Sonny Moeckel is a painter, musician, and artist who has called Spokane home since 1996. Originally from Fort Defiance, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation, Sonny’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by his heritage and family. In this episode of I’m Human Too, Sonny shares how growing up in a family of artists, particularly his grandmother’s traditional Navajo rug weaving, ignited his passion for art and music, using creativity as a means of survival and self-expression.

After the loss of his father, Sonny shifted his focus from photography to painting, finding solace and healing in the tactile nature of brushwork. Meeting his wife, also an artist, created a powerful partnership that has led to numerous joint exhibitions and public works. Together, they’ve contributed significantly to Spokane’s art scene, even overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience and community support.

Now, with a new studio in downtown Spokane, Sonny and his wife continue to inspire through their art, creating space for collaboration and shared creativity. Sonny’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that more people bring more ideas, fostering richer and more meaningful art.

To explore Sonny’s work, visit Moeckel Studio in Spokane or follow him on social media for a closer look at his creative journey.

Tiana Ferrett is the proud owner of The Pilates Ritual, a thriving studio in Spokane that offers a mindful approach to Pilates. In this episode of I’m Human Too, Tiana shares her journey from working as a server in San Francisco to opening her own Pilates studio. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of mindful movement, showcasing how she turned an unexpected spark of interest into a thriving business.

Tiana’s journey began when an impromptu Pilates class ignited her passion for movement. After dedicating herself to learning through teacher training and mentorship, Tiana knew it was time to open her own studio. With the support of her fiancé, Lucas, she found the perfect space in Spokane’s steam plant building and transformed it into The Pilates Ritual, a sanctuary for full-body connection and mindful practice. Now, her studio is not just a place to work out but a community where clients form deep connections and achieve personal breakthroughs.

Looking ahead, Tiana envisions expanding The Pilates Ritual and continuing to build a space that fosters personalized, mindful Pilates instruction. Whether you’re new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, Tiana’s approach creates an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. 

To explore this empowering journey, visit The Pilates Ritual or follow them on Instagram at @thepilatesritual

Tasha Hunter is a licensed therapist and the author of Baby, Tell Me Where It Hurts. In this episode of I’m Human Too, Tasha shares her journey from surviving trauma to thriving, highlighting her new book as a reflection of that transformation. Her work focuses on self-love, healing, and authenticity, offering a deep dive into the emotional processes of recognizing, tending to, and ultimately healing our wounds.

Tasha discusses the importance of self-compassion and how healing is a personal, individualized journey. Her book guides readers through the stages of healing—starting from the recognition of pain, moving through care and nurturing, and culminating in growth and recovery. Tasha also emphasizes the power of vulnerability and how embracing discomfort and grief can lead to deeper self-discovery and empowerment.

In addition to her book, Tasha shares insights into how trauma impacts our ability to experience joy and authenticity, stressing that healing involves understanding and accepting every part of ourselves. Her conversation encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and honor their healing process.

To learn more about Tasha’s work and connect with her, visit her social media platforms at @TashaHunterLCSW or find her book on Amazon.

Amanda Manning is a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of Inner Glow Wellness in Spokane, Washington. In this episode of I’m Human Too, Amanda shares her journey as a therapist and yoga teacher, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, holistic approaches, and individualized care in mental health. At Inner Glow Wellness, Amanda and her team work to create a healthier community by integrating therapy with yoga and other holistic practices, ensuring accessibility through insurance options, including Medicaid.

Amanda discusses how yoga plays a pivotal role in mental health, offering a welcoming space for people of all body types and abilities. Unlike mainstream yoga classes that can feel intimidating, her classes are designed to be inclusive and supportive, encouraging personal growth and self-discovery without judgment. She also highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in our personal journeys, advocating for the discomfort that often comes with growth and self-reflection.

In addition to discussing the power of yoga and holistic healing, Amanda shares her insights into trauma, individualized care, and the therapeutic relationship. She speaks on how trauma impacts the brain and hinders our ability to experience joy, while stressing that healing is a unique process for everyone. Amanda’s work fosters a safe, supportive environment for clients to reprocess their trauma and move toward living authentically and joyfully. To learn more about Amanda and her work, visit Inner Glow Wellness.

