Contributors

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Travis Richardson

Travis Richardson is the founder of Be Well Asheville, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Asheville’s wellness leaders. A former Olympic-trained athlete, licensed massage therapist, and personal trainer, Travis is also the creator of MAX10 Bodyshaping, a successful 10-week fitness program. 


With decades of experience launching health-forward communities, he brings a rare blend of professional expertise and heartfelt local commitment to everything he builds. 


Through interviews, storytelling, and community connection, Travis showcases the people and places shaping Asheville’s vibrant healing culture. His mission: to connect others with transformative experiences that lead to longer, healthier, more vibrant lives—right here in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

https://www.instagram.com/bewellasheville/

Guests

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Brynn Barale

Brynn Barale, BSN, RN, is a holistic health coach, registered nurse, and 18-year breast cancer thriver who helps women move from feeling overwhelmed and betrayed by their bodies to living a kick-ass life after cancer. Through Wildflower Health Coaching, she supports breast cancer survivors with a blend of nutrition, movement, mindset, and nervous system work so they can rebuild trust, confidence, and vitality in survivorship. Brynn also hosts a weekly online community Reiki and healing circle for women navigating life after cancer, creating a gentle, supportive space to be seen, heard, and held on the journey beyond treatment.

https://www.wildflowerhealthcoaching.com/

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Cathy Cleary

Cathy Cleary is the Outreach and Development Coordinator at Bountiful Cities, a longtime Asheville changemaker who has dedicated over 16 years to food justice work. 


A former restaurant owner who co-founded and operated the iconic West End Bakery & Café for 15 years, Cathy transitioned to nonprofit work in 2009 when she co-founded the FEAST program (Fresh, Easy, Affordable, Sustainable, Tasty), which now teaches cooking and gardening education to over 1,500 children in Asheville and Buncombe County schools.


She's a passionate advocate for "hyper-local food" - food grown within walking distance of where it's consumed - and believes that teaching children to grow and cook their own food is one of the most powerful tools for creating lifelong healthy eating habits.


Connect with Bountiful Cities: bountifulcities.org

https://www.bountifulcities.org/

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Corey Costanzo

Corey Costanzo is the co-founder and co-owner of Stillpoint Wellness in Asheville, NC. A Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Esalen® Massage Practitioner, and seasoned floatation therapist, Corey specializes in nervous system regulation, trauma recovery, and somatic healing.

Blending over 20 years of experience in psychology, bodywork, and mindfulness practices, Corey helps clients move from chronic stress into deep states of rest, presence, and reconnection. Alongside his wife and co-founder Robin Fann-Costanzo, he has cultivated Stillpoint Wellness into one of Western North Carolina’s most respected healing sanctuaries.

https://www.stillpointwell.com/

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Dahvid Weiss

DahVid Weiss has over 33 years of experience in holistic environments. His transformative journey led him to Chinese Medicine, Vibrational Medicine and later to Naturopathic Medicine. He’s also passionate about sound and has taught students worldwide for 24 years. Now, he teaches sound therapy called ACU-SOUND on dogs and other animals.

https://www.asha3.com/

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Daniel Ratner

Daniel Ratner is the co-founder of Drip Sauna, Asheville’s first and only wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience. He’s passionate about creating spaces for authentic connection, healing, and transformation. Daniel’s vision has helped build one of Asheville’s most inviting wellness communities where people can unwind, find belonging, and share in somatic rituals that support deep growth.

https://www.drip-sauna.com/

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Dawn Sagonias

Dawn Sagonias is a sound healing practitioner, biologist, and wellness entrepreneur based in the Asheville, North Carolina area. With a background in music, biology, and 25 years of massage therapy experience, Dawn brings a uniquely science-backed approach to sound healing. She holds a biology degree and an MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship, combining her passion for research with practical healing modalities.


Dawn operates two healing spaces: The Sound Nest, an intimate 8-10 person sound chamber in Alexander, NC, and Inner Wolf Retreat Space in Mars Hill, where she facilitates transformational rest retreats for women. Her approach integrates biofield work, intention setting, and evidence-based techniques influenced by researchers like Dr. Masaru Emoto, Tom Kenyon, Joe Dispenza, and Eileen McKusick. Dawn specializes in helping clients reset their nervous systems, create new neural pathways, and remember how to truly rest in our overstimulated modern world.

https://soundofanewdawn.com/

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Dr. Haydn Hasty & Terry Hasty — Founders of WellSpring Wellness Center

Dr. Haydn Hasty, President of WellSpring Wellness Center and MindSpring™ Consulting, is a seasoned leader in human development and wellness. With a Ph.D. in psychology, an M.A. and B.A. in French, and over 20 years teaching leadership and behavioral development, Haydn launched MindSpring in Asheville back in 1994.

