Explore every episode of the podcast Profound Life Change Stories

At 46, Jaime Rae stands at the intersection of deep roots and open skies—a moment of reflection, release, and renewal. In this episode, she explores what it means to embrace this chapter with wisdom, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. From the lessons etched in time to the dreams still unfolding, this conversation invites listeners into the art of becoming—wild, wise, and beautifully unfinished.

In this episode of Profound Life Change Stories, Jaime Rae sits down with Heidi McKay, founder of Down to Earth Forest School in Portland, Oregon, to explore the magic of outdoor learning, community, and the evolution of ideas.

What Gets Talked About:
🌿 The inspiration behind Down to Earth Forest School and how it’s reshaping education through nature-based learning.
🌱 The life cycle of growing ideas into reality—when to nurture, when to pivot, and how to know when something is done.
🏕️ Creating spaces where children can build resilience, confidence, and a deep connection to the land.
🌎 The power of community in bringing dreams to life and fostering meaningful learning experiences.
📖 Heidi’s book, It's Doug, a heartwarming story that encourages curiosity, exploration, and discovery in the natural world.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about education, intuition, and the wisdom of nature.

📍 Learn more about Down to Earth Forest School: www.downtoearthforestschool.org
📚 Check out Heidi’s book It’s Doug:

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Espen Camino Eld Mathis is 11 years old and in 5th grade in Portland, Oregon. He's creative, thoughtful, brave and awesome. He's also been through a mid year school change and having his folks divorce in the same year. You'll want to hear his take on all of it.

Mathis is 8 years old and an avid composer, muser, and generally rad kid. He's navigated the loss of beloved kitties and chickens and has learned some important lessons about how to do life. 

Will Lillard is a community grower, a systems thinker, and a neurodiverse entrepreneur working to create social change through regenerative engagement and innovative methods for supporting neurodiverse folks to live thriving lives.

Through the We've Network, Will has sown and grown an ecosystem of tools, support, and mutually beneficial relationships designed to provide opportunities for neurodiverse folks and their families to shift into more fulfilling and integrated lives.

We've Network is currently seeking neurodiverse folks who are looking to experience "Personal development with a paycheck" and has job descriptions on their website at: https://wevenet.org

Jake Weigler is an Oregon native who has worked in politics at the national, state, and local levels for over 22 years. Get an insider look at how political change happens, factors to consider before running for office, and the nature of working behind the scenes in politics. A must listen for any folks thinking about running for office or wanting to know how to get involved with the democratic process.

His political consulting company, Praxis Political, supports candidates and issues throughout Oregon and Jake has been a part of the environmental movement as well as gun safety legislation for decades.

You can learn more about his work and services at: https://www.praxispolitical.com

*Jake incorrectly identified one of the victims of the Clackamas Town Center tragedy as Carla. Her name was Cindy and he deeply regrets this error.

State Representative Mark Gamba took up the call to protect the planet for future generations through his exposure to the effects of climate change during his career as a professional photographer.

While on assignment with clients like National Geographic, Jeep, Carhartt, and Adidas, Mark saw coral reefs bleaching before scientist knew the cause and witnessed Alaska's glaciers in dramatic recession.

Now an accomplished earth advocate, Mark is working in Oregon's capitol to pass laws which will improve the quality of life and the planet for all beings.

You can contact him and learn more about the legislative work he is doing and the causes he is advocating for at: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/gamba

To learn more about Oregon measures 5 and 50 and their impacts on state funding start here:

https://www.orcities.org/application/files/4015/6115/9506/LOC_Measure_5__50_Primer9-8-17.pdf

You can also contact Rep. Gamba's office at the link above.

How does a 27 year old femme botanist find themself on a boat to Antarctica with some of the leading lady STEMM educators and researchers? Samantha Elie shares her journey from homeschooler to studying Economic Botany in Peru to one of the hardest places to get to on the planet.

