🌱 Episode Summary

In this episode, Cody sits down with Megan Hall, an educator, gardener, and homesteader, to explore how reconnecting with nature—through gardening, going outside, or simply noticing little things—can significantly improve our mental health and sense of empowerment. Together, they reflect on the challenges of modern life, the limits of the school system, and how small actions like growing a pea plant or cooking a homemade meal can foster joy, resilience, and deeper connection.

• Why being outside—even without a garden—can lift your mood and boost mental clarity

• How children are natural mindfulness teachers, and what we can learn from their sense of wonder

• The historical roots of our school system and how it’s conditioned us away from creativity

• Realistic ways to get started with gardening or food self-sufficiency, even in small apartments

• How food preservation and cooking from scratch can build confidence and emotional grounding

• The link between self-reliance and reduced anxiety or fear of uncertainty

• Reconnect with childlike curiosity—notice a flower, watch a bird, feel the sunshine

• Don’t be a victim of circumstance; reclaim your power by engaging with what you can control

Megan is the voice behind Heal With Me Homestead, where she offers one-on-one coaching and holistic healing resources focused on reconnecting with food, nature, and intuitive living.
🔗 Visit Heal With Me Homestead

Got questions or episode ideas? Reach out via Signal at username: Cox.07
Cody would love to hear your topic requests, guest suggestions, or feedback.

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Follow Cody on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ for more tips and conversations about holistic nutrition, mental health, and family wellness.

• To support Cody and the production of this podcast, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/codycox ⁠⁠⁠⁠
• To access clinical-grade (the highest quality) supplements and other health products, ⁠⁠⁠⁠visit my dispensary⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• Visit his website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beavercreekwellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can read more about him and schedule sessions.

Episode Description:
In this powerful episode of Real Food Mental Health, we explore how switching your metabolic fuel source can radically transform your mental and physical well-being. Our guest, Kyle Rootsaert, unpacks the science behind ketosis, why cravings aren't your fault, and how processed foods and artificial sweeteners impact brain chemistry and emotional resilience.

You'll learn how insulin, blood sugar, and ketones play a direct role in mood, addiction, energy, and long-term health—and why education and measurement are critical for real change. This conversation blends personal insight with clinical wisdom to help you understand what's really going on in your body, and what you can do about it.

Whether you're keto-curious or simply looking for clarity around cravings and metabolic health, this episode will leave you empowered to take action.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The connection between food, mood, and brain function

• How to recognize and overcome sugar withdrawal

• Why ketosis isn’t just a weight-loss trend—it’s a neurological tool

• The problem with artificial sweeteners

• How to track ketones and why it matters

• VO2 max and other markers of true health

• The emotional and cultural layers of changing how we eat

• What informed consent really means when it comes to your health

Key Takeaway:
You don’t need to be a lifelong patient—you need to be an informed one. With the right support, it’s possible to heal, think clearly, and feel empowered in your own body.

Resources Mentioned:

• Blood ketone meters and testing tools: See Keto-Mojo

• Triglyceride/HDL ratio as a health marker

• Nutrient-dense foods to support metabolic healing

• • How movement improves brain resilience

  
  

  Start Here:
  If you’re not ready for full ketosis, start with real food. Reduce sugar. Track how you feel. Movement matters. And when you're ready, start measuring. Your health is in your hands. Want some peer support? Check out the online group nutrition program.

  
  

  Connect with Kyle

  • Social Media: ⁠theunscriptedpharmacist⁠
  • Website: ⁠unscriptedpharmacist.com

  
  

  Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights. Follow Cody on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ for more tips and conversations about holistic nutrition, mental health, and family wellness.

  To support Cody and the production of this podcast, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/codycox ⁠⁠⁠⁠

  To access clinical-grade (the highest quality) supplements and other health products, ⁠⁠⁠⁠visit my dispensary⁠⁠⁠⁠.

  Visit my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beavercreekwellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can read more about me and schedule sessions.

🗓️ Episode Summary:
In this enriching episode of Real Food Mental Health, Cody sits down with Pamela Dangelmaier, a seasoned mindfulness facilitator and wellness educator, to explore the transformative power of mindfulness, the art of intentional living, and how simple, consistent practices can radically improve our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. From creating mindful routines to overcoming smartphone addiction and boosting creativity, this episode is a heartfelt, practical, and empowering invitation to slow down and tune in.

🧘‍♀️ Topics We Cover:

• The profound connection between mindfulness and mental health

• How to gently guide yourself away from screen addiction

• Using open awareness meditation to spark creativity and problem-solving

• The relationship between intention, attention, and presence

• Why mindfulness is a sustainable “medicine” with no side effects

• ADHD, screen time, and how mindfulness compares to medication

• The Viktor Frankl quote that might just change your life

• Building a mindfulness practice that works for you, starting today

• Resources, apps, and tools Pamela recommends for beginners and seasoned practitioners

• Pamela’s one wish for how we approach health and wellness as a society

🧰 Resources Mentioned:

• App Recommendation: Vital App – customizable AI-generated meditations for every mood and intention

• Pamela’s Free eBook: The Power of the Pause

  • Includes the 7-Day Pause Challenge + simple mindfulness exercises

• YouTube Channel: Search for Pamela Dangelmaier for guided meditations and talks

💬 Connect with Pamela:

• Website: Your Mind and You

• Instagram: @YourMindAndYou

• Free resources available on her website

🔔 Subscribe & Leave a Review:
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps others find the show and keeps these mindful conversations going.

Follow Cody on ⁠Instagram⁠ for more tips and conversations about holistic nutrition, mental health, and family wellness.

• To support Cody and the production of this podcast, go to ⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/codycox ⁠⁠⁠
• To access clinical-grade (the highest quality) supplements and other health products, ⁠⁠⁠visit my dispensary⁠⁠⁠.
• Visit my website at ⁠⁠⁠beavercreekwellness.com⁠⁠⁠ where you can read more about me and schedule sessions.