Follow your Spark

Anja went from a thriving career in textile design in her 20s to waitressing for minimum wage in her 30s, then back to building a successful business as a digital artist. 

In this episode Anja beautifully shares how having fun was the key to finding joy and peace amongst these ever changing times and the freedom that blossoms when we let go of expectations. 

I’d imagine it’s safe to say all of us can probably relate to navigating times of wild transition, so I hope Anja’s wisdom resonates with you!

 
 IN THIS EPISODE WE EXPLORE:

• Understanding what environments support your values and finding spaces where you thrive
• Simple ways to begin living more sustainably
• The gifts of letting go of convenience and moving at a slower pace
• Embracing fun and joy in the constant roller coaster of life
• The freedom that blossoms when you let go of expectations
• Understanding what makes you happy vs ALWAYS striving for more money, growth, expansion

and so much more!

 MORE ABOUT ANJA JANE: 

There is magic and a quiet sense of tranquility in Anja Jane’s work. The Bowen Island -based artist and green witch has translated her deep connection to Mother Nature into intricate art featuring nature scenes from North America, from the lavish jungle of Hawaii to the enchanting British Columbia coastline or quaint tree-lined Montreal streets. In her nature scenes of luscious forests, vibrant flowers, whimsical creatures and sun-kissed mountains over turquoise waters, the folksy charm of her Norwegian and Polish heritage intertwines with the breathtaking landscape of the Pacific Northwest – now home for her.

Being kind to the environment is an integral part to the business using her illustrations to inspire wonder in others. So they too will become passionate and protect this beautiful planet we all share.

STAY CONNECTED WITH ANJA JANE:

Web: https://www.anjajane.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjajane/

STAY CONNECTED WITH GINA:

Follow your Spark Road Trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro

TOOLS TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK:

 Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

I met Stephanie F., PhD of Astronomy and Physic, back in Montana, just as I was about to give up on ever making it to Glacier National Park. Stephanie showed up at the perfect moment (and with the special park pass I needed!) and invited me along!

The conversation we had on the hike in Glacier was also just what I needed to hear. She shared about the twists and turns on her journey to becoming a professor and what helped her navigate that bumpy road.

She reminded me that even if things look like they're not working out in one moment, that opportunity you've been working towards could be just 10 feet away, if you just keep going.
 
 IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR:

• Navigating the twists and turns of discovering your career path & purpose
• When to be open to other’s input & feedback, and when to just listen to your heart
• How science and faith can support each other
• What can help in navigating seasons of uncertainty

 
STAY CONNECTED WITH STEPHANIE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrogrlxx/

STAY CONNECTED WITH GINA:

Follow your Spark Road Trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro

TOOLS TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK:

 Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

I’m still in awe for how the stars aligned for this conversation!! I had just left Yellowstone a day early when I realized that I was chasing other peoples’ recommendations instead of following my north star. So I packed up my tent and thankfully met Linda Welsh through divine guidance, AKA AirBNB, and I'm so glad I did! 

The conversation we got up to aligned with so many thoughts, feelings and ideas I’d been having about synchronicity, actively co-creating your life with the Universe, surrender and the power of following your spark.  This conversation left me feeling so inspired and riding high, and I hope it does the same for you!
 
 IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR:

• what fueled her to build her solar and wind powered center, even after the first building burnt down
• how to open yourself up to more synchronicity, serendipity and manifesting power
• what living in harmony with nature means to her, especially in a world that values modernity and comfort
• how living with the question "what makes me excited about living?" is so much more fulfilling than chasing the answer
• the books, tools and resources that changed the course of her life

and so much more!

If you feel intrigued AT ALL to listen to this conversation – please do! I have a feeling there’s something in this episode you’re meant to hear. 

 MORE ABOUT LINDA: 

Linda Welsh is so many things, and above all is just a fascinating human being. Linda is the co-founder of Sage Mountain Center, a solar and wind powered retreat center in Whitehall, Montana that her and her partner built from scratch. She is also a Registered Nurse certified in Hospice and Palliative Care, Regional educator for Rocky Mountain Hospice, and a Certified Yoga Teacher with an M.A. in Transformative Learning and Change. Linda is committed to the work of personal and social transformation and this is enhanced by her love of poetry, gardening/permaculture, soap making, back packing, and people.

