In this episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist, relationship expert, and Psychology Today blogger Tonya Lester to talk about her empowering new book, Pushback: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself.

If you tend to avoid conflict, over-accommodate others, or struggle to speak up for what you need, this conversation offers a refreshing and deeply practical perspective on assertiveness. Tonya shares why being “difficult” — not cruel or combative, but clear, honest, and self-respecting — is often essential for building healthier relationships and a more authentic life.

Together, we explore the hidden costs of people pleasing, the ways women are often conditioned to prioritize harmony over honesty, and how learning to “rock the boat” can actually create deeper connection and self-trust.

In this episode, Tonya dicusses:

00:47 Harmony Trap Explained

02:15 Why Women Disappear

03:52 How This Pattern Formed

05:41 Home Labor Inequality

09:23 Pandemic Pressure Test

10:51 Whose Time Matters

12:41 Why Speaking Up Feels Hard

18:13 Guilt and Anger Permission

19:53 Shock Absorber Behavior

21:26 Weather Vane Emotions

24:21 Honesty Builds Intimacy

30:31 Scripts for Hard Talks

32:53 Couples Therapy Ice Bath

34:32 Where to Find Tonya

Visit Tonya's website
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NEW PODCAST! Realms of Curiosity with Sarah & Wendy (available in audio and video):

• Realms of Curiosity with Sarah & Wendy podcast
• Realms of Curiosity podcast on youtube

BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

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In this lively and inspiring episode, I’m joined by author and speaker Wendy Valentine to explore what really lies on the other side of a so-called midlife crisis.

Wendy shares her powerful story of breakdown and breakthrough—navigating divorce, financial strain, health challenges, grief, and anxiety—and how it ultimately became the catalyst for a complete life transformation. Rather than seeing midlife as something to endure, she reframes it as an awakening: a chance to reconnect with who you truly are and what you deeply want.

We talk about the courage to take bold, imperfect action, the importance of ending self-abandonment, and how learning to trust your inner “yes” and “no” can guide you toward a more aligned and fulfilling life. Wendy also shares the mindset shifts and practices that helped her rebuild—from following an unexpected dream to embracing growth through life’s most difficult moments.

This conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again—and that what feels like everything falling apart may actually be the beginning of something far more true.

In this episode, Wendy discusses:

• Midlife Crisis Reframed
• Breakdown to Breakthrough
• RV Vision and Leap
• Self Abandonment Insight
• Becoming the Future You
• Feel Your Way Forward
• Energy Trust and Harmony
• Struggle as Initiation
• Regret 
• Stepping Into Your Light
• Embracing the Dark Side
• Taking Risks
• Life Buffet, No Regrets
• Freedom and Yes Framework
• Why She Wrote the Book
• Become Your Own Best Friend
• Rewriting the Inner Ticker
• Hospital Scare Mindset Reset
• Lotus Flower Exercise
• Quiet Nature Wisdom
• Crisis to Teacher Path
• Gratitude on the Other Side
• Buddha Castle and Suffering
• Filling Your Courage Jar
• Midlife Makeover Offerings

Visit Wendy Valentine's website
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NEW PODCAST! (available in audio and video)
Realms of Curiosity with Sarah & Wendy podcast
Realms of Curiosity podcast on youtube

BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course

The Magical Path Shamanic Workbook

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube  

In this episode, I’m joined by Transformational Coach Lynda Samphire for an expansive conversation about healing, transformation, and the power of liminal spaces — those in-between realms where real change becomes possible.

Drawing from over two decades of experience, Lynda describes her unique approach to healing — one that bypasses the rational mind and speaks directly to deeper layers of being through modalities like dreamwork, plant medicines, and light language. We explore the role of dreams as “first medicine,” a powerful inner oracle that can guide intuition and self-understanding through personal symbolism.

Our conversation also touches on trauma-informed work with psychedelics, including psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT, the restorative potential of Amanita muscaria, and the importance of integration, safety, and intention in these practices. Throughout, Lynda emphasizes the wisdom of the body, the value of feeling what arises, and the transformative potential of stepping into the unknown.

In this episode, Lynda discusses:

• The Scope of her Work
• Her Origin Story
• Facing Death
• Plant Medicine
• Amanita Muscaria Basics
• The Importance of Dreamwork
• Sleep And Recall
• Who Is The Dreamer?
• Training Your Intuition Through Dreams
• Healing Fear In Real Life
• Symbols And Dream Language
• Dream Circles
• Understanding 5 MeO DMT
• How She Works with Plant Medicine
• Safe Sourcing of Amanita Muscaria and Legality
• What Is Light Language? 

