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Colorado Elopement Wedding Hikes: Nymph Lake, Lake Haiyaha Loop via Fire Trail (RMNP)
Introduction
Living in Denver offers many perks, including beautiful hiking trails for a Colorado elopement wedding nearby. On the other hand, hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are about 2 hours away and require advance planning (e.g., a day or annual pass and a timed-entry reservation). The drive and extra efforts are certainly worth it, though! The hikes give you access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Colorado. Here’s the first of a series of Rocky Mountain National Park hikes that I’ve recently recommended to my wedding couples in Colorado as options for a wedding ceremony elopement. I’ve included a review from a past visit and my notes.
Sometimes the most secluded, off-the-beaten path, locations provide the most ideal scenery for an elopement wedding in Colorado.
Time of Year: Late June.
Weather: 55 degrees and sunny at 9:48 am, cloud cover for most of the hike until 1:15.
Cover: 75% covered.
Time: 9:48 am - 1:15 pm.
Distance: 5.5 Miles total (Loop: Nymph Lake Trail to Haiyaha Cutoff Trail (out and back to Lake Haiyaha) to Fire Trail to Glaciar Gorge Trail to the Bear Lake parking lot.
Traffic: High until we reached Lake Haiyaha (low).
Parking: Tons of parking....but no spots (except 1 lucky spot that opened). The shuttle halfway may be the only option (there were lines by 9:15).
Equipment: Hiking boots.
Terrain: Well-marked trail with plenty of rocks to step on and plenty of beautiful views until Lake Haiyaha. We didn't take the turnoff to Dream Lake. Big boulders to climb around Lake Haiyaha. Mostly a covered decline from there via Fire Trail.
Difficulty: Moderate (decent cardio baseline for the initial incline to 10k).
Colorado Wedding Officiant Notes: Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offers many scenic backdrops for a Colorado Wedding Elopement. Many of the most beautiful trails begin in the Bear Lake parking lot and lead you to incredible lakes, including Dream Lake. While these trails tend to be very popular during the summer, they can also lead you to quiet spots like Lake Haiyaha. My photos of the varying landscapes at 10,000 feet and above took place on a wet and foggy day. Nevertheless, the weather provided a mystic serenity often lost in a bright landscape. For clear views and sun, hikes in RMNP before 11 am is most ideal during the summer. Typically, clouds and rain permeate the sky daily from 11 am until 3/4 pm. In the fall, the incredible colors of the trees might provide the painted landscape you’re looking for, but remember that Trail Ridge Road (the road through RMNP) may be closed because of winter conditions at higher elevations. Assume that you won’t have access to the road from late fall until mid to late spring.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers endless options for elopement ceremonies. Timing of the year is important and a pass and reservation is required, though.
Lake Haiyaha offers an incredible setting on a sunny and foggy day for a wedding ceremony.
Once you climb above 10,000 feet in RMNP, your Colorado elopement wedding ceremony will have a scenic backdrop unmatched.
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 #32 - Growing a New Future of Farming and Food Equity | Dr. Damien Thompson
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 primarily focus 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 introduce you to Dr. Damien Thompson, the co-founder of the organization, Frontline Farming, and director of the Center for Food Justice and Healthy Communities.
In addition to his training in anthropology, Dr. Thompson holds a certification in Permaculture Design and a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Teaching Certification. His interests center on the building of community food systems, small-scale urban food production, developing community, and cultural practices related to food and medicine, teaching and learning in education, and permaculture. Dr. Thompson has a keen interest in how communities can utilize traditional and modern information and practices to build food systems that uplift marginalized and oppressed peoples, restore ecosystems, build biodiversity, support cultural diversity as well as provide individuals and families with the highest level of access to the means to support their own health (and we talk quite a bit about these topics today). I should mention that Dr. Thompson is also a mayor-appointed member of the Sustainable Food Council for the City of Denver, and a co-chair for the city’s Good Food Purchasing policy group. No doubt, he plays a significant role in the necessary trend of regenerative agriculture and our future connection to food.
In our interview, we bridge his education in anthropology to his farming practice and social work as the co-founder of Frontline Farming. Specifically, we geek out on the fundamentals of farming and the benefits of permaculture and a regenerative agriculture focus. We further dissected the social challenges surrounding food security, justice, and sovereignty as well as the equitable changes needed in our food system.
In this episode, we specifically discuss:
-Frontline Farming's mission.
-Advantages and disadvantages of regenerative agriculture practices with a focus on no-tilling/conservation tilling, water conservation, terracing, and cover crops.
-Inequality in our present food systems and the need for changes in food security, food justice, and food sovereignty.
-The connection between big data, food systems, and racial equity.
-The importance and repercussions of the language we use in our discussion about food systems and the policy that supports them.
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To learn more about Dr. Thompson, visit https://www.frontlinefarming.org/.
