I am thrilled to have had the pleasure to conduct this amazing interview with Samantha McManus. Samantha took time out of her busy schedule to talk to Cliché about all of the important aspects of her life including her career, becoming an author, mother and her incredible desire to help people through intuitive healing and spiritual coaching.
Lisa Smith: I’m just going to jump right in and ask you something that I know nothing about. Can you please explain to our readers what a Bioenergetic Healer is?
Samantha McManus: Sure! Bioenergetic healing has deep roots in ancient practices, but I believe that it gained modern attention and true traction in the 20th century. Its foundations lie mainly in the belief that the body is surrounded by an energy field that influences our health and well-being. From my research, studies began being conducted in the 1960s-70s, with pioneers like Wilhelm Reich exploring the links between energy flow and emotional health. Since then, numerous studies have actually shown how energy fields interact with the body, and although the scientific community remains a bit divided on this, it is widely known at this point in time that the human body does produce measurable energy, with the average human, even at rest, producing 100W of bioelectricity- and researchers are currently developing technologies to harness our natural bioelectricity to power small devices. So, how could we not presume that our energy can convert or transmute? We’re pretty complex & incredibly powerful beings.
A Bioenergetic Healer is a practitioner dedicated to understanding and working with the body’s energy field to enhance physical and emotional well-being. As a bioenergetic healer, I utilize my abilities as an intuitive, an energy & faith healer to help individuals restore balance and harmony within their energy systems. This holistic method often involves identifying and clearing blockages in a person’s energy field, which can often manifest as physical ailments or emotional distress. Techniques such as guided visualization, energy channeling, and hands-on or remote healing are commonly used in my practice to encourage the body’s natural healing abilities. The role of an energetic or faith healer involves fostering a deep sense of trust and belief, both in yourself and your clients. By addressing the root causes of imbalances and promoting a more holistic approach to health, you assist individuals in achieving a state of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
L.S. What is the most rewarding part of your career.
S.M. The most rewarding part of my career is undoubtedly the ability to help others heal and find harmony, both within themselves and with the world around them. Each product we create at Wild Hermit, every course offered at the Healing Tree Academy, and every initiative at the Living Roots Center For Wellness is deliberately designed to foster a holistic sense of well-being and connection. So, witnessing that type of transformation in individuals who embrace our natural, sustainable products or engage in our educational offerings is so incredibly moving, and fulfilling. It’s about more than just alleviating skin sensitivities or providing spiritual guidance; for us, it’s about empowering people to embrace their authentic selves and to nurture their journey towards self-discovery and healing. Knowing that our work positively impacts lives, helps individuals reconnect with nature’s wisdom, and fosters a community of mindful, compassionate individuals is the greatest reward I could ever imagine.
L.S. Was there a specific moment that you knew the career path you would take or was it more of a progression?
S.M. I’d say that my career journey has been more of a diverse progression rather than a single defining moment. From a young age, I embarked on a spiritual path that deeply influenced my life, and this journey eventually led to the creation of the Living Roots Center For Wellness and the Healing Tree Academy of Embodied Wisdom, both ventures emerging from my personal awakening and a desire to share transformative knowledge with others. Concurrently, my venture into skincare had its unique beginning, sparked by the need to address one of our children’s skin sensitivities, which inspired us to create Wild Hermit and to develop quality organic skincare solutions. Both of these paths, to include the books, though distinct, are intertwined by a shared purpose of healing and helping others. Each step in my career has been a natural progression, evolving from significant personal experiences and immense desire to make a positive impact in different spheres. Balancing these parallel paths has enriched my journey, allowing me to contribute to wellness in varied yet meaningful ways.
L.S. It might be a bit difficult to take us on your journey that allowed you to arrive at this moment in time but if you could take us on your journey, what would it look like?
