The Root Cause Podcast

Mendocino Health and Wellness
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  • Alternative Health

The Root Cause What if the problem isn’t where you think it is? Welcome to The Root Cause, a podcast from Mendocino Health & Wellness exploring what actually drives the way we feel, perform, recover, and age. We live in a world obsessed with symptoms: pain, fatigue, stress, poor sleep, injuries, burnout, brain fog, and declining performance. But treating the symptom doesn’t always address the reason it keeps showing up. Each episode digs deeper. Hosted by wellness professionals, coaches, practitioners, and fascinating guests, The Root Cause brings together science, experience, real-world stories, emerging wellness technologies, and practical strategies to help you understand what may be happening beneath the surface. We’ll challenge popular health and wellness claims, explore the latest ideas in recovery and performance, talk with experts who are changing the way we think about health, and examine the habits, environments, stressors, and behaviors that can influence how our bodies and mind's function. From athletes and weekend warriors to busy professionals, parents, first responders, and anyone who simply wants to feel better and perform at their best, The Root Cause is about asking a better question: Why is this happening in the first place? No hype. No magic pills. No one-size-fits-all answers. Just honest conversations, thoughtful questions, and practical information designed to help you look beyond the obvious—and get closer to the root cause.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    6: Terri Silva - Stronger, Not Smaller

    The Root Cause Podcast: Terri Silva- Stronger, Not SmallerGuest: Terri Silva, personal trainer in Ukiah, California Host: John Corippo Presented by: Mendocino Health & Wellness What does it really mean to be healthy? Is it about losing weight, working out harder, and pushing yourself to do more—or is it about building strength, recovering well, and feeling better in your everyday life? In this episode of The Root Cause Podcast, John sits down with Ukiah personal trainer Terri Silva to discuss her journey into fitness, how her mindset has evolved, and why sustainable health requires more than simply working harder. Terri shares how consistency helped her build confidence and strength, why realistic expectations matter, and how recovery, sleep, nutrition, and stress can influence the way we feel and perform. She also discusses her personal experience with recovery sessions at Mendocino Health & Wellness, including PEMF and sound-based relaxation. Together, John and Terri explore the difference between chasing an ideal appearance and building a healthier, more capable life. In This EpisodeFrom fitness enthusiast to personal trainer: How Terri's personal journey led her to help others.Consistency over instant results: Why building lasting habits takes time and patience.Strength beyond the scale: How functional fitness can support confidence and independence in everyday life.Women and strength training: Moving beyond the fear of becoming “too bulky” and focusing on individual goals.Recovery matters: Why more training isn't always better—and how sleep, nutrition, and stress fit into the picture.The MHW experience: Terri's perspective on PEMF, sound-based relaxation, and other recovery options she's experienced.A healthier relationship with food: Why she prefers “indulgence day” over “cheat day,” and how language can affect our mindset.Small habits that add up: Prioritizing sleep, walking regularly, and eating a balanced diet.The importance of slowing down: Making time for rest without feeling guilty about it.The Find: A simple source of joy—playing cards and connecting with family.Practical TakeawaysYou don't have to change everything at once. Start with one realistic habit, repeat it consistently, and build from there. Pay attention to how you feel, not just how you look. Make recovery part of your plan, and give yourself permission to adjust your routine to your needs. About Mendocino Health & WellnessMendocino Health & Wellness in Ukiah, California, offers wellness and recovery services designed to complement an individual's broader health and fitness routine. Learn more about the services and options available by contacting MHW directly. Keep the Conversation GoingIf this episode gave you a new perspective on fitness, recovery, or sustainable health, follow The Root Cause Podcast on your favorite platform and share the episode with someone who might benefit from the conversation. Subscribe for more discussions exploring health, wellness, recovery, and the factors that influence how we feel and function. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Personal experiences discussed by the host or guest are not guarantees of results. Consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health concerns. For a medical emergency, contact emergency services.

