Wellness Renegades

Episode 24 Modern Day Mental Health with Johnny Crowder

Welcome back to another episode of Wellness Renegades Pod! I'm your host, Jason Stein.
In our latest episode, we were thrilled to chat with Johnny Crowder—a remarkable leader who's turning personal battles into global wellness advancements. Johnny is not only a suicide abuse survivor and TEDx speaker but the founder and CEO of Cope Notes, a transformative text-based mental health service reaching users in nearly 100 countries.
Here's a glimpse of what we covered:
Inspiration from Simplicity: How Johnny's journey began with sticky notes around his house, sparking unpredictable moments of mental clarity. 
The Power of Openness: Through peer support and a shift in his own perspective, Johnny discovered that sharing and understanding mental health struggles can connect us in powerful ways, breaking the stigma surrounding diagnoses.
Ethical Entrepreneurship: Johnny's business model for CopeNotes focuses on accessibility and affordability, ensuring that mental health support can reach underserved communities while maintaining a sustainable and ethical business practice.
Balancing Passion and Wellbeing: Johnny candidly shared his evolution from a work-driven lifestyle to prioritizing personal health and presence, emphasizing the importance of living not just a productive life, but a fulfilling one.
Johnny Crowder's Bio:
Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, touring musician, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world. Armed with a decade of clinical treatment, a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida, and 10+ years of peer support and public advocacy experience through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Johnny’s youthful vigor for mental health has impacted millions of lives across the globe.
LinksWebsites: https://copenotes.com/ and https://johnnycrowder.com/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnycrowder/
 
Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/uhEFl
Together is Better,Jason
 

Episode 23 Detoxifying Your Workplace with Dr. Rachel

Welcome back to another episode of Wellness Renegades Pod! I'm your host, Jason Stein, alongside my guest, wife, and business partner Dr. Rachel. Our latest episode marks a shift in focus from the intersection of integrative medicine and business to exploring wellness-driven leadership.
 
In this episode, we’ll talk about Detoxifying Your Work Space including:
Safe & Clean Water at Work – Learn how to ensure your drinking water is free from contaminants by using filtration options tailored to your local water supply. Discover the best types of bottles, like stainless steel or glass, to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals in plastic.
Smart Snacking for Sustained Energy – Get tips on choosing snacks that fuel your body without the energy crash. Explore different options that align with various dietary preferences, from simple whole-food bars to high-quality protein sources like grass-fed jerky.
Managing Technology Exposure – Understand the potential health impacts of constant exposure to EMFs, blue light, and 5G. Discover easy adjustments, like using night mode, turning off unnecessary wireless signals, and minimizing screen time, to support better sleep and overall well-being.
Movement & Workplace Wellness – Avoid the negative effects of prolonged sitting by incorporating movement throughout your workday. Learn the benefits of standing desks, posture awareness, and strategic breaks to enhance energy and productivity.
Reducing Workplace Stress for Better Health – Explore simple yet effective ways to combat workplace stress, from breathwork techniques to grounding exercises. Learn how small changes in daily habits can have a significant impact on reducing chronic stress and improving long-term well-being.
We're transforming the way we look at work and life balance, focusing on how small changes can lead to significant improvements in health and productivity. Tune in to foster a wellness-driven work environment where you thrive!
 
Links
Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/2Xdt5
 
Dr. Rachel Sterry's  Bio:
Dr. Rachel is an expert in detoxifying your life. As a Naturopathic Physician, mom, fitness instructor, wife, cook, animal lover, and outdoor enthusiast, she is passionate about helping people reclaim their health naturally. With over a decade of experience in primary care, she has worked with hundreds of families to address chronic and autoimmune diseases, balance hormones, improve digestion, and restore sleep and energy. Dr. Rachel loves getting people off medications whenever possible, believing that natural medicine is the key to living a happier, healthier life. She is excited to be part of the wellness community of both locally in Joseph, Oregon and online. She is ready to support your inner journey.
Website Links:
- Website: WallowaAvenueWellness.com

Episode 22: The Evil Bone Water Story with Dr. Mark T. Brinson

Welcome back to another episode of Wellness Renegades Pod! I'm your host, Jason Stein, alongside my guest, the amazing Dr. Mark T Brinson.
Today, we're diving into the fascinating journey of Mark—our very own wellness genius and the brilliant mind behind Evil Bone Water. From his roots in North Carolina to his disciplined years in the military, we discover his passion for Chinese medicine. Mark’s story is one of resilience and unyielding dedication to ethical business practices.
In this episode, we’ll talk about 
Mark's injury ended sports career which led to military
Why Mark chose Acupuncture over Osteopathy 
How he balances business ethics while maintaining patient trust
Creating unity and collaboration amidst Acupuncturists
 
