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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.

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In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville Podcast, we explore the world of neurofeedback and brain training with Megan Hearne, a Neurofeedback Provider and Health Coach with over six years of experience helping people regulate stress, improve focus, and restore balance. Megan holds a Master’s degree and advanced training from the Institute for Applied Neuroscience, NewMind Academy, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She bridges brainwave training and lifestyle coaching into an empowering healing experience, now offered at her new space inside the Heartwood Collective in downtown Asheville.

We also dive into my own journey with biofeedback—from Deepak Chopra’s early biofeedback games, to exploring HeartMath HRV training, and now experimenting with the MUSE headband for real-time meditation feedback. Megan and I discuss how these tools fit into the larger landscape of nervous system regulation and self-healing.

The conversation highlights how neurofeedback can address sleep struggles, anxiety, focus challenges, and even support digestion and mood regulation. We also explore how brain training amplifies the benefits of other wellness practices—from float therapy and yoga to meditation and stress reduction—making it a powerful complement to Asheville’s thriving healing community.

Key Takeaways

• What Neurofeedback Is – How brainwave training works and what to expect in a session.
• From Stress to Clarity – Neurofeedback helps regulate the nervous system, reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
• Biofeedback vs. Neurofeedback – Understanding the difference and why both are valuable.
• Amplifier Effect – How brain training enhances other wellness practices like meditation, float therapy, and yoga.
• Self-Regulation = Better Relationships – Calming your own nervous system influences family, work, and community dynamics.
• Plasticity & Possibility – The brain is adaptable and capable of lasting change throughout life.

Timestamps

00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction: Megan Hearne’s path from environmental science to neurofeedback
02:00 – 06:00 | Why brain training matters: better decisions through nervous system regulation
06:00 – 11:00 | What actually happens in a neurofeedback session
11:00 – 15:00 | Biofeedback vs. neurofeedback: HeartMath, MUSE, and Chopra’s early biofeedback games
15:00 – 20:00 | Regulating stress, healing injuries, and improving sleep
20:00 – 26:00 | Co-regulation: how calming yourself benefits those around you
26:00 – 30:00 | Sleep, digestion, and mood as downstream benefits of brain training
30:00 – 34:00 | Asheville’s wellness landscape and Megan’s new space at the Heartwood Collective
34:00 – End | Special Offer: $100 off first session at Vitality Neuro when mentioning this podcast

Episode Links

• Vitality Neuro – Megan Hearne’s Practice
• Heartwood Collective, Downtown Asheville
• HeartMath Institute
• MUSE Brain-Sensing Headband
• The Journey to Wild Divine – Chopra’s biofeedback game

The Wellness in Asheville Podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local source for health + wellness new

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, we dive into the world of scent-based healing, chakra alignment, and aura cleansing with visionary entrepreneur Laura McCann, founder and CEO of Auratherapy
.

After a high-powered career in fashion, retail, and tech in NYC, Laura turned to aromatherapy to heal her own chronic health challenges—sparking a transformation that led her to create Auratherapy, a brand blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Today, she helps thousands reconnect with their inner energy through custom aura readings, essential oils, and immersive experiences.

Listeners also get an exclusive offer: 15% off at auratherapylife.com with code AVLwellness15.

🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How scent and essential oils can balance chakras and support energy healing
• The science and experience behind aura readings and real-time chakra feedback
• Laura’s entrepreneurial journey from fashion to wellness in Asheville and Miami
• The creation of the Aura Sanctuary, a new community wellness hub in Woodfin
• Why Gen Z and Millennials are leading a shift toward self-discovery and conscious living

🕒 Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + introduction
01:00 – Laura’s journey from NYC fashion to Asheville wellness
06:00 – The power of essential oils and aura readings
13:00 – Building a wellness brand with a partner
22:00 – Clean beauty, chemicals, and conscious consumerism
34:00 – Experiential retail and Auratherapy’s Sanctuary project
47:00 – What’s next for Auratherapy: book launch + community growth
50:00 – Special listener discount and closing thoughts

🔗 Resources & Links

• Auratherapy Website: AuratherapyLife.com
  (use code AVLwellness15 for 15% off)
• Auratherapy Instagram: @auratherapylife
  
  
• Be Well Asheville: bewellavl.com
  
  
• Rate & Review: Apple Podcasts + Spotify

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, we dive deep into nervous system healing with Robin and Corey Costanzo, the visionary founders of Stillpoint Wellness. Known for Esalen® massage, saltwater floatation therapy, and integrative healing experiences, Stillpoint has become one of Asheville’s most respected centers for transformation.

Robin and Corey share their personal journeys—from the Esalen Institute in Big Sur to building a sanctuary for healing in Asheville. We explore how massage, float therapy, and somatic awareness support nervous system regulation, helping people move from chronic stress into deep rest.

The conversation also touches on the power of grief work, the role of integration in sustaining wellness, and the importance of presence, gratitude, and daily practices that bring us back into balance.

Key Takeaways

• Floatation & Esalen Massage – Both modalities foster self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and emotional release.
• The Only Way Through Grief is Through – Float therapy offers a safe environment to process grief and trauma.
• Integration is the Key – Healing isn’t a one-off; it becomes sustainable when woven into daily habits and practices.
• Presence = Love – Being fully present with ourselves or others is itself a profound act of love and regulation.
• Gratitude & Affirmation – Simple practices shift brain chemistry, reduce stress hormones, and elevate well-being.
• Asheville as a Healing Hub – With saunas, yoga centers, float tanks, and holistic practitioners, Asheville is uniquely positioned as a wellness destination.

Timestamps

00:00 – 04:00 | Robin & Corey’s Journeys: From NYC and Omaha to the Esalen Institute
04:00 – 08:00 | Esalen’s Legacy in Human Potential & Somatic Psychology
08:00 – 11:00 | Travis’s First Float Experience & Learning to Truly Relax
11:00 – 15:00 | Grief, Trauma & the Nervous System: Why “The Way Out is Through”
15:00 – 20:00 | Integration: Turning One-Off Experiences into Lasting Habits
20:00 – 24:00 | Daily Practices: Meditation, Headspace, and Nervous System Regulation
24:00 – 28:00 | Presence, Gratitude & Affirmations as Healing Tools
28:00 – 32:00 | Asheville’s Wellness Community & the Rise of Social Wellness
32:00 – 37:00 | Addiction Recovery, Wellness Travel & Asheville as a DIY Retreat Destination
37:00 – 40:00 | Rapid Fire: Favorite Rituals, Books, Teachers, & Hidden Asheville Spots
40:00 – End | Closing Thoughts & Invitation to Experience Stillpoint

Episode Links

• Stillpoint Wellness Website
• Book a Floatation or Massage Session
• Learn More About Esalen Institute
• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
• The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer
• Alan Watts
• Somatic Experiencing – Peter Levine
• Headspace Meditation App

Special thanks to Jill Terrill for her support in post-production of this podcast

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 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.