Seekers Field Guide

What if it were as easy to tap into your intuition as taking a deep breath? Kristine Fredheim, a psychic medium, spirit advisor, and founder of Soul Life, joins us this week. Her down-to-earth approach to spirituality makes the unseen less mysterious. Kristine talks about how tarot and other tools may be used as mirrors to help you understand yourself better and feel better when things are uncertain. She does this with love and clarity.

Kristine's experience is both very personal and quite wide-ranging. Kristine is the author of two books and has been a regular contributor to Huffington Post. Her work has been featured in Elle, Forbes, Teen Vogue, and The Jenny McCarthy Show, and she advises some of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. She has even used her intuitive gifts to assist with unsolved crimes and missing persons cases. Kristine brings a rare blend of ancient wisdom and modern understanding to every conversation, offering practical ways we can all connect more fully with ourselves. 

We talk about how small consistent practices like selecting a tarot card every morning or grounding yourself through basic rituals, can create meaningful shifts in the way we move around in the world. Kristine reminds us that healing doesn't have to be hard to be effective. She also says that one of the best things we can do is connect with our inner voice. This episode is a great place to start if you're curious, open-minded, or even a little doubtful.

Episode Highlights: 

• [02:46] Kristine began working with her spiritual side very early. When she was in her mid-20s, she started focusing on how she could help people with her abilities.
• [03:20] Her mother was very spiritual. As Kristine grew older, she embraced this.
• [04:14] Tarot cards are an extension of your energy. When working with them you get the answers that you already have in you.
• [05:35] She uses tarot cards for yes or no questions or pulls a card each day. 
• [07:56] Getting started you can also try pulling a card for each month and cards to show you topics that are going to come up during that time.
• [08:18] Love readings are also very popular. Shuffle your tarot cards and ask questions surrounding your relationships.
• [09:01] The most difficult part is learning all of the meanings of the cards. There are various ways to study online including using AI.
• [10:28] Learning the storyline can also be really helpful in understanding tarot.
• [12:43] We talk about the importance of celebrating something that you accomplish in order to release it.
• [13:35] One of the reasons Kristine created her own set of cards was because the original cards had some scary connotations for some people.
• [15:12] You can choose to connect with your cards however you desire.
• [17:05] Grounding is one of the most important steps that you can take when practicing spirituality and using tools like tarot.
• [19:00] You can ground anything and visualize and pray.
• [20:36] We talk about oracle cards.
• [23:53] We learn about the craziest experience Kristine had in Costa Rica. It was raining outside and she was in bed. She woke up and saw a ghost standing at the foot of her bed.
• [25:22] The ghost needed help. She had drowned and wanted to tell her best friend that she was okay. 
• [26:23] She discovered an article about the woman who had drowned.
• [27:37] Kristine was eventually able to track down the best friend and give her a reading and a message. 
• [28:30] She also was involved in a show to find out what happened to Jimmy Hoffa. 
• [35:41] A story about how Kristine's spiritual gifts helped transform someone else's life. She helped a client create space for her victim story. Afterwards, the client felt stronger and was able to battle a cancer journey with grace and strength. 
• [41:12] She wants her clients to feel powerful after a session with her.
• [42:08] Working with water is a powerful tool. Let cold water shock you as part of the process of letting go.
• [44:41] Kristine talks about her Soul Clarity Workshop.
• [45:55] Rapid fire questions!
• [48:08] She tries to make it to the ocean several times a week. She also loves recharging in her room and at yoga.
• [50:25] Have a good intention as to why you're doing what you're doing. Do something everyday to create a pattern and energy flow.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Kristine Fredheim - Soul Life 
• Kristine Fredheim - Facebook
• Kristine Fredheim - Instagram
• Soul Cards
• Friend of Jimmy
• The Hidden Messages in Water
• Soul Clarity: Workshop
• Moon Letters

What if healing wasn’t about fixing what’s broken, but about returning to who you’ve always been? That sense of coming home to yourself and being guided by both science and soul is at the center of Lindsay Olshan’s work. With close to 20 years of experience, Lindsay is a licensed marriage and family therapist, art therapist, and psychedelic-assisted therapist. She’s also the founder of FADEN, where she blends modern clinical techniques with sensory experiences, creative rituals, and ancient wisdom to help people reconnect with themselves.