Links
Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/q60a4
 
Dr. Mark T Brinson  Bio:
Mark Brinson is a Doctor if Oriental Medicine with over 30 years of experience in the healing arts. He now is CEO of Saint Apothecary that makes Evil Bone Water in St Petersburg, Florida.
Social Links:
- Instagram: @evilbonewater
- Website: evilbonewater.com

Episode 21: Acupuncture, SEO, and Post Covid with Michelle Grasek, L.Ac.

Welcome back to another transformational episode of Wellness Renegades! I'm your host Jason Stein, and today, we are honored to have Michelle Grasek join us to navigate the tumultuous waters of the wellness industry post-COVID. Michelle, a veteran in the field, will shed light on the intricacies of marketing in our new digital era, especially for wellness entrepreneurs.
Together, we'll dive deep into the shift towards online marketing and the importance of understanding the essentials of SEO before pouring resources into digital strategies. Michelle brings her personal experience to the table, including the art of negotiation with ad firms and the critical analysis of whether increased online traffic genuinely converts into patients.
We also talk about
How COVID impacted wellness providers.
Understanding SEO manipulation and how to invest wisely.
Negotiating prices for ads or SEO investment.
Frustrations with insurance and considering going cash pay only.
Growth of telemedicine and potential outreach to rural areas
 
Links
Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/cdH37
 
Michelle Grasek  Bio:
Michelle Grasek is the host of the Acupuncture Marketing School podcast. She's a practicing acupuncturist and marketing strategist and she's been teaching marketing, both online and in-person, over a decade. In that time, Michelle has taught marketing to over 3,500 acupuncturists. It’s her mission to help you grow your business using marketing techniques that are genuine and generous.
Through MIchelle's articles and online PDA courses, she aims to help you outline a strategy, focus on marketing that’s authentic, and get new patients every week. She shares all of her practice-building tips at michellegrasek.com and on social media @michellegrasek.
 
Social Links:
- Instagram: @michellegrasek  
- Website: www.michellegrasek.com
- Acupuncture Marketing School online class [15 PDAs]

Episode 20: Jonathan Conforti - MYCO CLINIC - Creating Mushroom Topicals to Heal Pain

Creating Mushroom Topicals to Heal Pain
Join us in this riveting episode of the Wellness Renegade Podcast as we dive into the world of integrative medicine with Jonathan Conforti, co-head of product management at MYCO CLINIC. Discover how they've revolutionized topical treatments with their mushroom-packed products, offering natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that smell great.
We talk about:
From idea to market for MYCO CLINIC's topical products
Inflammation's impact and pain relief through ingredients
Offering free samples to promote MYCO CLINIC products
New gummy mushroom sleep supplement coming soon.
 
Links:For more information on increasing profits without burning out visit: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/iyGO1
Jonathan Conforti's Bio:
Jonathan Conforti, a trailblazer in the health sector with nearly a decade of experience, is known for his transformative role at Aidance Scientific. His career journey, beginning in clinical software, reflects his dedication to bridging technology and patient care. Conforti's philosophy evolved, leading him to focus on natural pharmaceuticals years ago. At Aidance Scientific, he has played a pivotal role in innovating natural topical treatments, thriving in the company's two-decade-long tradition of success in natural health products. Most notably, Conforti spearheaded the launch of "MYCO CLINIC," a topical and upcoming ingestible products marking a year in the market. MYCO CLINIC topical pain relief products are the first to combine the anti-inflammatory benefits of functional mushrooms – including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Shiitake - with proven analgesics menthol and camphor. MYCO CLINIC's ingredients work synergistically to offer deeply penetrating rapid relief. MYCO CLINIC is available as an ointment, cream, oil and roll-on. Available exclusively to health care practitioners. 
Additional Links:
If you are a licensed Practitioner, please take a moment to try the MYCO CLINIC - Click Here to Try MYCO CLINIC for Free