You can follow her adventures at: https://www.instagram.com/samanthaeliebotanist/

Support her trip to Antarctica here: https://gofund.me/394c4678

Kevin Brusett is an experiential and transformative educator who has served as a spiritual guide, teacher, and intentional human for over 40 years. You can support and learn more about his work at: https://inneranvil.org.

He walked the ancient pilgrimage route, El Camino de Santiago in 2022 as part of an intentionally curated service to former students, friends, and colleagues, and has nourished relationships and learning opportunities across the world his entire career. 

Emily Rose Wheeler of Mystic Rose Medicine is a hypnotherapist, artist, and energy worker who helps people know their worth, regain their health, and explore their creativity. She is based in Portland, Oregon but works with clients all over the US.

Hear Emily's story of how she decided to completely change her line of work and embrace the gifts and offerings she continues to refine and evolve on her journey of soul work and purpose. You can learn more about Emily's work and how to engage her services at: https://mysticrosemedicine.com/meet-emily

William Marin Ashmont is a Boston born gypsy vibe master and sound spinner who dreams of a kinder, more interconnected world. Through his travels around the globe and experiencing psychadelics, he has lived in ways and places that question what it truly means to live an awakened life.

You can hear more of his sound stylings and musings at: https://10o8.com

Denyse McGriff is the first black, female mayor of an Oregon town in the history of the state. She was elected in 2022 and talks about what it means to live a lifetime of service and care for community, navigate the terrain of elected office, and the experience of being mayor for Oregon's oldest town, Oregon City-the end of the Oregon Trail.

You can learn more about Oregon City and opportunities to get involved at: https://www.orcity.org/

Jaime Rae and Ashley Bonn explore the profound intersection of grief and visionary leadership. After a year of deep personal grief work, Ashley Bonn has re-emerged as a powerful creatrix of transformative gatherings in Portland and Eugene, Oregon. As an event coordinator, visionary director, and grief voyageur, Ashley shares her journey of turning loss into light, building spaces where connection, healing, and growth can flourish.

Join Jaime Rae and Ashley as they discuss the role of grief as a catalyst for personal and communal transformation, the intentionality behind crafting meaningful events, and how we can embrace sorrow as a pathway to deeper connection and resilience.

Follow Ashley on Instagram at @ashley.bonn and explore her projects at @cascadia.culture and @conscious.growth.

Episode 8-Marci Jory is a proud Cherokee woman, entrepreneur, and community builder, sharing her story about claiming her indigeneity, becoming a teen parent, and parenting her son through his addiction. 

You can learn more about her creative Feng Shui space design or hire her services through her website: www.sacredlifestyle-fengshui.com

She resides in Canby, OR on the traditional lands of the Atfalati, Ahantchuyuk, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples. 

Episode 7-Jaime shares her experience of living through a rare childhood cancer between the ages of 8-12 and the gifts of walking so closely with death. 

You can learn more at: www.jaimemathis.com or https://profoundlifechangestories.com

Episode 6-Entrepreneur, fashion designer, and lesbian creatrix, Juliana Allen talks about her experiences with disordered eating, discovering she is a wild lesbian in her 30's while married to a policeman, and her vision for creating community and sustainable systems within business.

You can buy her designs at: https://maryrosenwboutique.com/

Learn more about her community offerings and opportunities at: https://www.facebook.com/MaryRoseNWBoutique

Episode 5-Former librarian and county election worker, Catherine McMullen decided to run for the elected office of Clackamas County Clerk in 2022.  

Learn about her journey into elected office, what it takes to run for office, the difference between running and governing, and how to be an engaged and informed voter. 

You can learn more about the work Catherine is doing at: https://www.clackamas.us/clerk

https://clackamasvoice.org/

Episode 4-Yoga teacher, mother, and entrepreneur Rachel Bailaluna shares her journey to healing a disregulated nervous system, life after Mormonism and dissolving a 20 year marriage.

