What happens when hundreds of people gather with one purpose—to learn how to live healthier, more vibrant lives? That question was answered this June as the Southern Utah Holistic Health Summit (SoUTH Summit) welcomed attendees from across the country to St. George for four days of education, inspiration, and meaningful conversations about wellness.
More than just a conference, SoUTH Summit became a place where science, lifestyle, nutrition, faith, and community intersected. From local healthcare providers to internationally recognized authors and educators, each speaker brought a unique perspective while reinforcing a common message: true health is built through intentional daily choices and a willingness to address the body as a whole.
The week began with familiar faces from Southern Utah. Dr. Scott Noorda, DO, and Brandon Lewis, FNP-C, of Resolve Medical laid the foundation by exploring brain health and the importance of movement. From there, attendees discovered how interconnected the body truly is as Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, discussed the relationship between oral health and overall wellness. Sessions throughout the day continued to highlight enzymes, detoxification, cellular energy, and building strong health foundations before keynote speaker Liana Werner-Gray closed the evening with an uplifting invitation to reconnect with nature, embrace whole foods, and strengthen both physical and spiritual well-being.
Day two shifted the conversation from information to transformation. Heidi Swapp, co-host of The Shift Podcast, encouraged attendees to embrace small, consistent changes that can produce lasting results, particularly for women navigating midlife. Nutrition expert Cherie Calbom, affectionately known as the Juice Lady, inspired the audience with her personal story of healing through juicing, intentional nutrition, and faith, reminding everyone that hope often begins with simple daily habits. Other presentations explored homeopathy, medicinal mushrooms, circadian rhythms, mineral balance, functional medicine, emotional healing, and integrated healthcare, illustrating how many different pieces contribute to long-term wellness. Koby Taylor, PharmD, took the stage to speak about nutritional deficiencies, and subsequent symptoms, and a highlight was when Dr. Abby Kramer surprised us all by inviting Dr. Bradley Campbell on stage to play the saxophone, which got everyone on their feet singing along.
The day’s keynote, Dr. Bradley Campbell, challenged attendees to look inward before searching outward for answers. His reminder that “the more you can have self-awareness, that’s the real superpower” became one of the weekend’s memorable takeaways, highlighting the importance of understanding ourselves as we pursue better health.
Perhaps the most emotional day of the summit came on Friday. Keynote speaker Chris Wark, founder of Chris Beat Cancer, shared his personal experience overcoming cancer and encouraged attendees to become active participants in their own health journeys, saying, “Do not take advice from people who have not healed cancer. Listen to survivors.” His message resonated deeply, especially during the survivor panel that followed, where individuals courageously shared stories of perseverance, healing, and hope.
The afternoon continued with practical discussions on reducing toxins within the home and the connection between food, gut health, hormones, and mental well-being. Closing the day, keynote speaker Dr. Austin Lake reminded the audience that wellness extends beyond physical fitness. “Your body matters because God gave it to you,” he said, encouraging attendees to honor that gift while also urging them to “be radically aggressive about pursuing a simple life.” His message tied together many of the themes repeated throughout the week: health is often found in consistently doing the simple things well.
Learning didn’t stop when the lectures ended. Friday evening’s Beyond the Summit gathering at the beautiful Sentierre Padre Canyon provided an exclusive opportunity for attendees to mingle with speakers in a relaxed setting. Over appetizers and drinks, conversations continued long after the presentations were over. Ideas were exchanged, questions were answered, and new friendships were formed—reinforcing that some of the most meaningful moments of the summit happened outside the lecture hall.
The summit concluded with an unforgettable Saturday featuring nationally recognized voices in natural health. Robert Scott Bell challenged conventional assumptions about aging while discussing inflammation and regeneration. Dr. Toni Jimenez shared his perspective on integrative approaches to cancer, and Dr. Sherri Tenpenny encouraged attendees to become more informed about their own health. As she reminded the audience, “You get one body. Learn a little bit about it and don’t abdicate that to someone else.” Her message emphasized personal responsibility and lifelong learning.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated keynote speakers, Gary Brecka, energized the audience with his presentation on optimizing human performance and longevity. Yet perhaps his most impactful message wasn’t about nutrition or biomarkers—it was about people. “The absolute essence of human longevity is community and connection,” he said. “If you want to cut someone’s life expectancy in half, you put them in isolation. It is the most damaging thing for us as human beings.” He praised gatherings like the SoUTH Summi, reminding attendees that “events like this are more than just event—they are a way to bring people together and create real connection.” A closing panel moderated by Robert Scott Bell brought many of the weekend’s speakers together for thoughtful discussion and audience questions, providing a fitting conclusion to four remarkable days.
Perhaps the greatest takeaway from Southern Utah Holistic Health Summit wasn’t found in any single lecture, but in the atmosphere itself. Thousands of conversations took place between sessions, strangers became friends, and attendees left with renewed motivation to make positive changes in their own lives. The summit reminded us that better health isn’t achieved overnight; it is built one decision, one habit, and one step at a time.
If this year’s event was any indication, the SoUTH Summit has established itself as more than another health conference. It has become a gathering place for people seeking knowledge, community, and hope as they continue climbing their own journey toward better health.
Health & Fitness
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The vision behind the SoUTH Summit belongs to founder Sierra Mead, who understands firsthand what it feels like to search for answers after facing personal health challenges. As she learned more about how the body works and the many approaches available to support wellness, she became passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. That passion ultimately became the SoUTH Summit—a place where some of the leading voices in natural health gather under one roof so individuals and families can learn together, become more informed, and feel empowered to pursue healthier, more intentional lives.