S2E8 // "Tell the Bees" PT 2: What Animals Know and We've Forgotten (Dr. Jesse Alexis Vallecillo)

What can we learn from veterinary science about healing the fragmentation between humanity and creation?

In the second installment of this two-part episode (Part 1 here), we sit down with Jesse Alexis Blum Vallecillo, a veterinary doctor based in Arizona, to discuss how her work gives her a unique vantage point on the broken and blessed interrelationships between humanity, creation, and all the creatures God has made to play therein.

Re-Creation is a podcast about trauma, faith, and mental health from an Orthodox Christian perspective. Hosts Nicole Roccas, a trauma-informed coach and author, and Eleni Opperwall, a registered therapist, explore what it means to be human after trauma through honest and hopeful conversations. Drawing on Orthodox tradition, professional insights, and personal stories, they share reflections to support healing, wholeness, and spiritual growth.

Listen on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or RSS wherever you get podcasts.

In this episode, we talk about:

* How Jesse wound up an Orthodox Christian and practicing veterinary doctor

* The mysterious nature of how creation unfolded in the beginning

* Telling the bees and other ancient traditions that remind us of man’s interrconnection with other creatures

* Examples of brokenness in the behaviour patterns of animals (and their human caretakers) and what to do with them emotionally and spiritually

* Examples of how humans have laboured lovingly with animals to make the most of God’s gift of creation

Other resources and links mentioned:

* Nicole’s Weekly Writing Circle (Spring/Summer 2026): https://nicoleroccas.gumroad.com/l/iyqurh

* Poem: “The Two-headed Calf,” by Laura Gilpin

* All music featured on this podcast is used in accordance with Creative Commons licenses. For a full list of the tracks we use, visit https://recreationpodcast.substack.com/p/music-featured-in-our-episodes

Let’s Connect:

Find Nicole at www.nicoleroccas.com

Find Eleni at www.eleniopperwallcounselling.com

Subscribe to our Substack for show notes + behind-the-scenes reflections:

Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional mental health care.