You can practice with Rachel and learn more about her 6 Weeks to Calm program at: www.yogaoak.com

Episode 3-Andrea Love, aka, the Psychic Cheerleader, tells the story of how her diagnosis of Grave's disease led to her spiritual awakening and gave her the confidence and clarity to leave a toxic marriage to a narcissist.

Her work helping others heal from trauma can be experienced in the Phoenix Immersion workshops held throughout the US.

You can book sessions or workshops with Andrea at: https://www.andreafirpo.com/

Episode 2-Jaime recounts her life growing up in a cult, what it took to leave, and how her spiritual journey has unfurled. You can read more of her stories and adventures at: www.jaimemathis.com or https://profoundlifechangestories.com

Episode 1-Selene, a storyteller and mother of a highly sensitive child shares her lived experience with addiction, parenting, and becoming more present with her life.

You can follow her on Instagram at: @seleneemyrs

In this episode, Jaime Rae sits down with hydrogen expert Abe Mooney to discuss the incredible potential of hydrogen energy and its role in the transition to a more sustainable world. They delve into topics like:

• What is hydrogen energy, and why is it a game-changer for sustainability?
• How does hydrogen compare to other renewable energy sources like solar and wind?
• What are the biggest challenges in adopting hydrogen technology on a global scale?
• How can businesses and individuals support hydrogen innovation?
• Real-world applications of hydrogen today and in the future.
• Abe's vision for hydrogen in combating climate change and achieving net-zero goals.

If you’ve ever wondered how hydrogen could play a pivotal role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable world, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss!

Resources Mentioned:

• HyGear: www.hygear.com
• Renewable Hydrogen Alliance: www.renewableh2.org

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with the multi-talented Frank Krifka—an incredible visual artist, stay-at-home dad, and someone who’s refreshingly open about his journey living with bipolar and anxiety disorder. Frank brings a raw, honest perspective that will inspire and challenge the way you think about creativity, resilience, and life’s messier moments.

Frank’s work, which you need to check out, can be found at frankkrifka.com. Trust me, it’s the kind of art that speaks directly to the soul. You can also follow him on Instagram at @frankkrifka to see more of his creative genius.

Oh, and if you’re feeling feisty, you can even argue with him on Twitter—his handle there is @Diaryofagenius. Fair warning: He’s witty, sharp, and might just outsmart you in 280 characters or less.

Stay tuned for an episode filled with humor, insight, and the kind of authenticity that reminds us we’re all navigating this wild ride called life together. Let’s dive in!

Jaime Rae sits down with Emily Lau for a warm and reflective conversation about navigating change, culture, and community. Emily shares her experiences growing up in Hong Kong and studying abroad in England and the US, offering unique insights into the interplay between tradition and transition. Together, they explore the role of tea in Chinese culture, the layers of care embedded in its traditions, and the ways these practices nurture relationships and foster a sense of belonging. To learn more about Emily and her work, visit her website at www.emily-lau.com.

This sound painting is a deeply personal and transformative declaration for new beginnings—an expression of stepping into strength, sufficiency, and creative power. It’s a journey of saying “yes” to life, embracing growth, and creating spaces where beauty and voices can thrive.

This piece speaks to the heart of transformation: facing the heat, the wonder, and the unknown with courage. Listen and join me in celebrating the profound process of standing, building, and revealing the beauty within us all.

Jaime Rae Mathis is the host of Profound Life Change Stories and a sometimes noncomittal but undeniable artist. On the longest night of the year she reflects on navigating dark nights of the soul and the regenerative process of embracing creativity as a human on planet Earth. 

The first in a series of short meditations and sonic massages, this sound painting invites you to deepen your breath, embrace stillness, and feel the profound truth that you are loved. Curated and written by Jaime, it’s a gentle reminder of the beauty and strength within, guiding you toward connection and renewal.

Will Bradley and Will Ashmont are creators, composers, engineers and travellers. We broke down the components of time, space and beauty over hot toddys and and snacks.