Meet Macara Brachmann | Certified Health + Neuro Coach, AADP, RYT

We had the good fortune of connecting with Macara Brachmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Macara, what do you want your legacy to be?
When I think about my legacy, I really focus on the positive change I hope to leave in this world. I want to be remembered as someone who taught, guided, and led by example—showing others how to overcome life’s challenges and truly thrive. For me, the most meaningful legacy isn’t necessarily about my name being remembered, but about people having discovered their own version of health and balance because of the work I shared.

I hope my legacy reflects the power of mindset shifts. I’ve seen firsthand how small changes in perspective can completely transform someone’s approach to wellbeing. That’s why I developed the BLISS approach—Balanced Living In Small Steps—because I truly believe sustainable transformation happens through consistent, manageable changes rather than dramatic overhauls.

Beyond the concepts and tools I’ve shared, my legacy lives on in the relationships and community connections I’ve helped nurture. Each person who finds their way to greater wellbeing creates ripples that affect their families, workplaces, and communities. That multiplier effect—how one person’s transformation can positively influence countless others—is honestly the most meaningful aspect of the work I do.

I want to be remembered for honoring the whole person in my approach to health and wellbeing. By integrating neurological understanding with physical, emotional, and spiritual health, I’ve tried to move beyond the fragmented approach that treats symptoms rather than people. We cannot separate our minds from our bodies, or our individual health from our connections with others.

What I want people to remember most is that I lived what I taught. I navigated my own challenges, applied these principles in real time, and shared both my successes and struggles openly. In a world of highlight reels, I’ve always aimed for authentic growth and understanding that everyone’s path to health and happiness looks different—and that’s exactly as it should be.

Finally, I hope people remember my belief that joy and gratitude aren’t just nice additions to a healthy life but foundational practices that change how we experience everything else. Through tools like the BlissDaily3 gratitude practice, I’ve witnessed how intentional appreciation transforms challenges into opportunities and ordinary moments into sources of deep contentment. If I leave behind nothing else, I hope it’s the understanding that gratitude isn’t just something we practice—it’s a lens through which we can view our entire lives

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I built my Health and Neuro coaching practice—Bliss with Mac—on the simple belief that wellness doesn’t have to mean completely overhauling your life. My BLISS approach (which stands for Balanced Living In Small Steps) is all about making sustainable changes through small, manageable actions that add up over time.

What makes my coaching different is how I blend and simplify Neuroscience with practical health strategies. I noticed so many of my clients had tried programs that demanded immediate, dramatic lifestyle changes—and they almost always failed. That’s why I created free resources like the Balanced Living Circle, the Health Circle, and cheat sheets for stress, energy, and improved sleeping. I call this approach my Bliss Method—simple tools that help people make meaningful changes without feeling overwhelmed by the process.

My path to where I am now wasn’t exactly smooth sailing! I started out using conventional coaching methods, focusing heavily on diet plans and exercise routines. But I kept seeing the same pattern—clients would make progress and then slide back into old habits when life got stressful. People found “life” getting in the way. This led me to dive deep into studying neuroplasticity and how our brains form habits, which completely transformed my approach to coaching. I had to incorporate how the brain works to get improved consistency.

Right now, I’m excited about developing “The Bliss Blueprint,” a program that will dive deeper into brain, body, and gut health as we age and address all the challenges that come with midlife. My “30 Days of Bliss” self-study program is my signature course that pivoted me into online learning. It has been a labor of love to bring together all the science-backed strategies I personally used before I even understood there was science behind why they worked so well.
I’m probably most proud of seeing the changes in women and healthcare professionals— who pour so much into caring for others. Watching them finally prioritize their own wellbeing is incredibly rewarding. I remember one client, a nurse and mother of three who was also caring for her aging parent, who told me she had just accepted permanent exhaustion as her reality until we started working together. Seeing her reclaim her energy and joy through small, consistent changes was confirmation that my approach really works for the people who need it most.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Everybody’s “healthy” looks different—there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Transformation doesn’t require perfection—it’s consistency in small actions that creates lasting change. I want people to understand that wellness isn’t about radical restriction or superhuman discipline; it’s about finding those small moments of balance that gradually build a more fulfilling life

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d plan the perfect getaway showing off our magical spot nestled between LA and Santa Barbara. I’d share all my favorite local beaches, restaurants, and hidden gems that make our little area in Southern California so special.