  2. Oct 12

    5: From the Firehouse to the Wellness Center: Part 2

    Beyond the Badge: John Strangio on Family, the Fire Service, and the Root Cause of It All This week on The Root Cause, host John Corippo sits down with his lifelong friend John Strangio, co-founder and owner of Mendocino Health and Wellness and a longtime first responder. They start with the question "who are you without the titles?" and trace it back to a childhood home that was always open to the neighborhood. John shares how his parents shaped him, how his mom's long health battles changed the way he thinks about wellness, and how that led him and his wife Lauren to build Mendocino Health and Wellness. Then they turn to life in the fire service: what the job gives you, what it takes, and what it's like to leave a career that was also your identity. In this episode: - Growing up in a house that was always open, and the "make up your own mind" lessons from his parents - How his mom's health journey changed his outlook on health and wellness - Why he and Lauren started Mendocino Health and Wellness - What people should feel when they walk through the door: being listened to, not rushed - Why "food is medicine" has become his biggest shift in thinking over five years - Why even "healthy" grocery-store produce can fall short nutritionally - Recovery: sleep, preparation, and the tools he uses - His back injury and what recovery looked like for him - The fire service as identity, the 3 AM calls, and what changes when you leave - Mental health, dark humor, and why "I'm fine" can be a red flag - Being a dad and husband, and why he says tomorrow isn't guaranteed Disclaimer: The Root Cause is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed on this podcast is intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or to replace care from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consider your individual health circumstances and consult your health care provider before making changes to your health, diet, exercise, supplements, or treatment plan. Guest: John Strangio, Mendocino Health and Wellness Host: John Corippo

  3. Oct 11

    4: From the Firehouse to the Wellness Center: Part 1

    John Strangio on Family, the Fire Service, and the Root Cause of It All This week on The Root Cause, host John Corippo sits down with his lifelong friend John Strangio, co-founder and owner of Mendocino Health and Wellness and a longtime first responder. They start with the question "who are you without the titles?" and trace it back to a childhood home that was always open to the neighborhood. John shares how his parents shaped him, how his mom's long health battles changed the way he thinks about wellness, and how that led him and his wife Lauren to build Mendocino Health and Wellness. Then they turn to life in the fire service: what the job gives you, what it takes, and what it's like to leave a career that was also your identity. In this episode: - Growing up in a house that was always open, and the "make up your own mind" lessons from his parents - How his mom's health journey changed his outlook on health and wellness - Why he and Lauren started Mendocino Health and Wellness - What people should feel when they walk through the door: being listened to, not rushed - Why "food is medicine" has become his biggest shift in thinking over five years - Why even "healthy" grocery-store produce can fall short nutritionally - Recovery: sleep, preparation, and the tools he uses - His back injury and what recovery looked like for him - The fire service as identity, the 3 AM calls, and what changes when you leave - Mental health, dark humor, and why "I'm fine" can be a red flag - Being a dad and husband, and why he says tomorrow isn't guaranteed Disclaimer: The Root Cause is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed on this podcast is intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or to replace care from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consider your individual health circumstances and consult your health care provider before making changes to your health, diet, exercise, supplements, or treatment plan. Guest: John Strangio, Mendocino Health and Wellness Host: John Corippo

