Find your best self before the wedding ceremony and read marriage, relationship, and wellness tips from Denver wedding officiant, Michael Moody.
#18 - Regenerative Farming and Food as Medicine with Dr. Ron Weiss
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elemqents of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve great feats, goals, and milestones — and a chance to geek out on the psychology behind human behavior.
Specifically, I examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that have steered intriguing professionals and people from all walks of life. Each episode is also a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that guide us in different directions. Whether we focus primarily on nutrition or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being… us.
In today’s episode, I dive into the world of regenerative organic farming with Dr. Ron Weiss. He is dual board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine. As a primary care physician in New Jersey, Dr. Weiss serves as the executive director of Ethos Primary Care and as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He is not only a physician but also a botanist and farmer, and he offers an evidence-based, food-as-medicine approach to healing chronic illness and optimizing wellness. Dr. Weiss has been featured in top media, including The New York Times, The New York Post, The Today Show, New Jersey Monthly, and the feature-length documentary, "Eating You Alive."
A vegan-friendly plant-based doctor in New Jersey, Dr. Weiss prescribes the Ethos Diet – an all-organic, ecologically-sustainable, and Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet – as the cornerstone of his work with patients. He is not your typical doctor. His primary care practice is located on 342 acres of farmland in Long Valley, New Jersey, where he grows "beyond organic" produce for his patients. Otherwise known as the farm doctor, Dr. Weiss believes that food is medicine and in a Farm-Based Health Care System. He additionally holds a dual baccalaureate degree in botany and music from Rutgers University….which we explore in great depths.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: Regenerative Farming and Food as Medicine with Dr. Ron Weiss
Here’s what we discussed:
-How Dr. Weiss’ passions have intersected.
-Dr. Weiss’ lifelong connection to botany and agriculture.
-The evolution of his medical practice to a regenerative organic farm.
-The effects of chemicals and current farming practices on the soil and the environment.
-The distinction between "beyond organic" and typical organic certifications.
-The foundation of regenerative organic farming and the Farm Ethos Project.
-The debate about the best regenerative practices.
-The recommendations for those farmers with the same connection to the history and cultivation of the land but who haven't pivoted to sustainable, environmentally-mindful practices.
-How we can connect our kids to agriculture in urban settings with a new sustainable organic perspective and the guidance they need to become stewards of the environment.
-The Rockefeller Food System Vision 2050 and Young Farmers Incubator Program.
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To learn more about Dr. Ron Weiss, visit https://www.myethoshealth.com or his Facebook and Instagram pages.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: Regenerative Farming and Food as Medicine with Dr. Ron Weiss
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
Wedding Planning Tips
#17 - What Being a Parent Taught Me About Managing Stress
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones — and a chance to geek out on the psychology behind human behavior.
So, what is this podcast specifically about? I examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that have steered writers, filmmakers, psychologists, and industry icons down their paths in life. Each episode is also a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that guide us in different directions. Whether we focus primarily on nutrition or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being… us.
Being a father now, it’s incredible what you can learn from your child. My 3-year-old son, Preston, has taught me how to manage stress more effectively without knowing it! What a wise little man.
The ego of a typical adult human may exclaim: Babies teach us nothing! They are little animals trying to survive in nature. What do they know?!
But the truth is that giving birth to a child will change your life forever…and their lessons are endless. As a parent, you’ll always need to think about others, be mindful of your risk-taking behavior, plan, focus on meaningful interaction, and show empathy and sympathy. Just sharing this list reminds me that we should be doing this anyway, with or without a child!
In all honesty, my wife, Sammy, and I haven’t felt the drastic change in life that most people claim. The responsibilities and day-to-day specific approach may have been reshaped, but the principles are the same. Although this is true, Preston has inspired new approaches to managing stress.
He unknowingly prepared a Stress 101 curriculum for me — his dad — a model of human instinctive behavior. Without a doubt, it made me rethink my needs and how I structured my life to minimize stress.
Here’s what I specifically discussed:
-Recognizing our primary survival needs before pursuing any secondary tasks/projects (and how we cognitively overrule our survival nudges).
-Establishing consistent eating and sleeping routines (and why the human body depends on it).
-Maintaining a consistent reading habit (and the benefits we usually ignore).
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: What Being a Parent Taught Me About Managing Stress
To learn more about Michael Moody, check out his book "Redefine Yourself” or say hello on Instagram (@wholeplantpersonaltrainer)!
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
Wedding Planning Tips
#16 - The Examination of Personal and Collective Trauma with Dr. Bakalar
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones — and a chance to geek out on the psychology behind human behavior.
So, what is this podcast specifically about? I examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that have steered writers, filmmakers, psychologists, and industry icons down their paths in life. Each episode is also a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that guide us in different directions. Whether we focus primarily on nutrition or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being… us.
Considering our current COVID-19 pandemic, I felt it was an appropriate time to explore the individual and collective experiences of trauma with psychologist Dr. Jennifer Bakalar. In my lifetime, the horrific events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States left an incredible imprint. No doubt, it was a traumatic experience for the many friends, families, and colleagues who were personally connected to the lives lost. Nearly 20 years later, we are now experiencing another collective experience as a society.
