Modern Sacred: Women's Work

What happens when faith outgrows institutional religion? What do you do if your view of the divine has expanding beyond the traditional box you were given?

In this episode, author Rev. Chantal McKinney joins Abby and Chelsea on the Modern Sacred: Woman's Work Podcast to discuss her new book, Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls: A Catalyst for Your Spiritual Growth.

Come join our conversation as we discuss healing from church harm, reclaiming sacred feminine spirituality, and co-creating new and inclusive spiritual spaces where radical rest is a form of resistance. Drawing from Chantal's 20 years as an Episcopal priest, her multicultural upbringing and her journey through personal trauma into spiritual expansiveness, this conversation offers a vision of expanded spirituality for modern women.

📖 Book: Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls by Chantal McKinney

🌐 Guest Website: Learn more about Chantal McKinney on her website: https://www.chantalmckinney.com/ and https://rootthrivesoar.com/about

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Chantal McKinney
02:08 Chantal's Unique Spiritual Journey
07:58 Understanding Spiritual Expansiveness
11:36 The Challenge of Patriarchy in Faith
15:53 Rebuilding After Harm in the Church
18:55 Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls
23:45 The Business of Faith vs. True Faith
29:41 Creating Community Outside Institutions
31:33 Healing Through Inclusion
32:57 Reclaiming the Sacred Feminine
34:44 Redefining Women's Work
36:01 The Power of Co-Creation
39:45 Celebrating Women's Strengths
41:47 The Need for Inclusivity
43:37 Breaking Down Patriarchal Constructs
46:36 Catalysts for Change
50:22 Embracing the Present Moment
52:54 Radical Rest as Resistance
56:09 Understanding the Concept of the Devil
01:05:18 Co-Creating a New Paradigm
01:07:40 The Power of Community and Connection
01:10:11 Supporting Women in Their Journeys
01:13:01 Creating New Spiritual Spaces
01:20:33 The Role of Jesus in Healing
01:27:35 Embracing the Paradox of Faith

Welcome to our 1-year anniversary special! Co-founders Abby and Chelsea celebrate a full year of women's empowerment podcasting, reflecting on our journey building a community rooted in rebalancing the masculine and feminine energies, divine feminine leadership, and authentic feminine energy.

In this intimate reflection episode, we share the real milestones—both big and small—from creating meaningful connections, providing tools for personal growth, dismantling patriarchy through collaboration, and building a sustainable business aligned with our values. We talk about embodying change, the power of humility in learning, balancing work-life with passion projects, and why celebrating achievements matters for long-term success.

Whether you're new to the show or been here from day one, this conversation honors the growth, unity, and human connection at the heart of everything we do.

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Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration on their growth journey and could use a celebration!

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 The Power of Collaboration and Unity
• 21:33 Empowering Listeners with Real Tools and Resources
• 22:48 Embodying Change and Humility in Learning and Growth
• 26:00 Balancing Work, Life, and Passion Projects
• 31:31 The Significance of Human Connection in a Technology-Driven World
• 53:03 Building a Sustainable Business

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How to align actions with values in feminine leadership
• Why celebration fuels women's empowerment and personal growth
• Real tools and resources for listeners navigating their own journeys
• Strategies for collaborative entrepreneurship without burnout
• Building sustainable communities rooted in humility and purpose
• Creating meaningful human connection in a tech-driven world

What if meditation wasn't something you turned to only when you were overwhelmed, anxious, or at your breaking point? What if it became a simple, accessible daily practice for coming home to yourself?
In this episode of Modern Sacred: Women's Work, we're joined by meditation teacher and health coach Nichole Adams for a conversation about making meditation and mindfulness accessible for modern women—and why we don't have to wait for a crisis to begin.
Nichole shares her own journey of self-discovery, identity, self-worth, and learning to listen to what is true beneath the expectations and conditioning we absorb from society and culture. We explore what it means to move from constantly doing into a deeper experience of being, and how practices like meditation can help us develop greater self-awareness, self-compassion, inner peace, and connection to ourselves.
We also talk about nervous system regulation, stress and anxiety, the labor of self-care, nurturing and “mothering” energy, and the ways small everyday rituals can create meaningful shifts in how we feel and move through the world.
One of the central ideas of our conversation is the difference between being a “crisis meditator”—someone who only meditates when life feels unbearable—and developing meditation as a consistent practice. Nichole offers a refreshing perspective on how meditation can fit into real, modern life: it doesn't have to be complicated, uncomfortable, or time-consuming.
We talk about simple ways to bring mindfulness into everyday moments, including the possibility of a short meditation or even a beverage blessing as a small sacred ritual.
If you've ever thought, “I should meditate, but I don't know how to make it part of my life,” this conversation is for you.
Connect with Nichole Adams
Learn more about Nichole, her meditation offerings, and her work on Facebook or Instagram @nichole.simque.adams
CLAIM THE WOMAN'S EMPOWERMENT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

