Healing Beyond Health Anxiety

Bryan Smith, known widely as “The Walking Man from Bristol,” is a mental-health ambassador whose life changed the day he set out on foot to save his own mind. What began as a simple walk turned into a powerful daily ritual that helped him climb out of a dark period of depression, anxiety, and grief.

Through his honest storytelling and raw vulnerability, Bryan has inspired thousands across Bristol and beyond. His message is simple but life-changing: movement is medicine, connection is everything, and you’re never as alone as your mind tells you.

Bryan uses his platform to raise awareness around men’s mental health, break down stigma, and encourage people to talk before they reach crisis point. His daily walks, community events, and social media presence have become a lifeline for many who see themselves in his story.

Joff is the founder of Lifewise Wellbeing. Over the last ten years he has developed Lifewise Wellbeing and supported many people (younger and adult) to regain control and be the master of their own lives. He believes we are beings of connection, expansion, love, kindness, compassion and cooperation, but are living the near opposite. Lifewise Wellbeing helps individuals explore and develop the tools to help themselves and come back to balance.

Lauren Benser is a registered dietitian specializing in women's health, weight loss medication support, gut health and cardiovascular nutrition. With over a decade of expertise in clinical nutrition, research and program development, she is a trusted resource for both patients and healthcare providers seeking science-backed, sustainable nutrition strategies.

Lauren is the founder of Lauren Benser Nutrition, where she provides targeted support for women navigating perimenopause, menopause and GLP-1 weight loss medications. 

Rachel Montero is a highly respected nurse practitioner and gut health specialist dedicated to helping people reclaim their confidence, energy, and freedom from persistent digestive issues. With a compassionate, evidence-based approach, Rachel empowers her clients to pursue their passions without being held back by bloat, IBS, or unpredictable gut flare-ups.

Rachel blends functional insights with practical, real-world strategies, making gut healing both accessible and sustainable. Her work focuses on uncovering the true root causes of digestive discomfort...whether that’s hormonal shifts, stress responses, food sensitivities, or deeper gut imbalances...so that her clients can experience long-term relief rather than quick fixes.

Through her teaching, coaching, and expert guidance, Rachel helps individuals understand their bodies, regulate their nervous system, and build habits that support lasting digestive wellness. 

Sierra Smits is a chronic illness–informed naturopathic coach who supports people living with long-term health conditions, nervous system dysregulation, and health anxiety.

Her work is rooted in lived experience. After navigating significant health challenges herself, Sierra understands firsthand how confusing, exhausting, and isolating it can feel to live in a body that doesn’t feel safe or predictable. That journey ultimately led her to train as a naturopathic coach, with a focus on education, nervous system support, and whole-body health.

Rather than chasing symptoms or offering quick fixes, Sierra takes a holistic approach. She helps people understand how stress, nutrition, and nervous system overload can contribute to ongoing symptoms, and why the body is often responding protectively rather than failing.