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.