Think Out Loud With Me

Every month is Mental Health Awareness Month, but in May, we turn up the volume and encourage the world to talk about mental health and offer hope for those struggling by highlighting options for help. In my local community, we have made great strides to support those suffering from mental health challenges, and Yarrow Collective is a brilliant example of the good that has grown in the last several years since a sales tax increase was passed to directly support Larimer County Behavioral Health Services.

Silen Wellington is the Director and Peer Support Group Facilitator at Yarrow Collective, a nonprofit peer-run organization here in Northern Colorado offering mental health support ‘by and for’ people with lived experience of mental health and substance use struggles. With a team of other wonderful humans, they facilitate Yarrow's Alternatives to Suicide, Unity in Community for BIPOC, Genderqueer Peers (for transgender & Nonbinary folks), Chronic Illness & Disability Peer Support, and ECHO teen groups. All of their support groups are free, drop-in spaces.

Silen and I share a meaningful cast discussing Peer Support and bits and pieces of our own journeys to becoming experts of our own experience, a freeing and empowering concept that promotes connection and community and co-creating inclusive, non-judgemental spaces where healing can happen.

Peer support uses the power of relationships to create meaningful connections, learn and grow together, challenge and expand our worldviews, be accountable in our relationships, and move towards what we want to do or be.   ~ Yarrow Collective

Website: https://www.yarrowcollective.org
Facebook and Instagram: @yarrowcollectivecolorado
David Whyte's "Revelation Must Be Terrible" 

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I first laid eyeballs on Amanda Fuel during Founded in Foco here in Northern Colorado. I chose her session because, well, I’m a wannabe professional speaker and when I saw the chance to hear from a badass woman how to overcome fear to take the stage and impact others, I was in. In the first few minutes of her introduction that day, she mentioned something about the magic of engaging others from the stage in such a way that there’s a person in the audience who feels like , SHE’S TALKING TO MEEEEE. 

Well, I'm convinced, she was. She was talking to ME. And here we are.

Amanda Fuel is on this planet to shake things up in the world of leadership. Her secret mission is to inspire the best parts of ourselves to come out to play, even around serious topics (like money and emotions), and to make space for uncommon voices - are you an Introvert? Neurodivergent? Don’t fit the old norms of shape, size, or color? Good. We need you to take up your space in this world now more than ever.

Amanda has trained hundreds of thought leaders to share their message with heart and humor, and take on big stages, like TEDx, Harvard, and Oxford. Entrepreneurs hire her because she knows that the shortest distance between two people is Laughter, and above all, Amanda’s talks are meant to Connect. If you’re ready to take your message farther and wider, without losing a single drop of authenticity, Amanda can't wait to work with you.

But first, she's with ME. Listen in. We jump in, take on big topics, and engage in honest, easy conversation about showing up for life, #relentlessauthenticity, wearing masks, performing on personal and professional stages, whether it's one-to-one or one-to-many, and more. You'll find Amanda online at https://www.amandafuel.com/ or Facebook or LinkedIn Consider an upcoming chance to work with her on the sticky topic of #MONEY in The 10X Game. You'll find details at https://playfulpowerfulleadership.com/. ENJOY! 

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I woke up with drinking on my mind. Not in the ‘I need a drink’ kind of way, but in the ‘wow, who was I when I drank, what was I hiding from, how did I survive myself, where did alcoholism start in my family…’ you know, the thoughts a lot of sober people have who are still shaking their heads, even after years of not drinking. When I talk about drinking, I talk about my own experience. I talk about my parents and their parents and how alcoholism ran on both sides of my family. I talk about how drinking was a severe problem for me, how I used it to deal with anxiety, how it fueled my anxiety, how it created anxiety in others…though I spent the first year or so of sobriety wondering how ANYONE in their right mind would ever drink, I’ve since concerned myself less with other people’s use of alcohol and concentrated on my own. 

I don’t stand in judgment of people who drink. Have I wondered if people have a problem with drinking? Sure. Do I continue to process my parents’ relationship with alcohol and how it affected me and my family? Yes. Does society’s obsession with alcohol concern me? Absolutely. But I choose to share my story and thoughts around drinking and addiction and related topics with others as a method of connection, not condemnation. 

