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Episode #24 - Exploring the Psychology of our At-Home Environment with Dr. Preston
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 examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that steer the social stream of consciousness….Truly a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior. Each episode is a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that navigate us into 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 examine the effect of the at-home environment and space on our mental and emotional well-being with the business psychologist, Dr. Camille Preston. A fitting topic as we move into a winter of escalating COVID cases, social restrictions, possible lockdowns, and rampant remote learning and working. Dr. Preston is the founder and CEO of AIM Leadership—an executive leadership firm that works with leaders, teams, and organizations to align and optimize human capital to drive scalable and sustainable results. Since founding AIM Leadership in 2004, Preston has helped hundreds of leaders navigate the challenges of today's disrupted workplace. She also helps teams work together more effectively by discovering how to map priorities, build trust, and optimize systems.
Beyond her work at AIM Leadership, Preston partners with Blackhorn Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, and serves as part-time faculty at The Center for Creative Leadership. A recognized thought leader on leadership, virtual effectiveness, and team optimization, Camille is the author of two books, Rewired and Create More Flow, and a regular contributor to Forbes.
Psychology Today, Fast Company, and Thrive, and a sought-after keynote speaker.
In our interview, here’s what we specifically discussed:
-What sparks the drive of a business psychologist.
-The two questions every child and adult need to ask themselves.
-How to unwire and step back from technology to regain focus and clarity.
-How to reconnect with the spaces around us.
-How to extract the very character of the places you travel to and inject them into your home to provide the same neural stimulation.
-How to create an environment that invokes positive energy, inspiration, and flow states.
-How to minimize the attributes that contribute to our stress and anxiety during this time of uncertainty.
-How we can elevate our influence on the environment.
To learn more about Dr. Camille Preston, check out http://www.camillepreston.com/ and https://aimleadership.com/!
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #23 - Examining Partisanship, Nationalism, and Voting Behavior with Social Psychologist Dr. Huddy
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 examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that steer the social stream of consciousness….Truly a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior. Each episode is a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that navigate us into 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.
Today, I’d like to share the 3rd part of a series on the psychology behind the 2020 US presidential election and the political issues that pervade the campaign airwaves. A few episodes ago, my interview with Dr. Madva dissected the role of implicit biases as an undercurrent of many social injustices, including incidents related to racism and classism. And then, my conversation with Dr. Baron was an examination of the moral judgments surrounding political issues and our decision-making process. In this interview with Dr. Leonie Huddy, we discussed the roles and trends of partisanship in politics, as well as nationalism, individualism, and voting behavior.
Dr. Huddy is Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Stony Brook University. She is co-editor of the 2nd edition of the Oxford Handbook of Political Psychology, served as co-editor of the journal Political Psychology from 2005 till 2010, is past-president of the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP), serves on the American National Election Studies Board of Overseers, often appears on CBS Radio as an exit poll analyst, and serves on numerous editorial boards in political science.
Dr. Huddy has written extensively on social and political identities, emotions, reactions to terrorism, gender and politics, and race relations. She is the co-author (with Stanley Feldman and George Marcus) of Going to War in Iraq: When Citizens and the Press Matter published by the University of Chicago Press. Dr. Huddy was born in Australia and shared an incredible global perspective on the current US political landscape.
In our interview, here’s what we specifically discussed:
-The difference between print and television journalism during the war in Iraq.
-How individualism affects the regulation of empathetic ability.
-Nationalist appeals and the connection to future elections worldwide.
-The difference between nationalism and patriotism.
-The social nature of partisanship and how it’s a form of tribal self-expression.
-The positive and negative consequences of political partisanship.
-What contributes to affective partisanship, and how we can diminish it.
-The role of partisan politics in our democracy.
-The underlying influences of voting behavior.
-The difference in voting behaviors between the US and other democracies.
To learn more about Dr. Leonie Huddy and his research, check out http://you.stonybrook.edu/leonie/!
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #22 - Exploring Moral Judgment and Individual Decision-Making with Dr. Baron
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 examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that steer the social stream of consciousness….Truly a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior. Each episode is a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that navigate us into 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 the spirit of the 2020 US presidential election, Dr. Jonathan Baron and I discuss moral judgment and individual decision-making in today’s episode. Dr. Baron is the founding editor of the open-access journal Judgment and Decision Making and has served on the editorial boards of several other journals. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Association for Psychological Science, and was the President of the Society for Judgment and Decision Making.
Dr. Baron's work has occurred primarily within the field of judgment and decision making, a multidisciplinary area that applies psychological principles to problems in economics, law, business, and public policy. This field began by contrasting human decision behavior to individual decision-making and judgment theories, such as probability theory and expected utility. Baron's research has extended the focus of judgment and decision-making to social problems in resource allocation and ethical decision-making. Among the concepts associated with his work are omission bias (the tendency to excuse acts of omission more readily than acts of commission) and protected values (principles on which people are unwilling to accept trade-offs).
Dr. Baron is the author of Thinking and Deciding. The text takes a broad-based, introductory-level view of psychological decision theory and has been used as a textbook.
#22 - Exploring Moral Judgment and Individual Decision-Making with Dr. Baron
He has also authored Morality and Rational Choice, Against Bioethics, and Judgment Misguided. To be honest, I don’t believe this man ever rests. In his youthful 70’s, he is still an electric advocate of the plant-based approach (and you’ll feel his energy today).
In our interview, here’s what we specifically discussed:
-The trends of political polarization and conspiracy thinking.
-The problems of improving everyday decisions as a result of institutional issues.
-Applying general principles of decision analysis.
-The evolution of a person’s social standards.
-Omission bias in politics.
-The cost-benefit analysis of environmental policies.
-The expression of moral and moralistic values regarding the political issues of gay marriage and abortion.
-The role of empathy in the utilitarian point of view.
-The factors that affect moral judgment.
To learn more about Dr. Jonathan Baron and his research, check out https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~baron/!
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #21 - Changing the Face of Healthcare with Nutrition Expert, Dr. McDougall
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 examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that steer the social stream of consciousness….Truly a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior. Each episode is a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior and the underlying influences that navigate us into 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.
If you are a vegan, vegetarian, or whole food plant-based person, today’s guest won’t really need much introduction. I interview the passionate physician and nutrition expert, Dr. John McDougall. He has been studying, writing, and speaking out about the effects of plant-based nutrition on disease for over 50 years, and he has contributed to the groundbreaking documentary "Forks Over Knives." His program not only promotes a broad range of dramatic and lasting health benefits but, most importantly, can also reverse serious illnesses including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and others….all without the use of drugs.
A graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, Dr. McDougall performed his internship at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, and his medical residency at the University of Hawaii. He is certified as an internist by the Board of Internal Medicine and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. McDougall is also the author of 13 national best-selling books, including The Starch Solution, Dr. McDougall's Digestive Tune-Up, and The McDougall Program, and hosted the nationally syndicated television show “McDougall, MD” several years ago.
In his quote/unquote retirement, Dr. McDougall is focusing his efforts on legislation, healthcare systems, and research projects (of which we dig into).
#21 - Changing the Face of Healthcare with Nutrition Expert, Dr. McDougall
To be honest, I don’t believe this man ever rests. In his youthful 70’s, he is still an electric advocate of the plant-based approach (and you’ll feel his energy today).
In our interview, here’s what we specifically discussed:
-How a massive stroke and temporary paralysis for 2 weeks at the age of 18 led to a lifetime in the field of medicine.
-Dr. McDougall’s role in protecting breast cancer patient’s rights and the consequences of that fight.
-The struggles of fighting the medical industry and insurance companies.
-The challenges of nutrition-based medical therapy in a profit-driven medical industry.
-The social obstacles patients face as they approach optimal health.
-Treating illnesses and diseases with food-as-medicine.
-The connection between our diet and the immune system.
-The foundation of a starch diet and the long-term environmental and health benefits of this approach.
-The silver lining of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more about Dr. McDougall, check out his nutrition website, or say hello on Twitter or Facebook!
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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 Resources
Episode #20 - Implicit Biases: The Undercurrent of Social Injustices with Dr. Madva
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.
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 the environment or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being… us (and the very factors that make us who we are).
Today, I explore the relationship between racism and implicit biases with Dr. Alex Madva, an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the California Center for Ethics & Policy at Cal Poly Pomona. He recently co-edited the volume, An Introduction to Implicit Bias: Knowledge, Justice, and the Social Mind, with his colleague Erin Beeghly, and took the time to break down systemic racism and the implicit biases that not only pervade the recent cases involving George Floyd and Kyle Rittenhouse but also steer our perception of such matters. Essentially, we are digging into the unconscious and examining how simple labels of racism may not account for the underlying complexity of these situations.
