.jamielightheart.com/cacao

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website / https://lnk.bio/rise2thrivetribe 
• Brooke’s Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/sunbeam_brookie 
• Matt Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/theadventureengineer

Resources & Links:

• The Ultimate Lifestyle Transformation / https://www.ultlifestyle.com/?giftcard=RISE2THRIVE
• Our Drinks: Can’t BEET This / https://link.sharepurium.com/XJSH
• Our Amino Acids / https://link.sharepurium.com/XJSB
• Spirulina / https://link.sharepurium.com/LUSU
• Chlorella / https://link.sharepurium.com/LUSM

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about

Subscribe to Matt + Brooke’s “Updates from the Road” Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe

Matt and Brooke broadcast their first-ever offline live stream from a private cove on the Yuba River, fresh off Brooke's birthday camping weekend in the Sierra Buttes. After four days with no phone service, no social media, and no email, they unpack what a real reset looks like — not just unplugging from technology, but a full-body detox. They go deep on their twice-a-year parasite cleanse, why drainage matters more than the cleanse itself, and the greens and superfoods fuelling it all. Plus: why they hike mountains on one meal a day, the truth about sunscreen and seed oils, and a camp host named Kim who put the whole "why bother" question into perspective.

If you've ever felt the resistance of going back to "real life" after time in nature, this one's for you.

In this episode:

• The benefits of unplugging: a technology detox in nature
• Hiking the Sierra Buttes: a challenging trek with epic views and health benefits
• Deep dive into parasite cleansing: protocols, supporting organs, and natural supplements
• The power of green foods: spirulina, chlorella, and chlorophyll for detox and energy
• Nutrient-dense eating habits: OMAD (one meal a day), fat-rich elixirs, and mindful snacking
• The importance of sun exposure at high elevation and natural hydration
• Community and lifestyle shifts: making health a priority through baby steps
• Real-life examples of aging healthfully: seniors hiking and staying active
• Practical tips for reducing toxin exposure: safe sunscreens, water hydration, and avoiding chemicals

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction: Exploring nature, detox, and vitality 

00:47 - First live stream from the Yuba River 

01:44 - Hosts welcome listeners and share current outing plans 

02:20 - Choosing nutrient-rich beverages for outdoor days 

03:10 - The benefits of unplugging from technology and social media 

04:33 - Day four of a social media detox and feeling great 

05:16 - Hiking Sierra Buttes: elevation gains and stunning views 

06:23 - The importance of reconnecting with nature and childhood roots 

06:50 - Deep dive into parasite protocol and holistic health routines 

08:30 - Supporting detox pathways: kidneys and drainage techniques 

09:43 - Monitoring your body's detox readiness with urine and bowel health 

10:12 - Understanding detox reactions and the long-term journey 

11:14 - The role of spirulina, kamut wheatgrass, and greens in detox 

12:39 - The significance of liver support with green foods 

14:08 - Nutrient-dense, minimal eating: OMAD lifestyle and the power of fats 

15:48 - Elevating energy with amino acids and strategic supplementation

Resources & Links:

• The Ultimate Lifestyle Transformation
• Our Drinks: Can’t BEET This
• Our Amino Acids
• Spirulina
• Chlorella
• Super Xanthin (Astaxanthin)

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website
• Brooke’s Instagram
• Matt Instagram

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about

Subscribe to Matt + Brooke’s “Updates from the Road” Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe

Join Matt and Brooke as they celebrate Brooke’s birthday and reflect on the past year’s growth, breakthroughs, and shifts. This episode invites you to explore the importance of self-care, gratitude, and embracing each season of life with honesty and joy.

Main Topics Covered:

• The significance of celebrating milestones beyond age
• Personal reflections on clarity, peace, and grounding over the past year
• Lessons learned from spontaneous adventures and unexpected challenges
• The evolving dynamics of their relationship and shared experiences
• Practices that deepen self-awareness, including breathwork and solitude
• How navigating health challenges strengthens love and commitment
• The power of community, new opportunities, and bold conversations
• The importance of presence and enjoying the moment amid life’s chaos

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Welcome to a special birthday episode with outdoor vibes

01:16 - Brooke’s reflections on not counting birthdays and celebrating life transitions

02:02 - The importance of celebrating life as a milestone, not just age

03:28 - Brooke’s thoughts on the magic of each year and living fully

05:01 - Visualizing future podcast opportunities and live event setups

06:15 - Recalling a inspiring podcast setup at Miners Foundry and creative ideas for expansion

08:08 - Brooke’s one-word summary of the year: clarity

09:42 - Unpacking the depth behind her sense of clarity and purpose

11:16 - Deep dive into personal health explorations and building confidence in their work

13:48 - The balance of work, service, and play as a pathway to fulfillment

16:07 - Surprising insights into Brooke’s evolving sense of self—chaos, adventure, peace

