2025 Guest Speakers

Founder & Host: Christina Yoc

Roaring Lion Ranch & Retreat

In 2016, Christina Yoc set out to transform a 10-acre property in the heart of the Midwest into something far more meaningful than a working farm. She envisioned a sanctuary where people could unplug from the modern world, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the value of simple, intentional living. That vision became Roaring Lion Ranch & Retreat — a space dedicated to regenerative agriculture, holistic wellness, and educational enrichment rooted in nature.

Christina is a proud graduate of Purdue University’s Krannert School of Business and brings with her over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine and business management. With a natural entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for following her passions, she has skillfully blended her professional background with her personal values to create a unique, purpose-driven retreat.

Her profound respect for the land, compassion for animals, and unwavering dedication to lifelong learning have laid the foundation for the ranch’s mission. Guided by a heart for helping others, Christina built Roaring Lion Ranch as a welcoming place to slow down, get back to basics, and embrace the balance between modern life and natural simplicity.

In addition to running the ranch and hosting educational retreats, Christina is also a Fishing Clinic Instructor for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In this role, she teaches youth groups, families, and individuals how to fish or rekindle their love for the outdoors. She also leads efforts to expand this program’s outreach, offering outdoor enrichment activities to seniors and special needs groups throughout the community — ensuring that nature is accessible, healing, and inclusive for all.

Whether she's cultivating soil, rescuing animals, or mentoring others, Christina thrives on teaching those who are interested in bettering themselves and learning through hands-on experience. Her work is rooted in a belief that healing, growth, and connection all begin in nature — and that a slower, more meaningful life is possible when we return to the land.

Guest Speakers & Host: Sid Stanton & Ed Gonet

Soil Food

Sid Stanton is the creative force behind Soil Food, a Central Illinois–based family business she co-founded in 2015 alongside Ed Gonet. What began as a humble basement experiment soon blossomed into a thriving commercial worm farm supporting gardens, orchards, and farms around the globe. Sid brings her passion for ecological soil health to life by producing 100% pure worm castings—natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer she affectionately calls “worm poo.” A featured guest on NPR Illinois, Sid emphasizes educating others on how to grow healthy soil and build a sustainable future nprillinois.org+3nprillinois.org+3instagram.com+3.

In addition to Soil Food, Sid runs Sid Stanton Design in Petersburg, IL, where she channels her artistic eye and entrepreneurial spirit into community-enhancing design projects. Whether it's elevating a backyard ecosystem or refreshing a local space, Sid’s creativity and dedication are evident in every endeavor.

A lifelong gardener and eco-advocate, Sid believes in the power of small, thoughtful actions to spark big change. At Roaring Lion Ranch, she helps guests cultivate curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning—from worm-friendly composting to beautiful, meaningful design.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Sean McCaffrey

McCaffrey Health Center

Dr. Sean McCaffrey is a renowned holistic healthcare practitioner with over 20 years of experience in restoring health and wellness. As the founder of McCaffrey Health Center in Springfield, Illinois, he developed the McCaffrey Method, an integrative approach combining chiropractic care, functional neurology, nutritional therapy, and various traditional healing modalities. drseanmccaffrey.com+2Engage+2McCaffrey Health+2

Dr. McCaffrey holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic and post-doctoral licenses in Digestive and Internal Health. He was among the first physicians in the U.S. to be certified as an Internal Health Specialist. McCaffrey Health+6McCaffrey Health+6McCaffrey Health+6

A passionate educator and speaker, Dr. McCaffrey has lectured at over 100 venues nationwide, including the National Arthritis Foundation and Logan University. He also hosts weekly health segments on local media, such as "Wellness Wednesday" on Fox 55 and "House Calls" on Sports Radio 1450. McCaffrey Health+1McCaffrey Health+1McCaffrey Health+2McCaffrey Health+2McCaffrey Health+2

At the retreat, Dr. McCaffrey will share insights into the body's stress responses and offer practical strategies for achieving balance and vitality through natural health practices.

Guest Speaker: Jim Weddigen

CBD Botanicals

Jim Weddigen is the founder of CBD Botanicals, a trusted provider of premium hemp products committed to wellness and education. With over 17 years of experience in pharmaceutical and pulmonary healthcare, Jim brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and practical knowledge to his work with plant medicine.

At this retreat, Jim will break down how CBD and THC interact with the human body, specifically focusing on the endocannabinoid system—a crucial network that helps regulate pain, mood, sleep, and immune response. Drawing from his extensive background, Jim offers clear, evidence-based insights into how cannabinoids can support natural healing and enhance overall wellbeing.