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 #29 - Overcoming Illness and Poor Health with a Natural Diet and Mindfulness | Asha Gala
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 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.
Today, we examine the role of mindfulness in transforming your physical health with Asha Gala, a lifestyle coach and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) Teacher from the farm at Ethos Primary Care. No doubt, a relevant topic for those listeners interested in improving their health and reversing illness. We discussed the early cultural influences on her diet in Mumbai and the challenges of transitioning to the American way of life and diet as an adult. Most certainly, Asha’s experience with her daughter’s chronic sickness opened up a new world of “food as medicine” as she sought a remedy…and we explored the connection of that journey to the challenges her patients face today.
#29 - Overcoming Illness and Poor Health with a Natural Diet and Mindfulness | Asha Gala
We also dissected the early influences on Asha’s dietary and lifestyle approach and how to convince ourselves to move outside of our wired way of life. Our conversation naturally flowed to the common obstacles to transforming your health, the role of compassion, and the importance of the readiness for change. We highlighted the foundation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the role of awareness and the breath, as well.
To learn more about Asha Gala, https://www.ethosprimarycare.com/asha-gala.
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 #28 - Examining Our Connection to Racism with Dr. Maidenberg
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 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.
Today, we explore our connection to racism with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg. We examine how cultural perspectives and experiences shape much of the racist rhetoric and perspectives in our lives, and how we might perceive and manage the guilt and shame we feel. We also dive into how we might approach situations in which friends, family, or colleagues consciously or unconsciously share racist rhetoric. And finally... besides breaking down the role of biases, sitting with discomfort, and facing social fears related to racism, we break down the importance of mindfulness in our daily approach.
I’m excited to share my genuine and thought-provoking conversation with you. Dr. Maidenberg is the president and clinical director of Westchester Group Works, a center for group therapy in Harrison, NY, where she maintains a private practice.
She is an adjunct graduate professor of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Human Behavior at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University.
Dr. Maidenberg has also published in varied professional journals, the New York Times, the Daily News, Fitness, Woman’s Day, Parents, and many other publications. Her book Free Your Child from Overeating guides parents through mind-body strategies that help kids and teens develop life-long healthful behaviors.
Actively engaged in promoting the health of her community, Michelle is the co-founder and clinical director of the Thru My Eyes Foundation, which helps parents with life-threatening illnesses create a video legacy for their families. She is a Certified Group Therapist through the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Michelle has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and much more.
To learn more about Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, visit https://michellemaidenberg.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 #27 - Living with Intent
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 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.
Wellll….In 2020, our will was challenged, as well as the habits and routines that defined our lives up to that point. The pandemic, social unrest, and election friction certainly shook the best of our physical, emotional, and mental selves in different ways. Similar to past years, I take January to reflect on the prior 12 months, adopt new mental software (habits, perspectives, and patterns of thinking), and reboot. As my best friend Craig mentioned this past May, this historic period is what we've been preparing for over the last decade: The steps to improve physical health. The steps to manage stress effectively. The steps to adapt effectively and efficiently. Having been tested, this is truly the best time to reexamine my adaptability and the protocol needed to move forward as my best self. And I challenge you to make the same pledge.
Although the popular approach at this time of year is to list desired behaviors and actions first, the most critical step (and the actual beginning) is identifying the principles that steer my behavior. In essence, all behaviors and perspectives extend from this moral/ethical/philosophical base. Although I don't expect to live perfectly and follow every principle and intent to a "T," they will certainly steer my conscious and unconscious daily. It is my "business plan" for the new "fiscal year" of my personal life. I encourage you to think about the plan I’m about to share as an example and formulate your own approach within a similar template.
Please keep in mind that "living" always requires effort, and the root of all being is interaction. The universe is undoubtedly interconnected, and true isolation is non-existent. My presence... my actions... my movements... all affect my environment and other living things.
Although my intents serve my selfish needs, they also serve a good beyond myself (for example, being there for my family for years to come, protecting our natural environment, depending less on healthcare, contributing to empathetic and compassionate energy in the community, and more.). All of us can curate a better world with the same intent.
So, what are my principles? What will steer my behavior and perspectives in 2021? I'll admit that I’m not reinventing the wheel this year…I’m simply amplifying my approach and effect in our beautiful world. In 2005, I created a business plan over the course of three months. Little did I know, this practice not only provided the structure for my professional endeavors for the next fifteen years but it guided my day-to-day personal approach as well. It steered my reflection process and organized my thoughts about “living.” It provided my purpose to “live with intent and to guide people in their journey to understand themselves, the people around them, and their interaction with the world.” No small undertaking and a challenge I believe I was meant and fit to do. From day one, I committed to an alignment of my professional and personal lives based on this purpose. In this period, the relationships I developed, the self-improvement book I published, and this very podcast exemplifies the progression of that original plan.
