Seekers Field Guide – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Emma Griffin didn't set out to become a witch, she was born into it. Raised in a household where tarot readings followed Sunday dinner and working with the moon was just part of life, she spent years trying to hide that part of herself. It wasn't until cancer, grief, and a near-death experience forced her to stop running that she fully claimed her path. Now she helps others do the same, guiding women back to their own power through her books, her Guidance Medicine Readings, and her work as an intuitive channel.

In this conversation, Emma opens up about what witchcraft actually means beyond the Hollywood stereotypes and how it's really about deep self-knowledge, shadow work, and learning to read the world around you. She shares how she structures her entire life around the moon's cycles, working intensely for two weeks and then taking two weeks for rest and creative flow. We also talk about her journey from editorial photographer to full-time witch, the moment her spiritual team told her to start offering readings, and why she believes magic should be deeply personal rather than prescriptive.

Whether you're curious about these practices or already exploring your own spiritual path, Emma's approach is refreshingly grounded. She makes it clear that you don't need special tools or years of training to begin, instead just a cup of tea, a candle, and five minutes of honest stillness with yourself. Her story proves that the wisdom we're searching for isn't somewhere out there. It's already within us, waiting to be remembered.

Episode Highlights: 

• [04:03] Growing up with seances, tarot readings, and working with the moon as part of everyday family life.
• [05:24] Her early resistance to standing out, trying to fit in, and the first time she explored witchcraft on her own.
• [06:20] Why Emma chose to reclaim the word witch despite stigma, and how going public cost her photography career.
• [07:57] Balancing rejection from the professional world with growing support on social media.
• [09:37] Explaining witchcraft beyond Hollywood stereotypes including self-knowledge, shadow work, and noticing synchronicities.
• [11:02] Emma reflects on a decade of cancer and a near-death experience that forced her to stop hiding and claim her truth.
• [12:16] Turning 49 and feeling fully grounded in who she is after years of self-work.
• [13:10] Losing her father, supporting her mother through illness, and how those moments pushed her to open a healing space.
• [14:45] The origins of Guidance Medicine Readings and realizing she was channeling answers from multiple dimensions.
• [16:00] Receiving clear direction from her spiritual team to begin offering readings publicly.
• [17:55] A simple practice anyone can try: tea, candlelight, journaling, and asking the soul direct questions.
• [19:12] How people feel when they come “home” to themselves, including energy, passion, peace, and new clarity.
• [20:28] Bridging ancient traditions with modern life, and why witchcraft should be deeply personal.
• [21:57] Supporting women entrepreneurs in creating businesses aligned with their spiritual values.
• [23:39] The evolution from her first book Find Your Soul Path to The Witch’s Way Home and how each served a different purpose.
• [25:11] Writing openly about shadow work, higher beings, and other vulnerable beliefs that pushed her outside her comfort zone.
• [27:02] Learning to protect her energy by working in alignment with moon cycles and two weeks of service followed by two weeks of rest and creativity.
• [30:20] Her own daily practices for staying connected to her magic, including meditation and time in nature.
• [31:48] Hopes for seeing witchcraft represented alongside yoga and meditation at wellness festivals.
• [33:14] Lightning round: everyday magical habits, travel that moved her to tears, and the book that started her journey.
• [35:32] Advice for seekers is to read widely, notice what resonates, and create a practice that’s your own.
• [36:09] Preview of her upcoming Witch’s Way Home Oracle deck and why she’s excited to share it.
• [36:45] Closing reflections on reclaiming magic as a personal path back to inner wisdom.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Emma Griffin - Author, Witch, Intuitive Channel
• The Witch's Way Home Oracle: A 44-Card Deck and Guidebook
• The Witch's Way Home: Magic, Spells and Rituals to Lead You Back to Your Most Powerful Self
• Find Your Soul Path: Discover the Magical Life Within
• Emma Griffin - Instagram
• Emma Griffin - YouTube

Sometimes a simple doodle can do more than pass the time. It can shift your mood, clear your head, and even change the way you see yourself. That’s what Anna Denning has discovered in her work, and she’s made it her mission to show that art can be a real tool for transformation. Anna is an artist, a transformational art coach, and the founder of Neuro Art School. She co-created the AM Method with Colette Baron-Reid, which is featured in their book The Art of Manifestation. 

