From Personal Struggle to Emotional Revolution: The Genesis of MELD

Many have asked where MELD came from. Here is MELD’s origin story.

Early Challenges and Discoveries   

Nearly five decades ago, a young Owen Marcus faced personal challenges that set him on an unconventional path toward self-discovery and emotional wellness. Struggling with Asperger’s Syndrome and dyslexia, Owen found traditional approaches to learning and communication frustrating. This led him to explore alternative therapies that focused on the body’s intrinsic ability to heal and connect.

Exploration in Boulder, CO: Learning Emotional Physiology

In the vibrant and experimental town of Boulder, Colorado, Owen immersed himself in the world of body therapies and somatic psychotherapies. He studied under pioneers like Peter Levine, PhD, who was known for developing Somatic Experiencing, and Ron Kurtz, creator of the Hakomi Method – the two men who created what became Somatic Psychotherapy. While in Boulder, Owen attended the Rolf Institute, where he learned about the transformative power of releasing chronic stress and trauma from the body. This period of intense, four-year study was not just educational; it was a redefining phase of Owen’s life. It not only transformed Owen’s body and mind, it sent him on a trajectory to use the body’s physiology as a vehicle of change.

Professional Growth in Scottsdale, AZ: Transforming Stress and Trauma

Owen moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1980 to start a Rolfing practice and, later, an integrated medical clinic that attracted a diverse clientele, including Olympic and professional athletes. His clinic became a hub for innovative treatments, garnering nationwide physician referrals. During this time, Owen also collaborated on research projects with Arizona State University, which deepened his understanding of the body’s response to stress and athletic performance.

Men’s Groups and Mindfulness: Applying New Models of Stress and Trauma

In 1995, within the walls of his clinic, Owen started his first men’s group. This group was a groundbreaking venture, as it was also the year that he and a partner launched the first business in the country to offer Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs. Owen and his partner’s referrals from the larger hospital systems of Phoenix solidified their Scottsdale Institute of Health and Medicine’s success. These initiatives marked a significant pivot in Owen’s career — from focusing solely on physical therapies to integrating emotional and psychological wellness.

Expansion to Sandpoint and Evolution of Men’s Groups: A New Model of Men’s Work

In 2005, after moving to Idaho, Owen reevaluated the traditional men’s group model. He adapted it into a more effective model, creating the Sandpoint Men’s Group (SMG). This new model resonated deeply with participants, leading to a robust alumni network of over 500 men and the establishment of six active groups.

National and International Influence: Training Thousands of Men

Owen’s success with SMG spurred him to expand his reach. He began traveling to teach his methods, focusing on somatic and relational sciences. His reputation grew, and in 2005, he co-founded EVRYMAN, taking on the role of creator and leader of all its trainings. These included experiential and skills trainings, professional certification, and B2B programs.

The Birth of MELD: Science Applied

In January 2024, recognizing the need for a new direction, Owen and the key members of the EVRYMAN team, including Duncan Rich and Mike Sagun, departed to establish MELD. This new venture was built on the best aspects of EVRYMAN but with a stronger foundation in the scientific principles Owen had honed over decades. MELD was created as a response to the demand for a more structured, science-based model of emotional physiology that Owen had developed from his extensive experience.

Today’s Vision and Growth: Creating a New Future for Men

MELD represents the culmination of Owen’s life’s work. It focuses on providing men with tools and community support to navigate their emotional landscapes effectively. The organization combines Owen’s pioneering methods with the shared passion and expertise of its founding team, impacting and driving steady growth in the lives of men globally. Duncan Rich brings his years of leading men’s groups and managing organizational operations — including EVRYMAN —  to MELD’s success. Mike Sagun has extensive experience starting and leading groups, leading men’s trainings around the world, teaching what was EVRYMAN Fundamentals and is now the enhanced MELD Core (the focus of an APA-published study), and the former lead instructor for all programs with Owen for EVRYMAN.

We invite you to be the next chapter of this story – a chapter that gives men the tools we never before had to lead a fulfilling life.