  4. Oct 4

    3: Why Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Forgets

    Your body keeps score long after your mind moves on. In this episode of The Root Cause, John Corippo and Lauren Strangio break down how trapped emotions get stuck in the body — and how the new Root and Restore deck helps you release them. If you've ever felt "triggered" for no reason, this one's for you. What if the tension in your shoulders, the lump in your throat, or the reaction you can't quite explain isn't random — it's your body holding onto something old? They dig into where the idea came from, how the deck actually works, who it's for, and the biggest misconceptions people have about emotional release work. In this episode: The origin story: how the idea for the deck "wouldn't leave Lauren alone" until it became realWhy muscle testing worked clinically but was a barrier for most people — and how they engineered around itA step-by-step walkthrough of how to actually use the deck (chakra cards, belief cards, and what the process feels like)The surprising pattern behind who tests for the belief "I'm not smart" (hint: it's usually not who you'd expect)The difference between processing an emotion and just avoiding itCommon misconceptions — including why this isn't "witchcraft" and isn't the same as tarotWho the deck is for: everyday clients, athletes, and first respondersA personal story about grief that resurfaced decades later during a release sessionA candid moment about boundaries in marriage — and what it means when someone you love asks you to "change the channel" once in a whileA rapid-fire round covering the toughest emotions to sit with, and what a "balanced emotional state" actually looks likeA note on this episode: This conversation touches on grief, emotional health, and personal stories of loss. It's not a replacement for therapy — just an honest conversation about tools that can support your emotional wellbeing. Connect with us: 🎙️ Subscribe for new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube 📸 Follow along on Instagram @mendocino_health_and_wellness 🃏 Learn more about the Root and Restore deck at www.mendohealth.com #RootCausePodcast #EmotionalRelease #NervousSystemReset #Wellness

  5. Sep 29

    2: The Biggest Myth in the Fire Service: One Man's Reckoning with Men's Health

    For 23 years, John Corippo was a firefighter and paramedic — until a neck injury ended his career in a way he never expected. In this episode, John and Lauren Strangio have an unflinching conversation about what "brotherhood" really means once you can't show up anymore, the physical and mental toll first responders carry long after the calls end, and why so many men wait until they're forced to before they take their health seriously. In this episode: Why men are finally starting to treat their health as a priority, not an afterthoughtJohn's path into the fire service — and the moment a mentor first told him he could make it a careerThe truth about firefighter culture: it's far less "sitting around playing cards" and far more constant paperwork and physical strainGetting handed a PTSD diagnosis "like candy on Halloween" — and what his actual symptoms looked likeThe neck injury, the doctor who finally said "I'm not signing you back," and being forcibly medically retiredThe hardest lesson: discovering that "brotherhood" mostly disappeared the moment he stopped showing up for shiftsTwo years before he slept through the night again — and what finally changedWhy men treat pain as something to push through, and what actually happens when they stopGetting into Zyto scans: what the tool reveals, and why it resonates differently with menWhat it means when grief, hate, or other "unmanly" emotions show up on a scanTwo real case studies: a 45-year-old with arthritis who couldn't stop talking about his stress, and a 10-year-old whose attention issues turned out to be nutritionalJohn's go-to supplements for inflammation, recovery, and sleepClosing out with "The Find": a new segment on small habits that make a real differenceTimestamps (approximate): 0:47 – Why men are starting to prioritize their health 1:18 – John's story: 23 years in the fire service 6:32 – Ambulance vs. fire engine, and the myth of "brotherhood" 8:23 – Processing trauma on the job 10:51 – PTSD "like candy on Halloween" 11:51 – The injury, the diagnosis, and the doctor who said no 14:15 – Forcibly medically retired 15:41 – What "brotherhood" actually looked like after he left 21:19 – Two years before a full night's sleep 22:55 – Who he was then vs. who he is now 26:38 – Why men ignore their health — and what changes when they don't 28:25 – Getting into Zyto scans 32:05 – When grief or hate shows up on a scan 35:18 – Reaching teen athletes on nutrition and mindset 38:59 – Case study: the 45-year-old with arthritis 42:16 – Case study: the 10-year-old who couldn't sit still 44:47 – Go-to supplements for recovery and sleep 47:52 – Final thoughts: it's okay to ask for help 49:02 – The Find: small habits, real change Follow The Root Cause Podcast for more honest conversations on men's health, recovery, and getting to the root of what's really going on.

