The Aligned Interior

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Expert conversations on how the spaces we live in shape our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. From neuroscience and healthy-home design to the esoteric. Hosted by Sonya Randell, a ... more

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How many episodes does The Aligned Interior have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.

The Aligned Interior episodes:

January 29, 2025The Psychology of Colour: How Colour Shapes Mood, Behaviour & Wellbeing at Home With Karen Haller
Colour psychology expert Karen Haller explains how the colours in your home shape how you think, feel, and behave, and how to choose a palette that supports your wellbeing, rooted in nature rather than trends.
In this episode we explore colour psychology and behavioural design with Karen Haller, a global expert in behavioural design and colour psychology and the author of The Little Book of Colour. We get into how colour affects mood and behaviour, why nature is the truest guide to a harmonious palette, and how to use colour to create a home that reflects who you really are.

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

In this episode:
Why colour affects how you think, feel, and behave, whether you notice it or not.
The difference between liking a colour and its psychological effect (the pink locker-room story).
Why "as nature intended" palettes harmonise and man-made colours can jar.
How to find your colour personality, and why your home should reflect it, not the season.
Why all-grey and all-white homes can switch off your emotions.
Why colour isn't "healing", but reconnecting with your authentic self can change everything.
Guest: Karen Haller is a global expert in behavioural design and colour psychology, helping businesses and design professionals use colour and design to support mental health, enhance wellbeing, and create positive, nature-aligned change. Her clients include leading architectural and design practices and global brands such as Samsung, Dove, and Fiat. She is the author of The Little Book of Colour, and an in-demand media commentator, international speaker, and awards judge.
Resources:
Karen Haller
Free Design Industry E-Book
Colour & Design Courses
The Little Book of Colour
Free First Chapter of The Little Book of Colour
Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinterior.
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.
...more
1h 25min
January 09, 2025Astrological Gemstones: How Vedic Gems Work With Your Birth Chart With Tiffany April Raines
Vedic gemologist Tiffany April Raines explains how astrological gemstones work with your birth chart to support alignment, wellbeing, and your space, and how to choose, test, and place them in your home.
In this episode we explore gemstones, crystals, and interior design with Tiffany April Raines, a Vedic gemologist and the CEO and co-founder of Astrological Gem Stones, and one of the world's most sought-after Vedic gemologists. We get into how gemstones channel planetary influences, how to choose the right stone for your chart, and how gems and crystals can shape the energy of a space.

Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:28) How did you get into Gemology?
(4:10) Could you share one of your personal experiments with gemstones?
(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 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 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) What advice would you give them for selecting their starter gemstones?
(29:15) What are the differences between wearing gemstones and having them in a space?
(33:45) Are there any other gemstones that you like to use in your home?
(37:10) Are there any harmful effects of using a lot of different types of crystals within close proximity?
(40:16) The relationship between plants and crystals.
(41:57) Do you have a ritual when getting a new gemstone?
(44:30) Gemstones select the buyer
(47:00) What advice do you have when buying gemstones?
(51:10) Are there gemstones you don’t recommend for people?
(54:23) How would you approach recommending a gemstone for a natal house that someone wants to work on?
(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

In this episode:
How astrological gemstones channel planetary influences in your chart.
Why the right stone increases synchronicity, and the wrong one creates obstacles.
The difference between wearing a gem (works on you) and placing one (works on the space).
Vastu and the practice of burying the nine astrological gems in a building's foundation.
Crystals for the home: selenite, salt lamps, obsidian, citrine, and sacred geometry.
Why gemstone quality, natural, untreated, unflawed, determines its power.
How to buy mindfully and ethically.
Guest: Tiffany April Raines is a Vedic gemologist and the CEO and co-founder of Astrological Gem Stones. One of the world's most sought-after Vedic gemologists, she works with precious gemstones as an astrological remedial measure, selecting natural, untreated stones that channel planetary influences to support alignment and wellbeing, and personally screening every gem she prescribes.
Resources:
Astrological Gemstones
Vedic Gemology Blog
Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-storyDisclaimer:
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.
...more
1h 9min
July 04, 2024Heal Through Astrology: Asterian Astrology & Interior Design with Jade Sol Luna
Asterian astrology creator Jade Sol Luna explains how your birth chart can inform the design of your home, turning your space into a reflection of who you truly are.
This conversation will resonate most with our spiritually-minded listeners, but we invite everyone to listen with an open mind and take what resonates.
This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior.
In this episode we explore Asterian astrology and interior design with Jade Sol Luna, creator of Asterian Astrology and the first Westerner to reconstruct ancient Hindu astrology within a Greco-Roman framework. We cover the foundations of how your birth chart maps onto your home, and how to design a space aligned with your nature.