Visit Lynda's website
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BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course

The Magical Path Shamanic Workbook

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube  

In this episode of Lucid Cafe, I’m joined by Seth Steinzor, author of The View From the Other Side of My Head, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about what happens when a highly trained, analytical mind encounters experiences it can’t explain.

Raised without a spiritual framework and trained as an attorney, Seth spent much of his life grounded in logic and reason — until a series of unexpected encounters with shamanic trance opened a doorway into an entirely different way of perceiving reality. What began during the uncertainty of the pandemic soon evolved into a deeply transformative practice, challenging his assumptions and reshaping his understanding of consciousness, embodiment, and the nature of existence itself.

In this episode, Seth discusses: 

• His New Book 
• Secular Upbringing
• Search for Spiritual Connection
• Power Animal Encounter
• Learning How to Journey
• Rituals and the Shofar
• The Experience of Accessing the Spirit World
• Dreams and Reality
• Inner Guidance Process
• Dream World vs Waking World
• Lucidity and Detachment
• Finding a Teacher
• How Shamanic Practice Transformed Him
• Culture and Symbolism
• The Upper World and Death

Learn More about Seth's Book: The View From the Other Side of My Head

Seth's website 
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BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course

The Magical Path Shamanic Workbook

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube  

I’m joined by clairvoyant reader, healer, and teacher Dave Clark for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about intuition, healing, and what it really means to “see” clearly.

Dave shares how his work centers on reading energy to uncover the unconscious patterns shaping our relationships, health, and life path — not by predicting the future, but by helping people reconnect with their own inner knowing. We also explore his approach to mediumship and the profound healing that can come from connecting with loved ones who have passed.

We also dive into the practical side of intuitive development: deprogramming the analytical mind, working with emotional reactivity, cultivating discernment in an overwhelming information landscape, and honoring ethical boundaries in healing work.

This is a rich and grounded exploration of intuition, loss, and transformation — and an invitation to trust your own capacity to see more clearly.

In this episode, Dave discusses:

• How Readings Heal
• Mediumship
• His Origin Story and Training
• His Daughter Ella and the Veil
• Deprogramming Mind and Feelings
• Ethics and Invitations
• Inside a Clairvoyant Reading
• Integration and Timing
• Unfolding Self Discovery
• Why Healers Are Needed Now
• Discernment In Information Age
• Dream Reality And Self Creation
• Overcoming A Victim Mindset
• Teaching Clairvoyance Foundations
• Neutrality And Course Path
• Applying Intuition In Chaos
• An Example of Clairvoyance in Action
• Lucid Dreaming Life Lens
• How He Works with People

Dave's website: divineroots.love

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For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

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I’m joined once again by Carl Greer, whose remarkable life has spanned engineering, finance, academia, clinical psychology, Jungian analysis, and shamanic practice. Now in his mid-eighties, Carl reflects on how these experiences reshaped his understanding of reality, purpose, and the stories that guide our lives. We explore archetypes, dreamwork, the personal and collective unconscious, and the power of small experiments to help us shift old patterns. His newest workbook is Go Within To Change Your Life.

In this conversation we discuss dreamwork, shamanic journeying, dialoguing with inner figures, and noticing before interpreting. Carl outlines personal vs collective unconscious, resilience in life’s “suddenlys,” risks of escapism, and habit change through small, playful experiments.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Carl's Life Story and Career
• Shamanism and Service
• Workbook Overview
• Archetypes Explained
• Finding Your Archetypes
• Dreams and Journeying
• Dialoguing with Shadows
• Interpreting Inner Messages
• Personal and Collective Unconscious
• Resilience in Sudden Change
• Building New Habits
• Inner Wisdom and Health

VIsit Carl's website
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BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course 

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube 

In this episode, psychotherapist John Tsilimparis joins me to explore a more compassionate approach to grief, inspired by his book The Magic in the Tragic. We discuss how our “be strong and move on” culture often discourages us from truly honoring loss — and why grief, when faced rather than avoided, can build emotional resilience.

John shares his personal story of loss, the myth of closure, the concept of “forbidden suffering,” and practical tools for working with anxiety and worry. At its core, this conversation is about learning to stay with pain, transform it, and discover unexpected meaning — even in our darkest days.

