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 Journal Article:
https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/buffalo-soldiers-bike-ride

Underground Railroad Church Video from Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbAHGVPTZUc

* 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.

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: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/4-8-2024-national-park-week.htm

Captain Newman Article: https://thebatt.com/featured/life-on-the-frontline/

Invisible Corps Documentary: https://invisiblecorps.com/


* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast.

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

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.

We appreciate you all.

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 talented Phil and Niall Monahan.