As Vice‑President of both MindSpring and WellSpring, Terry Hasty brings a rich background in human resource development (M.S., Western Carolina University) and a deep commitment to empowering others. She designs and facilitates transformational workshops and programs for women in leadership, corporate groups, and educational institutions. Terry is also a founding architect of the TruthSpring curriculum, emphasizing conscious living and spiritual growth alongside Haydn.

https://wellspringasheville.com

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Dr. James Pinkston

Dr. James Pinkston, DO, is a board-certified osteopathic physician and the founder of Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics & Regenerative Medicine in Asheville, NC. With advanced training in neuromusculoskeletal medicine, Dr. Pinkston specializes in innovative, non-surgical solutions for pain and functional disorders—including PRP, stem cell therapy, shockwave therapy, and ultrasound-guided procedures. His practice integrates osteopathic care, injection therapies, and cutting-edge technology to support the body’s natural healing ability and help patients return to full, active lives.

https://www.ashevillenso.com

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Dr. Mary Cissy Majebe & Rachel Nowakowski

Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts is one of the nation's premier colleges of Classical Chinese Medicine and located in beautiful Asheville, NC.  At Daoist Traditions, students gain valuable, hands-on experience that prepares them to become healers who deliver compassionate healthcare and reduce pain and suffering in their communities.


Dr. Mary Cissy Majebe, founder and president of Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts, is a nationally recognized leader in acupuncture and Chinese medicine education. Rachel Nowakowski, Academic Dean, brings years of clinical experience and a passion for guiding students toward mastery in holistic healing. Together, they uphold Daoist Traditions’ mission to preserve, share, and advance the wisdom of Chinese medicine for modern wellness.

https://www.daoisttraditions.edu/

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Jaclyn Rebekah Roberts

Jaclyn Rebekah Roberts, NBC-HWC, E-RYT 500, RM, is the founder of SoulFit Academy—a coaching practice that blends modern wellness with ancient wisdom to help women reclaim energy, deepen self-connection, and flourish through every life stage. Drawing on her expertise as a national board-certified health coach, yoga teacher, and Reiki master, Jaclyn’s approach is rooted in softness, soul, and the belief that transformation is possible at any age. At SoulFit Academy, she guides clients through personal, energetic, mindset, and spiritual fitness, empowering women to create vibrant, aligned lives.


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Jodie Appel

Jodie is a massage therapist, animal behavior therapist, hydrotherapist, herbalist and continual learner of life.  I have been studying salt therapy now for the past 15 years and its extensive healing and profound benefits. After many years of extensive research and planning, the Appel family opened the Asheville Salt Cave in 2012. 

https://ashevillesaltcave.com/

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Kyra Cavanaugh

Kyra Kavanaugh is an energy coach, Qigong teacher, and well-being consultant dedicated to helping individuals and leaders recover from burnout and live in alignment with their energy. With a background in overcoming her own workaholism and burnout, Kyra brings a deep understanding of energy management from both personal experience and her studies in Qigong and Taoist traditions. She teaches Qigong at Asheville Community Yoga and offers consulting and coaching through her websites, 15BE.com and freerusself.world, providing resources for those seeking to reclaim their well-being.

https://15be.com
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Laura McCann

Laura McCann is the founder and CEO of Auratherapy, a wellness brand that blends aromatherapy, chakra healing, and aura readings to help people restore balance and reconnect with their energy. After a successful career in fashion and tech in NYC, she turned to scent and energy work to heal her own chronic challenges, sparking a mission to bring ancient wisdom into modern life. Based in Asheville and Miami, Laura is also the author of Aura Therapy: A Guide to Adorning Yourself, Your Chakras, and Your Aura.

https://auratherapylife.com/

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Lee "Natty" Trebotich

Lee "Natty" Trebotich is a biologist, master forager, adventure chef, and founder of Food For Adventures based in Asheville, NC. 


With over 20 years in the outdoor industry—including mountaineering in Nepal and Mexico, expedition cooking, and botanical expertise—Natty specializes in immersive experiences that blend foraging, fire-based cooking, and education. 


Alongside his wife Meghan (a registered dietitian), he leads wild plant hikes, forage-to-plate classes, kids' camps, multi-day adventures, and nationwide tours, teaching sustainable skills while fostering community through shared meals in nature.

https://foodforadventures.com/

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Leslie Brooks

Leslie Brooks, CLC is a trauma-informed life coach and somatic experiencing practitioner based in Asheville, NC. She specializes in helping women heal relational wounds through nervous system awareness and body-based trauma recovery.


