In this episode of the Vital Edge Wellness Coaching podcast, Scott and Melissa dive deep into the power of slowing down—especially when it comes to how we eat. They unpack the role of mindfulness in our daily eating habits and explore how being more present during meals can positively impact digestion, emotional well-being, and long-term health.

Together, they reflect on the challenges of breaking old patterns, the emotional triggers behind mindless snacking, and how cultural habits shape the way we relate to food. The conversation is packed with practical tips and personal insights, including how retreats and simple breathwork can help reset our relationship with nourishment.

Whether you struggle with emotional eating or simply want to feel more connected to your food and body, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate approach to building healthier habits.

• Slowing down deepens our connection with food
• Mindful eating can improve digestion and reduce stress
• Eating is meant to be a conscious and meaningful experience
• Cultural conditioning plays a big role in our eating behaviors
• Emotional eating often stems from a lack of awareness
• New habits begin with small, intentional shifts
• Mindfulness can reshape your approach to wellness
• Retreats offer space to reset and realign
• Breathwork is a simple yet powerful mindful eating tool

🎧 Ready to transform your relationship with food?

Tune in now and take the first step toward mindful, nourishing habits. Don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a gentle reminder to slow down and savor life—one bite at a time.

In this deeply moving episode, former Marine and retired police officer **Alan Lynn** joins Scott and Melissa to share his powerful journey through personal crisis, cancer, divorce, and ultimately, rebirth. Alan opens up about facing rock bottom—confronting suicide, battling leukemia, and losing everything—only to find something greater: *his true self*.

From a man defined by duty and control to someone who now lives with self-love, purpose, and peace, Alan’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to heal, evolve, and thrive.

🔑 **Top 5 Takeaways:*

Our identity is not your title.

Alan reminds us that our job, status, or uniform doesn't define us. Real peace comes from discovering who you are beneath the labels.

Self-love is where healing starts.

He wasn’t able to help others until he first learned to love and care for himself—and that shift changed everything.

Resilience is a choice.

True resilience isn’t just surviving—it’s learning how to *live and love* again after life knocks you down

Healing is an inside job.

Meditation, breathwork, presence, and surrender became Alan’s essential tools—not just for recovery, but for transformation.

You can rebuild your life at any moment.

Through chaos and crisis, Alan discovered his calling: to help others heal. He’s now writing a book and preparing to lead retreats for veterans and first responders.

Mentioned in the Episode:

* *Living from a Place of Surrender* by Michael Singer

* Eckhart Tolle’s teachings on presence

* Alan’s upcoming book, *Growth Through Chaos* (working title)

* Future wellness retreats for first responders and veterans

🎧 **Listen now on:** Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts

🔗 Don’t forget to follow @RiseAndThrivePodcast for updates and inspiration

#RiseAndThrive #PodcastShowNotes #HealingJourney #SelfLove #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranVoices #Resilience

In this empowering episode of *Rise and Thrive*, Scott and Melissa welcome listeners into a space of vitality, healing, and mindful living. The conversation blends grounding practices with personal growth reflections. They begin with a calming moment of mindfulness and then dive into themes around reclaiming your identity, the transformative power of movement, and the resilience that lives in each of us.

This episode encourages listeners to slow down, connect inward, and find strength in small intentional practices—reminding us that healing is not a destination but a rhythm.

Key Takeaways:

1. Grounding through sound and breath – The episode starts with a moment of mindfulness using a singing bowl, emphasizing how small rituals can ground and center us in chaotic times.

2. Reclaiming identity through movement – Movement isn’t just physical; it’s a way to reconnect with who we are and rewrite our stories.

3. Letting go of old labels – The conversation explores shedding past identities and stepping into a more empowered version of yourself.

In this empowering episode of Rise and Thrive, Scott and Melissa welcome listeners into a space of vitality, healing, and mindful living. The conversation blends grounding practices with personal growth reflections. They begin with a calming moment of mindfulness and then dive into themes around reclaiming your identity, the transformative power of movement, and the resilience that lives in each of us.