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→ http://modernsacred.substack.com

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→ http://modernsacred.com/membership
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery
03:27 The Formation of Identity
06:20 The Pursuit of Authenticity
09:34 The Importance of Self-Awareness
25:57 Balancing Doing and Being
26:36 Crisis of Identity and Conditioning
27:33 Struggle with Self-Worth and Safety
28:02 Journey to Self-Nurturing and Compassion
37:03 The Impact of Societal Influences
50:33 The Quest for Self-Love and Acceptance
55:15 Resonance and Energetic Contribution
56:09 Nurturing and Mothering Energy
57:06 The Labor of Self-Care
59:03 Accessibility of Meditation as a Modern Sacred Practice
01:20:48 The Power of Simplicity and Comfort
01:21:30 Journey from Discomfort to Passion
01:22:01 Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation
01:24:06 Everyday Rituals and Practices
01:24:56 Impact of Meditation on Self-Discovery
01:36:09 The Ripple Effect of Mindfulness
Modern Sacred: Women's Work explores the practices, questions, and conversations that help women create more intentional, meaningful, and connected lives.

What if meditation wasn't something you turned to only when you were overwhelmed, anxious, or at your breaking point? What if it became a simple, accessible daily practice for coming home to yourself?

In this episode of Modern Sacred: Women's Work, I’m joined by meditation teacher and health coach Nichole Adams for a conversation about making meditation and mindfulness accessible for modern women—and why we don't have to wait for a crisis to begin.

Nichole shares her own journey of self-discovery, identity, self-worth, and learning to listen to what is true beneath the expectations and conditioning we absorb from society and culture. We explore what it means to move from constantly doing into a deeper experience of being, and how practices like meditation can help us develop greater self-awareness, self-compassion, inner peace, and connection to ourselves.

We also talk about nervous system regulation, stress and anxiety, the labor of self-care, nurturing and “mothering” energy, and the ways small everyday rituals can create meaningful shifts in how we feel and move through the world.

One of the central ideas of our conversation is the difference between being a “crisis meditator”—someone who only meditates when life feels unbearable—and developing meditation as a consistent practice. Nichole offers a refreshing perspective on how meditation can fit into real, modern life: it doesn't have to be complicated, uncomfortable, or time-consuming.

We talk about simple ways to bring mindfulness into everyday moments, including the possibility of a short meditation or even a beverage blessing as a small sacred ritual.

If you've ever thought, “I should meditate, but I don't know how to make it part of my life,” this conversation is for you.

Learn more about Nichole, her meditation offerings, and her work on Facebook or Instagram @nichole.simque.adams

CLAIM THE WOMAN'S EMPOWERMENT SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Join the Modern Sacred newsletter and receive our Women's Empowerment Spotify Playlist for free:
→ http://modernsacred.substack.com

Join the Modern Sacred Membership for bonus podcast content, live events, and resources:
→ http://modernsacred.com/membership

00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery
03:27 The Formation of Identity
06:20 The Pursuit of Authenticity
09:34 The Importance of Self-Awareness
25:57 Balancing Doing and Being
26:36 Crisis of Identity and Conditioning
27:33 Struggle with Self-Worth and Safety
28:02 Journey to Self-Nurturing and Compassion
37:03 The Impact of Societal Influences
50:33 The Quest for Self-Love and Acceptance
55:15 Resonance and Energetic Contribution
56:09 Nurturing and Mothering Energy
57:06 The Labor of Self-Care
59:03 Accessibility of Meditation as a Modern Sacred Practice
01:20:48 The Power of Simplicity and Comfort
01:21:30 Journey from Discomfort to Passion
01:22:01 Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation
01:24:06 Everyday Rituals and Practices
01:24:56 Impact of Meditation on Self-Discovery
01:36:09 The Ripple Effect of Mindfulness

Modern Sacred: Women's Work explores the practices, questions, and conversations that help women create more intentional, meaningful, and connected lives.

What can Ayurveda teach us about women’s health, nervous system regulation, hormones, and emotional well-being?