Anna is an artist, a transformational art coach, and the founder of Neuro Art School. She also teaches Neurographica and what she calls her own Neuro Arts practice. It’s all about simple lines and shapes and the act of drawing with intention that can change the way the brain responds, shift old patterns, and open people up to new ways of seeing things. Anna shares how her childhood played a big role in this path. Her mom was a psychiatrist who encouraged her to use drawing as a way to process emotions, and that early experience planted the seed for the work she does now. 

We get into the science of why it works, and stories of students who’ve had real breakthroughs. Sometimes it’s as basic as easing stress or quieting that inner critic. Other times it’s much bigger like unexpected opportunities showing up after a single session. She reminds us that you don’t need to be an artist. Creativity belongs to all of us, and when we give ourselves permission to just play a little, it can shift things in ways we don’t expect.

Episode Highlights: 

• [01:32] The creation of the AM Method and its feature in The Art of Manifestation.
• [02:00] Anna describes how drawing with intention can rewire the brain and shift frequency.
• [03:14] We learn about her childhood experiences with her psychiatrist mother using art for emotional expression.
• [06:16] Anna recalls her early understanding that art could transform feelings and perceptions.
• [07:03] She introduces the idea of drawing as a conversation with the universe.
• [10:39] We talk about the neuroscience behind intentional drawing and how it engages multiple brain regions.
• [12:05] She explains neuroplasticity and how doodling interrupts negative thought loops.
• [14:26] Anna highlights the difference between random doodling and structured practices like Neurographica and the AM Method.
• [17:53] Reflections on the transformations she has seen in students using intentional art.
• [19:46] Anna describes how she helps people quiet their inner critic and move into flow.
• [21:45] She talks about the collective energy and impact of her Thursday live drawing classes.
• [24:49] The power of spirals as sacred shapes for transformation.
• [26:43] She shares how to start small with intentional art and build a practice.
• [27:52] Anna discusses maintaining her own creativity while guiding others through transformation.
• [31:28] She emphasizes why giving ourselves permission to play is essential for creative expression.
• [33:47] Her vision for a more compassionate world through intentional art.
• [35:47] She reflects on the power of a single drawing to change perspective and relieve stress.
• [37:19] In the lightning round we discover books, daily practices, and gratitude as tools for grounding.
• [42:28] We talk about celebrating milestones and introducing new courses, including trainer programs for the AM Method.
• [44:42] Reflections on creativity as a birthright and an invitation to explore further.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Anna Denning
• Anna Denning - Instagram
• Anna Denning - YouTube
• Neuro Art School
• Neuroarts Resource Center - Anna Denning
• The Art of Manifesting: A Meditative Drawing Practice to Rewire Your Brain and Create Your Reality

Wellness is a journey, and for many of us, it’s a combination of tradition, science, and firsthand experience. In this episode, I interview Noora Raj Brown, a lifestyle branding expert and wellness advocate. From her position as EVP of Brand at Goop to her work as a curator of meaningful design and culture, Noora has spent her career crafting stories that inspire intentional living. Her personal wellness philosophy is rooted in the balance between Eastern traditions and Western medicine, an approach she learned from growing up and her own health journey.

We discuss how Noora blends holistic practices into her life, including Ayurvedic cures and current medical ideas. She talks about how sleep, stress management, and movement are key to her well-being and why being intentional with what we consume, externally and internally, is the key to thriving. Whether it’s curating vintage finds, building a brand, or simply making time for restorative practices, Noora believes wellness is more than just routines. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful and aligned.

Join us as we go deep with Noora on her experiences, from Goop to her latest venture, Le Chute, a vintage collection that reflects her philosophy of thoughtful living. If you’re looking for inspiration to build a wellness practice that works for you without the pressure of perfection, this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights: 