Lindsay’s approach doesn’t fit into a neat clinical box. Yes, it’s rooted in research and backed by serious training in psychedelic medicine, but it also leaves room for intuition, community, and the deeply personal nature of healing. She’s worked with people navigating trauma, grief, and disconnection, helping them not just through powerful experiences, but through the quieter, meaningful work of integration and reflection. Her spaces invite people to slow down and listen, not just to experts, but to their own inner wisdom.

During our conversation, Lindsay opened up about her journey, including how the isolation of the pandemic pushed her to fully embrace psychedelic-assisted therapy. We talk about the role of ritual, the influence of art, and how healing often happens when we come together in community, in truth, and in remembrance of who we are beneath all the noise. This episode is really about honoring that deeper intelligence we all carry, and learning how to follow its lead.

Episode Highlights: 

• [02:55] We learn Lindsay's gateway to holistic wellness. She had been a therapist for 20 years and during COVID she wanted to integrate non-ordinary states of consciousness into her practice.
• [03:25] She had a powerful personal medicine experience that changed everything for her. She then applied for the California Institute of Integral Studies psychedelic assisted therapy program. 
• [04:45] Her teacher training in yoga may have set her on this path.
• [05:52] Once clients have the science and the data, they can go into the more abstract.
• [07:36] Having a traditional background is really important when weaving all of these modalities together.
• [08:19] Mainstream exploration of the Psychedelic Renaissance. People are wanting a deeper, richer experience.
• [09:47] A walk-through of a typical session at FADEN.
•  [10:36] It's important to separate out expectations, but having an intention can be helpful.
• [12:28] Sometimes people will have a very specific or acute trauma. Sometimes people just want to better know themselves.
• [13:18] Common misconceptions about psychedelic therapy include that it's escapist.
• [15:01] There's a lot of thought that goes into a retreat and it lasts from 5 to 7 days. There's also several weeks of integration on the backside.
• [16:53] Bringing sacredness and discernment shows up in what we get out of the experience.
• [17:34] Lindsay shares a story about a woman at one of the Italy retreats. 
• [18:40] Healing is remembering.
• [20:25] Practices and rituals that Lindsay does when she needs grounding.
• [22:17] Balancing evidence-based science with the intention and ritual of her practice. There are ebbs and flows. 
• [23:47] The role of community in the healing process. We don't heal in isolation. Having a community of women gathering is a potent healer.
• [26:43] The communitas scale and the magic of people gathering.
• [28:44] We're all connected. FADEN is German for thread.
• [31:13] Myths have been maps for us to locate bigger patterns.
• [32:46] Lindsay is hopeful that medicines continue to be legalized especially things like MDMA and psilocybin. She's hopeful things will move in the right direction.
• [34:19] If she could create a shift in mental health it would be that people would realize that symptoms don't show up for no reason. Mental health issues are a signal that something is going on.
• [36:11] Lindsay is hopeful that the future of psychedelic therapy will be more community-based and have less stigma around it.
• [38:33] Rapid fire questions. Lindsay loves her morning matcha and a little sauna.
• [40:31] It's surprising that it's safe to heal in the community.
• [43:33] Lindsay has a retreat coming up from September 13th to September 18th. It will be in Italy at Terme di Vulce, which is about an hour outside of Rome.
• [44:03] It will be six days of practicing breath work, medicine work, and many practices talked about today.
• [45:34] Key takeaway: you're already in the medicine. It's already bringing things up for you. Compassionately stay open to that curiosity.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Lindsay Olshan
• FADEN Ketamine Retreats
• FADEN Italy Retreat
• Lindsay Olshan - LinkedIn
• California Institute Of Integral Studies Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Program
• Haggitude

Wellness is a journey, and for many of us, it’s a combination of tradition, science, and firsthand experience. In this episode, I interview Noora Raj Brown, a lifestyle branding expert and wellness advocate. From her position as EVP of Brand at Goop to her work as a curator of meaningful design and culture, Noora has spent her career crafting stories that inspire intentional living. Her personal wellness philosophy is rooted in the balance between Eastern traditions and Western medicine, an approach she learned from growing up and her own health journey.

