Mold isn’t just unsightly, it’s a silent disruptor of health, energy, and living spaces.

In this episode of The Aligned Interior, I’m joined by environmental quality specialist and author John C. Banta to explore the hidden ways mold impacts our homes and health.

We cover how mold develops, why it can be so stubborn to remove, and the steps John takes for effective, non-chemical remediation. He shares decades of insight into how moisture and building materials contribute to mold growth, common mistakes in construction and remodeling, and practical strategies for preventing mold in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and beyond.

John also discusses how environmental exposures, including mold, can contribute to ongoing health issues, like allergy-like symptoms, migraines, fatigue, and asthma, and why early detection and proper remediation are essential. For renters, homebuyers, and designers, he explains what to look for to minimize hidden risks.

We also touch on how John works with medical professionals, and highlight key insights from his books Prescriptions For A Healthy House and his latest, Mold Controlled, A Guide to Finding, Fixing, Preventing and Getting Help with Mold Problems.

Whether you’ve encountered mold firsthand or simply want to understand how our built environments shape our well-being, this episode offers actionable insights for creating healthier homes.

🌀 John Banta is the mold expert, an environmental quality specialist and author whose work bridges environmental health, remediation, and practical solutions for homeowners and professionals alike.

Timestamps:  

(0:00) Introduction. 

(2:05) John’s background & how he started in indoor air quality and mold.

(5:20) What sets his approach apart from others in the field.

(7:48) How common are mold issues in homes and buildings.

(11:28) Under-appreciated health impacts of mold.

(14:30) Collaborating with doctors.

(17:23) Construction and remodeling mistakes that encourage mold.

(22:01) “Building better” to prevent mold in practice.

(25:40) Linking hidden mold exposure to chronic symptoms.

(30:24) Most common causes of mold in homes.

(33:00) How material choices affect mold vulnerability.

(42:00) What renters and buyers should look for to spot mold risks.

(48:07) Steps for effective mold cleaning.

(01:05:20) Practical home precautions to prevent mold.

(01:11:40) Key chapters or sections to focus on in the book.

(01:14:17) Ideal changes in building design or regulation.

(01:15:36) One shift listeners should make about their homes and health.

(01:16:25) Closing thoughts & outro.

📚 Resources ⁠

• John C Banta’s  Website
• Mold Controlled, A Guide to Finding, Fixing, Preventing and Getting Help with Mold Problems
• John Banta’s new book⁠ ⁠Prescriptions for a Healthy House⁠: A Practical Guide For Architects, Builders, and Homeowners

🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™ | ⁠Link⁠

🛑 Disclaimer 

• The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice.
•  The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 
• Use of the information provided is at the listener’s own risk.
  

Sound isn’t just something we hear, it’s something that shapes our physiology, influencing our thoughts, feelings, actions… and even our capacity to heal

In his second appearance on The Aligned Interior, renowned sound expert and author Julian Treasure returns to explore the profound role sound plays in shaping our environments, our bodies, and our lives.

We explore how sound, vibration, and frequency shape our well-being, from the rooms we design to the cities and bodies we inhabit. Together, we examine how sound affects us socially, our learning, focus, nervous system regulation, healing and so much more.

This expansive dialogue bridges the history of sound, interior design, vibrational medicine, plant communication and planetary frequencies. Reminding us that sound connects us all, and that it’s a powerful tool for facilitating harmony in our bodies, lives, and environments.

🌀 Julian Treasure is a leading voice in sound, communication, and acoustic design. He’s the author of Sound Business and How to Be Heard, and his newest book, Sound Affects: How Sound Shapes Our Lives, Our Well-Being, and Our Planet. With TED Talks reaching over 150 million views, Julian’s work continues to shape how we design for, and with, the ears.

