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PODCAST · religion

The Reluctant(ish) Medium

by Maria T Elara, PhD

What happens when a psychotherapist starts talking to dead people? Dr. Maria Elara (formerly Rothenburger), PhD is a psychotherapist, psychic medium, and skeptic-ish person who has learned that science and spirit don’t have to live in separate rooms. The Reluctant(ish) Medium explores mediumship, intuition, spirit babies, grief, healing, consciousness, and the strange, beautiful experiences that don’t always fit neatly into what we think we know. Expect grounded conversations about decidedly ungrounded things, thoughtful curiosity, humor, and the occasional existential rabbit hole. You don’t have to believe everything. Maria certainly didn’t. Come curious. Stay open. See what happens.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 8, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Finding Peace Amidst Chaos: A Journey into Sufism with Salima Adelstein

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, hosted by Dr. Maria Rothenburger. This time, spiritual healer Salima Adelstein joins us to share essential wisdom and techniques from Sufism that provide a much-needed balm for our weary souls. In a world full of literal and...

  2. Getting Hit by a Bus Was Just the Beginning: Liane Lambert's Path to Enlightenment

    Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger as she chats with Liane Marie Lambert about her transformative journey from being hit by a double-decker bus to attaining 5D consciousness. Liane shares her insights on karma, dharma, and the importance of self-awareness in transcending low vibrational energies. Learn...

  3. 2025 Reflections: Mediumship, Love, and Expansion

    In the final episode of 2025, Dr. Maria dives deep into the connections between us and the other side. The episode features powerful stories from the community about spirit baby communication and the significance of love, grief, and expansion in our spiritual journeys. Dr. Maria also shares...

  4. [Audio Corrected] Bagel Scoops, SpongeBob, and Other Mediumship Madness with Barbara Banner

    In this hilarious and upbeat episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, Dr. Maria sits down with the talented and witty Barbra Banner. Barbra shares her incredible journey from a high-powered marketing executive to an evidential psychic trance medium. Laugh along as they discuss shocking client...

  5. [Audio Corrected] TikTok Made Me Do It: Soul Contracts with Jared Carter

    In this fascinating episode, we delve into the concept of soul contracts with Jared Carter. Jared explains how he discovered soul contracts through his work with crystals and aura photography, and how this ancient system can reveal your life’s purpose and challenges. Using a unique blend of...

  6. A Real Life Angel Among Us: Rachel Corpus and her Quantum Shenanigans

    Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger in this totally fascinating episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast as she interviews Rachel Corpus, an angel incarnate and cosmic multitasker extraordinaire. Rachel spills the celestial beans on her near-death experience at age four and her life mission as an angel on...

  7. What Really Happens When We Die? with Julie Ryan

    Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger on The Reluctant Medium Podcast as she welcomes Julie Ryan, a businesswoman turned medium, medical intuitive, and inventor. Julie shares insights from her book 'Angelic Attendants', detailing the 12 phases of transition that every spirit goes through during the process...

  8. Intuition and Imagination: The Art of Channeling with Stephanie Banks

    Join host Dr. Maria Rothenburger in another enlightening episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, where she speaks with Stephanie Banks, an intuitive channeler. They discuss Stephanie's diverse professional background, her experiences with her mother's dementia, and how those experiences led her…

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  9. Connecting with Spirit Babies: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Healing with Anne-Claire Le Bihan

    In this heartfelt episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes Anne-Claire Le Bihan, a spirit baby medium, to discuss her unique work connecting women with their spirit babies. They delve into the emotional and spiritual aspects of spirit baby mediumship, the impact of...

  10. The Healing Power of the Human Voice with Maryn Azoff

    In this episode of The Reluctant Medium Podcast, Dr. Maria hosts vocal transformation coach Maryn, who shares her insights and experiences on the transformative power of the human voice. Maryn discusses her Vocal Transformation Method, which combines ancient vocal practices with modern psychology...

  11. How to Come Out of the Psychic Closet, with Emma Andrews (Replay)

    Join us on The Reluctant Medium as we dive into the fascinating world of intuition with Emma Andrews. Emma shares her journey from a sensitive child to a professional intuitive and medium, discussing the development of her psychic abilities, self-love, and the importance of boundaries. Discover…

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  12. Your Intuition Always Knows What’s Next, with A’ndrea Reiter (Replay)

    Join us on this replay (one of the most popular) episode, as we welcome back A’ndrea, a holistic fertility expert and Reiki master. We discuss intuition, its power, and how it can be harnessed to aid fertility, especially for those over 40. Andrea shares her insights on the mind-body approach to...