We discuss how Noora blends holistic practices into her life, including Ayurvedic cures and current medical ideas. She talks about how sleep, stress management, and movement are key to her well-being and why being intentional with what we consume, externally and internally, is the key to thriving. Whether it’s curating vintage finds, building a brand, or simply making time for restorative practices, Noora believes wellness is more than just routines. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful and aligned.

Join us as we go deep with Noora on her experiences, from Goop to her latest venture, Le Chute, a vintage collection that reflects her philosophy of thoughtful living. If you’re looking for inspiration to build a wellness practice that works for you without the pressure of perfection, this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights: 

• [02:57] Noora's parents were Indian immigrants. Her mom was like an original wellness guru. She grew up exposed to Eastern medicine. 
• [04:51] The incorporation of Eastern and Western medicine is very fluid in her life. She pulls from both sides to get through her day.
• [07:02] She's very excited about the opportunity to explore India and wellness retreats like Ananda in the Himalayas.
• [08:10] Noora is going to Australia the day after we had this conversation. She's excited to explore.
• [09:24] Sleep is the number one thing that affects Noora. She takes her sleep seriously
• [11:29] One of the really important things that she is working on is stress management.
• [12:59] It's important to slow down and stay in the moment.
• [14:31] During COVID, she was forced to slow down and stay home which was really beneficial for Noora during her pregnancy. 
• [16:01] Object of Desire is so beautiful and a great read. Passion, purpose, and connection are really important. The newsletter is really about things that bring people joy. Noora loves beautiful things. 
• [18:01] We learn about Noora's latest venture La Chute. She loves vintage pieces, and she's opening a vintage shop in LA.
• [21:23] We learn about Noora collaborating with amazing thought leaders in the wellness space.
• [23:04] One lesson that she has learned from her mother is to be protective of her time.
• [24:49] It's important to move and do whatever exercise suits you. She's also very strict about her morning hot water with lemon.
• [27:38] It's important to think about what your body needs and not be rigid with your wellness practice.
• [28:03] Noora stays grounded and focused by drinking green powder for detox and not over packing her days.
• [29:37] We learn Noora's go-to guide, Angie Banicki, and more rapid fire answers. 
• [32:35] Key advice includes really taking the time to listen to your body. Write everything down like eating and sleeping and notice the differences in how you feel.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Goop
• Noora Raj Brown - Instagram
• Objects of Desire
• Wellness Tips From A Wellness Fraud
• I Am A Voter
• Sarah Wragge Wellness Alkalize - Detoxifying Greens Powder
• Angie Banicki

I’m so excited to talk with Nia Tracey, founder of Turn Your Shine On and a talented healer who helps others connect with their inner divine. Nia’s journey started in her early 20s with therapy but it was Reiki at 30 that changed her life. From overcoming personal challenges (including a circulation disease) to finding her calling as a healer and teacher Nia’s story is a testament to the power of energy work and self discovery.

Nia shares how she uses Reiki, Akashic Records and other holistic modalities to help clients release trauma, clear energy blocks and step into their full potential. Through her stories she illustrates the power of combining spiritual and emotional healing including a remarkable case where she helped a bedridden cancer patient release guilt and find physical relief. With a focus on empowerment Nia gives you tools and insights to navigate your inner landscape and your wellness journey.

Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or a seasoned seeker this episode is packed with wisdom and practical guidance. From the benefits of conscious breathing to trusting your intuition when choosing a spiritual guide, Nia's approach is practical, inspiring and believes we are all capable of creating the life we desire. Don’t miss her tips on getting started, details on her Sedona retreat and her passion for helping others shine.

