Balance Shared

Introduction to Episode

My guest today is Michelle Gay, a business coach who helps business owners strengthen their businesses by getting to the root of their needs and values.

Podcast Episode Summary

I have taken at least four values workshops with Michelle Gay, since 2017. We met when she taught a few sections of a weekend business retreat. I loved her work (and the work of the retreat coach) so much that I kept coming back. I am so grateful she said, “Yes,” to my podcast invitation.

We sat down recently to discuss values. I had a series of guests teed up to share their wisdom this fall because I had been planning an event in January. Alas, 2020 came and has forced all of us to pivot. We won’t see Michelle’s wisdom at my event this year (because it’s not happening!), but we do get to hear her wisdom in this episode.

She breaks down that values are the important soul and heart work businesses must do to make sure they are in alignment with themselves, with what they do for their business, and ultimately who they bring on to work with and for them. She helps businesses overcome the rudderless lack of focus where people lose passion, and she helps them get in alignment with their core values.

She wants to see a world where we stop chewing people up and spitting them out.

Here are 4 things you can do to get in more alignment:

1. Spend good quality time with yourself.
2. Ask yourself, “What lights me up?”
3. Ask yourself, “What doesn’t light me up?”
4. Then, ask yourself why, in reference to question 2, again, and again, and again.

Once you have done that, figure out 3-4 values that align with what lights you up. Then, define those values and how you practice them daily.

Quotables

“All of us have a job to do to change the world in some way.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

My guest today is wine expert Caroline Conner. In this episode, we discuss what wines you should drink and dispel some common wine myths. Listen to wine and dine with Caroline.

Podcast Episode Summary

Caroline is a young fiery American living in Lyon running her online wine business. We sat down in June and discussed many aspects of wine: growing, tasting, testing, drinking, and most notably - enjoying.

We covered the difference between sulfites and tannins, where they are. The new label in France for “natural” wines. We note that most wine makers are farmers at heart, which goes to the heart of being sustainable and local.

Caroline also wants to know, why are you keeping your wine? She instructs us to buy it, drink it, and enjoy it. We cover a dream Pinot Tour (Perhaps post-pandemic? Spendy as it may be?) Ultimately, she wants us to wine and dine and enjoy our damned wine.

Quotables

“Good wine doesn’t have to be expensive.”

“You can’t age most wine.”

“Drink whatever you want.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Vanessa Couto returns as my guest where we further discuss “why does astrology matter?” Waxing and waning between analogy, patterns, and history, we dive into this ancient personal development tool and touch the surface of how it can help you.

Podcast Episode Summary

Vanessa Couto, an archetypal astrologer, returns to my podcast to further our discussion in astrology. We begin laying the field where astrology can help support and broaden imagination, something crucially missing from our current society. We discuss how astrology helps us respect longer cycles, and is an amazing tool for helping us to grow into who we are meant to be.

When using astrology as a tool, consider this:

• What are your strengths?
• Where are your growing edges?
• Where can you do better?

Before our break, I mention that Mars cycles 3 times around the sun in an Earth calendar year. I misspoke and intended to say Mercury. Please forgive the mistake.

Quotables

• Fundamentalism is a lack of imagination.

Recommended Resources

Connect with Vanessa here:

Introduction to Episode

In this episode, I break down the Holiday Conversation Guide, which will help you more deeply connect with those people you care about, especially during the holidays.

Podcast Episode Summary

I created the Holiday Conversation Guide to help you have deep conversations with the people you care about. We have been a disservice to ourselves and our own healing journeys by not talking about things like religion, politics, sex, and money. So, let’s talk about them.

If you’re listening to this, I want you to take ownership of holding a safe space for these conversations. In this episode, I break down my Holiday Conversation Guide and go over the four steps you can do to do just that - have safe conversations where you can truly connect with those you love.

(NOTE: I originally intended this episode as a bonus and I changed my mind to have it a stand alone episode in my season.)

Recommended Resources

To leave a message, click on “listener support”. In addition to the option of financial support, you will see “leave a message.” I want to hear your messages!

Introduction to Episode

Jessica Hansen, the Systems Magician, joins me in this episode where we discuss mindfully mastering systems. We start our conversation with sustainability, and how COVID has forced us each to examine how we interact with the world.

Podcast Episode Summary

Introduction to Episode

In this episode, we are working to get out the vote with Emma Burke, who is running for Lake Oswego City Council. Emma comes back just before the election to discuss our 2020 election and her campaign and some of the things she wants for Lake Oswego.