  6. Sep 22

    1: Tired for No Reason? Here's What Your Body Is Actually Trying to Tell You

    Show NotesEpisode 1: Why You're Still Exhausted After 8 Hours of Sleep The Root Cause Podcast — brought to you by Mendocino Health and Wellness Why do some people sleep a full eight hours and still feel completely wiped out? In this first episode, John Corippo and Lauren Strangio dig into the real root causes of fatigue — and it's rarely as simple as "get more sleep." From nutrient deficiencies and emotional/childhood roots to EMFs in your bedroom, adrenal fatigue, blood sugar crashes, and the long-term toll of a nervous system stuck in survival mode, this conversation reframes fatigue as a signal, not just a symptom. Lauren also opens up about her own experience managing fatigue from Epstein-Barr and Lyme flare-ups despite sleeping well, and John shares a candid look at how 23 years as a first responder rewired his relationship with rest, food, and stress — and what changed once he started paying attention. In this episode: Why fatigue shows up differently for every single personThe most common assumptions people make about their fatigue (and why they're often wrong)Simple sleep environment fixes: EMFs, sleep number beds, and the "bedroom is for sleeping only" ruleWhy fatigue isn't always a sleep problemThe cortisol connection: why your body gets a second wind after 10pmTracking HRV (heart rate variability) as a window into recoveryAdrenal fatigue: causes, symptoms, and why stress can become an addictionThe single biggest sleep mistake people don't want to hear aboutHow chronic stress disrupts blood sugar and digestionA first responder's perspective on nervous system dysregulation and burnoutCommon food and blood sugar mistakes that quietly drain your energyWhy "just push through the workout" isn't always the right adviceRapid-fire round:Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome to the Root Cause Podcast1:26 – Nutrient deficiency vs. emotional roots of fatigue3:14 – What people usually assume is the problem3:39 – Sleep environment, EMFs, and devices in the bedroom7:55 – Is fatigue always a sleep problem?9:50 – The 10pm cortisol spike and "tired but wired"10:36 – Supplements for sleep quality (magnesium, ashwagandha & more)13:46 – Environmental disruptors: mold, carpet, air quality15:07 – Caffeine tolerance and the first-responder nervous system17:06 – Tracking HRV and what low variability really means18:56 – Adrenal fatigue: causes and the stress-chemical "addiction"20:16 – The #1 sleep mistake people don't want to admit21:17 – How stress hijacks your blood sugar23:53 – The nervous system's role in restorative sleep24:55 – A first responder's story: never planning a meal, never shutting off31:26 – How food choices contribute to fatigue33:19 – Blood sugar, insulin resistance, and the "hangry" cycle36:54 – Exercise when you're exhausted: where to start39:16 – Rapid-fire True or False: sleep & energy myths41:43 – Rapid-fire round: personal habits and hot takes43:07 – Final takeaways and how to build your own planA quick note: This episode is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for individualized medical or nutritional advice. If you're dealing with persistent fatigue, we recommend working with a qualified practitioner. 🎙️ Hosted by John Corippo & Lauren Strangio 📍 Mendocino Health and Wellness

  • 6 Episodes

About

The Root Cause What if the problem isn’t where you think it is? Welcome to The Root Cause, a podcast from Mendocino Health & Wellness exploring what actually drives the way we feel, perform, recover, and age. We live in a world obsessed with symptoms: pain, fatigue, stress, poor sleep, injuries, burnout, brain fog, and declining performance. But treating the symptom doesn’t always address the reason it keeps showing up. Each episode digs deeper. Hosted by wellness professionals, coaches, practitioners, and fascinating guests, The Root Cause brings together science, experience, real-world stories, emerging wellness technologies, and practical strategies to help you understand what may be happening beneath the surface. We’ll challenge popular health and wellness claims, explore the latest ideas in recovery and performance, talk with experts who are changing the way we think about health, and examine the habits, environments, stressors, and behaviors that can influence how our bodies and mind's function. From athletes and weekend warriors to busy professionals, parents, first responders, and anyone who simply wants to feel better and perform at their best, The Root Cause is about asking a better question: Why is this happening in the first place? No hype. No magic pills. No one-size-fits-all answers. Just honest conversations, thoughtful questions, and practical information designed to help you look beyond the obvious—and get closer to the root cause.

Information

  • Creator
    Mendocino Health and Wellness
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mendocino Health and Wellness
  • Show Website
    The Root Cause Podcast