Lead to Gold

Raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by social media advertisements and obviously dishonest marketing. 👀 In this episode, we're chatting about the complex world of wellness, unraveling the stark differences between the commercialized "wellness industry" and the authentic essence of true wellness. Let's uncover what it really means and how it extends beyond superficial trends to encompass holistic health of mind, body, and spirit. Warning: It's gonna take a lot of critical thinking.

Show notes:

• Some very relevant blog posts: "Why you need media literacy, right now" and "The loneliness epidemic & self-care as a remedy"
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Favorite factual resources on wellness culture:
  • Maintenance Phase - podcast on junk science and wellness fads; bonus points for being genuinely hysterical
  • Conspirituality - podcast on dismantling beliefs of problematic wellness gurus and their products and claims
  • Abbey's Kitchen - YouTube channel testing trending diets and offering scientifically studied nutrition advice
• Blog post mentioned at 45:42: A letter to myself at 19
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

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In today's episode I'm interviewing a very special friend who has seen a LOT of this beautiful world and continues to seek adventure in every corner. Her latest journey? Living in loving community at Satchidananda’s Ashram at Yogaville in central Virginia. There's a deep history on this land for her, and I'm so honored to be able to share her story on Lead to Gold. 

Show notes:

• Follow Dominique on Instagram!
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

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A theory among many. Why do women often find themselves drawn to the celestial arts, and what factors contribute to this predisposition? More importantly, why is this becoming the latest fascination women are ridiculed for? In today's episode, we'll uncover the layers of stereotype and social conditioning that shape our perceptions of spiritual practices in general, and challenge ourselves to reexamine our resistance to beliefs we may not fully understand.

Show notes:

• A very relevant blog post from Lead to Gold: Pluto in Aquarius - A New Era in Transformation
• PopSci: Do men have hormonal cycles?
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

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Far from an advice session, this episode is a real-time, honest exploration of the why behind self-sabotage, as I'm grappling with these emotions myself. We'll dissect the roots of this behavior and determine some potential steps to moving through it. By sharing my own experiences (and a very inspiring tarot card reading), I hope to unravel the layers of this complex phenomenon, providing a safe space for listeners to reflect on their own struggles. 

Show notes:

• Read The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery
• Resources for self-sabotage:
  • Very Well Mind
  • MindTools
  • Positive Psychology
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

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Another year, come and gone! Let's review. I want to get into some of the universal lessons garnered from 2023, from staying vigilant against doom-scrolling and media brainwash, to navigating the delicate terrain of hard conversations, and embracing self-reflection. More importantly, we're looking ahead to the future. As we step into 2024, I'm excited to share some catalysts for personal growth - expanding beyond fear and igniting radical honesty, love, and action.

Show notes:

• A very relevant blog post: The magic is within you
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

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In today's episode, we're peering into the world of "rage-bait" – those attention-grabbing, anger-inducing content pieces designed to trigger emotional responses. It's been all too common lately, so let's unpack the definition of rage-bait, discuss real-life examples, and explore its impact on our mental well-being. Plus, there's plenty of good news to share toward the end of this episode!

Show notes:

• A very relevant blog post: Why you need media literacy, right now
• Support the show with a shirt, sticker, or another goodie at TeePublic!
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

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As we settle into the colder months here in the US, it's time to get cozy. I want to offer some tips on the art of embracing the winter season, tapping into our inner hibernation instincts, nourishing mind and body, and finding joy amidst the darkness. Winter haters and lovers alike, this is for you.

Got a question, comment, or feedback for me? Send me an email - [email protected]

Show notes:

• What is seasonal affective disorder?
• Check out the inspiration behind today's topic and his Instagram page, @urfromere 
• A very relevant blog post to this episode: An ode to Winter
• Support the show with a shirt, sticker, or another goodie at TeePublic!
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

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A shared bottle of wine at dinner paired with the insatiable need to catch up and spend time together led us to this hilarious, energized, obnoxious and ON-BRAND conversation. Today I'm chatting with two of my best friends since middle school (2008!!!) about the paths we've taken in our 20's - motherhood, job searching, relationships, home-buying, and more. Listen in as we play the crowd-favorite game We're Not Really Strangers, say nice things to each other, share ridiculous stories, and scream-laugh the whole way through. I love it, I love them, and I love you. Thanks for being here. And happy Friendsgiving! 🤎

Got a question, comment, or feedback for me? Send me an email - [email protected]

Show notes:

• We're Not Really Strangers card games, merch, and gifts
• Support the show with a shirt, sticker, or another goodie at TeePublic!
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

Send us Fan Mail

Inspired by a conversation with a friend over the scariness of war and the modern world, a few eclipses, and a sweat lodge ceremony, today's episode dives deep into the relationship between gratitude and guilt. Can we practice one while holding the other? Can they exist in tandem, and should they? These are the questions that have been floating around in my mind lately, and I hope to answer them for us all today. Especially those of us consistently plagued by worry and despair. Group hug.

Got a question, comment, or feedback for me? Send me an email - [email protected]

Show notes:

• Rainn Wilson Is Calling For A Spiritual Revolution - Rich Roll Podcast
• Read the latest blog post from Lead to Gold, very intertwined with this podcast conversation: "Why you need media literacy, right now"
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

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This marks the FIRST episode discussing my real job - teaching English in high school! Today I have with me my lovely, amazing colleague Denise Hartzler to chat about all that is going on with the kids these days, but more importantly, her heartfelt messages that keep them going and let them know that they are loved and supported. "You Matter" is a movement that has taken over welcoming classrooms for several years now, but Denise is here to lay out her unique version of the concept.

Show notes:

• #YouMatter
• Subscribe to the blog
• Follow me on Instagram
• Thanks to DayFox for the intro/outro song!

Send us Fan Mail