Conscious Michiana Podcast

Awaken Your Spark: Entering the Year of the Fire Horse with Dr. Natalie Kilheeney

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Natalie Kilheeney, a doctor of Acupuncture and Herbalism, to explore the meaning of the Lunar New Year and the vibrant energy of the Year of the Fire Horse. We talk about how this dynamic year can inspire passion, creativity, and motivation, while also learning how to stay balanced and avoid burnout.

Dr. Natalie shares how Qigong helps cultivate inner vitality, align with seasonal cycles, and support gentle transformation through breath and mindful movement. This conversation reflects the mission of Conscious Michiana, connecting ancient wisdom with modern life and supporting whole-person wellness.

Visit ConsciousMichiana.org for full episode show notes.

Journey of the Mind: Visual Art as a Path to Mental Wellness with Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM)

In this episode of the Conscious Michiana Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Kelly, Founder and Executive Director of Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM), to explore their second annual community art exhibit, Journey of the Mind through Visual Artistic Expression. Running February 21 through March 26, 2026, this traveling exhibit partners with the Elkhart Public Library and the St. Joseph County Public Library to create accessible, welcoming spaces for reflection, connection, and mental health awareness.

For additional information, visit the show notes page at consciousmichiana.org

Connection Without the Alcohol: The Funktional Story

In this episode, our board president, Leah Benevente, sits down with Jen Hacker & LaRae Perrin, the team behind Funktional Bar & Bottle Shop, a South Bend–based concept that’s boldly rewriting drinking culture. Funktional is creating space for everyone—whether you’re sober, sober curious, pregnant, or simply opting for a night off—by removing the barriers that often come with traditional social scenes.

At its core, Funktional is about belonging. Through intentional, elevated craft beverages and a welcoming environment, they’re proving that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a premium experience or feel part of a vibrant community.

For more information, please visit our show notes at https://consciousmichiana.org/connection-without-the-alcohol-the-funktional-story/

Mental Wellness as Care, Not Crisis with Mary Beth Schramlin of A Mindful Place

Mental Wellness as Care, Not Crisis is a compassionate conversation with Mary Beth Schramlin, a local social worker, exploring mental wellness as an ongoing practice—not something we only address when things fall apart.

In honor of Mental Wellness Month, this episode of the Michiana Hivecast dives into the mind–body connection, the role of community care, and why support is valid even when you’re “functioning.” We talk about gentle signs of overwhelm, accessible grounding practices, and how to seek or offer support in trauma-informed ways.

This episode is for anyone feeling stretched thin, curious about mental wellness, or looking for more compassionate ways to care for themselves and others.

For full show notes visit consciousmichiana.org

Gentle Shifts, Lasting Impact: A Veganuary Conversation with Michiana VegFest

January is a time for intention, renewal, and conscious choice—and for many, that begins with how we nourish ourselves.

In this episode of the Michiana Hivecast, we sit down with Michael Pound, Chair of the Michiana VegFest organization, to explore Veganuary through the lens of wellness, compassion, and community. This conversation invites listeners to approach plant-based eating with curiosity rather than perfection, and to see food as a powerful gateway to personal and collective well-being.

We discuss:

• What Veganuary is and why January is a meaningful time to explore plant-based eating
• How plant-forward choices can support mind–body wellness and energy
• Common misconceptions about Veganuary and how to approach it with self-compassion
• The importance of progress over perfection
• How food connects us to the planet, animals, and one another
• The role of community—especially local VegFest spaces—in making change accessible and joyful
• Gentle ways to integrate plant-forward habits beyond January

Whether you’re plant-based, plant-curious, or simply interested in more mindful living, this episode offers grounded inspiration rooted in connection, care, and conscious living.

✨ Subscribe for more conversations on wellness, community, and intentional living.
🌿 Learn more about Conscious Michiana: www.consciousmichiana.org

Creating Space for Grief: Rituals, Community, and Compassion with Patti Shaffner

In this episode, grief advocate Patti Shaffner shares her journey from personal loss to becoming a grief educator and ritual tender. Discover why grief is sacred, the myths we need to dismantle, and practical ways to support those who grieve.

For full episode details, including video, visit our website consciousmichiana.org

#GriefAwareness #GrowingWithGrief #GriefIsLove #ConsciousMichiana

Healing Masculinity: A Movember Conversation with Prince Roc

For this Movember spotlight, we sit with Prince Roc—spiritual healer and professional cuddler—to explore what it really means to care for men’s health. From emotional vulnerability to the power of platonic touch, this conversation is a heart-centered dive into healing, masculinity, and the magic of being held. This soulful take on Movember might just change how you see men’s wellness

Movember in Michiana: Healing, Connection & Conscious Masculinity

As part of our Movember Men’s Health Initiative, we speak with Luke Andresen, co-owner of The Collective in Benton Harbor, Michigan. We talk about the unique challenges men face when it comes to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From breaking down stigmas to building sustainable habits, Luke’s approach is all about empowering men to take ownership of their health in a way that’s authentic, accessible, and deeply transformative.

For more information, be sure to visit our show notes at www.consciousmichiana.org.

Restoring Men’s Health: A Movember Conversation with Kevin Hieber of Restorative Spot

This Movember, we’re shining a light on men’s health—mind, body, and spirit. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Hieber, owner of The Restorative Spot, for an open and powerful conversation on mental wellness, physical recovery, and breaking the stigma around men’s health.

 

Join us as Kevin shares insights on movement, healing, and how intentional self-care practices can support men in living stronger, healthier lives.

 

#Movember #MensHealth #ConsciousMichiana #TheRestorativeSpot #Wellness #MentalHealthAwareness #PhysicalRecovery #MensWellness

Ra's Vegan Journey: A Story of Compassion and Conscious Living

In honor of World Vegan Day, Conscious Michiana presents Ra’s inspiring journey from a small-town Michigan upbringing rooted in hunting traditions to embracing a compassionate vegan lifestyle. Her story invites reflection on connection, consciousness, and the power of choice. Listen as Ra shares how her path toward plant-based living became a deeper journey of healing and awareness.

 

This World Vegan Day feature explores one woman’s shift toward mindful, sustainable living and the spiritual connection behind her vegan path.

 

#VeganStory #WorldVeganDay #ConsciousLiving #PlantBasedJourney #VeganLifestyle #ConsciousMichiana #MindfulLiving #VeganInspiration #Sustainability #VeganTransformation