Melissa Wood-Tepperberg

Why I CHOOSE not to drink

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:40:01 GMT

Let's bring it back to my early 20s, at our Marquee company Christmas party. Back to a time when I was ripping alcohol, not just drinking to drink, but drinking to get completely shit-faced... and I did. This wasn’t a normal holiday party, but karaoke themed, and I was singing at the top of my lungs. I was center stage, mic in hand, and drinks were FLOWING.

When I used to get to this level of drunkenness, there was no stopping me, not even at my work holiday party. I would try kissing any of the waitresses who would make out with me, honestly anyone who was open and available. It got to the point where it was so out of hand and I was so uncontrollable that I got kicked out of my company Christmas party.

Why I Stopped Taking Ritalin

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:19:23 GMT

This one has been a long time coming, and it explains why I stopped sharing so much on this topic. As much as I've sat with it, there's a part of me that feels responsible after shouting from the rooftops that I'd found this thing, this magic pill that was going to save me. I thought it was going to save me from something I'd experienced my entire life but could never quite put my finger on. Well... that's exactly how I felt the second I started taking Focalin. Saved.

Let's start with the backstory of it all. This all came about after having Doc Amen on my podcast, where he dove into the importance of getting your brain scanned. This made me really want to take a look inside and have this data proven, so that I could understand it better myself.

After one of my children was diagnosed with ADHD, it made me realize, for the first time in my life, like, "Oh my god this is actually me. This is exactly what I've been going through my entire life." Growing up in the '80s I think there were so many of us struggling but it was just unfortunately overlooked and not tested like it is today.

I followed through with the process of getting my brain scan, and immediately broke into tears on the zoom call with Doc Amen as he gave me my results. I wasn't upset with what I heard, but rather felt this sense of relief, because my whole life I thought something was wrong with me, and was never explained the why behind it. I grew up thinking for most of my life that I was stupid and anything school related was all so swallowing for me. When you're the kid in class who can barely keep up, it crushes your confidence.

Doc Amen saying, "it is so clear that you have ADHD," was so freeing for me to hear.

I began testing a bunch of supplements, and took it upon myself to try one of my children’s medications… I fully own that this is not advised by doctors and im not telling you to do the same but just here to share the real shit . I also didn’t want to put my kid on something that I didn’t understand how the body responded to.

The second I tried Focalin, the lights came on for the first time in my life.

Getting Quiet Enough to Hear the Call

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:21:35 GMT

I’m sitting in a dark room on my PEMF mat. Just finished a meditation in front of my red light, doing all of the things to drop deeper into myself, and it feels like nothing is coming up.

Almost as if my gut is gone.
As if I’m knocking and no one is answering.

We always hear people say listen to your gut.
Your gut will forever guide you…

But what if nothing is coming up?

Tears roll down my face.

When life is draining the F out of you

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:06:50 GMT

Okay, I am going to officially dust this baby off and really try this again. When I first started a Substack, my intention was to let my mind run deep, to go inside myself in a way that I feel I haven’t been able to throughout other social media channels. In the creator space, although I’ve never considered myself a creator, I’d like to think of myself as more of a storyteller, a BIG sharer documenting the real rawness in my life. But…I’ve found myself feeling stuck, having little to no creative inspiration, feeling flat, uninspired, unmotivated, and even questioning myself: “What is this all really for?”

What Living Life Alcohol Free Has Taught Me

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:32:27 GMT

6 years ago I was meditating on the floor in my closet and I got this immediate download after dropping into my breath for a good 15 minutes. It came through clear as day.

Get clear.
Get grounded within yourself.
Very grounded.
Let all things go that cloud your thoughts.
The time is now.
Right now.
Get ready!!!

So I listened. To be ready, I had to be clear. Like SO clear. So I stopped drinking

Buckle up and BELIEVE

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:36:18 GMT

I don’t want to sit back and pretend I’m experienced on this topic but these last few years I’ve been paying close attention to the zodiac calendar, getting more astrology readings, locked into living a spiritual life and am deeply understanding the power of believing in something so much greater than all of us. And I will say, from my own experience, that without a doubt, when you are open to receiving and really allow this knowledge to land in you & where you are in your life...... It is LEGITIMATE. Sooo…We’re in the last couple weeks of the shed (the Year of the Snake is ending on February 16, 2026 and then the Year of the Fire Horse begins), and wowowowoww are you going to feel these massive, intense shifts inside & out when you pay close attention to what’s coming up within and all around you.

