In this heart-centered and practical episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer sits down with acupuncturist, fermentation maven, and author Elizabeth Bruckner to explore how the modern homesteader mindset can transform stress, scarcity, and burnout into joy, simplicity, hope, and sustainable wellness. From her own healing journey to practical habit-stacking strategies, Elizabeth shares tools and stories to help you take your first step—even if that step is simply resting.

Whether you live in a city apartment or on a farm, this episode will inspire you to start where you are, make peace with your pace, and choose joy as your compass.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Elizabeth overcame chronic illness through tiny daily acts of wellness
• The real meaning of modern homesteading—and how it fits into any lifestyle
• Why the prescription for anxiety is action
• How to break the three myths that stop us from making lasting changes: “I don’t have time,” “I don’t have money,” and “It’s too complicated”
• The power of joy, rest, and daydreaming as wellness tools
• Why a scarcity mindset is often rooted in identity and how to shift toward abundance
• How to create meaningful habits using “found time” and habit-stacking
• Elizabeth’s favorite resources for gut healing and emotional freedom

Connect with Elizabeth Bruckner:

• 📖 Book: The Homesteader Mindset by Elizabeth Bruckner – available on Amazon and other major booksellers
• Website: www.createwellnessproject.com
• Free Gift, Homesteader Habit Tracker: www.createwellnessproject.com/gift

🎙️ Connect with Host Rita Mercer:

• Website: www.daringwell.com
• Instagram: info@daringwell.com
• Coaching & Guest Speaking Inquiries: Contact Rita

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform—and share this episode with someone who could use a dose of encouragement and inspiration.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

Send us a text

Follow us on social media:
@DaringWell

Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online).
https://www.daringwell.com/retreat

For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills.
https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

In this empowering episode of The Daring Well Podcast, host Rita Mercer welcomes Alison Bladh, a registered nutritional therapist and esthetician, to explore the intersection of nutrition, mood, skincare, and midlife wellness. Together, they unpack how women can regain their “sparkle” during perimenopause and menopause by making simple yet powerful lifestyle shifts. From balancing blood sugar to rethinking caffeine, Alison shares practical tips, heartfelt encouragement, and holistic insight into thriving—not just surviving—through midlife.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by mood swings, hot flashes, or hormonal changes, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered to take control of your wellness journey.

🔑 What You’ll Learn

• How stress and declining hormones impact your body in midlife
• The connection between cortisol, blood sugar, and mood
• Why protein, healthy fats, and fiber are crucial for hormonal balance
• Surprising contributors to hot flashes and irritability (hint: caffeine!)
• How gut health supports mental health and mood
• The truth about artificial sweeteners and cravings
• How to build a balanced plate that stabilizes your energy and emotions
• Why mindset, support, and community matter now more than ever

Connect with Allison:

https://www.alisonbladh.com/

Send us a text

Follow us on social media:
@DaringWell

Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online).
https://www.daringwell.com/retreat

For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills.
https://www.daringwell.com/freebies

Feeling disconnected? Want to rediscover your true identity?
Lean into this episode to reignite the flame within through the transformative gift of self-love, sparked by travel.

In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle Eyrich—freelance travel writer, speaker, wife, and mom—who has journeyed to over 80 countries across all seven continents. But Michelle’s most powerful journey wasn’t just about collecting passport stamps—it more about learning how to be more true to herself.

After experiencing postpartum depression and the daily overwhelm of motherhood, Michelle found healing through solo travel. She opens up about a pivotal moment, and how time alone in the Arctic helped her reconnect with her passions, reclaim her identity, and return home to herself. Now, she enjoys helping other women do the same.

Whether you’re dreaming of a solo trip or just need permission to take an hour for yourself, this episode will encourage you to put your needs back on the map.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Michelle’s experience with postpartum depression and emotional burnout
• How solo travel helped her reconnect with her passions and purpose
• Why self-care is essential—not selfish
• Tips for starting your own solo self-love journey (no passport required!)
• How to deal with "mom guilt" and learn how to advocate for your needs
• The power of rediscovering your identity apart from your many life roles
• Why building a supportive “village” is vital to sustainable self-care
• Creative ways to travel locally or take solo time without leaving your city

Connect with Michelle:

Website & Blog: www.noplacelikeroam.com

Instagram & Facebook: @nplroam

Solo Mom Travel Starter Kit to help women begin their own journey—whether it’s a museum visit, a solo meal, or a global adventure.

👉 Download it for free at: welcome.noplacelikeroam.com/solo-mom-travel-starter-kit

Send us a text

Follow us on social media:
@DaringWell

Are you looking for ways to feel more calm and happy? Do you want more stress management tools and techniques? Sign up to get on the email list to get more details for our upcoming wellness retreat (in-person and online).
https://www.daringwell.com/retreat

For free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills.
https://www.daringwell.com/freebies