• (0:00) Introduction

• (2:35) About Julian & His New Book. The inspiration behind Sound Affects
• (7:10) The History of Sound in Humanity. Speaking, listening & the evolution of noise
• (17:21) Sound & The Nervous System. Exploring the impact of everyday noise on well-being and how to create spaces that support nervous system regulation
• (25:15) Sound, Multisensory Design & Superadditivity. How sound design can amplify emotional and sensory impact
• (37:37) Sound, Vibration & Frequency. From cellular biology to cosmic resonance, we explore how sound shapes life at every scale and the potential it holds for healing and design
• (49:38) Sound, Plants & Biophilia. Exploring plant communication and how biophilic design fosters greater wellbeing
• (56:10) Sound in Sacred Spaces, Cultures & Traditions. Wisdom for modern sound design
• (1:00:42) Julian’s Favorite Sound + Sound Resources (see below for links and free trial info)
• (1:02:34) Final Reflections & Outro

📚 Resources:

• Julian Treasure

• Sound Affects – Julian's new book

• How To Be Heard

• Sound Business

• WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for Europe

• MyNoise

• The Listening Society – Free 30 Day Trial 🤗

  
  

🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™ | Link

🛑 Disclaimer:

• The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice.
• The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
• Use of the information provided is at the listener’s own risk.

How do our spaces help us balance, not just emotionally, but neurologically? In Part 2 of my conversation with world-renowned neuroaesthetics expert Dr. Oshin Vartanian, we explore how interior design can support emotional processing, facilitate creativity, and foster well-being and meaning.

Together, we unpack how subtle design choices, from natural elements to multisensory design, can engage the brain in ways that often operate beneath conscious awareness. We touch on topics like exposure therapy through design, brain homeostasis, and why the environments we choose might be more connected to our nervous system than we realize.

Whether you’re a designer, therapist, creative, or simply curious about how the brain responds to interior space, this episode offers a grounded and eye-opening look into the intersection of neuroaesthetics and environmental psychology.

🧠 Dr. Vartanian is a leading voice in the neuroaesthetics field. He is a Professor at the University of Toronto and President of the International Association of Empirical Aesthetics (IAEA). His research bridges psychology, neuroscience, and aesthetics, and has shaped how we understand the power of space on human cognition and emotion.

🎧 Tap play to discover:

• How natural materials and multisensory design quietly shape your emotional and creative states
• The surprising ways your brain seeks balance through the environments you choose
• How thoughtfully designed spaces can support emotional healing and nervous system regulation
• Why personalization matters more than design trends in creating meaningful interiors
• The latest tools researchers use to study how design impacts brain function over time

👇 If something resonates, share it with a fellow design-lover, and follow the show for future episodes. 

⏱️ Timestamps: 

(0:00) Introduction 

(2:22) What mental and emotional health benefits can we gain by incorporating nature into our interior environments? 

(6:53) Neuroaesthetics vs. environmental psychology: what’s the difference?

(10:27) Neurological mechanisms that foster connection, belonging, and unity through natural elements

(15:45) Cathedrals, multisensory design, and how sacred spaces affect the brain

(17:22) What’s the sweet spot for multisensory design load on the brain and nervous system?

(24:07) Design elements that support creativity + Dr. Vartanian’s personal story of rediscovering focus in a nostalgic space

(26:34) Pleasure versus joy in neuroaesthetics 

(30:00) Portable EEGs, VR, and studying real-time brain response to space 

(32:17) How design supports emotional processing and homeostasis 

(35:12) Therapeutic spaces, fear rooms, and emotional alchemy

(39:35) Meaning-making in art, design and aesthetics  

(41:24) Interior environments and personal development 

(42:28) Common design mistakes & understanding the end user 

(45:48) Flexible design features: ceiling height and cognition 

(47:39) The future of neuroaesthetic research and unanswered questions 

(49:52) How reward systems process beauty and space 

(51:15) Where to learn more: IAEA, APA Division 10, and ANFA. See resources below for direct links! 

(54:12) Closing and outro 

Resources: ⁠

• Dr. Oshin Vartanian – University of Toronto ⁠
• International Association of Empirical Aesthetics (IAEA) ⁠
• American Psychological Association – Division 10 
• ⁠Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) ⁠

⁠🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™ Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story 

🛑 Disclaimer:

• The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice. 
• The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 
• The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.

