Where Stories Live: Healing the Whole Self - Streaming Below!

From herbal remedies and iridology to sound healing, energy work, and Cherokee medicine, Healing the Whole Self highlights a variety of holistic approaches to wellness that are still practiced—and thriving—across the region today.

“We wanted to explore healing in a way that honors the past but also feels relevant to how people are taking care of themselves right now,” says Avery Hutchins, host of Where Stories Live. “These are powerful stories of resilience, tradition, and transformation—passed down through generations and still making a difference today. Sharing these stories helps us reconnect with where we come from and rethink how we care for ourselves and each other.”

The episode features personal and powerful stories from individuals in the Upper Cumberland who have turned to these alternative modalities, not only for themselves but to help others in their communities. 

Viewers will meet:

• Jamie Cox, who studied iridology under an Amish practitioner and shares how reading the eyes can reveal what’s happening in the body.
• Renee Johnson, a local herbalist, whose personal health journey led her to the healing power of plants when conventional medicine offered few answers.
• Kitty Philips, a Ph.D. candidate at Tennessee Tech University, whose academic research focuses on the healing traditions of the Cherokee people and the ways early settlers used herbs to survive and thrive.
   

In addition to these insightful interviews, the episode also features a visit to a Southern Appalachian apothecary in Sparta, where traditional knowledge is finding new life through modern practices.

This show airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm with subsequent encore airings. 

You can also stream episodes below!

Where Stories Live, presented by WCTE PBS, provides a fascinating insight into the lives of individuals in our community. Come and be a part of this unique series, where you will uncover the profound influence that people's experiences have on shaping our community. Every story will encompass a deeper exploration of people's lives, the historical significance, and the noteworthy events that unfolded. The locals will narrate these stories, either in their own words or as they experience them.

Now in its second season, this series is the outcome of a collaboration between WCTE PBS, Tennessee Tech University History Department, and the late Michael Birdwell, Ph.D. The production team includes Producer, shooter, and editor Kamal Baldwin and Co-producer, shooter, and audio Zach Beckman. 

Executive Producer and Show Host – Avery Hutchins

Avery Hutchins, the President and CEO of WCTE, is also the host of Where Stories Live. She is very familiar with WCTE and the Upper Cumberland region. Before becoming President and CEO, she worked as the Director of Development and Station Manager for WCTE PBS. Avery is originally from Overton County and is an alumna of Livingston Academy. She earned her Marketing degree from Tennessee Tech University in 1996 and has recently completed her MBA. Where Stories Live with Avery Hutchins is her debut series on WCTE PBS.

Show Producer – Daniel Duarte

Daniel Duarte, originally from Brazil, completed his studies at Liberty School in Madrid, Spain. Before taking on the role of Director of Production and Digital Media, he gained experience working on various series and live productions with WCTE PBS. With over 15 years of experience in the film industry, his work has even been recognized with an Emmy nomination for his creative storytelling and collaborative efforts. Currently, Daniel lives in White County with his wife and children.