I speak up for my own mental health with the hope that just one person will hear that they are worth every bit of strength they have to muster to not pick up the bottle.

So, I hollered at someone I trust to shoot the sh*t straight with me, to talk sobriety without a filter. Andrea Dratch is an actor, producer, model, performer, muse, and, though she doesn’t list this in her bio, incredible influence as a woman stepping into her voice, her body, and her power. She trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and her remarkable talents can be seen in Tina Tina Bo Bina, Small Town Remedies, Reed Gig, Womanhood The Series, Saturn Rising, and Crash and Burn Stories. Here in Colorado, we see her gorgeous face as the spokeswoman for Woodley’s Fine Furniture, her family’s business since 1979. She’s raw, she’s authentic, and she’s a serious badass.

Listen in for an extended episode of conversation. We spend a chunk on being sober in a world of glorified drinking, and we also spend time exploring Andrea's close relationship with her artist sister, Jacquelynn Perkins, who is hosting a solo show beginning April 12 at Artworks Center for Contemporary Art in Loveland and sharing with the world for the first time her Animal Bodies, which includes Self Portraits of My Sisters, as well as a live performance by Andrea as she introduces her own latest work, Shame on Me, a short film done in collaboration with Andy Carrasco.

More on Andrea: IMDb, Instagram, Facebook

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I have much to unravel in my journey of spirituality, and it’s only been in the last few years that I have begun to soften and open and become genuinely available to the possibility that I can have my own relationship with Spirit, Source, possibly even, God.

This lessening in resistance has come about as I have deliberately engaged myself in reading, conversations, and experiences with others who offer me alternate views and connections with a higher power, the greater universe, the miracle of energy, soul, and divinity. Indeed, this chat cast has become my medicine.

Living a life marinated in Eastern and Western ideologies, Rev. Dr. Ahriana Platten is an evolutionary force in spiritual transformation. She bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary teachings, empowering people to use sacred ceremony to address life challenges. As a revered mystic and visionary, Ahriana is the compass for spiritual leaders aiming to reshape the world. Her influence resonates across a global community in 50+ countries. She’s an ordained Unity minister, a formidable high priestess in two esoteric traditions, and a mentor for spiritual entrepreneurs. A former Ambassador for the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Ahriana is the bestselling author of “Rites and Rituals, Harnessing the Power of Sacred Ceremony,” and “The Changing Story,” a children’s book.

And in this episode, she’s thinking out loud with ME. I spent a beautiful hour listening to her voice, stories, and wisdom. Amidst tales of her own spiritual path, she weaves in gentle teaching moments and takeaways we can implement on our own terms. She reminds me of my worth and interconnection with humanity, each of us whole and holy in our beautiful ways.

Please also consider A Soulfull World, and the many opportunities to experience Ahriana as a Priestess, Pastor, and Peacemaker. In addition to her Website, there is Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. I'm particularly interested in the upcoming Interfaith Mystery School and the chance to expand my understanding and cross a new threshold into spirituality. You can also purchase a copy of Ahriana's bestselling book, Rites & Rituals.

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I’ve invited my guest, Jeremy Pajer, to think out loud with me about the deep and often polarizing topic of Masculine and Feminine Energy. I met Jeremy in his role as co-founder of Freedom Folk and Soul as he and his wife and co-founder, Stephanie, led a group of us through the Toltec Medicine Wheel of Transformation. I joined him, Stephanie, and several others on a journey of self-discovery to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, Mexico, and his teachings, touch, and genuine energy so greatly impacted me that I have journeyed two more times to Teo and spent countless hours with him in ceremony and discussion online and in person.

Jeremy loves to share his wisdom, creativity, and playfulness as an Ordained Minister of the Healing Arts, Transformation and Master Breathwork Facilitator, Toltec Teacher, and Personal Freedom Coach. He brings his love and knowledge of firewalking, sweat lodges, Native American ceremony, Toltec wisdom, 12-Step traditions, and shamanic practices to people all over the world. 