• [02:57] Noora's parents were Indian immigrants. Her mom was like an original wellness guru. She grew up exposed to Eastern medicine. 
• [04:51] The incorporation of Eastern and Western medicine is very fluid in her life. She pulls from both sides to get through her day.
• [07:02] She's very excited about the opportunity to explore India and wellness retreats like Ananda in the Himalayas.
• [08:10] Noora is going to Australia the day after we had this conversation. She's excited to explore.
• [09:24] Sleep is the number one thing that affects Noora. She takes her sleep seriously
• [11:29] One of the really important things that she is working on is stress management.
• [12:59] It's important to slow down and stay in the moment.
• [14:31] During COVID, she was forced to slow down and stay home which was really beneficial for Noora during her pregnancy. 
• [16:01] Object of Desire is so beautiful and a great read. Passion, purpose, and connection are really important. The newsletter is really about things that bring people joy. Noora loves beautiful things. 
• [18:01] We learn about Noora's latest venture La Chute. She loves vintage pieces, and she's opening a vintage shop in LA.
• [21:23] We learn about Noora collaborating with amazing thought leaders in the wellness space.
• [23:04] One lesson that she has learned from her mother is to be protective of her time.
• [24:49] It's important to move and do whatever exercise suits you. She's also very strict about her morning hot water with lemon.
• [27:38] It's important to think about what your body needs and not be rigid with your wellness practice.
• [28:03] Noora stays grounded and focused by drinking green powder for detox and not over packing her days.
• [29:37] We learn Noora's go-to guide, Angie Banicki, and more rapid fire answers. 
• [32:35] Key advice includes really taking the time to listen to your body. Write everything down like eating and sleeping and notice the differences in how you feel.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Goop
• Noora Raj Brown - Instagram
• Objects of Desire
• Wellness Tips From A Wellness Fraud
• I Am A Voter
• Sarah Wragge Wellness Alkalize - Detoxifying Greens Powder
• Angie Banicki

I’m so excited to talk with Nia Tracey, founder of Turn Your Shine On and a talented healer who helps others connect with their inner divine. Nia’s journey started in her early 20s with therapy but it was Reiki at 30 that changed her life. From overcoming personal challenges (including a circulation disease) to finding her calling as a healer and teacher Nia’s story is a testament to the power of energy work and self discovery.

Nia shares how she uses Reiki, Akashic Records and other holistic modalities to help clients release trauma, clear energy blocks and step into their full potential. Through her stories she illustrates the power of combining spiritual and emotional healing including a remarkable case where she helped a bedridden cancer patient release guilt and find physical relief. With a focus on empowerment Nia gives you tools and insights to navigate your inner landscape and your wellness journey.

Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or a seasoned seeker this episode is packed with wisdom and practical guidance. From the benefits of conscious breathing to trusting your intuition when choosing a spiritual guide, Nia's approach is practical, inspiring and believes we are all capable of creating the life we desire. Don’t miss her tips on getting started, details on her Sedona retreat and her passion for helping others shine.

Episode Highlights: 

• [03:01] Nia shares her gateway into the wellness world. When she began therapy in her 20s, it set her up for a different type of journey. When she discovered Reiki it transformed everything. She thinks of her life as before Reiki and after Reiki.
• [04:19] Reiki is a form of healing that translates to universal life force energy. It promotes healing on all levels physical, emotional, mental, and all levels. It's also measurable.
• [04:55] Seven hertz is one of the most common frequencies coming out of the Reiki practitioner's hands. It's been shown to regenerate bone tissue.
• [05:45] Being attuned to Reiki means becoming a channel for this universal life force energy.
• [06:02] You go through a 21-day cleanse, as it's moving through your energetic body, clearing, balancing, and shifting. It literally raises your vibration.
• [07:01] Misconceptions include that alternative therapy and western medicine don't mix.
• [07:47] Nia describes a client's transformational experience using Reiki or other modalities. 
• [09:35] A woman was able to release her guilt and her cancer receded.
• [10:01] Akashic records are a vibrational record of your soul's journey through all space and time. It's a oneness that contains all possibilities.
• [11:45] Nia receives guidance, and it's co-creation, because she never does anything that the person's not in agreement with.
• [12:34] Nia wants Seekers to gain empowerment and feel whole. 
• [14:35] Her work helps her spiritually.
• [15:27] We learn the practices that Nia does everyday.
• [17:35] Her latest modality is Theta healing. She's inspired by healing.
• [18:29] Nia shares her wellness journey from therapy until Reiki took things to a whole new level. We're here to evolve, love, and be more. 
• [22:00] A wellness practice to incorporate in your day would be breath work.
• [23:04] She is super excited about her Sedona retreat. She also loves her Zoom sessions and Akashic records training.
• [24:03] We dive into the rapid fire questions. 
• [25:22] Advice includes: explore, have fun with it, and listen to your intuition.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Turn Your Shine On
• Turn Your Shine On - A Sedona Retreat
• Reiki - Universal Life Force Energy
• Akashic Records
• Nia Tracey - Instagram
• Nia Tracey - Facebook
• Nia Tracey - LinkedIn
• The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism
• The Mists of Avalon: A Novel

