Episode Details

What does it really mean to leave one home and build another?

In this heartfelt episode of The Story of Us, Jeff Ellison sits down with wellness entrepreneur Dasha Grankina for a conversation that begins with ancient Russian healing traditions but grows into something much deeper—a reflection on identity, family, belonging, and what we carry with us when we cross borders.

Growing up in Russia, Dasha was surrounded by traditions that weren't considered "wellness trends." They were simply everyday life. From steam baths and herbal practices to the rhythms of family and community, these customs shaped her understanding of health long before she ever imagined bringing them to Kentucky.

After immigrating to the United States more than fifteen years ago, Dasha found herself building a new life while discovering that home isn't something we leave behind. It's something we continue to carry.

As she beautifully shares during the conversation:

"It's a new home, but it's still my home."

Together, Jeff and Dasha explore the courage it takes to begin again, the importance of preserving cultural traditions, and why curiosity may be one of the greatest bridges between people from different backgrounds.

Ultimately, this conversation is about more than wellness.

It's about the universal human search for belonging.

In This Episode

• Growing up in Russia and the traditions that shaped Dasha's life
• Building a new life in America while honoring her heritage
• Why ancient wellness practices were simply everyday life—not trends
• The immigrant experience of carrying one culture into another
• Family traditions, motherhood, and passing values to the next generation
• The role curiosity plays in connecting people across cultures
• Why preserving cultural traditions matters
• Discovering that "home" is more than a place—it's part of who we become

Memorable Quotes

"It's a new home, but it's still my home."

"People are so curious... and I'm the other people."

About Dasha Grankina

Dasha Grankina is the founder of Bodhi Salt Center where she has introduced traditional Eastern European wellness practices to her Louisville, Kentucky community. Inspired by the customs she grew up with, Dasha is passionate about creating spaces that promote healing, connection, and cultural understanding while honoring the traditions that shaped her life.

Connect with Dasha

Learn more about Dasha and Bodhi Salt Center Louisville through her website and social media channels. https://bodhisaltcenter.com/

Connect with The Story of Us

🌐 Website: https://thestoryofusproject.com/start-here

🎙️ Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and review. Sharing the show helps us continue exploring the stories that connect us all—from cosmic dawn to the depths of being.

Because sometimes the greatest journeys aren't about leaving home.

They're about discovering that home has been traveling with you all along.