Sage and Spirit

The Rise of Women in CBD with Catherine Artzt

Catherine Artzt is the founder of French Broad Cannabis, makers of Bhūmi and Of The Earth hemp product lines, which integrate herbalism, aromatherapy, and chocolate into targeted and high quality hemp products. She also owns Brevard Hemp, a hemp retail store with 3 locations in Western North Carolina.

Catherine's dedication to natural medicine became personal when Catherine began battling a chronic pain condition in 2014. 

In this episode of Sage + Spirit, Catherine shares her story of how she first became interested in natural medicine, and how that led her to a journey of self-discovery, and also to becoming a total badass boss-babe of her own highly successful CBD company. 

Along with tips for doing what you love and loving what you do, Catherine also provides details for what to look for in a high-quality CBD supplement- something that many businesses aren't always sharing with transparency.

Connect with Catherine:

Instagram: @bhumi_cbd or @of_the_earth_cbd

Websites: www.bhumicbd.com, www.oftheearthcbd.com, www.brevardhemp.com

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How to Die Before You Die {So You Don't Die When You Die} with Winn Mallard

Winn Mallard was born in Atlanta, Georgia and currently lives in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas in Peru. Her interests include permaculture, naturopathy, herbalism, earth-based spirituality, and the Gnostic teachings (i.e, the science of consciousness).

In this episode, Winn and I discuss the concept of dying before we die...so that we don't die when we die- which might sound a little confusing, but stick with us, and we'll explain more! We talk about the concepts of shamanism, the solar path or path of the Inka, and mystical death, as well as the chispa divina, or divine spark that we are all born with, and that carries on from lifetime to lifetime. Winn shares some of what she has learned of the gnostic teachings, and talks about the goal of lowering the ego while also raising consciousness- not a small task!

To learn more, connect with Winn on Instagram: @waywoowinn or by e-mail at WinnMallard@gmail.com. She is also on Facebook, and you can find her book under the title Death is a Miracle.

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Breathwork as a Powerful Healing Tool with Denise Cooper

Denise Cooper was born and raised in Kansas City. She has been living in the Sacred Valley of Peru since December 2007, and leading international Ayahuasca retreats and ceremonies with the sacred plant medicine, Ayahuasca, from the Amazon jungle since 2009.  

Over the last 20 years, Denise has received training and certifications as a Medicine Woman/Shamanic Practitioner, Reiki Master, Life Coach, and Breathwork Healer, with intensives in Yoga, Meditation and Fasting. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

Denise carries a deep love for the Earth and is deeply devoted to the evolution and healing of humanity. She shares Earth-honoring teachings and reminds people of our kinship with Nature.

In this episode, Denise shares her journey + experience with the healing powers of breathwork. She discusses the many benefits of this work, including stress-relief, dealing with grief + trauma, recovering from addiction, connecting with our higher self or inner essence, deepening our intuition, and so much more!

We talk a little bit about the dangers of spiritual bypassing, the importance of working with our shadows, and how we really do need to "feel it to heal it" often times.

We really delve deep in this episode!

To learn more, connect with Denise on Instagram: @denisefcooper or on her website, at www.denisefcooper.com. She is also on Facebook.

The book mentioned towards the beginning of the episode is The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, by Bessel Van der Kolk, MD.

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The Herbal First Aid Kit with CoreyPine Shane

CoreyPine Shane, RH (AHG), is Founder of the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine in Asheville, NC, and has spent over 25 years teaching and helping clients by artfully blending Chinese and Western herbal traditions with a focus on local plants. As a seasoned wildcrafter he has extensive knowledge of wild plants as well as medicine making, which he has put into his forthcoming book, “Southeast Medicinal Plants.” He is also the author of an e-book, “Herbs for Pain,” has taught at many national herb conferences, and is a Professional Member of the American Herbalists Guild.

In this episode, CoreyPine introduces us to the world of herbal + holistic first aid, sharing some of his favorite herbs to help support in times of accidents, bumps, bruises, and traumas. We discuss a multitude of herbs, including Saint John's Wort, comfrey, yarrow, and even a handful of common kitchen spices! CoreyPine covers a number of different situations, his go-to's, and different applications for each herb.

Connect with CoreyPine via his school or herbal tincture business:

Instagram: @blueridgeschoolherbalmedicine or @pinesherbals

Websites: www.blueridgeschool.org, www.pinesherbals.com

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Low-Proof Happy Hour + Botanical Cocktails with Jules Aron

Named “the wellness mixologist” by Women’s Health magazine, Jules Aron is the beverage consultant and holistic nutritionist bridging the gap between mind, body, and spirit(s) for over a decade. She is the founder of The Healthy Bartender, the clean online cocktail destination, and author of 5 best-selling books: Zen and Tonic: Savory and Fresh Cocktails for the Enlightened Drinker, Vegan Cheese, Simple, Delicious, Plant-Based Cheese Recipes, Nourish and Glow: Naturally Beautifying Foods & Elixirs, Fresh & Pure: Organically Crafted Beauty Balms & Cleansers, and her newly released, Low Proof Happy Hour.

When she’s not writing, Jules serves as the beverage director for the annual Seed Food and Wine Festival held in Miami, Los Angeles, and Brooklyn, and works with the nonprofit Lox Farm dinners in Palm Beach, raising funds for their “food as medicine” Fresh Rx program. She is a regular nutrition expert on WPTV, serves on the United States Bartender’s Guild health and wellness committee and is Thrive magazine’s bartender in residence.