S.M. It would be difficult to summarize in one sitting, as embarking on the journey of my life, like everyone’s, has been nothing short of an odyssey, marked by profound challenges and transformative victories. From a relatively ‘normal’ childhood, I gradually became aware of my intuitive and spiritual gifts, which whispered to me from such a young age, urging me to explore everything. Seen and unseen. Yet, despite a sense of knowing, or an understanding of what was happening around me, I didn’t always heed that inner guidance that was ultimately trying to lead me to a place of betterment for myself and others.
My gifts were not always easy for me to carry, and my path was strewn with thorny trials of divorce, family crises, and several encounters with those who sought to drain my energy or spirit. I experienced the depths of loss, the shadows of abuse, which for years led me to struggle with or question my faith and purpose. It took nearly every experience imaginable and facing the darkest depths of myself, of others, and heavy reflection to awaken to this place in time.
Yet, from all of hardships, misfortunes, achievements & experiences, I discovered my resilience and an unwavering belief in the higher power guiding me. In my 30s, I reached a pivotal point of no return, where my purpose crystallized, reigniting my passion to heal and inspire others. As an author, teacher, and spiritual guide, I embraced my calling; Venturing out into the vast world of organic skincare and hair care, I poured love and intention into every creation, reflecting my commitment to the natural beauty of nurturing others’ well-being.
My journey I feel is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the potential of fully embracing one’s true essence. I believe that anyone can undertake this journey, tap into their own inner guidance, and reach a place of personal and collective betterment.
LS: Are you married and do you have children? If not, are there any plans to have a family moving forward.
SM: I’m happy to share a bit about my family! I certainly feel like I’ve hit the jackpot with my incredible husband, Craig, and our trio of amazing kiddos—a son and two daughters who keep life interesting, wholesome, and our hearts very full. Each one is on their own unique adventure, with talents and love that could fill a stadium.
Craig and I crossed paths in a small town, both on the lookout for new beginnings and deeper connection, and it was truly like it was just, divine orchestration, our meeting. We both moved to our town at the same time, knew the same people, frequented the same places, but it wasn’t until what seemed like just the ‘right moment’ that we finally met. It felt like being on the same FM radio, but not on the same station until we were both completely ready for one another. I like to say our meeting was love at first sight—(or as close as you can get without the violins playing in the background.) We certainly had our fair share of bumps in our first year, mind you. Craig needed a crash course in “How to Live with a Medium 101,” but he eventually mastered it. (It turns out living with someone who can feel and predict your next move isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.) Together though, we’ve navigated life’s rollercoasters, from the heartache of miscarriages to losing loved ones, with as much grace as we could muster. These experiences have been like a deep, gut-wrenching and heart healing master class in love and humility.
Now, Craig’s journey from a distinguished military career to holistic health guru has been nothing short of impressive. He’s a board-certified member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and is a Mindfulness coach, helping others find their way back to their souls. Craig’s open-hearted nature and his love for our children have been a joy to witness. I’m beyond grateful to share this wild, wonderful life with such a remarkable family.
LS: Do you have any special hobbies? What do you like to do when you have free time.
SM: I would say that my life is deeply intertwined with my passions, making every day meaningful. My work involving the handcrafting of wellness products to order, managing customer requests, and homeschooling my kids, is a reflection of my love for creating, teaching and healing. Despite the demands and energy spent on a given day, I make it a priority to meditate daily. For me, my meditation involves stepping outside into nature, embracing that stillness, and taking time to reflect and appreciate the world around me. That allows me to recharge, stay centered, and stay connected. Additionally, I cherish spending time on hikes, walking with our puppies, & engaging in quality time and conversations with loved ones. These activities I feel really enrich my life, guided by a perspective kept rooted in love and intention. So I find immense joy in viewing life as an opportunity to experience and grow, which means that my passions permeate all aspects of my life, eliminating the need for most traditional hobbies.
“Your garden is your atrium.”
