Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast
Throughout history, cultures around the world have turned to nature as a source of increased health and well-being. While science continues to support this connection, and more programs are emerging to help us understand it, humans continue to spend the majority of our time indoors. Welcome to the Nature of Wellness, Podcast, where we will explore the relationship between the natural world and the human experience. Join Mark, Steve, and their expert guests as they discuss all things nature, conservation, life, health, and well-being. The future of health is NOW ™️.
Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast
Episode Seventy One-Creativity and Coping with Mental Illness with Artist and Advocate Jeffrey Sparr
We'd love to hear from you about this episode.
According to 2025 data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders.
US survey data collected in March and April 2025 indicate a substantial portion of adults experienced a mental health crisis in the past year, with many facing barriers to accessing help.
The US is experiencing a significant shortage of mental health providers, which has led to a reduction in access to care. We must find proactive ways to manage the rising mental and emotional challenges that we consistently face.
Creativity and wellness are deeply connected. Engaging in creative activities like art, music, and writing has been shown to reduce stress and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Making time for creative outlets as a form of self-care allows for emotional management and expression, stimulates brain function, and promotes a sense of connection to oneself and others.
Welcome to Episode Seventy-One of the Nature of Wellness ™️ Podcast!!!
In this episode, we spoke with artist, mental health advocate, and keynote speaker Jeffrey Sparr. Diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as a college athlete, he struggled to live a "normal' life. Jeff co-founded PeaceLove Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes mental health through creative expression.
Join us as we talk to Jeff about his journey with mental illness, how a friend's suggestion to try painting changed the course of his life, and how his new digital teaming tool, Scribl, is reshaping human connection through creativity.
Jeff discusses the challenges mental illness can impact health and wellness, how creativity can serve as a superpower, and how any creative endeavor has a profound impact on quality of life.
This conversation is a work of art (pun intended).
Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review anywhere you listen to this podcast.
We appreciate you all.
Be Well
-NOW ™️
Jeffrey's Website: http://www.jeffreysparr.com/
Scribl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scribl-co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scribl.co/
PeaceLove
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peacelovefoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacelovefoundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peacelovestudios
* The unbelievable Shawn Bell produces the Nature of Wellness Podcast, making us sound good.
** The NOW theme song was penned, performed, produced, and provided by the dynamic duo of Phil and Niall Monahan.
*** This show wouldn't exist without our amazing guests and all of you who listen. Please like, subscribe, follow, and review to help us get these important messages out to more folks who can benefit from them. Thank you all.