Healthy eating is a powerful investment in our well-being, and I’m thrilled to have Andrew Kaplan, also known as “Kappy”, here today to share his healing food journey. He is the creator and host of the Beyond the Plate podcast, where he interviews top culinary experts, sharing his extensive knowledge and industry connections. 

He currently serves as the Vice President of Culinary Operations for Rachael Ray's Brand where he helps develop brand strategy including culinary-related projects, appearances, events, cooking demonstrations, cookbook production, television production and more. As director of Rachael's nonprofit Yum-o!, he helps empower kids and families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking through education, hunger relief, and scholarships. 

Committed to community service and culinary education, Kappy is on the leadership council for Share Our Strength and the Chef Corps for World Central Kitchen. From professional kitchens to podcast host, brand executive, and philanthropist he’s dedicated to making a positive impact through food.

We discuss his journey into wellness which was inspired by his father. He shares his experiences with practices like intermittent fasting, ProLon (a fast-mimicking diet), and food sensitivities, emphasizing the value of whole ingredients, moderation, and body awareness. 

We talk about overcoming cat allergies through Nambudrapid’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET), which combines acupuncture and muscle testing. We also explore other wellness practices, such as NUCCA chiropractic care and cryotherapy, encouraging openness to various modalities and finding what works for each individual. 

Episode Highlights: 

• [03:25] Kappy's healthy food pioneering father was his gateway into wellness. 
• [05:34] He grew up in the food industry. He also saw his mother making real food from real ingredients.
• [06:02] Kappy ended up going to The Culinary Institute of America and Florida International University for Hotel Restaurant Management.
• [07:58] A few years ago, Kappy became very interested in intermittent fasting. He's also used meal programs like ProLon. 
• [09:09] He first tried fasting for weight loss then he realized the value of fasting for autophagy.
• [11:07] He's also giving a shout out to a meal program called Real Food Heals.
• [12:44] He's a proponent of eating whole foods. He does reduce gluten a bit and try to add protein.
• [15:38] Kappy talks about Yum-o! the program he helped Rachel Ray start.
• [17:12] We learn about Kappy's work trying to create healthier meals for kids in different school systems.
• [21:15] We turn to Kappy's wellness journey and some of the modalities he has tried.
• [22:02] We learn about the NAET technique which helped enable Kappy to live with a cat. The technique combines Reiki with acupuncture.
• [24:31] Incorporating muscle testing can even help to know if someone is sensitive to medication.
• [27:46] Kappy shares another story about the effectiveness of NAET. He also used it to detect he had a sensitivity to cashew milk.
• [33:21] The motivation for the Seeker's Field Guide is to put all of these modalities in one place, so people can find what's right for them.
• [34:52] We learn about NUCCA or the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. It's based on the adjustment of the atlas bone which is at the base of your skull.
• [37:57] Kappy shares how he evaluates potential modalities that he's interested in.
• [45:48] Beyond the Plate is coming up on its 10th season. If you're interested in food or drinks, check it out! They also have a drink series called Beyond the Drink.
• [49:20] Kappy tackles the rapid fire questions!
• [53:03] Advice includes assessing what you actually want. What are you willing to invest in your health and wellness? Stay open, it's not going to happen overnight. Find trusted resources. 

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Beyond the Plate Podcast
• Beyond the Drink - Sebastian Tollius
• Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan - Instagram
• Yum-o!
• Share Our Strength
• ProLon
• Real Food Heals
• NAET
• Say Good-Bye to Illness
• NUCCA
• Mill Food Recycler

Welcome to The Seeker's Field Guide, your gateway to the world of holistic health and wellness. I'm your host, Kerri Schoonyoung. We have an amazing guest today, certified Astrologer and Life Coach, Sonja Francis. 

