Rooted & Wild

Rooted & Wild is a daily podcast for those seeking alternative answers about wellness, the body, the mind, and the multifaceted components that shape our health. Hosted by David Allen Tracy , certified ThetaHealing® practitioner, herbalist, chef, and behavioral consultant, each 30-minute episode blends grounded wisdom with soul-deep reflection. You'll explore themes like nervous system regulation , Chinese medicine , alternative medicine , herbalism , breathwork , emotional healing , and spiritual resilience —all through the lens of holistic wellness and trauma-informed care . Whether it’s solo reflections or rich interviews with wellness experts, every episode helps you reconnect with your intuition , regulate your body, and remember your place in the natural world. If you're drawn to holistic healing , functional medicine , somatic practices , or the inters

Rooted & Wild is a health podcast hosted by David Allen Tracy, with 137 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

David Allen Tracy hosts Rooted & Wild, a health show with 137 episodes published.

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  Episode #140

  The Inner Sanctuary: Finding Safety in an Uncertain World | Dr. Melanie Gray

  Sep 29, 202624 minS2

  The world can change faster than our bodies know how to process. Political division, economic uncertainty, violence, technological disruption, climate anxiety, changes in our communities, and the constant stream of troubling information can leave us feeling as though the ground beneath us is always shifting. Even when we are physically safe in the present moment, our nervous systems may remain braced for what could happen next. In this episode of Rooted & Wild , Henry welcomes Dr. Melanie Gray, a PhD-prepared nurse, educator, and trauma-informed wellness strategist, for a conversation about creating an inner sanctuary when the world around us feels uncertain. Together, they explore what safety actually means and why it is more than the absence of immediate danger. Safety can be a felt experience within the body. It can be the ability to breathe more deeply, return to the present, recognize what is within our control, and reconnect with the part of ourselves that remains steady even when life is changing. Dr. Gray shares how prolonged uncertainty can keep the nervous system in a state of hypervigilance, leaving us exhausted, reactive, disconnected, or constantly anticipating the next crisis. They discuss the difference between being informed and being consumed, why the body may struggle to trust calm after extended periods of stress, and how boundaries can protect our peace without disconnecting us from the realities of the world. This conversation also explores the sacred dimension of safety. If the nervous system shapes how we experience connection, intuition, trust, and the Divine, then tending to it is not merely an act of self-care. It can become a spiritual practice. Through small moments of regulation, intentional rest, and compassionate awareness, we can begin creating a sanctuary within ourselves that does not depend entirely upon external circumstances. Finding inner safety does not mean ignoring suffering, pretending everything is fine, or withdrawing from the world. It means developing enough steadiness to remain present without being swallowed by fear. It allows us to respond thoughtfully, protect what matters, and continue living with purpose even when we cannot predict what comes next. The world may remain uncertain. The ground may continue to shift. But within each of us, there may still be a quiet place where we can pause, listen, breathe, and remember that we are here. Perhaps sanctuary is not somewhere we escape to. Perhaps it is something we learn to carry within us. Learn more about Dr. Melanie Gray and her work at DrMelanieGrayTheConfidenceCoach.com . Connect with Dr. Melanie Gray: Instagram | LinkedIn | X | Facebook Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

