The Miles to Zen Podcast with Shannon Miles Halliday

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Discovering Astrology: Cosmic Conversations with a fiery Astrologer Shannon Takacs

Welcome to the Miles Podcast! This week, we venture into the cosmic world of astrology with our returning guest, Shannon Takacs—a Death Doula and astrologer with a truly unique perspective. In our last chat, Shannon guided us through her profound work supporting end-of-life transitions. Now, she opens up about her path into astrology, sharing how birth charts illuminate personality, purpose, and potential.

Whether you're a curious beginner or an astrology aficionado, this episode offers deep insight into sun, moon, and rising signs, decoding planetary alignments, and using astrology as a tool for personal growth. From decoding family dynamics to navigating daily life through the stars, Shannon makes astrology approachable, intuitive, and a little magical.

Tune in for wisdom, wonder, and some cosmic clarity. Don’t forget to check the show notes for how to connect with Shannon and get your personalized birth chart reading.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:13 Shannon's Journey into Astrology

04:35 The Growing Popularity of Astrology

06:23 Learning and Practicing Astrology

15:19 Astrology 101: Elements and Signs

22:49 Understanding Moon Signs and Emotional Reactions

23:11 The Role of Rising Signs in Astrology

23:50 Conflicts and Harmonies in Birth Charts

24:46 Exploring the Language of Birth Charts

26:09 Visualizing a Birth Chart

27:46 Interpreting Planetary Conversations

29:06 The Importance of Curiosity in Birth Chart Readings

32:19 Astrological Themes in Families

33:23 Parenting Through Astrology

35:05 Astrology and Personal Growth

37:43 Astrology in Daily Life

40:00 The Potential of Astrology in Understanding Change

44:18 Connecting with an Astrologer

45:27 Final Thoughts 

Contact Shannon Takacs: [email protected]

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Welcome to Miles to Zen, where creativity meets curiosity, presence, and possibility.

In this first episode of a new series focusing on creativity, we are diving in to the heart of it. Not as a talent or performance, but as a deeply human way of connecting to joy, intuition, and your most authentic self.

I’ll talk about my creative sabbatical, and why I believe everyone is creative (yes, even you). We’ll bust some tired myths, revisit our creative origin stories, and explore the soul-deep value of making something just because.

No audience required. No pressure to be perfect. Just presence, curiosity, and creative freedom.

Topics in this series include:

• Creativity and healing
• The power of inner child play
• Fluid art and photography as portals to connection
• Creative resistance and professional value
• And so much more

00:00 Welcome to the Miles to Zen Podcast

00:13 Introducing the Creativity Series

00:46 Shannon's Creative Sabbatical

01:30 Exploring Creativity in Upcoming Episodes

02:38 The Essence of Creativity

03:39 Everyone is Creative

06:11 Reflecting on Childhood Creativity

08:37 Creativity in Everyday Life

10:51 Invitation to Embrace Creativity

12:07 Conclusion 

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode of 'Miles to Zen,' we delve into dealing with expectations, potential resentment, and the importance of listening to your body. I share a personal story of overcoming self-imposed obligations and finding alignment with your true self. Explore how ignoring your intuition can lead to resentment, the impact our energy has on others, and the concept that rest isn't a reward but a necessity. Learn from insights by Nicole LePera and discover the beauty of honoring your own needs. Tune in for practical takeaways on setting boundaries, managing energy, and finding synchronicity in life. I hope you enjoy the message and remember to trust your inner voice for a more connected and joyful life.

00:00 Introduction: Dealing with Expectations and Resentment

00:40 The Consequences of Ignoring Your Inner Voice

01:54 Checking In with Yourself

04:23 A Personal Story of Resolving Resentment and Connection

10:15 The Power of Listening to Your Body

11:29 Insights on Resentment and Self-Abandonment

13:31 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this inspiring episode of the Miles to Zen podcast, host Shannon sits down with Dr. Agatha Ojimelukwe, Dean of the School of Energy and Natural Resources at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). Agatha opens up about her bold pursuit of purpose and belonging—from her early days dreaming of uplifting others through education to carving out a thriving career in Canada against the odds.

Her path is one of resilience, courage, and thoughtful reinvention. Through candid stories about overcoming rejection, balancing family life, and building a career through the power of connection, Agatha offers lessons that resonate far beyond academia. As a woman in a prominent leadership role within the energy and education sectors, her presence alone challenges the status quo.

Whether you’re navigating change or seeking clarity on your own path, this conversation invites growth, inspiration, and a deeper sense of mindfulness.

