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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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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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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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
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In this episode of Lucid Cafe, I’m joined by Bonnie Buckner, author of The Secret Mind, for a fascinating deep dive into the transformative intelligence of our dreams. Bonnie shares how tuning into our dream life can help us grow, heal, and create greater harmony in our waking world.

We explore the two cognitive processing systems in the brain, Bonnie’s early childhood realization that dreams hold profound meaning, and the seven types of dreams preserved through a 13th-century lineage. She also offers practical guidance for capturing and interpreting dreams — and using them to unlock the latent potentials we all carry.

If you’re curious about the inner workings of the mind, or want to learn how dreams can become a daily tool for insight and transformation, this conversation opens a compelling doorway.

Visit Bonnie's website
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In this episode, I’m joined by the extraordinary mother–daughter team Norma and Nisha Burton, co-authors of Navigating Liminal Realms: Psycho-navigation Skills for Lucid Dreaming, Trance Journeys and Altered States. Their work blends ancient psychonaut wisdom with modern neuroscience to revive a long-forgotten skill: how to consciously enter, explore, and return from the dreamscape, trance worlds, and psychedelic visions with clarity and intention.

Together, we explore the unique ways Norma and Nisha use their complementary approaches to help others navigate the inner wilderness — cultivating practices that deepen self-awareness, expand perception, and reconnect us with the vast terrain of our own consciousness and beyond.

This is a rich, fascinating conversation for anyone drawn to lucid dreaming, shamanic journeying, psychedelics, or the mysteries of the mind.

Visit Norma + Nisha's website
Visit Nisha's website
Visit Norma's website
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Forget the sanitized fairy tales — Danielle Dulsky, the author of The Night House: Folklore, Fairy Tales, Rites, and Magick for the Wise and Wild,  is here to remind us that the old stories bite back. We talk about the witch as an archetype of creative rebellion, the power of ritual, and how folklore can awaken the wild, wise self that’s been hiding just beneath the surface.

Danielle is a heathen visionary, painter, and word-witch. She’s the author of Seasons of Moon and Flame, Woman Most Wild, and The Holy Wild; she teaches internationally and has facilitated circles, embodiment trainings, communal spell-work, and seasonal rituals since 2007. She is the founder of The Hag School and believes in the emerging power of wild collectives and sudden circles of curious dreamers, cunning witches, and rebellious artists in healing our ailing world. 

In this episode, Danielle discusses:

• The Hag School
• Her background and transformation into a witch
• The meaning of her book title, The Night House 
• The mysterious origins of fairy tales
• Archetypes in fairy tales
• How readers can work with her book
• The hidden intelligence contained with fairy tales, myths, etc
• The universality of ancient stories
• Dreaming the future
• The hidden realm
• The magic of storytelling
• An example of how to work with a fairy tale

Chech out Danielle's website and the The Hag School
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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 

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Calling all dog lovers! 

In this resource-rich episode, I’m joined by clinical canine herbalist Rita Hogan, who brings over 20 years of experience helping dogs heal naturally. Her new book, The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice, is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone who wants their pup to thrive.

Rita shares empowering, easy-to-apply tips for supporting your dog’s health using herbs, nutrition, and holistic care — and many of her insights are surprisingly helpful for humans, too. Whether you're new to herbalism or just love your dog like family, this conversation will give you tools to help them live a longer, happier life by your side.

In this episode, Rita discusses:

• The importance of organ health in dogs
• How she became interested in dog health
• The uptick in cancer in dogs
• How dogs know when you're not "present"
• The canine nervous system
• Chlorine and histamine
• How her book, The Herbal Dog, gives specific remedies, dosages and preparation guidance
• The impact of toxic environments
• Spaying and neutering too young
• Vaccinations
• Flea and tick meds
• Psych meds for dogs
• Antibiotics
• How to remedy your dog's health
• Diet suggestions
• Clues to identify health issues before they become problems
• The best thing you can do to help your dog friend

Visit: The Canine Herbalist website

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

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In this episode of Lucid Cafe, I talk with financial advisor and author Elizabeth Husserl about her new book The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money. We explore how our mindset around money shapes not only our finances, but also our sense of self-worth, well-being, and freedom.

Elizabeth offers a refreshing alternative to the endless pursuit of more. She shares how stepping off the treadmill of comparison and accumulation can help us redefine wealth on our own terms — and finally feel good about what we have.

In this episode, Elizabeth discusses:

• Cultural ideas regarding wealth and money
• Redefining money and wealth
• Trust
• Understanding your relationship with money
• Money as a technology
• Financial DNA
• Feeling satisfied and fulfilled
• Opening a dialogue with money
• Wendy shares an example of an unhealthy money story
• Meaning
• The abundance-scarcity loop

website: elizabethhusserl.com
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For more information about Wendy's new book, Raven's Daughter, or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

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In this very special episode of Lucid Cafe, I celebrate the long-awaited release of my new book, Raven’s Daughter: The Story Keeper. After years of dreaming, writing, and behind-the-scenes work, publication day is finally here.

Joining me is my brilliant and hilarious friend Claire Wheeler, who helps me unpack the story, themes, and inspiration behind the book. This is the first time I’m speaking about Raven’s Daughter out loud in any real depth, so it’s part book talk, part soul share — with a few meandering moments along the way.

We explore some of the book’s deeper currents, including our complicated relationship with deception, the influence of artificial intelligence, and our growing disconnection from the natural world. Though it’s a work of fiction, Raven’s Daughter offers an imaginative lens for reflecting on the challenges of our time.

In this conversation, Claire and Wendy discuss:

• The inspiration for Raven's Daughter
• Deception
• How do you know what's true?
• Terror management theory
• The three realities described in the book
• The story's shamanic influence

For more information about Raven's Daughter or to purchase a copy, visit Three Worlds Press

Listen to some absurd and unhelpful nonsense Inside the Box with Claire and Wendy podcast

BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course 

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