Dr. Bakalar is a licensed psychologist in Washington, DC, where she provides psychotherapy to adults. Her clinical focus centers on the impact of stress, trauma, transition, and loss on psychological and physical health. She uses an integrative approach grounded in contemporary relational, interpersonal, and psychodynamic theories. Dr. Bakalar’s passion for this work stems from her belief in the transformative potential of relationships, along with the meaning she finds in supporting her clients to understand themselves more deeply and enrich their connections with others.
In our interview, we explored everything from the individual to the collective experience of trauma, and here’s what we specifically discussed:
-If some personalities or mindsets are more susceptible to experiencing trauma.
-Whether or not there is an evolutionary benefit to remembering trauma.
-The foundation of trauma-focused treatment within a stage-based model.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: The Examination of Personal and Collective Trauma with Dr. Bakalar
-How a person processes traumatic memory and integrates it into their, his, or her broader life story.
-The foundation of collective trauma, and historical examples outside of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
-The point at which a crisis evolves into collective memory.
-The difference between the collective and individual memory of trauma.
-The reasons to keep trauma alive in the collective consciousness.
-They often need to construct the meaning of a crisis collectively.
-The typical long-term consequences of different forms of collective victimization.
-The variables of collective trauma that affect one's experience.
-How collective trauma can serve as a sense of continuity between past, present, and future members of a group, and how to be sure it doesn't contribute to a more significant social dysfunction.
To learn more about Dr. Bakalar, visit https://www.dchealthpsychology.com/our-team or her professional page, https://www.jenniferbakalarphd.com/.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: The Examination of Personal and Collective Trauma with Dr. Bakalar
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
Wedding Planning Tips
#15 - The Evolution of a Personal Trainer's Diet (My Story)
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones — and a chance to geek out on the psychology behind human behavior.
So, what is this podcast specifically about? I examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that have steered writers, filmmakers, psychologists, and industry icons down their paths in life. Each episode is also a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that guide us in different directions. Whether we focus primarily on nutrition or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being… us.
In today’s episode, I share the evolution of my diet. I often think of the first twenty years of my life as a biased introduction to the world curated by the family, friends, culture, and influences of that period. Despite my passionate connection to psychology today, I never examined my role in that world nor how I interacted with it until later in life. Most importantly, I never examined myself during this pivotal period of my development. Although a high school psychology course triggered my interest in mental health, I was more enamored with the study of the underlying influences of OTHER people's human behavior (not my own). I never comprehensively examined my body’s relationship with food either.
Fast forward to the present…my diet system has helped me (as well as my personal training clients) build the most optimal "self" while satisfying the mental, craving "self" at times. While it hasn't been a perfect journey, I couldn't be more thankful for the cues and signals that pointed me in this direction.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: The Evolution of a Personal Trainer’s Diet
Here’s what I specifically discussed:
-The lack of physical self-awareness at an early age
-The challenges of trying to attain the ideal self-image
-The depth needed to finally eat with intent
-The internal conflict of choosing a lifestyle outside of the mainstream
-The foundation of a whole food plant-based diet
-The setting of dietary boundaries
To learn more about Michael Moody, check out his book "Redefine Yourself” or say hello on Instagram (@wholeplantpersonaltrainer)!
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
Wedding Planning Tips
#14 - Living with Intent Featuring Author and Vegan Hot for Food Host Lauren Toyota
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones — and a chance to geek out on the psychology behind human behavior.
So, what is this podcast specifically about? I examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that have steered writers, filmmakers, psychologists, and industry icons down their paths in life. Each episode is also a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that guide us in different directions. Whether we focus primarily on nutrition or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being… us.
I’m excited to share today’s episode with you. From YouTube to Twitter to Instagram, Lauren Toyota has hundreds of thousands of combined followers, fans, and subscribers. She seamlessly transitioned from close to 10 years as a television host and producer to an independent, self-made content producer.
Every Wednesday, you can find Lauren sharing gourmet vegan comfort food recipes on the “hot for food” YouTube channel that now boasts nearly 473,000 subscribers and over 36 million channel views since launching in February of 2015. Her debut cookbook, Vegan Comfort Classics: 101 Recipes To Feed Your Face (Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House) became a best seller and is available now wherever books are sold. Her second cookbook is set for release in February 2021.
Among other accolades, Lauren Toyota was also named Canada's Most Influential Vegan by IMPACT magazine in 2017 and one of the Powerhouse Canadian Women Killing it in 2018 by Refinery29.
In our interview, we covered everything from the mindset of a host to living with intent. Here’s what we specifically discussed:
-The evolution of Lauren’s vegan philosophy, her cookbook, and “Hot for Food” YouTube channel
-Managing personal and professional criticisms
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody featuring Hot for Food Host Lauren Toyota
-How Lauren maintains her genuine connection with the art and science of cooking while serving the professional need to produce weekly
-The challenges of managing the line between being genuine and sharing too much of your personal self
-Being mindful of a growing audience without succumbing to the pressures of "It's never big enough”
-Rising above failure
-Checking in with your intuition and living with intent
To learn more about Lauren Toyota, visit https://www.hotforfoodblog.com. You may also subscribe to her “Lauren in Real Life” and “Hot for Food” YouTube channels as well as Instagram (@hotforfood), Facebook (hot for food), and Twitter (@hotforfood). You can find her cookbook, Vegan Comfort Classics: 101 Recipes To Feed Your Face wherever fine books are sold!
The Element of Being Podcast with Michael Moody featuring Hot for Food Host Lauren Toyota
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!