Podcast Episode Summary

Emma and I spent a lot of time discussing the right to vote, how close women are to not being able to vote, and every time you add an intersection onto “women” the distance to when we can and could not vote becomes too close to recent memory. So, the primary focus of this episode is to exercise your right to a free and fair election: go vote.

Secondarily, we discussed why you should vote for Emma Burke. I have interviewed her twice now, and her community spirit is immense. She loves her community, loves the not-oft-spoken about diversity in her community, and how people are truly better together.

Lastly, we want you to share with your friends and family who live in Lake Oswego why you will be voting for Emma.

Recommended Resources

Find Emma on the Web

Introduction to Episode

Naomi Eklund was born with all her clairvoyant gifts available. She is a coach, mentor, trainer, and public speaker who manages Infinite Yes Coaching. In this episode, we weave the metaphysical with everyday life. 

Podcast Episode Summary

Naomi and I had a lovely discussion about metaphysics and our life here in this plane. We discussed all aspects of honoring metaphysical tools, living a life worth living by getting in touch with oneself, and when in organizations, different tools to support knowledge to better support the teams you lead.

Quotables

“A lot of people doing very practical and mundane work in systems created to create work for people to do this work that doesn’t enable the artist, that doesn’t enable the thinker.”

“I am an entrepreneur… I believe in conscious capitalism.”

“I do believe it’s really important to teach our children to be good citizens.”

“Stress comes from … not having a clear picture of yourself.”

Top 5 Tips for Getting to Know Yourself

1. Every body has different needs. Understand what you really need.
2. Don’t assume all the tools out there are right for you.
3. Find things that are physically pleasurable that gives you a moment of pause.
4. Recognize your thoughts, your beliefs are clothing you wear, and you don’t have to be attached to them.
5. Know that whatever language that connects you to the divine is legitimate.

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Jamie Young wants you to show up generously. And, she’ll teach you how using her magical strategy and swag.

Podcast Episode Summary

In this episode, my guest, Jamie Young, talks us through how swag found her as a tool business can use to show up generously - giving their potential clients something they need while engaging with them on a relational level. She shares how she learns to balance motherhood and business, and overall, her enormous love of teaching generosity.

Quotables

“Start simple.”

“I want people to show up generously.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Mari Bartoo Jacobson is a woman coming into her own. In this episode, Mari and I discuss intuition, the divine feminine and masculine, and mindful ways to own all of who we are.

Podcast Episode Summary

Mari Bartoo Jacobson comes back in Season 2 to build on our season 1 conversation. Mari and I educate people on essential oils, and this passion is discussed throughout our conversation. We recorded our conversation in June 2020, during a Cancer New Moon. Our conversation tripped over intuitive use of oils, of life, of everything. We discussed the concept of merging the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine. We came up with Coriander as *the* oil you must use right now.

Quotables

• On using essential oils: “You always smell so good. Natural. Not cloying. Without interfering with our hormones.”
• “I have the ability to blend scents and smells,” on using one’s intuition and stepping into empowerment.
• “I trust you to know yourself, and yourself isn’t static.”
• “[There is] something to be said for noticing."

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Colin Thompson has learned how to live a life by design. Hailing from double immigrants to creating a birthday ritual that leaves him energized for 364 days out of the year, he shares his story from coaching to diversity, and so much more.

Podcast Episode Summary

My guest today is Colin Thompson. Colin is a life coach who lives in China with his wife and young son. Colin discovered it was more effective to walk with people then motivate them one inspiring speech at a time. In this episode, he shares his journey as a son of double immigrants, where we can find inspiration, his lived experience of how various cultures have interacted with him, and his love/hate birthday ritual.

Quotables

“If you want to live a life of abundance, help more people live in abundance.”

How to be an ally:

1. Have difficult conversations with a person of color who you are close to. If you do not have a close friend who is also a person of color, that speaks volumes.
2. Know your intent and slowly develop your relationship with that individual.
3. Change only comes from those who are open to it.
4. Show up genuine and with humbleness.

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Becky Jarvis, creator of Curvy Chic Closet, and I sat down and discussed Body Positivity. Becky has been working to make plus-sized clothing accessible to moms and other plus-sized individuals for over ten years. In this episode, we discuss her journey from just providing a sale to changing the world of body positivity.

Podcast Episode Summary

Becky Jarvis didn’t initially set out to make body positivity and inclusivity what she focuses on. She started with making affordable plus-sized clothing accessible. Her journey of building the largest plus-sized consignment event, located in the Pacific Northwest, opened up an amazing need for full-inclusivity and diversity in fashion. We discussed the disparities in how fashion is represented from magazines to brick and mortar stores, and lightly mentioned the silent disease of eating disorders.

