What did our small group learn about holistic brain health, and what were the extra benefits of getting together each week? Here are my reflections on the Amen WHOLE-4 6-week Foundations Program after facilitating our faith-based group. We expected to learn a lot about how brain health was tied into other aspects of the body, mind, and spirit, and we definitely did. But we also learned a lot about each other, and built stronger relationships. There’s something really powerful about working towards individual health within a group that is striving for the same goals. We are happy and feel blessed to be a part of this national pilot program, and to offer our feedback. Learn more at https://amenwhole4.com.

How can moving and pressing on muscles or finding genetic “snips” provide answers to things like fatigue, depression, blood sugar swings, inflammation, or toxin overload? Dr. J Ann Dunn BS, DC, CKP, CWK, is a chiropractor, certified functional medicine practitioner, and the creator of Wholistic Kinesiology® and Wholistic Methylation, two groundbreaking approaches to natural health that have helped practitioners and patients around the world find answers conventional medicine couldn't provide. Dr. J teaches Ramsey all about Kinesiology and Methylation, including their definitions, why they are relevant to such a wide range of issues, and how people can find answers to things they’ve experienced their entire lives. Ramsey decides to get his genes tested, and you can to, with a 15% off discount code shared at the end of the episode. Visit myhappygenes.com to learn more and get started.

What can we do and control to improve our energy, attitude, strength, stress response, stamina, and all the other factors that push back the overwhelm of our lives? It’s not that complicated, and does not rely upon expensive formulas or products. However, it is tough to do on your own, without guidance or a deliberate strategy. Ramsey introduces the upcoming weekly workshops he will host and lead on Establishing Daily Vitality to get Better Before Burnout. You know how when you lift weights, you need to get your reps, right? Well, for daily Vitality you need to get your WEMS right: Waking, Eating, Moving, and Sleeping. Starting in July, join Ramsey each week to work on getting those foundations of health in line. Learn more at www.whatsworthwhile.net.

What goes with exercise? How about meditation, Qi Gong, Yoga or even Cannabis? Last we visited with Jill Wisehart, she was in Union, Washington, but she has since moved Treetop Fitness fully online and is expanding her holistic health experience offerings through a new network of practitioners … including Ramsey’s Better Before Burnout foundations of health program. Jill and Ramsey chat about all the changes Jill has navigated this past year, how exercise has kept her centered, and how the transformation of Treetop Fitness into a holistic and supportive community is shaping up. Listen in to get the full run-down of offerings that start in July. Learn more at www.treetopfitness.com.

Why do we get anxious when things are going our way? On TV shows and movies we brace ourselves for imminent plot twists when characters are too happy or comfy. Does that go for real life too? Things are actually going really great for me these days, at work, at home, and with my friends and colleagues. Does that mean a piano is going to fall from the sky? Perhaps instead I can find the courage to embrace the goodness, count my blessings, and genuinely praise and thank God for what He is providing. Things are not perfect, I certainly still have unmet goals, but things are headed in the right directions. I want to encourage you too: embrace optimism, see the good, count blessings and don’t let the fear of success hold you back. Of course, knocking on wood probably doesn’t hurt either.

Do they have it all figured out, those strong and silent guys? Or do emotions, doubts, and uncertainties swirl and remain unexpressed beneath those clear and steady eyes? Jason Blydell is a natural-born leader, athlete, Marine, husband, and father of four young kids. He’s a men’s health coach and retreat leader. There is also far more to him underneath that quiet confidence. Jason and Ramsey talk about feeling the need to perform, what it’s like to stop and actually feel your emotions, and what many men are truly seeking beyond the typical stereotypes. Learn more about Jason at https://www.gonebeyond.co.

What to work on now that I beat two hours on the Half Marathon for the first time? After many miles of training hills, I had my personal best time on the Capital City Half Marathon, with the official race clock time of 1:59:18. Time to take a beat, consider what to refocus my energy and efforts upon, and answer once again “what’s worthwhile.” What kind of guests do I want to invite onto the podcast? What would I like to talk about? I actually have several big collaborative things to work on, with MELD and with Amen Whole-4 and others. It’s great to be busy, and I’m optimistic. But I know and understand that not everyone feels that way. So I’m going to focus on connecting with people, listening to and sharing stories, and building health and wellness along with others. Maybe we’ll all enjoy our personal best time.

Speaking deeply and honestly, focusing in on other people, and connecting with their own feelings and bodies often don’t come easily to men within the typical surface-level gatherings and interactions that we have. But there is great value in learning to do so in men’s groups. Jason Lange is a men's embodiment coach, group facilitator, certified “No More Mr. Nice Guy” coach, and an evolutionary guide. As a young man, Jason had no idea what to do with his body or with what he felt. Through men’s groups and mentorship he learned how to understand himself and how to relate well with others. Ramsey and Jason discuss the elements of a productive men’s group, the reality behind archetypes and stereotypes, and how it is perhaps the best of times and the worst of times to be a man. This is a great listen not only for men, but also for the women who love them. Learn more at https://evolutionary.men.