Whether you’re exploring natural alternatives for stress management, pain relief, or general health, Jim’s approachable presentation will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about integrating hemp-based remedies into your lifestyle.

Join Jim for an engaging session to uncover the science behind CBD and THC and learn how these powerful plant compounds work to restore balance and promote health.

Guest Speaker : Damon Bridges

Professional Medium

Damon Bridges is a highly regarded psychic medium based in Springfield, Illinois, known for his compassionate presence, grounded approach, and powerful intuitive insights. With years of experience connecting individuals with loved ones who have passed, Damon creates a space that is both healing and affirming.

Through his gallery-style readings and one-on-one sessions, Damon delivers messages of hope, guidance, and clarity — helping others find peace, validation, and a deeper connection to the spiritual world. His work is rooted in sincerity, empathy, and a true desire to help others navigate life’s journey with greater understanding.

At this retreat, Damon will offer an optional after-hours gallery reading, where attendees are invited to experience an evening of meaningful spiritual connection in a calm and welcoming setting. Whether you’re simply curious or seeking something deeper, Damon’s energy is one of comfort, authenticity, and insight.

Guest Speakers : Steve Epley & Nicole Beard

LevelUp Seed & Garden Supply

Steve Epley is co-owner of LevelUp Seed & Garden Supply, with locations in East Peoria and Springfield, IL. Founded in 2021 alongside his wife Ashley, LevelUp has quickly become a go-to destination for gardeners of all levels—particularly those interested in growing their own food, medicinal mushrooms, or cannabis with confidence Illinois Times+2eastpeoriavoice.com+2Facebook+2Facebook+9eastpeoriavoice.com+9Alignable+9.

A lifelong gardening, fishing & hunting enthusiast, Steve brings a practical and hands-on mindset to gardening and learning how to read the health of a plant. He’s deeply committed to education over sales, often guiding customers in person and even visiting their homes to help optimize growing conditions .

Steve has a particular passion for organic grow mediums, plant nutrition, and holistic plant health. At this retreat, he’ll demystify the differences between grow mediums and teach you how to read plant signals to assess health, so you can cultivate your own food with clarity and confidence.

Expect practical insights, supportive guidance, and a warm, friendly approach rooted in real-world experience. Steve is dedicated to helping every gardener "level up" their skills and deepen their connection to the soil and the food it produces.

Seed Germination, Grow & Plant Specialists

We’re honored to welcome multiple guest speakers with deep expertise in seed germination and cannabis genetics. With years of hands-on experience in both cultivation and plant research, these guest speakers have worked in several cannabis sectors to include preservation of original & untampered cannabis strains & they also have a role in the genetic building blocks of today’s medicinal & recreational varieties.

With multiple approaches, their combined knowledge & expertise extends beyond the garden. These speakers will explore how specific heirloom strains can play a critical role in symptom management, from chronic pain and inflammation to anxiety and neurological conditions—when used with intention and respect as plant-based medicine use and recreational usages.

At the retreat, this rare and insightful session will cover: Best practices for germinating seeds naturally and successfully. Understanding landrace lineage and why it matters. The connection between strain profile, cannabinoid expression, and therapeutic outcomes

If you’re curious about growing your own medicine, preserving seed genetics, or using cannabis in a more mindful, informed way, this is a can’t-miss conversation—delivered by those who live and breathe plant integrity from the soil up.

Guest Speaker: Off-Grid Living | Big Guy in a Tiny House

Neil is the builder behind the YouTube channel Big Guy In A Tiny House, where he documents hands-on projects and lessons learned from turning his back yard into a tiny, low-tech homestead. Centered around "Cabin McCabinface", a DIY A-frame cabin he built from salvaged materials, his setup includes a solar power system, rainwater catchment, wood stove heating, a vegetable garden, and various off-grid lighting and cooking systems.

Neil's videos are a blend of humor, how-to, and learning experience — ideal for anyone looking to take real steps toward self-reliance. Whether he’s building a Kentucky stick chair, a tiny cabin, or a garden irrigation system, Neil’s approach is all about doing more with less and learning as you go.

Follow Neil's next project as he goes beyond the backyard with a DIY camper. Built by hand for simple living and self-sufficiency, it’s essentially a towable tiny cabin designed for off-grid life on the move.

At the Roaring Lion Ranch Retreat, Neil will share practical, beginner-friendly insights on off-grid lighting, solar power basics, and cooking –– valuable tools for anyone looking to start (or strengthen) their homesteading journey.

Follow Big Guy In A Tiny House on social media:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bigguyinatinyhouse
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bigguyinatinyhouse/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bigguyinatinyhouse/