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Season 1, Episode 15: Healing Trauma & Relationships with Leslie Brooks

Introduction to Leslie Brooks and Trauma-Informed Healing

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Leslie Brooks, a trauma-informed life coach and the creator of the Peaceful Goddess Project and the Women Who Whine Facebook community (with over 2,100 members). We explore the profound journey from surviving complex trauma to building healing communities for women.

Leslie shares her transformative path from 20+ years as a massage therapist to becoming a somatic experiencing practitioner, and how her personal experience with narcissistic parenting, abusive relationships, and family trauma shaped her understanding of nervous system healing. We dive deep into the science of somatic work, the power of empathetic witness, and why women in their 40s are reclaiming their authentic selves.

This conversation explores the intersection of feminine and masculine energies, the biological roots of women's need for community connection, and how patriarchal structures have pitted women against each other

Key Takeaways:

• The connection between trauma symptoms and muscle tension patterns in the body
• How somatic experiencing uses five channels (sensation, image, behavior, emotion, meaning) to discharge stored trauma
• Why women's biology drives them toward connection and how estrogen influences bonding behaviors
• The difference between masculine (doing) and feminine (being) energies as complementary forces
• How competition among women stems from historical survival patterns and collective trauma
• The healing power of empathetic witness and co-regulation in community settings
• Practical daily techniques for nervous system regulation and grounding

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:00 | Introduction and Travis's thoughts on Asheville's divine feminine energy
03:00 – 06:00 | Leslie's journey from massage therapy to trauma-informed coaching
06:00 – 11:00 | Understanding complex trauma (C-PTSD) and the body's role in healing
11:00 – 16:00 | Somatic experiencing explained: accessing the 80% of experience held in the body
16:00 – 22:00 | Love addiction, attachment patterns, and the stories we tell ourselves
22:00 – 28:00 | Masculine and feminine energies: the river and the riverbank
28:00 – 33:00 | How competition among women stems from biological survival and collective trauma
33:00 – 38:00 | The healing power of community: empathetic witness and co-regulation
38:00 – 43:00 | Daily nervous system regulation practices and finding beauty in simple moments
43:00 – 44:00 | Leslie's favorite Asheville spots and closing thoughts

Episode Links:

Be Well Asheville

Be Well Asheville Podcast Archive

Leslie Brooks CLC

Peaceful Goddess Project

AVL Women Who Whine Facebook Group

Wild Woman Project

Bestie Quest

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Jodie Appel, owner of the Asheville Salt Cave, to explore the transformative power of stillness and ritual in wellness. 

Jodie shares the inspiring story of how her father’s life-changing experience in a salt spa led to the creation of the Asheville Salt Cave, and how her background in massage therapy and veterinary care shaped her holistic approach. We dive into the science and history behind salt therapy (speleotherapy), the rejuvenating experience of the Turkish-Moroccan hamam, and the growing demand for community-driven wellness practices in Asheville.

Jodie discusses how her business fosters human connection, helps people reconnect with their bodies, and supports a range of health benefits—from respiratory relief to creative breakthroughs. We also touch on the evolving concept of wellness, the importance of unplugging from distractions, and the need for accessible self-care rituals in today’s fast-paced world.

Key Takeaways:

• The origins of Asheville Salt Cave, inspired by a 700-year-old Polish salt mine and Jodie’s father’s health journey
• How speleotherapy (salt therapy) supports conditions like asthma, eczema, and stress, with real client stories
• The role of the hamam in cleansing body and spirit, fostering community and ritual
• The shift in wellness culture toward human connection and away from digital distractions
• Practical ways to integrate self-care rituals into daily life for lasting peace and balance

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction and Travis’s personal experience at the Salt Cave
• 02:00 – 07:00 | Jodie’s journey: From massage therapy to opening the Asheville Salt Cave
• 07:00 – 11:00 | The science and history of salt therapy, inspired by the Wieliczka Salt Mine
• 11:00 – 16:00 | Exploring the hamam: A Turkish-Moroccan cleansing ritual
• 16:00 – 21:00 | The evolution of wellness and the rise of social wellness in 2025
• 21:00 – 29:00 | Benefits of speleotherapy: Client stories and real-world impacts
• 29:00 – 34:00 | The power of rest and reclaiming stillness in modern life
• 34:00 – 39:00 | Rapid-fire Q&A, Jodie’s vision for the future, and closing thoughts