Why do some spaces instantly feel calming, focused, or inspiring, while others leave us anxious, uneasy, or drained? The answer lies in the science of neuroaesthetics and the often subconscious influence of space: how our brains respond to beauty, form, and function in the environments we inhabit, often without us even realizing it.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Oshin Vartanian, one of the world’s foremost experts in neuroaesthetics and the psychology of architecture and design. We explore how your primal brain processes, and instinctively reacts to, elements like curves, ceiling height, natural materials, sacred spaces, and more.

Dr. Vartanian is a Professor at the University of Toronto, where he explores the cognitive and neural foundations of creativity and aesthetics. He received his PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Maine and currently serves as President of the International Association of Empirical Aesthetics (IAEA). He is the former editor of Empirical Studies of the Arts and Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, and has co-edited several landmark volumes on the neuroscience of aesthetics, creativity, and decision making. All linked below in the Resources section.

🧠 Dr. Vartanian’s research is foundational to understanding how interior environments influence the way we think, feel, and act. Shaping our behavior, supporting health, well-being and evoking emotional and awe-related responses often associated with sacred or contemplative spaces.

Links to all these resources are available below.

💭 Whether you're a designer, architect, wellness professional, holistic health enthusiast, or simply curious about the hidden power of your surroundings — this conversation will change how you see the world around you.

🎧 Tap play to explore:

• How your primal brain and subconscious mind respond to interior spaces and design elements
• What kinds of interior environments your brain is naturally drawn to, and why
• The surprising science behind curves, ceiling height, contrast, and natural elements
• How certain spaces can lower stress, support creativity, and spark awe
• Why understanding the subconscious influence of space is key to health, well-being, and human potential

👇 Drop a comment if something resonates, share this episode with someone who loves great design, and follow the show to catch Part 2 — coming soon!

⏱️ Timestamps

🔗 Resources

• Dr. Oshin Vartanian – University of Toronto
• International Association of Empirical Aesthetics (IAEA)
• Empirical Studies of the Arts – Journal
• Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts – Journal
• Neuroaesthetics (Baywood Publishing)
• Neuroscience of Creativity (MIT Press)
• Neuroscience of Decision Making (Psychology Press)
• The Cambridge Handbook of the Neuroscience of Creativity (Cambridge)
• The Oxford Handbook of Empirical Aesthetics (Oxford)

🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™

Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story

🛑 Disclaimer

• The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice.
• The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
• The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.

In this episode, we explore the healing power of sound with Sara Auster — world-renowned sound therapist, meditation teacher, and creator of the PAUSE app.

We break down the basics of sound bathing and sound therapy, uncovering how these powerful practices can be used to reduce stress, deepen self-awareness, and support emotional healing. Sara shares insights from her work and introduces her signature approach, the Auster Sound Method.

Whether you're new to sound healing or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation will inspire you to listen more deeply — to your environment, your inner world, and the spaces in between.

🎧 In this episode:
— What sound bathing and sound therapy really are
— How sound impacts your nervous system and mental state
— Using sound for self-inquiry and personal transformation
— Healing through frequency and listening

Tune in, take a breath, and pause.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction. 

(1:44) I’d love it if we started off with you telling us a little bit about yourself and what led you to becoming a world renown sound therapist and mediation teacher. 

(4:16) How would you describe a sound bath? 

(5:00) When you are accessing the mind, what role does psychoacoustics play in sound bathing? 

(6:36) What are some wellbeing benefits (mind, body & spirit) of sound bathing? 

(7:45) Would you walk us through one of your sound bathing sessions? 

(17:00) Do you have any recommendations on how people can incorporate the healing benefits of the sound bathing in their home? 

(18:53) A discussion on using the sounds around your home as a self development tool.

(27:00) How would you describe using sound bathing and sound therapy as a self development practice? 

(30:00) Animals instinctually release traumatic or stressful experiences through tremors or shaking. Is there a link here to sound healing? For example a deer shaking after shock or the vibration of a cat’s purr. 

(33:00) Where would you like to see people invest more research around the healing benefits of sound? 

(39:10) What role does sound healing play with intuition? 

(45:10) I’d love it if you can share a little about your app PAUSE.

(47:30) I’d love it if you could speak to the sounds of singing bowls and what makes them so healing as well as what advice you have for people who are looking to buy singing bowls? 

(49:47) Is there a connection between the sounds produced with signing bowls and layers of consciousness?