In this episode, we sit down with Britt Vanderhoof, founder of The Ayurvedic Nurse, to explore the intersection of Ayurveda, mental health, women’s health, and holistic healing. Britt shares her journey from nursing into Ayurveda—and how Ayurvedic principles transformed the way she understands the body, mind, emotions, and nervous system.

We explore how Ayurveda can support women through perimenopause, menopause, the menstrual cycle, stress, inflammation, sleep disruption, and emotional change. Britt breaks down the Ayurvedic doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and explains how understanding your unique constitution can inform nutrition, daily routines, seasonal living, sleep, movement, and self-care.

We also explore nervous system regulation and weight, nutrition and inflammation, emotional balance, grief and healing, and the connection between physical and emotional health. At the heart of the conversation is an invitation into embodiment: learning to listen to your body, understand its signals, and develop a more conscious relationship with your health.

Whether you're curious about Ayurveda, navigating perimenopause or menopause, interested in nervous system health, or seeking a more embodied and conscious approach to women’s wellness, this conversation offers practical wisdom for supporting your whole self.

Learn more about Britt:
Instagram: @the.ayurvedic.nurse
Website: theayurvedicnurse.com

• Ayurveda and mental & emotional health
• Ayurvedic cleansing and healing
• The doshas: Vata, Pitta & Kapha
• Ayurveda, nutrition & seasonal living
• Nervous system regulation, stress & weight
• Sleep, routine & daily rhythms
• Ayurveda for women’s health and hormones
• Perimenopause, menopause & the menstrual cycle
• Embodiment, gratitude, empowerment & conscious living

Join the Modern Sacred newsletter and receive our Women's Empowerment Spotify Playlist for free:
→ modernsacred.substack.com

Join the Modern Sacred Membership for bonus podcast content, live events, and resources:
→ modernsacred.com/membership

00:00 Introduction to The Ayurvedic Nurse
02:16 From Nursing to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
03:28 Mental & Emotional Health in Perimenopause
05:26 Britt’s Journey Into Ayurveda
14:34 Ayurvedic Cleanse & Healing
22:10 Understanding Your Ayurvedic Body Type
30:21 Understanding Ayurveda & the Doshas
30:48 Ayurveda, Diet & Seasonal Changes
32:29 Balancing the Doshas
36:08 The Nervous System & Health
37:28 The Nervous System & Weight
39:20 Sleep, Routine & Ayurvedic Rhythms
56:10 Ayurveda for Menopause & Perimenopause
01:02:25 Ayurveda & the Menstrual Cycle
01:04:50 What Is Ayurveda, Really?
01:05:05 Nutrition & Inflammation
01:06:06 Balancing Emotions & Energy
01:09:24 Grief, Healing & Emotional Processing
01:36:02 Gratitude & Empowerment

What is Nervous System Regulation and why is everyone talking about it? Is there any real science behind the concept, or is this just another hype term marketed towards women to drive purchases of yet another tea, cream or app on the road to embodiment and inner peace? If nervous system regulation is legit, what role does it play for woman on the road to embodiment and conscious, soul-led living?

In today's conversation, Abby and Chelsea delve into the topic of nervous system regulation and its impact on daily life. Abby brings her background as a nurse and nervous system educator to explore the understanding of the nervous system, the role of cortisol and the vagus nerve, and a body-first approach to healing and trauma processing.

You'll learn about the main branches of the nervous system and the automatic responses in the background software of your body and how to begin rewiring your nervous system towards more peace and calm on the path to becoming a more embodied woman. Learn about the vagus nerve, and how to train it to become your master engage switch for peace and calm on command as we discuss the empowering nature of nervous system regulation, the balance of feminine and masculine energies, and the understanding of physiological aspects of well-being.

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→ https://modernsacred.substack.com/

Join the Modern Sacred Membership: Get access to bonus podcast content, live events, an expansive resource library of meditations, PDF downloads, courses, and previously recorded workshops.
→ https://www.modernsacred.com/membership

Takeaways

• Nervous system regulation for beginners
• Body-based approach Trauma processing
• The role of the vagus nerve in nervous system regulation
• Balancing feminine and masculine energies
• Understanding the physiological aspects of well-being

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Nervous System Regulation
• 02:10 Understanding the Nervous System
• 06:39 The Role of Cortisol and the Vagus Nerve
• 26:11 The Body-First Approach and Trauma Processing
• 29:36 Trauma Processing and Release
• 48:02 The Vagus Nerve and Nervous System Regulation
• 57:42 The Shift to a Life Worth Living
• 58:46 The Magic of Nervous System Regulation
• 01:05:08 Empowerment Through Understanding
• 01:08:03 The Impact of Lifestyle Choices
• 01:13:20 The Science of Nervous System Regulation

Forest Bathing for embodiment and nervous system regulation isn't something you have to drive or disappear to do—it can begin right inside your home.