  13. Healing Hearts: Melissa Oatman on Spiritual Journeys and Overcoming Grief [Replay]

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes fellow podcaster Melissa Oatman. Melissa, a high school German teacher by day and a spiritual practitioner by night, discusses the profound impact of her personal losses and how they shaped her new book, 'A...

  14. Introducing the Pink Starlights. A Spirit Baby Conversation with Lynsi Eastburn [Replay]

    In this captivating episode replay from 'The Miracles Happen Fertility Podcast,' Maria welcomes back Lynsi for a deep dive into the fascinating topic of spirit babies. Lynsi shares her journey in fertility hypnosis over the past 20 years, revealing how she discovered her ability to connect with...

  15. A Guide to Accessing the Spirit Baby Realm - Part One [REPLAY]

    In this episode of 'The Reluctant Medium,' Dr. Maria dives deep into the art of spirit baby communication. Maria explains the challenges of connecting with your own spirit babies due to emotional ties, and highlights the importance of intuition and emphasizes the importance of meditation as the...

  16. Angels, Guides, and….Dragons? Meet Your Spirit Team with Nichole Bigley [REPLAY]

    [REPLAY] In this episode of The Reluctant Medium, we have the pleasure of speaking with Nichole Bigley, an expert in the field of mediumship and co-author of the book 'Looking for Angels.' Nichole shares her extensive knowledge on the basics of spirit teams, breaking down the roles of archangels,...

  17. What Spirit Babies Say about Miscarriage and Abortion [REPLAY]

    Welcome! This episode is part of a Summer 2025 series of the most popular episodes from both the Miracles Happen Fertility Podcast and The Reluctant Medium. In this episode, Dr. Maria Rothenburger, a fertility therapist, coach, bestselling author, and spirit baby intuitive, explores the topics of...

  18. Angelic Insights: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts with Ashley George

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria speaks with guest Ashley George about the presence and influence of angels in our lives. The discussion explores the concept of spiritual gifts, personal and archangels, and their role in healing, empowerment, and guidance. Ashley...

  19. Beyond Mediumship: Understanding the Akashic Realm with Nancy Smith

    Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger in this episode of The Reluctant Medium Podcast as she delves into the Akashic realm with special guest Nancy Smith. Discover the history, significance, and modern understanding of the Akashic Records. Learn how to access these records and the importance of soul's...

  20. Lighting the Darkness: Building a New Reality with Will & Karen, the Skeptic Metaphysicians

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, Dr. Maria Rothenburger is joined by two of her favorite guests, Will Rodriguez and Karen Endsley. The discussion dives into Will's personal journey from a breakdown to a breakthrough with meditation and self-reflection, eventually leading to the...

  21. Pregnancy, Soul Plans, and Akashic Insights with Christina Warmenbol

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria welcomes Christina Warmenbol, an expert in Akashic Records and prenatal psychology. Christina shares her journey from her early studies as an occupational therapist to discovering the deeper causes of ailments and their origins in...

  22. Balancing Physical and Spiritual Wellbeing: An Intuitive Approach with Katie Beecher

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes back medical intuitive, artist, therapist, and author Katie Beecher. The conversation delves into the importance of connecting with one's body to address both physical and emotional symptoms. Katie shares…

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  23. Soul Pod: Where Science Meets Soul - A Conversation with Crystal Cassidy

    GET THE SOULPOD APP FREE FOR ONE MONTH (exp. 5/31/25): Use Code SOULPOD1MONTH Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger on the Reluctant Medium Podcast as she interviews Crystal Cassidy, the founder of Soul Pod. Crystal shares her profound journey, from her career in biochemistry and cancer research, to her...

  24. Past, Present, and The Purpose: A Talk with Daniel, The Past Life Regressionist

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes Daniel, also known as the Past Life Regressionist. Daniel shares insights into past life regression, explaining the process and how it contrasts with past life readings. He talks about the transformative power…

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  25. Intuition from the Neck Down: Krystal Perry on Unlocking Your Intuitive Abilities

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes Krystal Perry, also known as the Blossoming Medium. Krystal shares her journey into mediumship and Reiki, discussing how intuition is felt below the neck across various chakras. She emphasizes the importance of...

  26. From Rock n’ Roll to Spirit Medium: The Mystical Experiences of Daniel Jackson

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes fellow medium Daniel Jackson, who shares his journey from experiencing unexplained phenomena to embracing his abilities as a medium. Daniel recounts his childhood experiences with spirit sightings in his home in...