Dr. Madva’s research and teaching explore how developments in social psychology inform the philosophy of mind, philosophy of race and feminism, and applied ethics, especially prejudice and discrimination. He has written on these topics for journals including Ethics, The Journal of Applied Philosophy, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews (WIREs): Cognitive Science, Pacific Philosophical Quarterly, Ergo, Mind and Language, and several more. Dr. Madva is currently co-editing another book, The Movement for Black Lives: Philosophical Perspectives.
Dr. Madva has taught numerous classes on Race and Racism, Social and Political Philosophy, Cognitive Science, Feminist Philosophy of Science, Contemporary Moral Problems, Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy, and upper-division undergraduate and graduate seminars on social psychology and philosophy, including a new course he developed at CPP, The Philosophy & Science of Implicit Bias.
Dr. Madva is also actively engaged in collaborative empirical research. One ongoing NSF-funded project is testing interventions to reduce achievement gaps and increase belonging among underrepresented groups at Cal Poly Pomona across disciplines such as physics, economics, mathematics, biology, and philosophy.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: Discussing the Drawdown Framework for Climate Solutions with Crystal Chissell
His published empirical research has appeared in journals, including Ratio and the International Journal of STEM Education. He is also collaborating with computer scientists, engineers, and social scientists to study the spread of misinformation and prejudice across social media, ultimately to counteract these trends. Folks, Dr. Madva, has literally written the textbook on implicit bias.
In our interview, here’s what we specifically discussed:
-The intersection of Dr. Madva’s philosophy, psychology, and sociology studies and the evolution of his interest in implicit biases.
-Epistemic humility and the connection to the recent cases regarding police officers in the media.
-The evolutionary function of implicit biases.
-The reasons why unconscious prejudices still exist despite conscious commitments to be fair and unprejudiced.
-How to determine when implicit biases are serving our personal needs and honoring individuals outside of us appropriately.
-How to test our hidden biases.
-How to use debiasing tools, like “If-Then” Plans and the “Common-Ground Mindsets” Tool, to bridge the gap between intention and action.
-The relationship between “trusting our gut” and implicit biases.
-How ingroup-outgroup distinctions and status preferences contribute to our sets of unconscious beliefs.
-How to create structural reform with a cross-experiential approach.
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To learn more about Dr. Alex Madva and implicit biases, visit http://www.alexmadva.com/.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: Discussing the Drawdown Framework for Climate Solutions with Crystal Chissell
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #19 - Discussing the Drawdown Framework for Climate Solutions with Crystal Chissell
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.
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 primarily focus on the environment or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being… us (and the very factors that make up who we are).
Today’s focus is on global warming and the consequences on our health and communities. I interview Crystal Chissell, Vice President of Operations & Engagement at Project Drawdown. She draws on her deep experience and interdisciplinary background in local and state government, law, business, and social equity to build effective systems and operating infrastructure. Crystal also leads the cultivation of strategic partnerships and networks that foster public engagement to advance climate solutions. She speaks publicly about climate solutions and serves as an expert resource for news media, interest groups, and advocacy organizations.
Before Project Drawdown, Crystal was a practicing attorney, advising the City of Baltimore and the Maryland Environmental Service.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: Discussing the Drawdown Framework for Climate Solutions with Crystal Chissell
She served as Mayor of the Town of Highland Beach, Maryland. Crystal holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, an M.S. in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University, an M.B.A. from the University of San Francisco, and a B.A. in Journalism from Howard University.
Here’s what we discussed:
-The initiatives of Project Drawdown.
-How Project Drawdown fairly evaluates scientific research to determine whether or not findings are significant signals.
-The relationship between global warming and climate change.
-The contributing factors to the rise in greenhouse gases and global warming.
-How local, state, and federal governments can have a sustainable environmental impact.
-The long-term effects of global warming and the short-term costs of aggressive environmental initiatives.
-How the standard American diet contributes to global warming.
-How communities can collaborate to steer a refreshed social and cultural ecological consciousness.
To learn more about Crystal Chissell, visit https://drawdown.org/ or their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. To find climate solution resources, also visit https://drawdown.org/drawdown-review.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody: Discussing the Drawdown Framework for Climate Solutions with Crystal Chissell
The Challenge
To understand and advance climate solutions, it’s important to understand the sources of emissions and nature’s means of rebalancing the climate system.
Burning fossil fuels for electricity, mobility, and heat. Manufacturing cement and steel. Plowing soils. Clearing forests and degrading other ecosystems. All these activities emit heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the air. Cattle, rice fields, landfills, and fossil fuel operations release methane—a gas that warms the planet even more. Nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases seep out of agricultural lands, industrial sites, refrigeration systems, and urban areas, adding still more heat-trapping pollutants to Earth’s atmosphere.
Most of these greenhouse gases stay airborne, but not all. Natural biological and chemical processes—especially photosynthesis—bring some of that excess back to plants, soil, or sea. These “sinks” are nature’s reservoirs for absorbing and storing carbon. While most heat-trapping emissions stay in the atmosphere, significant portions are quickly removed by plants on land or taken up by oceans.
Courtesy of www.projectdrawdown.com
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #13 - Simply Mindful with Author and Psychotherapist Donald Altman
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.
I want to introduce today's guest, Donald Altman. He is a psychotherapist, international mindfulness expert, and award-winning author of over 15 books translated worldwide. In addition to being a featured expert in The Mindfulness Movie, Donald is profiled in the Living Spiritual Teachers Project. He writes the Practical Mindfulness blog on the Psychology Today website.
Donald's best-selling book, The Mindfulness Toolbox, won two national publishing IPBA Ben Franklin Awards as the best book in both the Psychology and Body-Mind-Spirit categories. Two other books, Clearing Emotional Clutter and The Mindfulness Code, were both chosen as “One of the Best Spiritual Books of the Year” by Spirituality & Practice. Another of Donald’s books, Living Kindness, has been used as a meditation guide for staff and delegates at the United Nations.
For several years, Donald served on the faculty of both Portland State University and Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. He is also the Past Vice President of The Center for Mindful Eating, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing mindful eating concepts.
With a passion for bringing ancient, timeless values and practices into modern life, Donald has taught thousands of health care and business professionals how to apply mindfulness for self-growth in relationships and in the workplace.
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody featuring psychotherapist Donald Altman
He worked for several years as a senior mental health therapist at an eating disorder and general psychiatric clinic before founding his own clinic.
Specifically, we discuss:
-The key practices of basic mindfulness and how to practice it under the constant pressure and force of negative energy
-How to become more compassionate with yourself and lessen self-judgment
-The beauty of impermanence
-The most common obstacles when opening the mind to a new awareness of the self and the world around us
-The role of conscious intention in our day-to-day lives
-The value of gravity-free awareness and how it differs from the chaotic floating of random thoughts
-The “Power of Pause” and how to integrate it into a sacred space in your home
To learn more about Donald Altman or to subscribe to the Mindful Living Newsletter, visit www.mindfulpractices.com. You may also visit Donald's facebook page, facebook.com/MndfulPractices (no "i" in Mndfulpractices).
"Constant dwelling on negative clutter, or Velcro thinking, creates a well-worn groove in the brain that plays over and over just like a favorite song — one that we now know affects the body's health. Affirmations provide us with a means of blocking old negative songs while giving us a new and more positive tune to align with. A new mental soundtrack, created through a conscious affirmation, holds the potential to transform both our emotional and immune response. At the same time, we need to catch those mind whispers — the very subtle and almost unconscious commands — that can sway us and cause us to act robotically."
— Donald Altman, author of Clearing Emotional Clutter
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #11 - Looking Behind-the-Scenes with Hollywood Location Manager Stuart Berberich
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 over the psychology behind human behavior.
Today is meant for my fellow film geeks. Suppose you have ever watched an incredible scene during your favorite movie and TV show and wondered, "How do they pull that off, or how do they get access to a place like that?”. In that case, we shed a little light on the process during my interview with Stuart Berberich, a Hollywood Location Manager and Scout. We typically view the movie-making experience from the perspective of actors, actresses, and directors… My interview with Stuart offered a unique behind-the-scenes look and a different perspective on the on-screen entertainment I admire and enjoy so much.
Most likely, you’ve seen Stuart’s professional contributions if you’ve seen the blockbuster movies Transformers 3 and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight, as well as the shows Sense 8 and The Patriot…especially The Patriot on Amazon…season one is brilliantly written and filmed. What we discussed:
-How COVID-19 affects the present and future of Hollywood
-the actual impact of Hollywood on the economy -the path and day-to-day of a location scout and manager for film, and the process of aligning locations with the vision of the writers and director
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody featuring Hollywood Film Manager Stuart Berberich
The Elements of Being Podcast with Michael Moody featuring Hollywood Film Manager Stuart Berberich
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #10 - Eat for Life, Weight Loss, and an Optimal Immune System with Best Selling Author Dr. Fuhrman
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.