STAY CONNECTED WITH LINDA:

Web: https://sagemountain.org/

STAY CONNECTED WITH GINA:

Follow your Spark Road Trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro

TOOLS TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK:

 Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

WOW, today’s conversation with Katie Steller has so many MIC DROP moments! Katie is one of the realist, most honest, kind, vulnerable humans I’ve met. She also has a beautiful ability to transform challenging experiences into pearls of wisdom and inspiration and I can’t wait to share some of her insights here with you. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR:

• how childhood illness, divorce and feelings of “otherness” fueled her resiliency and problem solving skills 
• simple reflection questions to help you hone in on your purpose
• how she uses her passions and gifts to make a difference in the world and how you can too
• what she learned when she asked her homeless community “Besides food, water, and money, what’s the #1 thing you’d hope to receive?”

and so much more!

MORE ABOUT KATIE: 

A local small business leader known for her compassion, drive, and values, Katie Steller is the owner and founder of Steller Hair Company, Steller Connect, and Steller Kindness Project. Katie is committed to cultivating spaces that are safe and inclusive to all, and to spreading kindness in her own unique way. What started out with her and her red salon chair on the side of highway exits giving free haircuts to individuals in need, has now grown into a non-profit offering volunteer opportunities and partnering with local community organizations as the Steller Kindness Project. In its first year of operating in 2019, the Steller Kindness Project enlisted hundreds of volunteers, packed hundreds of care packages for those in need, gave nearly a hundred free haircuts, and partnered with seven local non-profit organizations and homeless shelters. Katie believes that we all have the opportunity, no matter our platform, to show up and advocate for the people in our communities. 

STAY CONNECTED WITH KATIE:

Instagram: @stellerhairco / @stellerkindnessproject / @katiesteller
Web: https://stellerkindnessproject.com / https://www.stellerhair.com

STAY CONNECTED WITH GINA:

Follow your Spark Road Trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro

TOOLS TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK:

Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Today's guest is - ME - your host Gina Casbarro recording my first solo episode here!

In this episode I share a little of my personal journey in dealing with my inner critic or "saboteur" and share some tools I've discovered to help shift my focus to the positive and boost the celebration in my life.

I've realized that while I may never totally silence that inner critic, there are go to practices that can help me tap into my heart wisdom and boost feelings of trust, faith, joy and appreciation - even while navigating totally unfamiliar territory - like road tripping around the country!

I'd love to know what parts resonate with you. Feel free to leave a comment or review here or reach out if you want to connect more!

MEET GINA CASBARRO

Gina Casbarro is a certified Life Designer™ coach and feng shui consultant who empowers her clients to follow their spark, blaze their own path and design the life and space of their dreams. Gina's path currently led her on a year long road trip to follow her spark and connect with others who are doing the same.

Gina is the host and founder of the Follow your Spark podcast and she, along with her guests, share insights, stories, lessons and learnings all about living your most authentic, inspired life. Gina has been featured as a coaching, mindset and feng shui expert on "The You-est You™  Podcast", the "1 Girl Revolution Podcast", "Alumna Lifestyle Podcast", in Voyage Baltimore, on Redfin Blog and within the School of Self-Image program with Tonya Leigh. To learn more about Gina and how she might support you to follow YOUR spark, go to ginacasbarro.com

TOOLS TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK:

Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

Book mentioned: "Positive Intelligence" by Shirzad Chamine
https://www.positiveintelligence.com/

STAY CONNECTED WITH GINA:

Follow your Spark Road Trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Today's guest is Erdi Engin!

I met Erdi Engin sitting under a tree at a park in Madison. We quickly struck up a conversation that went off in so many interesting tangents 5 hours went by in the blink of an eye. After that I knew I’d love to share his story with you!

