Welcome to the Season 1 finale of Lead to Gold. It's been a joyride, and I'm so grateful for your part in it. I couldn’t possibly think of a better duo to bring on for such a vast topic, especially for one that means so much to me personally and is a massive need for the collective right now. As two fantastic co-facilitators of psychedelic retreats, Nick and Clare walk us through the often-forgotten importance of incorporating ritual in our everyday lives. This doesn’t begin or end in a retreat ...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 50
As much as I talk 💩 about the internet and social media on this podcast, I have to admit to the few nuggets of gold to be found among the dumpster fire. In today's episode, we're gonna take some advice from a classic r/AskReddit thread and see what has helped other people make their lives better, most importantly, in very realistic ways. I hope you can take a lil nugget with you from this episode! Everyone say...thanks, Reddit? Show notes: Reddit: What improved your quality of life so much, you...
Oct 21, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Is everyone going through it right now? The answer is a resounding "yes," especially if you are chronically online. With the constant news cycles, more difficulty in parsing through falsities and disinformation, overwhelming tragedy, violence, and outrage being forced down our throats, it's no wonder we feel so scared and overwhelmed. Let's talk about what to do about it. Show notes: Very relevant blog posts: Why you need media literacy, right now and We're all on drugs The University of Chicago...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 48
Is money an energetic tool, or is it the root of all evil? Let's *attempt* to get to the bottom of all the mixed messaging we receive about how to relate to our finances. In this episode, we’ll give context to our varying cultural attitudes toward money and how they impact our external lives. From societal conditioning to personal beliefs, let's settle this debate and develop a healthier, more empowered relationship with wealth—one that actually supports our goals and values, without any false p...
Sep 23, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 47
As someone who felt the pressure of turning off all outward-facing emotions in my youth, and now struggle to authentically share those still deeply felt emotions with my loved ones, I wanted to chat about our societal norming around being sensitive. We've all heard the clichés by now: it's okay to cry, sensitivity is a gift, men have feelings too, etc...but embodying our pain, anger, and sadness is an entirely different process. So let's re-sensitize. The world needs more of it. Show notes: Othe...
Sep 09, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Madelyn Moon is a leading voice in the world of feminine-masculine relationships, devoted to serving women in liberating their expressive, artistic hearts with themselves, with partners, and with the world. Today, she's teaching ALL of us how to get out of our minds and into our bodies - finally, a place where we can safely unleash the emotions we may not always want to look at. Let's get witchy, let's get weird, let's maybe even get a little psychotic...this work is the doorway to finding your ...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 45
I hear you...but let's talk about why this is actually a really great problem to have. In today's conversation, we'll ground into the feeling of overwhelm that so many of us meet when trying (and failing) to devote enough time to the activities we love. We'll also touch on the cultural reasons for why that overwhelm arises and how to combat it. Remember: your leisure time is meant to be leisurely . No catch! Show notes: More on the conversation around creative energy, check out " A Different Kin...
Aug 12, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 44
The word "reciprocity" came to me like a cool, shady breeze in the middle of an intensely hot summer day. Largely inspired by the book Braiding Sweetgrass , we're talking today about what reciprocity means and what the world could look like when we all start to understand and practice it in our daily lives. This conversation is SO important to me right now - hoping you find some wisdom in it. 🍃 Show notes: A very relevant blog post from Lead to Gold: Why we need collective care, right now Read ...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Megan is a bestie for life (if you listened my Friendsgiving special, episode 25, you'll remember her 😎), and she is also my first bestie to give birth! Join us for a super candid conversation about her first year of motherhood and how she stays sane through all the expectations, duties, lack of alone time, childhood wounds, relationship changes, and much more. I am so in awe of how she has navigated this new chapter of her life, so I just HAD to have her over for a drink and a good chat to air...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 42
It’s no question that we’re experiencing a shifting landscape of fame and celebrity culture, but are we actually moving away from idolizing celebrities and their brands? Let’s explore how celebrity has shapeshifted over the centuries, how their current lack of advocacy for world issues is changing public attitudes, and the growing emphasis on authenticity and relatability from people we may not...want to relate to? Join in on the discussion to determine if we're witnessing the end of celebrity w...
