Advertise on podcast: Perform from the Inside Out

In this closing episode of the year—and the final conversation in the Integrative Conversations series- Meli sits down with Jill Miller, movement educator, author, and pioneer in self-myofascial release, to explore fascia as a powerful gateway to healing, embodiment, and nervous system regulation. Jill shares her personal journey from teaching yoga to creating revolutionary tools and methods like Treat While You Train® and Body by Breath®—and how her work evolved through listening deeply to the body rather than overriding it. Together, they unpack how fascia stores information, tension, and lived experience, and how gentle, intentional practices can help release chronic holding patterns linked to pain, stress, trauma, and fatigue. This conversation bridges science, sensation, and lived experience, highlighting how self-myofascial release and breathwork are not just physical tools, but practices of self-inquiry, awareness, and repair. Jill explains why learning to feel—rather than push—is essential for longevity, resilience, and true recovery. You’ll learn: • What fascia is and why it matters for whole-body health • How tension patterns relate to stress and trauma • Why breath is inseparable from movement and healing • How self-myofascial release supports nervous system regulation • The difference between “doing more” and listening better • A practical tool you can apply immediately to reconnect with your body This episode is an invitation to slow down, sense inward, and remember that healing doesn’t always come from effort—it often comes from attention. Connect with Jill Miller: Learn more about Jill’s work, books, and educational offerings at her official platforms. https://www.tuneupfitness.com @tuneupfitness | @thejillmiller Hosted by: Meli Kirkwood Bululú Wellness Podcast Rebuilding energy from the root, one Episode at a time.

In this episode, Meli sits down with Dr. Bethany Tennant, a Naturopathic Doctor and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) who specializes in sports and performance nutrition. With a unique lens that blends functional medicine, naturopathy, and athletic experience, Dr. Tennant helps athletes and active individuals optimize recovery, reduce inflammation, and protect long-term health. Together, they explore the REAL meaning of performance — beyond reps, macros, and hustle — and dive into how the nervous system, trauma patterns, and chronic stress impact the modern athlete. Dr. Tennant shares her personal journey as a basketball player, how her own experiences shaped her integrative approach, and why recovery practices are often the missing piece in athletic culture. You’ll learn: • What integrative performance nutrition actually looks like • Why many athletes operate in chronic sympathetic activation • How trauma and high-achiever patterns show up in training • What most active individuals get wrong about recovery • Foundational nutrients for energy, brain health, and longevity • How to support the parasympathetic system for better performance • One simple practice you can start TODAY to support recovery This episode is for athletes, active professionals, movement lovers, and anyone who pushes their body — sometimes a little too hard — without realizing the toll on energy, hormones, and the nervous system. Connect with Dr. Tennant: @dr.bethanytennant | drbethanytennant.com Connect with Meli: @melikirkwood | melikirkwood.com Rebuilding energy from the root one episode at a time. Produced by Bululú Wellness.

In this episode, Meli sits down with Dr. Greg Naccarelli, a genetics-focused naturopath who specializes in how our DNA shapes metabolism, stress resilience, inflammation, recovery, and long-term health. Together, they explore how understanding your genes can give you clarity about chronic fatigue, burnout, hormone imbalances, and why your body responds the way it does under stress. Dr. Greg breaks down complex science into simple terms, how genes turn “on” and “off,” what epigenetics really means, and the specific pathways that influence cortisol, inflammation, energy production, and mitochondrial function. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered: “Why does my body react this way?” “Why do I burn out so fast?” “Is there something deeper going on?” You’ll learn: • Why genetics are a roadmap, not a destiny • Key genes involved in stress, detoxification, and energy production • How lifestyle, nutrition, and environment can shift gene expression • Why some people are naturally more sensitive to stress • How to use genetic insights to personalize your healing • A simple, practical tool to begin supporting your nervous system today Connect with Dr. Greg Naccarelli: @dr.nacarelli | drnacarelli.com Connect with Meli: @melikirkwood | melikirkwood.com Rebuilding energy from the root, one episode at a time. Produced by Bululú Wellness.