“Your garden is your atrium” is a mantra that came to me through divine inspiration, serving as a profound reminder of the interplay between our inner and outer worlds. Just as a garden grows within defined boundaries, our spiritual and emotional growth occurs within the spaces we intentionally cultivate. The concept of an atrium—traditionally a part of the heart—symbolizes how we receive and nurture love and growth. By tending to our inner garden with care and purpose, we transcend perceived limitations and allow our true essence to flourish. This divine insight underscores the idea that our intentions, love, and gratitude shape the expansiveness of our personal and spiritual growth. Essentially, the way we nurture ourselves and our surroundings determines whether our growth remains confined or becomes boundless, deepening our connection with the universe.
~ Samantha McManus
L.S. When it comes to religion, do you belong to a particular faith or what are your views on religion?
S.M. Oh boy! That’s a heavy question… Buckle up, because here comes a heavy answer! I don’t subscribe to a particular faith or feel a deep connection with organized religion. My bond with the divine is intensely personal, vibrant, and profoundly significant in my life. As I grew up and transitioned into adulthood, I often encountered spiritual leaders who, despite their public personas of guidance and moral instruction, behaved hypocritically and questionably in private. This experience led me to view much of organized religion as a facade, construct, or instrument of control. Not to condemn any specific religion, as I do feel that the messages conveyed in many sermons or gatherings are meaningful and come from a deeply historical moral instructional guidepost, as the Message of much of mainstream religion is to Love, and strongly emphasize the Golden Rule. It’s not the message within religion that I feel is a problem, but I do feel that some of those who are in positions of power, or whom wield the influence of instructing large groups on how to live, for me, do not reflect an authentic spirituality. I’m not claiming perfection or blamelessness in life, and my goal is Unity, not separation or division…but I do think that there is a difference between simple belief in a higher power and a faith truly lived. Some leaders simply misuse their power to teach, and that’s both been very widespread since the beginning of religion, and remains an unfortunate reality.
There’s a lot of judgment in the world, and a lot of peer pressure and ‘group thinking’ in organized religion- and I don’t feel that this is a true representation of any historically documented Word of God. To me, ascribing to a specific religion is not a requirement in Any way to know God. For the record, I do believe in God and in the existence of and crucifixion/martyrdom of Jesus, recognizing him with reverence as the Christ, and my connection with God remains unwavering and clear. We engage in daily communication, and I find guidance, solace, and real answers to my questions in moments of stillness. I consider myself deeply spiritual, as I possess the gift of mediumship, clairvoyance, precognizance and healing, all of which are nurtured by and come from that divine relationship. But to speak to those in various religions, I often encounter opinions that these gifts are not accepted within organized religion. They’re routinely frowned upon and condemned, though I know them very personally to be God-given, and they’re referenced in the Bible in the book of Romans, Isaiah, Corinthians, and Ephesians as some of the many spiritual gifts from God- among many other historical religious texts that reference these abilities. So, I believe religion along with the dangers that ‘group thinking’ carries with it is very capable of misconstruing both history and invalidating personal spiritual experience, and I believe that these abilities are a bit misunderstood, are inherent in all of us, not requiring religious affiliation to develop. God is bigger than any one religion, and transcends the confines of religious construct. This is such a profound question that my answer could be as lengthy as this interview, or as succinct and concise as a simple No. If someone could step outside of the walls of a church though, and really embrace Spirituality in its entirety, there is much more depth, and it is so much more than what gets touched upon in a sermon. It’s like we have a huge pie in front of us in this feast of life, and church is but a single slice of that.
My writings offer insights into how anyone can unlock their spiritual gifts and strengthen their connection with the Source, emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of all beings and the universe itself. This lifting of the veil of interconnectedness is to remind others that we are never truly separate from Source/our Creator, and our spiritual journey is about rediscovering, and remembering that unity.
L.S. If you are comfortable, tell us about a trying time in your life and how you were able to get through it?
