Psyche Magic

On this exciting episode, I interview Sarah Rodgers: Licensed Marital and Family Therapist, Registered Drama Therapist, and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. We discuss her emphasis on experiential therapy modalities that involve a reclamation of creative expression as an essential form of emotional healing. We also touch on Somatic Experiencing and attuning to the wisdom of the body, as well as some incredible studies and statistics regarding the biological drive to play, and the attachment-based associations that derive from this key skill. 

On this episode, I talk with Dr. Laura Anderson: therapist, trauma resolution and recovery coach, writer, educator, and creator, about her vast expertise in Religious Trauma. We shape the conversation around different facets of her newly published book: When Religion Hurts You: Healing From Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion.

This is a subject I have wanted to discuss in depth on the show for quite some time, as healing from religious trauma has been a significant aspect of my own mental health journey. Laura and I discuss some of the nuances of religious trauma (such as purity culture, fundamentalism, and abusive dynamics of power and control) through the lens of our own personal experiences, but also broaden the discussion into psychoeducation about trauma in general, and dismantling some of the more common misnomers. I hope this conversation is helpful and healing to anyone who can relate. 

CW: discussion of detailed themes of religious trauma throughout 

We are kicking off 2024 with an extra special episode welcoming the always-enchanting Angie McMahon to the show! Angie has just released her second full-length album Light, Dark, Light Again, and joins me to discuss the creative process and healing practices that birthed this spellbinding and transcendent creation. Her emphasis on the somatic and the subconscious truly embodies so much of the intention behind our show, and the result is a giddy and delightful conversation from two like-minded (albeit geographically-challenged), adoring friends. Hope you love it! 

On this episode, Ben Glover educates me about the world of Hypnotherapy, which is all about connecting to the subconscious to facilitate change on a deeper level. When working with his clients to help with things like smoking cessation, anxiety, and addressing creative blocks, Ben often engages the language of symbol as a means of communicating with the subconscious mind. We discuss lucidity and receiving guidance in dreams, as well as Ben’s personal history and formal training in meditation practices that foster a sense of peace and inner connection. I also do an intro about the synchronicity of our recent visit to Ben’s homeland: Northern Ireland. Enjoy! 

On this episode, I interview freelance illustrator, designer, podcaster, and fellow Jungian enthusiast Allison Filice about her experiences with hypnagogic (or, "in-between") dream states, and how her subconscious mind directly inspires her art on a daily basis. Allison and I share a mutual enthusiasm for the intersection of spirituality, the healing arts, and creativity which is reflected throughout our conversation. We pull cards from her fabulous candy-colored Oracle deck, The Journey, which deftly combines imagery from both our inner and outer worlds to facilitate profound insights. I also do an intro about surrealist artists such as Salvador Dalí using hypnagogic dream work techniques to inspire their incredible creations. Synchronicities abound and we have a blast - hope you love it too! 

Just in time for spooky season, on this episode I interview the fabulous Elena Box, Shamanic Death Doula and Comédienne, about learning to form a relationship to death and dying as an integral part of the life cycle. We discuss strategies and practices for managing and working with grief in its many forms and phases, as well as a powerful visitation dream from Elena’s dad after his passing. Our discussion is held with a spirit of levity and laughter, holding space for the joy that exists alongside the sorrow. I hope it is helpful to you!

CW: brief (not detailed) discussion of both pregnancy loss and loss of a parent periodically throughout the episode 

Welcome to Season 3 of Psyche Magic! On this episode, I interview Sarah Jane Chapman about body neutrality and unconditional acceptance, intergenerational trauma, and the intersection of astrology and tarot. We also discuss her amazing tarot deck - Be With Your Body Tarot. And, last but not least, I do an intro about some exciting updates about our newest offerings and changes to the format of our show!

TW: brief mention of pregnancy loss - 1:40-2:30

This is a sneak peek of our new segment we'll be rolling out in Season 3 (beginning September 2023) - Dear Dream Diary, where Patreon members can submit dream questions for me to read and answer on the show! This first installment features a discussion of a common (and frustrating!) dream theme called "The Impossible Task." Hope you enjoy it!