The thing I’m noticing more than ever is my nervous system is speaking very loudly to me with things that do not feel aligned in my life; things I’ve almost been afraid to face that I’ve pushed down

Beginning again (and again)

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:46:01 GMT

What does it really take to begin again? To start fresh? Right now. The energy of the world feels full speed ahead as we enter into a new year and while I’m sitting up in bed a few days before 2025 is behind us, I’ve been thinking long and hard about what it actually takes to start the new year strong. To bring a new level of energy into every single thing that you do. And not just for the first few weeks of January, for this momentum to live in the depths of your soul. For this feeling to become a piece of you. I believe it starts with the desire to expand beyond your mind’s limitations. When you start with a deep desire you immediately open yourself up to an unlimited realm of possibilities.
But before we dive into the HOW... think about where you are right now in your life. Be brutally honest with yourself.

Mastering your mind…

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 23:41:07 GMT

What does it really take to master your mind? I’ve been thinking long and hard about what I’m most proud of in my life and it’s without a doubt the fact that I’ve been able to change the lens in which I see every single thing in front of me, around me, and within me. But how the hell do you actually get here…To this place where you are not only self aware of those low vibrational thoughts that weigh you down so heavily, but to be able to actually choose differently in the heat of the moment. That’s where the real test and challenge comes in. And let me begin by saying, I never in a million years thought I would be able to actually get myself to this place from the mindset that I grew up with. Ever.

I’ve been sharing my life, my thoughts, my practice of meditation and movement online for over a decade. And the thing that’s had one of the biggest impacts on the way that I think is my commitment to my spiritual practice. I had this very big awakening recently to dive deeper into sharing how I’ve gotten to a very peaceful place in my mind. Living in more harmony. More flow with self. Less push and force to “make shit happen” and more energy to allow things to come into fruition organically.

Ep 134: Breaking the Doom Loop with Dr. Daniel Amen

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:30:00 GMT

In this powerful conversation, Melissa sits down with renowned brain health expert, Dr. Daniel Amen, to explore how our thoughts, habits, and daily choices shape the way we feel and live. Dr. Amen breaks down the concept of the “doom loop,” explaining how it forms and why it’s so easy to get trapped in. He shares what allows him to live pain-free at 70 and explains how aging can be accelerated or slowed based on the choices we make. They explore the supplements he recommends for foundational brain health, how to support family members who may be living with darkness, and why cultivating positivity is essential for a healthy brain. Dr. Amen also shares a simple daily practice including beginning the morning by asking what he’s excited about and ending the day by reflecting on what went well. This conversation is full of insight, compassion, and practical tools for anyone looking to create a healthier, more grounded, and empowered life.

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Get Dr. Amen’s new book, “Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain” here and follow him on IG here.

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Ep 133: What Six Years Living Alcohol Free has Taught Me

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:30:00 GMT

It’s been six years since Melissa last had a sip of alcohol. In this episode, she shares what called her to stop, how choosing discomfort led to real transformation, and the clarity that came from stepping into a life that feels aligned. She explores the question, “Are you believing everything you think?” and opens up about why she doesn’t identify as “sober” and what that means for her journey. Melissa also touches on a key lesson from next week’s episode with Dr. Amen: how every choice either strengthens or harms the brain. This is a year of stripping back, telling the truth, and living with radical transparency. Melissa invites you to reflect: Are you okay with where your life is right now, or are you craving more? A powerful conversation for anyone reevaluating their relationship with alcohol, identity, or the life they want to create.

Get a special deal now through December 1st for up to $700 off the Pod 5 Ultra. The extended sale is between December 2nd - 31st for up to $400 off the Pod 5 Ultra with my code MELISSA at eightsleep.com/melissa for these special offers.

