What happens when childhood dreams and a love for glittery My Little Pony watches collide with the world of professional music? This week on the Ode to Joy podcast, Sammi Garett, my dear friend and an exceptionally talented musician, joins us for a heartwarming and hilarious chat. From our shared memories in Port Washington to her captivating journey from a high school drummer to a celebrated performer, we recollect the joyful and funny moments that have shaped her path. Sammi also reveals a ...

Have you ever witnessed the transformative magic of movement, or felt the intricate connection between your creative spirit and the ancient practice of yoga? Sondra Loring, our esteemed guest, embodies this synergy as a queer witch, interdisciplinary artist, and the Director of Sadhana Center for Yoga and Meditation. Her life's work weaves a stunning narrative that connects the fluidity of dance with the grounding practice of meditation, offering a revitalizing perspective on trauma-informed...

Have you ever felt the stirrings of an untapped creativity, a wild muse whispering secrets of transformation and connection? Brittney Bliss, Asheville's own somatic intimacy coach and wilderness witch, joins us to weave tales of awakening this inner magic. From the whispers of childhood to the roar of an authentic life, Brittney's insights into nurturing the magic within offer a roadmap for those ready to embark on a journey of profound self-discovery. As we wander through the forest of our...

Have you ever wondered if the stars could be your guide through life's tumultuous journey? Evolutionary astrologer Ben Kibby joins us to shed light on how combining astrology with aromatherapy and shamanic practices can illuminate the path to personal mythology and joy. Our conversation veers into the unexpected as we draw parallels between celestial movements and the peculiar technical difficulties, as if Mars itself had a quirky sense of humor about our recording schedule! From the...

Ever felt like an inner critic is stifling your creativity? Want to unlock your inner genius and find joy in the process? Tag along with us as we welcome visionary artist, Jake Kobrin, whose insights on the Ode to Joy Podcast are going to turn your world around. Discover how a unique kambo ceremony in Bali helped Jake purge emotional toxins and faced his grief head-on, reinforcing the power of release and healing in our journey to joy. In this riveting conversation, we'll also delve into the...

Do you ever feel disconnected, 'othered', or not quite fitting into the societal norms? We've all been there. In fact, our guest today, the incredible Chelsea Camin, a past life witch, once felt the same. She took us on an incredible journey of spiritual awakening, self-discovery, and authenticity, inspiring us with her courage to break free from an oppressive education system and the societal norms that held her back from realizing her true potential. Chelsea deftly guided us to explore the...

What if you could reach across the threshold of the physical world and connect with the spirit realm? That's the intriguing journey we embark on in our latest conversation with Claudia Kubata, the Death Faerie herself, where we explore the fascinating realms of spirituality, mediumship, and communication with spirits. We tackle the uncomfortable, yet essential aspects of our roles as death doulas and shed light on the hope, love, and excitement we find in this unique interaction with the...

Do you ever stop to consider the powerful energy that flows from your body and its intricate cycles? Today, we invite you to join us on a transformative journey of discovery with Naema Pierce, a pelvic specialist and women's sex coach. This enlightening conversation will have you contemplating your connection to your body, your femininity, and your innate creativity like never before. Naema's life-altering experiences in the heart of Peru sparked a spiritual awakening, reconnecting her to...

Have you ever wondered about the profound impact a simple smile can have on someone's life? Join us on a fascinating journey with Australian author, podcast host, and human rights lawyer, Ezzie Spencer. We start with understanding how she's crafted her existence around her purpose, which has now become her "normal". Ezzie's life has been a rollercoaster of experiences, from her roots in Australia to her life in New York and Los Angeles, and she has a plethora of insights to share. A pivotal...

In this powerful episode, host Elena Box invites Reproductive Wellness Coach, Amanda Star Kingsley, to share her inspiring journey of finding her muse in helping women heal after abortion. Amanda, a Certified Feminist Life Coach and Doula, sheds light on her personal experience and the emotional complexities surrounding life after abortion. As the host of the Speaking Light Into Abortion podcast and author of the transformative book 'What I Wish: 100 love notes to help you survive, come...

In this captivating episode, we delve into the transformative world of love embodiment coaching, international retreat hosting, and vibe curation with the incredible Lexy Davis. Join us as Lexy shares her fascinating journey and reveals the profound impact that travel has had on her internal muse. Through thought-provoking insights and personal anecdotes, Lexy guides us on a mesmerizing exploration of how embracing different cultures, immersing in new landscapes, and connecting with diverse...

In this captivating episode, our host, Elena Box, a remarkable Shamanic Death Doula and Comedienne, shares an intimate conversation with her ex-girlfriend, Gina Bloemers, about her transformative journey of nourishing her inner muse. Together, they delve into the depths of abandonment, grief, and heartbreak, exploring how these seemingly dark experiences have played a profound role in shaping her creative spirit. As Elena opens up about her personal encounters with abandonment, grief, and...

