Podcast Summary: "Ancient Practices That Work In A Modern World" with Michelle Bang on THE ED MYLETT SHOW

Release Date: July 3, 2025

Ed Milet welcomes Michelle Bang, a Harvard Business School graduate, award-winning entrepreneur, and author of "Soil, Sun, Water, Care," to discuss how ancient wellness practices can be effectively integrated into modern lifestyles to enhance health, productivity, and longevity.

1. Introduction to Michelle Bang

Ed introduces Michelle Bang, highlighting her impressive background and expertise. Michelle shares insights from her unique cultural heritage and professional journey, setting the stage for a deep dive into holistic wellness practices.

• Ed Milet [02:49]: "My guest is much smarter than me. She's a Harvard Business School graduate, she's an award-winning entrepreneur, and she's got a great book out."

2. The Power of Walking as Exercise

The conversation begins with the fundamental practice of walking. Both Ed and Michelle emphasize walking's profound benefits, not just as physical exercise but also as a meditative and creative practice.

• Ed Milet [04:31]: "Walking's been a savior for me... I do think it's maybe the best form of exercise overall that you could experience."

• Michelle Bang [05:47]: "Walking is so easy, that is sustainable. You can do it every day... It helps with maintaining weight control and decreases glucose spikes."

3. Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Michelle delves into how ancient practices, particularly those from Korean and East Asian cultures, align with contemporary scientific understanding. She highlights the historical emphasis on diet, fermentation, and holistic health.

• Michelle Bang [10:30]: "The ancient kings used to be very well cared for in terms of their longevity... using fermented condiments like kimchi, which are now being recognized for their microbiome benefits."

4. The Gut-Brain Connection and Fermented Foods

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the gut-brain axis and the role of fermented foods like kimchi in promoting a healthy microbiome, which is crucial for overall health and immunity.

• Ed Milet [12:10]: "The statistics tell us that they suffer from these ailments at percentages that are way less than people that live here suffer from them."

• Michelle Bang [12:58]: "Kimchi is filled with probiotics, filled with really great bacteria, and it doesn't require any cooking... It's a beautiful marriage of natural and advanced medicinal practices."

5. Traditional Korean Bathhouses (Jjimjilbang) and Wellness

Michelle introduces the concept of Jimjilbang, traditional Korean bathhouses, explaining their multifaceted role in promoting physical and mental well-being through heat therapy, massages, and communal spaces.

• Michelle Bang [20:29]: "Jimjilbangs are very budget-friendly saunas... They include steam rooms, saunas, massages, and promote lymphatic drainage and stress reduction."

• Ed Milet [22:20]: "For people that visit a bath house once a week over the age of 30, they have a 77% less likelihood of ever having a heart attack in their lifetime."

6. Redefining Self-Care in High-Achieving Cultures

The duo discusses the often-overlooked importance of self-care, especially among high achievers who may prioritize work over personal well-being. Michelle shares her personal journey of overcoming health challenges by embracing holistic self-care practices.

• Michelle Bang [24:02]: "Self-care is a magic bullet leading a healthy life and healthspan... Over 70% of chronic illnesses can actually be preventable with lifestyle changes that include self-care."

• Ed Milet [26:28]: Shares his personal health struggles as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the necessity of integrating self-care into one's routine.

7. Balancing Ambition with Inner Peace

Towards the end of the episode, Michelle and Ed explore the balance between relentless ambition and maintaining inner peace. They advocate for integrating moments of mindfulness and relaxation into daily life without compromising on goals.

• Michelle Bang [40:19]: "Slowing down doesn't mean that I'm still not going after a lot of ambitious projects... It's about making time to breathe for a moment."

• Ed Milet [40:51]: Encourages listeners to audit their well-being and prioritize self-care as a foundation for sustained success.

8. Cultural Insights and Future Outlook

Michelle shares insights into Korean cultural values, such as "jung," which embodies love, friendship, empathy, and compassion. She emphasizes the importance of community support and collective well-being in overcoming societal challenges.

• Michelle Bang [38:36]: "Jung means love, friendship, empathy, compassion... It's a call to action for the entire Korean society to take care of one another."

Ed reflects on how these cultural practices contrast with Western "hustle" cultures, advocating for a more balanced approach to work and personal life.

Key Takeaways

• Sustainable Practices: Simple, sustainable activities like walking can have profound impacts on health and productivity.

• Holistic Health: Integrating traditional practices with modern science can enhance overall well-being.

• Gut Health: A healthy microbiome, supported by fermented foods, is crucial for immunity and mental health.

• Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care is essential, especially for high achievers, to prevent chronic illnesses and maintain a high quality of life.

• Cultural Values: Embracing community-centric values like "jung" can foster a supportive and resilient society.

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode, Michelle Bang bridges ancient wellness wisdom with modern scientific understanding, offering practical steps for listeners to enhance their health and longevity. By embracing sustainable practices, prioritizing self-care, and fostering supportive communities, individuals can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.

For more insights and practical tips on becoming the best version of yourself, tune into THE ED MYLETT SHOW and explore Michelle Bang's transformative approaches to wellness.