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Swimming is one of our most popular recreational activities. It is a healthy, low-impact movement that we can continue throughout life.

Aside from being a lot of fun, swimming is a great way to enhance health and wellness holistically.

The mental health benefits of swimming include a release of endorphins and serotonin, an active form of mindfulness, lower stress and anxiety, and an overall sense of increased happiness. Simply hearing flowing water can induce a flood of neurochemicals, making us happier and healthier and lowering stress levels.

While aquatic therapies are standard for physical rehabilitation, more evidence shows successful management of mental and emotional challenges such as PTSD, addiction, and various anxiety disorders.

Welcome to Episode Forty-One of The Nature of Wellness Podcast.

In this episode, we sat down with Soldier, Medic, and Paralympic swimmer Elizabeth Marks. Injured in Iraq, Ellie discovered her love for swimming as part of her rehabilitation. After a few years, she was named to the Army's World Class Athlete Program and began competing at the International level as part of Team USA.

Ellie received the 2016 ESPY Pat Tillman Award, a 2017 induction into the Army Woman's Hall of Fame, the 2023 Soldier for Life award, and the 2024 Military Times Soldier of the Year award. She is a 12x World Record Holder, 16x American Record Holder, 2x Paralympic Games Record Holder, and 1x World Championships Record Holder.

We talk to Ellie about her journey through adversity, how "doing hard things" helped her effectively manage the multiple adversities associated with traumatic injury, how sport has allowed her to thrive in all areas of her life, and how "success is a team sport."

She shares the importance of "choosing your family" as a support system, how challenges can help us determine who we can and should be, and how our values factor impact our trajectory.

We couldn't wait to "dive right in" with this unbelievable human.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Ellie's Team USA Profile: https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=93c33c50d09bd4562&q=https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/elizabeth-marks-858203&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiw2NfpoqWGAxXQF1kFHfoFDdYQFnoECAAQAg&usg=AOvVaw0Q0Afaq0G9La_KXXMbKZ6B&fexp=72519171,72519168

Fisher House Foundation Website: https://fisherhouse.org/

US Olympic and Paralympic Committee: https://www.usopc.org/

DoD Warrior Games: https://dodwarriorgames.com/

Invictus Games Foundation: https://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness

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The written word has always been a distinct part of the human experience, capturing our history and creating beautiful stories to escape into. Some of the earliest discovered writings were poetry, with many celebrating the natural world as its muse.

Humans have a complex and symbiotic relationship with nature, although the modern understanding of nature can often oversimplify our relationship with our environment.

Poetry is a beautiful way to bolster mental and emotional wellness by providing comfort and boosting mood during periods of stress and trauma. The powerful combination of meter, metaphor, and imagery helps us make sense of the world around us and how we fit into it.

Different studies have found that poetry can be therapeutic for patients dealing with various types of adversity.

Welcome to Episode Forty of The Nature of Wellness Podcast.

On this episode, we sat down with nature poet and wellness advocate Jennifer Gordon. Jennifer is a yoga instructor, meditation guide, fitness instructor, avid hiker, and runner.

Born out of "writing to process personal trauma," Jennifer has published three poetry collections since 2021, mainly covering themes of love, loss, and the natural world. Her third project, "Blue-Colored Muse," collaborates with different Michigan visual artists to celebrate the natural world.

Join us as we talk to Jennifer about her connections to nature and wellness, how advice from a mental health provider prompted multiple published works, and how nature inspires her to quiet her mind and "just keep going."

She shares the importance of finding joy in self-care, how learning to process emotions can lead to a beautiful life trajectory, the power of communities, and her advice for anyone who wants to begin writing…she even reads a couple of her nature poems.

This conversation was a beautiful start for soothing our souls and filling our hearts.

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Be Well

-NOW

Website: www.jennifergordonpoetry.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifergordonpoetry?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Instagram: @jennifergordonpoetry

Jennifer’s List of “Favorite Poets to Follow on Instagram”:

Lauren Bowman (@l.e.bowman.poetry)

Blake Auden (@blakeaudenpoetry)

Steph Klees (@s.m.klees_poetry)

Alix Klingenberg (@alixklingenberg)

Joy Sullivan (@joysullivanpoet)

Alexa Hoggatt (@alexa.hoggatt)


* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast and makes us all sound so good.

** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.

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Cycling is a healthy, low-impact activity that people of all ages can enjoy.

Cycling has been proven to improve strength and flexibility, build coordination and balance, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, foster social connection, strengthen the immune system, and enhance cardiovascular health.

Human-powered transportation is also fun, cheap, and good for the environment.

For many of us, a bicycle was the first step to freedom. Do you remember the feeling of getting on a bike as a kid, riding into a day filled with unknown adventures?

What if I told you that you could still have those adventures on two wheels, exploring new places and discovering the incredible history of those who came before us?

Welcome to Episode Thirty-Nine of The Nature of Wellness Podcast.

On this episode, we sat down with “The Bicycle Nomad” Erick Cedeño, an accomplished explorer, historian, and storyteller. Born in Panama, Erick has become known for blending long-distance cycling, history, and cultural immersion. He has made life-altering trips from Vancouver, BC, to Tijuana, Mexico, and a 2,220-mile journey from New Orleans to Niagara Falls, retracing a route of The Underground Railroad. His lifelong love for history led him to research those who have traveled long distances on bicycles before him.

In 2022, he honored the 125th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldier Bicycle Corps–the all-Black regiment of U.S. soldiers–who rode 1,900 miles from Montana to Missouri in 1897. Using a journal he discovered, which chronicled details of the trip, Erick retraced the route exactly. He did not stop there, continuing to research these fantastic figures to pay them (and their descendants) the tribute they deserve.

Join us as we talk to Erick about his meaningful mission of “peddling through history,” how “bike-packing” across the country has helped him connect with people and places in surprising ways, and how long-distance trips in nature have helped him “discover himself.”

He shares emotional discoveries he has made in archives and on roads, the humbling experience of joining the Explorer’s Club, and his future trips based on those who came before him.

This conversation with The Bicycle Nomad left us wondering about wandering.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Truth and Dignity-Bicycle Nomad Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cla9yDVrW2U

NY Times Article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/03/travel/25th-infantry-bicycle-corps.html

Men's Journa

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What if we told you that there was a healthcare system of over 400 locations that manages more than 325 million people each year and offers resources that are proven to positively impact every dimension of your health and well-being, with an annual cost (for unlimited visits) of less than $100...if not completely free?

Sound too good to be true?

The National Park Service, responsible for maintaining national parks and monuments, was established in 1916. In just over one hundred years, it has expanded to manage 429 individual units (often called parks), covering more than 85 million acres across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all US territories.

While these parks are primarily known for recreation and beautiful scenery, an underlying message of health and well-being has historically been part of the NPS mission. A formal agreement between NPS and the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps was signed in 1921 and is considered one of the oldest agreements in the federal government. For more than a century, this partnership has protected, promoted, and advanced the health of NPS employees and the visiting public.

Welcome to Episode Thirty-Eight of The Nature of Wellness Podcast.

On this episode, we sat down with Dr. Sara Newman, an active duty Commissioned Corps Captain in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) who has served for more than 30 years in public health positions with the private and public sectors. Captain Newman is the Director of the Office of Public Health at the National Park Service, leading public health protection, disease prevention, emergency response, and health promotion policy and programming for thousands of NPS employees and millions of annual visitors.

Join us as we talk to Captain Newman about her personal and professional journey, the unique and critical missions of the "Invisible Corps" (USPHS), how our national parks are vital for continued health and well-being, and how time in the natural world benefits patients and caregivers alike.

Captain Newman discusses the National Parks Service's many offerings, including the upcoming National Parks Week events happening April 20-28 across the country and some of her incredible memories of practicing public health in some of our country's most beautiful "offices."

We could not get outside fast enough after hearing this fantastic conversation (for the best possible reasons).

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

National Park Week: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm

National Park Week Calendar of Events:

A podcast all about birds. Two bird experts, John Bates and Shannon Hackett, educate...

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Addiction is a chronic condition that can affect many dimensions of our lives, including our physical and mental health, relationships, and overall wellness.

The two primary forms of addiction are substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.

While addiction is most notably associated with substance abuse, humans can also form addictive behaviors to a variety of things in our everyday lives. Some of the most common non-substance addictions include things such as gambling, sex, pornography, food, technology, and shopping.

Addiction is treatable, but it is critical to seek help as soon as possible. For those struggling with the effects of substance abuse, nature therapy is an excellent supplement to other treatment options. Time in the natural world can reduce stress, create mindful awareness, improve physical fitness, and assist in alleviating withdrawal symptoms.

Welcome to Episode Thirty-Seven of The Nature of Wellness Podcast.

On this episode, we sat down with writer, speaker, ultra-endurance athlete, and recovering addict Charlie Engle. Charlie has a story worthy of a Hollywood biopic, from his issues with substance abuse, a stint in prison, being a producer on a top-rated TV show, and running 4500 miles across the Sahara Desert. He was documented in the film RUNNING THE SAHARA, which led to the creation of H2O Africa, now known as Water.org, co-founded by Matt Damon.

Join us as we talk to Charlie about his personal and professional journey, how he credits time in the natural world with helping him stay sober for more than 30 years, and how we can adjust our treatment of addiction to incorporate more nature-based therapies.

Charlie discusses his relationship with distance running, common misconceptions about addiction, and how harnessing an unwavering passion can lead to incredible results.

This conversation reminded us that life is an ever-changing marathon, not a sprint (pun fully intended).

https://natureofwellness.buzzsprout.com

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

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Be Well

-NOW

Charlie's Website: www.charlieengle.com

Charlie's Book Running Man: https://www.charlieengle.com/runningman

Charlie's Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/B01KBD4J4I?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=pdp

* The Nature of Wellness Podcast is produced by the remarkable Shawn Bell.

** The NOW theme song was written, performed, produced, and graciously provided by the incredibly

A podcast all about birds. Two bird experts, John Bates and Shannon Hackett, educate...

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Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Nature was the first physician, the first hospital, the first pharmacy, and the first healthcare plan.

The scientific community is finally (and formally) proving what we have always known... time in nature makes us healthier.

Healthcare systems have been utilizing nature as a form of treatment for decades. One of the gold-standard examples of this progress is the Canada PaRx program.

PaRx is an initiative of the British Columbia Parks Foundation driven by healthcare professionals. It is Canada's first national nature prescription program, focused on "prescribing time in nature for lifelong health benefits."

Imagine seeing your provider and being told you would receive a prescription to go outside.

That is a world we want to live in.

We all know that increased physical activity is associated with significant health benefits. These include a reduction in obesity and blood pressure and improvements in child development and mental health.

Welcome to Episode Thirty-Six of The Nature of Wellness Podcast.

On this episode, we sat down with Dr. Melissa Lem, a Vancouver family physician who works in rural and northern communities. She also serves as the Director of Canada PaRx and President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.

Dr. Lem is an internationally recognized leader in nature and health, a widely published writer, climate change panelist, medical columnist, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia.

Join us as we talk to Melissa about her personal and professional journey with the natural world, the incredible benefits nature can provide to our physical and mental health, the need for nature as part of mainstream medical programming, and her motivations behind founding Canada PaRX.

Dr. Lem discusses the fantastic work the program is currently involved in, the need for prescribing nature in our current world, and practical tips for both providers and patients to begin utilizing nature for health.

We certainly felt healed after this physician visit.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well
-NOW

Dr. Lem Instagram: @drmelissalem
Dr. Lem Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-lem-02815b25b/
PaRx Program Website: https://www.parkprescriptions.ca/
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment: https://cape.ca/
Canadian Geographic Interview with Dr. Lem:

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Getting our hands dirty is not a new idea. A strong connection to soil has always been critical for human thriving.

Around 12,000 years ago, our hunter-gatherer ancestors started transitioning into a farming culture. Growing crops became a reliable and sustainable way to access high-quality food.

Besides the nutritional benefits, gardening has been shown to improve our well-being in many ways. Studies have shown that time spent gardening can increase physical activity, offer a tangible sense of purpose, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Some research has shown that regular gardening may assist in reducing the risk of dementia by up to 50%.

Therapeutic horticulture programs have been used in hospitals for many years, increasing satisfaction and reducing stress, which can reduce healing times. Contact with specific bacteria in the soil, called Mycobacterium vaccae, releases serotonin in the brain, which serves as a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system.

According to a 2021 National Gardening Association study, over 18 million people became new gardeners, and existing gardeners spent 47% more time with their hands in the dirt.

Welcome to Episode Thirty-Five of The Nature of Wellness Podcast.

On this episode, we sat down with a couple of amazing representatives of the horticulture world. Alexis Ashworth is the Founder and CEO of Root in Nature, a Canada-based company with the vision of “A world where people live their healthiest lives through connection with plants and nature. Katie McGillivray, a Registered Horticultural Therapist, is the company’s Lead for Courses and Community.

Join us as we talk to Alexis and Katie about their personal and professional relationships with the natural world, the many benefits of horticultural therapy, and the community-serving mission of Root in Nature.

These two “Green Thumbs” discuss how a garden is a perfect backdrop for social connection, which plants best serve us based on our needs, and the best ways to start gardening as a beginner.

This was a conversation we could certainly “dig” (pun intended).

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Root in Nature Website: https://rootinnature.ca/

Root in Nature Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/root.in.nature

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/root-in-nature/

Alexis’ contact: alexis@rootinnature.ca

* The Nature of Wellness Podcast is produced by the remarkable Shawn Bell.

** The NOW theme song was written, performed, produced, and graciously provided by the incredibly talented Phil and Niall Monahan.

A podcast all about birds. Two bird experts, John Bates and Shannon Hackett, educate...

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Just in case it wasn’t clear, humans are complex. How our minds and bodies function together is nothing short of fascinating.

One of our favorite aspects of human performance and well-being is the neuroscience behind how we live.


Neuroscience is understood to be a multidisciplinary science, one that is focused on the unique structure and function of the human nervous system.

Research continues to show that how we interact with the natural world impacts our neurology in many ways. Studies have found that time in nature can lead to better attention and focus, increased sensory processing, enhanced cognitive flexibility and function, and more creativity.

As we have mentioned on multiple occasions, natural time leads to positive effects on our mental and emotional health as well, including the management of symptoms of anxiety and depression.

We do not doubt that most (if not all) of us have experienced these effects after spending time outside, but maybe we didn’t fully understand why.

Welcome to Episode Thirty-Four of The Nature of Wellness Podcast.

On this episode, we sat down with author, researcher, and nature-focused neuroscientist Dr. Susan A. Masino. Dr. Masino is a Professor of Applied Science at Trinity College, with a joint appointment in Neuroscience and Psychology. She is a former Fellow in Forest Research at Harvard and has published papers and policies on the natural stewardship of forest ecosystems, the promotion and restoration of brain health, and the relationship among metabolism, brain activity, and behavior.

Join us as we talk to Susan about her personal and professional journey with the natural world, the multiple benefits of how time in nature profoundly impacts our neurology, and the need to protect natural spaces for our continued existence as a species.

Dr. Masino also shares her personal experiences for creating and protecting what she calls “community wilds,” which is a critical need in our current social landscape of division and isolation.

We left this amazing conversation with nature on our brains (pun intended).

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW

Dr. Masino Faculty Profile at Trinity College:

https://internet3.trincoll.edu/facprofiles/default.aspx?fid=1117011

Trinity College Frederick Olmsted Brain Series on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaFy3DAjq6qd5t0GBwe8cq5YVI-n7Ku4I

Article Showcasing Dr. Masino:

https://www.thetransmitter.org/craft-and-careers/into-the-woods-with-susan-masino/

Nature and Our Best Future by Dr. Masino:

https://www.thethinkingrepublic.com/3-seconds/nature-and-our-best-future-a-neuroscientists-perspective

RESTORE- the North Wo

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