In this episode of Permission to Play, I have an in-depth conversation with dancer, movement expert, and somatic educator Elia Mrak. We explore the intersections of dance, trauma recovery, nervous system care, and the essential role of play in healing and creativity. We delve into Elia’s personal journey from a potential path in mathematical economics to embracing dance as a life mission, emphasizing the importance of movement in accessing joy, healing, and intrinsic freedom. We also discuss the transformative power of being present in the moment, the revolutionary act of allowing oneself to play, and the essential balance between personal care and collective wellness. Elia also shares information about his online program and upcoming workshops, highlighting the blend of Qigong, self-care, dance, and mobility work he offers.

I find Elia to be a truly unique and fascinating human, bursting with wisdom, insight, and kindness all wrapped up in a whole lot of permission to play.

If you haven’t had a chance yet to check out the video version of the podcast, it’s now up on YouTube. There’s some very cool footage of Elia dancing in the video version. The links to that, plus all the places to find Elia, as well as Irene Lyon’s work are below.

Elia Links:
Website: https://www.eliamrak.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/eliamrak/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/elia.mrak
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeCeqYRMJRgm1RZnoJdz5rA

The Improvised Life Podcast:
YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWJZq75IT0w

Irene Lyon Links:
Website: https://irenelyon.com/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@IreneLyon/featured
IG: https://www.instagram.com/irenelyon/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lyonirene 

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

I have a question for you.

Here’s the situation: You’re an ambitious, twenty-three year-old performing arts school grad. Trained by the best and bursting with dreams, you’re poised for greatness. Gonna take Hollywood and take her all the way. What would you do next? It’s obvious, right? 

You’d join a cult. Wouldn’t you?

This episode features an interview with me by Allison Santana, host of Memoir Lane podcast. We discuss my memoir, Born Again, Again: That time I fell down a rabbit hole and spent twenty-two years as a Bible thumping, tongue speaking, Gospel preaching Born Again Christian. And then I woke up. We explore my decades-long deep dive into the Charismatic Christian church, the impact it had on me and my family, and how we eventually made our way out. The conversation explores the subtle manipulations that some religious institutions employ, the importance of questioning and challenging control masked as righteousness, and the powerful role that love and genuine connection should play in our relationships and community. My chat with Allison further underscores the relevance of self-actualization, being in tune with oneself, and listening to the innate wisdom within. Born Again, Again was a finalist for both the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards.
***

• Listen to Allison's podcast, Memoir Lane, on Apple, Spotify,  or any of your favorite podcast platforms. 
• Find all Allison's links here: https://linktr.ee/AllisonSantana

My book, Born Again, Again: That time I fell down a rabbit hole and spent twenty-two years as a Bible thumping, tongue speaking, Gospel preaching Born Again Christian. And then I woke up. is available on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/BornAgainMemoir

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

Meet my guest:  Somatic Healer, Microdosing Guide, Desire Coach Po-Hong Yu.

Po’s work as a Spiritual Guide, Somatic Healer, Plant Medicine Facilitator, and Self Intimacy Teacher has helped many people in their process of healing, embodiment, expansion, and expression. 

I met Po through her Podcast, Tao of Po, where she explores topics that range from healing, energetics, and spirituality, to emotional sobriety, embodiment, intimacy... and much more. I was captivated by her playful, raw, grounded, powerful and big-hearted way of approaching these subjects. 

Po's teachings have their foundation based in Taoism and the practice of surrendering to the divine flow of life with consciousness and receptivity. Her experience as an acupuncturist brings a holistic approach to her work where she integrates the physical, emotional, mental, and energetic realms. She guides people on their path of healing, embodiment, expansion, expression & creation.  All of Po-Hong’s work is devoted to the remembrance of who we are and living from that place. 

She’s a delightful splash of sunshine and you’ll soon see why she’s known for her uncontained laughgasms – when you’re hangin’ with Po, the belly laughs abound. 

Join us as we jump into this relaxed, playful, and informative conversation. We had a lot of fun.

Check out all things Po in these places:
Website: www.taoofpo.com
Listen to the Tao of Po Podcast
IG: https://www.instagram.com/pohong.yu/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pohong.yu

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

 Meet my guest, award-winning actor, writer, producer, and country singer, Robert Craighead.

Robert  is respected as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. He’s known for his recent roles in Seth Rogen's Hulu TV series, Future Man, as Detective Vincent Skarsgaard.

He was series regular, Sheriff Mobley on Tyler Perry's Too Close to Home and currently stars in his 4th Season as Sheriff Conley in Perry's Ruthless on BET Plus.

His notable career has spanned over 30 years. He has made guest appearances in hundreds of television shows including a very successful three-year run on the CBS series The Bold and the Beautiful. Robert’s had roles in over 50 feature films, performed in over 100 theatrical productions and has seen recent success as a country music singer.