Leslie is the founder of the Peaceful Goddess Project and creator of the Women Who Whine Facebook community with over 2,100 members. Drawing from her personal journey of healing complex trauma and 20+ years in the healing arts, she offers trauma-informed coaching and facilitates community healing gatherings focused on boundary setting and nervous system safety. Learn more at lesliebrooksclc.com.

https://www.peacefulgoddessproject.com/

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Marissa Gross

Marissa Gross, Director of the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Asheville, leads one of the region’s top massage therapy schools and wellness centers. With decades of experience, she is committed to training skilled therapists and providing exceptional holistic care. Her leadership fosters education, healing, and community connection, supporting wellness for both students and clients.

https://www.centerformassage.com/

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Matt Peiken

Matt Peiken is an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and cultural commentator with over 30 years of experience in print, public radio, video, and podcasting. He created The Overlook, Asheville’s premier podcast on arts, culture, and community, producing nearly 200 episodes that amplified local voices and issues. Before moving to Asheville in 2017, Matt reported and edited in Minnesota and with public radio, covering the intersections of creativity, culture, and civic life. Known for his fierce curiosity and commitment to authentic storytelling, Matt’s work highlights hidden stories, marginalized voices, and the role of narrative in community wellness. Today, he is launching Documentary Southeast, a new hub for documentary film screenings and photo exhibitions based in Mars Hill, NC.

🌐 mattpeiken.com
 | docsoutheast.org

https://www.mattpeiken.com

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Megan Hearne

Megan Hearne is a Neurofeedback Provider and Health Coach with over six years of experience helping clients rewire their brains for calm, clarity, and focus. Holding a Master’s degree and advanced training from the Institute for Applied Neuroscience, NewMind Academy, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Megan bridges brainwave training and lifestyle coaching into an empowering, whole-person approach. Her work supports better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved focus, and long-term nervous system regulation. Now based at the Heartwood Collective in downtown Asheville, Megan welcomes clients to Vitality Neuro, where science and holistic wellness come together to help people unlock resilience and live with greater balance.

https://vitalityneuro.com/

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Michael Spremulli

Michael Spremulli is a professional Vibrational Astrologer with nearly 30 years of experience in astrological chart interpretation. Known for his practical, science-driven approach, Michael combines his background as a workplace personality expert and therapist with modern, evidence-based astrology. He specializes in helping individuals and entrepreneurs uncover real energetic patterns for greater self-understanding, empowered decision-making, and personal growth. Michael consults with clients worldwide and is dedicated to elevating astrology as a tool for practical transformation and authentic living.

https://www.blueridgeastrology.com/

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Nicole Will (Asheville Wellness Tours)

Nicole curates meaningful experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves and the natural world through yoga hikes, forest bathing, sound meditations, and more. Her career spans nearly two decades in hospitality and outdoor leadership, from wilderness therapy guide to fine dining server, with deep roots in both backcountry trails and high-touch guest care. Before planting roots in Asheville, she ran a custom retreat planning business in the Andes and Galápagos of Ecuador. Nicole brings a grounded, approachable style to wellness, blending deep expertise with a love for nature, community, and intentional travel.


https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/

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Rachele Scevola (The Breath Nurse)

Rachele Scevola, RN, known as The Breath Nurse, is a registered nurse with over 10 years in critical care who transitioned to breathwork facilitation after discovering its transformative power during her own burnout recovery. She now empowers others through private sessions, group events, and retreats in Asheville, focusing on breath as medicine for stress reduction, emotional healing, and holistic wellness. Rachel hosts monthly donation-based and themed breathwork gatherings, emphasizing simplicity, presence, and community connection.

https://www.thebreathnurse.com/

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Rayana Stare

Rayana T. Starre – Catalyst Coaching Solutions
Rayana T. Starre is a coach and guide at the leading edge of purpose-driven growth, weaving Human Design and NLP to help people reclaim their power, break free from limitations, and realign their work with their truest selves. With an intuitive approach and strategic insight, Rayana supports clients in Asheville and beyond to uncover their soul’s blueprint and step forward with clarity, courage, and authentic leadership. She regularly hosts Human Design Open Houses and offers private coaching and workshops for those seeking aligned strategy and purposeful success. Connect at CatalystCoachingSolutionsLLC.com or info@catalystcoachingsolutionsllc.com.

https://www.catalystcoachingsolutionsllc.com/

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Robin Fann-Costanzo

Robin Fann-Costanzo is the co-founder and co-owner of Stillpoint Wellness in Asheville, NC. With over 30 years of experience, she is a Certified Esalen® Massage Practitioner, former faculty member at the world-renowned Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, and an international teacher of somatic and bodywork practices.

Robin is known for her intuitive, integrative approach that blends presence, touch, and mindfulness to support nervous system regulation and emotional healing. Alongside her husband and co-founder Corey Costanzo, she has built Stillpoint Wellness into an award-winning center for floatation therapy, massage, and transformative healing experiences in Western North Carolina.

https://www.stillpointwell.com/

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