Jul 01, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Ever been in a relationship that your heart knows is right, but your brain SCREAMS is wrong? Well, you've come to the right place. Today's amazing conversation is from Chelsea Horton of Healing Embodied, experts in helping those with anxiety move beyond their relationship fears and into wholehearted love. I've been waiting for this one. 💕 Show notes: Follow Healing Embodied on Instagram Work with Chelsea! Support the show with a shirt, sticker, or another goodie at TeePublic ! Subscribe to the ...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In the previous episode (which you should definitely listen to before this one), we discussed the importance of destigmatizing sexual energy and conversations around sex. It’s not a taboo. It’s actually the most normal, natural thing ever. This week, we go a bit further into the concept of shame - why we feel it, and ways to unlearn it even when it has DEEP roots in our subconscious. Let’s free ourselves together - I promise life will get a lot more fun from here. 🖤 Show notes: A very relevant ...
Jun 03, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Why are westerners so weird about sex? Why are we squeamish and scared of having a conversation about sexual energy on a larger scale? Why is it so normal and commonplace for every other living species aside from humanity? Today we're going to look into our culture's history of prudishness and how that has led us down a long road of highly misguided shame, confusion, and fear. In 2024, I'm inspired by the budding awareness I've seen in folks finally starting to make themselves comfortable around...
May 20, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 38
I always thought the T.H.I.N.K. acronym was about social media posting etiquette. Turns out, it's much deeper than that. Today's episode features my friend John, and he's here to tell us all about how T.H.I.N.K. has helped him make the most of his interactions and communication with other people, and how the rest of the world could (and should) start using it, too. Show notes: Support the show with a shirt, sticker, or another goodie at TeePublic ! Subscribe to the blog Follow me on Instagram Th...
May 06, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Happy Earth Day, friends! In this episode, we delve into a topic often overlooked amidst the climate crisis: the emotional toll it takes on individuals. We'll explore the concept of climate anxiety and how we can combat it by reframing our relationship with the Earth and its people. From community initiatives to personal rituals, let's talk actionable strategies to transform eco-anxiety into eco-empowerment. Idk about you but I'm trying to stay filled with gratitude and reverence for our planet!...
Apr 22, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 36
It's eclipse season, and today marks the total solar eclipse showing its beautiful face over most of the United States. It's a big deal for a lot of reasons, but today we're focusing on the theme of change that this phenomenon often brings along with it. Even if you don't consider yourself a believer in astrology, this conversation is for everyone and can be used at any time. Let's talk about why change is so dang scary! Show notes: Support the show with a shirt, sticker, or another goodie at Te...
Apr 08, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Whether it's our partner, someone we're dating, or a dear friend, all of our closest relationships should feel nourishing to our soul. So let's have a discussion on just how to do this work! We'll delve into the art of prioritizing our loved ones' needs, the beauty of 'gifting' our love through thoughtful gestures, and the often unseen game-changer of letting go of trivial matters. There is a transformative impact of focusing on what truly matters in our connections with others - so let's get st...
Mar 25, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 34
This may be a podcast devoted to wellness, but look...we can't always be "well" without talking about some of the harder, scarier parts of life. So today, we're gonna have a conversation about everyone favorite mental phenomenon: the existential crisis! These exist and manifest in a lot of different ways, but for today's purposes, we're getting into the specific flavor of "waking up" to the real world, experiencing disillusionment, and wondering what the hell is wrong with everyone. Don't worry,...
Mar 11, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by social media advertisements and obviously dishonest marketing. 👀 In this episode, we're chatting about the complex world of wellness, unraveling the stark differences between the commercialized "wellness industry" and the authentic essence of true wellness. Let's uncover what it really means and how it extends beyond superficial trends to encompass holistic health of mind, body, and spirit. Warning: It's gonna take a lot of critical thin...