Episode Highlights: 

• [03:01] Nia shares her gateway into the wellness world. When she began therapy in her 20s, it set her up for a different type of journey. When she discovered Reiki it transformed everything. She thinks of her life as before Reiki and after Reiki.
• [04:19] Reiki is a form of healing that translates to universal life force energy. It promotes healing on all levels physical, emotional, mental, and all levels. It's also measurable.
• [04:55] Seven hertz is one of the most common frequencies coming out of the Reiki practitioner's hands. It's been shown to regenerate bone tissue.
• [05:45] Being attuned to Reiki means becoming a channel for this universal life force energy.
• [06:02] You go through a 21-day cleanse, as it's moving through your energetic body, clearing, balancing, and shifting. It literally raises your vibration.
• [07:01] Misconceptions include that alternative therapy and western medicine don't mix.
• [07:47] Nia describes a client's transformational experience using Reiki or other modalities. 
• [09:35] A woman was able to release her guilt and her cancer receded.
• [10:01] Akashic records are a vibrational record of your soul's journey through all space and time. It's a oneness that contains all possibilities.
• [11:45] Nia receives guidance, and it's co-creation, because she never does anything that the person's not in agreement with.
• [12:34] Nia wants Seekers to gain empowerment and feel whole. 
• [14:35] Her work helps her spiritually.
• [15:27] We learn the practices that Nia does everyday.
• [17:35] Her latest modality is Theta healing. She's inspired by healing.
• [18:29] Nia shares her wellness journey from therapy until Reiki took things to a whole new level. We're here to evolve, love, and be more. 
• [22:00] A wellness practice to incorporate in your day would be breath work.
• [23:04] She is super excited about her Sedona retreat. She also loves her Zoom sessions and Akashic records training.
• [24:03] We dive into the rapid fire questions. 
• [25:22] Advice includes: explore, have fun with it, and listen to your intuition.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Turn Your Shine On
• Turn Your Shine On - A Sedona Retreat
• Reiki - Universal Life Force Energy
• Akashic Records
• Nia Tracey - Instagram
• Nia Tracey - Facebook
• Nia Tracey - LinkedIn
• The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism
• The Mists of Avalon: A Novel

Healthy eating is a powerful investment in our well-being, and I’m thrilled to have Andrew Kaplan, also known as “Kappy”, here today to share his healing food journey. He is the creator and host of the Beyond the Plate podcast, where he interviews top culinary experts, sharing his extensive knowledge and industry connections. 

He currently serves as the Vice President of Culinary Operations for Rachael Ray's Brand where he helps develop brand strategy including culinary-related projects, appearances, events, cooking demonstrations, cookbook production, television production and more. As director of Rachael's nonprofit Yum-o!, he helps empower kids and families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking through education, hunger relief, and scholarships. 

Committed to community service and culinary education, Kappy is on the leadership council for Share Our Strength and the Chef Corps for World Central Kitchen. From professional kitchens to podcast host, brand executive, and philanthropist he’s dedicated to making a positive impact through food.

We discuss his journey into wellness which was inspired by his father. He shares his experiences with practices like intermittent fasting, ProLon (a fast-mimicking diet), and food sensitivities, emphasizing the value of whole ingredients, moderation, and body awareness. 

We talk about overcoming cat allergies through Nambudrapid’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET), which combines acupuncture and muscle testing. We also explore other wellness practices, such as NUCCA chiropractic care and cryotherapy, encouraging openness to various modalities and finding what works for each individual. 

Episode Highlights: 