(51:18) Do you think that sound healing happens at a cellular level? 

(52:47) Closing thoughts and outro 

Resources: 

Auster Sound  (https://saraauster.com/) 

About Sarah Auster (https://saraauster.com/about) 

PAUSE App (https://saraauster.com/pause-app) 

Sounds Of Healing by Mitchell L. Gaynor MD 

Disclaimer:

• The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice. 
• The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 
• The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk

In this episode we explore design practices, recommendations and resources for the healthiest products (materials, finishes, appliances, etc) to consider to improve the health of your home.

Our special guests today are Paula Baker-Laporte and Andrea Allen Sis of EcoNest Architecture. Paula is the founder of EcoNest, an architect, building biologist, author and educator. Following a first-hand experience with multiple chemical sensitivities in the 1980’s, Paula has dedicated her career to finding healthier ways to construct based on the principles of Building Biology. Now in its 4th edition, Paula co-authored the industry staple “Prescriptions of a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders and Homeowners."

Andrea is an architect, educator and partner at EcoNest, where she also serves as a materials research specialist and develops protocols for finding, vetting and maintaining a database for healthy building materials. Andrea believes healthy, nurturing spaces should be accessible to everyone and consciously focuses her career on creating healthy and sustainable homes while bringing the practice of building without harmful substances into mainstream design and construction.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction 

(2:25) What led you both to becoming leading experts and advocates for leading healthy homes? 

(7:26) How would you define a healthy home? 

(8:43) Why should people be concerned about their indoor environmental quality? 

(11:01) What are some health conditions you have seen and know of that arise from being in indoor environments that have health hazards? 

(13:50) From a standpoint of designing and building for health, what are your recommended DOs for remodeling? 

(15:35) What would be the lowest hanging fruit that someone can do to improve the health of their home? So that after this podcast is over they have a takeaway to gain some health benefits from? 

(16:54) In terms of air quality (ventilation, filtration, etc) how would you typically approach that for someone’s existing home? 

(21:29) How much more will it cost to build a healthy home?

(27:00) What are the healthiest materials and finishes for the interior of a home? 

(31:35) What are you seeing in the industry and environments around moving towards healthier spaces? 

(34:57) What advice do you have for people when selecting furnishings and accessories? 

(36:16) A lot of people are living mobile lives right now (airbnbs, etc). Is there anything that we can do when we are dwelling in spaces that are not our home to safeguard ourselves against health hazards? 

(38:00) What are some things you recommend to people to keep in mind when they are purchasing home appliances? 

(43:00) What is electromagnetic radiation and how do you recommend designing your home from that standpoint for better health? 

(45:47) In terms of water supply. How do you recommend someone approach evaluating and designing their water system to ensure they are getting healthy water? 

(48:25) In terms of your own homes, what are your absolutes for designing and keeping it healthy? And what are some examples of healthy materials and finishes that you have chosen for your homes? 

(1:01:13) If you could snap your fingers and instantly get rid of one home healthy hazard globally what would it be? 

(1:04:25) Closing thoughts 

Resources: 

EcoNest Architecture, Healthy Home Design & Consulting (https://www.econestarchitecture.com/)

Books (https://www.econestarchitecture.com/shop)

Paula Baker-Laporte & Andrea Allen Sis (⁠https://www.econestarchitecture.com/about-us⁠)

Disclaimer:

• The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice. 
• The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 
• The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk

This episode is part two of a two part series on Forest Bathing (translated from Japanese term shinrin-yoku). In part two we explore the science behind the health and well-being benefits of forest bathing, forest therapy and time in nature while providing recommendations on how to incorporate these lessons into your home design. 

Our special guest is Dr. Susan Abookire, BSEE, MD, MPH, FACP, an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and a senior executive with 22 years’ experience leading healthcare organizations. She has served as Chief Medical Officer, System Chief Quality Officer, and Department Chair of the Department of Quality and Patient Safety at Mount Auburn, a Harvard hospital, where she founded and led the award-winning quality and patient safety program. Dr. Abookire began her professional career as an electrical engineer in aviation systems design and brings a keen understanding of systems thinking and design to her work improving healthcare for everyone. 