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  Episode #139

  Music as Medicine: Emotional Healing & the Art of Being Present | Penn Johnson

  Sep 28, 202628 minS2

  What if the song you need most is the one that helps you finally feel what you’ve been carrying? A familiar melody can bring back a moment you thought you’d forgotten. A lyric can give words to grief you’ve never quite been able to explain. And sometimes, simply listening gives an emotion enough space to rise without asking us to fix it first. In this episode of Rooted & Wild , Henry Hawk welcomes songwriter, musician, and somatic mentor Penn Johnson for a conversation about music as medicine. Penn has spent more than seventeen years writing original songs. Today, he brings music into his work with people alongside honest conversation, quiet presence, and time in nature. Penn shares how his own experiences with heartbreak, grief, travel, and ceremony have shaped the songs he writes and the spaces he holds. Together, Henry and Penn explore the intimate relationship between music and emotion: why a song can reach us when ordinary conversation cannot, what it feels like to be met in a difficult moment, and how listening can become an act of presence. Their conversation also follows Penn outdoors. When we step away from our usual noise and spend time with the natural world, what do we begin to notice about ourselves? And how might we carry that awareness back into everyday life? In this episode, we explore: Why certain songs seem to find us at exactly the right time How music can give expression to grief and emotions we struggle to name Penn’s approach to songwriting and sharing music with others The importance of feeling heard and witnessed What silence and time in nature can reveal How to practice being present without making it another thing to achieve This conversation is an invitation to listen a little differently: to the music, to the world around you, and to whatever may be asking for your attention within. About Penn Johnson Penn Johnson is a songwriter, musician, and somatic mentor whose work brings together original music, conversation, and nature immersions. Drawing from years of songwriting and his own experiences of change, loss, travel, and ceremony, he creates spaces for people to explore what they feel and reconnect with their own rhythm. Learn more: www.pennjohnson.net Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

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  Episode #138

  Your Innate Pace: Reclaiming Your Intrinsic Autonomy & Authenticity | Amy Rogg

  Sep 27, 202624 minS2

  What happens when you stop living at the pace the world taught you—and begin listening for the pace that was yours all along? In this episode of Rooted & Wild , I’m joined once again by Amy Rogg for a deeply personal conversation about autonomy, authenticity, and what Amy describes as our innate pace —the rhythm that begins to emerge when we are no longer constantly responding to external expectations, urgency, pressure, or someone else’s definition of who we should be. So much of modern life asks us to override ourselves. Move faster. Produce more. Keep up. Be agreeable. Adapt. Perform. Become what the family, community, workplace, culture, or belief system around you expects you to become. But underneath all of that conditioning, there is still a self. And sometimes reclaiming that self requires learning how to hear it again. Amy and I explore what it means to recognize your own internal rhythms and begin making choices from a place of intrinsic autonomy rather than external authority . We talk about slowing down enough to notice when the body says yes, when it says no, when it needs movement, when it needs rest, and when the pace we're maintaining simply isn't our own. This conversation also becomes particularly personal as Amy and I discover an important parallel in our childhoods: we were both raised within cult environments. We reflect on what it can mean to grow up in systems where authority, identity, belonging, behavior, and belief are heavily shaped by the group—and what happens later in life when you begin asking questions that once may not have felt available to you: What do I actually believe? What do I actually want? Who am I when someone else isn't defining me? And can I trust myself to decide? Our experiences are our own, and we don't suggest that everyone's journey with autonomy begins in an environment as extreme as a cult. But the conversation opens into something much broader: the many ways human beings learn to disconnect from their internal authority. Family systems can do it. Religion can do it. Workplaces can do it. Relationships can do it. Social expectations can do it. Even wellness culture can become another set of rules telling us how quickly we should heal, how disciplined we should be, or what a “regulated” life is supposed to look like. Amy and I talk about the process of learning autonomy rather than simply declaring it —recognizing that freedom can feel unfamiliar when you've spent years orienting yourself around outside expectations. We explore the body as a place where that autonomy can begin to return. Through slowing down, movement, rest, awareness, curiosity, and learning to recognize our own signals, we may begin separating what has been inherited or imposed from what actually feels true. This isn't necessarily about rejecting structure, community, spirituality, or responsibility. It's about developing enough relationship with yourself that participation in those things becomes a choice . Because authenticity isn't simply expressing yourself more loudly. Sometimes it is much quieter than that. It's discovering your own rhythm. Your own boundaries. Your own beliefs. Your own yes. Your own no. Your own pace. And perhaps the more deeply we learn to inhabit that pace, the less energy we have to spend performing a version of ourselves that was never entirely ours to begin with. In this episode, we explore: innate pace and personal rhythm, intrinsic autonomy, authenticity versus conditioning, external authority and internal knowing, growing up in cult environments, Henry and Amy's childhood experiences, rebuilding self-trust, learning to make your own choices, recognizing bodily signals, boundaries and consent, urgency and productivity culture, slowing down without abandoning responsibility, inherited beliefs and expectations, somatic awareness, rest and movement, and creating a life that feels increasingly like your own. About Amy Rogg Amy Rogg is the creator of Underbelly: Art of Slowing Down® , an embodied approach centered around slowing down, rest, movement, music, and reconnecting with the subtle rhythms of the body. An E-RYT 500 yoga teacher, herbalist, and practitioner of somatic and relational movement, Amy's work invites people into deeper relationship with themselves in a culture that often rewards speed, productivity, and disconnection. Connect with Amy: AmyRogg.com Maybe authenticity isn't something we have to create. Maybe it's what begins to surface when we finally give ourselves enough space to discover what was ours all along. Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

