Healing Out Loud with Jackie Shea

Eldra Jakson III, Co Executive Director at The Inside Circle

Eldra Jackson III

Eldra served 24 years of a life sentence; the last eight were spent sitting with Inside Circle eventually leading to his release from New Folsom Prison in 2014. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time on the outside to serving at-risk youth, and acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor.  He is a writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation and turning around ‘toxic’ masculinity. He also hosts the Inside Circle Podcast.

The Inside Circle

The Inside Circle exists to reduce recidivism and all forms of violence-physical, emotional, and psychological— in our prisons and communities. Using the power of human connection found in peer-guided healing circles, Inside Circle transforms lives, reducing violence inside and outside adult and juvenile prisons, lowering recidivism rates, and building social-emotional literacy.

They Operate regularly within and around California State Prison, Sacramento (New Folsom), Sierra Conservation Center, and New Jersey's Juvenile Medium Security Facility. They have ignited and run programs in an array of adult and juvenile detention centers and community settings across the United States.

After sitting in group with Inside Circle for an average of 3 years, members show shifts in resilience, empathy, self-regulation, and perspective taking. For participants, There’s an 80% decline in the number of “115” rule violations. 70% of participants dropped 1-3 security levels. 44% of the men who were serving and went through the program are no longer in prison but instead serving their communities and contributing to society, and 0% of released participants returned to prison within three years of release. For more on The Inside Circle watch The Work documentary available on Amazon.

Discussed In This Episode:

Eldra's background and his storyWhat went through Eldra's mind when he was sentenced and his first years in prisonToxic masculinity, Eldra's definition of it, and how it impacted his lifeWhat we need to know about prison lifeRacial segregation in CA prisons and why this remains in practiceThe Circle -- how Eldra found it and how it healsWhat led to Eldra's freedom and eventual releaseThe adjustment to being out of prison and the biggest challengesThe pain of healingHow to reduce incarcerationCall to action

Important Links:

Waiting For An Echo by Christine MontrossThe Work documentary Eldra Jackson and The Circle on Instagram

Other Episodes Like This:

Healing From An Act Of ViolenceParenting a Child With Autism

Happy Listening!

With Fun and Love,

Jackie

Deborah Thompson Cox, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner

Deborah Thompson Cox

Deborah Thompson Cox has a private practice specializingin addressing the after-effects of childhood trauma in adults. Deborah is basedin the Greater Los Angeles area yet her work with others extends across thecountry. Deborah’s work with clients is designed to support the self-healing intelligenceof the body’s life energy. She views the body and mind as one coherentsystem, and both can be affected by a combination of healing modalities. Thiselastic body of work is inclusive of the following approaches:Somatic Experiencing (SE) which guides the client’s attention to their bodilysensations, connecting these to their thoughts, expressions/movements, imagesand emotions in a way that opens the neural pathways and allows trauma-bound(adrenaline-produced) energy to discharge. Quiet spaciousness betweeninterventions allows the profound, and healing, reorganization of the body-mind.Early Attachment Patterning which provides a foundational understandingof the four core Attachment Styles, their origins, the way they reveal themselvesin relationships, and methods for transforming attachment hurt into healing. I usethe terms Secure, Avoidant, Ambivalent, and Disorganized Attachment.Somatic Integration which promotes the body’s capacity to hold and expanda wide range of emotions via how the energy runs through the body whichincludes understanding Defense Mechanisms and how the Brain Developsthroughout early childhood via Family Dynamics.And finally, She fuses these modalities by introducing the client to a mindfulpractice of yoga and meditation based upon the ancient wisdom of KundaliniYoga.Contact Deborah @ [email protected] or go to her website here

Discussed In This Episode:

How educating yourself on trauma can begin the process of healing traumaThe amygdala function in the brain & The nervous systemA working definition of traumaAttachment PatternsDeborah's story Trauma focused CBTKundaliniPeter LevineSomatic ExperiencingAlcoholism and addictionACESNeuroplasticity

Resources Mentioned

ACES testDr. Arlene Drake Waking The Tiger by Peter Levine

Other Episodes Like This

Jessica Graham How Trauma Affects Us and How To Heal

Happy Listening!