In today's episode, I interview Dr. Joel Fuhrman, an internationally recognized expert in nutrition and natural healing, and the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including his most recent book, Eat for Life. His other bestsellers include: Eat to Live; Super Immunity; The End of Diabetes; The Eat to Live Cookbook; The End of Dieting; and The End of Heart Disease.
Dr. Fuhrman’s books Eat to Live and The End of Dieting have not only become the pillars of the nutrition world but have also transformed the lives of millions, including my clients. I typically gift about 100 copies of his book, The End of Dieting, to my clients, friends, and family each year.
Dr. Fuhrman specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. He is the President of the Nutritional Research Foundation and on the faculty of Northern Arizona University, Health Sciences Division. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe a nutrient-dense diet. he has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes, and many other illnesses using smart nutrition… and I have witnessed this firsthand.
Dr. Fuhrman has received the St. Joseph’s Family Practice Resident’s Teaching Award for his contribution to the education of family practice residents and a C3 Cardiology Global Health Award for teaching nutritional science to cardiologists. In addition to his medical practice in New Jersey, Dr. Fuhrman also operates the Eat To Live Retreat in San Diego. At this residential facility, people from all over the world come to stay for 4-12 weeks to recover from conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to autoimmune disease, food addiction, and more.
During our interview, we discussed:
-how we can build immunity against COVID-19 and any future viral threats
-our allusions of health based on muscle definition and strength
-how we can reverse disease (and, yes, I said reverse)
-the truth about medicine and the fallacy of hope and long term health it provides
-why you need to know about IGF-1
-the myths about oils
-the role of toxic hunger
-the misconceptions about metabolism and what you should really be striving for
-the myths about the calories in, calories out argument
-the real path to achieving sustainable weight loss and optimal health.
To learn more about Dr. Fuhrman, check out his nutrition website or say hello on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!
“Health is normal. The human body is a self-repairing, self-defending, self-healing marvel. Disease is relatively difficult to induce, considering the body's powerful immune system. However, this complicated and delicate machinery can be damaged if fed the wrong fuel during the formative years..”
— Dr. Joel Fuhrman, the bestselling author of the book, Eat for Life
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #9 - Sitting with Ourselves During the Covid-19 Crisis (Psychotherapist Jill Bajorek)
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of 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 over the psychology behind human behavior.
Today is the new normal for a while, I guess. Amidst the spread of the virus COVID-19, I, like many people across the world, am sheltered in. To think that three weeks ago feels like three years ago… definitely another reality. We are all adapting, finding new ways to connect, and trying to stay stimulated. Many of our jobs have been threatened, and some have been directly impacted by the illness, including our incredible medical professionals and service workers on the front line. Of course, the fatalities have grown, and more and more families are feeling the infliction of this pandemic.
“How do we deal with this?” is the question we ask ourselves. With the uncertainty of the virus, a vaccine, and the economy, we’re often only left to sit with our uncomfortable thoughts. In my interview with psychotherapist Jill Bajorek, we explore exactly this and much more. She currently practices in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood and works with adult clients experiencing a wide variety of mental health concerns. Jill’s specialties include working with depression, anxiety, adjustment to life events, social fears and exclusion, women’s issues, and LGBTQ+ populations. Truly, I welcomed the therapist's chair on that day. In our conversation, we explore how to stop floating in the clouds and grasp a rope of hope, familiarity, and routine.
Specifically, we examine the fears behind the hoarding of toilet paper, how we are handling our mental and emotional selves day-to-day, the effects of toxic positivity, and finding our identity again during a time of crisis.
The Elements of Being Podcast Psychotherapist Jill Bajorek
As I mentioned, this is a time when everyone is adapting. And this podcast episode is no different. Like the world, I’m still trying to find the best way to connect with people at a time when none of us should be within 6 feet of each other…let alone the same room. Fortunately, Jill was able to call in with some challenges, but we have adapted…and will continue to do so as we overcome this challenge….like we always do. I know we will flip the switch and find new value in our relationships with ourselves, each other, and nature. So, with being said, let’s jump in!
To learn more about Jill, check out Encircle or say hello on Linkedin, Instagram, or Facebook!
“If a house plant is sick, you move it. If it outgrows a pot, you repot it. If it starts to brown on the leaves, you start to assess “am I overwatering or underwatering it?” You don’t point the finger at the plant. You change its environment.”
— Laura Green, Clinical Mental Health Advocate for the Hospitality Industry
The Elements of Being Podcast Psychotherapist Jill Bajorek
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #8 - Examining the Role of the Workplace Environment on the Self with Clinical Mental Health Advocate Laura Green
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve great feats, goals, and milestones….and it’s a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior.
In today's episode, I interviewed the eclectic, Laura Green. She's a Community and Clinical Mental Health Advocate and a Midwest Spirits Specialist for Winebow, a unique combination that gave us our first case study on this podcast. Laura integrates her clinical and academic experiences into her work in beverage by directing her research and professional focus towards spirits education, the mental health and wellness of food & beverage professionals, and the holistic health of the beverage industry. Laura's current research hones in on the relationship of mental health issues (stress, burnout, and substance use) and organizational support in an effort to develop systems of proactive intervention and ongoing support within the hospitality sector.
In our time together, this former Atlantic signed "I Fight Dragons" keyboardist unraveled the many underlying influences on our behaviors and the effect of the work environment on our mental health. Not surprisingly, your industry may face many of the same “behind the scenes” challenges as hospitality professionals.
Specifically, we examined the fears of change in a system with preexisting social norms and rules and the "chicken or the egg" argument in the workplace. We also broke down how we continue to put ourselves in the same dysfunctional position over and over, how to replace our wired coping behaviors, as well as recognize the power dynamic in our professional and personal relationships, and much, much more!
The Elements of Being Laura Green
Without a doubt, we indulged in several thought-provoking-perhaps controversial-perspectives on why this occurs. With this being said, let's jump in! Editor Credit: Zach Moore
To learn more about Laura’s new projects, check out Healthy Pour or Typsy. You can also say hello on Instagram!
“If a house plant is sick, you move it. If it outgrows a pot, you repot it. If it starts to brown on the leaves, you start to assess “am I overwatering or underwatering it?” You don’t point the finger at the plant. You change its environment.”
— Laura Green, Clinical Mental Health Advocate for the Hospitality Industry
The Elements of Being Laura Green
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #5 - Mindfully Approaching Weight Loss with Dr. Robyn Pashby
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones, and we have a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior.
Today, you’ll hear my conversation with Dr. Robyn Pashby, a clinical health psychologist in Washington, DC, and Maryland, who specializes in the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional aspects of health behavior change. She is experienced in the use of two evidence-based interventions for eating and weight concerns, including Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral. Her clinical specialization is in the psychological treatment of obesity and binge eating disorder.
So why do you need to know Dr. Pashby? She is the co-creator and leader of an online weight management coaching program called Health Gains. She has authored or co-authored numerous publications, including peer-reviewed scientific articles, book chapters, and blog posts. Dr. Pashby is currently serving as the Vice President of Professional Affairs on the DC Psychological Association Board and was also the Assistant Director and Senior Psychologist at the National Center for Weight and Wellness (NCWW) in Washington, DC, for 7 years.
Dr. Pashby is truly an all-star in the field of psychology, and I’m honored that she allowed me to pick her mind. No matter if you’re pursuing a specific weight management goal or another health-related intent, she provided incredible insight into our own psyche and what we need to do to change. We cover:
Dr Pashby
Managing relapses, identifying your automatic thoughts, examining self-destructive tendencies, being honest about your own biases and judgments, changing your relationships with people, and much, much more. This interview was an incredible treat that dove straight into the meat of psychology. So with that being said, let’s jump in! You can follow Dr. Robyn Pashby on Facebook and Twitter and learn more about her on http://www.dchealthpsychology.com/.
“If you persist with telling yourself that you're worthless, you just don't want to get up and go for a walk for a worthless person. If you don't start to change how you see yourself, then none of the plans or programs will stick…It starts with how you treat yourself.”
— Dr. Robin Pashby
Dr Pashby Podcast
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
Episode #7 - Dissecting the Creative Process and Overcoming Life's Challenges with Executive Producer Phil Lerman
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones, and we have a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior.
Today, you’ll hear my conversation with Phil Lerman, a freelance writer and TV executive producer from the Washington, DC area, best known for producing the hit TV program America’s Most Wanted and the PBS show Made in Spain. He’s also the author of “Dadditude,” a laugh-out-loud memoir about the joys of being an older dad, and co-author of nine other books, including “Where Have All The Flowers Gone,” a seminal work on the Woodstock Generation, and John Walsh’s book “No Mercy,” which reached The New York Times paperback bestseller list.
His latest book – “When Truth Is All You Have,” coauthored with Jim McCloskey, who has gotten more than 60 innocent people out of prison and who is considered the “father of the Innocence Movement” -- is due out this summer.