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  Episode #137

  A Stepwise Guide to Physical & Mental Discipline | Juan Carlos Pleitez

  Sep 26, 202618 minS2

  What if discipline isn’t about pushing yourself harder—but creating a life that requires less unnecessary effort? In this episode of Rooted & Wild , I’m joined by Juan Carlos Pleitez for a practical conversation about physical and mental discipline, and how simplifying the way we approach our days can give us something many of us desperately need: more time, more energy, and less stress. We often associate discipline with intensity. Wake up earlier. Work longer. Exercise harder. Squeeze another task into an already packed schedule. But Juan Carlos offers a different perspective. Work smarter, not harder. Rather than constantly relying on motivation and willpower, we explore how routines, systems, and intentional habits can remove some of the daily decision-making that exhausts us. When the fundamentals of our lives become simpler and more consistent, we don't have to spend quite as much energy figuring out what comes next. We talk about creating stepwise routines for both physical and mental wellbeing—breaking larger goals into smaller actions that can actually become part of everyday life. From organizing tasks and prioritizing what matters to establishing routines around movement, food, work, rest, and personal responsibilities, discipline becomes less about restriction and more about creating structure that supports freedom. And that means questioning something many of us have been conditioned to celebrate: being busy. A full calendar doesn't necessarily mean we're using our time well. Productivity isn't the same thing as progress. And doing more isn't always the solution when the real problem may be that we're doing too many things that don't need to be done at all. Juan Carlos and I explore how to identify those unnecessary complications, reduce friction in everyday life, and create systems that make healthy and productive choices easier to repeat. We also look at the relationship between physical discipline and mental discipline . Caring for the body can influence how we show up mentally, while learning to organize our thoughts, priorities, and attention can make it easier to remain consistent physically. Rather than treating them as separate pursuits, we consider how the two can reinforce one another. Ultimately, this isn't about turning yourself into a productivity machine. It's about asking a much more meaningful question: How can I organize my life so that I have more of it available to actually live? Because perhaps the purpose of discipline isn't to see how much we can accomplish. Perhaps it's to create enough structure that life becomes simpler. In this episode, we explore: • Physical and mental discipline • Working smarter instead of harder • Creating routines that reduce everyday stress • Breaking larger goals into manageable steps • Simplifying tasks and responsibilities • Prioritizing what actually matters • Reducing unnecessary decision-making • Building habits that don't depend entirely on motivation • Time management and intentional scheduling • The difference between busyness and productivity • Eliminating unnecessary complexity • Creating systems that save time and energy • Physical routines that support mental clarity • Mental habits that support physical consistency • Creating more freedom through structure • Making room for rest, relationships, travel, and life outside of work • Using discipline as a tool for living—not simply accomplishing more Connect with Juan Carlos Pleitez: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/juancarlospleitez/ Discipline doesn't always mean doing more. Sometimes the most disciplined thing we can do is simplify. Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