• [03:25] Kappy's healthy food pioneering father was his gateway into wellness. 
• [05:34] He grew up in the food industry. He also saw his mother making real food from real ingredients.
• [06:02] Kappy ended up going to The Culinary Institute of America and Florida International University for Hotel Restaurant Management.
• [07:58] A few years ago, Kappy became very interested in intermittent fasting. He's also used meal programs like ProLon. 
• [09:09] He first tried fasting for weight loss then he realized the value of fasting for autophagy.
• [11:07] He's also giving a shout out to a meal program called Real Food Heals.
• [12:44] He's a proponent of eating whole foods. He does reduce gluten a bit and try to add protein.
• [15:38] Kappy talks about Yum-o! the program he helped Rachel Ray start.
• [17:12] We learn about Kappy's work trying to create healthier meals for kids in different school systems.
• [21:15] We turn to Kappy's wellness journey and some of the modalities he has tried.
• [22:02] We learn about the NAET technique which helped enable Kappy to live with a cat. The technique combines Reiki with acupuncture.
• [24:31] Incorporating muscle testing can even help to know if someone is sensitive to medication.
• [27:46] Kappy shares another story about the effectiveness of NAET. He also used it to detect he had a sensitivity to cashew milk.
• [33:21] The motivation for the Seeker's Field Guide is to put all of these modalities in one place, so people can find what's right for them.
• [34:52] We learn about NUCCA or the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. It's based on the adjustment of the atlas bone which is at the base of your skull.
• [37:57] Kappy shares how he evaluates potential modalities that he's interested in.
• [45:48] Beyond the Plate is coming up on its 10th season. If you're interested in food or drinks, check it out! They also have a drink series called Beyond the Drink.
• [49:20] Kappy tackles the rapid fire questions!
• [53:03] Advice includes assessing what you actually want. What are you willing to invest in your health and wellness? Stay open, it's not going to happen overnight. Find trusted resources. 

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Beyond the Plate Podcast
• Beyond the Drink - Sebastian Tollius
• Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan - Instagram
• Yum-o!
• Share Our Strength
• ProLon
• Real Food Heals
• NAET
• Say Good-Bye to Illness
• NUCCA
• Mill Food Recycler

Welcome to The Seeker's Field Guide, your gateway to the world of holistic health and wellness. I'm your host, Kerri Schoonyoung. We have an amazing guest today, certified Astrologer and Life Coach, Sonja Francis. 

Sonja combines multiple disciplines to help clients tap into their inner wisdom and reach their full potential. Originally from Vienna, Austria, and now based in Pittsburgh, she has studied astrology for over 30 years. Sonja received her NCGR Level 1 certification in 2005 and is a longtime member of the National Council for Geocosmic Research. In 2010, she founded her practice, Astrologer Coach Sonja Francis, offering personalized astrological readings and life coaching sessions to clients worldwide.

She is known for her soul-based approach to astrology, which focuses on personal growth and aligning with one’s highest potential. She’s passionate about helping clients better understand themselves, release limiting beliefs, and create more happiness and fulfillment. In addition to her one-on-one work, Sonja teaches astrology through her online curriculum and live soul journey seminars, empowering students from beginners to advanced levels to embrace a heart-centered approach to astrology.

Today we discuss what it means to practice soul-based astrology, how to use your birth chart as a tool for self-discovery, and ways astrology can help us navigate life’s challenges. Sonja also clears up some common misconceptions about astrology, shares how retrogrades and astrological events can influence our lives, and explains how understanding energetic patterns can improve relationships and foster community. We even touch on her favorite wellness practices and how she integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health in her daily life. 

Episode Highlights: 

[02:52] We learn how Sonja became involved with wellness. When she was 19, she read a book about Buddhism that sparked her interest in astrology.

[05:08] Astrology is a way for us to look at ourselves. It's a snapshot of the planetary positions at the time of our birth. This energetic blueprint can be used to help understand ourselves.

[06:32] A person can be guided to accept parts of themselves that they may have rejected in the past.

[06:44] Sonja shares what soul-based astrology is. The astrology chart is connected to our soul.

[08:13] Addressing misconceptions about astrology.

[09:44] The birth chart consists of more than the sun signs. There are 10 planets or celestial bodies in the birth chart.

[10:30] Retrogrades invite us to go within and to improve our alignment between the inner and outer world. It's a way to balance the yin and the yang and the feminine and masculine energies in our life.

[13:18] Sonja shares her thoughts on compatibility with zodiac signs. It's important to look at all of the planets, not just the sun signs.

[14:58] She loves all the signs but has a soft spot for Gemini and Scorpio. We all have signs somewhere in our chart.

[15:57] Sonja does readings with people because she wants them to know themselves. It's important to understand yourself fully to be the best version of yourself.