On our Season 2 Finale, I interview an extra special guest - Michael Mayo! Michael is an Evidential Psychic Medium, Co-Founder of The Oakbridge Institute - a Center for Mediumistic and Psychical Studies, and author of the new book Spirit Speaks - A Step by Step and Evidence-Based Approach to Genuine Spirit Communication. 

Michael and I discuss an early dream he had foreshadowing his work as a Medium and, later, as a teacher of Mediumship Development. We touch on visitation dreams from loved ones who have passed away, dispelling fear of the spirit world, and insights about each of our own paths of spirituality. We also explore his book as a manual for those who are interested in developing their own means of spiritual communication. I do an intro where I tell a brief version of my own story that lead me to discovering and wanting to learn about mediumship as well. It's such a lovely conversation about a subject that's near and dear to my heart, and I hope you enjoy it! 

TW: brief mention of suicide at 6:54; 8:10; 9:04

On this much-anticipated episode, I interview Myisha Battle, Clinical Sexologist and Sex and Dating Coach, about the fascinating world of sex dreams! We experiment with treating sex and the sexualized figures that may appear in our dreams symbolically, and tie this in with her work in sex-positivity and education. We also discuss her excellent new book - This is Supposed to Be Fun: How to Find Joy in Hooking Up, Settling Down, and Everything in Between. Hope it tickles your fancy!

TW/CW: From approximately 40:24 - 45:40 we discuss the sensitive subject of sex dreams that can look and feel “incestuous” at first glance and unpack some of these symbols

On this uplifting episode, I interview Alyse Dusseault (@intuitively_alyse) - Grief Coach, Reiki Practitioner, and Intuitive, about her firsthand knowledge of deep grief as it informs her skilled and compassionate work. This involves empowering those who are grieving to cultivate creative and spiritual means of continuing their relationship with their loved ones, rather than adhering to the persistent and damaging societal narrative of “moving on.” She shares a powerful dream that introduced her to one of her spirit guides, and pointed her to deep healing work within multiple layers of her life and experiences. We also touch on Mediumship and working with “the clairs,” the various facets of our intuition or “sixth sense” that anyone can cultivate, and I do an intro expanding on these ideas a bit further. 

On this episode I get witchy and chaotic with Lu, Founder and Executive Director of Housecraft Productions (@housecraftofficial). We discuss her craft, passed down through her matrilineal line, and their shared gift of precognitive dreams. She shares a powerful example of one such dream regarding a major turning point in her life, and this sense of contemplation and preparation that can come within these synchronistic moments. We also discuss her advocacy work and various creative endeavors as a celebration of her authenticity and purpose. I also do an intro with a Jungian take on precognitive dreams, sharing further research and ideas on this mysterious and magical subject.

TW: brief mention of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence as the subject of some of Lu's advocacy work (45:26 - 47:12)

On this very special compilation episode, my guests and I discuss the groundbreaking use of dream sequences throughout one of our all-time favorite TV series: The Sopranos! My friends Eduardo Domenech (attorney and my original Sopranos shaman who introduced me to the show) and Michael McMillian (actor, writer, and co-host of the Bigfoot Collector’s Club podcast) put our heads together about the lasting impact of the writers’ choices to consistently integrate the dream realm of various key characters throughout the series, and our theory that the notoriously nebulous final scene may actually be a dream sequence (gasp!) We consult a key text: The Sopranos Sessions: A Conversation with David Chase to deepen our layers of inquiry and curiosity in celebration of a show so many of us still can’t stop dissecting decades later. Enjoy!

This goes without saying but just in case: there will be spoilers!

On today’s episode, I sit down with my dear friend and devoted artist, Garrison Starr! Garrison is a Singer-Songwriter who has dedicated her life to making music professionally. In our conversation, she shares her stories about her dedication to personal growth throughout various phases of her career as being essential to honing her craft. We talk deconstruction, reclaiming personal power, and the nuances of grief. I also do an intro about finding supportive community and my involvement in Al-Anon. Enjoy!