And each year I reexamine that original intent….that mission. I update it with modified principles based on my status and the status of the world at a given point. In 2021, here is my list of principles. Of course, I wouldn’t dare to stop there. Like the many others who approach the new year with a new sense of invigoration and passion, I’ve also broken the habits and behaviors that I seek to change or amplify. Photo: Cruise America - All of us need to cruise in nature to reflect on this past year.
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To learn more about Michael, visit https://www.theelementsofbeing.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 #26 - Designing the Mind in a New Year with Ryan A. Bush
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 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 dove into the “mind” with author Ryan A. Bush, discussing his new book, Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture. His book was a complete indulgence to discuss and certainly appropriate for a deep exploration of ourselves at the start of a new year as we recover from the ongoing pandemic, an economic downturn, the rise of social protests, and an enflamed US election. I think most listeners will agree that the true start of this decade should be on January 1st of 2021 instead… and there’s no better way to understand our current mental software as we are about to reboot.
So, what is Ryan’s psycho-philosophical book about? It combines the ancient adage that true happiness comes from within with the modern metaphor of the mind as an operating system. It integrates the wisdom and insights of ancient mystics, practical philosophers, and cognitive scientists into a mindset and method for reprogramming your own psychological software. Basically, it’s a handbook for mastering your behavior, cognition, and emotions, one algorithm at a time. Whether fear prevents you from pursuing your ambitions, jealousy ruins your relationships, distractions rule your life, or you have an inner critic whose expectations you can never meet, the psychitectural framework will enable you to understand and rewire the hidden patterns behind your biases, habits, and emotional reactions.
If you know me well enough by now, then you probably know I was salivating at the opportunity to discuss these themes in detail…especially in relation to retraining our minds to achieve what we want. We’ll call this episode the prep work for your New Year’s resolutions and intents.
In our interview, here’s what we specifically discussed:
- Whether or not behaviors and perspectives are predetermined.
- How our daily lives specifically contribute to the program of the brain.
- How we can develop the ability to increasingly determine our own subjective experience.
- The basic foundation of psychitecture.
- The influences that corrupt our mental operating system.
- How our default algorithms contribute to many of our psychological problems today.
- The importance of metacognition when critically thinking about a problem.
- The consequences of our mental patterns and biases.
- The false assumptions about exceptional critical thinking skills and self-control.
- How to beta-test and challenge our belief system.
- How our emotions weren't built to deal with modern life.
- The role of unregulated emotion and the underlying influence on brutal dictators, school shooters, and belligerent bigots.
To learn more about Ryan A. Bush, visit https://designingthemind.org/!
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 #25 - Our Cognitive and Emotional Connection to Film Narrative with Dr. Weik von Mossner
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 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 examine our emotional connection to film narrative with Dr. Alexa Weik von Mossner…. In particular, we focus on documentaries about veganism. She is a writer and ecocritical cultural studies scholar who works on American literature, film, and digital media. Dr. Weik von Mossner’s scholarly research explores contemporary environmental culture from a cognitive perspective with a particular focus on affect and emotion.
After working for several years in the German film and television industry, she earned her Ph.D. in Literature and is currently appointed as Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of Klagenfurt in Austria. Currently, Dr. Weik von Mossner is a principal investigator on the research project “Narrative Encounters with Ethnic American Literatures” and a researcher on the project “Cinema and Environment: Affective Ecologies in the Anthropocene”.
Along with other prominent researchers, she is developing a new interdisciplinary research field in the environmental humanities, Empirical Ecocriticism. Dr. Weik von Mossner’s academic book publications include Cosmopolitan Minds: Literature, Emotion, and the Transnational Imagination and Affective Ecologies: Empathy, Emotion, and Environmental Narrative. She is also the editor of Moving Environments: Affect, Emotion, Ecology, and Film and the co-editor of
#25 - Our Cognitive and Emotional Connection to Film Narrative with Dr. Weik von Mossner
The Anticipation of Catastrophe: Environmental Risk in North American Literature and Culture.
In our interview, here’s what we specifically discussed:
-Dr. Weik von Mossner’s experience in German television and her creative writing process.
-The foundation and long-term implications of cognitive ecocritical analysis.
-The depictions and narrativization of food and how they engage audiences.
-How the type of medium can change the imaginary culinary experience.
-Our emotional and neuro reaction to depictions of animal abuse, global warming, and food in general.
-The processes of liberated embodied simulation and how these processes are similar or dissimilar to real-life interactions with physical (edible) objects.
-How the narrative strategies of a documentary, such as Cowspiracy, are mutually reinforcing on the cognitive and affective level.
-The emotionalizing strategies of documentaries on veganism.
To learn more about Dr. Weik von Mossner, visit https://www.alexaweikvonmossner.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 #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!