Jules has been featured in Forbes, Huff Post, the New York Post, The Today Show, Imbibe, Goop, and Elle magazine and is a regular contributor to Thrive, Women’s Health, mindbodygreen, Organic Spa Magazine, and Woman’s World magazine, among other national outlets. 

In this episode, Jules talks about her background in food + beverage, nutrition, and journalism, and how each of these experiences has helped to shape her journey with wellness. Jules is a wealth of knowledge, and infuses that wisdom and passion into all of her endeavors. Be sure to check out her wonderful books, and follow her on social media for delightful recipes + photos to spark your imagination and wet your whistle!

Connect with Jules on Instagram: @julesaron or on her website, at www.thehealthybartender.com

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Herbs for Mental Clarity + Brain Support with Maria Noël Groves

Maria Noël Groves, RH (AHG), clinical herbalist, runs Wintergreen Botanicals, nestled in the pine forests of New Hampshire. Her business is devoted to education and empowerment via classes, health consultations, and writing with the foundational belief that good health grows in nature. She is the author of the award-winning, best-selling Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self Care and Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies. Learn more about Maria and herbs at WintergreenBotanicals.com. 

In this episode, Maria discusses herbs to support brain health, mental clarity, and even stress levels. She shares so much rich information on some of her favorite brain-boosting herbs- including how to grow them in your own garden or windowsill!

Herbs discussed include lemon balm, peppermint, rosemary, tulsi, gotu kola, and bacopa.

Connect with Maria on Instagram: @marianoelgroves or on her website, at www.wintergreenbotanicals.com

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The Healing Powers of Rose with Sondra Hamilton

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."

~ William Shakespeare, Romeo + Juliet

There is always so much that can be said when it comes to rose- it is truly a deeply healing plant on a multitude of levels. In this episode, I speak with mystic herbalist and Ayurvedic health counselor, Sondra Hamilton, who shares her healing journey + dance with rose.

Topics discussed include the magical Hampi rosa of the Sacred Valley of Peru, spiritual bathing + plant baths, and opening our hearts to receiving love. Sondra also shares some of her favorite ways of working with roses, and some of the energetic aspects of this ubiquitous and powerful flower.

If this episode inspires you to visit + support the Sacred Valley of Peru, be sure to read further for donation opportunities, and check out www.dancingsagewellness.com/retreats for the upcoming Peru retreat Sondra and I will be hosting this fall.

Connect with Sondra on Instagram: @oshamaizeherbal or on her website: www.oshamaizeherbal.com

Be a part of the Osha Maize inner circle + support Sondra's work by joining her Patreon page for as little as $3/month!

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Holistic Skincare Rituals with Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth Carter is a holistic esthetician, and the founder of Honest Rituals in Topanga Canyon, CA. The mission and vision for her skincare studio is to create a space for nature-inspired women to learn how to heal their skin by using a mixture of plants, oils, and facial massage.

In this episode, we discuss the skin as being a reflection of whatever is happening inside the body, and how emotional stress can play a major role in the aging process. Elizabeth talks about the importance of the microbiome of the skin, and best ways to support that natural balance. She also introduces us to a whole new world of facial massage and buccal massage- and the wonders they can do for both radiant skin and stress relief. Learn all about Elizabeth's favorite products, techniques, daily rituals, and more!

Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: @honest.rituals or on her website: www.honestrituals.com

Also discussed, Elizabeth's go-to skincare brand, Living Libations, which can be found on her website as well.

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Narrative Herbal Medicine with Heather Wood Buzzard

Heather Wood Buzzard is a writer, wildcrafter, and herbalist living in the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina. In recent years, her passion for these intertwined topics has led her to pursue a MA in Writing and Narrative Medicine, and she is a wealth of knowledge on this up-and-coming, refreshing approach to healing.

In this episode, we discuss narrative medicine as a crossroads between holistic communication and healthcare. Heather speaks to the importance of story, and the narratives that we create within our lives. We talk about the importance of patient-centered medicine, the "slow medicine" movement, and specific herbs that help to support empaths, as well as our sense of story.

Connect with Heather on Instagram: @redmoonherbs or Facebook: Red Moon Herbs

Sign up to be notified of Heather's forthcoming book release by e-mailing her at heatherwoodbuzzard@gmail.com

Also discussed: Columbia University Division of Narrative Medicine; Lenoir Rhyne University Narrative Healthcare Program; and the Narrative Medicine Rounds Podcast hosted by Columbia University Medical Center

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Chinese Medicine + Spring Wellness with Ashley Kuper

Ashley Kuper,L.Ac., Dipl.OM, is an herbalist and nationally-licensed acupuncturist. A graduate of Daoist Traditions of Chinese Medical Arts in Asheville, NC, Ashley has been practicing in the area for over 10 years. In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, Ashley incorporates a number of other healing modalities, including food therapy, gua sha, essential oils, and cupping. In this episode, she shares her favorite practices for staying well as we transition from winter into spring.

In our conversation, we discuss the element of spring in Chinese Medicine, as well as the associated tastes, organs, and orifices. Ashley offers a number of practical ways to support the body during this time, to include which foods to eat, herbs to take, acupressure points to work with, and even the ancient art of qi gong.

Learn more about Ashley, her acupuncture practice, and other wellness offerings by visiting eastacupuncturewb.com

Connect on Instagram: @eastacupuncturewellness

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