Erdi is a professional soccer coach from Madison, Wisconsin. He was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey where he played soccer for 18 plus years starting from youth academy to professional level. He also has a business degree and currently holds a US National C License in coaching. He speaks Turkish, English and is learning Spanish.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR:

• his journey from professional soccer player to inspired coach
• the role sports played in transforming his mindset
• what it was like transitioning from life in Turkey to the USA
• how he shifted from blaming the world to empowering himself
• ways to think about “failure” in a new light
• reminders to trust the Universe and diving timing

STAY CONNECTED WITH ERDI:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erdiengin/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rdngn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erdiengin/

TOOLS TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK:

Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

STAY CONNECTED WITH GINA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro
Follow your Spark road trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Today's guest is Madeleine Para and oh what a juicy conversation it is! In this episode you’ll hear all kinds of pearls of wisdom from Madeleine’s life spent as an activist, teacher, and all around amazing woman committed to pursuing what really matters to her. 

WE DIVE INTO:

• Why every step of your journey is valuable, even if it feels unrelated
• Simple ways to build resiliency, especially when facing gigantic problems
• The power of gratitude and appreciation, even when interacting with people you don’t agree with
• The reminder of… the more you’re yourself, the better it goes!
• How to stay committed by remembering what really matters 
• Ways to get involved if you’re passionate about shifting climate change

MORE ABOUT MADELEINE:

Madeleine was an early member of Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL), and like many others, grew in her role and commitment as the organization grew. She founded her local Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) chapter in Madison, Wisconsin in 2011, and went on to assist 10 other groups to start in her home state of Wisconsin. During her time as a CCL volunteer she held nearly every role available within the organization from group leader to regional coordinator, as well as liaison to her Senator and her local newspaper editors. 

In addition to her CCL volunteer experience, she draws upon a diverse career in housing co-op management, political activism, anti-racism training, peer mediation and counseling, and education. She is committed to Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s focus on empowering people from all backgrounds and walks of life to be effective climate advocates, and to building support in our government and communities for effective solutions to the climate problem. 

When she is not on the phone or Zoom with CCL staff and volunteers, Madeleine enjoys walking by the lake, singing with her church choir, and hanging out with her family and two cats. 

TO GET INVOLVED IN FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE CHECK OUT:

Citizen’s Climate Lobby https://www.citizensclimatelobby.org
350.og https://www.350.org

Help get carbon pricing enacted by contacting the President at https://citizensclimatelobby.org/white-house/

LOOKING FOR RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK?

Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools 

OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH GINA: 

Follow your Spark road trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Today's guest is SAMARA HILL, co-creator of Fifth House Collective - a monthly, non-renewing, book box service that delivers self-published comics and novels by Black authors along with other goodies to your doorstep. She currently works as a community organizer with a non-profit focused on affordable housing, transit justice and racial equity. Samara is also a lifelong Detroiter, book lover, retired Doula, trained yoga instructor, and lover of karaoke.   

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR:

• Wise words from an empowering mother
• What makes Fifth House Collective unique compared to other book box services
• What helped her bring FHC from a dream to reality – from the power of a name to her astrological sign
• Ways to stay connected to a passion project or spark while balancing the demands of work and life
• What she learned from a transition year being in a state of “I DON’T KNOW”
•  What books she's loving now

AND SO MUCH MORE!

I can't wait for you to hear this episode! Something resonate with you? Feel free to reach out and share your insights. I'd love to hear from YOU!

Want to stay connected with Samara and support her work?

Fifth House Collective Website: www.fifthhousecollective.com
Fifth House Collective Instagram: @fifthhouseindie
Email: [email protected]
Personal Instagram: @samarareadstoo

LOOKING FOR RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK?

Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

To stay connected to Gina on her travels or learn more about her work, check out the resources below:

Follow your Spark road trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode you'll hear powerful, honest stories of the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life along with lessons and insights to help fuel YOU to keep going, no matter what journey you're personally on.

WE'LL COVER...

