
283
Downloads
8
Episodes
Original Being is a podcast that delves into the timeless wisdom of ancient practices and ways of living. From holistic health and wellness to survival techniques, homesteading, and primitive skills, this show explores the knowledge our ancestors used to thrive. Hosted by Jillian Erice, a functional Physician Associate and homesteading mother of three, each episode offers insights, experiences, and conversations with experts and everyday people who embrace a hands-on, self-sufficient lifestyle.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
In this conversation, Jillian Erice interviews Cheeny Plante, a former USAF SERE Specialist and wilderness survival instructor. Cheeny shares her journey from joining the Air Force to becoming a SERE instructor, detailing the rigorous training and selection process. She discusses the challenges of survival training in various biomes, particularly the tropics, and shares valuable fire-starting techniques for wet conditions.
Cheeny recounts her unexpected journey to appearing on the reality show Naked and Afraid, including the casting process and her preparation for the show. In this conversation, Cheeny shares her transformative experiences on the reality show Naked and Afraid, discussing the profound impact of reconnecting with nature, the challenges of solitude, and the importance of community and shared experiences in survival situations.
Cheeny discusses the dynamics of teamwork in survival situations, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and a positive mindset. Cheeny also reflects on the significance of doing hard things to build character and resilience, and how she incorporates survival skills into her daily life. The discussion concludes with insights on the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of maintaining personal connections.
Cheeny’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cheeny_no_pants
Original Being Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/originalbeingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music by Sam V. Perry: http://www.instagram.com/sam_v_perry
Watch Full Video Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@OriginalBeing

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In this episode of Original Being, Jillian Erice interviews Ashley Elenbaas, a clinical herbalist with a rich background in herbal medicine and eco-spirituality. Ashley shares her personal journey from childhood health struggles to discovering the healing power of plants and naturopathy. The conversation explores the importance of gut health, the role of yoga in her life, and the significance of being a registered herbalist. They also delve into ancestral connections and the cultural heritage that shapes their understanding of herbalism. They discuss how family influences shape personal identities and practices, particularly in relation to Sicilian heritage. The dialogue delves into the vitalist approach to herbalism, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature and understanding the energetic qualities of plants. Additionally, they highlight the integration of astrology into herbal practices, showcasing how celestial movements can guide personal health and well-being. Ashley also discusses some nourishing Spring herbal tea recipes.
Ashley’s Website: http://www.skyhouseherbs.com
Ashley’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/skyhouseherbs
Ashley’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@skyhouseherbs
Original Being Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/originalbeingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music by Sam V. Perry: http://www.instagram.com/sam_v_perry
Watch Full Video Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@OriginalBeing

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
In this conversation, Jillian Erice interviews Grace Douglas, an herbalist and metal worker, about her journey into herbalism, the impact of clinical training on her practice, and her experiences with clients. Grace shares insights on the importance of nutrition in herbalism, the differences between acute and chronic conditions, and her approach to creating custom herbal formulations. The discussion also covers her experiences in homesteading, including raising rabbits and growing herbs, as well as her thoughts on underrated herbs that can benefit people's health. In this conversation, Grace Douglas shares her experiences with raising rabbits for meat, the challenges she faced, and the emotional complexities involved in taking animal lives for sustenance. She discusses her participation in the Wild Biome Project, where she will only consume local wild foods for a set period, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and connection to nature. Additionally, Grace delves into her passion for blacksmithing, detailing her journey in metalwork and her aspirations to teach and promote inclusivity in the craft.
Grakka Metal Works & Wild Vitality Herbal: https://www.grakkaworks.com/
Wild Vitality Herbal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildvitalityherbal
Grakka Metal Works Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grakkametalworks
Wild Biome Project: http://www.instagram.com/wildbiomeproject
Original Being Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/originalbeingpodcast
Intro/Outro Music by Sam V. Perry: http://www.instagram.com/sam_v_perry
Watch Full Video Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@OriginalBeing

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this conversation, Coleen Butler shares her journey from suburban life to becoming a hide tanner and advocate for sustainable living. She discusses her passion for hide tanning, the differences between commercial and natural tanning methods, and the importance of understanding the health implications of what we wear. Coleen emphasizes the ethical considerations of hunting and animal use, the challenges women face in the hunting community, and her commitment to an animal-based lifestyle that honors the animals and the environment. In this conversation, Coleen Butler shares her journey towards hormonal balance through dietary changes, emphasizing the importance of meat and fat in her diet. She discusses the positive impact of these changes on her mental health and overall vitality. The conversation also explores the connection between foraging, hunting, and seasonal living, highlighting the importance of adapting to nature's rhythms.
Coleen's Website: https://www.closetotheskin.com/
Coleen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/close.to.the.skin
Find Original Being on
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalbeingpodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpyCOt6JBQ_Q0Nl8v8EYPPQ
Music Intro/outro by Sam V. Perry: https://www.instagram.com/sam_v_perry

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this conversation, Jillian Erice interviews her brother, Sam V. Perry, an ambient music composer who shares his journey with Crohn's disease, including his diagnosis, struggles, and the holistic approaches he adopted to manage his health. They discuss the importance of dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and the role of cannabis in his healing process. Sam emphasizes the significance of being in tune with one's body and the impact of environment on health. The conversation also touches on the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts, particularly in a city like New York, and the importance of finding inspiration in less conventional settings. They discuss the loss of childhood creativity, the importance of parental support in pursuing artistic passions, and the journey of discovering one's true calling in music. Sam shares his experiences as a musician, the meditative qualities of music, and the influence of ancestral heritage on his work.
Sam’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_v_perry
Sam’s Bandcamp: https://samvperry.bandcamp.com/
Cloudbelly’s Website: https://www.cloudbellytheband.com
Cloudbelly’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cloudbellytheband
Cloudbelly on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4uyF1bHrKHhkfefiT34aU0
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA): https://massmoca.org/
Find Original Being on
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalbeingpodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpyCOt6JBQ_Q0Nl8v8EYPPQ

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this conversation, Tim Swanson, founder of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival, shares his lifelong passion for outdoor skills and nature connection. He discusses his journey from childhood interests to establishing a successful wilderness survival school, focusing on teaching children essential survival skills, safety, and the importance of boundaries. Tim emphasizes the significance of staying put when lost and shares insights on navigation techniques, including the use of compasses. He also touches on the growing interest in urban preparedness and how wilderness skills can translate to everyday life.
Tim's Website: https://www.owleyeswilderness.com/
Tim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owleyeswilderness
Find Original Being on
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalbeingpodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpyCOt6JBQ_Q0Nl8v8EYPPQ
Music Intro/outro by Sam V. Perry: https://www.instagram.com/sam_v_perry

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this conversation, Sarah White shares her transformative journey from the fashion industry to becoming a holistic health coach. She discusses her struggles with mental health, the pivotal role yoga played in her recovery, and how her relationship with food evolved. Sarah emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and connection in a fast-paced world, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness that integrates mind, body, and soul. In this conversation, Jillian Erice and Sarah White explore the themes of emotional freedom, mindfulness, and the journey of self-love. They discuss the importance of living in the present moment, finding balance in a fast-paced world, and the impact of societal narratives on personal growth.
Holistic Roots Coaching: https://www.holisticrootscoaching.com/
Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic_roots_coaching
Find Original Being on
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalbeingpodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpyCOt6JBQ_Q0Nl8v8EYPPQ
Music Intro/outro by Sam V. Perry: https://www.instagram.com/sam_v_perry

Friday Feb 28, 2025