Maybe you have heard of a cacao ceremony, but confused about what it is exactly?

Should you partake in one?

Last week, we talked with Jeff Stratman of Mythical Chocolate about raw cacao and the ethical sourcing of cacao. This week we take the conversation to a new level that’s not been explored on the podcast before and that is Ceremonial Cacao! We get into the details on what makes up a cacao ceremony, what are the origins of using cacao in ceremony to begin with, and how to spot people that are just using those terms as click bait to buy their product. Ready for some more cacao?

This episode is part of the Wildly Optimized Wellness Premium podcast which is included in the The Wellness Curiosity membership.

If you are wanting to experience something like this yourself, the Wilderness Reset Retreat happening in October will be featuring a cacao ceremony experience that weekend!

Ever wonder what exactly is raw chocolate?

Is it better?

In this week’s episode we are exploring the popular topic of chocolate even further by talking with founder and maker of Mythical Chocolate, Jeff Stratman. We cover the differences between raw chocolate & traditional tempered processes and how the sourcing differs when producing raw chocolates. We even dive into some of the technical aspects of making cacao from bean to bar. So if craft chocolate is something new, or you are a long-time connoisseur there’s a lot to learn from Jeff in this episode!

And if you enjoy this, be sure to tune in to Part 2 with Jeff Stratman talking about ceremonial cacao - only available on the Wildly Optimized Wellness Premium podcast, which is one of the many benefits you receive when you become an Optimized Wellness Community member! You can find the link to join in the show notes!

Could there be chemicals in your home that are making you sick? YES!

But how do you know?

In this week’s episode we talk through Evie’s most recent room remodel in her home and her journey of exploring and considering Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the furnishings and materials used in the remodel. We dig into the details of what to look for, what to consider, and how to test your own biology to see if these compounds are contributing to health symptoms.

Listen in while we clear the air on this topic!

When you can’t move the way that you want to—be it from neuropathy, old injuries, etc.—it doesn’t just affect you physically. It affects you emotionally as well.

And traditional treatments often don’t work that well even on the physical side of things.

That’s why we’re so excited to bring you this conversation today and share with you some products that are changing lives around the world by using texture to help people to feel their body again. In this episode, we’re joined by the lovely Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist who founded a phenomenal company called Naboso. She and her company have created multiple products that are revolutionizing the treatment of neuropathies in the body and foot health in general.

We’re diving into why this is so important (even if you don’t suffer from a neurological medical condition!), how Dr. Emily’s work is different, and so many amazing recommendations for you to improve your physical health no matter where you’re starting from.

Let’s dive in!

Fire. It’s a powerful element. We use it for warmth & cooking, or it can be destructive AF.

What’s your relationship to fire?

In this week’s episode we are finishing out our Element series and discussing Fire! We dig into how it's related to our health and our mental health, as well as how it's used in our environment. We even touch on how it can be used ritualistically and the devastating nature of fire, especially related to climate change and the environment. Perhaps, this episode may inspire you to incorporate fire into your life in some way that can support your wellness. Cozy on up to the fire with us, will you?