A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Abookire trained at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and practices Internal Medicine. She received a master’s degree from the Harvard School of Public Health and teaches nationally and internationally. Certified as a Forest Therapy Guide, Dr. Abookire offers nature-inspired individual coaching, group coaching, leadership development, training and retreats to healthcare professionals. Her programs help professionals and patients by delivery tools for lifelong physical, mental and cognitive wellbeing.

Dr. Abookire has also developed a curriculum for Harvard Medical School residents that incorporates Forest Therapy into learning about healthcare systems and leadership. Her rich background and experience in systems design influences all her work, including supporting healthcare organizations looking for cultural transformation. 

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction 

(2:00) What is your background and what let you to becoming a forest therapy guide and spearheading the integration of this form of therapy into the medical system? 

(6:17) Could you speak to some of the health benefits of forest bathing from a medical perspective? 

(8:50) Discussion around the nervous system states.

(12:45) The restoration benefits of time in nature.

(18:38) Can you walk us through one of your forest bathing sessions that you offer?

(26:26) Where do you offer your forest therapy sessions? (30:40) How you can use forest bathing to open up and receive guidance.

(34:30) Why is it important for women to be mindful of cortisol levels when it comes to hormone fluctuations (monthly perimenopause, menopause, etc)?

(38:25) How do you as a doctor and forest therapy guide think someone can use their home to induce similar benefits of forest bathing?

(44:00) What do you do in your home that connects you to the forest?

(51:56) How do you introduce someone who is new to forest bathing?

(58:10) How often do you recommend people spend time in nature to for health and wellbeing benefits?

(1:00:04) A discussion on the immune system benefits of time in nature

(1:05:39) If you could snap your fingers and imbue everyone with one piece of knowledge or understanding about forest therapy and/or trees, what would it be?

Resources: 

Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (https://anft.earth/) (https://anft.earth/team/dr-susan-abookire/)

Dr. Susan Abookire, Harvard Medical School (https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/susan-abookire-bsee-md-mph-facp)  Songs by

TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story

Disclaimer:

• The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice. 
• The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 
• The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk

This episode is part one of a two part series on Forest Bathing (translated from Japanese term shinrin-yoku). In part one we explore forest bathing and how forest bathing is an effective practice for personal development, better health, wellbeing and spirituality. Our special guest is Amos Clifford the founder and CEO of the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT). Amos is a psychotherapist and leading global advocate for ForestTherapy, he teaches that forest therapy is an effective practice for personal development. Bringing together a multinational group of talented trainers, Amos and his team have now led over 2500 Forest Therapy Guides in 66 countries. He is the author of “Your Guide to Forest Bathing.” Amos teaches that “the forest is the therapist, the guide opens the doors.” 

Stay tuned for part two with special guest Dr. Susan Abookie. We dive deep into the science behind the health and wellbeing benefits of forest bathing and forest therapy while providing recommendations on how to incorporate these lessons into your home design.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction 

(1:28) What is your background and what lead you to become a leading global advocate for forest bathing? 

(7:01) What is forest bathing? And what is its origin? 

(13:35) How does forest therapy relate to spirituality? 

(22:00) An exploration of the perspective problem

(28:10) An exploration of the sentience of stones 

(37:10) If we are mimicking the forest bathing experience in a virtual space, what excites you most about that and are there any guiding principles there that you can apply to your home? 

(40:36) If you could snap your fingers and imbue everyone in the world with one piece of knowledge or understanding about forests or forest bathing, what would you want them to know? 

Resources: 

Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (https://anft.earth/)  

Your Guide To Forest Bathing by Amos Clifford found on Amazon + other distributers. 

Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Link:  ⁠⁠https://ikson.com/tell-your-story⁠⁠ 

Disclaimer:

- The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice. 

- The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

- The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.

In this episode we explore Colour Psychology in Interior Design to facilitate authenticity, alignment and greater well being. Our special guest is Karen Haller FRSA, a global expert in Behavioural Design and Colour Psychology. She helps businesses and design professionals use colour and design to support mental health, enhance wellbeing, and create positive, nature-aligned change. Karen is the author of The Little Book of Colour as well as being an in-demand media commentator, international speaker and awards judge. 