Sonja combines multiple disciplines to help clients tap into their inner wisdom and reach their full potential. Originally from Vienna, Austria, and now based in Pittsburgh, she has studied astrology for over 30 years. Sonja received her NCGR Level 1 certification in 2005 and is a longtime member of the National Council for Geocosmic Research. In 2010, she founded her practice, Astrologer Coach Sonja Francis, offering personalized astrological readings and life coaching sessions to clients worldwide.

She is known for her soul-based approach to astrology, which focuses on personal growth and aligning with one’s highest potential. She’s passionate about helping clients better understand themselves, release limiting beliefs, and create more happiness and fulfillment. In addition to her one-on-one work, Sonja teaches astrology through her online curriculum and live soul journey seminars, empowering students from beginners to advanced levels to embrace a heart-centered approach to astrology.

Today we discuss what it means to practice soul-based astrology, how to use your birth chart as a tool for self-discovery, and ways astrology can help us navigate life’s challenges. Sonja also clears up some common misconceptions about astrology, shares how retrogrades and astrological events can influence our lives, and explains how understanding energetic patterns can improve relationships and foster community. We even touch on her favorite wellness practices and how she integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health in her daily life. 

Episode Highlights: 

[02:52] We learn how Sonja became involved with wellness. When she was 19, she read a book about Buddhism that sparked her interest in astrology.

[05:08] Astrology is a way for us to look at ourselves. It's a snapshot of the planetary positions at the time of our birth. This energetic blueprint can be used to help understand ourselves.

[06:32] A person can be guided to accept parts of themselves that they may have rejected in the past.

[06:44] Sonja shares what soul-based astrology is. The astrology chart is connected to our soul.

[08:13] Addressing misconceptions about astrology.

[09:44] The birth chart consists of more than the sun signs. There are 10 planets or celestial bodies in the birth chart.

[10:30] Retrogrades invite us to go within and to improve our alignment between the inner and outer world. It's a way to balance the yin and the yang and the feminine and masculine energies in our life.

[13:18] Sonja shares her thoughts on compatibility with zodiac signs. It's important to look at all of the planets, not just the sun signs.

[14:58] She loves all the signs but has a soft spot for Gemini and Scorpio. We all have signs somewhere in our chart.

[15:57] Sonja does readings with people because she wants them to know themselves. It's important to understand yourself fully to be the best version of yourself.

[16:40] A client success story. Sonja combines life coaching with astrology. 

[18:19] People who love astrology want to connect with others and have a community.

[21:21] It's also possible to overlay your chart with other people's charts.

[22:03] Sonja was surprised to learn how in tune she was with astrology and the energetic world.

[23:13] Sonja does a lot for physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. She sees herself as a whole system where it's all connected. Her routine includes plenty of rest, focusing on growth, and gratitude.

[25:20] She's also a big believer in self-care and being heart centered and love-based.

[27:41] Seekers Field Guide is about empowering individuals to create their own unique wellness journey.

[28:45] The Sedona Method is Sonja's favorite tool. It allows you to let go and release things from the past that make you feel stuck.

[29:47] Her husband is a lifelong learner and a great inspiration to her. She also just started a 1-year program to get an international coach certification.

[32:10] Sonja tackles the rapid fire questions. 

[34:21] Pay attention to what resonates with you and choose a teacher or book who feels in alignment with who you are and listen to your heart. 

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Astrologer Coach Sonja Francis
• Need the book link for Sonja’s introduction to astrology
• Sonja Francis - Facebook
• Sonja Francis - X
• Sonja Francis - Instagram
• The Sedona Method
• Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

Aligning our goals with our inner guidance can be transformative on the way to personal and professional success.

I'm thrilled to have Delphina, a brilliant intuitive consultant and medium, with us today. Delphina has committed her career to assisting individuals and businesses in reaching their maximum potential, combining her natural intuitive ability with vast corporate expertise to provide insights that go beyond the norm. 

We’ll explore Delphina’s unique approach to intuitive guidance, medium connections, and synergy consulting. She shares how these practices help provide clarity, comfort, and closure while integrating profound insights into decision-making.

Throughout our conversation, you’ll hear inspiring transformation stories and learn how you can tap into your own intuitive powers to navigate challenges and reach your goals. Whether you’re looking to deepen your intuitive practice or curious about how intuition can intersect with business, this episode offers practical tips and meaningful insights. Let’s dive into the journey toward a more guided, fulfilled life.