It was an absolute pleasure to hear Becky’s story of how she became a sort of accidental spokesperson for body positivity. The next Curvy Chick Closet event begins October 1, 2020.

Quotables

• The plus-sized industry is a $21 billion industry.
• 67% of US women are sized 14+.
• Brick and mortar stores only stock 25% of their inventory with plus-sized clothing.
• “I never knew I could be beautiful and plus sized at the same time,” a fashion model to Becky.
• “Body positivity is accepting where I am at.”
• “Fat discrimination is there. It starts at an early age.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Did you ever consider that there is a shadow side to attraction? In this episode, Laura and I discuss what the law of attraction is, a brief history, and some cautionary tales of when it is time to look outside of the law for spiritual guidance.

Podcast Episode Summary

The Law of Attraction is used in a lot of empathic, coaching circles to boost the manifestation of those who ascribe to it. In this episode, we discuss the shadow side, and many other laws that are at play.

An unfortunate part of the shadow side of misusing the law of attraction is when it is weaponized to make the person not, perhaps, manifesting “enough”, feel shame towards their actions or inactions. An unfortunate side affect is that the state of being unhappy has become unacceptable.

Quotables

• “Being unhappy has become unacceptable.”
• Sometimes we need to remember, “Who’s really in charge.”
• “The energy you put in is the energy you get out.”
• “Be gentle with yourself and don’t use laws against your own laws and feelings.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

I sat down with Danielle Bettmann, of Wholeheartedly, to discuss what it takes to parent, and as a byproduct of our times, what it takes to parent in COVID. She advocates for wholehearted parenting, a way where we look at our needs and then serve our kids.

Podcast Episode Summary

Danielle is rich with information, tips, strategies, and a great understanding of what kids and parents both need to be able live successful lives under normal pressure, and especially under global pandemic pressure. In this episode, we discuss her vision for a new world (where core needs for kids are met in their first 7 years), many (many) tips and things to look for in parenting, and a recognition that parenting is the hardest job in the world.

Quotables

“We don’t know what we don’t know until we know it.”

“[I want to see a world where] we meet [the] core needs [of kids in their] first seven years.”

(On discussing how our world could change.) “Every $1 invested in the first seven years of life, pays out seven times.”

“Parenting is the hardest job in the world.”

“If we are doing the hardest job in the world, we need all the training and preparation.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Have you had a candid conversation recently? Do you have a safe space to go when you need to have those candid conversations? Shawanda Randolph is the director and founder of DeeCilla Center in Arizona, and she’s found holding space for candid conversations is a key to healing our world. DeeCilla, a small community based nonprofit, offers a sanctuary for people who are building a new life, leaving abuse. Their transitional program teaches participants how to stand and live, giving them the necessary tools to rebuild on solid ground.

Podcast Episode Summary

During this global pandemic, we know that it’s difficult for people who are suffering from abuse, they don’t have the breaks from the abuse they used to, and they might not have the space to call for help.

In some ways, this global pandemic is showing us where we can offer support to the people we care about. Shawanda and I discussed signs of abuse, misconceptions of what abuse is and who it affects, and different ways we can work to build a more healed world.

Signs for abuse

• Jealousy that leads to control
• Types of control

Support for DeeCilla

• Volunteer
• Donate - $25/month goes a LONG way!

DeeCilla is creating a place of refuge for people all over the country. Arizona is actually a spot where a lot of people move to, so it proves a little easier to blend in and start over in a safe space outside of the potential norms of abusive situations.

Quotables

• “[You are] providing a place for healing for the moment.”
• “[Ask,] whats the one thing that’s keeping you from reaching your goal?”
• “Know yourself, be true to yourself before you build relationships with others.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

On the Rise Solutions is a testimony to how we Rise Up when adversity calls. In this interview, Michelle and Jessica discuss super powers, the importance of pivoting and reinventing yourself, and lessons learned when life throws you serious curveballs.

Podcast Episode Summary

In this episode, Jessica shares how she rebranded from the Superwoman Project to On the Rise Solutions. The conversation ebbs and flows through strategy, honoring the grieving process in change, and several clear strategic steps on how to rebrand, how to navigate change, and more.

Quotables

“I was meant to do work that was bigger.”

Recommended Resources

In the last regularly scheduled episode of season 1, I discuss celebrating, looking ahead to season 2, and reflecting on season 1.