Jeremy is MOST passionate about teaching people how to find their OWN wisdom and embrace their OWN humanity. He is practical and purposeful, yet gentle, kind, and authentic. He is a leader, teacher, and healer, yet he is forever a student, vulnerable, curious, and always evolving.

Jeremy embraces both the Sacred Masculine and Sacred Feminine. I have witnessed him as both stable and free-flowing. He is determined and protective, and agile and nurturing. 

After setting up with some perspective of my own, I dive right into this cast and ask Jeremy to give us a little commentary on his understanding of masculine-feminine energies. A thought-provoking conversation blossoms from there, and I'm honored to let you hear.

Jeremy is wonderfully busy with a calendar of experiences, breathwork, journeys, and points of connection. You can find him online at https://www.freedomfolkandsoul.org. You can find the beginning of the Shaman Heart series he is co-leading with his wife, Stephanie, at https://www.shamanheart.org.

Also, note mentions of David Deida and The Mask You Live In.

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Think Out Loud With Me is my medicine, and every episode is a dose of love that heals me, empowers me, and makes me a better version of myself. Visiting with Thais Harris, my guest today who brings her magic as a board-certified holistic nutritionist to help women love themselves into their ideal body, vibrant health, and an outstanding life, is no exception to the power of connection and community.

I met Thais as a part of the author group that helped our soul sister, Tina Green, bring The Life-Changing Power of Self Love to life this past November. We reached bestselling status together and now get an opportunity to share extended space learning more about one another’s gifts and stories.

Gathering evidence of our glorious selves, if even in the smallest ways, balancing values, the D.I.E.T. we practice, discovering self-reliance and self-healing, and the simple act of looking in the mirror and telling ourselves, "I love you," are all sweet, easy topics we touch. Thais is a beautiful, intelligent, welcoming human I am happy to introduce to my listeners.

Thais Harris, BCHN, can be found online in several ways. Write her at [email protected] or visit her Website, Instagram, and Facebook. She even gives you a taste of her healing touch with a free PDF download: 3 Mindset Shifts to Love Yourself Into Better Health.

She wrote Chapter 19, "No More Cringing in the Mirror: What Skin Cancer Taught Me About Self-Love," in The Life-Changing Power of Self Love. She is also the author of a children's book, Little Red. Both books can be purchased on her website's media page.

#thinkoutloudwithme #selflove #iloveyou #worthy #evidence #cancer #healing #selfreliance #bodymindgut #spirit

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It was a perfect day to ponder. Single digits outside, warm and safe inside. Both my home and my heart were quiet, settled. That I got to plug in and connect with a soul sister to think out loud together in this state was especially sweet. I’ve been waiting for the stars to align so that we could spend this time in our own sort of ceremony, sharing and wondering out loud about our journeys. 

Stephanie Urbina Jones is a singer, teacher, best-selling author, sister, friend, mother, wife, and lover of life who brings her passion and experience of living a life of creative freedom to people all over the world.

This rockstar shamama has a passion for transformation and is a living example of not only dreaming but bringing those dreams to life. She recently released a fantastic album, Manuel’s Destiny, and is touring with her Honky Tonk Mariachi spreading her spicy love across Texas, Tennessee, Mexico and everywhere in between. You'll find her and her Honky Tonk Mariachi next on January 23rd live at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville!

Whether she is writing a song, writing a best-selling book, performing, or leading sacred journeys of transformation as co-founder of Freedom Folk and Soul where I was blessed to meet her, Stephanie is following her heart and chiseling out her soul.

Since meeting one another in the fall of 2022, Stephanie and I have grown a connection and trust that has been critical to my healing and mental health. You'll hear firsthand how readily she shares her heart's story and life's journey and creates a safe space for others to do the same. I treasure time with her, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share our conversation with listeners.

If you are motivated to reach out to SUJ, you've many ways to do so. She has classes and experiences on the near horizon, music to enjoy, and books to read. 