• 00:00 Welcome & Introduction
• 00:47 Agatha’s Story Begins
• 01:52 Facing Rejection & Finding Opportunity
• 03:33 Presence & Positivity in Everyday Life
• 07:25 Juggling Career & Family
• 10:40 Discovering a Passion for Teaching
• 16:19 A Leap Toward a Brighter Future
• 18:16 Transitioning Back to Vancouver
• 20:01 Job Market Realities & Resilience
• 21:54 Landing the First Breakthrough
• 23:33 Power of Networking & Volunteering
• 27:22 Joining NAIT & Making an Impact
• 32:27 Courage, Fear & Pushing Forward
• 37:36 Closing Reflections & Wisdom

Tune in for a story that reminds us that success is a series of first steps, made over and over again. Enjoy! 

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this inspiring episode of the Miles to Zen Podcast, host Shannon welcomes Gabriel Goldsmith—founder and creative director of Eggbeater Studio—for a deep and thoughtful conversation about design, life, and what drives meaningful work.

Together, they trace Gabriel’s remarkable journey—from global travels to building a career as a business owner, creative director and graphic designer in Vancouver. Along the way, Gabriel shares how curiosity fuels creativity, why authentic values matter, and how design can shape not just brands, but lives.

Whether you're a designer, a dreamer, or someone exploring your path, this episode offers insight, wisdom, and plenty of aha moments on the power of passion and perseverance.

• 00:00 Welcome & Introduction
• 00:58 Meet Gabriel 
• 02:32 Journey to Graphic Design
• 03:57 Discovering the Craft
• 05:46 The Role of Passion & Hard Work
• 08:43 Design’s Impact on Life
• 21:25 Branding, Identity & Values
• 25:44 Great Branding in Practice
• 29:48 Navigating Design Decisions
• 38:34 Words of Wisdom
• 40:23 Farewell & Reflection

Find Gabriel at:
https://eggbeater.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-goldsmith/
https://www.instagram.com/eggbeater.studio/

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode of the Miles to Zen podcast, host Shannon Miles Halliday explores the deeply transformative nature of solo travel. Drawing from personal experiences on journeys to Nepal and Hawaii, Shannon shares invaluable lessons on self-reliance, safety, and personal growth. From a youthful solo trip to Prince Edward Island, backpacking through Europe, to the life-altering Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and a recent restful retreat in Hawaii, this episode delves into how traveling alone can expand your comfort zone, foster creativity, and provide much-needed space for reflection and growth. Tune in for inspiring travel tales, practical tips, and insights on how solo adventures can lead to profound personal transformation.

00:00 Introduction to Miles to Zen Podcast

01:24 Early Solo Travel Experiences

02:58 Lessons Learned from Solo Travel

06:27 The Transformative Nepal Journey

21:43 A Restful Retreat in Hawaii

26:49 The Value of Solo Travel

30:44 Conclusion and Invitation to Share Stories

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this special episode, we celebrate our six-month milestone by recapping the insightful words of wisdom from our amazing guests. Over the course of 25 minutes, you'll hear profound advice and experiences that aim to inspire and empower you. From self-trust and inner guidance to conscious choice and the power of love, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that resonate on both personal and professional levels. Thank you to our listeners for your incredible support, and enjoy this compilation that promises to brighten your day and offer new perspectives.

00:00 Introduction and Celebration

01:52 Sam Plavins: Discovering Inner Strength

03:41 Patricia Stevens: Be True to Yourself

04:13 Monika Tschuggnall: Listening to Your Heart

06:35 Shannon Takacs: Embracing Love and Loss

08:40 Ginette Biro: The Power of Conscious Choice

09:46 Dr. Lorne Brown: Conscious Response and Inner Work

13:21 Kim McKay: Advocating for Yourself

14:31 Ruth E Andermatt: Embrace Curiosity and Self-Worth

14:56 Julie Jo Hughes: The Importance of Play

15:32 Petra Walter: Prioritize Yourself

15:55 Doug Beitz: One Better Decision a Day

18:20 Dale McCarthy: Trust in the Universe

20:07 Dan Goerke: Follow Your Heart

23:55 Maggie McCormack: Love Affair with Yourself

24:59 Dr. Eben Alexander: The Power of Belief

26:30 Elyse Cathrea: Gentle Healing Through Somatic Work

27:47 Conclusion and Gratitude

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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Join host Shannon Miles Halliday in this deep-dive episode of Miles to Zen, where she explores the transformative power of somatic healing, intuition, and personal growth with Elyse Cathrea—a certified wellness coach, somatic embodiment practitioner, and intuitive reader.