Episode Links:

• Asheville Salt Cave
• Be Well Asheville
• Dobra Tea
• Be Well Asheville Podcast Archive

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 13: Unlocking Vibrational Astrology for Real-Life Clarity & Growth with Michael Spremulli

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I sit down with Michael Spremulli—consulting astrologer, educator, and specialist in Vibrational Astrology (VA). Michael breaks down how VA moves beyond horoscope hype with modern, evidence-based analysis to reveal how energy patterns shape your decisions, relationships, and business.

We explore the science behind vibrational astrology, examine how real energetic structures can illuminate your core drives, and discuss why this approach is resonating with entrepreneurs, healers, and wellness professionals looking for tangible growth. 

Michael shares practical, actionable examples from his consulting work—including highlights from my own chart reading experience.

Key Takeaways:

– What makes vibrational astrology evidence-based (not fluffy)
– How energetic patterns reveal strengths, challenges, and growth potential
– Why entrepreneurs and healers use VA for career and life pivots
– Real stories and examples from Asheville’s wellness community
– Ways to align decision-making with authentic energy (and avoid stereotypes)

Timestamps:

00:00 – 04:30 | Michael’s journey into Vibrational Astrology
04:30 – 12:00 | What is vibrational astrology? How does it work?
12:00 – 18:00 | Energetic structures: chart analysis and case studies
18:00 – 24:00 | Practical uses: business, relationships, personal growth
24:00 – 29:15 | My chart reading with Michael—what surprised me
29:15 – 33:45 | Q&A, upcoming learning opportunities, and Michael’s message

Episode Links:

Blue Ridge Astrology (Michael Spremulli)
Vibrational Astrology Institute
Book a Reading with Michael
Be Well Asheville Podcast Archive

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Regenerative Healing & Non-Surgical Orthopedics with Dr. James Pinkston

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. James Pinkston, founder of Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics & Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Pinkston is a board-certified osteopathic physician specializing in neuromusculoskeletal medicine. He’s known for helping patients overcome pain and regain mobility using advanced techniques like PRP, stem cell therapy, hydrodissection, and shockwave therapy—without surgery. We dive into his holistic philosophy on healing, why conservative care matters, and how team-based, hands-on approaches are changing the future of pain relief in Asheville.

Key Takeaways
– Exploring the science and promise of regenerative medicine: how PRP, stem cell therapy, and hydrodissection support the body’s natural repair process.
– Pain isn’t just about damaged tissue—why function, lifestyle, and mindset are crucial to healing.
– Movement as medicine: why strength training and physical therapy are foundational for long-term mobility and resilience.
– The future of non-surgical orthopedics, patient-centered care, and why more people are seeking natural and advanced alternatives.
– Dr. Pinkston’s approach: thorough listening, conservative interventions, personalized plans, and collaboration with physical and functional medicine pros.

Timestamps
00:00 – 03:00 | Dr. Pinkston’s journey: from athletic trainer to regenerative medicine pioneer
03:00 – 10:00 | What is neuromusculoskeletal medicine? Hands-on assessment, manual therapy, and osteopathic perspective
10:00 – 16:00 | Game-changing treatments: hydrodissection, PRP, and stem cell therapy explained
16:00 – 22:00 | Holistic team care: integrating PT, functional medicine, and lifestyle change for better outcomes
22:00 – 26:00 | What patients really need: being heard, taking the time, and conservative care before surgery
26:00 – End | Practical advice on movement, pain, healing, and patient empowerment

Episode Links
Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics & Regenerative Medicine – Dr. James Pinkston
What is PRP? Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Information
More About Regenerative Medicine Approaches
Book your free laser session consultation

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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The Power of Human Design for Life & Business with Rayana Starre

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I’m joined by Rayana Starre, certified Human Design analyst and business consultant. We explore the science-spirituality intersection of Human Design: how it works, what it means to live in alignment with your design, and how it changes everything from relationships to business to career.