Episode 19: Chen Yen:2024 Marketing Trends for Holistic Providers

Marketing Trends: What's Working Now to Attract PatientsWelcome, Wellness Warriors, to another empowering episode of the Wellness Renegades Podcast! I'm your host, Jason Stein, and today we're diving into a transformative discussion with the amazing Chen Yen. Chen's journey is nothing short of inspirational, as she transitioned from a traditional pharmacist to becoming a beacon of hope for holistic healthcare practices.We talk about:
Social media - is it effective or not right now?
Educate public, promote holistic care, and attract patients
Predictions about future technologies and astrology
Getting referrals from MDs 
Links:For more information on increasing profits without burning out visit: https://WellnessRenegades.comInstagram: @WellnessRenegades
For a full transcript of the episode, visit: https://shorturl.at/jAHN4
Chen Yen's Bio:
Chen Yen is a 6 & 7-figure practice makeover mentor and founder of Introverted Visionary, helping introverted visionary holistic health practitioners grow fulfilling 6 & 7-figure practices in ⅓ of the time it typically takes, without having to do it the exhausting extroverted way. Acupuncturists & holistic practitioner clients who want to accelerate practice growth are able to create innovative practices that go beyond trading time for money.
Acupuncturists & practitioners who want to accelerate practice growth come to us to put them on the map speaking + attract MD referrals or create innovative practices that go beyond trading time for money.
Clients include American Society of Acupuncturists board member, former American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine board Member, board members of acupuncture state boards, past President of American Association of Naturopathic Physician, past president of American Chiropractic Association Sports Council.
Additional Links:
How to Become an In-Demand Practitioner: by Sharing Your Passion & Knowledge as a Thought Leader: https://fillmyholisticpractice.lpages.co/newpatients (including how our clients are bringing in 5-26 new patients/mo)Winning the MD Referral Game: 3-5 Referrals/Wk from MD Referrals:https://getmoremdreferrals.com/growFind out how Chen Yen can help you grow your practice faster: http://introvertedvisionary.com

Episode 18: From MD to ND and Ayurvedic Practitioner

Dr. Pranav Lad's background is a tapestry of rich cultural heritage and contemporary medical study, setting him apart in the field of medicine. His story is one of bridging worlds, drawing on deep-rooted practices from his birthplace in India and the advanced methodologies learned through western medical training. This dual perspective equips Dr. Lad with a unique vantage point to treat his patients with a holistic approach that honors both the ancient and the new.
In this episode we discuss:
● Rethinking His Medical Degree and Choosing a Holistic Path
● Spending More Time with Patients
● Identifying the Role of Digestion
● Understanding Ayurvedic Doshas
● The Power of Lifestyle Changes
● Finding the Journey of Poverty to Wealth
 
Wellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegades
Link to the script: https://shorturl.at/amDETSponsors: JaneApp
Book a 1-on-1 demo to see Jane in action and get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to get started, use WELLNESSRENEGADES for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.Dr. Lad's Bio and Website:
Dr. Pranav Lad, an accomplished physician with a diverse educational background, holds a BSc in Biology from the University of New Mexico, an M.D. from the Medical University of the Americas, and an N.D. from Sonora University University of Health Sciences. His passion for medicine extends beyond practice to teaching at the Ayurvedic Institute. Now, Dr. Lad is happily settled in Albuquerque, NM, where he dedicates himself to providing personalized care to his patients in his thriving private practice.
Website: https://www.healingartsofveda.comFacebook: Healing Arts of Veda

Episode 17: Arion Light Becoming a Wealth Warrior

Arion Light's upbringing was a unique journey guided by hippie parents who firmly believed that money was the villain in life's story. As he navigated the twists and turns of his own path, a profound realization dawned upon him - money could either shackle us with stress or grant us the wings of freedom. In his career, he uncovered a powerful truth: the key to both entrepreneurial success and life fulfillment lies in the art of embodiment. Arion Light discovered that our choices shape our destiny, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.
 
In this episode we discuss:
● Why Do Entrepreneurs Struggle with Money
● How We Can Create New Money Paradigm
● The Single Biggest Business Key
● The Two Steps to Creating a Healthier Relationship with Money
● Why Wealthy People Aren’t Bad
● Finding the Journey of Poverty to Wealth
 
Wellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegades
Link to the script: https://bit.ly/WRepisode17Sponsors: JaneAppJane is a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based practice management software that offers a full suite of features to help acupuncturists run their practices more efficiently.
 
Here are a few ways Jane can help streamline your charting workflows:
 
● There’s no need to start from scratch. Pick and customize a chart or intake form from Jane’s Template Library, created and shared by our acupuncture community.
 
