Welcome to THE (almost) RADICAL

There's something I need to tell you right from the start: what you'll find here isn't radical at all.

I know. The name suggests otherwise. But here's the truth: I've come to understand, through years of working in public health, studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, practicing radical self-devotion, and engaging with my communities—the most radical thing we can do is simply be human. Fully present. Authentically connected. Naturally well.

And somehow, in our current world, that's become a revolutionary act.

What This Space Is About

THE (almost) RADICAL is where I share what I can offer: my growing knowledge, my lived experiences, and my full presence. It's a place to tell the stories about people who are constantly cultivating themselves and their communities through what society calls "radical ideas"—ancient healing practices, the art of slowing down, building authentic community, questioning the narratives we've been sold about health and success.

But these ideas aren't radical. They're rooted in wisdom that's been passed down and nearly forgotten. They're about reconnecting with our bodies, with each other, with the rhythms of nature and the seasons. They're about remembering what it means to be human before we got so good at being productive.

Who I Am

I'm Melodie, and I'm so happy you found this space. I'm right in the middle of my own journey through all of this. I'm currently in TCM school, learning how Chinese medicine views the body, health, and healing in ways that often contradict everything I've come to accept in Western biomedicine. I'm an epidemiologist by training, so I guess you could say I'm a professional questioner about everything.

Growing up in a cult definitely forced me to explore every facet of the world has to offer, from the conventional to the unconventional. I'm an apprentice of folk medicine, a teacher, a writer, and most importantly, a mother.

I don't have all the answers. I'm learning as I go, often messily, always authentically. And that's exactly what you'll find here—not polished perfection, but real exploration.

What You'll Find Here

This blog is an extension of the work I do as a healer and student. It's where I'll share:

Traditional wisdom translated for modern life. How TCM understands health differently from Western biomedicine. What cultural medicines teach about seasonal living. Why acupuncture actually works, according to both ancient texts and modern science.

The practice of presence. What it means to slow down in a world that glorifies speed. How to create rituals that actually ground you. Why rest isn't lazy—it's essential.

Community care and connection. Stories of people building healing spaces, supporting each other outside the confines of capitalism, and redefining what collective wellness looks like.

Challenging the status quo. Questions about who gets access to healing, why integrative medicine still faces resistance, and what we've lost by dismissing traditional practices as primitive.

My personal curriculum. What I'm learning in TCM school, insights from my various practices, the challenges and breakthroughs of balancing multiple healing modalities, and the real, unfiltered process of growth.

Why "Almost" Radical?

Because being present shouldn't be revolutionary. Listening to your body shouldn't be countercultural. Building community shouldn't be seen as resistance.

But it is. And until it isn't, we'll be here—exploring, questioning, practicing, and sharing what we learn along the way.

An Invitation

If you're tired and you're curious about ancient healing systems—this space is for you. If you're looking for a community around self-cultivation—this space is for you. If you're drawn to practices that help you feel more human, not more productive—this space is for you.

I'll post regularly about what I'm learning, both in the clinic and in the classroom. I'll share interviews with practitioners, healers, and everyday people doing (almost) radical things. I'll offer practical wisdom you can integrate into your life, whether you're well-versed in holistic healing or just starting to question the mainstream narratives you've been handed.

This isn't about perfection or purity. It's about presence. It's about showing up for ourselves and each other. It's about getting back to center in an authentic and natural way.

Let's Stay Connected

Leave a comment and introduce yourself. What brought you here? What are you curious about? What "almost radical" practices are you already exploring?

This is just the beginning. I'm glad you're here.

Remember: the most radical thing we can do is be fully, authentically human.

Welcome to THE (almost) RADICAL.

Stay rad, my friends.

—Melodie

incense burning next to a journal