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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.