In this episode, we examine the role and creative process of being an executive producer for hit TV shows, finding your voice as a writer, successfully achieving weight loss and overcoming weight loss, and facing the challenges of being an older parent. Of course, these topics were just a few pieces in our far-ranging conversation. So with that being said, let’s jump in!
You can learn more about Phil Lerman on http://www.lermanproductions.com/.
“Finding a way to isolate the thought, challenge the thought, and replace the thought is a process that is not that hard…it is a process that you can learn. And once you do that, it becomes a habit.”
— Phil Lerman, former executive producer of the show “America’s Most Wanted”
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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
The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Weekend in Mexico City
Introduction
I now know that Mexico City, home to 23 million people, is the best-kept secret in the Americas. Rich with architecture, public art, and an incredible culinary scene, Sammy and I won’t wait long to take another long weekend trip south (about a 4-hour direct flight from Chicago!). Under Spanish rule for nearly 250 years, you clearly see the European influence throughout the city. While you must be mindful of any town you visit, we felt completely safe exploring the vibrant and interesting neighborhoods of Polanco, Roma, and Centro Histórico. Here is our itinerary for my recent birthday trip:
General Itinerary
Airfare: About a 4-hour direct flight that left Chicago at 8:35 pm and arrived in Mexico City at 1:50 pm. Flights ranged from $500 to $600 for direct, round-trip flights. We’ve spent $450 round-trip for nearly the same flight to San Francisco.
17th: Fly to Mexico City from Chicago, Arrival, and the Centro Historico Neighborhood
18th: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood
19th: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood
20th: Shop in the market and fly to Chicago from Mexico City (2:40)
Sprint International Call Settings
Samsung Galaxy Phones
Go to settings, click on connections, click on mobile networks, click on data roaming, turn off all domestic roaming (voice, text, and data), and turn on all international roaming (voice, text, and data). We’ll receive a welcome message upon arrival.
Money Overseas
Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account
Transfer cash for free ATM withdrawals and no transaction fees.
Credit Cards
Bring the Chase Sapphire, Mileage Plus Explorer (20% off on-flight purchases), and Chase Business Ink for no transaction fees.
Currency
1 USD = 19.16 Pesos: Think about $5 USD for every $100 Pesos. Overall, dining is cheaper in Mexico City. Most experiences are 20-30% less than in Chicago, after a 15% tip (sometimes as much as 40% less for a meal). A few of the historic sites were free or cost only $10 USD.
Traveling Throughout the City
Although we could’ve taken public transportation (bus or train) throughout the city, we always chose Uber…which was a reliable, safe, and cheap option. With that said, be prepared for a 15-43-minute ride to a neighboring area. I’ve never witnessed more traffic in a city (sorry, Manhattan). With that said, we enjoyed the ample time to look at the public murals, sculptures, and parks along the way. The fare is still cheap (USD 5-10) for this length of time, and you avoid the risk of cabs (especially pink cabs). I highly encourage planning your trip with a neighborhood for the day in mind (to minimize back-and-forth travel time). Walking is also an option, but you must know the surrounding communities and stick to busy streets to stay safe.
Airbnb Mexico City
Where We Stayed
17-20th: Mexico City (Centro Historico Neighborhood)
Airbnb Listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17924711?guests=1&adults=1
Check-in: 3:00 pm/Check-out: 1:00 pm
Directions: Uber was an easy, cheap, and safe option to Dirk’s Airbnb (20-30 minute ride for $8-10 USD).
About the Airbnb: The apartment features three private rooms and two terraces in this vintage Mexico City home. We enjoyed the privacy and quiet of interior designer Dirk-Jan Kinet’s trendy upstairs apartment. The space was a true reminder of why we stay in Airbnb homes across the world. The unique design inspired us to begin transforming our home, and the hospitality was unmatched (sorry, hotels). On our first day, Dirk’s partner, Jose Luis, gave us an informative 2-hour walking tour of the historic area, offering a sneak peek into local life and bountiful suggestions. Of course, we couldn’t resist sipping the complimentary bottle of sparkling wine left in our new home later that night! Without a doubt, this Airbnb enhanced our experience on our first visit to Mexico City.
Mexico City Airbnb
Airbnb Mexico City
Centro Historico Neighborhood in Mexico City
Day 1: Arrival and the Centro Historico Neighborhood
Since we arrived early afternoon, we didn’t book any tours. We started our journey with an espresso at Café Jekemir and a tour from our host around the Centro Historico neighborhood — the city center, home to government buildings, a public square, cathedrals, pyramid ruins, historic buildings, and hidden restaurants. After seeing the Mexican military remove the national flag from Zocalo Square at 6 pm, we headed to Azul Historico. From the outside, the historic building gives very little insight into the gastronomic experience floating in the air inside. As we entered, it opened into a closed courtyard of dining tables among a forest of trees. This famed restaurant typically featured chefs from different regions of Mexico, and that night, we met the various tastes of Veracruz. After indulging in traditional cuisine that included tortilla soup, the shrimp and mackerel ceviche Rojo mixto, and the mouthwatering empanadas rellenas de papa dishes, we explored the city streets and found performers practicing traditional Aztec dances in an unassuming area. Night one: Check!
Catedral Metropolitana in Mexico City
Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Sites
Alameda Central (visited)
Palacio de Bellas Artes (check out the top floors, walked by)
Catedral Metropolitana (visited)
The Zocalo (where the marathon began in the 1968 Olympics, visited)
Palacio Nacional (walked by)
Museo del Templo Mayor (visited)
Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico (incredible interiors featured in a James Bond movie, will visit next time)
Palacio de Carreos de Mexico (will visit next time)
Museo National de Arte
La Ciudadela Centro Artesanal (market for artisan crafts and more)
Azul Historico Restaurant Mexico City
Azul Historico Restaurant Mexico City
Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Restaurants and Bars
Azul Historico (Make reservations)
Puntarena (Beautiful courtyard restaurant in the same building as Azul Restaurante, great breakfast)
El Mayor (Beautiful rooftop views of the ruins near Zocalo) -Café Jekemir (coffee)
Bar la Opera (tequila, will visit next time)
Miralto (amazing rooftop views, will visit next time)
Casino Espanol (checked out an event…perhaps we weren’t on the list 😊, will visit next time)
El Cardenal (lunch)
Nonsolo Mx (traditional Mexican)
Maison Kayser (pastries)
Hosteria “La Bota”
Café de Tacuba
Tio Pepe (historic bar)
Beer La Bota (late-night bar)
Puntarena Restaurant Mexico City
Bike Tour Mexico City
Day 2: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood
What do you do in Mexico City if you’re a wedding officiant? Sign up for a bike tour, of course! With the tour starting at 10 am, we had time to eat chilaquiles in Puntarena’s open-air courtyard nearby, though. The grassy wall with a tricycle created a memorable backdrop for our breakfast. Considering the amount of traffic in Mexico City (the most we have ever witnessed in a city), we needed to jump in an Uber for our 24-minute ride to the Polanco neighborhood after a time-pressed meal (assuming it could take 13-43 minutes to drive to any neighborhood). Upon our arrival, we jumped on our bikes and began our private tour of the city. From Polanco and back, we traced Mexico City’s history across many neighborhoods and documented the Spanish and French influence on its architecture, public sculptures, and art. The city was a far cry from the rural Mexican style we envisioned. After 250 years of Spanish rule, you clearly see the European influence on every neighborhood (especially the Centro Historico).
By the tour’s end, we covered most of the historic sites and parks in the nearby neighborhoods and stopped in a traditional taco stand to indulge in Roma’s authentic cuisine. Feeling parched, we took an Uber to the terrace restaurant, El Mayor, in the Centro Historico. While enjoying the 70-degree weather, we sipped margaritas and looked over the Aztec pyramid ruins. To cap our night, we enjoyed a drink at Unica before our reservation in the celebrated traditional Mexican restaurant with a modern finish, Dulce Patria.