We dig into what it means to be a Projector, the magic of waiting to be recognized & invited, how your decision-making authority works, and real-world practices that bring more authenticity, clarity, and less effort into daily life.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the four Human Design Types: Generators, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, Reflectors — what each type needs & how each “machine” operates.
• Projectors are wired to guide. They don’t generate constant energy but have a powerful presence when recognized & invited.
• Decision-making is personal: whether by gut/sacral, emotional clarity, splenic intuition, etc. Honoring that authority matters.
• Practical use: Human Design isn’t just “woo-woo.” It can shape career moves, business team structure, relationships, and personal boundaries.
• Living in alignment leads to more ease: less bitterness, more peace, greater self-trust, and energy conserved.

Timestamps

00:00 – 03:00 | What is Human Design, and its origin story
03:00 – 08:00 | The four energy types explained + what they mean for daily flow
08:00 – 13:00 | Deep dive on Projector life: strategy, recognition, invitations
13:00 – 17:30 | How decision making works in Human Design: authorities & examples
17:30 – 22:00 | Real business applications: teams, roles, and collaboration
22:00 – 26:30 | Rayana’s personal journey: boundaries, rest, and embodiment
26:30 – End | Advice for listeners: how to experiment with your design

Episode Links

• Rayana Starre – Human Design Analyst & Business Consultant
• Asheville Human Design Meetup
• Human Design Coaching with Rayana
• Discovering Your Unique Traits & Strengths with Gates & Channels
• Hatch Co-Working

The Wellness in Asheville Podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local source for health, wellness, and intentionally aligned living in the mountains. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I'm joined by Cathy Cleary, a longtime Asheville changemaker in the food justice world. Through her work with Bountiful Cities, she's helped build community gardens, educational kitchens, and networks that nourish people and restore land.

We explore how food access, equity, and healing all intersect, and how growing your own food can be one of the most revolutionary things you do. Cathy shares insights from 15 years with Bountiful Cities, including their comprehensive FEAST program that teaches children cooking and gardening skills from seed to harvest.

Key Takeaways

• Food Sovereignty – Why choice and access to fresh produce is foundational to health
• FEAST Program Impact – 100% of parents report increased school enjoyment; children with food sensitivities expand their diets
• Community Gardens – Supporting neighborhood food access while empowering local management
• Generational Knowledge Gap – Only 10% of farmers are under 35; programs bridge this critical gap
• Local vs. Organic – Why supporting local farmers often trumps expensive certifications
• Mental Health Benefits – Garden-based education improves self-regulation and emotional wellness

Timestamps

00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction & Cathy's Journey to Food Justice
02:00 – 05:00 | Bountiful Cities Overview: FEAST, Community Gardens & Food Hub
05:00 – 09:00 | Food Sovereignty & Community Garden Network
09:00 – 13:00 | FEAST Program: Transforming Children's Relationship with Food
13:00 – 16:00 | Cooking Education & Creative Recipe Development
16:00 – 18:00 | Family Impact & Student Entrepreneurship Stories
18:00 – 22:00 | Societal Solutions: Aging Farmer Crisis & Knowledge Transfer
22:00 – 27:00 | Food Policy, Sustainable Agriculture & Consumer Choices
27:00 – 32:00 | Program Expansion: Middle & High School Vision
32:00 – 34:00 | Community Support Needs & Ways to Get Involved
34:00 – End | Rapid Fire: Favorite Foods, Spaces & Food Memories

Episode Links

• Bountiful Cities
• Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council
• Pearson Food Hub
• Asheville City Schools Foundation
• FEAST Program Volunteer Opportunities
• Community Garden Network Resources

Additional Resources:

• Pearson Food Hub Volunteer Sign-up (Liability waiver required)
• City of Asheville Food Policy Action Plan
• Asheville Edibles Map - Interactive map of public edible plants

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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Season 1, Episode 9: Storytelling as Wellness with Matt Peiken of The Overlook

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, I’m joined by Matt Peiken, award-winning journalist and host of The Overlook, Asheville’s premier podcast on arts, culture, and community.

Matt shares his journey from public radio at Blue Ridge Public Radio to launching The Overlook, and how storytelling itself can be a wellness practice. We explore why being seen, heard, and understood is healing—individually and collectively.

The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, trusting your gut, leaving toxic jobs, and recognizing when it’s time to “drop the rock” of burdens that no longer serve you.

