The Golden Approach Podcast

EP 029 feat. Wild Maven Wellness (pt 2)

Annie Mesaros [Spiritual Counselor]

Baltimore, MD

In Part two, Annie reveals how her "Dark Night of the Soul" led to a complete break from the church. She explains how she rebuilt her spirituality through nature & intuitive practices, & now works as an "emotional support witch" to help others find their unique rhythm. To create pockets of healing, that can ripple out & change the world.

EPISODE OUTLINE

The Breaking Point

(00:01:14 - 00:07:42)
Annie explores the profound aftermath of her "Dark Night of the Soul," which fractured her trust in the religious institution that raised her. She details her final break after her advocacy for inclusion was rejected, a pivotal moment that propelled her out of organized religion & onto a new, personal spiritual journey.

Intuition Over Institution

(00:15:22 - 00:22:09)
This section reveals how Annie constructed a new spiritual framework centered on self-trust. She introduces tools like tarot as mirrors for introspection, & champions a fluid, seasonal approach to practice that defies rigid dogma. Her philosophy empowers individuals to shed external "shoulds" & discover what truly nourishes their spirit in each season of life.

Sanctuary for the Spirit

(00:22:09 - 00:32:48)
Annie brings her mission to life by detailing her work creating accessible, low-stakes communities through moon circles & one-on-one sessions. The conversation culminates in her visionary dream of a nature retreat—a sanctuary for underpaid helpers—showcasing her commitment to building healing spaces where personal & collective transformation can ripple outward.

RESOURCES

Flourish, boutique & tea lounge

If you liked this episode, I highly recommend listening to my chat with Sarah Knight, a chef turned educator and activist who shares with us her commitment to ethical and sustainable living practices. You'll find it linked in the show notes.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcast

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

Wild Maven Wellness

Wild Maven Wellness on Instagram

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

EP 028 feat. Wild Maven Wellness (pt 1)

Annie Mesaros [Spiritual Counselor]

Baltimore, MD

How does one rebuild after their foundational beliefs collapse? Annie traces her path from a rule-based Presbyterian upbringing, through a devastating crisis of faith known as the "Dark Night of the Soul," to her current work helping others shed shame and rediscover their own inner authority and intuition.

EPISODE OUTLINE

Foundation of Faith

(00:03:30 - 00:09:00)
Annie describes her childhood in a Seattle mega-church, which served as a vibrant second family. She recounts sacred, positive rituals like receiving her first Bible in fourth grade, which established a foundational belief in a loving, personal God and a strong sense of community.

Unlearning A Legacy of Shame & Control

(00:13:42 - 00:23:03)
The conversation shifts to the rigid doctrine of her adolescence, specifically the purity movement. Annie details how its teachings instilled deep shame, demonized sexuality and LGBTQ+ identities, and systematically taught her to distrust her own body, desires, and intuition, creating a profound inner conflict.

Finding a New Path

(00:24:48 - 00:29:31)
Annie recounts her "Dark Night of the Soul"—a terrifying period where she felt God's absence. This crisis became the catalyst for her deconstruction. She concludes by connecting her past to her present work as an "emotional support witch," explaining how she now guides others through "spiritual exfoliation" to shed external dogma and trust their inner wisdom.

RESOURCES

[Episode] Aubrey & Molly: Dandelion Salon & Apothecary

[Episode] Elyse: Be More Connected

 If you liked this episode, I highly recommend listening to my chat with Sarah Knight, a chef turned educator and activist who shares with us her commitment to ethical and sustainable living practices. You'll find it linked in the show notes.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcast

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

Wild Maven Wellness

Wild Maven Wellness on Instagram

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

EP 027 feat. Sunny Side Creative Agency

Jess Gill [Director of Communications] & Elisa Watson [Creative Director]

Jess & Elisa, of Sunny Side Creative, discuss how empathy, strategy, & personal history shape effective branding. They explain why marketing is a long-term, multi-channel effort and share how their unique backgrounds fuel their mission to empower clients with lasting communication tools.

