In this episode, I sit down with artist and executive coach Rochonda Ferrelli, creator of the mesmerizing Magnetic Geodes, to unravel the trap of future tripping: the exhausting swirl of overanalyzing, comparing, and projecting ourselves into “what’s next.”

*If you caught us live, you can skip this replay, or send this to a friend who might appreciate it.

We also explore:

* Why chasing the future can rob us of joy right now

* Rochonda’s journey from nine years of Kundalini meditation to a more grounded presence

* The underrated power of a gratitude practice (and how it helps with depression)

* Religious trauma, evolving definitions of God, and crafting a spiritual path that hums with truth

* AI as a ghost, script machine, and tool, plus the importance of preserving your personal creative process

* A behind‑the‑scenes look at Rochonda’s magnetic geode art, including her upcoming exhibits and mentorships

✨ You don’t need to wait for the “next level” to feel joy. You can embrace what is, right now, and still hold a vision for the future.

Links & Spotlights

* Rochonda Ferrelli – Magnetic Geodes & Creative WorkExplore her mentorship and creative leadership consulting program.Learn more about Rochonda’s art work: Magnetic Geodes By Rochondaand browse original art and commission options.

* Charlotte Dune:

Read Charlotte Dune’s novels.

Dive into her exploration of psychedelia, creativity, and culture on Substack: Charlotte Dune’s Lagoon (Substack)

Join me for my next live video in the app

In this episode, authors Caitlin Avery and Charlotte Dune discuss how Avery outed and publicly shamed her rapist. She explains why and how she did it, what happened, the public's reaction, social media activism, and her novel Life of Cyn, inspired by the experience.

She also reads from her latest book, The Last Con.

Finally, we discuss the aftermath of the #metoo movement.

Connect with Caitlin Avery: https://www.caitlinavery.com/

Connect with Charlotte Dune: https://linktr.ee/charlottedune

In today's episode of Charlotte Dune’s Lagoon, we're winding into the world of "ticking clocks" in literature and how they're not just gripping plot devices, but also mirrors to our real-life motivations. Counting down to my own book launch, I share thoughts on these suspense-building tools. I also reveal and tease about the literary devices and hidden clocks in my own books: Cactus Friends, Mushroom Honeymoon, and Acid Christmas.

But it's not just in books; we all have personal ticking clocks that nudge us to chase our goals. I talk about turning off the clock when life gets too overwhelming, offering a unique perspective on how we can use these literary insights in our daily lives. So, if you've ever felt the urgency of a ticking clock, whether in fiction or reality, this episode will have you nodding along and maybe even reconsidering the ticking clocks in your own life.

To read more, visit Charlotte Dune’s Lagoon’s What is a Ticking Clock on Substack.

In this episode, I speak with Lauren Richardson, Recovery Yoga Expert, Artist’s Way Creative Cluster Host, and founder of Source Recovery Yoga about her practices and philosophy. Recovery in this context means recovery from addiction, though Lauren is also a survivor of child sexual abuse.

Charlotte Dune's Lagoon is a reader-supported publication with text, audio, and video. To receive new episodes, please consider becoming a subscriber. I explore mind-expansion, big ideas, healing, storytelling, and love.

Clarifications:

We mention Russell Brand several times in this episode, which was recorded well before the sexual abuse accusations came out against Brand. He inspired both of us in our recovery from addiction to alcohol.

The recovery group where we met was Recovery Elevator.

Watch the Video Version with Captions:

Want More?

To get in touch with Lauren for recovery yoga, to join one of her creative clusters, or to join the Healing Hive, please email her at < the artist way with lauren @ gmail dot com. > (Writing it out so she doesn’t get spam bombed, but no spaces in the email.)

Now You

Do you have any questions? What did this episode bring up for you?

If you’d like to share your thoughts, and you’re listening to this episode on your preferred podcast platform, please jump over to Charlottte Dune’s Lagoon on Substack and drop a comment, or share a comment on the Youtube video.

Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Charlotte Dune’s Lagoon, I speak with American expat and trailing spouse, Melanie Duhon about her years living in Beijing, including her time during the Covid-19 pandemic and her experience of WeChat, and “The Brickening,” plus, a lot of amazing food, travel, and culture.

Listen here, on your favorite podcast platform, or watch the video version on Youtube, which offers captions for anyone hearing-impaired.

Prefer the written, edited version of this interview? Read Part 1 or look for it in your inbox if you’re already a subscriber.

These episodes always release first on Youtube, and you can take advantage of that by subscribing to my Youtube channel if you’re active on that platform.

A note from me:

This interview may contain something you find upsetting or controversial. I’m here to listen and learn from my guests. Take what you need and leave the rest—is my attitude.

China itself is a fraught topic in the US and the more we can listen and learn, the better.

I’m grateful I could speak with Melanie because many Americans currently in China aren’t allowed to talk about their experience or don’t feel safe doing so. The first person I wanted to interview wasn’t actually able to speak with me, as their employer forbid it.

I would love to visit Beijing myself, but I worry that my status as a former U.S. Diplomat would complicate my trip. However, I find the country and topic fascinating and I hope you do too. If there are experts on China-related topics that you’d like me to interview in the future, let me know in the comments or shoot me an email.

I obviously don’t support any form of genocide.

Enjoy!

Charlotte Dune's Lagoon is a listener-supported publication and podcast. I interview interesting people who refuse to niche. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.