I reviewed the top 5 episodes, which include:

Introduction to Episode

In today’s episode, Kathy Stanley and I discuss balance, alignment, nature, deep-psychology and how that works with Kathy’s art and energy work.

Podcast Episode Summary

My guest today is Kathy Stanley. Kathy is an eco-psychologist, an artist, and a teacher. In our conversation we talk about sustainability, why it’s important, and different ways in which we can engage in sustainability. Kathy also practices energy work, and she walks us through some healing practices that we can take so that the activist can renew.

Introduction to Episode

My guest today is Emma Leigh Burke, who is running for City Council in Lake Oswego for the November general election. In today’s episode we talk about the importance of representation, our love of vote by mail, and how Emma will tackle issues important to her and to you when she’s elected to office.

Podcast Episode Summary

In our conversation, we discussed diversifying councils because making sure the people governing look like the community they represent allows for more stable communities. We discussed how important it is to have people with resources serve on Council because the work is unpaid, so you are looking for volunteers who can literally afford to serve. We discussed how child care can be a barrier and that parents looking to serve need the right combination of kids with the right temperament and flexible schedules. We discussed how council meetings can be exclusive, which makes it hard for members to literally see the community they represent and for that community to see their representatives.. Emma noted that we have an opportunity now where minds are expanded with what our communities and engagement can look like simply because of the accessibility of Zoom meetings..

We also discussed how people who serve in Lake Oswego, as teachers and maintenance workers for example, sometimes cannot afford to live in the community because of the housing prices. So, how would we reshape our cities by incentivizing those who serve to live there by providing something like a housing GI bill? Emma is also deeply committed to a police oversight and working to stabilize the commission for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Quotables

If we just amplify the voices that already exist, then that will be more representative of our community.

When people don’t vote they are wasting an opportunity to invest in their own future.

Vote by mail is really important, and our republican secretary of state vouches for it too. Democracy can be valued by everyone when everyone can exercise it.

Non partisan roles are sort of like, ‘Hey be a good neighbor.’

Recommended Resources

Emma on the web https://electemmaburke.com/endorsements/

Emma on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Emma-Burke-for-Lake-Oswego-City-Council-1061195827371775/

Emma’s personal page: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaLeighBurke

Introduction to Episode

My guest today is Chrissy Marquadt. Chrissy is a powerhouse Enneagram 7 who is a wife, mother, and serial entrepreneur. We discuss responsibility, boundaries, GOAL setting, and so much more.

Podcast Episode Summary

Chrissy and I sat down and discussed many things from coffee chats to life coaching. This episode is packed with goal setting tips, boundary setting tips, and stories of Chrissy’s journey on her path of self-discovery navigating various roles.

Chrissy is an Enneagram 7 and loves setting goals. This year has brought a refocus on maybe not having so many. At the time of this recording, one hat Chrissy wore was serving as the Executive Director of the South Columbia County. Chamber of Commerce. With the onset of COVID-19, Chrissy transitioned out of that role and is now focusing more on her life coaching path.

The conversation is also layered with identity - as a mother, a naturalized citizen originally from Jamaica, as a wife, and of course, as a serial entrepreneur.

Quotables

“If you’re not dead yet, you still have something to learn.”

“If you don’t know what you should do, think about what you liked as a kid.” (paraphrased from Start)

“Your friends and family are not your ideal customers, but they might know someone who is.”

Chrissy’s Boundary Tips

• Engage your network to support you.
• Be secure in asking for help.
• Recognize, define, and enforce your boundaries.

Fixing the Morning Shit Show

• Assess what went “wrong” 6-8 hours before
• Make a small shift
• Let go of the shame and guilt

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

My late sister’s 42 birthday. Celebrating those who’ve passed and some tips to manage your grief.

Podcast Episode Summary

We are in an unprecedented time. We keep saying this. And, today’s episode coincides with my late sister’s birthday. She would have been 42. I still feel grief over her passing.

Given that today is mixed with our stay-at-home orders and all that life has brought us, I wanted to share a few things. Some thoughts from the show “Dead to Me”, an article in the Huffington Post, and some tips from various sources.

Quotables

“You survived! Now go out and find the reason why.”

“It’s like you have a choice. You can down with the ship or you grab a fucking life raft, and you hold on…”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

My guest today is Misty Gremaud, currently serving as PTA mom. Misty started her career in the air force to travel, to see the world. And, it was an adventure that led her through her 20s, 30s, and to retirement at 44. We discuss her path and next step aspirations.