Book a 1-on-1 demo to see Jane in action and get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to get started, use WELLNESSRENEGADES for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.Bio, Social Channels and Website:
Arion combines potent state mastery with clear business strategy so you can truly ravish your world with your gifts, make your unique impact on those you serve, and get paid. This is the ethos of The Embodied Business Institute. He lives in Victoria, Australia, by the Birrarung river, with his beloved son (a budding teen entrepreneur himself) and his dogs, and continues to write and create programs to inspire embodied entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, their gifts & their service in a truly authentic and unique way.
Wealth Warrior Meditation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arion_light/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearewarriorsoflove
Website: https://www.embodiedbusinessinstitute.com/the-village
 
 

Episode 16: Lori Kennedy CEO of The Wellness Business Hub. The Difference Between Business and Clinical Skills

Lori Kennedy went from sickness to health and from clinician to business owner. As a 19 year old in college Lori hit a health crisis and was so sick she was unable to function. Western treatments were unable to help so she began to explore holistic medicine and found the power of movement and food to heal. Come listen as we learn more about her journey and how she helps other providers now.
In this episode we discuss:
● Why Bios Might Not Matter
● The Difference Between Business and Clinical Skills
● How To Move From Single Sessions to Programs
● Raising Your Business IQ with Books
● Western Medical Model and the Loss of Accountability
● When to Use AI and When Not To
 
Link to the Transcript: https://bit.ly/WRepisode16
 
Wellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegadesSponsors: JaneAppJane is a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based practice management software that offers a full suite of features to help acupuncturists run their practices more efficiently.
 
Here are a few ways Jane can help streamline your charting workflows:
 
● There’s no need to start from scratch. Pick and customize a chart or intake form from Jane’s Template Library, created and shared by our acupuncture community.
● Speed up your charting by creating custom keyboard shortcuts that auto-populate sentences or paragraphs in your chart entries. This can be especially handy for documenting your most commonly used pressure points, treatment plans, and more.
● Add billing and diagnosis codes to chart notes and appointments at the same time for a convenient insurance billing experience.
 
Book a 1-on-1 demo to see Jane in action and get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to get started, use WELLNESSRENEGADES for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.Bio, Social Channels and Website:
Lori Kennedy is first and foremost a mom to her two kids. She’s the Founder & CEO of The Wellness Business Hub, a global business development company for alternative practitioners and coaches who are starting and growing an online business. The Wellness Business Hub’s mission is to revolutionize how practitioners and coaches do business so they can have flexibility, freedom and financial stability while they transform lives for a living.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorikennedyinc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507638994&ref=xav_ig_profile_web
Website: https://www.thewellnessbusinesshub.com/What type of online program is right for you? https://www.wbhvirtualclass.com/program-type
 
 

Episode 15: Dr. Ken Wezier Living with Cancer and Life Expectancy

Prepare for a  journey as we delve into the fascinating world of Dr. Ken Weizer: Naturopath, Cancer Survivor, and intrepid adventurer. Dr. Ken's has been a stalwart presence at Providence Health Systems' integrative oncology clinic for the past 22 years. But what sets Dr. Ken apart is his approach to cancer care, one that prioritizes the well-being of the entire person, transcending the confines of a mere diagnosis. Join us for a conversation that may challenge your perceptions of cancer treatment.
In this episode we discuss:
Going Beyond the Lump and Bump
New Stats on Cancer and the Rise of Cancer
What Are the Steps to Prevent More Cancer
AI And the Next Generation of Practitioners
Figuring Out What Works for Integrative Providers
Trying and Failing in Life
Wellness Renegade Links:Website: https://WellnessRenegades.comGoogle Business Profiles: https://wellnessrenegades.com/google-business-reviews/
Instagram: @WellnessRenegades
Link to Transcript: https://bit.ly/WRepisode14Sponsors: JaneAppJane is a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based practice management software that offers a full suite of features to help acupuncturists run their practices more efficiently.
Here are a few ways Jane can help streamline your charting workflows:
There’s no need to start from scratch. Pick and customize a chart or intake form from Jane’s Template Library, created and shared by our acupuncture community.
Speed up your charting by creating custom keyboard shortcuts that auto-populate sentences or paragraphs in your chart entries. This can be especially handy for documenting your most commonly used pressure points, treatment plans, and more.
Add billing and diagnosis codes to chart notes and appointments at the same time for a convenient insurance billing experience.
Book a 1-on-1 demo to see Jane in action and get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to get started, use WELLNESSRENEGADES for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.Social Channels and Website:
Dr. Ken Weizer doesn’t use social media. He can be found at https://www.providence.org/doctors/naturopathy/or/portland/ken-weizer-1023148186