Feed your mind and expand your world at the Mind Stage. Nestled under the open sky with relaxed outdoor seating, this is your space to sit, listen, and learn from some of the most inspiring voices in the wellness and conscious living community. With a full lineup of talks covering everything from acupuncture and muscle testing to veganism, microgreens, recycling, the breath body connection, and even the art of the labyrinth — there is something here to spark curiosity in everyone. Drop in anytime throughout the day and stay as long as you like. You just might leave seeing the world a little differently.
Larry Clifford
Resurrect the Roses Botanical Garden
11:00 am – Organized Gardening as the Best Therapy for busy, overworked, overwhelmed adults.
Explore the therapeutic benefits of the organized, all-volunteer gardening experience. The Project has resurrected a failing City garden and revitalized it.
Dr. William Lyden
Michiana Wellness & Longevity Clinic
11:30 am – NET and Muscle Testing Demo
This interactive presentation introduces Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) and the foundational principles of Applied Kinesiology, commonly known as muscle testing. Attendees will learn how unresolved stress and emotional patterns can be stored in the body and influence physical and mental well-being. Through a live demonstration, participants will see how muscle testing can be used to identify imbalances and guide the body back toward regulation and alignment. This session offers a practical glimpse into how the mind and body work together to support healing and restore choice.
Melissa Karasek
Rooted Balance Massage & Esthetics
12:00 pm – Demo and Q&A Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Join us for a deep dive into the lymphatic system—your body’s natural detox and repair network. We’ll explore what affects lymph flow, from modern lifestyles to surgery and injury, and how Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage was developed to support healing. You’ll learn how MLD works, when it’s helpful, and when it should be avoided, plus practical tips for keeping your lymph moving day‑to‑day. Includes a live demo of a general full‑body drainage sequence. Q&A to follow!
Dr. Kevin L. Ladd
12:30 pm – All About Labyrinths
The Mind~Body~Spirit Festival welcomes Professor Kevin Ladd for his 2nd year, sharing about “All Things Labyrinths”. Professor Ladd, a Chancellor’s Professor of Psychology at Indiana University South Bend, earned his PhD from the University of Denver and was awarded a degree of Doctor honoris causa from the University of Lausanne for contributions to the psychology of religion. With an MDiv degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, he has served as pastor of both United Methodist and Presbyterian congregations.
Research interests include the interface of science & religion, prayer, wisdom, music, ritual, health, coping, prejudice, psychometrics, physiology, neuroimaging, synesthesia, spiritual transformation, character development, personality, clergy & congregational performance/satisfaction, magic.
In 2024, Professor Ladd and Professor Daniel N. McIntosh (University of Denver) received a $500,000 grant to research the psychological and physiological aspects of labyrinths. The aim of this project is to better understand how walking inside, or finger tracing, labyrinth shapes may serve as relatively simple activities that can promote mental health, along with personal growth.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this grant and Professor Ladd.
Dr. Natalie Kilheeney
Beyond Zen Studio
1:30 | How are Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine helpful to me?
Dr. Natalie will host a special talk on how and why acupuncture and herbal medcine is an important tool for you health and wellness, She will be there to answer any questions, and share in some health tips, and natural solutions to your wellness routine.
Kristen Sachman
Solid Waste Management District
2:00 | Recycling in St. Joseph County.
What does recycling look like for our residents? What are some reasonable and easy practices you can adopt to become more sustainable? Join us to learn more!
Randi Light
Enlightened Living
2:30 pm | Discover How To Use The Magic of Your Mind to Build Confidence
Step into a powerful and engaging experience that reveals how your thoughts shape your feelings, your behaviors, and ultimately your life. In this interactive presentation, you’ll discover the fascinating connection between the subconscious mind, your self-talk, and your overall well-being. Through simple yet profound activitieis and demonstrations, you’ll feel ethe difference between self-criticism and self-support—and learn why the way you speak to yourself matters more than you may realize. Whether you are new to hypnosis or already on a path of personal growth, this experience will open your eyes to the incredible influence you have over your own mind.
Designed to build confidence for both adults and children, Randi Light’s presentation blends science, empowering techniques and experiential activities that make learning fun, meaningful, and immediately applicable. Participants will learn why and how to get out of a negative state easily and quickly and discover practical tools that build confidence, resilience, and self-love. The experience concludes with a short, guided hypnosis session to help you relax deeply, integrate what you’ve learned, and connect with a more empowered version of yourself.
Kayla Sweet, MA, SHRM-CP
internally guided
3:00 pm | Waking Up, Growing Up, Showing Up: An Integrative Path to Real Transformation
Many of us have experienced powerful insights, emotional breakthroughs, or moments of awakening… yet still find ourselves repeating the same patterns. Why? Because awareness alone does not create lasting change.
In this session, you’ll explore the difference between waking up (awareness), growing up (development), and showing up (action). Through an integrative, real-world approach, you’ll learn how to turn inner work into meaningful shifts in your identity, behaviors, and daily life so transformation doesn’t just stay in your head, but becomes something you live.
Robert Easterling
Mystic Microgreens
3:30 pm | OXIDATIVE STRESS, MICROGREENS & YOU!
I’m sure by now you have heard of microgreens from one source or another. You’ve probably also heard how healthy they are for you and how much nutrition is packed in them. You may have even heard some of the medicinal purposes for them. Certainly you’ve heard about how great they taste and all of the different uses that people have come up for them, but what you haven’t heard is what is the number one negative effect that impacts your body’s every single day. Oxidative stress. We’re going to get into that during this talk.
Michiana VegFest
4:00 | Why a Plant-Based Lifestyle is Essential
Discover how shifting toward plant-based eating can play a critical role in addressing climate change, reducing animal suffering, and enhancing our overall health and well-bein