18:15 - Solo reflections and shifts through meditation and breathwork

23:24 - The power of deep breathing and reconnecting with vitality

27:44 - An unexpected trip camping in freezing weather and lessons in discernment

33:56 - Highlights from recent retreats, festivals, and their dynamic as a team

41:03 - Setting boundaries and taking aligned action in health journeys

65:03 - Closing thoughts: embracing every day as an opportunity to celebrate and give gratitude

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website
• Brooke’s Instagram
• Matt Instagram

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about

Subscribe to Matt + Brooke’s “Updates from the Road” Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe

Barry Payne, nicknamed "McGyver" for his legendary ability to fix anything with whatever's on hand, is a recently retired 45-year veteran telecommunications lineman who's traded in his tools for the open road — well, mostly. A lifelong outdoorsman, off-road enthusiast, and product maker for the overlanding world, Barry discovered a whole new chapter of life after retirement: EDM festivals, van life gatherings, bikepacking, pickleball, and a growing passion for plant-based wellness. He's also navigating a deeply personal journey — having connected with his biological mother and siblings just 13 years ago after being adopted at birth. These days you'll find Barry somewhere between Idaho, the desert Southwest, and the Pacific Coast, living proof that the best years can still be ahead of you.

Highlights:

• Barry’s transition from a 45-year career in lineman work to embracing nomadic living and festivals.
• The significance of community, connection, and impact within the festival and van life scenes.
• The story behind Barry’s nickname “MacGyver,” and tales of fixing electronics and soldering in remote areas.
• The transformative power of festivals like Joshua Tree, Lightning in a Bottle, and EDC for community and vitality.
• Insights into the importance of play, music, dance, and how it keeps one feeling young.
• The principles of thriving life: vitality, connection, and play, and their role in longevity.
• The fascinating concept of human design and its influence on personal interactions.
• Barry’s health journey: plant-based diet, experimenting with keto, and personalized nutrition.
• The value of pushing physical and mental boundaries through activities like bikepacking and sports.
• Emphasizing authenticity, being present, and living in your own unique way.
  

Timestamps:

00:33 - Introduction to Barry MacGyver Payne and his background

02:04 - The story behind the nickname “MacGyver”

06:01 - Meeting Barry at Northwest Nomads

09:14 - Early festival experiences

12:39 - Impact of festivals on community

14:19 - Barry’s journey to van life

17:30 - Breathwork experiences

19:01 - Fire spinning and living fully

22:45 - Overcoming truck transmission issues

28:35 - Reconnecting with lost loved ones

30:30 - Barry’s health journey

36:11 - Importance of community and staying active

41:50 - Exploring human design

50:49 - Music and harmony in human experience

61:10 - Reflections on a thriving life

Resources:

• Lightening in a Bottle Festival (LIB)
• Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)

Connect with Barry:

• Barry’s Instagram

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website
• Brooke’s Instagram
• Matt Instagram

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃

Subscribe to Matt + Brooke’s “Updates from the Road” Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe

Alexandra Omania is a transformational coach, Master NLP Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and founder of Luminate Harmonics, a Harmonic Egg center in Bozeman, Montana. Drawing from years of experience in nervous system regulation, somatic healing, and personal transformation, she helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom, break free from limiting patterns, and create lasting change from the inside out. Her work bridges science, spirituality, and embodiment, empowering others to heal, grow, and thrive.

In this episode, Alexandra shares her profound journey of personal healing, nervous system regulation, and bridging science with spirituality. Discover how her innovative work with harmonic egg therapy and emotional alchemy is revolutionizing healing and self-discovery.

Highlights:

• Alexandra’s transformative journey from the restaurant industry to holistic healing
• The pivotal moment when deeper connection shifted her life perspective
• How NLP and hypnotherapy reveal unseen patterns and open pathways to freedom
• The powerful role of emotions, energy, and metaphors in healing physical and emotional blocks
• Insights into the harmonic egg chamber and its impact on bioelectric harmony
• Practical tips on trusting your intuition and recognizing true alignment
• The importance of play, surrender, and trusting the process in creating a thriving life

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Alexandra Omania’s inspiring work

01:17 - Alexandra’s background and unique blend of science and spirituality

04:20 - The moment she was seen and deeply understood at Soul Rising

07:07 - Navigating confusion and transitioning into authentic purpose

09:47 - The influence of NLP in perceiving the unseen and expanding awareness

14:21 - Using metaphors and energy psychology to clear emotional blocks

17:24 - Trusting your inner guidance and reading the energy field

23:08 - Overcoming limiting beliefs like “I don’t know”

30:36 - Visualization of aligning with truth through frequency and resonance

35:51 - Trusting the process and taking bold steps toward your dreams

46:53 - Recognizing and transforming stuck emotional energy with creativity

58:45 - How light, energy, and vibrational health shift our reality

Connect with Alexandra:

• Alex’s Instagram
• Inquire about Alex’s 3 Month Coaching Container: [email protected]

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website
• Brooke’s Instagram
• Matt Instagram

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃

Subscribe to Matt + Brooke’s “Updates from the Road” Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe

Ash Shields is a community song leader, musician, performance artist, and workshop facilitator with a background in environmental education and cycle health. She is deeply passionate about collective expression, using song, dance, theatrical antics, and creative play to curate spaces that are safe, informative, and joy-filled for all ages. When she's not facilitating, she can be found crafting with fiber arts, practicing puppetry, learning street dance, writing poetry, experimenting with sound, and balancing on slacklines!