S.M. I don’t mind sharing. The most recent and deeply personal experience has been of losing two beloved family members—my grandmother, whom I affectionately called Mimi, and my uncle. Their passing was a profound loss for our family, and loss can leave just, an immense void. The sadness from that was palpable, as many who have faced similar losses can understand. However, I did find solace in my intuitive gifts, which helped me feel a continued connection to them. I know firsthand that our loved ones never truly leave us; and their presence is felt in the whispers of our heartspace along with the echoes of our memories. This spiritual connection, coupled with the unwavering love and support of my family, as well as the comfort of faith, provided me strength to endure. It taught me that while physical separation is inevitable, the bonds of love do transcend the boundaries of the human life and death. This experience has reinforced my perspective on the importance of cherishing every moment, and nurturing the connections that we hold dear.
L.S. You’ve written several books. Which one are you most proud of and why?
S.M. As an author, each of my books holds a special place in my heart, but if I had to highlight a few, ‘Awakening Intuition- How I Became an Intuitive Healer, and How You Can, Too”’ and ‘Earth’s Midwife: A Memoir of a Spiritual Doula’ stand out. These works represent the pivotal moments in my journey where I could finally embrace and express the raw, real vulnerability of my spiritual gifts. Sharing these stories allowed me to connect deeply with readers who resonate with the journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Additionally, our ‘Reconnecting with Your Higher Consciousness’ Guide and Journal is a source of immense pride for me. Hearing how it has empowered individuals on their spiritual paths and provided guidance fills me with such honor and gratitude. It reinforces our mission to serve as a beacon of hope and support for all of those seeking their own truth.
“The hardest of part of being human is remembering that we’re not.”
“This quote encapsulates a truth about the dual nature of our existence. It reminds us that while we navigate the physical realm along with its tangible needs and desires, there is also a spiritual dimension that demands our attention and nourishment. Our human experience is often dominated by immediate needs and primal instincts, largely driven by the ego and emotions that can lead us into pain and disconnection. However, what I see is that our true challenge lies in transcending those limitations by fully acknowledging and nurturing our spiritual essence.”
“This spiritual aspect is what connects us to a greater whole, akin to branches growing from the same tree. It’s a call to dissolve the ego, which often focuses solely on the self and the present moment, and instead, embrace our interconnectedness and our shared essence. By opening our eyes to this reality, we can steer the world in a more harmonious direction, moving away from separation and towards unity. Ignoring this spiritual side of ourselves I feel leads to a perpetuating cycle of unfulfillment, as the pursuit of transient desires fails to satisfy our deeper yearnings. This quote I’ve shared to serve as a reminder of our potential to evolve beyond a mere human existence into beings aware of our spiritual interconnectedness.”
~ Samantha McManus
L.S. Tell us about Wild Hermit. What inspired you to start a skincare and hair care product line and what do you like most about it.
S.M. Absolutely! Wild Hermit was born from a profound connection to nature and a desire to offer products that truly nurture both mind, body and spirit. Our inspiration to start our skincare and hair care line arose from a very personal journey—my close relative’s struggle with skin sensitivity to artificial colorants and synthetic ingredients. This challenge ignited a passion within our family to seek out natural solutions, leading us to the ancient and sustainable practice of wildcrafting. Nestled in the serene embrace of the Appalachian mountains, our family, united by a shared vision, began crafting products that reflect our spiritual reverence for the earth and the interconnectedness of all things.
What I love most about Wild Hermit is the opportunity to blend creativity with sustainability. Every product that we create is a testament to our commitment to purity, using heirloom seeds, and organic ingredients that we feel honor the earth’s bounty. This dedication we believe ensures that our offerings are not only gentle and nourishing, but also very eco-friendly. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our creations resonate with those seeking mindful and earth-conscious choices. As we expand into new realms like custom woodworking and pottery, we remain devoted to our mission, simply cherishing the bonds that unite us all in our love for fellow humans, and nature.
L.S. How do manage aspects of daily life? Do you have a set schedule or a team to support you. You coach, write books, create courses, operating an e-commerce store.