PS - if you're not into weaving verbal tapestries of obscenity, you may want to skip this episode. 

On this episode, I chat with dear friend and fellow Psychotherapist Amy Gartenberg about dreams that tie in with parts of self, including the inner child, through the lens of IFS (Internal Family Systems Therapy). We expand this to an exploration of creativity as an expression of these parts, and a window into their health and functioning. I also do an intro about rekindling some of my own long-forgotten creative endeavors. Enjoy!

We're kicking off 2023 with a very special interview with John Christian Phifer: Executive Director of Larkspur Conservation and Natural Burial Ground. We discuss the nuances of natural/conservation burial, the death positivity movement, and the power of living in harmony with the life/death/life cycle. We also learn about the story of how Larkspur came to be such a meaningful refuge for people in our community, and John Christian’s dreams representing his calling to expand beyond the constraints of the traditional funeral industry. Enjoy!

As a special holiday treat, we have compiled some of our favorite moments from Season 1 (September 2021 - April 2022) and put them together into one full-length episode. We are so grateful to those of you who have recently joined us, and to those of you who have been along for the ride since we started! Thank you for being here. This is also a great episode to share with someone who you think may enjoy the show! It really highlights what we're all about. 

We will be taking the month of December off to rest and enjoy the holiday season, and will be back with fresh Season 2 episodes in January!

On this truly prismatic episode, I interview Jane Grote, aura photographer and owner/head maven of Tertiary Sight here in Nashville! We talk about the role the color blue has played in her dreams and in her aura historically. She gives us all the juicy gossip about the fascinating history of aura photography, the science behind her camera, and the magic behind her intuitive readings. I also do an intro about the intersection of color theory and Psychology, quoting some of my favorite color field painters. Enjoy!

On this episode, I interview Reiki Practitioner and Teacher Kindy Girdley about her journey in learning somatic healing practices and wanting to share them with others. We discuss her dreams with themes of interconnection and the ever-alternating roles of student and teacher. We touch on other modalities of healing such as chakra balancing, tarot, energy testing, and so much more! I also do an intro with a deep dive on reiki's historical and cultural context, as well as some information on the expanding integration of reiki across multiple branches of healthcare. Enjoy!

**Correction: at 16:09, Kindy mentions the Craniosacral branches. She wanted to note that, while speaking about the Functional branch, she said “Bioenergtic," where the correct term would actually be “Biomechanical"

On this episode, dream worker, artist, and poet Taylor Johnson and I discuss a couple of her powerfully “big dreams” featuring archetypal characters. She describes how tracking her dream symbols have lead her to a recent career change, helped strengthen her activism, and even facilitated a better relationship with her canine familiar. She discusses a couple of her favorite dream work methods/practices, and I do a juicy intro about Jungian archetypes. Enjoy!

On this episode, I interview musical artist, songwriter, and wonderfully witchy intuitive Harper Grae! We discuss her religious deconstruction, integration of her queer identity, and the spiritual practices that sustain her in her roles of artist, partner, and mother. Harper teaches us about the methods she has crafted for intentionally working with her dream world as a means of staying connected to her ancestors and guides in the spirit realm. In honor of the arrival of spooky season, I also do an intro about the history of American Spiritualism in the Victorian era. Enjoy!

On this episode, Tranyce Bryant and I discuss her dreams involving themes of self-discovery, sustainable activism and leadership. We talk about what it takes to engage within a community in meaningful ways over time, and the necessary self-care involved. In the intro, I tie in themes of the practice of creativity as being vital to both authentic self expression and ongoing social justice practices. Enjoy!

Season 2 of Psyche Magic is here!! Our first guest is Robert DeSalvo, LCSW - Psychotherapist and co-founder of the Nashville Psychedelic Center. Together we discuss the future of psychedelic medicine as part of the landscape of evidence-based Psychotherapy, and how these medicines help to connect us to the unconscious and integrate the material we find there. Robert shares a dream that echoes his commitment to this aspect of the field, and we share some personal stories of how these medicines have helped each of us in our own journeys. I also announce our Patreon(!!) and share a song I co-wrote with Biz Colletti (who some of you may remember from Episode 3!) Enjoy!

