Discovering the Wellness Formula Podcast

Burnout, the Caretaker Archetype & Coming Home to Yourself with Jessica Herron

In this episode of Discovering the Wellness Formula, we’re joined by Jessica Herron, a mental health leader, trauma survivor, and self-described caretaker; who brings both professional insight and lived experience to the conversation around burnout. Jessica shares her personal journey into the mental health field and how identifying with the “caretaker archetype” shaped her life, work, and eventual reckoning with burnout. Together, we explore what burnout really looks like beneath the surface, why helpers and healthcare professionals are especially vulnerable, and how trauma, people-pleasing, and self-sacrifice often intertwine. This conversation gently guides listeners toward reconnection; through self-awareness, self-compassion, grounding practices, and small but meaningful shifts that help us move from chronic over-giving to self-alignment. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself while caring deeply for others, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope. This episode is brought to you by the Wellness Roots Foundation. wellnessrootsfoundation.org

Your Wellness Formula Starts with Food with Gary Sardina, RDN

In this episode of Discovering the Wellness Formula, we sit down with Gary Sardina, RD, a clinical dietitian and Co-Founder of the Wellness Roots Foundation, to explore what real-world nutrition looks like inside the hospital and how we can use those insights to stay healthier outside of it. Gary shares his journey into dietetics, from his early days in food service to his current role focusing on the assessment and treatment of malnutrition in acute care. He explains why early identification of nutrition risk is critical, how interdisciplinary healthcare teams collaborate to support recovery, and what common patterns he sees among hospitalized patients. We dive into practical, evidence-based discussions around gut health, cancer nutrition myths, sugar and fasting, omega-3s, and the pros and cons of popular diets like low-carb, keto, and smoothies. Gary also offers actionable strategies people can use today to reduce their risk of hospitalization and improve long-term wellness. As Co-Founder of the nonprofit Wellness Roots Foundation and sponsor of this podcast, Gary shares why he felt called to start an organization dedicated to nutrition education, food access, and community wellness, and what impact he hopes to create. Finally, Gary reveals his personal Wellness Formula, tying together clinical experience, prevention, and purpose-driven work. This episode is brought to you by the Wellness Roots Foundation. wellnessrootsfoundation.org

Part 2 The Evolution of Healing: Dr. David Lee’s Journey and Acupuncture Practice

In Part 2, we dive deeper into Dr. David Lee’s personal story and the groundbreaking system he developed through his own healing journey. After facing significant health challenges early in his career, Dr. Lee discovered a unique integration of acupuncture, diet, and herbs that not only restored his health but reshaped his entire approach to medicine. We explore his innovative frameworks — including the Tetrasoma Diet, Tetrasoma Acupuncture, and Bisoma Technique — and how they help patients identify their body types, personalize nutrition, and activate the body’s innate healing intelligence. Dr. Lee also shares practical steps for beginners: how to identify your body type, how to choose foods that support rather than stress your system, and what to look for when choosing a qualified practitioner.

Part 1: The Ancient Roots of Acupuncture with Dr. David Lee, PhD

In this episode of Discovering The Wellness Formula, we explore the deep roots of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Dr. David Lee, a renowned acupuncturist, researcher, and educator with over 26 years of clinical experience. Dr. Lee takes us on a journey through acupuncture’s 5,000-year-old history, from the discovery of ancient meridian points to its legalization in California in the 1970s. We discuss the meaning of qi (energy), the intricate system of meridians, and how the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—reflect the balance between body, mind, and nature. Whether you’re curious about how acupuncture works or interested in how modern medicine is beginning to appreciate these time-tested systems, this episode offers both clarity and context. Join us as we uncover how this ancient practice continues to shape modern approaches to health and self-healing.

From Headaches to Healing: Dr. Wendy’s Journey into Chiropractic & NetworkSpinal

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wendy Kreider, a chiropractor whose journey began with her own search for relief from chronic headaches. What started as a personal healing experience at age 25 blossomed into a lifelong passion for helping others tap into the body’s natural ability to heal. Dr. Wendy shares how her early career in social work shaped her understanding of health and quality of life, and how she was ultimately called to chiropractic care. She opens up about her discovery of NetworkSpinal, a gentle yet powerful technique developed by Dr. Donny Epstein, and the profound impact it has had on her life and her patients. From pain relief and stress reduction to greater clarity, energy, and connection, Dr. Wendy’s story highlights the transformational potential of chiropractic and spinal wave entrainment. Listeners will gain insight into the philosophy behind NetworkSpinal, why Dr. Wendy is so passionate about it, and how this approach can enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.