Ceremonial Pregnancy Release offers an ancient remembrance for how women can move through one of the most powerful Initiation Processes we may experience in our lifetimes. How can we support ourselves and other women to release pregnancy in a sacred, centered, and intentional way?  Natasha Pachalove is a Puerto Rico based Energy Worker, Feminine Wellness Mentor, and Ritual Dancer who supports people coming home to their soul and purpose. She is a full-spectrum doula who has led Red Tent...

Nevine Michaan joins The Ode to Joy Podcast to talk about Yoga's place in processing grief and tuning our bodily instrument to come into greater Joy. Nevine and Elena discuss the following: the recipe for JOYOrganizing sensationsJoy in the midst of a hard winter"Ananda" and how to measure upAsana as OrigamiWu wei -- an effortless effortThe Magic Square -- as a menuMediating Polarity by placing yourself in the middle of the TrinityThe Breath of the SeasonsSiddhis - great magical...

What happens when two death doulas get chatting? Pure magic! Adriana Michelle, a.k.a The Death Alchemist, is a death doula, Transition & Rebirth Doula, and Storyteller.  Elena and Adriana discuss how to create Power Places to move through grief. Adriana was born in San Diego, raised in Mexico, and is currently living in New Orleans where she offers grief walking, transition readings, and monthly online grief meetings.  Elena and Adriana discuss: grief walkingpermission to sit with...

David Rotherham joins us from Australia, to share the story of his son Angus who tragically passed while swimming during his morning movement practice at Flat Rock.  David and Elena discuss: studying master plant teachersthe story of his son, Angus', passing in the pacific oceanhis son's energy visiting him after passingsitting with his son while preparing to gift his organshis son introducing him to master plant teachersDavid's grief journey since his son's passing 3.5 years agocelebrating...

Olivia Falcon joins us from Greenpoint, Brooklyn to talk about how we can navigate the use of Vices during a grieving process.  Olivia is a yoga teacher and works closely with Katonah Yoga founder, Nevine Michaan. We discuss how we can balance nourishing ourselves, and partake in our comforting Vices while healing from heartbreak and grief.  If you are struggling with substance abuse, this episode may not be for you, see notes below for resources to find support. Reminder -- I am not a...

This 10-minute meditation begins with a full body relaxation scan and then ends with a powerful forgiveness mantra.  Use the mantra daily for extra OOMPH. Repeat as many times as years you've been on this earth morning and night. Repeat every day for the same amount of years as you've been on your earth walk.  This mantra affirmation was taught to me by Balinese Healer, Agus Sihman on the summer solstice the year my father died and helped me hugely during my time of grief. Enjoy, babe...

Tom Fox joins us from NYC where he is currently a Chaplain with the Huntington's Disease Unit Tom had a spiritual awakening after following the 12-step program, leading to a life of service. After a 30-year finance career on Wall Street, Tom began working in a hospice where he gained insight into how to hold space for a dying person.  Coming from a turbulent upbringing with an alcoholic father, he navigated years of anger and resentment to one day be led through an unconventional gravesite...

Spark your inner Creative Fire by stoking the sacral chakra through breath and ignited intention.  "Wherever you go, there you are."  Who would you be if you remembered you have all the inner tools you need at all times? What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? Bolster your inner reserves to stand firm, tall, and resolute in your mission as you continue your earth walk, dear one.  I love you, fellow light traveler.  Elena Box xo Support the showBuy your copy of Elena's book...

As spiritual beings, what essential tools do we need to travel with when life's uncharted territory presents itself to us? When we find ourselves in new places, either physically or emotionally, we need to remain grounded and centered.  How can we orient ourselves in the storm's calm eye? Eva Giorgi joins us from Upstate New York today to share the tools she's honed while living in the great outdoors. She created her own traveler's mythology with herbs, essential oils, maps, and the ritual...

Are you feeling overwhelmed, panicky, or groundless? This 10-minute guided meditation will tap you into the earth beneath you, and invite you to taste the richness of life when feeling imbalanced. Inspired by Taoist Master Mantak Chia, the meditation concludes with a practice of building life force energy. A real treat! Enjoy, babe.  *This new series on the Ode to Joy Podcast takes the episode topic from the prior week as a guide for a meditation delivered straight to you. Blessings...

Integrative & Functional Dietitian Abby K. Cannon joins us from New York today to share her top tips on what to eat/what not to eat when going through acute stress. Whether you're mourning the loss of a loved one, are newly post-partum, or swimming in a challenging life change, this episode is for you.  Do you struggle with appetite, overindulge in comfort food, or can't decide what to eat?  Think you're going crazy because your digestion is out of whack? Chances are it is simply your...

How can we honor deep mourning and loss by creating our own Rites & Rituals? Elena shares her version of a death rites ritual and tips for helping a soul cross over using Shamanic Journeying.   Topics discussed: Creating a sacred spaceThresholds of witnessing the liminal space of lossDeath rites ritual & closing off the chakras/energy centersHonoring the energy centers of your loved oneAnointing the body of your passed loved oneHow to create a ritual around loss (miscarriages, loss...