Birth Matters

Psilocybin, ayahuasca, and other psychedelics are becoming increasingly mainstream. While many are still illegal, there has never been more public discourse about the potential benefits of plant medicine and psychedelics.  Dr. Mel and Jase talk about their personal experiences with plant medicine, as well as the increase in clients bringing up the topic of psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca and their potential effects on issues ranging from depression and PTSD to couples therapy and more. Work with Dr. Mel virtually or in-person by visiting www.rootedinthewild.org/care Work with Jase virtually or in-person by visiting www.rootedinthewild.org/wildmen Work with both virtually for Wildly Connected couples guidance by visiting www.rootedinthewild.org/wildlyconnected  

We're in the era of immediacy; the culture of "right now".  And while there are certainly benefits to the shortened timelines and reduced inconvenience, it begs the question:  What are we giving up for the sake of instant gratification? Making a "deal with the devil" is enticing - the idea that we can push a button or take a pill to get what we want instantly... but something is lost along the way. We get the immediate result, but often feel empty or unfulfilled - like we lost the soul and the essence along the way.  This is true for so many aspects of out life - from our health and wellness to our relationships and even careers.  Join Dr. Mel and Jase as they explore our expectations for immediate results, what we may be forfeiting in the process, and some perspective in a world "deals with the devil" have become the default. For naturopathic appointments with Dr. Mel in-person or virtually, visit www.rootedinthewild.org/care For in-person or virtual men's coaching with Jase - or to join a monthly men's community gathering, visit www.rootedinthewild.org/wildmen For couples seeking guidance and a wildly connected relationship, visit www.rootedinthewild.org/wildlyconnected (Virtual Only)

You know what they say:  April showers bring... TICKS! In many parts of the county - after a long Winter, there is nothing like getting outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, the warming temps, the return of the birds... and the anxiety of needing to check yourself, your kids, and your pets thoroughly for those relentless arachnids.  When we talk ticks, we have to talk how to address tick bites - what to look for, how to remove them, and how to treat them. And of course, we have to talk about the other four-letter word.  LYME.  In this episode, Jase and Dr. Mel dive deep into the topic of ticks and Lyme disease.  Dr. Mel has studied ticks and Lyme and great length - having written her final project in naturopathic school on the topic, and working with many clients professionally on natural, holistic approaches to Lyme disease. Dr. Mel has curated a Tick Bite protocol available on the new Wellness Protocols page of our website. Visit www.rootedinthewild.org/protocols where you can find the Tick Bite protocol - and check back as we add more wellness protocols to the library.

The way we welcome our children into this world matters. Seemingly small decisions can have lasting impacts on children as they grow - and can also have lasting effects on us as mothers and fathers. The human body is a miracle, and few - if anything - is more miraculous than a woman giving birth to and caring for a child.  Birth experiences can vary greatly from family to family - and Dr. Mel and Jase share their personal journey through the birth of 3 children ranging from single birth to twin birth, homebirth to hospital birth, and the decisions made and insights gained along the way. Join us as we relive this journey and share the natural approaches as well as challenges we faced along the way. Dr. Mel is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor that works with clients in-person in the West Michigan area as well as virtually from anywhere this podcast is heard. Visit www.rootedinthewild.org/care to view Dr. Mel's offerings and book an appointment.

Oh, the stories we create, and the assumptions we make in our relationships. We are so good at conjuring our unique perspectives about our partners - and often, those pseudo truths actually limit our own joy and growth.  Is a request for sex selfish and needy - or is it an invitation for reconnection and mutual pleasure?  Is someone taking on the finances a controlling move - or an act of service to take that burden from their partner?  Our stories can sometimes mask the truth, and this can have deeper effects on the masculine and feminine polarity dynamic in a relationship.  In this episode, Dr. Mel and Jase explore perspectives and polarity, and limitations our stories may have for is individually, and in relationship. Dr. Mel and Jase co-facilitate virtual sessions for couples seeking deeper meaning and connection.  Wildly Connected Couples Guidance explores the depths of self, truly beholding the other, and how these unique lives and paths can weave and dance together in a strong, beautiful, wildly connected relationship. With over 20 years of marriage, and deep relatability to the realities of partnership, Dr. Mel and Jase are honored to walk with you on your journey together. Visit www.rootedinthewild.org/wildlyconnected to learn more and book your session.

So often, we take advice from medical professionals at face value. Skepticism often gets a bad wrap - but what if a healthy bullshit meter is a good thing?  Dr. Mel and Jase return to the pod with stories of their own skepticism in the world of alternative healing, as well as the patterns and experiences with naturopathy, homeopathy, herbs, energy work and more that have opened their minds.  Perhaps the best medicine - for practitioners and patients alike - is the combination of healthy skepticism - and an open mind. Dr. Mel is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor through Rooted In the Wild based in Grand Rapids, MI.  Dr. Mel brings together the best of modern and Western medicine with traditional, natural, Eastern medicine and modalities. Whether you are a skeptic and looking to dip your toe into naturopathic care - or fully embrace all the perspectives of healing - Dr. Mel meets you where you are as a bridge that embraces the full spectrum of wellness.  Book an in-person appointment in Grand Rapids, or a virtual appointment from anywhere at www.rootedinthewild.org/care  

In this episode, Dr. Mel brings up a frequent discussion she hears from clients - weight loss.  Why is weight loss such a common and difficulty issue? From the desire for a quick fix to the protocols that attempt to address weight in a silo, and from intrinsic motivation to the ups and downs of their own personal journeys, Mel and Jase dive into the mental, physical and emotional elements of weight loss. Looking for high-quality supplements and wellness products? Check out our Rooted In The Wild Fullscript Store And within the store, check out Protocols from Dr. Mel on Fullscript for area like weight loss, tick bites, parasite cleanses, and more! Log into your existing account, or create one for free to shop practitioner-grade supplements and wellness products at exclusive savings - and delivered to your door.

Never have we been more connected - and never have we felt so alone. How can we be surrounded by people, yet feel so isolated? The seemingly infinite digital connections in our lives can never replace the feeling of belonging and community. There is an unmistakable hunger for connection outside of our screens; a hunger to feel like we are part of something greater.  Whether it's feeling alone and unheard in our own homes, the grief that comes with loss of family and community due to life changes, or the just feeling disconnected and moving through life without a tribe, Mel and Jase talk about the importance and health benefits of community and belonging - as well as some hope and ways we might address this daunting trend in our culture.

What is your Everest?  In this episode, Dr. Mel and Jase discuss goal setting to reach your highest potential - from intrinsic motivation to methods to increase your chances of success. Jase walks through elements of his PATHFINDER program and finding your Everest - because you don't climb Everest without preparation or plan, you can't climb Everest in a day, and you're far more likely to reach the summit when you climb with a supporting team.

Animals are given parasite cleanses yearly, and yet humans have an interesting belief that parasitic infections are only possible after exotic vacations. In this episode, Dr. Mel and Jase dive deep into parasite cleanses - why it's necessary, what to do prior to detox, and commonly asked questions.   For listeners interested in a 30-day parasite cleanse, Dr. Mel has created a protocol on the Rooted In The Wild FullScript account. Easily order and have shipped to your door: DR. MEL'S 30-DAY PARASITE CLEANSE PROTOCOL ON FULLSCRIPT