Fun & Love,

Jackie

Ashley Cantley

Ashley Cantley

Ashley Cantley is the Author of High-Vibe Feng Shui: 11 Steps to Achieving Your Best Life. She is passionate about living well and helping others do the same through the ancient principles of Feng Shui. Her modern practice pulls from Traditional Chinese Medicine, shamanism, Ayurveda, and current studies of energetics to design a life of abundance. As a certified Feng Shui expert and a Red Ribbon Professional (the highest recognition) through the International Feng Shui Guild, she has worked with celebrity clients and has been  featured as a go-to source for media outlets such as Bravo TV and Real Simple.

Discussed In This Episode:

The lifestyle of Feng ShuiWhat is modern Feng Shui according to Ashley CantleyIntuition and deepening your relationship with yourselfBeing authentic and how that's the only way to "do Feng Shui right"Why using environmentally friendly products mattersBeing intentional in everything you doTips from the Feng Shui toolboxMantrasThe Sacred PauseHaving faith and trust in the sacred pauseHow doing all of the "spiritual work' doesn't stop life from happeningHow Ashley is moving through her stillbirth and grieving her baby girlHow to support others when they're in deep grief and traumaHow Ashley is using Feng Shui to help

Links:

Jackie SheaAshley CantleyThe Sixth Stage of GriefRachel's GiftIt's OK That You're Not OK

Other Episodes Like This:

Ashley Cantley's First Episode on Feng Shui For HealthHow to Help a Sick Friend

Happy Listening!

Fun & Love Always.

Amy B Scher:

AMY B SCHER is an award-winning and bestselling author of four books on human-ing and healing. She’s been featured in Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, CNN, CBS, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Rumpus and more. Scher was also named one of Advocate’s “40 Under 40.” Amy’s books have been translated into thirteen languages and endorsed by notable authors such as Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray Love); Vikas Swarup (Slumdog Millionaire); and Sanjiv Chopra, MD, MACP, Harvard Medical School and (Brotherhood with Deepak Chopra). Amy lives in New York City with her beautiful wife and bad cat. www.amybscher.com

Discussed In This Episode:

A balanced view on what depression is from an energetic standpointBurying ourselves for others and the ramificationsBeing practical -- what you have to do vs. what can you chooseThe symptoms of depressionHow indecisiveness plays into depressionPeople-pleasing surrender to where you are. Wanting to move forward but not needing to move forwardWhat is self-healing? Doing the parts that no one else can do but you! Combining Western and EasternAmy B Scher's 3-step approach to energetically healing depressionWhat is energy therapyChanging thoughts, emotions and beliefs. Releasing stuck energyThe Sweep script for changing our beliefs and why that's important Why we sometimes subconsciously keep ourselves sickAmy B Scher advice! The brave lifestyle of staying healthy and depression freeLiving authenticallyBoundaries and how they play a role in depression. Boundaries and being an empathGetting into action "Sometimes we forget when we are spiritual people and we've been using these tools that we can also just DO STUFF" The combo of gentleness and tough loveThe fear of being unloved based on living our lives for ourselvesHarm vs. disappointment What is the path of least resistance?Taking on other's feelingsAmy B Scher advice! How to start taking action today -- tell yourself the truth!

Other Episodes Like This:

Amy B Scher on Lyme Disease Amy B Scher on Healing Anxiety

Happy Listening!

With Fun and Love,

Jackie

Amy Marcs, Sex and (Self) Love after a Double Mastectomy:

In 2009, Amy received a breast cancer diagnosis and intuitively knew that a double mastectomy was her best option—no easy decision for "a petite Jewish girl with great boobs." (No easy decision for anyone, ever). Marcs loved her breasts—her journey through the grieving process is heartbreaking, touching, inspiring and hilarious. It's a grieving process that many sick people can relate to as all of us lose a part of our identities we were once attached to. We get down to business in this episode, intimately discussing sex and (self) love after a double mastectomy.  Today, on the other side, Amy (and her new boobs) tours her one woman show, "Nice Tits," and speaks out about the specific pains of breast cancer and double mastectomies. (http://nicetitstheshow.com )