En este episodio, continuamos explorando el lenguaje de la energía y cómo el trauma puede manifestarse en nuestras raíces familiares. Converso con Marita Escalante, facilitadora de Constelaciones Familiares y Sistémicas en Perú, quien combina este trabajo con una mirada profunda hacia el cuerpo, el trauma y la sanación emocional. Juntas reflexionamos sobre cómo las constelaciones pueden ayudarnos a reconocer los patrones invisibles que repetimos, liberar cargas que no nos pertenecen y reconectarnos con nuestra energía vital desde un lugar de amor y aceptación. También hablamos del legado de Bert Hellinger y Brigitte Champetier de Ribes, y de cómo este enfoque puede integrarse dentro de un proceso terapéutico o de bienestar más amplio. ✨ Al final del episodio, Marita comparte un ejercicio práctico para que puedas comenzar a mirar tu propio sistema familiar con compasión y consciencia. Invitada: Marita Escalante – Facilitadora de Constelaciones Familiares y Sistémicas Encuéntrala en Instagram: @maritaescalante.constelaciones   🎧 Escucha más episodios de Conversaciones Integrativas en el Podcast Bululú Wellness, donde exploramos cómo reconstruir la energía desde la raíz y encontrar bienestar a través de diferentes caminos de sanación. Que esta historia te inspire a seguir buscando tu propia forma de sanar y reconectar contigo misma.

In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Menzel, Certified Nutrition Specialist and founder of Sword Fern Nutrition in Portland, Oregon. We explore the fascinating field of nutritional psychology, how what we eat directly influences our brain chemistry, mood, and focus. Jamie shares insights on how nutrient deficiencies can impact emotional regulation and cognitive function, especially in individuals with neurodivergent traits, ADHD, or chronic stress. Together, we talk about the importance of supporting brain health through a root-cause lens: from stabilizing blood sugar and replenishing micronutrients, to using food as a daily form of nervous system care. This conversation is an invitation to understand your brain as part of your body’s ecosystem and to find small, practical ways to nourish it for clarity, focus, and emotional balance. ✨ Connect with Jamie Menzel: swordfernnutrition.com 💛 Learn more about Meli’s work: melikirkwood.com | @melikirkwood 🎙️ Produced by Bululú Wellness

In this episode, Meli sits down with Dr. Gabby Rivera, an acupuncturist and energy worker whose journey embodies the heart of integrative wellness. Together, they explore how acupuncture bridges body, mind, and energy, helping us restore balance, release tension, and reconnect with our natural vitality. Gabby shares her perspective on what it means to practice integrative health, how energy flows through the body, and why acupuncture can be such a powerful ally for stress, hormones, and nervous system regulation. She also opens up about weaving in other modalities like hypnotherapy and nutrition, showing how true healing happens when we work with the whole person, not just symptoms. Whether you’re new to acupuncture or simply curious about energy medicine, this conversation invites you to see healing as a dialogue, one that starts within. Practical takeaway: Gabby closes the episode with a simple grounding practice you can try today to reconnect with your body’s energy and calm your nervous system. 📍 Connect with Gabby: frontporchacupuncture.com 💫 Rebuilding energy from the root, one episode at a time. Produced by Meli Kirkwood @melikirkwood

In this episode of The Integrative Conversations Series, I explore the fascinating intersection between science, emotion, and ancestry through the lens of Family Constellations — a systemic therapy developed by Bert Hellinger that reveals how unresolved family patterns can shape our health and behavior. Drawing from the work of Mark Wolynn, Brigitte Champetier de Ribes, and studies in epigenetics, we’ll explore how inherited trauma can influence gene expression, and how awareness, compassion, and connection can restore balance within the family system. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying something that isn’t yours, this episode will help you see how healing your roots might just be the key to reclaiming your energy and peace. 💫 Rebuilding energy from the root, one episode at a time. Produced by Meli Kirkwood @melikirkwood

En este episodio de Conversaciones Integrativas, converso con Jimy Calderón, facilitador peruano de Constelaciones Familiares, sobre cómo esta herramienta puede ayudarnos a mirar nuestras raíces, liberar patrones repetitivos y encontrar paz dentro de nuestro sistema familiar. Jimy comparte cómo comenzó su camino en este trabajo, su inspiración en las enseñanzas de Bert Hellinger, y cómo las constelaciones familiares pueden ser parte de un proceso de sanación integral junto con otras modalidades como la medicina funcional o las terapias somáticas. A través de su experiencia, hablamos de temas como el amor, el perdón, los órdenes familiares y la importancia de reconocer con gratitud a quienes vinieron antes que nosotros. Este episodio es una invitación a mirar hacia atrás con compasión y a entender que, al sanar, también liberamos y honramos a toda nuestra línea familiar. Invitado: Jimy Calderón, Facilitador y formador en Constelaciones Familiares y Sistémicas Instagram: @jimy.calderon 🎧 Escucha más episodios de Conversaciones Integrativas en el Podcast Bululú Wellness, donde exploramos cómo reconstruir la energía desde la raíz y encontrar bienestar a través de diferentes caminos de sanación. Que esta historia te inspire a seguir buscando tu propia forma de sanar y reconectar contigo misma.

