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Season 1, Episode 5: Restoring Balance & Vitality with Marissa, Director of the Center for Massage & Natural Health

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville podcast, host Travis Richardson welcomes Marissa, Director of the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Asheville, NC—a leading school and spa that has been cultivating skilled massage therapists and promoting holistic wellness for over two decades.

We explore how massage therapy goes far beyond relaxation—supporting nervous system regulation, pain relief, emotional well-being, and injury recovery. Marissa shares the Center’s unique approach to bodywork education, community wellness services, and its role in Asheville’s thriving holistic health scene.

This conversation also dives into self-care as a lifelong practice, the science behind touch and healing, and how professional massage training can transform both the practitioner and the recipient. Whether you’re considering massage as a career, looking for ways to manage stress naturally, or seeking the best massage experiences in Asheville, this episode offers expert insights you can apply right away.

Key Takeaways

• Massage as Medicine – How skilled touch supports the body’s innate healing mechanisms.
• Career Path in Bodywork – Why massage therapy is both a healing art and a sustainable profession.
• Mind-Body Connection – How releasing muscle tension can help release stored emotional stress.
• Asheville’s Wellness Landscape – The Center’s role in shaping a community of mindful healers.

Timestamps
00:00 – 03:15 | Introduction & Marissa’s Journey
03:15 – 15:30 | The Healing Power of Massage
15:30 – 27:00 | Education & Professional Training
27:00 – 39:15 | Self-Care for Practitioners & Clients
39:15 – End | Closing Thoughts & Wellness Tips

Episode Links

• Center for Massage & Natural Health
• Center for Massage & Natural Health Student Clinic

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 4: Daoist Traditions – Bridging Ancient Chinese Medicine & Modern Wellness

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, host Travis Richardson sits down with Dr. Mary Cissy Majebe, founder and president, and Rachel Nowakowski, vice president, of the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts — one of the Southeast’s most respected institutions for classical Chinese medicine education and holistic clinical care.

Dr. Majebe and Rachel share the inspiring origin story of the college, from its early days as a small, women-led initiative to becoming a nationally recognized hub for acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Daoist philosophy. They discuss the difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Classical Chinese Medicine, the deep mind-body-spirit approach that guides their training, and how Daoist principles shape both patient care and practitioner development.

We explore the college’s commitment to root-cause healing, its integration of emotional and spiritual components into treatment, and its role in Asheville’s rich wellness legacy. You’ll also hear about their student clinic — an affordable, supervised setting open to the public — and the school’s ongoing community outreach with organizations like Haywood Street Congregation, Veterans Healing Farm, and 12 Baskets Café.

Whether you’re curious about acupuncture, considering a career in Chinese medicine, or seeking new ways to approach your own wellness journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• Classical vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine – How classical practice preserves spiritual depth alongside physical treatment.
• The Daoist Approach to Healing – Treating the person, not just the symptom, and embracing harmony with nature.
• Holistic Education – Why immersive, heart-centered training transforms both practitioners and patients.
• Community Connection – How students serve Asheville through outreach clinics and integrative care.

Timestamps:
00:00 – 02:30 | Introduction & Personal Connection to Daoist Traditions
02:30 – 15:00 | Founding Story & Early Challenges
15:00 – 28:00 | Classical vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine Explained
28:00 – 40:00 | Daoist Philosophy in Practice & Curriculum
40:00 – 54:00 | Student Experience & Transformation
54:00 – 1:05:00 | Community Outreach & Partnerships
1:05:00 – End | Enrollment Opportunities & Closing Reflections

Episode Links:

• Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts – Website | Instagram
• Student Clinic – Affordable Acupuncture Care
• Haywood Street Congregation
• Veterans Healing Farm
• 12 Baskets Café – Asheville Poverty Initiative

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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Sanctuaries of Consciousness: with Dr. Haydn & Terry Hasty, Founders of Wellspring Wellness Center

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville podcast, we delve into the essence of the consciousness movement with Hayden and Terry Hasty, founders of Wellspring Wellness Center. Established in 2016, Wellspring fosters an environment of holistic healing with services like acupuncture, massage, yoga, and reiki. 

Hayden and Terry share their spiritual journey and discuss their latest initiative, Truth Springing, which aims to nurture inner truth and creative transformative gatherings. 

They discuss the upcoming Truth Spring Conference scheduled for September, which focuses on deep spiritual exploration. The conversation covers their personal experiences, the philosophical underpinnings of consciousness, and how personal transformation can influence global change.

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Key Takeaway:

Consciousness as Core to Wellness – Hayden and Terry Hasty emphasize that true wellness is not merely physical but emerges from the mind and level of consciousness, with the outer world being a manifestation of the inner state.

Existence vs. Experience – They distinguish between existence (the truth of who you are) and experience (external events), stating that experiences can only be fully understood when grounded in the awareness of existence.