Timestamps:
(⁠0:00⁠) Introduction
(⁠1:51⁠) How does Asterian Astrology differ from Western Astrology?
(⁠5:26⁠) How did you get into Astrology and how did it lead to you practicing Asterian Astrology?
(⁠10:24⁠) How does Astrology come into play with geographic locations?
(⁠12:37⁠) How does Astrology come into play for buildings?
(⁠13:14⁠) Have you had clients that you have provided astrological advice for specific buildings in addition to geographic locations?
(⁠14:08⁠) Do people have auspicious numbers that change based on Astrological weather?
(⁠15:13⁠) How can people look up on their own their numbers from their birth chart as well as the current year and use it as guidance when selecting an apartment or home?
(⁠18:16⁠) Would your Astrological number be the same for Western and Vedic Astrology?
(⁠18:44⁠) From an Asterian Astrology perspective what considerations do you make for your own home?
(⁠27:44⁠) In psychology there are personality types. In Asterian Astrology we have an astrological blueprint of our essence. How can we use this blueprint, astrological personality types of sort to create spaces that reflect and support more of our essence?
(⁠39:10⁠) Do you recommend an Asterian Astrology resources?
(⁠⁠40:37⁠⁠) What is the original element of design in ancient time?
(⁠⁠⁠41:42⁠⁠⁠) What is the astrological numerology behind objects?
(⁠⁠⁠⁠44:14⁠⁠⁠⁠) If someone were to buy or be given an object that has negative energy around it how does that affect you (if at all) from an Astrological perspective?
(⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠48:01⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Are there certain Astrological signs that lean more towards certain diets?
(⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠50:58⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) What sign would be very important to consider when designing your home from an Asterian Astrology perspective?
(⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠52:04⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) How do Gods and Goddesses play a role in terms of you astrological essence and how can you implement that information into your spaces to reflect both you as well as honor those deities?
(⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠57:40⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Closing thoughts

In this episode:
How your birth chart can inform your home design.
What makes Asterian astrology distinct.
Designing a space that reflects your true nature.
Where to begin bringing astrology into your home.
Guest: Jade Sol Luna is a world-renowned Asterian astrologer, the first Westerner to reconstruct Hindu astrology into a Greco-Roman framework, and the author of several books including Asterian Astrology.
Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinterior.
Resources:
Jade Sol Luna
⁠Asterian Astrology The Lost System of Alexander the Great VOL. 1⁠ by Jade Sol Luna
⁠27 Stars: Discovering your True Self with Asterian Astrology⁠ by Dr. Michael Santangelo and Jade Sol Luna

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.
...more
59min
June 06, 2024Energy Healing & Frequency in Your Space with Dr. Ondre Seltzer
Energy healer Dr. Ondre Seltzer explores why some rooms just feel "off", and how energy, intention, and clearing can shift the way a space feels.
This conversation will resonate most with our spiritually-minded listeners, but we invite everyone to listen with an open mind and take what resonates.
This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior.
In this episode we explore the energy of our homes with Dr. Ondre Seltzer, why spaces hold a feeling, how intention shapes a room, and simple ways to clear and reset the energy of your home.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:30) Introducing our guest & show details
(1:46) How would you describe to listeners what you do?
(2:25) How do you rebalance frequencies in spaces? And can you share how that started?
(3:48) When you walk into a new space, what do you sense or feel? How do you experience spaces differently than other people?
(8:03) We explore why you feel healthier when you are in love and surrounded by high frequency energy.
(9:59) What objects and/or things that you recommend for people to increase the frequency of their spaces?
(17:41) What do you feel or see in space in terms of what frequencies are in balance or off balance?
(21:18) How would you recommend someone go about clearing out a space where they had negative feelings or experiences?
(23:52) What would you recommend to clear spaces that for people with pets?
(26:30) How do you experience plants as a frequency rebalancer? And how do you feel about them being in spaces?
(30:00) Do plants have auras like people? What do you see and feel with them?
(33:15) We explore the idea of plants choosing us, rather than us choosing them.
(37:59) In terms of a home of an individual that is healing say from sadness from a divorce or where children have problems. From a frequency rebalancer perspective how would you approach adjusting their space?
(40:28) Do you ever collaborate and/or consult with designers?
(46:10) Closing thoughts

In this episode:
Why some rooms just feel "off".
How intention shapes the feeling of a space.
Simple ways to clear and reset your home's energy.
Bringing more awareness to how your space feels.
Guest: Dr. Ondre Seltzer is an energy healer, intuitive, and founder of Frequency Energy Medicine. He is the in-house healer for Soho House West Hollywood.
Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinterior.
Resources:
Dr. Ondre Seltzer
Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson
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.
...more
48min
May 16, 2024Environmental Psychology & Design: The Psychology of Your Space with Dr. Sally Augustin
Environmental psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin explains how the spaces around us shape mood, behavior, and wellbeing, and how to use environmental psychology to design a home that genuinely supports you.
This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior.
In this episode we explore environmental psychology and interior design with Dr. Sally Augustin. We get into how color, light, layout, and nature shape how we think and feel, and how to apply environmental psychology to your own space.

Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:44) Could you share a little about what you do and what type of clients you have?
(2:27) How can we use Environmental Psychology in design to facilitate better health and wellbeing?
(3:40) If you were to walk into a potential residential client’s home, what are the key things you look for as an Environmental Psychologist?
(4:38) In your book Designology you discuss PlaceTypes. Can you give a teaser of what PlaceTypes are and how knowing your PlaceType can help with designing a home that is more suited to your needs/personality?
(6:43) If budgets are limited, what aspects of a space would you recommend people prioritize for design for maximum impact from an Environmental Psychologist standpoint?
(10:35) In terms of visual complexity. What effect does clutter have on the brain? And the opposite, what effect does a stark environment have on the brain?
(12:26) In the U.S. it is estimated that approximately 30% of the population will have an anxiety related disorder at some point in their life. From an Environmental Psychologist perspective how would you recommend creating environments that are stress reducing?
(18:30) How would you approach designing a space to facilitate a better mood?
(31:56) Are there any other natural materials, other than wood grain, that have positive mental and emotional effects on us? Such as reduced cortisol, a better mood, etc?
(37:50) In terms of the future of Environmental Psychology and Design, where do you see the industry going?
(40:04) Are there any resources that you recommend for people who would like to learn more about Environmental Psychology and Design?
(41:10) What are some differences between men and women and how they experience spaces?
(45:29) If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about how people approach the design of spaces globally, what would that be?
(49:48) Closing thoughts

In this episode:
What environmental psychology is and why it matters.
How color, light, and layout shape mood and behavior.
The role of nature in how a space feels.
Practical ways to design a space that supports you.
Guest: Dr. Sally Augustin is an environmental psychologist and principal at Design With Science, author of Designology, and a internationally recognised speaker on the psychology of space.
Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinterior.
Resources:
Dr. Sally Augustin
Research Design Connections
Designology, How to Find Your PlaceType & Align Your Life with Design
Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture
The Designer’s Guide to Doing Research: Applying Knowledge to Inform Design

Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson

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.
...more
51min
April 25, 2024Circadian Lighting: Why You're Using the Wrong Light for Sleep & Health with Dr. Steven Lockley (Harvard)
Harvard sleep scientist Dr. Steven Lockley explains how the light in your home affects your sleep, energy, and circadian rhythm, and why most of us are using the wrong light at the wrong times.
This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior.
Prefer to listen? You're in the right place. (On YouTube this episode is presented with images due to a recording issue.)
In this episode we explore circadian lighting and health with Dr. Steven Lockley, a Harvard Medical School sleep scientist and co-founder and chief scientist of Timeshifter. We get into how light governs your circadian rhythm, why standard home and office lighting works against you, and how to light your space in sync with your body clock.Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:38) What are the differences between the visual system and the non visual system?
(4:35) I'd love to hear more about your research and how we know the effects of lighting on the non visual system to be true.
(9:00) How would you recommend lighting for our eyes' non visual system for our home environment to help facilitate health and wellbeing
(10:47) What are some simple things that you could recommend for someone to do in their home to have the most immediate impact to redesign their lighting to be more effective for the non visual system?
(15:39) Does daylight have an effect on the non visual system that is beneficial for health and wellbeing?
(18:20) Is there a recommended amount of time that you shut off all lights & devices before bed?
(23:11) What are some of the studies done that proves that blue short wave length, 5000K or higher temperature lighting has an alerting effect on the body?
(25:45) Could you speak to the mood aspect of the effects of this type of light?
(27:47) Has anyone done any brain scans on natural light to see if there's anything different that shows up?
(29:07) If someone were to go to their local hardware store to purchase bulbs for their home to have more healthy lighting for their home (visual and non visual system) what would you recommend they look for?
(31:54) Is there such as thing of making the body too alert with light?
(34:41) What colors do and don't support the lighting design for the non visual system?
(41:19) Does a 5000K, short blue wave length light make your space look blue?
(46:57) Are there any lighting design tools you recommend for designers or lighting design enthusiasts?
(49:48) Is it possible that the sun may offer additional benefits to the human system that is yet to be discovered?
(51:34) If you could snap your finger and you could change one fundamental thing about lighting design globally what would it be?
(52:43) Closing thoughts

In this episode:
How light controls your circadian rhythm.
Why blue light wakes you and red light calms you, the opposite of what most assume.
Why standard home and office lighting harms sleep and health.
How to light your space in sync with your body.