Episode Highlights: 

[03:22] Delphina's gateway to the wellness world was Reiki. She was experiencing a wellness challenge and her guides and intuition let her know that she needed something beyond herself.

[04:58] It was a return to self and claiming of her intuitiveness.

[05:51] She was still tied to corporate sales but also did intuitiveness and Reiki. She was grateful to leave corporate and focus on her spiritual side full time. 

[09:09] Her wife, Marie, is also her business partner.

[10:01] Intuitive guidance. Everyone has their own distinctive vibration and frequency. Delphina is a permission based intuitive. She connects with her clients higher self after asking permission.

[11:36] She also connects with her clients' loved ones and guides.

[12:17] It's a beautiful combination of combining personal and career into a beautiful tapestry of energy for their highest good.

[13:11] We learn about some misconceptions.

[15:00] Everything is energy. We learn Delphina's favorite Tesla quote.

[16:37] A transformation story that combines a little bit of everything.

[20:21] Spirit nudge is when your loved ones or higher self keep giving you a nudge.

[21:36] We have to allow ourselves to do what we're supposed to do.

[23:07] With her clients, she usually focuses on 75% spiritual and 25% business.

[24:06] Clients get to see how amazing they are and really understand that they're not alone.

[26:17] Delphina takes credit for being a really good channel. It's the guides.

[27:16] Being a highly sensitive person is a superpower. When you lean into it, things will shift. Delphina owns her sensitivities on all levels.

[29:10] She also receives Reiki everyday.

[30:42] Breath work allows you to acknowledge energy and then return to self. Set an intention and then breathe.

[34:23] Seekers and empaths are usually heart centered. Find what works for you.

[36:57] Delphina is self taught and taught by spirit. 

[38:34] Spirit Academy launched last year.

[41:49] Delphina tackles the rapid fire questions.

[47:09] Advice includes knowing yourself and let your energy guide you.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Spirit Guiding - Delphina
• Spirit Academy
• Delphina - Instagram
• Delphina - LinkedIn
• The Four Agreements

Preview

At some point, many of us look around at our lives and wonder if the version of success we’ve built is really the one that matters. That’s exactly where Donna Bond found herself after decades in the corporate world, decorated with awards, stability, and all the “golden handcuffs” that come with it. Turning 44, the same age her father was when he passed away, shook her awake. That moment became the start of a very different kind of journey.

Donna walked away from the so-called golden handcuffs and followed a pull she didn’t totally understand at the time. She enrolled in a master’s program in spiritual psychology, and it changed her life from the inside out. In our conversation, she shares how seeing life through the lens of the soul shifts everything including the way we meet challenges, the way we understand ourselves, even the way we define success.

We also talk about the simple things that keep her steady, like her morning ritual, and why compassion for yourself is the foundation for any real transformation. Donna is honest about how easy it is to get caught up in the noise of life and how powerful it is to pause, listen, and follow those breadcrumbs of inspiration that might not make sense at first.

"R-P-M. Rise, pee, meditate. In that order, that has been such a savior for me. I don't look at my phone. I don't brush my teeth. I wake up, I go to the bathroom, and I sit in my meditation space." Donna Bond

Episode Highlights: 

• [01:02] Guest Donna Bond is a women’s spiritual life coach, author, and modern-day high priestess.
• [02:55] Donna shares her turning point at age 44, realizing her corporate success felt empty.
• [04:23] She discovers spiritual psychology and enrolls in a master’s program at the University of Santa Monica.
• [06:07] Donna explains how spiritual psychology views life through the soul’s perspective.
• [07:23] She recalls a coaching client who overcame limiting beliefs to pursue music.
• [10:25] Donna reflects on how spiritual growth is both an individual and collective journey.
• [12:13] She describes her role as a “soul catalyst” and the framework of spiritual psychology in her coaching.
• [13:37] The practices of seeing the loving essence and heart-centered listening are discussed.
• [16:41] Donna shares how following inner guidance led her to love, meaningful work, and life in Costa Rica.
• [19:04] She talks about meditation, yoga, and self-compassion as daily practices that keep her grounded.
• [23:35] We reflect on the importance of pausing throughout the day for quick resets.
• [25:57] Donna highlights the power of reframing moments of waiting as opportunities for gratitude.
• [28:05] She emphasizes giving ourselves permission to follow the breadcrumbs of inspiration.
• [31:16] Donna introduces her course Empower the Authentic You and her healing modality, Higher Human Integration.
• [34:32] Her advice for beginners: follow the breadcrumbs and trust the energy pulling you forward.
• [37:44] Transformation often starts with a single courageous step.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Donna Bond
• Original Wisdom
• Donna Bond - Facebook
• Donna Bond - Instagram
• Donna Bond - LinkedIn
• Donna Bond - YouTube