Robert has appeared in several highly successful motion-capture video games. And with this voice, it’s not a wonder. He starred as Brok, the foul-mouthed blacksmith, in 2018's Video Game of the Year, God of War.

He also writes and produces his own projects in association with the production company he founded, Positude Productions. 

You can find all things Robert Craighead here:

Website

IMDB: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0186060/overview

Social Media

Instagram: # robert_craighead

Twitter: @robertcraighead

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRobertCraigheadFanPage

Links mentioned in the episode

Flowers in December : Available to view for free at Bitpix (with free account sign-up)

My very first EVER interview with Robert and special guest Dee Wallace

7th Street - Josh Pais doc, (so good, ya’ll): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8oOb9Z5gq8 

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

Sarah Selecky is the author of the story collection This Cake is for the Party, which was a finalist for the Giller Prize, shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Prize and long listed for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award.

Her novel Radiant Shimmering Light has been published in multiple countries around the world and optioned for a television series.

Sarah earned her MFA from the University of British Columbia, and in 2011, she founded the Sarah Selecky Writing School, which has become a creative community for thousands of writers around the world.

An exceptional writer and teacher, Sarah is also a warm, generous, and big-hearted human. She follows her curiosity and sense of play in everything she does, and encourages the same in everyone she comes into orbit with.

I hope you enjoy this playful and enlightening conversation. Whether or not you consider yourself a writer, you’re sure to come away with some thought-provoking and helpful insights for art, well-being, and life. 

Websites

Sarah Selecky - https://www.sarahselecky.com/

Sarah Selecky Writing School - https://www.sarahseleckywritingschool.com/

Online Writing Community: While Sarah can be found on social, she spends much more time interacting socially with her subscribers in Centered: her private online space which is ad-free, full of wonderful resources, and home to a thoughtful writing community.

Books

This Cake is for the Party: https://www.sarahselecky.com/this-cake-is-for-the-party

Radiant Shimmering Light: https://www.sarahselecky.com/radiant-shimmering-light

Social

Instagram: #sarahseleckywritingschool

Twitter: @SarahSeleckyWS 

Facebook: Sarah Selecky Writing School

Also mentioned: my candle https://www.thegrowingcandle.com/ 

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

Today’s minisode is a shorty but a goodie where we talk about finding the calm in the center of whatever storm is visiting you.

Links to goodies mentioned in this minisode: 

Meditation Teacher, Sarah Blondin

Insight Timer Meditation App

This is what I call one of my little Chatty Kathy minisodes. I'll be posting these once a week in between my longer conversations with my lovely and amazing guests.

They're meant to encourage you, brighten your day, give you a little lift or a laugh or a, huh? What the...? Enjoy!

Coming up next week: Award-winning author Sarah Selecky. 

Sarah Selecky is the author of the collection This Cake is for the Party, which was a finalist for the Giller Prize, shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Prize and long listed for the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award. 

Her novel Radiant Shimmering Light has been published in multiple countries around the world. And optioned for a television series.

Sarah earned her MFA from the University of British Columbia, and in 2011 she founded the Sarah Selecky Writing School, which has become a creative community for thousands of writers around the world.

Sarah is an exceptional writer and teacher, and a warm and bighearted human. She follows her curiosity and sense of play in everything she does. 

Join us for this playful and enlightening conversation. Whether or not you consider yourself a writer, you're sure to come away with some thought provoking and helpful insights for art, wellbeing, and life.

Please find all things Chatty Kathy Martens below in the link area of the show notes. Have a beautiful day 😉💕

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

Kat Courtney, The Afterlife Coach, is an enthusiastic advocate and passionate messenger for reverent and safe plant medicine experiences.

In this lively and playful conversation, we explore many topics, but central to all is the concept of play as it relates to emotional and mental well-being in and through creativity, especially in Kat’s area of expertise, the shamanic and healing arts. We discuss: 

•  Kat’s book Plant Medicine Mystery School: The Superhero Healing Powers of Psychotropic Plants and the 17-year journey she took to write it;
• Her fascinating relationship with these beings we call plants and how they’ve taught her so many things, but mostly: Awe;
• Collecting tools that help us through the hard stuff and how pain is inevitable but suffering is optional;
• Plant medicines, the nervous system, and how these powerful allies should not be considered a cure-all or quick fix;
• Her harrowing story of doing jail time 
• Her huge wake-up call around what’s happening around the decriminalization movement in this country. It ain’t as wonderful as you might think; Kat explains why (Spoiler: it may involve profiteering; imagine that).
• How the plants are gonna save the planet. Remember? They’re superheroes.
• Who and what are we really? What is this human experience about? Paradox anyone? 
• We explore ways to get over creative blocks. Getting out of the way of the muse so the magic can come through, and 
• The spirit of money. Spoiler: it ain't an evil one. And the reconciliation of money, business, and spirituality. Everyone’s gotta earn a living, right?
• Also, abundance and the playfulness of giving back.
• How Ayahuasca saved her life.
• And much more.