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Ep 132: Friendship, Finding Love, and Living Your Truth with Melissa’s BFF, Chrissy Godwin

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:30:00 GMT

Melissa sits down with her best friend, Chrissy Godwin, for a second time on the pod to have a candid conversation about life, friendship, and self-discovery. They discuss learning to respond instead of react, embracing their truths instead of people-pleasing, and the moment Melissa decided to go deeper in her life. They get brutally honest in the most loving way, reflecting on how their circles shrink as they grow older and how to spot the real ones. Chrissy shares exciting updates about her new relationship, while they both swap beauty tips from skincare to botox. They also explore the value of listening more, living in the moment, keeping long-distance friendships strong, and finding food freedom with an “I want it, I eat it” mindset. Full of laughter, honesty, and inspiration, this episode celebrates friendship and living life on your own terms.

Ready to meet someone great? Start your love story on Bumble.

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Follow Chrissy on IG here.

Limited Time Offer: Use code movewithheart when you sign up for a monthly membership to get your first month FREE on melissawoodhealth.com.

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Ep 131: Bringing Your Manifestations to Life with Lacy Phillips

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Melissa sits down with Lacy Phillips, founder of To Be Magnetic, for a soulful conversation about authenticity, surrender, and finding the deep, rich beauty in everyday life. Lacy shares how she manifested Jessica, the face of TBM, why she leads without ego, and what it means to be rewarded by the universe for showing up as your truest self. She opens up about stepping away from social media, writing a book she never planned to write, and the rituals that keep her grounded through meditation, somatic experiencing, and deep self-connection. Together, they explore surrender, forgiveness, and the power of Deep Imaginings to help you return to your essence and believe in what’s possible. This episode is a reminder to slow down, trust your path, and find magic in the moments that make you feel most alive.

Go to Joovv.com/melissa and apply code MELISSA for a limited-time Black Friday offer through December 1st with savings of up to $1,000 on select Joovv products.

Ready to meet someone great? Start your love story on Bumble.

Get Lacy’s new book, “How to Manifest,” here and follow her on IG here.

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Coming soon

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:26:51 GMT

This is Melissa Wood-Tepperberg.

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Ep 130: Finding Ease in the Midst of Wedding Planning

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:30:00 GMT

In this special episode, Melissa and Dylan sit down to talk all things weddings, starting with Melissa’s own wedding morning and how she didn’t let anything, not even the potential of rain, bring her down. They dive into the magic behind Dylan’s big day and the moments that stood out most, from her welcome dinner to the ceremony, along with her best tips for anyone planning their own wedding, including how to approach speeches and stay grounded in the process. They also explore the power of meditation and how it helped Dylan throughout the planning journey. For those looking to find love, Melissa shares how becoming your dream partner by embodying that energy yourself will naturally draw in the right connection. They wrap up with Dylan’s Go-To Lineup and their ultimate piece of advice for wedding week: don’t ask the bride any questions.

Dylan’s Planner: Rachel Behar Events

Visit www.functionhealth.com/movewithheart and use code MOVEWITHHEART100 at sign-up to get $100 off your membership and own your health.

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Limited Time Offer: Use code movewithheart when you sign up for a monthly membership to get your first month FREE on melissawoodhealth.com.

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Ep 129: Meet Yourself Where You Are

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Melissa invites you to meet yourself exactly where you are, with compassion and without judgment. She shares how Melissa Wood Health began in her living room and how connecting to her own light and higher power changed everything. Melissa reflects on what to do when you’re not feeling inspired, how to stop letting your mood dictate your life, and the power of strengthening your relationship with your mind. She reminds us that we are already enough right now, and that creating or achieving something won’t make us better. This is a gentle reminder that there’s no finish line, only the practice of showing up fully and reconnecting to the light within.

Ready to meet someone great? Start your love story on Bumble.

Limited Time Offer: Use code movewithheart when you sign up for a monthly membership to get your first month FREE on melissawoodhealth.com.

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Ep 128: Waking Ourselves Up

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:30:00 GMT

In this special solo episode, Melissa shares a deeply personal reflection about connecting with the Creator in a new and powerful way, and how her journey with spirituality has continued to evolve, from her Catholic upbringing to the profound experience of going to Jewish temple for the first time with Noah and his family. Melissa explores what it means to be a true beam of light in the world, and how guilt, shame, judgment, and gossip can weigh us down and dim that light. Through honest self-reflection, she encourages us to release what no longer serves us and give ourselves permission to step into our greatness. You’ll hear Melissa speak candidly about her own “soul’s correction” and the importance of waking up to the signs around us, reminders from the universe that call us to live more consciously, more lovingly, and more fully aligned with who we’re meant to be. This episode is an invitation to get real with ourselves and let go of what holds us back.