Podcast Episode Summary

I wanted to chat with Misty because she does some interesting things, shares non-traditional roles with her husband, and has some fun stories. So, we talked about her journey from high school to air force to retirement. We discussed who cleans and cooks what, and of course, her fasciation with yoga.

Misty makes 9-16 almost quarts per week. Farm Fresh Eggs.

Top 5 ice cream flavors:

1. Classic vanilla
2. Cookie dough
3. Lemon lavender
4. Peppermint with doTERRA peppermint oil
5. Coffee ice-cream

The most off-the wall ice cream is pickled beet!

We ended our conversation with Misty encouraging everyone to do two things, but my technology ate one. The invitation that was eaten was a call to travel. Go explore, go do something outside of your norm. And, also, do the other thing, which is push yourself outside your comfort zone.

Quotables

• “9/11 changed everything.”
• “You make friends who become your family.”
• “I’m the ice cream pusher.”

Recommended Resources

• DIY Vanilla Extract: https://michellelasley.com/2020/05/100-pure-vanilla-extract/
• How to Talk About Race > So You Want to Talk About Race: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35099718-so-you-want-to-talk-about-race
• Home Hot Yoga: https://www.homehotyoga.com

Introduction to Episode

In this episode, I discuss Beltaine - a pagan fire festival. I share some things I have noticed over the seasons, what makes this time of year different from others, where we came from, and what we can look forward to. I also bring up the aspect of the God and Goddess and as it relates to this time.

Recommended Resources

• Alexander, Sky. The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens & Spells. © 2014, Adams Media an Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc., Avon, MA.
• Lister, Lisa. Witch: Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologetic. © 2017. Hay House, London, UK.
• Llewellyn’s 2020 Sabbats Almanac. © 2019. Llewellyn’s Worldwide Ltd., Woodbury, MN.
• Starhawk, Diane Baker, and Anne Hill. Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions. © 1998, Bantam Books, New York, NY.

Introduction to Episode

My guest today is my friend Cheri Riznyk. We dive deep into the world of imagination discussing how she creates magical worlds for kids to perform. Oh, and she does improv, but you’ll have to wait for season 2 to hear more about that.

Podcast Episode Summary

Cheri has been a performer and interested in performances her entire life. She weaves a tale from when she was young and initially introduced with immersive theater. Now, one of her passion projects is facilitating kids in an improv theater through an amazing co-creative process.

Quotables

“Bringing something completely magical to every day life that you would never expect… because it makes you alive to all the possibilities.”

[On co-creating with the students and insisting they come up with their own characters.] “It’s a lot more imaginative and fun if you are using your own original ideas.”

[On describing her secretive, complex subplots that are like treasurers for the participants to find.] “Those kinds of discoveries are really fun.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

My guest today is Lacey Beaty, candidate for Beaverton Mayor. We discuss how motherhood affects campaigning, how the city works, and what it will take to co-create a future we all want.

Podcast Episode Summary

I begin my discussion with Lacey on the importance of a new class “City 101: Governance, a brief overview” We first discuss how Beaverton is not a full service city. Rather it has special districts that manage parks, fire, and even the schools.

Lacey went on to explain how the mayor is basically a city manager, overseeing the police department, public works, and the finance department. The mayor is charge of everyone where the council is in charge of how much is spent.

The most important thing that comes out of our discussion is that you need to vote. The Oregon primary (vote by mail) is on May 19. Ballots and the voters’ pamphlet will start going out after this podcast drops.

Quotables

• Government is customer service. When your customers are upset, your service isn’t very good.
• People come to the northwest for their athletic adventures.
• People don’t realize how student loan debt is crippling millennials.
• We don’t have the best public transport. Our population runs north and south while transit runs east and west.
• We are building less parking because it is expensive and hoping people will use public transit.
• I think the best way to influence these decisions upstream is making sure that the people on our boards and commissions are more reflective of the people using services.
• Campaigning while female is different.
• The number one important thing we can do is voting.

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

The Trauma Whisperer, Janine Wirth, a licensed psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and coach, has a virtual global practice where she works with women to help them heal from those experiences.

Podcast Episode Summary

Janine shares a pivotal story of her car being hijacked, unpacking her own trauma, and using this revelation and gifts to help support other women going through their own trauma.

She shares her vision of working through intergenerational trauma, the difference between big T and little t trauma, and how children take things so personally and how that shapes their future years.

She pairs psychotherapy with coaching.