Tanmeet Sethi is an integrative and psychedelic physician who blends Western medicine with ancient healing practices to emphasize the transformative power of joy in healing. In this episode of I’m Human Too, Tanmeet discusses her approach to well-being, highlighting how joy is a crucial resource for personal and community healing. Her book, Joy is My Justice, Reclaim Yours Now, explores how joy can coexist with pain and deepen our connection to meaning and love.
Tanmeet shares her experience with psychedelic therapy, highlighting its ability to uncover personal narratives and access deeper healing. She distinguishes joy from happiness, emphasizing that joy is an intrinsic, embodied state that enhances mental health, especially in marginalized communities where systemic barriers often hinder access to healing.
Drawing from her own experience with trauma, Tanmeet discusses the importance of self-compassion, gratitude, and the role of psychedelics in unlocking resilience and joy. Her work reminds us that joy is not just an emotion but a tool for empowerment and healing, essential for both personal and collective transformation.

Dimple Dhabalia is a writer, podcaster, and leadership and story-healing coach who founded Roots in the Clouds. In this episode of I’m Human Too, Dimple shares her journey from working on asylum and refugee policies within the U.S. government to becoming an advocate for addressing occupational trauma. Her story highlights the toll of chronic stress and vicarious trauma and the importance of redefining leadership and self-care.

Sarah-Anne Tourond is an award-nominated children’s author, illustrator, yoga teacher, meditation guide, and wellness consultant working with Indigenous communities. In this episode of I’m Human Too, Sarah-Anne shares how personal loss became a catalyst for healing and transformation in her life. Through her work, she channels grief into a mission to inspire self-love, community care, and progressive change, grounded in Indigenous teachings.

Sarah-Anne’s journey highlights the resilience within Indigenous communities and the importance of moving beyond trauma to embrace joy and spiritual connection. She emphasizes that self-worth is inherent, not tied to productivity or societal standards, a message she instills daily in her son. Her holistic wellness approach incorporates yoga, meditation, and Indigenous practices like the medicine wheel, helping those impacted by trauma reconnect with peace and safety within their bodies.

Through her celebrated children’s book series, including You Are Sacred, Sarah-Anne nurtures healing narratives that foster connection between children, the land, and themselves. She also leads workshops integrating art, yoga, and breathwork, promoting wellness rooted in Indigenous knowledge. To learn more about Sarah-Anne’s work, collaborations, and offerings, follow her online or explore her publications.

Quinn Huntsinger owns Self Care Spa and Lounge, a trailblazing beauty and wellness destination in Spokane. In this episode of I’m Human Too, Quinn shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Her passion for Korean skincare, resilience, and hard work have made her a standout figure in Spokane’s wellness scene.
Quinn opens up about the challenges she faced in bringing Korean skincare treatments to a city that had never seen such services before. Despite a slow start, her perseverance and belief in her vision led her spa to thrive. 
With big dreams on the horizon, Quinn plans to introduce scalp treatments and other global beauty rituals to her spa to celebrate and integrate cultural diversity.You can follow Quinn and stay updated on her journey at @selfcare_spaandlounge on Instagram

Marlee Liss is a Toronto-based advocate and educator specializing in social work and somatic sex education. In this episode of “I’m Human Too,” she shares her compelling journey shaped by her experiences as a sexual violence survivor and her passion for restorative justice. Marlee opens up about how her personal trauma led her to seek healing beyond the traditional legal system, ultimately discovering the transformative power of restorative justice.

Maria Ramos Bracamontes is a midwife and social worker dedicated to supporting indigenous communities and undocumented individuals, especially women. In this episode, Maria shares her journey from growing up undocumented in Mexico to becoming an advocate for social justice and traditional midwifery. Her story is one of resilience and deep commitment to serving her community.

As a midwife in Santa Cruz County, Maria works with undocumented farmworkers, primarily from Oaxaca. She founded the Mutual Aid Project Campesina Womb Justice to provide essential resources and support directly to those in need, focusing on preserving traditional midwifery and indigenous practices.

Despite challenges, Maria remains committed to empowering her community and envisions training indigenous midwives and traditional healers. Her story highlights the importance of grassroots activism and the impact of mutual aid. To support Maria’s work, visit the Campesina Womb Justice Instagram page or email [email protected].