[16:40] A client success story. Sonja combines life coaching with astrology. 

[18:19] People who love astrology want to connect with others and have a community.

[21:21] It's also possible to overlay your chart with other people's charts.

[22:03] Sonja was surprised to learn how in tune she was with astrology and the energetic world.

[23:13] Sonja does a lot for physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. She sees herself as a whole system where it's all connected. Her routine includes plenty of rest, focusing on growth, and gratitude.

[25:20] She's also a big believer in self-care and being heart centered and love-based.

[27:41] Seekers Field Guide is about empowering individuals to create their own unique wellness journey.

[28:45] The Sedona Method is Sonja's favorite tool. It allows you to let go and release things from the past that make you feel stuck.

[29:47] Her husband is a lifelong learner and a great inspiration to her. She also just started a 1-year program to get an international coach certification.

[32:10] Sonja tackles the rapid fire questions. 

[34:21] Pay attention to what resonates with you and choose a teacher or book who feels in alignment with who you are and listen to your heart. 

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Astrologer Coach Sonja Francis
• Need the book link for Sonja’s introduction to astrology
• Sonja Francis - Facebook
• Sonja Francis - X
• Sonja Francis - Instagram
• The Sedona Method
• Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

Aligning our goals with our inner guidance can be transformative on the way to personal and professional success.

I'm thrilled to have Delphina, a brilliant intuitive consultant and medium, with us today. Delphina has committed her career to assisting individuals and businesses in reaching their maximum potential, combining her natural intuitive ability with vast corporate expertise to provide insights that go beyond the norm. 

We’ll explore Delphina’s unique approach to intuitive guidance, medium connections, and synergy consulting. She shares how these practices help provide clarity, comfort, and closure while integrating profound insights into decision-making.

Throughout our conversation, you’ll hear inspiring transformation stories and learn how you can tap into your own intuitive powers to navigate challenges and reach your goals. Whether you’re looking to deepen your intuitive practice or curious about how intuition can intersect with business, this episode offers practical tips and meaningful insights. Let’s dive into the journey toward a more guided, fulfilled life.

Episode Highlights: 

[03:22] Delphina's gateway to the wellness world was Reiki. She was experiencing a wellness challenge and her guides and intuition let her know that she needed something beyond herself.

[04:58] It was a return to self and claiming of her intuitiveness.

[05:51] She was still tied to corporate sales but also did intuitiveness and Reiki. She was grateful to leave corporate and focus on her spiritual side full time. 

[09:09] Her wife, Marie, is also her business partner.

[10:01] Intuitive guidance. Everyone has their own distinctive vibration and frequency. Delphina is a permission based intuitive. She connects with her clients higher self after asking permission.

[11:36] She also connects with her clients' loved ones and guides.

[12:17] It's a beautiful combination of combining personal and career into a beautiful tapestry of energy for their highest good.

[13:11] We learn about some misconceptions.

[15:00] Everything is energy. We learn Delphina's favorite Tesla quote.

[16:37] A transformation story that combines a little bit of everything.

[20:21] Spirit nudge is when your loved ones or higher self keep giving you a nudge.

[21:36] We have to allow ourselves to do what we're supposed to do.

[23:07] With her clients, she usually focuses on 75% spiritual and 25% business.

[24:06] Clients get to see how amazing they are and really understand that they're not alone.

[26:17] Delphina takes credit for being a really good channel. It's the guides.

[27:16] Being a highly sensitive person is a superpower. When you lean into it, things will shift. Delphina owns her sensitivities on all levels.

[29:10] She also receives Reiki everyday.

[30:42] Breath work allows you to acknowledge energy and then return to self. Set an intention and then breathe.

[34:23] Seekers and empaths are usually heart centered. Find what works for you.

[36:57] Delphina is self taught and taught by spirit. 

[38:34] Spirit Academy launched last year.

[41:49] Delphina tackles the rapid fire questions.

[47:09] Advice includes knowing yourself and let your energy guide you.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Spirit Guiding - Delphina
• Spirit Academy
• Delphina - Instagram
• Delphina - LinkedIn
• The Four Agreements

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