We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Humans have always found solace, support, and shared experience in our relationship with stories.

Storytelling is deeply rooted in the human experience and has always played a critical role in our social, spiritual, and evolutionary development.

The earliest form of human communication, storytelling, is a building block in how we learn, remember, process information and feelings, and build meaningful connections with others.

Our experiences with nature have always been deeply interwoven into our stories.

Our stories bout the natural world have created a sense of belonging, influenced our behaviors and philosophical perspectives, and inspired environmental stewardship.

By observing and immersing themselves in the natural world, writers can find unique perspectives, vivid imagery, and deeper emotional connections for their stories.

Welcome to Episode Sixty-Eight of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with bestselling author and conservationist Steve Ramirez. After experiencing the healing power of nature, following a professional military and law enforcement career, Steve became a catalyst for helping others connect with nature and share in his desire to protect and respect the natural world.

Join us as we talk to Steve about his strong connection to nature, the power of a well-told story in shaping human culture and behavior, and his desire to inspire others through his books to care for the planet proactively.

Steve discusses some of the challenges facing both humanity and the environment, how he found healing on trails and in rivers, and how adversity can be a strong starting point for lifestyle change.

Steve's story is definitely one we are excited to share.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

Steve's Website: https://www.steveramirezauthor.com/

Steve's Instagram: @steveramirezuthor

SIgned copies of Steve's books: https://www.bobwhitestudio.com

Trout Unlimited: https://www.tu.org/

The Nature Conservancy https://www.nature.org/en-us/

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

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

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

Wellness is a term that is far too often misunderstood and misrepresented.

Prioritizing our levels of wellness enhances quality of life, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, increases our levels of joy and life satisfaction, and boosts resilience.

Worksite wellness refers to the overall physical, mental, and emotional health of employees within an organization from top to bottom.

This concept encompasses a range of factors that contribute to the happiness, satisfaction, and productivity of a workforce. Prioritizing workplace wellness has become recognized as critical for employee retention, productivity, and overall organizational success.

In essence, companies that emphasize worksite wellness make a strategic investment in their most valuable asset – their employees.

Welcome to Episode Sixty-Seven of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with nationally recognized wellbeing strategist, worksite wellness authority, and visionary healthcare leader Maria Dee. Maria works with business leaders and serves as a thought leader to inspire collaborations and partnerships across all sectors, encouraging the sharing of innovative practices and the latest research to help solve some of the biggest challenges in achieving improved health and wellbeing for a workforce.

Join us as we talk to Maria about her journey with the natural world, the qualities of a successful wellness program, and some of the biggest challenges facing the health and wellness field.

Maria discusses the need for holistic approaches to worksite wellness, the benefits of involving all levels of an organization in building a successful wellness program, the importance of involving family in lasting lifestyle changes, and the power of vulnerability in mentorship opportunities.

This conversation reminded us that wellness is a journey, not a destination.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

Wellness Alliance Website: https://www.wellnessalliance.org/home

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

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

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

The written word has played a significant role in human growth and development.

The first written language is believed to have emerged in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) around 3200 BCE, serving as a form of record-keeping. Writing continues to be crucial for societies and individuals, as a foundational source of communicating ideas and feelings.

Writing poetry has always been important because it offers a unique way to explore complex ideas, express difficult emotions, and form deeper connections with others. It has been shown to enhance literacy skills, foster empathy, and allow students a sense of self-expression and reflection.

The written word is one of the most fundamental social and technological advancements that have shaped our world. It is essential to recognize those who have learned to utilize it in ways that support the growth and development of others.

Welcome to Episode Sixty-Six of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!

In this episode, we spoke with award-winning novelist, poet, songwriter, and editor Wyn Cooper. Wyn has published five books of poetry, with a sixth book scheduled for release in 2026. His poems, stories, essays, and reviews have appeared in publications such as The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Poetry, and more than 100 other magazines. In 1993, “Fun,” a poem from his first book, was turned into Sheryl Crow’s Grammy-winning song “All I Wanna Do,” while other songs have been featured on six television shows.

Join us as we talk to Wyn about his journey with the natural world and the written word, his incredible work in the entertainment and writing worlds, and his desire to help others achieve their goals.

Wyn discusses the need for community, the power of a postcard, the story of how his poem became a song that became a global phenomenon, and offers tips for anyone who has ever wanted to start down the path of becoming a writer of any kind.

He even took time to share some of his poetry with us.

All we wanted to do was have some fun…and WE DID!!

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.

We appreciate you all.

Be Well

-NOW ™️

Wyn's Website with links to many of his works: www.wyncooper.com

Wyn's Novel, Way Out West: http://www.concordepress.com/

Wyn's most recent book of poems, Mars Poetica, and forthcoming book, The Unraveling: www.whitepinepress.org

Madonna student film on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DUfsUW7RJs&list=RD2DUfsUW7RJs&start_radio=1

Most of Wyn's books can also be purchased at Bookshop.org,

* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.

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

*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.