Return on Wellness

What is Ayurveda, and what can this 5,000-year-old system teach us about inflammation, sleep, travel, burnout, and the way we gather? In this episode we sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta to make Ayurveda practical, grounded, and relevant for modern life and modern events. We explore doshas, circadian rhythm, gut health, “inflammaging,” nervous system regulation, food, recovery, community, and why ev...

In this episode of Return on Wellness , David T. Stevens sits down with cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Heather Collins to explore how event agendas shape attention, cognitive overload, memory, retention, and real human capacity . They unpack why so many conferences are still designed to cram in as much information as possible, even though that is not how the human brain learns best. Together, they d...

Well-being is not a perk. It is a performance condition. In this in-person episode of Return On Wellness , I sit down with Mark C. Crowley , author of Lead From The Heart and The Power of Employee Well-Being , to talk about workplace well-being, toxic culture, and the leadership behaviors that actually change business outcomes. We get real about what makes workplaces toxic, why “engagement” has no...

What does wellness look like when you strip away the hype and get back to what actually helps people live better? In this episode of Return On Wellness, I sit down with Sean Hoess, Founder and CEO of Eudēmonia Summit, for a conversation about human flourishing, community, credibility, and the future of wellness. We get into the meaning behind Eudēmonia, Sean’s path into building one of the most ta...

If you work in hospitality or events, you already know the truth: the job can feel like you are always on. In this episode of Return On Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Thomas Padron (PhD, CMP, CHE, CWP) to unpack what is driving burnout right now, why “resilience” is often used as a polite way of saying “push through,” and what it actually looks like to build human sustainability without sacrificing...

Wellness is booming, but a lot of what gets sold as “wellness” is just expensive theater. In this episode, I’m joined by Susie Ellis, Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute and the leader behind the Global Wellness Summit. We talk about how a premium event earns loyalty and repeat attendance, why the wellness economy keeps growing, and why evidence is the only filter that matters when you’...

Travel and event weeks do not have to wreck your routine. Physician and “Longevity Architect” Dr. Gautam Gulati shares a portable version of his 7 Levers of Bioharmony: sleep, movement and recovery, meals, connection, mindfulness, purpose, and environment and safety. Learn how to design days that work anywhere, at home, in hotels, and across conferences. Expect practical plays and a 7-day “Design...

Most conferences quietly work against human health. In this episode, Dr David Bilstrom, MD joins me to unpack how light, sleep, food, stress and design choices can harm or heal attendees, and what it looks like when events start supporting real human biology instead of fighting it. Conferences are supposed to help people connect, learn and grow. Too often they leave people wrecked. In this episode...

This Movember, I wanted to look at something we don’t talk about enough: men’s health. In this episode of Return on Wellness , I sit down with Dr. Elliot Justin, MD, FACEP to look at the data on why men avoid the doctor, what screenings actually save lives, and how lifestyle medicine connects the dots between prevention, performance, and longevity. We get into:• The cultural and social habits that...

The wellness industry is massive, but how much of it actually holds up under a microscope? In this episode of Return on Wellness , host David T. Stevens talks with Dr. Tyler LeBaron , Executive Director of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute , about the difference between hype and honest science. Guest: Tyler LeBaron MsC., PhD Guest link: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-w-lebaron-phd-04986a56/ Wha...

Michael Donovan, PhD joins Return on Wellness to map out brain-friendly event design: micro-movement, smart meals, mindful downshifts, and simple ways to read the room. Guest: Michael Donovan, PhD Guest link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-donovan-ph-d-20a6297/ In this episode we translate nutritional neurophysiology into practical event design. You’ll hear how brief arousal spikes paired wit...

Are your organs older, or younger, than you think? Most of us only know our chronological age, but what about the true biological age of your heart, brain, or kidneys? In this episode, I sit down with Jeffrey to explore the future of wellness through AI-powered diagnostics that reveal organ-specific aging, years before disease strikes. You’ll hear how these insights can catch health risks at “pre-...