We even discuss our current situation in this global pandemic and what we can do to work through this grief and cacooning.

Going through this time:

1. Acknowledge it and give yourself time and space
2. Try and reframe what you are missing
3. Choose to see the gift in this space

Quotables

• Give your children the childhood they don’t need to recover from.
• The body is a good indicator of how much baggage you have lying around.
• [Some] people are being shamed for their things they are missing.
• I want people to validate their experiences… to stop playing the comparison game… and know that they matter.

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

My guest today is Vanessa Couto, an astrologer with a mission to help people align their gifts, their purpose with their livelihood through their business. We discuss astrology, philosophy, art, and business - all with the lens of elevating where we are now.

Podcast Episode Summary

Vanessa shares a lot of thinking and philosophy weaving astrology, philosophy, art, and history into one. She asks us all to bring sacred and spiritual back into our businesses and our exchanges. And, she discusses how we can use astrology to do just that.

Quotables

• “We wouldn’t force people to do work out of necessity because they have to do the job. [People] would notice kids’ natural talents … and give all the resources ... so [people] can do the thing they enjoy.”
• “In astrology we have something that says, ‘When you were born, you were the answer to a question at the time.’ Your configuration has a clue as to what you’re here to do.”
• “How can we heal capitalism from its virus that’s attacked the system and taken over like a mutant?”
• The temple for the Oracle of Delphi read both, “Know Thyself,” and, “Nothing in Excess.”
• “I would like to bring spirit back into business.”
• “I would like to bring beauty back into commerce.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Engaging on Social Media with Brandy Henry. That’s what Brandy does. She uses her teacher archetype and now demonstrates to businesses how to authentically engage on social media.

Podcast Episode Summary

In this episode, Brandy sits down with Michelle and they discuss different ways to engage on social media. She really enjoys breaking down social media into digestible bits. Brandy shares her expertise, thinking, and how she works with clients. Some fun bits at the end (like why they are doing an 8am interview!).

Brandy has a unique way of approaching social media that is tailored to each of her clients. And, she absolutely shares that magic in this episode.

Quotables

“More people are paying attention and seeing what you are doing than you can really tell because they don’t always interact with it.”

“In many ways, we’re hiding behind the algorithms. We’re using it as an excuse to not show up.”

Brandy’s Top 4

1. Don’t get caught up in the paralysis of perfection / analysis paralysis.
2. Just start.
3. Stay rated to great content.
4. Be flexible and nimble.

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Michelle reflects on the world at large, what that can mean for our changing seasons, and she invites you, dear listener, to intentionally co-create a future we can all be proud of.

Podcast Episode Summary

In this episode, Michelle considers how this time of year might be telling us something. She reflects on the current state of affairs amid COVID-19, schools being closed and students engaging in “distance learning”, social distancing, and more. She discusses steps to help be free of fear, consider what this message might mean, and to question what future we are truly co-creating.

At the end, she invites you, listener, to intentionally co-create something you want.

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Michelle reached out and an old friend said, “Yes.” In today’s interview, Jeff walks through how he has landed on his passions, one of which includes working with foster dogs.

Podcast Episode Summary

We all have a story. Every single one of us. And, some of us take non-linear paths to find what we want in life. Jeff Hahler describes how he followed one thing to another which led him from High School to an Apprenticeship to a Job to a Wife to finding his passions.

If you love dogs, listen to Jeff’s story of how he fell in love with supporting dogs in an animal sanctuary.Adding onto his volunteer work with the dog sanctuary, Jeff will be spending time at a pig sanctuary..

Over the years, Jeff got more interested in fitness, and eventually his diet changed from a Standard American Diet to Vegetarianism to Veganism.

Next up? Jeff will be finishing his training to be a Personal Trainer.

Quotables

“Try it, and you can change whatever you don’t like.” (On finding your passion and settling on a career.)

“The dog I adopted needed to be a dog.”

“I could barely walk a mile, now I can run 10.”

“It was a lazy factor … now it’s an ethical factor.” (On going vegan.)

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Since I’m 42, that must mean I know the answer to life, the universe, and everything, right? Wrong! I share four things, top of mind, that I have kind of figured out as I enter my 42nd year.

Podcast Episode Summary

For this birthday episode, I reflect on four things that I’ve been working on or seem super relevant to me from the past year.