  27. Understanding Spirit Babies (and More!) Through Astrology: Louisa Tanner-Munson's Perspective

    Join us on this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast as we dive deep into the world of astrology with special guest Louisa Tanner-Munson, an astrologer and channel. In this insightful conversation, we explore the impact of astrological charts on personal life events, fertility, spirit babies,...

  28. Animal Spirit Talk: Nick Musica on Cats, Dolphins, and Clairvoyance

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes special guest Nick Musica, an animal communicator and plant medicine practitioner. Nick shares his journey into animal communication, which began with clairvoyant dreams and a meditation practice that opened him...

  29. A Glimpse into the Afterlife: Conversations with Brandy Anderson

    In this captivating episode of The Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger is joined by Brandy Anderson, who shares her extraordinary journey from a skeptic with a Christian background to a Jungian coach and spiritual director. Brandy recounts her personal spiritual awakening, the...

  30. Unlocking Holistic Health with Dr. Caroline: Mind, Body, Soul Wellness

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, the host interviews Dr. Caroline Huarte, a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst, who has transformed the host's health journey. Dr. Caroline shares her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance...

  31. The Power of Remembering Who We Really Are: Trance-Channeling Wisdom with Ava Orah

    In this enlightening episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes Ava Orah, a renowned trance-channeler, intuitive, and spiritual teacher. They dive deep into the remembrance of our mastery and specific purpose during these transformative times. Ava channels...

  32. 5 Essential Tips to Awaken Your Psychic Abilities with Dr. Maria Rothenburger

    Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger in this insightful episode of 'The Reluctant Medium' as she shares five essential tips for developing your psychic intuition. From the power of crystals and journaling to the playful use of pendulums and the transformative effects of meditation, learn practical tools…

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  33. From Reluctance to Resonance: Healing Harmonies with Crystal Bowls

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium podcast, Dr. Maria Rothenberger interviews Ashana, a vocal artist and crystal healer. Ashana shares her journey into the world of sound healing and the profound impact of crystal singing bowls on her life and practice. They discuss the science and...

  34. Expanding Consciousness through Channeling: Conversation with David Strickel

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, Dr. Maria Rothenburger interviews David Strickel about his work channeling 'The Stream,' a source consciousness. David shares his unique journey into channeling, highlighting the profound impact it has had on his life and career. He discusses his...

  35. Unraveling the False Matrix: Healing Through Multidimensional Shadow Work

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger welcomes Sienna Lea to explore uncharted territories involving the manipulation of human psyche by dark entities and artificial intelligence. Sienna shares her journey from a troubled youth to becoming an expert in…

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  36. The Reluctant Medium Returns: Announcements, New TV Show, and New Year Rituals

    Dr. Maria Rothenburger, also known as the Reluctant Medium, ends a six-month hiatus with a podcast episode loaded with major announcements. This episode unveils the launch of 'The Reluctant Medium' TV show on NewRealityTV.com. Dr. Maria shares personal anecdotes about a challenging 2024…

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  37. Healing Hearts: Melissa Oatman on Spiritual Journeys and Overcoming Grief

    Dr. Maria Rothenburger hosts Melissa Oatman on the Reluctant Medium podcast to discuss Melissa’s new book, 'A Beautiful Mourning: A Guide to Life After Loss'. Melissa shares her journey through multiple personal losses, including the death of her aunt, children's father, and mother, and how she…

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  38. Unlocking Flowdreaming with Summer McStravick

    In this episode of the Reluctant Medium podcast, host Dr. Maria Rothenburger interviews Summer McStravick, the creator of Flow Dreaming, a powerful manifesting technique. Summer shares her journey, growing up in a family of intuitives and her reluctant entrance into the world of metaphysics…

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  39. Tarot Cards: The How, What, & Why

    Fair warning for today's episode: Oracle and Tarot Cards are addictive. I've lost count how many decks I have. Eep! But, they are so, so fun! Here's what we cover in today's episode: A bit of tarot history The major and the minor arcana The differences between decks How to do a reading (pulling...