This episode encourages listeners to slow down, connect inward, and find strength in small intentional practices—reminding us that healing is not a destination but a rhythm.

Grounding through sound and breath – The episode starts with a moment of mindfulness using a singing bowl, emphasizing how small rituals can ground and center us in chaotic times.

Reclaiming identity through movement – Movement isn’t just physical; it’s a way to reconnect with who we are and rewrite our stories.

Letting go of old labels – The conversation explores shedding past identities and stepping into a more empowered version of yourself.

In this powerful episode of Rise & Thrive, Scott and Melissa sit down with the inspiring Ava Johanna—meditation teacher, spiritual guide, and founder of The Academy of Breath. Together, they explore the path to healing through breathwork, self-worth, and emotional resilience.

Ava shares her personal story of breaking free from societal expectations, embracing self-care, and stepping fully into her power. Whether you're just starting your healing journey or deep in transformation, this conversation will remind you: you are worthy of feeling good.

✨ Tune in and take a breath with us.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Ever feel like you're juggling 10 things at once—and dropping most of them?

In this raw and real episode, Scott & Melissa dive deep into the emotional chaos we all feel: burnout, tech headaches, adulting stress, parenting struggles, and trying to stay present in a world that won’t stop spinning.

💨 The big takeaway? Your breath is your superpower.

From mindful sighs to deep belly breaths, they walk us through how to ground ourselves—even in the middle of the mess.

✨ Plus:

🌀 Navigating overwhelm

🌕 How the full moon (and life!) impacts us

💛 Why healing starts from the inside-out

🧘‍♀️ And finding joy even in the middle of the caca (yep, they said it 😄)

🎧 Listen now and take a moment to breathe. You deserve it.

In this episode of *Rise and Thrive*, Scott and Melissa dive deep into the **transformative power of morning rituals** and how they can shape the energy, mindset, and flow of your entire day.

They unpack the *science of neuroplasticity*, the benefits of **mindfulness**, and how simple habits—like movement, breathing, and time in nature—can help retrain your brain and create powerful shifts in your life.

The hosts also share their **personal routines**, practical tips, and an invitation to begin your own ritual practice—starting small, staying consistent, and trusting the process.

Whether you're new to morning rituals or looking to elevate yours, this episode will inspire you to rise with purpose and thrive with intention.

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**Key Takeaways:**

* Morning rituals set the tone for your day.

* Mindfulness can be built through consistent small practices.

* Your brain is capable of change through neuroplasticity.

* Breathing and gratitude are powerful mental reset tools.

* Movement boosts energy and clarity in the morning.

* Time in nature enhances mental and emotional well-being.

* Habit stacking makes new rituals easier to adopt.

* Start small. Keep it simple. Let your rituals grow with you.

* Trust your journey—rituals evolve over time.

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**Listen now on:**

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Youtube Music

*Breathe deeply. Live boldly. And join us as we continue rising and thriving—one morning at a time.*

Hey friends! 👋

We’re so excited to share a sneak peek of Episode 01 of our new podcast, Rise & Thrive! 🌿

In this episode, Melissa and I open up about why we created this show — to build a space where we can talk about mindfulness, holistic health, and the real stuff that helps us not just survive… but thrive.

We dive into:

🧘‍♀️ Why mindfulness is the foundation of well-being

🥦 How functional movement and nutrition fit into the big picture

🌳 The healing power of nature and slowing down

🔥 Burnout, life changes, and why consistent support matters

💬 And how we’re creating a community — not just a podcast

This is more than a project. This is our calling. And we can’t wait to bring you along for the ride. Episode drops in a few days — hope you’ll join us. 🙌

#RiseAndThrive #WellnessJourney #MindfulLiving #VitalEdgeCoaching #LifeWithPurpose #FromBurnoutToBalance