Weekly Challenge:

"Take your broken heart and make it into art" -Carrie Fisher

I love this challenge, my friends! Amy wrote as a way to move through her experience so it's only fitting that her challenge to you is to find a creative expression on your journey. I did it, and it worked wonder. Check out how creativity helped me heal in this blog post on my photo 365 challenge. You can do anything: Paint, draw, garden, take photos, write, sing, pick up an instrument, color, act, dance, knit, sew, make pottery, and the list goes on. There's no shortage on creative outlets, AND you have the time (and energy)! Commit to ten minutes a day if you can and if you're bed bound like I was then pick something low-impact. Keep me updated on my Instagram @sheajackie. I'll be looking for you #holweeklychallenge

Discussed in this Episode:

DCISBRCA genesHow Amy got diagnosed (when mammograms don't work)Amy's treatment protocolDouble MastectomyFinding a doctor right for youAmy's grieving process (goodbye parties for your boobs)The surgeryHow to save your nipple3D nipplesAmy's writing and performing processLosing parts of your identitySex after a double mastectomyDating after cancerFollowing your own truthHumor in the face of illnessHow creativity can save your life

Resources Mentioned:

DCISTamoxifenAware causes pink necklaceIyengar yogaVinni Myers/ 3D nipples

Other Episodes Like This:

Ovarian Cancer at 29 years oldHow to Navigate a Cancer Diagnosis

Support this Podcast:

Subscribe/rate/review on iTunesFollow me at www.jackieshea.comFollow me @sheajackie on InstagramJoin the Healing Out Loud with Jackie Shea Facebook community 

Happy Listening, my friends!

Nichole Proffitt, mindfulness coach for women, somatic experiencing practitioner

Mindfulness and Chronic Illness:

Nichole Proffitt ( http://www.presencemindfulness.com/ ) had been

seriously practicing meditation for years when her first fibromyalgia

symptoms developed, and (plot-twist) meditation was making it all worse.

This isn’t an episode about traditional meditation and using it to heal

from illness.  It’s an episode about accepting what is, seeking out

your truth, surrendering to your truth, and then being willing to let

go… of everything.  The closer Nichole got to her absolute truth

( whether that truth was that she couldn’t hang out with toxic people

anymore, or eat her favorite foods, or stay up past 10pm

even though she’s always been a night owl) and the more she surrendered

to them, the healthier and happier she has become.  She said, “These

truths, as hard as they are to come by, and even harder to live by, are

what give me back my life… the years, relationships, friendships, jobs

and everything I have lost.” THIS is mindfulness and chronic illness.

Nichole’s Facebook

Weekly Challenge:

Ask yourself deeper questions and become open to your own deeper

answers. What a doozy, huh? This may seem totally overwhelming. Often,

it’s those deep—DEEP—answers that we are trying to avoid so that we can

hang on tightly to our own visions. But, this week, gently try to go

inward, listen just a little closer, and allow small parts of your truth

to emerge. Tune in to the episode to hear more about how to actually do

this. Follow me @sheajackie for weekly challenge updates and more

wellness fun.

Discussed in this Episode:

TraumaViolence/ rapeIllness and trauma linkWhy healing your trauma is necessary to heal your illness sometimesThe desire to be fully wellHow coping mechanisms can make us sickerWhat happens to our learned coping mechanisms when we get sickRageBuilding up a reference point for pleasure and delightGriefNichole’s darkest hours and how she made it throughFibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ interstitial CystitisSurrender/ let go/ acceptMindfulness and chronic illnessPresenceYour truthSelf-loveHow to make your own yogurtTriumphs/ how Nichole manages a big full life with self-careDeep listening to yourself

Support this Podcast:

Check out my new Patreon page here! Check out what perks there are for becoming a patron.Follow me at www.jackieshea.com for more updates and my coaching servicesFollow me on IG @sheajackieJoin the Healing Out Loud with Jackie Shea Facebook Community Subscribe/rate/review on iTunes or any other podcasting platform

Other Podcasts Like This:

How Trauma Affects Us and How to Heal

Listening to Your Body’s Wisdom

Happy Listening, dear friends!