Reforma Street Mexico City
Polanco Sites
Mexico City Bike Tours (http://mexicobiketour.com.mx/): $38pp, 4-4.5 hours, includes a tour of the Polanco, Centro Historico, and Roma neighborhoods (and everything in between) and a taco stop -A walk through the beautiful tree-lined streets looking at the mansions
Castillo de Chapultepec and the Museo Nacional de Historia (Castle on the hill looking down on the French-inspired street, Reforma)
Bosque de Chapultepec (one of the biggest parks in Latin America)
Castillo de Chapultepec Mexico City
Inside the Castillo de Chapultepec Mexico City
Dulce Patria Restaurant Mexico City
Polanco Restaurants and Bars
Pujol (book reservation 2-3 months in advance, one of the top 5 restaurants in the world, will visit next time)
Dulce Patria (a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes, restaurant design is very simple with an 80’s flare, book a reservation 1 month in advance)
Quintonil (book a reservation 2 months in advance, one of the top 5 restaurants in Mexico City, will visit next time)
Jules Basement (speakeasy, will visit next time)
Unica Restaurant (neat place for a drink, too)
Contramar (seafood restaurant, will visit next time)
Cooking Class: Mexico City
Cooking Class: Mexico City
Day 3: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood
With no time for breakfast, we went straight to our cooking class at 9 am at Roma’s Aura Authentic. Luckily, our chef-teacher, Graciela, already had breakfast in mind for us. Before preparing homemade salsa, a zucchini salad, tortillas from scratch, white mole, and cornbread, we ventured out to a local market for ingredients. On the way, we stopped at a delicious corner quesadilla stand to taste a familiar dish in a not-so-familiar way (quesadillas in Mexico City are made without cheese and filled with a variety of ingredients, including squash blossom and cactus). After learning about the differences between peppers of various regions, we capped our first meal with Oaxaca worms, grasshoppers, and flying worms (and, yes, we did taste each and they tasted good). Once we returned to the kitchen, we began preparing our master feast, which ended with a traditional birthday song and a candle on cornbread.
With daylight hours to spare, Sammy and I Ubered to Latin America’s biggest park, Chapultepec. During our visit to the Castillo de Chapultepec, we hired a docent to guide us through its history. Soon after, we returned to Roma for Italian cuisine at Rosetta and a night of cocktails in the same area.
Parque Mexico
Roma Sites
Aura Authentic Cook Class (https://www.auramexcooking.com/cooking-classes): $75pp, 4.5-5 hours, includes a morning market tour, meal, and drinks -Plaza Rio de Janeiro
Parque Mexico
Templo San Francisco Javier and Plaza Romita
Rosetta Restaurant Mexico City
Roma Restaurants and Bars
Rosetta Restaurant (excellent Italian restaurant, booked reservations 1 month in advance)
Sabrinos (great breakfast, will visit next time)
Contramar (seafood restaurant, will visit next time)
Licoreria Limantour (recently ranked on “The World’s 50 Best Bars” for cocktails)
Maison Artemisia (bar, will visit next time)
Cardinal (coffee)
Maximo Bistrot Local (excellent French restaurant, booked reservations 2 months in advance, will visit next time)
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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!
The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon in Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid (and the Best Restaurants in Each)
Recently, Sammy, Preston, and I set out on a European adventure to explore earthquake ruins, a port, and Spanish tapas. We started in historic Lisbon, Portugal, and headed North to Porto before finishing in the Spanish metropolis, Madrid. Here is the quick itinerary of interesting places to stay, historic things to do, and an expansive list of restaurants to indulge in.
General Itinerary for Portugal and Spain
25-26: Fly to Lisbon from Chicago
26: Lisbon
27: Lisbon
28: Lisbon
29: Lisbon
30: Train from Lisbon to Porto
1: Porto
2: Porto
3: Fly to Madrid from Porto
4: Madrid
5: Madrid
6: Madrid
7: Fly to Chicago from Madrid
Sprint International Call Settings
Iphone 7
Go to settings, click cellular, click cellular data, then click roaming (turn voice and data on). International CDMA should be off. We’ll receive a welcome message upon arrival.
Samsung Note 8
Go to settings, click on connections, click on mobile networks, click on data roaming, turn off all domestic roaming (voice, text, and data), and turn on all international roaming (voice, text, and data). We’ll receive a welcome message upon arrival.
Money Overseas
Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account
Transfer cash for free ATM withdrawals and no transaction fees.
Credit Cards
Bring the Chase Sapphire, MileagePlus Explorer, Chase Business Ink, and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express for no transaction fees. Call to see which exchange rate is lower (Most base it on the Wall Street Journal).
Preston is excited for his first flight overseas....and so is the guy sitting behind him.
Flights and Trains for Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid
25-26th: Fly to Lisbon from Chicago
United Flight UA972 from Chicago to Brussels
Total cost: 60k miles per person plus taxes and fees
Seats: 34E, 34G (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 6:00 pm (04/25) ORD (8 hr 5 mn with bassinet)
Arrival: 9:05 am (04/26) BRU
TAP Portugal Flight TP647 from Brussels to Lisbon
Seats: 16B,16A (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 11:30 am (04/26) BRU (2 hr 50 mn)
Arrival: 1:20 pm (04/26) LIS
30th: Train to Porto from Lisbon (Unconfirmed seats)
Train 125
Total cost: $130 (1st Class, choose seats at check-in, child on lap), arrive 1-2 hours to book train time and sea.t
Depart: 12:09 pm Lisboa Oriente (flexible time)
Arrival: 2:44 pm Porto Campanha
3rd: Fly to Madrid from Porto
Ryanair Flight 5423 from Porto to Madrid
Seats: 2F, 2E (Already checked in a month early)
Total cost: $217.94 (Priority with two cabin bags per person, child on lap)
Depart: 3:35 pm OPO
Arrival: 5:50 pm MAD
7th: Fly to Chicago from Madrid
Lufthansa Flight LH1113 from Madrid to Frankfurt
Seats: 20A/20B (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 12:55 pm (05/07) MAD (2 hr 30 mn)
Arrival: 3:25 pm (05/07) FRA
Lufthansa Flight LH432 from Frankfurt to Chicago
Seats: 34G/34F (Priority boarding with a child, check stroller with car seat at the gate)
Depart: 5:15 pm (05/07) FRA (9 hr 5 mn with bassinet)
Arrival: 7:20 pm (05/07) ORD
View of Lisbon at sunset
Airbnbs in Portugal and Spain
26-30th: Lisbon
Listing: Comfortable, versatile best quarter with Fadoflats
Travessa João de Deus 8 (2nd floor right)
Lisbon, Lisbon 1200 Portugal
+351 91 985 8312
fadoflats-c2vmqwuwpkay6y9d@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 4:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
-Directions: A taxi from the airport should take you to the flat in about 30 minutes and cost you around 15-20 euros (please tell the taxi driver the flat is in the Chiado quarter, very close to Cervejaria Trindade - Trindade Brewery). Alternatively, you can take the subway and get off at Baixa-Chiado station. It will take you about an hour and cost you 2 euros per person. The third alternative is hiring our private transfer service (for you only): a 7-seat van will be waiting for you at the airport for 30 euros, to be paid directly to the driver. In any case, I would appreciate it if you could text me or call me after picking up the bags and passing passport control at the airport.
Notes: Great 2-bedroom, vintage space that was once a palace before the 18th-century earthquake. Great location and size for our needs. Plenty of nearby restaurants and more. The Alfama neighborhood to the East is another option (more historic and quaint).
30th-3rd: Porto
Listing: Caldeireiros Home Two - feel at home with Fadoflats
Rua dos Caldeireiros, 4050-250 Porto, Portugal
+351 91 714 1223
alcina-77maoh3q8wdkxxbx@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Directions: Walk to the flat from the Sao Bento train station 2 blocks away.
Notes: Great modern space with the perfect location. Truly a wonderful host.
3rd-7th: Madrid
Listing: PTA. Del Sol- Pza. Sta Ana, Madrid with Miriam
Calle Núñez de Arce 10 2b, 28012 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
+34 699 915 788
miriam-zu29zer8pxbllkz5@host.airbnb.com
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Directions:
-Taxi: You will find taxi stands outside all the airport terminals. Always use the official taxi services and do not take offers from drivers inside the terminal. Trip duration up to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. -Bus: The yellow airport express bus runs 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. You can take the bus from terminals T1, T2, and T4, and the ticket costs 5 euros. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and the bus makes only 3 stops along the way: the corner of O’Donnell and Doctor Esquerdo, Plaza de Cibeles, and Atocha train station (from 6:00 am until 23:30).
-Metro: You can take Metro Line 8 from all the terminals of the airport and head to Nuevos Ministerios station at the center of Madrid. From there, you can hop to another metro line until your end destination. The journey to the Nuevos Ministerios station is 15 minutes, and the metro operates daily from 6:00 am to 2:00 am. Tickets can cost up to 5 euros depending on your end destination.
Notes: A very central location, but we don’t recommend staying here unless it’s cheap and you don’t mind a Super 8 hotel experience.