Key Takeaways

• Storytelling as Healing – Why voice and narrative help individuals and communities thrive.
• Trusting Your Gut – How intuition, not fear, can guide life and career choices.
• Drop the Rock – A metaphor for letting go of toxic jobs, relationships, or burdens.
• Wellness Beyond the Body – Journalism as connection, meaning-making, and social healing.
• Asheville’s Cultural Fabric – How local media highlights hidden stories and creative change-makers.

Timestamps

00:00 – 04:00 | Matt’s Journey to Asheville & Blue Ridge Public Radio
04:00 – 10:00 | Leaving BPR & Creating The Overlook
10:00 – 15:00 | Storytelling as Wellness: Being Seen & Understood
15:00 – 20:00 | Dropping the Rock: Letting Go of Toxic Work & Relationships
20:00 – 27:00 | Hidden Stories: Local Journalism as Community Healing
27:00 – 33:00 | Entrepreneurship, Grants & Building Independent Media
33:00 – End | Reflections, Courage, and the Next Chapter for The Overlook

Episode Links

• Matt Peiken's Website
• The Overlook Podcast
• Blue Ridge Public Radio
• Fresh Air – NPR (inspiration)
• Drop the Rock – 12-Step Spirituality Book (metaphor reference)

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, we explore the world of neurofeedback and brain training with Megan Hearne, a Neurofeedback Provider and Health Coach with over six years of experience helping people regulate stress, improve focus, and restore balance. Megan holds a Master’s degree and advanced training from the Institute for Applied Neuroscience, NewMind Academy, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She bridges brainwave training and lifestyle coaching into an empowering healing experience, now offered at her new space inside the Heartwood Collective in downtown Asheville.

We also dive into my own journey with biofeedback—from Deepak Chopra’s early biofeedback games, to exploring HeartMath HRV training, and now experimenting with the MUSE headband for real-time meditation feedback. Megan and I discuss how these tools fit into the larger landscape of nervous system regulation and self-healing.

The conversation highlights how neurofeedback can address sleep struggles, anxiety, focus challenges, and even support digestion and mood regulation. We also explore how brain training amplifies the benefits of other wellness practices—from float therapy and yoga to meditation and stress reduction—making it a powerful complement to Asheville’s thriving healing community.

Key Takeaways

• What Neurofeedback Is – How brainwave training works and what to expect in a session.
• From Stress to Clarity – Neurofeedback helps regulate the nervous system, reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
• Biofeedback vs. Neurofeedback – Understanding the difference and why both are valuable.
• Amplifier Effect – How brain training enhances other wellness practices like meditation, float therapy, and yoga.
• Self-Regulation = Better Relationships – Calming your own nervous system influences family, work, and community dynamics.
• Plasticity & Possibility – The brain is adaptable and capable of lasting change throughout life.

Timestamps

00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction: Megan Hearne’s path from environmental science to neurofeedback
 02:00 – 06:00 | Why brain training matters: better decisions through nervous system regulation
 06:00 – 11:00 | What actually happens in a neurofeedback session
 11:00 – 15:00 | Biofeedback vs. neurofeedback: HeartMath, MUSE, and Chopra’s early biofeedback games
 15:00 – 20:00 | Regulating stress, healing injuries, and improving sleep
 20:00 – 26:00 | Co-regulation: how calming yourself benefits those around you
 26:00 – 30:00 | Sleep, digestion, and mood as downstream benefits of brain training
 30:00 – 34:00 | Asheville’s wellness landscape and Megan’s new space at the Heartwood Collective
 34:00 – End | Special Offer: $100 off first session at Vitality Neuro when mentioning this podcast

Episode Links

• Vitality Neuro – Megan Hearne’s Practice
• Heartwood Collective, Downtown Asheville
• HeartMath Institute
• MUSE Brain-Sensing Headband
• The Journey to Wild Divine – Chopra’s biofeedback game

The Wellness in Asheville Podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local source for health + wellness news and events. Get the latest at bewellavl.com
or follow @bewellasheville.

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, we dive into the world of scent-based healing, chakra alignment, and aura cleansing with visionary entrepreneur Laura McCann, founder and CEO of Auratherapy
.