Find out more about Kat Courtney by visiting all her places:

Websites

 Afterlife Coach -https://www.afterlife.coach/

Plant Medicine People - https://bio.site/plantmedicinepeople

Social Media

Instagram: 

Tina Kat Courtney # theafterlifecoach

 Plant Medicine People, Inc #plantmedicinepeople

Twitter:

@afterlifecoach

@PlantMedicinePl 

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

Today’s minisode is a shorty but a goodie where we talk about one sure-fire way to get into a better headspace when you're trippin' on your stories.

This is what I call one of my little Chatty Kathy minisodes. I'll be posting these once a week in between my longer conversations with my lovely and amazing guests.

They're meant to encourage you, brighten your day, give you a little lift or a laugh or a, huh? What the...? Enjoy!

Coming up next week: Kat Courtney, The Afterlife Coach. Kat is an enthusiastic advocate and passionate messenger for reverent and safe plant medicine experiences. She works as a ceremony guide and a psychedelic integration coach, and is a certified Death Doula. Curious? If all that sounds new and weird and mystical to you, be sure to tune in. It's an interesting and magical conversation.

Please find all things Chatty Kathy Martens below in the link area of the show notes. Have a beautiful day 😉💕

***

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

Hey guys. Welcome back to the podcast. Today’s minisode is a shorty but a goodie where we talk about grounding and the wisdom of nonagenarian pirate cats. This was recorded Fall of 2022.

This is what I call one of my little Chatty Kathy minisodes. I'll be posting these once a week in between my longer conversations with my lovely and amazing guests.

They're meant to encourage you, brighten your day, give you a little lift or a laugh or a, huh? What the...? Enjoy!

Please find all things Chatty Kathy Martens below in the link area of the show notes. Have a beautiful day 😉💕

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com

Filmmaker Emily Branham is a director, a producer, and an editor in New York City. She specializes in unexpected, intimate, and deeply human films about artists.

Her first feature documentary Being Bebe, premiered at Tribeca Festival, was a New York Times Critic pick, and won jury and audience awards on its festival tour across five continents.

Being Bebe Intimately charts 15 years in the life of drag performer Marshall Kudi Ngwa, AKA Bebe Zahara Benet, an Immigrant to America From Cameroon, first champion on reality TV phenomenon, RuPaul's Drag Race, and a leading artist celebrating Black Queer Excellence today.

Marshall's emotional journey raises timely concerns at the intersection of LGBTIQ, BIPOC and immigrant lives within the context of a hard fought artist journey towards success against all odds. 

Emily directs doc style films for clients, including Lincoln Center, Atlantic Council, Martha Stewart Weddings, and AT&T, as well as music videos for artists including Jonatha Brook, Jeff Littman, the Muckrakers and Eleni Mandel. 

She has years of experience working with incredible creatives in high pressure environments as a post-production and visual effects producer for clients including Apple, Google, Nike, Lexus, Paramount Pictures, Gwen Stephanie, and Kanye West. 

We had a beautiful conversation exploring many topics including:

• her film Being Bebe and the 15-year process of bringing that film to fruition;
• her other award-winning short documentary Legend, about iconic bluegrass musician, Greg Garing;
• the synchronicity of the universe;
• her childhood acting career;
• the creative process and the community that forms around collaborative artistic endeavors;
• playfulness, and its role in emotional and mental wellness.

We also talked a little bit about Drag Race, my squeamishness with the meanness of reality TV, and Emily's prescription: Willow Pill. 

This was so much fun. It was my immense privilege to have had the opportunity to hang out with such an extraordinary and talented woman. She's a giant force in this delightful and humble human. Enjoy!

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Being Bebe now available on iTUNES/appletv & prime video!

You can access it here: https://geni.us/BeingBeBe

or here: h

***

I'm so glad you decided to hang out with me. Thank you so much!

Loved what you heard? Awww, that's so great. What's that? You WANNA HELP MY SHOW GROW?😃 Saweeeeeet! It's so easy. Leave a review!

Here's a simple way to do that: just click THIS LINK (or copy/paste this url: https://ratethispodcast.com/permissiontoplay ), follow the quick-n-easy steps, and BAAM! You've helped all the people find Chatty Kathy Martens and Permission to Play. See how easy that was? Thank you so much, it really does help!

Here are some great ways to find more of me, your host, Chatty Kathy Martens (someday we'll talk about this ridiculous name on Episode...???):

• Here's a one-stop-shop to ALL MY CONTACT LINKS : https://linktr.ee/kathymartens
• You can stay up-to-date on newly released episodes and other fun happenings + get cool stuff I only release to my subscribers (like some of my writing!) by jumping on my EMAIL LIST : https://ck.kathymartens.com
• And check out my books and other writing on my WEBSITE: kathymartens.com