1. I don’t know everything
2. Boundaries
3. Marriage (stated Mawage)
4. Me Time

I love getting older because every year, I get a little more confident in my being, even if I’m still working on things from decades before. Every year, I get to own myself a little bit more, warts and all. And, in today’s episode, I discuss these four things as an answer to 42, the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

A few years ago, Lety and Michelle met through a Women in Networking group housed out of St. Helens, Oregon. Fast friends, they dive into public relations, Let’s wheelhouse, and why you would want someone to do PR for you.

Podcast Episode Summary

Lety does not identify as Sam from Sex in the City, except for the badass portion. Lety fell into this career after exploring beating a feature writer, a way to share people’s stories.

Basically, PR is promoting to media. The media can vary, and it can mean so much more. A big part of PR is building relationships with the other people who tell stories, the reporters.

She reminds us that email is a viable tool for communicating with your people, but don’t forget your strategy. She warns to not consider you are failing if you don’t see a quick ROI. Maybe you need to take a look at your strategy? Maybe your expectations need to be refreshed?

Lety’s ideal client is fun and outgoing, a little scared and ready to be pushed outside of their boundaries, and they must be willing to invest in themselves.

Quotables

“I was still telling people’s stories, just in a different way.”

“That’s where the passion comes, because.I know when I am pitching for someone, I am helping them, I am getting the word out about them.”

“Stop and smell the stories.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

Using essential oils to walk into joy wasn’t something Jeni was planning to learn. Chemistry drop-outs, Michelle and Jeni, discuss how essential oils can support the whole body, and why the chemistry works. 

Podcast Episode Summary

Jeni Houston, aka “California girl/Super nerd”, found essential oils when her life was about to change. And, she started to use them regularly. The more she used them, the more she noticed they were the catalyst for her rediscovery of self and joy.

In today’s episode, Michelle and Jeni talk about intentionally living in joy and how essential oils cans be the tool that helps to carry you through a really dark spot in your life into joy. Stay tuned through the end where Jeni gives a great list of how to get to know the oils better so you, too, can intentionally live in joy.

Quotables

“I think quantum physics … is where spirituality meets science.”

“[Living above the line] is intentional and takes work.”

“I’ve noticed that creating ritual and habits throughout the day leads to a greater level of consciousness and awareness in your mindset and how you want to go about your day.”

“Allowing myself to be me, fully me, more.”

“When I held back, I played small. When we do that, it feels yucky, and that brings us down.”

“Simple tools to start simply can be really powerful to help unlock things you weren’t even aware were hidden.”

“For me the biggest shift was coming more into my self, feeling on purpose, really channeling love and compassion for myself first and that instantly expands to others around you.”

“When you change the chemistry of the oil, you change the therapeutic effectiveness.”

Recommended Resources

Emotions & Essential Oils: a Reference Guide for Emotional Healing, 6th Edition (Enlighten Healing, LLC, 2017)

Modern Essentials: a Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 7th Edition (AromaTools, 2015)

Introduction to Episode

In this interview with Emily Mieren, Michelle and Emily discuss motherhood, figuring out roles, and switching things up as familial need, passions, and opportunities present themselves.

Podcast Episode Summary

Emily and Michelle start with essential oils they used to prepare for interviewing on the podcast. They continue talking about how we serendipitously find our people… when we might be similarly aged, our kids are similarly aged, and it wasn’t always on purpose.

Some simple self-care can be in Breathwork. Then, pair that with essential oils because a mini act of self-care will do your body good. Your brain knows it… she wants to calm down.

Emily shares how she lost her sense of empowerment, slowly, while staying home to focus on the babies. They continue to discuss how identities shift when we take on new roles And, Emily shares how she rewrote her story.

Consider lemon, turmeric, and ginger to your green smoothies!

Quotables

“I see now, as an adult female, how beautifully each of us are individually, and how uniquely different we each are.”

“If we collaborate and connect, we can help each other.”

“My hope is that every woman would find her own self-worth, self-love, and self-acceptance.”

“If we can put the money in the hands of the women, we can truly change the world.”

“Having a purpose is better for your long-term health than quitting smoking.”

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Episode

How do you celebrate Imbolc? First, what is it? Second, how did it come about? In this bonus episode, Michelle briefly talks about the history and what we can learn from this first spring holiday.

Podcast Episode Summary

Happy Imbolc! In today’s episode, Michelle briefly goes over Imbolc, its history, and she offers a continued invitation to renew and change up your rituals.

When the Catholic Church spread its mission, it needed many ways to convert non-Christians to this way of thinking. In the move from polytheism to monotheism, one strategy the church uses was to adopt goddesses and patronize them as saints. Their history and meaning was enveloped and evolved. So it was a way to honor (and subjugate) tradition and history.