This episode is not just an exploration of Elyse’s journey—it’s also personal. Shannon shares her own experience with somatic healing and how Elyse’s guidance helped her navigate fear, self-doubt, and prepare for a high-profile podcast interview. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body or stuck in your own head, this conversation will offer real insights and practical tools to bring you back to yourself.

✨ What you’ll learn:

• Elyse’s shift from corporate HR to somatic healing
• Shannon’s personal journey with somatic work and its impact
• The role of intuition & body awareness in personal transformation
• How somatic work supports grief, chronic illness, and emotional healing
• Practical somatic techniques you can apply today

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on self-discovery, wellness, and transformation—and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!

📌 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Miles to Zen
00:09 Meet Elyse Cathrea: Wellness Coach & Somatic Practitioner
01:55 Elyse’s Journey: From Corporate Burnout to Healing
05:52 The Power of Somatic Work & Its Benefits
13:30 Overcoming Shame & Embracing Intuition
22:08 Applying Somatic Techniques in Daily Life
27:56 Shannon’s Personal Experience with Somatic Healing
32:22 Inner Child Healing & Self-Sabotage
47:16 Chronic Illness & Body Wisdom
54:49 Final Reflections & Words of Wisdom

Contact Elyse:
https://www.cathreacoachingandwellness.com/

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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What happens when a neurosurgeon experiences consciousness beyond the brain? In this episode of Miles to Zen, host Shannon Miles Halliday sits down with Dr. Eben Alexander, whose extraordinary near-death experience (NDE) during a week-long coma defied scientific explanation and transformed his understanding of reality.

Dr. Alexander shares profound insights into consciousness, the afterlife, and personal transformation, bridging the worlds of science and spirituality in a way that challenges conventional thinking. From the power of love and life reviews to the role of synchronicities and meditation, this conversation is filled with paradigm-shifting revelations and heartwarming stories that will leave you reflecting long after the episode ends.

00:00 Introduction to an Extraordinary Journey

00:53 Meet Dr. Eben Alexander

03:28 The Life-Changing Near Death Experience

06:29 Scientific Validation and Personal Insights

11:38 Exploring the Spiritual Realm

13:42 The Power of Love and Life Reviews

25:16 Returning to the Physical World

31:42 Synchronicities and Personal Reflections

34:25 A Childhood Near-Death Experience

35:20 Scientific Insights on Near-Death Experiences

37:34 Personal Reflections and Optimism

38:12 Exploring Eben Alexander's Books

39:36 The Power of Meditation and Community

41:09 Challenging Materialism and Embracing Spirituality

52:45 The Role of Sound in Deep Meditation

58:38 Final Reflections and Words of Wisdom

Contact Dr. Eben Alexander:

https://ebenalexander.com/

FREE ONLINE COURSE in mindfulness, sign up here:  https://ebenalexander.com/33days/ 

FREE 20-Min Sound Meditation, sign up here:  https://www.sacredacoustics.com/pages/free-download-sign-up 

Check out Dr. Alexander's books: 

Proof of Heaven

Living in a Mindful Universe

A Map of Heaven

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week! 
 

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In this episode of Miles to Zen, join us as we have a warm and uplifting conversation with Maggie McCormack, a passionate life coach, mentor, and facilitator dedicated to helping others live with authenticity, joy, and purpose. Maggie shares her incredible journey from running a successful podiatry clinic to pursuing her passions in acting, podcasting and becoming a You Tuber. We dive deep into her experiences with spirituality, personal development, and the impact of inner work on self-esteem and personal growth. This episode is filled with laughter, insights, and inspiring stories that will leave you feeling encouraged and motivated to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and healing.

00:00 Introduction 

00:44 Meet Maggie: A Journey of Authenticity and Joy

02:08 The Power of Feedback and Global Connections

04:40 Life-Changing Experiences and Spiritual Awakenings

06:00 Overcoming Victimhood and Embracing Self-Help

13:02 The Impact of Alcohol and Personal Well-being

21:31 The YouTube Journey: Challenges and Successes

29:00 The Pitfalls of Comparison

30:04 Exploring Reincarnation and Personal Growth

36:54 The Power of Inner Child Work

40:28 The Impact of Self-Healing on Relationships

42:48 Navigating Aging and Self-Love

57:16 Final Words of Wisdom

Get in touch with Maggie:

theinspiredcoach.com.au

https://www.youtube.com/@Maggieloveslife

Thank you so much for listening! Please Subscribe/ Follow, Like and Share! 
For additional content follow me on:

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@milestozen

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Created by Shannon Miles Halliday 
Original music by Anna Wawrzyniak: www.annawritesmusic.com

www.milestozen.com

See you next week!