Welcome to the Season 1 finale of Psyche Magic! This episode features my dear friend and fellow Psychotherapist, Nat Roth. We discuss different layers of the symbol of water in dreams: how this element has shown up for each of us in our dream lives, and the myriad messages it may carry. We also discuss IFS (Internal Family Systems Therapy, or parts work), especially The Inner Child, as well as our own personal journeys with cultivating and tending the spark of creativity in our adult lives. Nat reads us a lovely original poem, and I do a brief ritual in the intro to call in and work with the element of water. We will be back after a rest this summer with Season 2 in September! 

My guest for episode 15 is Evidential Psychic Medium Heather Visnesky! Heather and I discuss each of our journeys with Mediumship, and the aspects that set Evidential Mediumship apart. We talk about her early mediumistic dreams and common shared dream themes, including a mysterious circular mall/hotel complex. We also discuss the importance of cultivating mindfulness practices for mental health. I do an intro in tribute to one of my favorite High School teachers who has since passed away, Señor Griffith, and make some exciting announcements about season 2 of the podcast. Enjoy!

Just in time for Spring: Episode 14 of Psyche Magic features Sara Schuster of Fox and Elder! Sara is a homesteader, herb gardener, and community herbalist. We discuss her dreams with themes of resilience, self-sufficiency, and seeking truth and beauty as powerful acts of resistance. She also introduces us to the symbolism of one of her favorite animal familiars: the fox. Sara offers us some useful tips on herbs to support mental and emotional health, and I do a mid-episode segment on herbs that can facilitate dreamwork practices. Enjoy!

In this solo episode, I discuss The Wizard of Oz as the ultimate dream sequence and a feminist example of the Hero’s Journey in contemporary mythology. I also explore aspects of the film’s cultural legacy: from its groundbreaking treatment of the archetype of the witch, to the eventual adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Wicked. Enjoy!

This episode of Psyche Magic features Certified Holistic Life Coach and fabulously witchy mama, Erica Cullum! Erica is a brilliant thinker, disruptor of oppressive systems, and skillful guide towards the essential sense of purpose we all seek. She and I dive into conscious parenting, traumatic grief, and the healing power of dreams. I also discuss James Hillman’s acorn theory, and read a poem by W.B. Yeats. 

Trigger Warning: this episode touches on experiences with loved ones dying by suicide.

This is a combination of a guided meditation for grounding and relaxing before bed, as well as an affirmation-style exercise for remembering and working with your dreams. I will be releasing more guided meditations and dream work exercises as upcoming bonus episodes. I hope you enjoy them!

On this episode, we welcome a dear friend and fellow spiritual seeker Brad Talley to the show! Brad is a Psychotherapist-in-training who conducts paranormal investigations in his spare time. He walks us through the role both waking and nocturnal dreams have had on his life, re-awakening a sense of mystery and possibility. We discuss magic, manifestation, and the power of thought. His powerful experiences with mediumship inspired a segment about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: examining the juxtaposition between his hyper-rational Sherlock Holmes character and his deeply personal and enduring dedication to the exploration of Spiritualism. Enjoy!

Episode 10 features the brilliant Raven Robbins! Raven is an occult teacher and spiritual guide, tarot reader, magical craftsperson, and co-owner of the fabulous Athame Metaphysical Shop and Educational Salon here in Nashville, TN. Raven describes a transformative dream and how it has impacted her ability to step into new and powerful roles in her life. We also discuss her claiming the title of "witch" and what this provocative word means to her as a form of identity. I do an intro in tribute to David Bowie, and create a poem from five special texts using his beloved "cut-up technique." Enjoy!

Texts used in "cut-up" poem:

1. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

2. Goddess in Everywoman by Jean Shinoda Bolen

3. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

4. Upstream: Selected Essays by Mary Oliver

5. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes 

Welcome back to Psyche Magic! In this enchanting episode, Erin Shrader (The Rebel Herbalist) teaches us about the powerful role the natural world has played in her life, including her dreamscape. She also illustrates a couple of fascinating dream exploration techniques. I do an intro about Ecopsychology and an A-list dream segment about Rosalind Cartwright - Psychologist and author who was known for work in studying the dreams of women navigating divorce in the 70s. 