In this special episode, we close the series with my mom’s life story—a resilient woman who faced difficult diagnoses, explored integrative therapies, and discovered new ways of healing through epigenetics, family systems, somatic practices, and the biology of trauma. We reflect on what healing really means beyond the physical, and how tools learned over the years—from functional medicine to body- and energy-based therapies—have been essential on this path. The message is simple: it’s never too late to begin healing and reconnecting with yourself. 📚 Resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Aimie Apigian – Biology of Trauma: Instagram @jimycalderonoficial Jonathan Epelman – Psychobioemotional Approach: www.jonathanepelman.com

En este episodio especial cerramos la serie con la historia de vida de mi mamá: una mujer resiliente que atravesó diagnósticos difíciles, buscó terapias integrativas y encontró nuevas formas de sanar a través de la epigenética, sistemas familiares, las prácticas somáticas y la biología del trauma. Reflexionamos sobre lo que realmente significa sanación más allá de lo físico, y cómo herramientas aprendidas a lo largo de los años —desde la medicina funcional hasta terapias de conciencia y energía— han sido fundamentales en este camino. El mensaje es claro: nunca es tarde para empezar a sanar y reconectar contigo misma. 📚 Recursos mencionados en este episodio: Dr. Aimie Apigian – Biology of Trauma: Instagram @jimycalderonoficial Jonathan Epelman – Psicobioemoción: www.jonathanepelman.com

In this episode, I talk with my mom about our move to the United States and how such a drastic change impacted her physical and emotional health. We discuss the functional medicine clinic where she began therapies like supplementation, lifestyle changes, and chelation therapy to address heavy metal toxicity. We also reflect on the functional testing that gave her insights into hormones, cortisol, neurotransmitters, and heavy metals, and how she received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. We share what it was like for me to experience panic attacks during that same period and how we searched for tools to cope together. This episode is an invitation to better understand the connection between body, emotions, and environment—and a reminder that there’s always a place to begin healing. Follow me on Instagram @melikirkwood Visit: www.melikirkwood.com Produced by Meli Kirkwood

En este episodio converso con mi mamá sobre nuestra llegada a Estados Unidos y cómo ese cambio drástico impactó su salud física y emocional. Hablamos de la clínica de medicina funcional donde comenzó terapias como suplementación, cambios de hábitos y la terapia de quelación para eliminar metales pesados. También recordamos los exámenes funcionales que le dieron más claridad sobre sus hormonas, cortisol, neurotransmisores y toxicidad, y cómo recibió el diagnóstico de fibromialgia. Compartimos lo que significó vivir mis ataques de pánico en paralelo y cómo buscamos herramientas para afrontarlos juntas. Este episodio es una invitación a comprender mejor la relación entre cuerpo, emociones y entorno, y a descubrir que siempre hay un punto de partida para sanar. Sígueme en Instagram @melikirkwood Visita: www.melikirkwood.com Producido by Meli Kirkwood

In this episode, I share a difficult stage of my life marked by panic attacks during my transition to the U.S. I talk about how a simple church pamphlet helped me understand what I was experiencing, my first neurofeedback sessions at the university counseling center, and the functional testing that showed me there was also a chemical side to my mental health. I reflect on the tension between medication and natural alternatives, and how small steps gave me resilience. This episode is for anyone who feels something isn’t right in their body but still hasn’t found answers. Follow me on Instagram @melikirkwood Visit: www.melikirkwood.com Produced by Meli Kirkwood

En este episodio comparto una etapa difícil de mi vida marcada por ataques de pánico durante mi transición a Estados Unidos. Hablo de cómo un simple panfleto en una iglesia me ayudó a entender lo que estaba viviendo, de mis primeras sesiones de neurofeedback en la universidad y de los exámenes funcionales que me hicieron comprender que también había un componente químico en mi salud mental. Reflexiono sobre las decisiones entre medicación y alternativas naturales, y cómo pequeños pasos me dieron resiliencia. Este episodio es para quienes sienten que algo no está bien en su cuerpo, pero aún no tienen respuestas. Sígueme en Instagram @melikirkwood Visita: www.melikirkwood.com Producido by Meli Kirkwood

In this episode of The Beginnings, I talk with my mom about a special chapter in her healing journey: the creation of a holistic community in Caracas and the powerful modalities she explored there. We revisit her experiences at a functional medicine clinic — from IV drips and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Neural Therapy and supplementation — and how each one played a role in supporting her body and mind. She also shares practical advice for anyone feeling physically unwell and wondering where to start. Follow me on Instagram @melikirkwood Visit: www.melikirkwood.com Produced by Meli Kirkwood