In this episode, John discusses:

• How Our Culture Avoids Death
• His Origin Story and Loss
• Forbidden Suffering Explained
• The Purpose of Grief Resilience
• Anxiety Trends and Screens
• The Dangers of Avoiding Pain
• Inspiration Exposure Practice
• Music and Hope
• Nobility of Suffering
• Honoring Suffering
• Guilt and Joy
• Rituals and Reverence
• Write a Sympathy Letter
• A 'Reducing Worry' Practice
• Three Anxiety Pillars
• Aesthetic Mindset Tools
• Myth of Closure
• Living With Grief
• Resilience and Meaning
• Therapy Work and Resources

Visit John's website
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BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course 

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube 

In this episode of Lucid Cafe, I’m joined by astrologer, shamanic practitioner, and author Madi Murphy to explore her new book, In the Cosmic Zone: Embody the 12 Astro Archetypes to Unleash Your Genius and Activate Your Authentic Self.

Madi shares her personal journey from a Christian upbringing to embracing astrology as a powerful tool for alignment, self-trust, and spiritual growth. Together, we talk about her embodied approach to astrology — one that invites us to turn inward and work with the wisdom of each zodiac archetype as a living, breathing part of ourselves.

We also explore what it means to live authentically in a world that often asks us to disconnect from our inner knowing, the courage it takes to trust your path, and how astrology can serve as a mirror for self-discovery rather than a set of external predictions.

This episode is an invitation to step into your cosmic zone — and remember who you came here to be.

In this episode, Madi discusses:

• Her Personal Journey
• Questioning and Spiritual Awakening
• Breakdown and Breakthrough
• Discovering Astrology's Depth
• Using Astrology Practically
• The Evolutionary Journey of the Zodiac
• Patterns and Client Experiences
• Foundations of Trust
• The Spirit of the Night Sky
• Rebuilding Trust and Joyful Re-imagining
• Her Journey to Writing a Book
• Understanding Your Sun Sign
• Exploring Your Birth Chart
• Community and Resources
• Personal Journey into Shamanism
• The Role of Teachers and Guides
• Parenting and Spiritual Lessons

Visit Madi's website CosmicRX
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BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course 

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube 

In this episode, I’m joined by author and neuro-affirming life coach Sol Smith for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about autism (with a focus on high functioning adults), identity, and self-discovery. Sol shares his journey of being diagnosed with autism in adulthood and what inspired him to write The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery: Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult.

In this conversation we explore the often-overlooked nuances of autistic experience — including high masking, social challenges, intense versus narrow interests, and the impact of societal stigma. Sol also speaks to the barriers many autistic adults face in accessing professional diagnoses, the importance of self-diagnosis, and the vital role community support groups play in fostering belonging and understanding.

Woven throughout the conversation is a broader reflection on consciousness and the unique ways autistic individuals may perceive and engage with the world. This episode offers insight, validation, and encouragement for autistic listeners, as well as greater understanding for allies seeking to learn.

In this episode, Sol discusses:

• His Journey to Writing the The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery
• Understanding Autism and Narrow Interests
• Social Challenges and Hierarchies 
• Building Friendships as an Autistic Person
• Masking and People Pleasing
• Gender Differences in Autism
• Rejection Sensitivity
• Cultural Changes and Acceptance
• Thinking Styles: Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down
• Understanding Neurotypical vs. Autistic Perception
• Media Literacy and Cognitive Shortcuts
• Communication Challenges in Relationships
• Encouraging Self-Diagnosis and Access Issues
• Autistic Traits and Social Perception
• The Cognitive Burden of Autism
• Coaching and Community Support for Autistics
• Exploring Consciousness and Perception

Visit Sol's website
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BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course 

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube 

In this episode, Linda River Valente returns to discuss the astrological landscape for the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. Our conversation delves into the significant planetary movements that shape collective and personal experiences, reflections on the cultural and political shifts, and a much needed optimistic outlook for new opportunities and momentum in 2026.

• Astrological Reflections on 2025
•  Challenges and Retrogrades of Early 2025 
• Cultural and Political Impacts
• Navigating the Heavy Energies of Autumn 2025
• Looking Forward to 2026
• Astrological Events and Predictions for Early 2026
• Uranus in Gemini and the Evolution of Communication
• Exploring the Soul in Technology
• Digital Disconnection and Human Connection
• Astrology and Human Culture
• The Impact of Digitalization
• Navigating Loneliness and Isolation
• The Role of Retrogrades in 2025
• Symbolism and Reality
• Astrological Insights and Human Experience
• Conclusion and Future Outlook

Connect with Linda
________

BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course 

For more information about Wendy's new visionary fiction book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Visit Wendy’s website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  

Lucid Cafe episodes by topic  

Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube