Jessica shares her personal journey into the mental health field and how identifying with the “caretaker archetype” shaped her life, work, and eventual reckoning with burnout. Together, we explore what burnout really looks like beneath the surface, why helpers and healthcare professionals are especially vulnerable, and how trauma, people-pleasing, and self-sacrifice often intertwine.

This conversation gently guides listeners toward reconnection; through self-awareness, self-compassion, grounding practices, and small but meaningful shifts that help us move from chronic over-giving to self-alignment. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself while caring deeply for others, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope.

This episode is brought to you by the Wellness Roots Foundation.

wellnessrootsfoundation.org

Gary shares his journey into dietetics, from his early days in food service to his current role focusing on the assessment and treatment of malnutrition in acute care. He explains why early identification of nutrition risk is critical, how interdisciplinary healthcare teams collaborate to support recovery, and what common patterns he sees among hospitalized patients.

We dive into practical, evidence-based discussions around gut health, cancer nutrition myths, sugar and fasting, omega-3s, and the pros and cons of popular diets like low-carb, keto, and smoothies. Gary also offers actionable strategies people can use today to reduce their risk of hospitalization and improve long-term wellness.

As Co-Founder of the nonprofit Wellness Roots Foundation and sponsor of this podcast, Gary shares why he felt called to start an organization dedicated to nutrition education, food access, and community wellness, and what impact he hopes to create.

Finally, Gary reveals his personal Wellness Formula, tying together clinical experience, prevention, and purpose-driven work.

This episode is brought to you by the Wellness Roots Foundation.

wellnessrootsfoundation.org

We explore his innovative frameworks — including the Tetrasoma Diet, Tetrasoma Acupuncture, and Bisoma Technique — and how they help patients identify their body types, personalize nutrition, and activate the body’s innate healing intelligence.

Dr. Lee also shares practical steps for beginners: how to identify your body type, how to choose foods that support rather than stress your system, and what to look for when choosing a qualified practitioner.

Dr. Lee takes us on a journey through acupuncture’s 5,000-year-old history, from the discovery of ancient meridian points to its legalization in California in the 1970s. We discuss the meaning of qi (energy), the intricate system of meridians, and how the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—reflect the balance between body, mind, and nature.

Whether you’re curious about how acupuncture works or interested in how modern medicine is beginning to appreciate these time-tested systems, this episode offers both clarity and context. Join us as we uncover how this ancient practice continues to shape modern approaches to health and self-healing.

She opens up about her discovery of NetworkSpinal, a gentle yet powerful technique developed by Dr. Donny Epstein, and the profound impact it has had on her life and her patients. From pain relief and stress reduction to greater clarity, energy, and connection, Dr. Wendy’s story highlights the transformational potential of chiropractic and spinal wave entrainment.

Listeners will gain insight into the philosophy behind NetworkSpinal, why Dr. Wendy is so passionate about it, and how this approach can enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

🎓 CEU Opportunity for Registered Dietitians
Enjoyed this episode? Dive deeper into Kate’s expertise by watching her
CEU-eligible presentation:
"Hormones and Eating Disorders" — a recorded session offering valuable insights into the hormonal factors influencing eating disorder development and recovery.

👉 Watch the presentation here: https://wellnessrootsfoundation.org/hormones-eating-disorders-rds/

Together, we explore what recovery really means, why body neutrality might be more realistic than body positivity, and how social media impacts our relationship with our bodies. Mickey also shares how mindset, behavior change, and self-compassion intersect in her coaching and what to do when the journey feels stuck.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just curious about creating a more body-inclusive world, this conversation is an honest, grounded look at what healing can truly look like.

💡 Key Topics:

• What is a recovery coach?
• The difference between body positivity and body neutrality
• What recovery looks like beyond treatment
• Strategies for navigating stuck points in healing
• Why community and compassion matter most

🎧 Tune in and walk away with hope, perspective, and practical tools for a more accepting and empowering relationship with your body.

Check out Michaela Williams Website here: 

https://www.bodyloveandbeyond.com/

Check out Ashley Kwanten’s work:
https://www.wildrockwellness.com/

We’ll talk about what inspired us to create Discovering the Wellness Formula and how we aim to make health and wellness accessible, meaningful, and practical for everyone. Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or looking for fresh perspectives, this podcast is here to guide and inspire you.