Exploring the historic Belem area of Lisbon
Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
Random Notes
-Use ‘The Fork’ phone app or call to book restaurant reservations
-Restaurants (5-10% tip and bread/olives aren’t free), most restaurants open 12-3 and 7-10
-Most museums are free until 2:00 on Sundays
-Taxes after 9 pm cost more
-Lisboa card for attractions (askmelisboa.com)
-Buy 24 24-hour pass (metrolisboa.pt)
-Book a tour: https://www.withlocals.com/experiences/portugal/lisbon/?adults=2&children=1
-Travel with kids: https://kindertravelguide.com/destination/europe/portugal-with-a-baby-or-toddler-2/lisbon-with-a-baby-or-toddler/
Belem Ruins
-Jerónimos Monastery, Praça do Império (free entry to the church, €10 for the rest of the monastery) -Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos-entry fee €4) -CCB (Belém Cultural Center), Coach Museum (Museu dos Coches) -Statue to Afonso de Albuquerque
Rossio Neighborhood
-Parque Eduardo VII (northwest of Rossio Fountains, down the Ave da Liberdade)
-Confeitaria Nacional near the Praca de Figueiro for pastries
-A Ginjinha – Local sweet liquor spot near Igreja de São Domingos
-Rossio Fountains/Park (24-hour cafes nearby)
-Churches: Igreja de São Domingos, Praca da Figueira (next to each other)
-Elevador da Gloria: Takes you from the Praca dos Restauradores up to the Bairro Alto neighborhood
-Ride the Tram 28 to see the historic parts of the city. Expect lines.
Rooftops of the Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon
Chiado Neighborhood
-Elevador de Santa Justa down to Baixa Neighborhood
-Convento do Carmo & Museu Arqueologico
-R Garrett Street: pedestrian street
-2 Michellin Star Restaurant: Bellanto
-Nightlife strip: Tv Carvalho
Baixa Neighborhood
-Nucleo Arqueológico (free underground tunnels)
-R Augusta: Pedestrian street from the Praca de Comercio on the water
Bairro Alto Neighborhood
-Church: Igreja & Museu de São Roque
-Elevador de Gloria
-Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcántara
-Restaurant: Lost in Coffee Café (corner of Tv da Agua da Flor and R São Pedro de Alcantara)
-Public toilet under Largo Trindade Coelho
-1800s Beer Hall on R. Nova da Trindade
-Fado bars on R da Alalara
Alfama Neighborhood
-Tram 28 stop: Near Se (free Gothic Cathedral)
-Restaurants and Fado: Cruzes Credo Café, Clube de Fado (8 pm – 2 am), Memmo Alfama Rooftop Bar, Guitarras de Lisboa – Food and Fado, Senhor Fado (8 pm -2 am), Mesa de Frades (Fado in an old small chapel 11 pm)
-Museu do Teatro Romano (free Roman Ruins)
-Igreja de São Vicente de Fora (monastery)
-Panteão Nacional (10 am – 6 pm)
Lisbon food wedding officiant
Restaurants in Lisbon
-Fabrica
-Pasteis de Belem
-Manteigaria
-Café A Brasileira
-Cervejaria Ramiro
-Feitoria
-A Taberna da Rua das Flores
-Belcanto
-Bica Do Sapato
-Prado
-Café Tati
-Merendinha do Arco
-Cantinho Lusitano
-A Baiuca
-Marisqueira Nunes
-Tasquinha do Lagarto
-Beco dos Surradores 5
-Tasco do Vigario
-Varina da Madragoa
-Zé da mouraria
-Bairro do Avillez (went twice)
-Time Out Market (Such a neat food scene on the weekend)
-Cantinho do bem estar
-Cevicheria
-Solar dos Presuntos
-Palácio Chiado: Renovated palace turned into food court
-Restaurante Carmo
-The Sandeman Chiado (best salmon we’ve ever eaten, try the 40 year Tawny)
-Royale Cafe (best octopus we’ve ever eaten)
Exploring the rooftops of Porto
Things to do in Porto, Portugal
Sightseeing in Porto
-São Bento station
-Use ‘The Fork’ phone app or call to book restaurant reservations
-Take the train or drive to the Duoro Valley for wine tastings (2-hour ride)
-Walk over the Ponte de Dom Luís I and take the viewing cart (teleférico) over the river to the port warehouses (major port producers have their warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the south side of the River Douro)
-Visit the bar Vinologia for port flights and charcuterie
-Garrafeira AMS (wine shop)
-Sé do Porto (free admission)
-Armazém
-Ribeira Square
-Handy Resources: What to Do in Porto: http://portoportugalguide.com/porto-guide/porto-in-2-days-itinerary.html, https://catavino.net/travel/portugal/porto/
-Clérigos Tower (Igreja E Torre Dos Clérigos)
-Lello bookshop (Livraria Lello): Inspiration for the bookstore in the Harry Potter movies
-Sao Bentro Train Station
-Porto Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace (Sé Do Porto)
-Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa)
-Igreja de São Francisco
-Villar d’Allen
Spoiled with shrimp in Porto
Restaurants in Porto
-Confeitaria Serrana
-Cantinho do Avillez
-Michelin-starred Pedro Lemos restaurant
-Stash
-Centro Português de Fotografia (free)
-Torre de Clérigos (admission 3 euros)
-Caldeireiros
-Trasca
-Porta’O Lado
-Brasão Cervejaria
-Fonte dos Leoes for a francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich filled with cured ham
-Café Guarany
-Café Majestic
-Matosinhos
-Vila Nova de Gaia
-Flor dos Congregados
-Rei dos Galos de Amarante
-Adega Quim
-Casa Aleixo
-Tasca da Piedade (Adega Rio Douro)
-Conga
-Casa Nanda
-Adega Vila Meã
-Taberna do Largo
-Taberna Santo António
-Maus Hábitos
-Guindalense Futebol Clube
-O Buraco
-Cantina 32
-BASE
-Miss’Opo
-Café Candelabro
-Traça
-Casa de Ló
-Bar Tolo
-Bite Me
-Boa Nova
-Vinum restaurant at Graham’s port lodge: Gorgeous rooftop
-Ode Porto Winehouse
-Camafeu
-Pedro Limos
-Casa da Horta
-Bacalhua
-O Comercial
-Bufete Fase
-O Paparico
-Grelhador da Boavista
-Pateo das Flores (loved the francesinha and tuna poke cones)
Gorgeous cathedral in Madrid
Plaza Mayor in Madrid
Things to do in Madrid, Spain
Random Notes
-Many dine out at 9 pm or later
-Handy Resources: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/madrid-food-tour/, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/09/21/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-madrid-spain.html, https://www.eater.com/maps/best-madrid-restaurants-38
Sightseeing in Madrid
-Plaza España
-Gran Via (shopping)
-Palacio Real
-Plaza Oriente
-Barrio de la Latina
-El Rastro (Spain’s largest flea market, Sunday)
-Puerta del Sol (popular plaza)
-Chocolateria San Gines
-Plaza Mayor
-Mercado San Miguel
-Watch a flamenco show at Cardamomo
-Retiro Park (huge park)
-Palacio Cristal
-Reina Sofia
-Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
-El Prado (world famous art museum)
-El Bernabeu Stadium
- Las Salesas (shopping)
Food tasting tour in Madrid
Restaurants in Madrid
-Bocadillo de Jamón y Champán
-Duquesita Pastelería (century-old pastry shop)
-La Venencia (sherry bar)
-Bar Cock
-Pum Pum Café
-Círculo de Bellas Artes (drink with a panoramic view)
-Amazónico (an opulent jungle-inspired space)
-Chocolatería San Ginés (since 1894, a mug of hot chocolate and six churros)
-El Imparcial
-DiverXO
-San Mamés
-Lakasa Restaurant
-Kappo
-Sala de Despiece
-Nakeima
-Quesería Cultivo
-Bread at Panic
-StreetXo
-Tortilla de Patatas at Casa Dani
-Coffee at Toma Café
-1862 Dry Bar
-Bodega de la Ardosa
-Vermouth at Ángel Sierra
-El Cisne Azul
-La Tasquería
-La Tasquita de Enfrente
-Casa Salvador
-Del Diego Cocktail Bar
-Tapas at La Catapa
-Takos al Pastor
-Horcher
-Viridiana
-Pastries at La Mallorquina
-Sherry at La Venencia
-Chuka Ramen Bar
-Cocktails at Salmon Guru
-Casa Revuelta
-Bistronómika
-Corral de la Morería Restaurant
-La Sanabresa
-Yoka Loka
-La Copita Asturiana
-Santurce
-Bar El Boqueron
-Cocido Madrileño at Cruz Blanca Vallecas
Our personal tour guide
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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!
The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon in London (And a List of 141 of their Best Restaurants)!
Let me help you take the guesswork out of your planning. My wife and I took our babymoon in London about 2 months before Preston was born. Here is the DETAILED itinerary from that memorable English long weekend of history, food, and afternoon tea! I’ve also included a list of the top 141 restaurants in the Queens land! Thank you, Allison, for all of your help planning this unforgettable trip (Thank your friend for us too!).
General Itinerary
March 1: Fly to London
2: London
3: London
4: London
5: London
6: London /Fly to Chicago
Flights
1st: Fly to London
United Flight UA 938 from Chicago
Depart: 9:15 pm (03/01) ORD
Arrival: 11:05 am (03/02) LHR
6th: Fly to Chicago
United UA959 from London
Depart: 3:25 pm LHR
Arrival: 6:25 pm ORD
Stays/Airbnbs
2th-6th: London
Gorgeous Central Luxury Apartment with Henry
10 Craven Street Flat 6, Greater London, WC2N 5PE, United Kingdom
44 7482 158077
Checkin: 2:00 pm
Checkout: 10:00 am
Specific Itinerary for Each Day
Day 1 Thursday
-Check-in at the Airbnb: Sleeping is for the dogs! Get exploring!