The Role of Relationships in Growth – In both personal and professional partnerships, they highlight the importance of mutual respect, freedom from expectations, and seeing one’s partner “new each day” to maintain deep connection over decades.

Truth Springing and Soul Evolution – Their initiative, Truth Springing, focuses on spiritual realization as a means to accelerate personal and collective growth, with the belief that the soul evolves only through physical life experiences.

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TimeStamps:
00:00 – 02:15 | Introduction & Background

02:15 – 08:30 | Consciousness & Wellness

08:30 – 20:00 | Inner vs. Outer Worlds & Facing Hardship

20:00 – 38:00 | Relationships & Conscious Partnership

38:00 – 59:00 | Truth Springing & The Soul’s Evolution

59:00 – 1:08:00 | The Truth Spring Conference

1:08:00 – End | Closing Reflections

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Episode Links:

• Wellspring Wellness Center: Website | Instagram
• The Becoming You Conference Sep 11-14 Website
• A Course in Miracles – mentioned as an influence or source within the content. Website
• David Hawkins – likely referring to Dr. David R. Hawkins, author of works such as Power vs. Force. Website
• Michael Singer – known for The Untethered Soul and The Surrender Experiment. Website
• Wellness Networking Meetup Group (for health+wellness experts)
• Join Our Newsletter

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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Exploring Wellness with Asheville Wellness Tours Founder, Nicole Will

In this episode of the Wellness Nashville Podcast, Travis Richardson talks with Nicole Will, the founder of Asheville Wellness Tours. Nicole shares her journey in the wellness industry, blending adventure with mindfulness and nature. They discuss her business's community-driven approach, the importance of listening to customer needs, and her insight into maintaining personal wellness while managing entrepreneurial pressures. Travis and Nicole emphasize the importance of exploring various wellness practices and the impact of supportive relationships. From goat yoga to forest bathing, Nicole's innovative offerings aim to help guests reconnect with themselves and nature.

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Episode One

00:46 Meet Nicole Will: Founder of Asheville Wellness Tours

01:40 Nicole's Journey and Vision for Wellness

03:41 The Birth of Asheville Wellness Tours

04:59 Community-Driven Wellness Initiatives

06:58 The Importance of Nature and Listening

08:52 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Self-Care

11:46 Defining Wellness and the Role of Play

18:01 Local vs. Tourist Participation in Wellness

19:31 Building a Supportive Team and Community

28:45 Future Projects and Collaborations

31:57 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved

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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Join me for the very first episode of the Wellness in Asheville podcast, where I share the vision behind this new platform for our city’s vibrant wellness community. Discover why Asheville is unlike anywhere else when it comes to healing, connection, and collaboration—and what you can expect this season.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Asheville’s wellness scene is unique: From collaboration over competition to a shared pride in serving both locals and visitors.
• Season 1 sneak peek: Meet the 25+ experts we’ll be featuring across all areas of health and wellness.
• Three big themes we’ll dive into: Medicine 3.0, The Many Faces of Wellness, and Trusting Yourself.
• My personal wellness journey: How a lifetime of health, fitness, and self-discovery led me to launch Wellness in Asheville.

Episode links:

The following Asheville Wellness Experts were mentioned on the above podcast. Check them out below:

Marissa Gross (The Center for Massage & Natural Health): Website

Dr. Mary Cissy Majebe (Daoist Traditions Medical College): Website

Dr. James Pinkston (Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics): Website

Megan Hearne (Vitality Neuro Coaching): Website

Nicole Will (Asheville Wellness Tours): Website

Dr. Hadyn Hasty (Wellspring Wellness Center): Website

Corey Costanzo (Stillpoint Wellness): Website

Natty Trebotich (Food for Adventures): Website

Jodie Appel (Asheville Salt Cave): Website

Rayanna Starre (Catalyst Coaching Solutions, Human Design): Website

Matt Peiken: Website

Michael Spremuli (Blue Ridge Astrology): Website

Get Involved:

Wellness Networking Meetup Group (for health+wellness experts)

Join Our Newsletter

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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🎙️ Trailer – Welcome to Wellness in Asheville

Welcome to Wellness in Asheville — a podcast celebrating the healers, guides, and holistic spaces shaping our vibrant mountain town.

Hosted by health coach and community connector Travis Richardson, this show features in-depth conversations with Asheville’s most inspiring wellness professionals — from acupuncturists and bodyworkers to herbalists, fitness experts, energy workers, and regenerative doctors.

🎧 In this trailer, Travis shares:

• What the podcast is all about
• How it ties into a bigger wellness ecosystem
• Ways for listeners and practitioners to get involved
• What to expect when the show launches August 4th

Whether you're a seeker, a practitioner, or just love Asheville's healing scene — this is your space.

Subscribe now, and join the movement at bewellasheville.com or on IG @bewellasheville.

 Practitioners: Join our Meetup and come to the first networking event on July 24th at 10AM at Wellspring Wellness Center!  Event link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asheville-health-wellness-networking-tickets-1413044497129?aff=oddtdtcreator

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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