Erin's Dream Method #1

Series of questions to each of the main elements of the dream:

—I am ________

—My purpose is ___________

—I like ________

—I dislike ___________

—My biggest fear is ______________

—My biggest desire is ______________

—I want to tell the dreamer ________________

Erin's Dream Method #2 (adapted from Carolyn Elliot's book Existential Kink)

1. Describe the dream in as much detail as possible

2. Translate - list each noun in the dream and translate it as if describing it to an alien

3. Write the Translated Story - subbing the descriptions for the nouns

4. Rhyme the Themes  - Jot down elements in your life that seem to metaphorically rhyme with the  themes of the story.

5. Sum it Up - Write at the top of a sheet of paper, “This dream is about…. On another level it’s  also about…. The thing I don’t want to let myself know is….. What I’ll take  from this dream is……”

On our last episode of 2021, my guest is spellbinding songstress TAIINA: songwriter, producer, and A+ student of all things esoteric. Join us as we discuss the creativity and motherhood, the collective unconscious, and the ways astrology has shaped her view of the world. I also introduce a new segment: Dream Bytes, where listeners share 1:00 snippets of their dreams via voicemail. We end the episode with a guided meditation for a restful night's sleep.

Welcome to episode 7 (my favorite number!) with Allegra Rumbough! This one is close to my heart. Allegra is a dear friend, science teacher, and nature/travel photographer. She shares some incredible encounters with the spirit world, many of which have carried over into her dreams and the dreams of people around her. We discuss both of our processes around automatic fears associated with the spirit world. I also share an A-list dream segment about Dimitri Mendeleev's Periodic Table of the Elements, and a meditation for releasing fear. Hope you enjoy it!

Episode 6 of the show features Valerie Martin! Valerie is a fellow Psychotherapist, owner and founder of the Gaia Center for embodied healing, podcaster, and yoga instructor. Join me as I bask in her brilliance and we discuss working with dreams in therapy, spiritual discernment, and embodiment as healing medicine for all⁠. This episode includes a deep dive tarot segment on the Empress/Emperor dyad, and a guided meditation for embodiment. 

On this episode of Psyche Magic, we welcome powerhouse singer, songwriter, and podcaster Raye Zaragoza to the show. Raye and I discuss her practice around welcoming intuitive messages from her dreams, and incorporating dream work as a part of cultivating creativity and self-care. We also talk about a shared favorite book: Women Who Run with the Wolves, by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. This episode includes two new segments: a meditation break, and a dream intention-setting exercise, per listener feedback. Hope you love it!

On this episode, I have a blast interviewing professional tarot card reader, certified life coach, and published author Kiki Dombrowski about her magical work and dream life. We love a witchy scholar! Kiki and I discuss the realities of managing anxiety, her incredible book on Divination, titled A Curious Future, and a mysterious red crystal that has been appearing in her dreams. I also discuss a seasonally-appropriate A-list dream: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. 

My guest for this episode is Biz Colletti: ethereal singer and songwriter. We discuss her creative process, her dreams that coincide with a “quarter life crisis”, and how this ties in with the astrological concept of the Saturn Return: a time of great upheaval and reassessment. 

Carrie and Lindsay Pfeiffer, identical twins, discuss their fascinating shared experiences of dreams and associated emotional responses, as well as what happened when their dream themes diverged. We play with the idea of using some fearful elements in dreams to cultivate strength. I also share the "A-list" dreams of Paul McCartney, the source of some of our favorite songs. 

Welcome to Psyche Magic! On our pilot episode, we are joined by actor, writer, and podcaster Michael McMillian. Michael and I pull tarot cards, discuss a recurring dream theme from his childhood, and unpack the ways these themes and symbols have evolved throughout his life. We discuss finding purpose in the dreams of mid-life, drawing us back to that which is most important.