On this episode of WellBuilt, Jon spoke to Michael Fenchel, co-founder of Breathe for Change, an online yoga, meditation, and mindfulness-focused education and training platform for educators, students, and their communities. 

Besides the fact that Breathe for Change is doing impactful work, and has built a sustainable and profitable multi-million dollar business, Jon wanted to have Michael on because he’s a serial entrepreneur who is passionate about leadership development, wellness, and authenticity. 

In their broad-ranging conversation, they discussed what it means to lead from an embodied place. They spoke about Michael’s firsthand experience training with indigenous wisdom keepers that hold nature-based tools, practices, and modalities to improve life quality, satisfaction, and wellbeing. 

They got into specific rituals such as Michael and his partner’s experience with Vision Quests, a rite of passage in some Native American cultures, and how it felt to spend time immersed and isolated in nature without technology. And dug into learnings from having those types of peak experiences in nature, and how we all might be able to integrate lessons from nature to live more balanced lives. 

Last but not least, they got into how psychedelics have played a role in Michael’s wellness journey, and the practices and questions he’s incorporated into his relationships for deeper connection. 

Hope you enjoy this meaningful conversation with Michael Fenchel!