Ashley Cantley, Feng Shui expert, manifester, mama bear

Feng Shui for Health:

Ashley Cantley was drawn to this ancient Chinese practice when faced with healing from a toxic relationship. Similarly, I only started putting attention on my living space when I was sick and doing some healing of my own.  Most people who have a current #lifegoal of “heal from illness” are in bed, and, in that case, shouldn’t the bedroom feel like a sanctuary?  I believe that my living space is a reflection of how I am in the world, and I committed to making my whole home a giant vision board: Everything in it should make me feel good! Essentially, how to feng shui for health. That being said, I knew very little about the actual art and science of Feng Shui, so I was pretty pumped to get Ashley on and talk about practical suggestions to use Feng Shui for health and healing. How is Feng Shui an extension of holistic health? And how does it enhance other self-care practices? How can we make small changes in our home to enhance our health? Listen in here!

Find Ashley for more Feng Shui tips on IG @fengshuiash and at her blog and website here.

Weekly Challenge:

This one can be a real game-changer! Clean and de-clutter the center

of your home or living space. The center of your home is where the

health and wellness energy resides. Of course it’s in the center, right?

It can be the most important piece of our lives. After a deep clean and

serious de-clutter, purchase a swarovski crystal here and hang  it. 

In the episode (around minute 20) we get into the deets behind WHY

this crystal is the jam! Follow me @sheajackie on IG for weekly

challenge updates.

Discussed in this Episode:

What Feng Shui isMy personal journey of de-cluttering to healWhy Ashley turned to Feng Shui after a break-upHow changing your space enhances your energyThe Life-changing Magic of Tidying UpWhat is a Feng Shui cureAcupunctureTraumatic MiscarriagesFeng Shui for fertilityLittle adjustments you can make to enhance your health (like the sheet color on your bed!)Feng Shui for health and wellnessMudrasMantrasIntentionsConscious living with makeup, food and clothes

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Bayou with loveThe Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie KondoOtt Light for wellnessMudrasMantras

Other Episodes that May Interest You:

Infertility Vaginal Steaming

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST:

follow me at jackieshea.comSubscribe/ rate/ review on iTunesFollow me on IG @sheajackieJoin the Healing Out Loud Facebook groupShare with your friends

Amy B. Scher, How to Heal Anxiety

Amy B. Scher ( https://amybscher.com/ ) is the best-selling author of the new book How To Heal Yourself From Anxiety When No One Else Can. As

an expert in mind-body healing, she uses energy therapy techniques to

help those experiencing emotional and physical challenges to move on and

heal permanently and completely. Amy has been featured in CNN, CBS, Cosmopolitan, Washington Post, and more.  Most importantly, she lives by her self-created motto: When life kicks your ass, kick-back.  In this episode get an in-depth look at how to heal anxiety.

Discussed in this Episode:

What inspired Amy to write this bookWhat anxiety isHow to know if you have anxietyHow to heal anxietyTo-do lists: The debate! And how to make them work FOR you. How does technology add to our anxietyWhat happens when you avoid your feelingsBig traumas vs. smaller traumas and which is more harmful?AngerImmune system and feelingsTalk-therapy downfallsDecision makingEmotional Freedom TechniqueLetting goWhy you don’t need to worry Perfectionism Thymus gland tappingOld beliefs Muscle testingWhen to turn toward your feelings and when to turn awayLaughing at yourself

Resources:

Amy’s book, How to Heal Yourself from Anxiety when No One Else CanAmy’s instagram Our previous episode

Self-Care Tool:

This episode, Amy teaches us how to use thymus gland tapping to help us heal stuck emotions, anxiety and our immune systems. Did you know that the Thymus gland is the master gland of the immune system? Learn how to use it to benefit you.