• Journeys, classes, connection at Freedom Folk and Soul - Website, Facebook, Instagram
• Music and more at Stephanie Urbina Jones - Website, Facebook, Instagram
• Books, cards, inspiration at ShamanHeart.org
  • Shaman Heart: Turning Pain Into Passion and Purpose
  • Shaman Heart: Sacred Rebel
  • The Life-Changing Power of Self-Love with Tina Green

You can even dabble in Stephanie's fantastic fashion in Frida's Closet. Take a moment and connect. <3

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The morning’s routine of coffee and reading while the sun broke through was as peaceful and contemplative as usual. I have a carefully curated selection of newsletters and subscriptions that fill my inbox most days keeping me updated with headlines and inspiration. On this day, I found my guest’s latest post, and as I read it, I began buzzing. Like I could literally feel vibrations running through my body. So I pinged her. 

Oh my gosh, can we chat?!? She said yes, she'd love to.

Kimberly Millstone is a writer, artist, and 5D astrologer. She pens Relevance of a Crone on Substack, and to begin our cast, I read to you what she shared that morning that sat me up and had me hungry to chat.

The post is titled ‘WHO’S YOUR DADDY?’ and it serves as a beautiful sounding-off point for connection that I feel sure will resonate, especially around the topics of sourcing security in ourselves and choosing faith over fear.

As the calendar turns to 2024, these are simple and powerful intentions we can set that have unbelievable implications for ourselves and the world. I hope you'll find a few minutes to listen in and hear for yourself.

In addition to her enlightened writing on Substack, Kimberly connects with clients around the globe to offer natal chart readings, astrocoaching, solar return readings, and intuitive channel readings. I’ve personally experienced her magic and encourage you to be in touch for a taste of your own by visiting https://www.lunamatri.com.

Happy New Year, friends.

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As Winter Solstice settles in, sit with me for a few minutes and meet Madrone Kalil, a beautiful human who commits her every day to creating a conscious community through mindfulness. She is the founder of Taproot Journeys, offering her clients opportunities to explore how their taproot has been nurtured or neglected and how they can grow one that is stronger. Having a strong taproot allows us to hold strong as our life shakes.

Madrone teaches me more about having compassion for those who experience chronic pain, and what's different between pain and suffering. Too, there's a difference between grieving and mourning, and as an End of Life Doula, Madrone weaves a space where we can talk about the magick in death and the importance of grief muscles.

A wild and witchy womyn, Madrone is a skilled community weaver, and you'll appreciate quickly how she creates space and helps others discover and wonder about their own spirit and potential. You can find her story, her coaching offerings, and other ways to engage my wonderful guest at the following links:

Website: https://www.taprootjourneys.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taprootjourneys
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taproot.journeys/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madrone-kalil/

Finally, Madrone and I met as co-authors in bringing The Life-Changing Power of Self-Love: An Essential Guide by Tina Green to life and Amazon bestseller status. Find her Chapter 7: Finding Love in the Pain Points and other courageous stories in the pages of your own copy here.

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When you settle into the corner of the couch with a new book, you hope to be engaged, pulled in, inspired...changed. I didn't anticipate being SO changed when I opened Networking for Healers: Curating the Conversations and Community that Manifest Your Dream Business, Laura Di Franco's newest bestseller, now available on Amazon. 

Yet here I am, not only having read her latest release but also fired up to launch Season 3 of Think Out Loud With Me, because dammit, I am a fiend for conversation that means something, and I knew connecting with Laura in a format where others could listen in would be well worth our while. 

Masks be damned, reciprocal awesomeness activated, we dive into the inspiration behind her 71ST PUBLICATION (!!!) and let the exchange take us where humans go when they comfortably and authentically share space, heart, and love for this gig we call life. 

🎙️ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2032664/14148079

😎 Give Laura a look at https://lauradifranco.com

📙 Find Networking for Healers at https://www.amazon.com/Networking-Healers-Conversations-Connections-Community-ebook/dp/B0CPX28RXY/

☀️ Check out Brave Badass Healers, a Community for World-Changers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourHighVibeBusiness

#bravehealerproductions #bloomstruck #thinkoutloudwithme #networking #networkingforhealers #networkingforhumans #selflove #selfawareness #congruence #communication #community #bedohave

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