Grief isn’t something we just “get over.” It’s something we learn to live alongside, and when we give it space, it can actually open the door to deeper connection and growth. That’s the heart of Barri Leiner Grant’s work. She’s a grief coach, educator, and the founder of The Memory Circle, where she guides people in tending to loss with honesty, compassion, and ritual.

Barri’s story begins with the sudden passing of her mother, an experience that changed everything and eventually led her to create the kind of support she once needed herself. In our conversation, she shares how memory circles came to life, why naming our loved ones matters, and what it means to “tend” grief instead of trying to recover from it. We talk about practices like writing, yoga, meditation, and simple rituals that can carry us through the waves of loss whether that loss is death, divorce, miscarriage, or any life transition that leaves us changed.

This isn’t a heavy conversation about sadness. It’s about finding hope in the middle of heartbreak, and about reclaiming the right to honor our stories, our people, and our emotions in ways that feel true.

Episode Highlights: 

• [02:23] Barri Leiner Grant is introduced as a certified grief coach, educator, and founder of The Memory Circle.
• [02:50] She shares how her mother’s sudden passing in 1993 became the catalyst for her life’s work and recalls how no one named her grief or offered support.
• [06:21] Barri explains why talking about loved ones matters, describing silence as a “second death,” and how connection with other motherless daughters brought healing.
• [08:21] Hope Edelman’s Motherless Daughters normalizes her experience and shows her she isn’t alone.
• [09:37] Therapy helps her reframe her grief story and understand the importance of being asked, “Do you want to talk to someone?”
• [11:09] Becoming pregnant highlights the pain of being a “motherless mother” and leads her to seek a grief-informed therapist.
• [14:15] A yoga training exercise inspires her to imagine her highest work, sparking the idea of grief circles.
• [15:15] She co-creates “Unmothered Mother’s Day” to honor mothers while supporting those grieving.
• [16:37] The circles evolve into powerful wisdom exchanges that validate shared stories and experiences.
• [18:25] The Memory Circle is born, combining collaboration, storytelling, and community rituals.
• [21:55] Training deepens her work, and she embraces the title Chief Grief Officer as a way of giving people permission to grieve.
• [24:09] She encourages using loved ones’ names in conversation to keep them present and honored.
• [25:24] Barri recalls her mother’s message, “don’t make it sad,” and describes her role as a hope dealer.
• [27:09] She explains why she uses the term “grief tending” instead of “grief recovery,” reframing loss as something we live with.
• [29:16] Barri paints a picture of what a Memory Circle looks like, from breathwork and writing to sharing names and small wins.
• [32:23] She shares how she balances holding space for others while tending to her own grief, using practices like yoga, meditation, and Reiki.
• [34:08] Crying is reframed as a powerful release, and she reminds us that grief isn’t something we get over but something we learn to live alongside.
• [36:42] She broadens the conversation to include non-death losses such as divorce, miscarriage, moving, and empty nesting.
• [39:16] Rituals like lighting candles or creating memorials become ways to honor losses both big and small.
• [41:01] She shares tools like expressive writing, ethical wills, meditation, and nature practices that support grief work.
• [44:17] Barri offers guidance on preparing for grief’s waves during anniversaries, holidays, and everyday triggers.
• [46:13] She advises putting hallmark dates on calendars and using both simple and creative rituals to honor loved ones.
• [1:10:42] Barri shares details about upcoming events, including a three-part workshop on empty nesting, a grief camp at Kripalu, and her regular support circles
• [1:11:29] She mentions launching a new “Right to Heal” group focused on prompt-led writing and a partner loss group.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• The Memory Circle
• Barri Leiner Grant - Instagram
• Motherless Daughters, 20th Anniversary Edition: The Legacy of Loss