In this episode of The Soothing Serpent, Kristin M. Murray explores the tangled emotions of body image in America — through the lenses of hate, pride, and shame.

“Poverty is not a lack of character. It’s a lack of connection.”

Money worries can hijack our peace. This episode looks at the link between finances, the nervous system, and healing—plus a grounding practice to restore safety and stability.

Waiting can wound as deeply as loss — and legal immigration is a long lesson in waiting. This episode uncovers the mental and emotional cost of doing everything “right,” while offering compassion, grounding, and hope for renewal.

As the U.S. faces another government shutdown, this warm, reflective episode explores how political instability fuels collective anxiety. Blending policy insight with mental-health wisdom, it closes with a serpent-inspired grounding exercise to help you find calm and stability amid uncertainty.