Visit gaiaherbs.com and use promo code MELISSA for 20% off your order.

Limited Time Offer: Use code movewithheart when you sign up for a monthly membership to get your first month FREE on melissawoodhealth.com.

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Ep 127: The Courage to Live Your Truth with Amber Rae

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:30:00 GMT

Melissa sits down with author and truth-teller Amber Rae to talk about what it really means to live honestly. Amber shares the raw journey behind her new book Lovable, written while she was still living its lessons. She opens up about listening to her soul’s needs, facing the reality of a sexless marriage, and the deep knowing that came when she met her soulmate while still married. They explore the mirrors that reveal our truths and the courage it takes to act on what you know deep down. Melissa reads a moving excerpt from Lovable, and Amber walks through the four steps she used to write a book that truly connects. She also talks about breaking cycles, healing the mother wound, and embracing life as a new mom. This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and filled with wisdom for anyone ready to face their own truths.

Go to Joovv.com/melissa and apply code MELISSA for an exclusive discount.

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You can find Amber on IG here, her book and website.

Limited Time Offer: Use code movewithheart when you sign up for a monthly membership to get your first month FREE on melissawoodhealth.com.

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Ep 126: Seasons of Transformation with Julianne Hough

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Melissa sits down with Julianne Hough to talk about purpose, transformation, and the balance between hard work and play. Julianne shares how Dancing with the Stars has been a throughline in her life since she was 18 and how her spiritual practices, including meditation, morning pages, and prayer, help anchor her during seasons of growth. She opens up about the inspiration behind her first fiction book, how she structures her team at Kinergy, and the importance of pausing to make sure everything she takes on is done with intention. The conversation also touches on what it means to focus on one career milestone at a time, and even brings in some lighthearted dog advice along the way.

Ready to meet someone great? Start your love story on Bumble.

Visit www.functionhealth.com/movewithheart and use code MOVEWITHHEART100 at sign-up to get $100 off your membership and own your health.

You can find Julianne Hough here on IG, her book and website.

Limited Time Offer: Use code movewithheart when you sign up for a monthly membership to get your first month FREE on melissawoodhealth.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 125: Freedom Beyond Limitations with Peter Crone

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:30:00 GMT

Melissa sits down with her longtime friend and “Mind Architect” Peter Crone for a powerful conversation on healing, surrender, and the freedom that comes when we release limitations. Together, they explore what it means to go inward, let go of toxic relationships with love, and strip away inherited labels, like mom and dad, that often keep us stuck in cycles of suffering. Melissa opens up about a recent painful experience that led to a full breakdown and breakthrough, revealing how in the mess we can begin to discover our true selves. From learning to feel emotions fully in moments of eruption, to asking whether something is life-threatening or ego-threatening, this episode is a raw and transformative reminder that freedom begins when we let go of the weight we’ve been carrying.

Visit dreamrecovery.io and use the code MWH15 for 15% off.

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You can find Peter Crone on IG here and his website.

Limited Time Offer: Use code movewithheart when you sign up for a monthly membership to get your first month FREE on melissawoodhealth.com.

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Ep 124: How Bad Do You Want To Feel Good? The Wellness Process Podcast with Elizabeth Endres

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:30:00 GMT

We’re switching it up this week and bringing in a conversation that Melissa had with Elizabeth Endres on her Podcast, The Wellness Process, to the Move With Heart listeners… because it’s just so good. In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Melissa to talk about building habits that support both mind and body. Melissa opens up about her journey from burnout and an eating disorder to finding peace through meditation, movement, and a more intentional way of living. They discuss learning to trust your gut, creating space for rest, and showing up as your authentic self. From morning matcha to nervous system regulation and her decision to live alcohol-free, Melissa shares simple practices that have transformed her health and business.

You can find Elizabeth on IG here and her podcast, The Wellness Process, here.

Limited Time Offer: Use code movewithheart when you sign up for a monthly membership to get your first month FREE on melissawoodhealth.com.

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