Your sleep problem isn’t in your bed — it’s in your brain. What if the reason you can’t sleep has nothing to do with your bedtime routine — and everything to do with your nervous system? In this episode of Return on Wellness , David T. Stevens sits down with Dr. Bruce Wayne Meleski, PhD in Human Performance , whose career spans working with NBA, NFL, and MLB athletes to pioneering neuroscience-bac...

In this episode of Return On Wellness , I sit down with Crystal Sanchez—Crystal the Shaman—to explore how ancient shamanic practices from North and South America intersect with modern wellness science like bio-hacking and peptides. Together, we unpack how centuries-old rituals, mindful intention-setting, and energy balancing can complement today’s cutting-edge health strategies—creating a holistic...

What if the secret to better health and a longer life isn’t just what you eat or how you move—but who you connect with? In this episode of Return on Wellness , David T. Stevens sits down with Dr. Kelli Harding, physician, bestselling author of “The Rabbit Effect,” and world-renowned expert in the science of connection. Together, they reveal why authentic relationships and inclusive environments ar...

“ Medical meetings aren't healthy. ” That’s not hyperbole—it’s the truth, according to Professor Bettina Borisch, MD, PhD, Executive Director of the World Federation of Public Health Associations. In this episode of Return on Wellness , recorded live in Geneva, we explore the surprising ways that traditional meetings, conferences, and professional cultures—especially in healthcare—are harming...

Ever feel foggy or drained halfway through a conference day? It might not be your schedule — it could be the food. In this episode, David T Stevens sits down with Jessie Gibson, MS, RD, LD, a licensed clinical dietitian, to unpack how what we eat during events affects energy, memory, and attention. This conversation goes beyond trends and tackles the real science behind conference menus — includin...

Could loneliness be silently sabotaging your event's success and your attendees' health? In this eye-opening episode of Return On Wellness, David T Stevens dives deep with Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a world-leading psychologist whose groundbreaking research reveals the powerful link between social connection, health, and business outcomes. Learn how fostering meaningful relationships at yo...

In this episode of Return on Wellness , host David T. Stevens sits down with Dr. Audrey Wells , a leading expert in sleep medicine, to explore how sleep impacts memory, focus, mood, and overall health. Whether you're an event planner managing high-stress schedules or a frequent traveler struggling with jet lag, this episode provides science-backed strategies to improve your sleep and maximize your...

Welcome to Season 3 of Return on Wellness! 🎉 In this kickoff episode, host David T. Stevens chats with Dr. Jess Garza, PhD, PMP, CMP, LPC, NCC, to uncover the secrets to creating sustainable resolutions, overcoming failure, and fostering long-term change. Dr. Jess dives into: The fascinating history of New Year’s resolutions Common pitfalls of goal-setting and how to avoid them Strategies for ref...

🎧 Return on Wellness Season 2 Finale: Dan Berger on Belonging, Wellness, and the Future of Events In the final episode of Return on Wellness Season 2, host David T. Stevens welcomes Dan Berger , the visionary founder of Social Tables and author of The Quest: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging . Together, they explore how belonging and wellness transform workplaces, events, and team dynamic...

🎙️ In this special episode of the Return On Wellness Podcast , we’re joined by Mike Schugt , former President of Teneo Hospitality Group, live from the stunning El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico during the Teneo Summit '24 . Key topics covered: ✅ The ROI of wellness in the hospitality and events industries. ✅ Designing impactful, purpose-driven experiences that leave a lasting legacy. ✅ Lea...

Join host David T. Stevens on a special LIVE edition of Return On Wellness for an insightful dive into Beyond the Bar: The Importance of Sober-Inclusive Events . Learn how intentional event planning can create truly inclusive experiences, making every attendee feel welcomed and valued. From humorous stories to actionable advice, this episode highlights how thoughtful choices elevate events and fos...

Need a quick break to reset and refocus? This 5-minute mindfulness meditation is designed to help you breathe deeply, clear your mind, and release stress during a busy workday or conference. Perfect for when you need a fast mental reset to boost productivity and focus.

Recharge your mind and body with this 10-minute guided meditation. Designed for conference days or stressful work environments, this session will help you release tension, calm your nerves, and build confidence through deep breathing and mindfulness techniques. Perfect for finding balance and refocusing during a hectic schedule.