Timestamps:

 (0:00) Introduction 

(1:52) You have a unique approach to colour and design. I’d love it if you could share a little about your approach to and what you do?

(4:25) What role does nature play in your approach to color and design? 

(8:48) How can we use colour in a home environment to influence positive behaviour and wellbeing? 

(13:23) What are the conditions that would make the colour pink have adverse effects? 

(19:05) Is there a difference between how our bodies react to the colour in red in paint or light? 

(25:48) How would you approach colour design to help facilitate feelings of relaxation, ease and comfort? 

(44:55) Discussion on how our colour personality relates to nature and the seasons 

(58:00) What key aspects would you recommend for homeowners to keep in mind when they are choosing colours for their home? 

(01:06:11) How would you recommend someone approach the amount of colour they use in a space? 

(01:08:31) The colour black phase in fashion and what that may mean from a colour psychology perspective

(01:14:09) What are your favorite colours and why? 

(01:16:43) If you could snap your fingers and give everyone on earth one fundamental piece of colour knowledge, what would it be? 

(01:23:34) Closing thoughts 

Resources: 

Karen Haller (https://karenhaller.com/) 

Free Design Industry E-Book (https://karenhaller.com/free-10-myths-ebook/) 

Colour & Design Courses (https://karenhaller.com/courses/) 

The Little Book of Colour (https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/)

Free First Chapter of The Little Book of Colour (https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/free-chapter/)

Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Link:  ⁠https://ikson.com/tell-your-story⁠ 

Disclaimer:

- The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice. 

- The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

- The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.

In this episode we explore Vedic Gemology and how we can use gemstones to facilitate alignment and greater well being. Our guest is Tiffany April Raines (https://astrologicalgemstones.com/), a Vedic Gemologist, CEO and co-owner of Astrological Gem. She has a nearly 20-year career at Astrological Gem International and has become one of the most popular Vedic Gemologists in the world. 

Timestamps:

(4:10) As part of your personal experimentation with gemstones. Could you share one of these experiments, where you did a trial and error test on a gemstone? 

(7:49) If you wanted to work with Saturn in your chart in a benefic way how would you go about choosing the best gemstone based on someone’s natal chart?  

(9:26) The importance of testing out a gemstone, trial and error to ensure it is a good fit

(10:18) Why did you choose to do Vedic Astrology over Western and is there a difference between them with Gemology? 

(13:50) How would you describe gemstones affect someone’s body and energetic field? 

(20:05) Are there any gemstones that are not good for someone, will have detrimental effects and/or not safe? 

(23:16) When you look at someone’s chart for an initial gemstone consultation what are the areas of the chart that you look at first? 

(26:30) For someone just dabbling in gemstones, what advice would you give them for selecting their starter gemstones? 

(29:15) What are the benefits and differences between wearing gemstones and having gemstones in a space? 

(33:45) Are there any other gemstones that you like to use in your personal space? 

(37:10) Are there any harmful effects of using a lot of different types of crystals in a space within close proximity? 

(40:16) Discussing the symbiotic relationship between plants and crystals.

(41:57) How do you program a stone? Do you have a ritual for bringing a gemstone into a space and / or wearing it? 

(44:30) Discussing how gemstones select the buyer just as much as the buyer selects the gemstone.

(47:00) What advice do you have for buyers when purchasing gemstones? 

(51:10) Are there certain gemstones you don’t recommend for people? 

(54:23) How would you approach recommending a gemstone for a house that someone wants to work on but also has the north node or south node in it? 

(57:14) For the people who want to be liberated from the “bad karma”, how do you go about recommending a gemstone for them? 

(01:03:37) If you were stranded on a desert island, what one gemstone would you bring with you?  

(01:04:33) What are you sun, moon and rising signs in Vedic? (01:06:08) Do you have a favorite fact about gemstones? (01:07:33) Closing

Resources: 

Tiffany April Raines (https://astrologicalgemstones.com/meet-tiffany-april-raines/)

Astrological Gemstones (https://astrologicalgemstones.com/) 

Vedic Gemology Blog (https://vedicgemology.com/)