EPISODE OUTLINE

What is Sunny Side Creative?

(00:03:23 - 00:05:01)
The duo introduces their agency, explaining how their complementary skills in communication (Jess) and design (Elisa) led to a natural partnership. They define their core work: distilling a client's story into a powerful visual and messaging identity.

Debunking Marketing Myths

(00:05:36 - 00:08:52)
Jess and Elisa challenge the idea of overnight success, emphasizing that effective marketing is a long-term, strategic effort. They stress the need for a multi-pronged approach to reach audiences where they are and the importance of building marketing into a business's operational bedrock.

Empathy as a Professional Tool

(00:19:38 - 00:33:04)
The conversation delves into their personal backgrounds. Jess shares how her hearing loss and family history honed her deep listening and empathy. Elisa discusses how her mother's illness shaped her emotional resilience and perspective, highlighting how these personal experiences directly inform their client-centered approach.

RESOURCES

Be More Kind - Local networking group

If you like this episode, I highly recommend listening to my chat with Brooke Kelbaugh, a cookie artist who shares her experience building boundaries, confidence and success through communication skills in her small business.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcast

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

Sunny Side Creative Agency

Sunny Side Creative Agency on Instagram

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

EP 213 with Aubrey Shaffner

Pastry & Podcast Professional

Host Aubrey opens up about the current status of the podcast while drawing connections from the cosmos to the present realities of daily life.

EPISODE OUTLINE

[00:01:10] Whirlwind of a Week

[00:12:00] The Path Forward

[00:18:00] Building Connections In Our Environment

[00:21:00] Staying In Touch

RESOURCES

Where to Find Us:

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

Mentioned in the Episode:

How the Universe Works

S6 EP1: Are Black Holes Real?

S7 EP4: How Black Holes Made Us

Ways to Support the Show:

Join us on Ko-fi for exclusive content

Check out our Merch

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcast

EP 026 feat. Aubrey Shaffner

[Host, Pastry Professional, Educator]

Baltimore, MD

In this heartfelt episode of The Golden Approach, host Aubrey reflects on personal challenges with vulnerability, self-expression, and control, sharing insights from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). As the new year approaches, Aubrey encourages personal reflection, gratitude, and grounding practices for growth. The episode explores setting goals, understanding the root of desires, and focusing on impact over perfection, with the aim of building better relationships and a kinder, more curious world.

EPISODE OUTLINE

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Golden Approach

[00:00:26] Overcoming Childhood Fears

[00:02:53] Personal Reflection and Gratitude

[00:05:37] The Impact of DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy)

[00:07:40] Going to the Root

[00:20:03] Playing the Infinite Game, Learning Daily Improvements

[00:30:35] End of Year Reflections and Announcements

RESOURCES

Simone Biles Rising

DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy)

Infinite Games by Simon Sinek

[Episode} Be More Connected with Elyse Preston

Sunny Side Creative Website

[Episode] Sunny Side Creative with Jess Gill and Elisa Watson

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

Join our email list

EP 025 feat. Aubrey Shaffner

[Host, Pastry Professional, Educator]

Baltimore, MD

Host Aubrey takes a look back in time, to a point in our history when diversity, inclusion, & equality were just coming to the forefront of our societal consciousness. Two of the biggest names of the time, seemingly from completely different worlds, share a passion & drive to represent a better way. By exploring their work, we can see their shared dream & the different routes they took to achieve such undeniable success.

EPISODE OUTLINE

[00:00:00] Overview

[00:04:53] Part 1: Brave New World

[00:09:17] Part 2: A Tale of Two Americas

[00:18:31] Part 3: An Expanding World

RESOURCES

Spotify Playlist

‘68 NBC “Comeback” Special

Martin Luther King Jr. Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech

CBS News Vietnam News Report #1

CBS News Vietnam News Report #2

Madam [President] Excerpt S7E3

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcast

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

EP 024 feat. Aubrey Shaffner

[Host, Pastry Professional, Educator]

Baltimore, MD

In this episode Aubrey explores the current tumultuous landscape, emphasizing the need for empathy, diversity, and community. Drawing from her mixed cultural background, Aubrey underscores the importance of self-awareness and collaboration. Conversations span the intersection of faith, family, and social justice, reflecting on personal and historical traumas. The script delves into the urgent need for inclusive representation amidst political and climate crises, urging listeners to remain civically engaged and informed. Emphasizing the power of small daily actions, the episode encourages persistence and collective effort for a better future.