In this expansive conversation, we're joined by certified Forest Bathing Guide Taylor Smith as we explore how nature offers healing, regulation, and deep connection no matter where you live.

Together we discuss how forest bathing supports nervous system regulation, embodiment, intuition, and spiritual wellbeing. From mysticism and astrology to animal wisdom, consciousness, healing, and reconnecting with the living ecosystem around us, this episode is an invitation to slow down, regulate your nervous system, and remember that nature is always available to support you.

Whether you're new to forest bathing, curious about spirituality, or looking for grounded practices to cultivate inner peace, this conversation offers practical wisdom and profound insight.

• Forest bathing and why it's accessible to everyone
• How to practice forest bathing from home or in your neighborhood
• Nervous system regulation through nature
• Embodiment and mindfulness
• Spiritual awakening and intuition
• Mysticism, astrology, and ancient wisdom
• Animals as mirrors, teachers, and healers
• Reading nervous dogs through nervous system awareness
• Nonverbal communication and expanded perception
• Consciousness, self-acceptance, and reconnecting with nature
• The living ecosystem and the energetic intelligence of the natural world

If you're an embodied woman seeking deeper connection with yourself, nature, and your intuition, this conversation offers gentle reminders that healing doesn't require perfection—it simply asks us to become present.

Whether you're navigating stress, burnout, spiritual growth, or simply longing to reconnect with the Earth, you'll discover practical ways to invite nature into your everyday life.

00:00 Exploring Mysticism and Astrology

03:03 Ancient Wisdom and DNA Evolution

08:01 Purpose and Human Experience

15:16 Animals as Mirrors and Healers

25:00 Balance and Nervous System Regulation

25:33 Understanding the Nervous System

27:47 Reading and Calming Nervous Dogs

31:03 Nonverbal Communication and Intuition

38:09 Expanding Senses and Detachment

50:02 Material Conditioning and Self-Acceptance

51:53 Forest Bathing: A New Perspective

52:37 The Practice of Forest Bathing

55:03 Reconnecting with Nature

56:07 The Living Ecosystem

1:00:31 The Energy of Nature

1:09:11 The Inclusivity of Nature

Website: https://www.liminalcommunication.com
Instagram: @liminal_communication_ 

Join the Modern Sacred newsletter and receive our Women's Empowerment Spotify Playlist for free:
→ https://modernsacred.substack.com/

Join the Modern Sacred Membership: For just $10/month, get access to bonus podcast content, live events, an expansive resource library of meditations, PDF downloads, courses, and previously recorded workshops.
→ https://www.modernsacred.com/membership-sign-up

What happens when the desire to be seen and share your magic meets the fear of being judged?

In this episode, Chelsea and Abby explore the emotional experience of being visible online as Highly Sensitive People. Rather than offering easy answers, they process the fear of criticism, the vulnerability of sharing your voice, and why so many of us choose to stay small to avoid being misunderstood in the comments section.

Together, they reflect on social media, nervous system regulation, childhood conditioning, and the ways our sensitivity shapes how we experience visibility. The conversation also explores emotional boundaries, the endocannabinoid system, energy, and why learning to tolerate being seen may be an important part of healing and reaching our potential.

This episode also explores:

• Why criticism and judgment can feel especially intense for Highly Sensitive People
• The hidden cost of avoiding visibility online
• How childhood experiences shape our relationship with criticism
• The difference between healthy emotional boundaries and absorbing other people's emotions
• Social media, nervous system regulation, and protecting your energy online
• The connection between the endocannabinoid system, anxiety, and emotional resilience
• Why healing isn't about becoming less sensitive—but learning to honor your sensitivity

If you've been holding yourself back from sharing your work, your creativity, or your authentic self because you're afraid of what people might think, this conversation offers a compassionate space to explore why visibility can feel so vulnerable.