After a high-powered career in fashion, retail, and tech in NYC, Laura turned to aromatherapy to heal her own chronic health challenges—sparking a transformation that led her to create Auratherapy, a brand blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Today, she helps thousands reconnect with their inner energy through custom aura readings, essential oils, and immersive experiences.

Listeners also get an exclusive offer: 15% off at auratherapylife.com with code AVLwellness15.

🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How scent and essential oils can balance chakras and support energy healing
• The science and experience behind aura readings and real-time chakra feedback
• Laura’s entrepreneurial journey from fashion to wellness in Asheville and Miami
• The creation of the Aura Sanctuary, a new community wellness hub in Woodfin
• Why Gen Z and Millennials are leading a shift toward self-discovery and conscious living

🕒 Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + introduction
 01:00 – Laura’s journey from NYC fashion to Asheville wellness
 06:00 – The power of essential oils and aura readings
 13:00 – Building a wellness brand with a partner
 22:00 – Clean beauty, chemicals, and conscious consumerism
 34:00 – Experiential retail and Auratherapy’s Sanctuary project
 47:00 – What’s next for Auratherapy: book launch + community growth
 50:00 – Special listener discount and closing thoughts

🔗 Resources & Links

• Auratherapy Website: AuratherapyLife.com
  (use code AVLwellness15 for 15% off)
• Auratherapy Instagram: @auratherapylife
  
  
• Be Well Asheville: bewellavl.com
  
  
• Rate & Review: Apple Podcasts + Spotify

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, we dive deep into nervous system healing with Robin and Corey Costanzo, the visionary founders of Stillpoint Wellness. Known for Esalen® massage, saltwater floatation therapy, and integrative healing experiences, Stillpoint has become one of Asheville’s most respected centers for transformation.

Robin and Corey share their personal journeys—from the Esalen Institute in Big Sur to building a sanctuary for healing in Asheville. We explore how massage, float therapy, and somatic awareness support nervous system regulation, helping people move from chronic stress into deep rest.

The conversation also touches on the power of grief work, the role of integration in sustaining wellness, and the importance of presence, gratitude, and daily practices that bring us back into balance.

Key Takeaways

• Floatation & Esalen Massage – Both modalities foster self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and emotional release.
• The Only Way Through Grief is Through – Float therapy offers a safe environment to process grief and trauma.
• Integration is the Key – Healing isn’t a one-off; it becomes sustainable when woven into daily habits and practices.
• Presence = Love – Being fully present with ourselves or others is itself a profound act of love and regulation.
• Gratitude & Affirmation – Simple practices shift brain chemistry, reduce stress hormones, and elevate well-being.
• Asheville as a Healing Hub – With saunas, yoga centers, float tanks, and holistic practitioners, Asheville is uniquely positioned as a wellness destination.

Timestamps

00:00 – 04:00 | Robin & Corey’s Journeys: From NYC and Omaha to the Esalen Institute
04:00 – 08:00 | Esalen’s Legacy in Human Potential & Somatic Psychology
08:00 – 11:00 | Travis’s First Float Experience & Learning to Truly Relax
11:00 – 15:00 | Grief, Trauma & the Nervous System: Why “The Way Out is Through”
15:00 – 20:00 | Integration: Turning One-Off Experiences into Lasting Habits
20:00 – 24:00 | Daily Practices: Meditation, Headspace, and Nervous System Regulation
24:00 – 28:00 | Presence, Gratitude & Affirmations as Healing Tools
28:00 – 32:00 | Asheville’s Wellness Community & the Rise of Social Wellness
32:00 – 37:00 | Addiction Recovery, Wellness Travel & Asheville as a DIY Retreat Destination
37:00 – 40:00 | Rapid Fire: Favorite Rituals, Books, Teachers, & Hidden Asheville Spots
40:00 – End | Closing Thoughts & Invitation to Experience Stillpoint

Episode Links

• Stillpoint Wellness Website
• Book a Floatation or Massage Session
• Learn More About Esalen Institute
• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
• The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer
• Alan Watts
• Somatic Experiencing – Peter Levine
• Headspace Meditation App

Special thanks to Jill Terrill for her support in post-production of this podcast. 
Couldn't have done it without you. ❤️

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.