Guest: Dr. Steven Lockley is a neuroscientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and co-founder and chief scientist of Timeshifter. He is an international authority on circadian rhythms and sleep.

Resources:
ALFA by Solemma
Timeshifter (Dr. Lockley's company)

Prefer to watch? The full episode (presented with images) is on YouTube @thealignedinterior.

Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™

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.
...more
54min
April 11, 2024Julian Treasure: How to Design Sound for Health, Focus & Calm at Home
Sound expert Julian Treasure, speaker of five TED talks with over 150 million views, explains how to design the sound of your home and workspace for better health, focus, and calm.
This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior.
In this episode we explore how to design our spaces for health and wellbeing through sound with Julian Treasure, a sound expert, author, and international keynote speaker whose mission is to help people and organizations create healthier, more effective sound.

Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:30) How's the sound where you are today?
(1:02) Was there a mundane sound you enjoyed most recently?
(3:02) How would you describe a healthy indoor sound environment?
(6:40) What are the specific chemical reactions that happen in the body when a person is exposed to nature sounds? Are there specific hormones released? What is going on there exactly?
(13:40) In terms of people creating an ideal sound environment. What would be the steps that you would recommend for them to achieve that?
(25:15) How important is silence when designing sound for an environment?
(33:57) How does having noise in your environment (for example schools or offices) impact your focus and productivity?
(41:44) Are there any sounds or frequencies that we are not able to hear that affects our body's?
(44:44) Are there any specific sounds that support the circadian system and healthier sleep?
(48:46) How would you recommend someone go about designing their home or space so that it is tailored for their individual ears?
(52:39) Could you share a success story from Moodsonic?
(55:49) What would be your favorite sound in the world?
(56:27) Closing thoughts

In this episode:
Why the sound of your home matters as much as how it looks.
How nature sounds affect the body.
Practical steps to design a calmer, healthier sound environment.
How noise harms focus and productivity.
Designing sound for your individual ears.

Guest: Julian Treasure is a sound expert, author, and international keynote speaker, and one of the most-watched TED speakers on sound and communication, with over 150 million views.

Resources:
Julian Treasure — https://www.juliantreasure.com
MyNoise — https://mynoise.net
Moodsonic — https://www.moodsonic.com
Dr. Sally Augustin
BGR Modular Classrooms

Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinterior.

Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™

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.
...more
58min
March 28, 2024Scentscaping Your Home: The Science of Scent, Calm & Wellbeing with Yasmine ElGhamrawy
Aromatherapist Yasmine ElGhamrawy explains how to use scent and scentscaping to design a calmer, healthier home, and why more scent isn't better.
This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior.
In this episode we explore scent, aromatherapy, and scentscaping the home with Yasmine ElGhamrawy, an aromatherapist and founder of Yatlina. We get into how scent shapes mood and wellbeing, how to scentscape a space, and why subtlety matters more than strength.

Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:55) Defining Aromatherapy
(9:46) Yasmine's background along with Aromatherapy wisdom nuggets
(17:56) Yasmine's approach to Aromatherapy
(25:26) A clinic Yasmine provided scentscaping services for and what this entailed
(51:28) How to use Aromatherapy for your home to bring a sense of calmness
(59:55) Safety recommendations for Aromatherapy
(01:09:02) Recommended Aromatherapy tools for your home
(01:18:04) How memory and scent are related
(01:25:23) Cognitive and emotional effects of various scents and essential oils
(01:31:15) Yasmine's top essential oil choice if she was stranded on a desert island
(01:34:30) Advice when shopping for essential oils
(01:42:29) The one thing that Yasmine would change how people use or understand Aromatherapy globally
(01:43:53) How Yasmine incorporates Aromatherapy in her home
(01:45:48) Closing thoughts with details on Yasmine's company and offerings

In this episode:
Why more scent doesn't make a home healthier
How to scentscape a space to feel calm
The physiological and emotional effects of essential oils
Recommended oils and tools, and how to shop for them
Safety guidance for using essential oils

Guest: Yasmine ElGhamrawy is an aromatherapist and founder of Yatlina, an Aromatherapy Trade Council-approved company.

Music by: @iksontellyourstory

Resources:
Yatlina — https://www.yatlina.com
About Yasmine — https://www.yatlina.com/aboutme

Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinterior.

Disclaimer:
The Aligned Interior is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Use of information from this podcast is at your own risk.
...more
1h 52min

FAQs about The Aligned Interior:

How many episodes does The Aligned Interior have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.