-Take a stroll through the nearby Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden Market Square. Watch street performers embarrass your spouse.
-Eat Spanish tapas at Barrafina.
-Stroll through the streets of London until you fall asleep.
Day 2 Friday
-Visit the free British Museum and grab an audio tour guide to see the Rosetta Stone and statue representations of Hugh Grant from each of his ironic romantic comedies (not true) under an hour. -Shop at Harrods Dept. Store and Oxford Street.
-Sip a cocktail at Rules Restaurant (one of London’s oldest restaurant from 1798).
-Eat dinner at Ivy Restaurant: Look for English politicians and celebrities.
-Grab an after-dinner drink at the skyscraper, The Shard, to see London alive at night.
Day 3 Saturday
-Eat an early breakfast at NOPI.
-Watch the changing of the guard at the Buckingham Palace at 11:00 am and stroll through St. James Park and Kensington Gardens.
-Walk around Parliament Square and observe Big Ben looking down on the protestors. So judgmental! Too bad your name isn’t really Ben!
-Take the audio tour in Churchhill's War Rooms.
-Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Savoy (Thames Foyer): Make reservations ahead of time and prepare your tiny fingers for little tea cups, sandwiches, and sweet goodies.
-You’re dressed up and ready for a night out! Go to see ‘Wicked’ or another musical in the Piccadilly Circus area.
Day 4 Sunday
-Grab breakfast at Dean Street Townhouse and then a walking cup of Monmouth Coffee.
-Sign up for a free 45 minute Beefeater tour with the men in red at the Tower of London. No samples of gin apparently. See the royal jewels and remind your loved one of your upcoming birthday. Take a look at the London Bridge and wonder why you thought the other bridge was the London Bridge.
-Visit the Tate Modern Art Gallery.
-Head to Lamb and Flag Pub for bangers and a beer (the favorite watering hole of Charles Dickens from the 1700s).
-Explore Covent Garden until you find an antique map store. Purchase geographic representations of England, France, and Spain from the early 1700s for your son’s nursery/man cave. Continue exploring the surrounding neighborhoods.
-Eat dinner at the Italian indulgence, Bocca Di Lupo, and sneak across the street for gelato.
-Grab an after-dinner cocktail at the Ham Yard Hotel.
Day 5 Monday
-Grab a quick bite near the Airbnb.
-Take a tour of the Westminster Abbey: Arrive early to avoid long lines or attend the Choir Evensong at 3:00 pm on Sunday instead.
-Fly home!
London Restaurants for Dinner (Be sure to make reservations on Opentable.com at least a few days in advance)
10 Greek Street (British)
28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen
8 Hoxton Square (sis of 10 Greek St)
Amaya (Indian)
Anchor & Hope (gastropub)
Andina (Peruvian)
Bar Boulud (French American)
Barbecoa (Jamie Oliver's, meat)
Barnyard (meat)
Barrafina (Spanish, sis of Fino)
Berners Tavern (British)
Bistrotheque (European)
Bocca Di Lupo (Italian)
Brindisa, London Bridge (Spanish)
Bubble Dogs (hot dogs & champers)
Bull & Last (gastropub)
Busaba Eathai (Thai)
Ceviche (Peruvian)
Cecconi's (Italian)
Chiltern Firehouse (European)
City Social
Coq d'Argent (French)
Dabbous (British/ burgers)
Dean Street Townhouse (British)
Dinner by Heston (British)
Ducksoup (wine bar)
Eight-over-eight (Asian) Ember Yard (basque tapas)
Fino (Spanish)
Flat Iron (cheap steak)
Flesh & Buns (Asian)
Four Seasons (roast duck)
Foxlow (steak, owners of Hawksmoor)
Galvin at Windows (French)
Granger & Co (Aussie brunch)
Gymkhana (Indian)
Hakkasan (Chinese)
Hawksmoor (steak & burgers)
Hereford St (gastropub)
Honey & Co (Middle Eastern)
Honest Burgers
Hummus Bros (Middle Eastern)
Iberica (Spanish)
Il Baretto (Italian)
Jin Kichi (Japanese, Hamstead)
Kitchen Table (private dining)
Koffmans (British)
Koba (Korean)
Kopaya (tapas)
Koya (Japanese)
Kurobata (Japanese, sis of Nobu)
La Bodega Negra (Mexican)
La Petite Maison (French)
Latium (Italian)
Lantana (Aussie brunch)
Le Poulet au Pot (French)
L'Entrecote (French steak)
Lima (Peruvian)
Little Social (French)
Lupita (Mexican)
Lyle's (degustation)
Mandarin Kitchen (lobster noodles)
Meat Liquor (steak/burgers)
Medlar (French)
Mele e Pere (Italian)
Mien Tay (Vietnamese)
Momo (African)
Morito (tapas, next door to Moro)
Moro (tapas)
NOPI (Israeli)
Ottolenghi (Isreali)
Patty & Bun (burgers)
Pitt Cue Co (BBQ)
Pizza Pilgrims
Pollen Street Social (British)
Polpo (Italian)
Polpetto (Italian, sis rest of Polpo)
Providores (tapas)
Red Bull Expert (Argentinian steak)
Riding House Cafe (brunch)
Roka (Japanese)
Royal China (dim sum)
Salt Yard (Spanish)
Scott's (seafood)
Señor Ceviche (Peruvian)
Signor Sassi (Italian)
Smiths of Smithfield (meat)
Social Eating House (British)
Song Que (Vietnamese)
Spuntino (Italian)
St John (British)
Story (degustation)
Sumosan (Japanese)
Sushisamba (Peruvian Japanese)
Sushi Tetsu (Japanese)
Tay Do (Vietnamese - Sammy's rest)
Tayyabs (Indian)
Terroirs (French wine bar)
Texture (European/ Scandinavian)
The Eagle (gastropub, Farringdon)
The Garrison (gastropub)
The Grazing Goat (gastropub)
The Ledbury (French)
The Palomar (Israeli)
The Punch Bowl (gastropub)
The Square (French)
Trishna (Indian)
Trullo (Italian)
Typing Room (British)
Ukai (sushi)
Vinoteca (wine bar)
Yalla Yalla (Middle Eastern)
Yauatcha (Chinese)
Zafferano, Knightsbridge (Italian)
Zoilo (Argentinian tapas)
Zuma (Japanese)
Zucca (Italian)
London Restaurants for Brunch
The Modern Pantry
The Riding House Cafe
The Breakfast Club
Duck & Waffle
Towpath
Dishoom
Ottolenghi
NOPI
Jackson & Rye
Kopapa
Providores
Lantana
Granger & Co Workshop Coffee Co, Clerkenwell
Village East, Bermondsey
Electric Diner, Portobello Rd
Tom's Kitchen, Chelsea
Sunday Cafe, Islington
Caravan, Kings Cross or Exmouth
Honey & Co, Fitzrovia
Quo Vadis, Soho
Plum & Spilt Milk, Kings Cross
Kin Cafe, Fitzrovia
Curators Coffee Gallery
A London Indulgence
The British Museum in London
Oxford Street Shopping
Afternoon Tea at the Savoy in London
London
Westminster Abbey in London
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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!
The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Adventure in Australia
Introduction
Let me help you take the guesswork out of your planning. My wife and I recently explored Australia for our honeymoon. Here is the DETAILED itinerary from that epic trip!