Regardless, looking at these individuals who were celebrated, we can link them to what is going on in our observable world. What happens in early February in the northern hemisphere? Snow melts, flowers start to bloom, birds are out more singing their songs. We let go o winter and start to embrace rebirth. And that is what we begin celebrating as the wheel of the year turns to the time of dawning, letting go of shadow time.

Use these thoughts and tools as you consider how you honor the earth’s seasons, your rituals, and what you want to bring forth.

Recommended Resources

• Alexander, Sky. The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens & Spells. © 2014, Adams Media an Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc., Avon, MA.
• Boland, Yasmin, Moonology: Working with the Magic of Lunar Cycles. © 2016, Hay House.
• Conway, D.M. Celtic Magic. © 1990. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN.
• Fontes, Dianna. https://www.astroartistry.com/astro-resources
• Lister, Lisa. Witch: Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologetic. © 2017. Hay House, London, UK.
• Llewellyn’s 2020 Sabbats Almanac. © 2019. Llewellyn’s Worldwide Ltd., Woodbury, MN.
• Lunaf http://lunaf.com/lunar-calendar/2019/06/
• NicGrioghair, Branfionn. Mythical Ireland & Anthony Murphy. “BRIGID, BRIGHT GODDESS OF THE GAEL.” https://www.mythicalireland.com/myths-and-legends/brigid-bright-goddess-of-the-gael/ © 2019.
• Starhawk, Diane Baker, and Anne Hill. Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions. © 1998, Bantam Books, New York, NY.
• Wolf, Rhea, The Light that Changes. © 2013 Inner Fire Press, Portland, OR.

Introduction to Episode

Do you feel good in your body? Mari wants to know. Mari is on a mission to get people to feel good in their bodies. But, she didn’t always believe this or educate on this. Join Michelle and Mari as they dive into how Mari found her passion and what she’s doing to educate people on it.

Podcast Episode Summary

First, I must apologize. I mispronounced “Maree Bento’s” name. Both Maree and Mari pronounce their name “Mary”.

Second, Mari and I had a lovely chat covering so many things… from her varied career to finding and refining herself in each of the roles she has. And, through this conversation, we discuss her journey of discovery into her why… her why of helping people feel great in their bodies and realize they have a right to do so.

Quotables

“I have always had a drive to create fabric… I think of life as a tapestry… weaving … layers… sometimes things that look like tangents are actually embellishments in a certain area… and it comes together.”

“It didn’t have to exist forever in order to be a success.”

“We are unable to show up as our higher self when we are stuck in dis-ease.”

“[When] people come forward as their higher selves, that’s how we are going to heal the planet.”

“What we put in and on our bodies is fundamental to how healthy we are.”

“I want all of our listeners to know you absolutely completely deserve to feel happy, safe, and healthy in your body.”

Recommended Resources

In this episode, Michelle and Theresa sit down and chat about soul-based or Spirit-led businesses. Theresa, growing from the world of marketing, has built a business where she guides empaths and healers on a journey of discovery that allows them to knit together all their passions with a core message. Learn a little bit about how Theresa works and other tools she’s created to help empaths, like herself, along the way.

Michelle and Theresa talk about many things: empaths, storytelling, connections, money, and so much more. They also discuss some of Theresa’s past and current projects such as the Sovereign Oracle Deck, The Portland Tarot, and her upcoming work on archetypes.

• “Even my cleaning guy is an empath…”
• Theresa’s mission: “To support healers, creatives, and visionaries to step fully into their genius body of work, be visible for their gifts, and claim their weird and woo without apology.”
• “What I’m really doing is teaching empaths how to communicate their business.”
• “I want to see healers and practitioners and visionaries … thrive in this world.”
• “There is nothing worse for an empath than to have our intentions misconstrued.”
• “Deciding you are here to make some money.”
• “We have to make peace with the fact we are predators.”
• “A lot of money blocks show up as visibility blocks.”
• “My wife and I moved here because of your tarot!”

Erica Vaughn, fellow mom and essential oil educator, chats with Michelle about the upcoming theme of their jointly taught classes in the Portland Metro area. This year, their ongoing essential oil education is all about moving beyond mom guilt.

Mom Guilt is something that can affect anyone who cares for another. Erica and Michelle share examples of when they have experienced and do experience mom guilt. They discuss ways in which they have recognized the phenomena and steps they have taken to transform from it. This naming inspired them to theme their essential oil continuing education classes around the theme, Radical Acceptance: Moving Beyond Mom Guilt.