Feb 26, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In today's episode I'm interviewing a very special friend who has seen a LOT of this beautiful world and continues to seek adventure in every corner. Her latest journey? Living in loving community at Satchidananda’s Ashram at Yogaville in central Virginia. There's a deep history on this land for her, and I'm so honored to be able to share her story on Lead to Gold. Show notes: Follow Dominique on Instagram ! Support the show with a shirt, sticker, or another goodie at TeePublic ! Subscribe to th...
Feb 12, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 31
A theory among many. Why do women often find themselves drawn to the celestial arts, and what factors contribute to this predisposition? More importantly, why is this becoming the latest fascination women are ridiculed for? In today's episode, we'll uncover the layers of stereotype and social conditioning that shape our perceptions of spiritual practices in general, and challenge ourselves to reexamine our resistance to beliefs we may not fully understand. Show notes: A very relevant blog post f...
Jan 29, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Far from an advice session, this episode is a real-time, honest exploration of the why behind self-sabotage, as I'm grappling with these emotions myself. We'll dissect the roots of this behavior and determine some potential steps to moving through it. By sharing my own experiences (and a very inspiring tarot card reading), I hope to unravel the layers of this complex phenomenon, providing a safe space for listeners to reflect on their own struggles. Show notes: Read The Mountain Is You: Transfor...
Jan 15, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Another year, come and gone! Let's review. I want to get into some of the universal lessons garnered from 2023, from staying vigilant against doom-scrolling and media brainwash, to navigating the delicate terrain of hard conversations, and embracing self-reflection. More importantly, we're looking ahead to the future. As we step into 2024, I'm excited to share some catalysts for personal growth - expanding beyond fear and igniting radical honesty, love, and action. Show notes: A very relevant bl...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In today's episode, we're peering into the world of "rage-bait" – those attention-grabbing, anger-inducing content pieces designed to trigger emotional responses. It's been all too common lately, so let's unpack the definition of rage-bait, discuss real-life examples, and explore its impact on our mental well-being. Plus, there's plenty of good news to share toward the end of this episode! Show notes: A very relevant blog post: Why you need media literacy, right now Support the show with a shirt...
Dec 18, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 27
As we settle into the colder months here in the US, it's time to get cozy. I want to offer some tips on the art of embracing the winter season, tapping into our inner hibernation instincts, nourishing mind and body, and finding joy amidst the darkness. Winter haters and lovers alike, this is for you. Got a question, comment, or feedback for me? Send me an email - [email protected] Show notes: What is seasonal affective disorder? Check out the inspiration behind today's topic and his Ins...
Dec 04, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 26
A shared bottle of wine at dinner paired with the insatiable need to catch up and spend time together led us to this hilarious, energized, obnoxious and ON-BRAND conversation. Today I'm chatting with two of my best friends since middle school (2008!!!) about the paths we've taken in our 20's - motherhood, job searching, relationships, home-buying, and more. Listen in as we play the crowd-favorite game We're Not Really Strangers, say nice things to each other, share ridiculous stories, and scream...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Inspired by a conversation with a friend over the scariness of war and the modern world, a few eclipses, and a sweat lodge ceremony, today's episode dives deep into the relationship between gratitude and guilt. Can we practice one while holding the other? Can they exist in tandem, and should they? These are the questions that have been floating around in my mind lately, and I hope to answer them for us all today. Especially those of us consistently plagued by worry and despair. Group hug. Got a ...
Nov 06, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This marks the FIRST episode discussing my real job - teaching English in high school! Today I have with me my lovely, amazing colleague Denise Hartzler to chat about all that is going on with the kids these days, but more importantly, her heartfelt messages that keep them going and let them know that they are loved and supported. "You Matter" is a movement that has taken over welcoming classrooms for several years now, but Denise is here to lay out her unique version of the concept. Show notes:...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Show notes: Subscribe to the blog Follow me on Instagram Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song! Send us a text
Oct 09, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Everyone always talks about how difficult it is to make new friends or move on from dying friendships in adulthood. But have we actually had the conversation? Today we're discussing the potential reasons for why this process is so difficult and so often painful. I'm sharing stories of my own recent trials in this department, and how we may all be able to move through it with grace. Let's talk about it! Show notes: Subscribe to the blog Follow me on Instagram Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro ...
Sep 25, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 21