• what happens if your spark leads you in a direction you never expected or never thought you'd go in
• how baby steps can help you make that eventual leap
• being aware of the mind games and inner saboteur and seeing your worth no matter what
• budgeting for emotional health
• sure fire tips to help you shift when you're struggling to move forward (HINT: it's NOT, stay up late and send one more email!)

AND SO MUCH MORE!

MORE ABOUT AMY PETERSON

Amy Peterson is Co-Founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, a socially driven jewelry company with a purpose. Rebel Nell employs women with barriers to employment to help them transition from a life of dependence into one of self-reliance. Living next to one of the city’s most well-known shelters gave Amy the unique opportunity to build relationships with many of the residents. The inspirational stories many of the women shared of overcoming emotional, physical and financial abuse were the catalyst for creating Rebel Nell.  Amy was adamant about providing women in the shelters with an opportunity to lead an independent life.  She believes that employment paired with financial literacy, business education, and a focus on life wellness assists them in regaining the confidence they need to lead them on the path to success.

Prior to taking over as CEO of Rebel Nell, she served as Vice President of Special Projects and General Counsel for the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE).  RISE and as the Associate Counsel for the Detroit Tigers.  She achieved her Bachelor of Arts in History from Kenyon College, her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law, and her Masters of Business Administration from Suffolk University.

Amy has been recognized for the impact she has had in the city of Detroit in Dbusiness Thirty in Their 30s Detroit’s Premier Business Journal, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year: 2016 Michigan and Northwest Ohio.

Want to stay connected with Amy and support her work? 

• Visit The Congregation Detroit: thecongregationdetroit.com
• Shop at RebelNell.com
• Interested in being a brand ambassador for Rebel Nell in Miami, Chicago or Detroit? Reach out to Amy on social media below!
• IG: @rebelnell or @thecongregationdetroit

Also mentioned in the podcast:

10 min yoga routines with Kassandra at: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithkassandra

LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES TO FOLLOW YOUR SPARK?

Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

To stay connected to Gina on her travels or learn more about her work, check out the resources below:

Follow your Spark Road trip: www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: @gina_casbarro
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gcasbarro

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

MEET EMILY BRANCEL

Emily (and her husband Stefan) were my first CouchSurfing hosts that I stayed with for three weeks in Detroit. I was blown away by how open and genuine they both were and for the zeal with which they both follow their sparks of passion and curiosity! For Emily, that might look like raising quails, to fostering greyhounds, to gardening and growing her own food, to taking in CouchSurfers. I am forever grateful for how they opened their lives and home to me and for the fresh perspective they offered of what it looks like to release external expectations and live your most authentic, inspired life.

When I asked Emily to describe herself she said: I'm a simple Midwesterner with an open mind and heart. My motto is short: doing the best I can, one day at a time.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR:

- What "wealth" means to her (not in the monetary sense).
- Her journey from being a shy kid to a gregarious teenager attached to others' approval to finally releasing expectations and embracing who she really is.
- How vulnerability can spark connection, acceptance and support.
- Beautiful detours that have led her to amazing nature hikes in Columbia to marrying her husband.
- How her and her partner redefined marriage to create an ethically non-monogamous relationship that works for THEM.
- Insights on honoring yourself and the seasons you go through in life.
and so much more!

Content Warning: Sexual Abuse. If you'd like to skip that section, it's from 10:44 - 12:51.

If you or someone you know is looking for support with sexual abuse, https://www.rainn.org/ is a free resource you can reach out to for help.

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED WITH EMILY?

- Check her out on Twitch! You just might catch some baby quails hatching! Twitch.tv/em_skor
- Looking for a place to stay in Detroit and interested to try out Couch Surfing? Search for "Emily Skorupski" and send her a request!

LOOKING FOR RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FOLLOW YOUR SPARK?

Download Gina's Top 15 Transformational Tools here: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/transformational-tools

To stay connected to Gina on her travels or learn more about her work, check out the resources below:

Follow your Spark Road Trip: https://www.ginacasbarro.com/follow-your-spark
Coaching & Feng Shui Services: https://ginacasbarro.com/all-services
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_casbarro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gcasbarro

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com