General Itinerary
May 2-4: Fly to Sydney
4: Sydney (booked bike tour)….buy OPAL travel card
5: Sydney (booked bridge walk)
6: Sydney (find a zoo ferry that day/booked tickets for the Opera House)
7: Sydney (booked blue ribbon blue mountain tour)
8: Hamilton Island (Booked sunset sail)
9: Hamilton Island (open)
10: Cairns (open)
11: Cairns (booked Seastar Cruises)
12: Alice Springs (booked sunset camel ride)
13: Alice Springs (booked 1-day Uluru trip)
14: Melbourne (open)
15: Melbourne (booked bike tour)
16: Melbourne (booked GOR tour with GoWest Tours: 7:30 pickup)
17: Melbourne (booked with Viator Yara Valley Wine Tour)
18: Sydney /Fly to Chicago
Flights in Australia
2-4th: Fly to Sydney (confirmed with seats)
United Flight UA639 from Chicago/Flight UA839 from LA
Depart: 7:17 pm (05/02) ORD
Arrival: 6:45 am (05/04) SYD
8th: Fly to Hamilton Island (confirmed with seats)
Virgin Australia 1281
Depart: 9:55 am SYD
Arrival: 12:30 pm HTI
10th: Fly to Cairns (check in at the airport for seats together)
Qantas 2504
Depart: 11:55 am HTI
Arrival: 1:10 pm CNS
12th: Fly to Alice Springs (confirmed with seats)
Qantas 1949
Depart: 8:15 am CNS
Arrival: 10:10 am ASP
14th: Fly to Melbourne (confirmed with seats)
Qantas 797
Depart: 12:35 pm ASP
Arrival: 3:40 pm MEL
18th: Fly to Sydney (confirmed with seats)
Virgin Australia 809
Depart: 6:45 am MEL
Arrival: 8:10 am SYD
18th: Fly to Chicago (confirmed with seats)
United UA870 from Sydney/UA458 from San Fran
Depart: 10:30 am SYD
Arrival: 4:11 pm ORD
Hotels in Australia
4-8th: Sydney
Sydney Harbour Bed and Breakfast
142 Cumberland St., Sydney
+61292471130
Checkin: 2:00 pm
Checkout: 10:00 am
8-10th: Hamilton Island
Whitsunday Apartments
14 Resort Drive, Hamilton Island, 4803, AU
+61749699999
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 10 am
10-12th: Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
121-123 The Esplanade and Florence St., Cairns, QLD, 4870
+61740506070
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: ?????
12-14th: Alice Springs
Chifley Alice Springs Resort
34 Stott Terrace, East Side, NT, 0870 Australia
+610889514545
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: ?????
14-18th: Melbourne
Heather’s Airbnb
377 Little Collins Street 31, Melbourne, VIC 3000
+61410872530
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 10:00 am
Directions: Our preference from the airport is the Skybus which drops you at Southern Cross Station at a cost of $19 per person, you can buy tickets at the airport or online. One of us can meet you at the bus terminal, and it's a short tram ride to the apartment. The taxi fare is $50-$60, and the trip is about 25 minutes.
Tours
4-8th: Sydney
4th: Bike Buffs Sydney Bicycle Tours
Meeting Point: MEETING PLACE FOR YOUR TOUR IS THE GARRISON CHURCH AT THE CORNER OF ARGYLE STREET AND LOWER FORT STREET, WELL JUST OPPOSITE, ACTUALLY ON THE VILLAGE GREEN. 0414 960332
Start: 10:30 am
5th: Sydney Bridge Climb
Meeting Point: 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
+610282747777
Start: 12:05 pm (arrive 15 minutes early)
5th: Open PM (Tasting Tour???/Bondi or Manly Beaches)
6th: Open Am (Ferry to the Zoo???)
6th: Sydney Opera House (Concert Hall)
Meeting Point: Bennelong Point, GPO Box 4274, Sydney, NSW 2001
+69712101035
Start: 8:00 pm (arrive 30 minutes early to pick up tickets)
7th: Blue Mountains Tour
Meeting Point: We’ll be picked up.
+0421892760
Start: 7:00 am?????
Notes: Email them between 7 am and 2 pm the day before, and include the conference number and our address. We will receive the pickup time then.
8-10th: Hamilton Island
8th: Sunset Sail Whitsunday Islands
Meeting Point: Resort Centre Tour Desk next to Sails Restaurant (7 am – 7 pm)/Reef View Hotel Tour
Desk in the Hotel Lobby (8 am – 5 pm)
+0749468305
Start: 4:45 pm (until 6:15 pm)
10-12th: Cairns
11th: Cairns Seastar Cruises (Great Barrier Reef): Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef Day Cruise
75 Esplanade, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia
Meeting Point: Pier E1 of the Marlin Marina
+0740416218
bookings@seastarcruises.com.au
Start: 8:00 am (boarding starts at 7:30 am)
Notes: $15 fee per person is payable on the day of boarding; call 48 hours in advance to reconfirm.
12-14th: Alice Springs
12th: Sunset Camel Ride
Pyndan Camel Tracks, 21259 Jane Road, White Gums
+0416170164
pyndan@cameltracks.com
Meeting Point: We’ll be picked up 30 minutes before (4:30).
Start: 5:00 pm (until 6:00 pm)
Notes: Call or text 48 hours in advance to reconfirm pickup/tour.
13th: Uluru Adventure
Gray Line Office
Shop 7-9 Capricornia Centre (opposite Information Centre), Gregory Tce, Alice Springs
+610889522177
alicesprings@grayline.com
Meeting Point: We’ll be picked up at 5:50 am.
Start: 6:00 am (until 12:30 am)
Notes: Call or text 24 hours in advance to reconfirm pickup/tour.
14-18th: Melbourne
15th: Freddy’s Bike Tours
Meeting Point: See notes.
+61431610431
james@freddysbiketours.com
+0431610431
Start: 11:00 am
Notes: They will send details about the meeting point the day before, or you can meet 15 minutes prior at their shop in Batman Park.
16th: Great Ocean Road Day Tour
Go West!
+0394855290
info@gowest.com.au
Meeting Point: Pickup at Adina Apartments, 189 Queen St.
Start: Pickup at 7:35 am
Notes: Call or text 24 hours in advance to reconfirm pickup/tour????
17th: Yarra Valley Food and Wine Day Trip from Melbourne, including Lunch at Yering Station
Vinetrekker Wine Tours
Melbourne city hotels or St Paul's Cathedral/Cnr of Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne. Located opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Train Station.
+61 3 96998148
Meeting Point: approx 8:45 am-9:00 am (confirmed the night before)
Start: 9:00 am
Notes: Call or text 24 hours in advance to reconfirm pickup/tour????
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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!
3 Tools to Dramatically Improve Your Romantic Relationship
Introduction
Optimal health extends beyond your time in a personal trainer’s studio. If you put extra effort into your relationships, you might be surprised by how your overall well-being improves. Whether your romantic relationship is sound or a struggle, here are 3 tools to dramatically change that dynamic today.
The 5 Love Languages Personal Profile for Couples
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Although you can ambitiously read the book of the same name, I highly recommend taking this free quiz online at 5lovelanguages.com. It will help you identify the love languages (words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch) that you value the most. Why is this important? If your partner values “acts of service” the most (like making dinner together), it may not matter how many bunches of flowers you buy him or her. Although you value “receiving gifts” the most, it doesn’t mean your partner will too. How often have you heard someone say (or said yourself), “It doesn’t matter what I do, he never appreciates it.” I ask you: Do you really know what he appreciates or values the most? Perhaps, all your partner wants is “physical touch”…a hug to show your continued interest in him. You can see how easily this lack of communication or awareness can compound into many nonsensical arguments.
I recommend that you and your partner individually take this quiz and then discuss your scores. Although you’re not instructed to break down your answers, I strongly suggest you do so. The two of you may share the same answer but have completely different mindsets when approaching the scenario. Essentially, take the guesswork out of the relationship by learning how your partner approaches a scenario and what he or she values most.
2. My Life Story: A Visual Map
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: The ‘My Life Story Map’ left a lasting impression on my wife and me before our wedding last year. It helped us recognize the defining moments in our past and understand how they have shaped us. Although we utilized the ‘A Visual Map for Reflecting on My Past’ diagram by Sibyl Towner and Sharon Swing, you can certainly create your own. Basically, you and your partner will draw and write a timeline of your life on separate pieces of paper. At the top and middle of your page, draw a horizontal (parallel) line. On the top line, write the years of your life that correlate with the critical events that you describe on the middle line. The middle line should reflect events, people, places, vocations, avocations, and more. You can record these events above or below this middle line, depending on whether the event is perceived as a positive event (above) or an adverse event (below). As you try to determine the most noteworthy events, ask yourself the following questions: Which events elicited the most significant emotional response? Which events were most responsible for your personal and professional approach today? Which events specifically affected your relationships with others today? When did you feel the most insecure and weak or secure and robust? What were the most significant turning points or decisions that steered your life the most?
You may certainly personalize this timeline however you see fit. Honesty is most important (with yourself and partner). Evaluate how these life occurrences affected you and write that down. For example, my parents’ divorce had a profound effect on my life. Unfortunately, it shaped a negative perspective on relationships for a long time (conflict management, displays of affection, etc). At the same time, while moving after my parents’ divorce was undoubtedly a great challenge at the age of 12, I became more adaptable in several different environments. I became more curious. Think about these long-term effects on my life! I now love traveling and feel comfortable exploring and interacting with the unknown. What events in your life have shaped you? Not only is this a great way to see a timeline of your life on paper, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on what has influenced how you behave, perceive, and generally approach the world. Take this time to learn about yourself while helping your partner understand you.
3. A Hug
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: The root of all being is interaction…and nothing is easier or cheaper than a hug! Even if you don’t have the right words, a simple hug could express how you feel. It also shows your vulnerability to your partner and your physical connection to him or her.
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 a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (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 and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.
Wedding locations: 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, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. 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!