In this episode, Ash shares her journey from self-doubt to confident performer, illustrating how community and music foster genuine expression.  Discover her unique approach to blending environmental education with music, creating spaces for adults and children to reconnect with their innate playfulness. Ash offers practical insights on building confidence and using music to cultivate community and healing.

Highlights:

• Ash’s childhood relationship with music and play, inspired by her love of diverse genres
• Her evolution from exploring music independently to facilitating community song circles and workshops
• The role of safety and support in overcoming performance anxiety and embracing vulnerability
• How slacklining and mindfulness techniques helped Ash build confidence in performing
• The transformative power of collective singing, improvisation, and ceremonial sound practices
• The significance of integrating art and environmental education for holistic community engagement
• The impact of grief and healing spaces in deepening her connection to music as medicine
• Practical tips on shifting perspective to find magic in everyday routines
• The importance of honoring childlike expression and supporting human authenticity

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Introduction to Ash Shield, community song leader and performance artist

05:01 – How Ash first connected with music and rhythm through childhood experiences

15:20 – Overcoming stage fright with slacklining and breathwork techniques

25:40 – Building community through song circles and creative improvisation

35:39 – The role of vulnerability and permission in collective expression

44:22 – Exploring sound healing and ceremonial music practices

50:02 – The power of gratitude and mindfulness in everyday life

55:18 – Embracing imperfection and supporting authenticity in performance

60:35 – Thoughts on thriving life as a continuous journey of self-discovery

Connect with Ash:

• Ash’s Website
• Ash’s Instagram

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website
• Brooke’s Instagram
• Matt Instagram

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about

Subscribe to our “Updates from the Road” Newsletter:

• Subscribe Here: https://rise2thrive.kit.com/subscribe

Marissa Hughes is a transformational gut health coach dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their health and vitality. Having personally struggled with chronic gut issues, Marissa understands the frustration of chasing symptoms without finding lasting solutions. Her journey led her to discover the profound connection between gut health and overall well-being.  In her coaching practice, Marissa focuses on addressing the root causes of health challenges rather than just the symptoms. She helps women wake up with energy, eat without fear, and feel like themselves again. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of gut health, exploring her personal journey from struggling with chronic gut issues to becoming a transformational coach. We discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of health problems, the interconnectedness of the body and mind, and practical steps to support gut health. Marissa shares insights on the gut-brain axis, the impact of toxins, and the role of mindset in healing. 

We Talk About:

• Marissa’s personal health journey and how it led to her coaching career
• The importance of treating the whole body and mind in health
• Understanding leaky gut and its impact on food sensitivities
• The gut-brain axis and emotional connections to food
• Practical steps to support gut health: testing, nourishing, and mindful living
• The role of toxins and environmental factors in health
• How mindset influences healing and overcoming fear of food
• The significance of community and self-care in wellness
• Future innovations in personalized health through AI and digital twin technology

Timestamps:

00:33 - Introducing Marissa Hughes and her expertise in women’s gut health

03:23 - Personal journey with chronic gut issues and frustration with traditional medicine

07:09 - The interconnectedness of the body, mind, and emotions in health

09:27 - Testing the gut microbiome for accurate diagnosis

10:54 - The importance of calming the nervous system for healing

13:01 - Empowering yourself beyond diagnoses and taking control of health

15:24 - The significance of mindset, gratitude, and self-care

17:50 - The importance of gut bacteria and balancing microbiome

21:16 - Rise to Thrive community and ongoing support

24:49 - Tiny lifestyle changes for toxin reduction and self-empowerment

29:40 - The science behind leaky gut and food sensitivities

32:25 - The importance of digestion environment and food choices

36:42 - The importance of mindful eating rather than restrictive dieting

41:38 - Stress management techniques, including breath work

49:49 - The concept of being the CEO of your health

Resources & Links:

• Marissa's Website
• How To Eat To Have All Day Energy
• Mini Course - The Gut Clarity Method
• Solution to DETOX GLYPHOSATE
• SAVE 25% on The 90 Day Lifestyle Transformation - Starter Pack

Connect with Marissa:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Connect with Brooke & Matt:

• Brooke & Matt Website
• Brooke’s Instagram
• Matt Instagram

Join Our SKOOL Community:

• ⁠Connect with us on SKOOL HERE😃/ https://www.skool.com/rise-2-thrive-2177/about