How to Support this Podcast:

Subscribe/rate/review on iTunesFollow me on IG @sheajackie (my fave platform!)Follow me at www.jackieshea.com for moreJoin the Healing Out Loud Facebook group 

Other Episodes like This:

Listening to Your Own Body’s Wisdom

Megan's Story:

Twenty years ago, on a beautiful Monday afternoon in Portland, Oregon,  Megan was violently attacked and sexually assaulted by a stranger. It was luck that saved her life, but the emotional wounds carried on for years to follow. In this episode, Megan bravely shares her story and the tools she used to navigate this random act of violence. Today, in her big, full life, she is free from the power he had over her, and she has come to a place of total forgiveness.

Interested in forgiving your perpetrator? If you want to contact Megan please write to me first and I will put you in touch

Weekly Challenge:

This is straight from Megan’s toolbox: Write a fear list and then (plot-twist) write a gratitude list twice as long! I love this challenge. I always say that I don’t “gratitude-list my way out of feelings,” but I use them to get a more balanced view of reality. When our fears are raging, we often lose sight of what’s real—gratitude can help. Give it a try and tell me what you think.

Follow me @sheajackie for weekly challenge updates.

Discussed in this episode:

Acts of ViolenceSexual assaultTrusting your InstinctsAdrenaline/ shockPTSDfearTherapySelf-judgment / negative self-talkAsking for helpHow to identify your feelingsWritingGriefForgiving your perpetratorWalking through the painAcceptanceAnger and how to let it outExpressing feelings in a productive wayDating after sexual and physical trauma

Resources Mentioned:

Gratitude Hal Elrod

Support this podcast:

Subscribe/rate/review on itunes or on your podcasting platformFollow me @sheajackie on IGFollow me at www.jackieshea.comShare with your friends!

Other episodes like this;

- Latisha Singletary Life After Parlysis victim of random act of violence.

Steamy Chick

Vaginal Steaming 101:

How many of you are shaking your heads in amusement? How many of you are doing that but also VERY curious? And how many of you are just like, this sounds weird but I am excited! After so many years dealing with periods that are so heavy I'm left chronically anemic, I had an entirely open mind when I first heard about vaginal steaming. Five months ago, a friend responded to a Facebook post I had written (Ladies! Any and all advice to slow the flow??) emphatically suggesting vaginal steaming. That was only five months ago, but the idea of steaming my uterus piqued my interest so much that I have been following around Steamy Chick on social media, reading her blogs, and steaming at home myself since. I'm so pumped that Keli Garza, founder of Steamy Chick, came on the show and now I get to share this gem with all of you!

This episode is your vaginal steaming 101 course. We discuss its ancient origin (this is not some new trend, you guys), exactly how, when, and why to steam—steaming has been shown to help with everything from infertility to missing periods to blood clots. Plus, it literally feels like a sauna for your uterus. Those of you who are following along with my period series, this episode is part II. I am still in my trial period with vaginal steaming and will have a lot more to say about it in the coming months, but, for now, ENJOY this vaginal steaming 101 course.

Weekly Challenge:

Steamy Chick challenges us to steam at home this week! You don't need to buy anything, you can steam using things you already have: A pot, some tea, salt, and water. I just finished steaming five days in a row as per Keli's suggestion, and I'm meant to wait until the end of my period to steam for three more days (find out why in this episode!). So, my steam may or may not be lining up with the weekly challenge, but I WILL be waiting to hear from all of you on this! Dear naysayers, what have you got to lose? NOTHING. Unless your pregnant then PLEASE do not do this because you absolutely have something to lose.

Follow me @sheajackie for more weekly challenge gems

Discussed in this Episode:

How to vaginal steamWhy to vaginal steamWho should/ shouldn't vaginal steamWhen to vaginal steamHow I got introduced to vaginal steamingSuccess storiesHow Keli ended up on this life pathWhy Keli has dedicated her life to this workWhy tampons are so harmfulWhat to use instead of tamponsThe signs that your period is not rightThe signs that you aren't getting a full uterine cleanseWhat cramps are/ what brown blood meansInfertility and why vaginal steaming helpsSteaming at-home, free of chargeSelf-care practices for womenTaking rest seriously during your period and why

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Steamy Chick website La Loba Loca padsThe Moon Medicine Course Seaweed sponges 

Support this Podcast:

Follow me IG @sheajackieJoin the Healing Out Loud Facebook communitysubscribe/rate/review on iTunesShare with your friends!