S.M. Well..Managing the many aspects of my daily life is a bit like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—exciting, unpredictable, and definitely not dull! I don’t have a set schedule, though the one thing that is consistent is that I try to keep one. With three energetic kids, including one elementary aged, and three equally lively pets, we’re up at seemingly all hours. My days are filled with unexpected orders or requests, encouraging and assisting with schoolwork, crafting products, while my husband is woodworking, and then we’re tending to our small farm, garden, and yardwork. In between, I find moments of stillness for intuitive healing sessions and consultations, sometimes remotely. It is a whirlwind of activity, but I’ve got a great team in both immediate and extended family, as well as some trusted advisors and a seemingly endless supply of coffee to keep me going. It’s a beautiful chaos that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I truly love every part of it.
L.S. What are your plans for 2026? Do you have any goals or endeavors you’d like to accomplish.
S.M. In 2026, we at Wild Hermit and as a family, are over the moon about the thrilling journey of expansion and innovation that lies ahead. Our plans are simply just bubbling here with excitement as we aim to broaden our skincare and hair care product line, adding even more options for our cherished and growing community. But that’s not all!
We’re delving a bit deeper into the enchanting world of ancient & traditional craft, having recently brought forth a BCE product bundle that we refer to as our Lineage Collection- which contains products for the skin, body, and hair, along with providing a brief history as to the ancient tried-and-true recipes that, surprisingly enough, are still found in many products today, and that remain so naturally effective at promoting restoration of the natural skin barrier, the stimulation of hair growth, cellular renewal, and so much more. Very excited about this. We will also begin offering traditionally handcrafted hardwood curios, decor, and heartfelt, handmade pottery. These unique treasures are designed by my husband, Craig, and myself, to put a personal stamp on gift-giving, emphasizing sustainability and fostering deeper emotional connections.
At Our Living Roots Center for Wellness, we’re passionately committed to diversifying our offerings there as well. It’s a relatively new endeavor for us, but more exciting educational resources and experiences are on the horizon, all aimed at nurturing holistic well-being.
Meanwhile, The Healing Tree Academy of Embodied Wisdom is also set to bloom with an expanded curriculum. We’re going to be adding new courses focused on holistic health, spiritual guidance, and by the grace of popular demand, we’ll be including classes pertaining to the art of creating organic skincare and hair care products by hand. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to embrace their natural beauty and well-being.
To top it all off, I’m truly excited to be working on a new book that will delve into my journey of raising spiritually intuitive and gifted children.
It’s a heartfelt exploration offering insights and guidance to parents navigating this unique experience.
L.S. What advice would you give those who are interested in endeavoring in holistic wellness, exploring, or pursuing their own spiritual journey?
S.M. My advice for those interested in embarking on a holistic wellness journey or pursuing a spiritual path, is to embrace curiosity and remain open to learning from diverse sources. Start by exploring practices that resonate with you personally—whether that be meditation, yoga, or simply spending more time out in nature—and be patient with yourself as you navigate your life path. It’s essential to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and self-awareness, as these are the foundations for growth and healing. Connecting with like-minded communities can also help to provide support and inspiration, making this overall journey feel less ‘solitary.’ And ultimately to remember that the path to wellness is a deeply personal one, and non-linear, and it is Okay to adapt and to change course as you discover what truly nourishes your mind, body, and spirit. Above all, approach your journey with compassion, both for yourself and others, and allow your unique experiences to guide you towards a more fulfilling and harmonious life.
L.S. How can people purchase your books? (We can simply add links to your books here)
S.M. Anyone interested in our books can check us out on Goodreads by clicking this link:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16620554.Samantha_McManus
And on Amazon, or Barnes & Noble by visiting the author pages:
https://www.amazon.com/author/samanthamcmanus
https://www.bn.com ( author lookup in searchbar)
L.S. How can people follow you
S.M. We invite everyone who’s interested to follow us on www.semcmanus.com. Readers can find our books on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble by searching my author name, or can shop our line of organic wellness products by visiting us at WildHermit.com.
Thank you Samantha for an awesome interview.
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