First, I’d introduce them to my yoga tribe at Westlake Yoga Co. There’s something truly special about experiencing one of Becca Zimmel’s classes—her teaching creates this magical energy that even beginners can feel. It’s the perfect way to start our day centered and connected.

We’d grab some lunch at Stonehaus and head to the sand dunes in Malibu for a beautiful hike to the top with those stunning views. And while Malibu’s on everyone’s must-see list, I’d definitely take you to my absolute favorite spot—Hollywood Beach in Oxnard Shores. It’s way less crowded than the famous beaches, with the softest sand you’ve ever felt.

For dinner, Cafe Bizou is our go-to spot. The ambiance is so sophisticated you’d think you were dining in NYC! The owner walks around ensuring everyone has an amazing experience, and the combination of exceptional service, vibrant energy, and delicious food makes it unforgettable.

Sunday mornings would definitely include a trip to the Westlake Farmers Market. It’s pretty incredible—filled with local vendors and fresh produce. If we have time, we’d also check out the farmers market in Malibu or Oxnard Shores for even more local goodness.

During the magic hour, we could walk around the lake when everything is bathed in that golden California light. The hiking trails of the Santa Monica Mountain Range offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature right in our backyard.

If we wanted to explore further, we’d take a day trip about an hour north to either Ojai or Santa Barbara. Both have their own unique charm—Ojai with its spiritual vibe and artisan shops, Santa Barbara with its Spanish architecture and beautiful beaches. These little towns capture a different essence of California that’s worth experiencing.

Throughout the visit, I’d make sure we had plenty of downtime too—because sometimes the best memories come from simply sitting together with a cup of coffee or glass of wine, catching up on life and enjoying each other’s company.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to several incredible people who’ve both supported and challenged me throughout my journey. My mother, who passed in 2016, showed me what true resilience looks like while raising us with unwavering love. She unknowingly planted the seeds of what would later become my BLISS philosophy.

I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Jodi Sampson, who guided me through my health transformation – from transitioning to a gluten and dairy-free lifestyle to managing adrenal fatigue. Her personalized approach showed me firsthand how proper guidance can transform complex health challenges.

I must honor my dear friend Catherine Wiley, whose unwavering support over five years was nothing short of transformative. Before her unexpected passing in 2024, Catherine believed in my vision even when I doubted myself. Her ability to listen deeply and offer wisdom exactly when needed helped shape both Bliss With Mac and the BlissDaily3 gratitude app in countless ways. Her spirit of compassion lives on in everything I create.

Ram Dass became pivotal in my life after discovering him in Elizabeth Lesser’s ‘Broken Open’ in 2010. His wisdom about presence and compassion resonated deeply during difficult times, During my yoga teacher training, I immersed myself in Ram Dass’s teachings, which ultimately led to meeting him at his home in Maui before his passing, thanks to Rick Strini for introducing me to his neighbor 😉

Sitting beside Ram Dass in his Maui home and sharing how I’d applied his post-stroke perspective with my patients was life-changing. When he smiled with that twinkle in his eyes and said, “You get it,” after 11 years of being influenced by his teachings I wrote a published piece about the full circle experience,

As Ram Dass would say, “We’re all just walking each other home.” Any positive impact I’ve made has been possible because of this beautiful web of connection and growth. I’m deeply grateful to each person who has been part of my story.

Website: https://www.blisswithmac.com

Instagram: @blisswithmac and @blissdaily3 the app page for inspiration and app user shares 🙂

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macarabrachmann

Facebook: Bliss With Mac Health Coaching, Balanced Living In Small Steps.

Image Credits
the amazing Kim Bajorek Photography