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  Episode #136

  When Astrology Meets Geography: Understanding AstroCartoGraphy | Leslie McGuirk

  Sep 25, 202623 minS2

  What if your birth chart isn't only written in the stars—but stretched across a map of the world? In this episode of Rooted & Wild , I’m joined by Leslie McGuirk for an introduction to the fascinating world of AstroCartoGraphy —a branch of astrology that explores the relationship between your birth chart and specific locations on Earth. Most of us are familiar with the idea of a natal chart: a snapshot of the sky based on the date, time, and place of our birth. AstroCartoGraphy takes that same information and asks a different question: What happens when we put your astrology on a map? Suddenly, place becomes part of the conversation. Why might one city feel immediately like home while another leaves us restless? Why do certain places seem to coincide with periods of creativity, relationships, career opportunities, introspection, challenge, or transformation? And why can we sometimes feel inexplicably drawn to a part of the world we've never even visited? Leslie walks us through the foundations of AstroCartoGraphy and how planetary lines are mapped across the globe. We explore what it can mean to encounter the influence traditionally associated with the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn , and other planets in different locations—and why no planetary line is simply “good” or “bad.” A place associated with Venus might invite themes of beauty, relationships, pleasure, or creativity. Jupiter may be associated with expansion and opportunity. Saturn can bring themes of responsibility, discipline, and structure. Mars may amplify action, ambition, conflict, or courage. But AstroCartoGraphy is far more nuanced than simply finding your “best” place to live. Your chart remains your chart. The geography provides another lens through which astrologers interpret how particular planetary themes might become emphasized depending upon where you live, work, travel, create, build relationships, or spend meaningful periods of your life. We also talk about the practical side of working with an AstroCartoGraphy map: what the lines actually represent, how close you need to be to a line for astrologers to consider it relevant, why birth time matters, and why looking at a single planetary line without considering the rest of the chart can oversimplify the story. And perhaps most interestingly, AstroCartoGraphy gives us another way to think about our relationship with place itself. Some landscapes nourish us. Some challenge us. Some seem to awaken parts of ourselves that were quieter elsewhere. Whether you approach astrology as a spiritual practice, an archetypal language, a tool for self-reflection, or simply something you're curious about, this conversation offers an accessible foundation for understanding what happens when astrology meets geography. In this episode, we explore: • What AstroCartoGraphy is and how it developed • How a natal chart becomes a map of the world • What planetary lines represent • Why your exact birth time matters • The Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and other planetary influences • Why planetary lines aren't simply “good” or “bad” • Living near a planetary line versus traveling through one • Why different locations may emphasize different themes in our lives • Career, creativity, relationships, home, spirituality, and personal growth • Why we may feel unusually drawn to certain places • Places that feel expansive versus places that feel challenging • Using AstroCartoGraphy when considering travel or relocation • Why the entire birth chart still matters • The limitations of interpreting a location from one line alone • Astrology as a language for exploring our relationship with place • How geography can become another layer of self-discovery About Leslie McGuirk Leslie McGuirk is an internationally acclaimed astrologer, author, artist, speaker, and teacher who has studied astrology for more than three decades. Her approach is known for making complex astrological concepts accessible, practical, and deeply connected to the patterns of everyday life. She is the author of The Power of Mercury , published by HarperCollins, as well as numerous children's books, which collectively have sold more than two million copies . Her creative career has also included internationally recognized art and product design, including extensive work in Japan with Takashimaya. Leslie has taught astrology through her Astrology Wisdom Academy and at wellness destinations including Rancho La Puerta and Red Mountain Spa. She has appeared on Coast to Coast AM with George Noory and has been featured in publications including ELLE, Glamour, People, and Runner's World . She is also a TEDx speaker whose talk, “The Importance of Being Wrong,” explores creativity, perseverance, and the courage to follow one's own path. In this conversation, Leslie brings that same approachable perspective to AstroCartoGraphy , helping us understand how astrologers interpret the relationship between our birth charts and the places we encounter throughout our lives. Because perhaps the question isn't only “What's your sign?” It might also be: “Where in the world does your chart come alive?” Connect with Leslie McGuirk: www.lesliemcguirk.com Rooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

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