EPISODE OUTLINE

[00:00] Welcome to The Golden Approach

[00:22] Navigating Unprecedented Times

[06:54] Personal Reflections and Lessons

[23:56] Facing Historical and Systemic Challenges

[32:48] Taking Action: Practical Steps for Political Participation

RESOURCES

Vote.org

Votesaveamerica.com

Fairfight.com

BBC Global News podcast

NPR’s Up First podcast

Wall Street Journal’s What’s News podcast

Crooked Media’s What a Day podcast

5 Calls app

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcasts

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

EP 023 feat. Danielle DeLisle

[Social Impact Manager, Founder of Waverly Deelites]

Baltimore, MD

In this episode, Aubrey and Danielle take a deep dive into the world of non-profits and charitable giving with a focus on Conscious Capitalism, a system that emphasizes ethical business practices while pursuing profits and partnerships with non-profit charitable organizations.

This means that businesses are then better able to benefit the communities they are a part of and in return the businesses receive more support from their community members, something we know is vital to the success of new and/or small businesses.

EPISODE OUTLINE

[00:00:00] Introduction- What is Conscious Capitalism?

[00:02:38] Meeting Danielle and learning about Social Impact Management

[00:08:12] Mutually beneficial neutrality

[00:13:30] How Non-Profits get the best bang for your buck

[00:17:28] How to find reliable non-profits

[00:23:14] Different types of impact and outcomes

[00:30:18] Where to start as a small business interested in supporting your community?

[00:34:22] How to get involved as an individual in a meaningful way

[00:37:13] Closing remarks and rapid-fire questions

[00:46:13] Outro

RESOURCES

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcasts

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

Waverly Deelites

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

EP 022 feat. Aubrey & Emmalyn

Aubrey Shaffner [Host, Pastry Professional, Educator] & Emmalyn Casteris [studied in Linguistics & Women Studies]

Baltimore, MD

In this episode Aubrey is joined by Emmalyn, friend and contributor to the podcast, to reflect on the highs and lows thus far by reflecting on past episodes. Join us in this new chapter filled with inspiring stories, meaningful engagement, and continuing growth.

EPISODE OUTLINE

[00:00:26] Emmalyn Joins the Conversation

[00:03:09] Favorite Episodes and Moments

[00:11:11] Influence, Wisdom, and Community Building

[00:27:12] Locals Supporting Local Support

[00:35:15] Learning from Season One to Grow Into Season Two

[00:41:32] What’s to Come in Season Two

RESOURCES

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a reviewon Apple Podcasts

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram

EP 021 feat. McCord Henry

[Hospitality Professional, Founder of Living Recovered and Scripted Wit]

Baltimore, MD

McCord shares his story as a hospitality professional and recovered alcoholic with highs and lows from across the country. This is truly a journey of finding oneself, and all of the good, bad, and ugly that comes along with it.

EPISODE OUTLINE

[00:02:33] Getting to Know McCord

[00:14:48] Supporting Recovery

[00:19:14] Everyone’s Addiction is Different

[00:29:13] Lessons in Growing In Your Career

[00:39:48] Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

[00:50:47] What is Living Recovered?

[00:56:42] How Did Scripted Wit Come to Be?

[01:10:31] Rapid Fire Q&A

RESOURCES

Worth How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.org

Follow/Leave a review on Spotify

Follow/Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Check out our Merch

WHERE TO FIND US

McCord Henry on Instagram

Scripted Wit on Instagram

Golden Approach Instagram

Aubrey Shaffner on Instagram