  40. Oracle Cards: The How, What, & Why

    Fair warning for today's episode: Oracle Cards are addictive. I've lost count how many decks I have. Eep! But, they are so, so fun! Here's what we cover in today's episode: The differences between oracle and tarot cards How to choose a deck What to do after you've gotten your deck home How to do…

    more
  41. What is Evidential Mediumship? with Cheryl Murphy

    “And when you do get a sign, when you do get a message, send out gratitude. Thank you for this coin, for this penny, or thank you for the butterflies you sent me today." Learn why this quote blew my mind! Cheryl has studied metaphysics for over 20 years including international studies in Brazil…

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  42. Symbols, Sounds, & Speaking in Tongues? It's Light Language with Amy Robeson

    “With Light Language, the Guardians of the [Akashic] Records told me, 'You're going to start speaking light language.' And I'm like, 'I don't want to do that.' And they said, 'Well, you're going to. It's a part of your path.' And I said, 'No, I don't think so.' Because it's really weird! It's…

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  43. Medical Intuition with Katie Beecher

    “I really try to normalize all intuition, but especially medical intuition. Because, while I have some pretty extraordinary abilities, I'm not a special individual. We all can do - and DO - medical intuition all the time." Katie Beecher, LPC is a Professional Counselor and Medical and Emotional...

  44. Guest Episode from Breathe Love & Magic: Nature Spirits, Elementals and Plant Divas

    Enjoy this Bonus episode from a fellow Ethereal Network Podcaster, Ronnie Ann Ryan from Breathe Love & Magic A practical and fun approach to spirituality to live your best life, discover success, grow, and maybe find love. Learn about magic, manifesting, energy healing, meditating, clearing,...

  45. Manifesting Tools that Friggin' Work - Part 3

    “I love what Bill [McKenna] says here; he says everything that exists was once an idea. So think about that when you're manifesting something; you're pulling it into your energy. It starts up in your head, and works its way down to the first chakra, which is reality, the base of your existence."...

  46. Manifesting Tools that Friggin' Work - Part 2

    “The idea is that we are all one; we are not separate from that which we want to attract into our life. Including straight up money, if that's what you're looking for. The love of your life, if that's what you're looking for. A new keyboard is something I'd like right now! I am going to manifest...

  47. Manifesting Tools that Friggin Work - Part 1

    “Sometimes the universe doesn't shut up; it just keeps sending you more of the same shit. Just the other day - this is like a week past my vacation - what's following behind me but a stinkin' yellow jeep." Find out why that's so significant and a whole lot more in this solocast all about...

  48. Are You In Your Right Mind? with Dr. Teri Baydar

    “Now the ‘Right Mind,” I love that terminology, because you say “Are you in your right mind?’ Because sometimes when we’re in our left brain, we get very war conscious, and if we just chill, step back, let go a little bit, we can pop into our right mind, which is multidimensional, love conscious....

  49. Christianity Like You've Never Heard It with Shanna Vavra

    “The Gnostic Gospels were a deeper teaching, more even some would say a secret teaching of Jesus. Jesus was like a freaking Zen master in these books. He spoke in allegorical stories. The stories are much like fairy tales that have a really deep meaning.” I was raised Christian, but I don't...

  50. Soul Painting and Animal Communication with Nicole Harp

    "People always ask ‘Can my animal come back to me,” and I’m sure they can, and I’m sure they have every intention of doing that. I just can’t say they will, because maybe that’s not the animal you need for your higher growth. You don’t always get what you want, but you always get what you need.’"...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

What happens when a psychotherapist starts talking to dead people?

Dr. Maria Elara (formerly Rothenburger), PhD is a psychotherapist, psychic medium, and skeptic-ish person who has learned that science and spirit don’t have to live in separate rooms.

The Reluctant(ish) Medium explores mediumship, intuition, spirit babies, grief, healing, consciousness, and the strange, beautiful experiences that don’t always fit neatly into what we think we know. Expect grounded conversations about decidedly ungrounded things, thoughtful curiosity, humor, and the occasional existential rabbit hole.

You don’t have to believe everything. Maria certainly didn’t. Come curious. Stay open. See what happens.

HOSTED BY

Maria T Elara, PhD

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Reluctant(ish) Medium have?

The Reluctant(ish) Medium currently has 78 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Reluctant(ish) Medium about?

What happens when a psychotherapist starts talking to dead people? Dr. Maria Elara (formerly Rothenburger), PhD is a psychotherapist, psychic medium, and skeptic-ish person who has learned that science and spirit don’t have to live in separate rooms. The Reluctant(ish) Medium explores mediumship,...

How often does The Reluctant(ish) Medium release new episodes?

The Reluctant(ish) Medium has 78 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Reluctant(ish) Medium?

You can listen to The Reluctant(ish) Medium on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Reluctant(ish) Medium?

The Reluctant(ish) Medium is created and hosted by Maria T Elara, PhD.
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