✨ Free Gift + Stay Connected

Join the Modern Sacred newsletter and receive our Women's Empowerment Spotify Playlist for free:
→ https://modernsacred.substack.com/

Join the Modern Sacred Membership: For just $10/month, get access to bonus podcast content, live events, an expansive resource library of meditations, PDF downloads, courses, and previously recorded workshops.
→ https://www.modernsacred.com/membership-sign-up

Topics covered:

Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), online visibility, fear of criticism, social media, emotional boundaries, nervous system regulation, endocannabinoid system, anxiety, childhood conditioning, energy healing, Reiki, emotional resilience, authenticity, self-expression, healing, vulnerability, online criticism

Chapters:

00:00 The Cost of Hiding and Fear of Criticism
01:20 The Endocannabinoid System and Emotional Regulation
07:15 Navigating Sensitivity and Conflict
14:12 Social Media, Community, and Online Visibility
20:24 Setting Boundaries with Social Media
27:36 Childhood Conditioning and Coping Mechanisms
40:09 Emotional Boundaries and Self-Regulation
46:37 Energy, Anxiety, and Sensitive Nervous Systems
53:13 The Nervous System, Healing, and the Endocannabinoid System
58:02 Closing Reflections on Visibility and Healing

In this episode, Suzi Dia — Women's Health Coach and Personal Trainer — joins us to discuss how women can thrive through perimenopause by building strength, protecting bone health, improving sleep, and supporting their bodies through lifestyle habits that actually make a difference.

We explore what really happens to our hormones during perimenopause and menopause, why strength training becomes one of the most important tools for healthy aging, and how muscle mass, protein intake, recovery, and stress management all play a role in reducing symptoms and supporting long-term health.

Suzi shares practical guidance on building sustainable fitness habits, meeting your protein needs, navigating common nutrition myths (including soy), improving sleep quality, understanding heart rate variability and recovery, and why self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Whether you're navigating perimenopause now or simply want to age with strength and vitality, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based tools you can start using today.

Connect with Suzi Dia:
https://www.montclairhealthcoaching.com/

✨ Join our newsletter: https://modernsacred.substack.com/
Stay up to date on new episodes, upcoming retreats, and receive our Women's Empowerment Playlist when you subscribe.

• Why strength training is essential during perimenopause and menopause
• How protein supports muscle, metabolism, and bone health
• The connection between sleep, recovery, stress, and hormone health
• Common nutrition myths—including the truth about soy
• Lifestyle habits that can help reduce perimenopause symptoms
• Practical ways to improve sleep, recovery, and overall wellness
• Why building muscle is one of the best investments for healthy aging
• The value of individualized health coaching and learning to listen to your body

00:00 Introduction & Suzi's Journey into Women's Health
06:03 Empowerment Through Health Coaching
11:08 Prioritizing Self-Care as Women
16:17 Common Fitness & Health Misconceptions
22:42 How Lifestyle Impacts Perimenopause Symptoms
37:48 Hormones, Menopause & Healthy Aging
45:34 Strength Training, Bone Health & Nutrition
51:00 Protein Intake & Nutrition Tips
56:17 Soy, Protein & Nutrition Myths
01:04:21 Alcohol, Sleep & Recovery
01:12:22 Stress Management & Long-Term Health

Most women have never heard of the Endocannabinoid System—despite the important role it plays in helping the body maintain balance, immunity and wellbeing.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating science of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a regulatory network involved in mood, stress response, sleep, pain perception, inflammation, immune function, and overall well-being. Many experts consider the ECS one of the most important systems in the human body—yet it's rarely discussed or taught in mainstream health education.

Abby shares her journey from burned-out ICU nurse to Canny Nurse Certified RN and cannabis educator, while Chelsea reflects on how grief, healing, and life experience shaped her relationship with cannabis and wellness. Together, we bridge personal stories with evidence-based education to help women better understand their bodies and expand their options for supporting health and healing.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What the Endocannabinoid System is and how it works
• Why most people have never been taught about the ECS
• How cannabis interacts with the body
• The discovery and history of the Endocannabinoid System
• The politics and stigma surrounding cannabis
• Endocannabinoid deficiency and emerging research
• Natural ways to support the ECS beyond cannabis
• Stress, burnout, resilience, and nervous system health
• Dosage, tolerance, and intentional cannabis use
• Why education creates more choice, agency, and body literacy

Whether you're curious about cannabis, interested in women's health, or simply want to better understand the incredible systems already at work within your body, this conversation offers a thoughtful introduction to one of the most overlooked areas of modern health education.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System

06:07 Abby's Personal Journey with Cannabis

16:36 Cannabis 101: The Endocannabinoid System

25:11 Personal Insights on Cannabis

30:11 The Endocannabinoid System

36:15 Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome

53:30 The Harmonious Nature of Cannabis

59:55 Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

01:07:59 Dosage and Tolerance with Cannabis

01:13:36 Cannabis, Self-Care, and Culture

01:19:20 Holistic Approach to Cannabis Use

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