Toward A Better Life Podcast

Episode 172 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:53 Eldur - By Hem Netjer (Used with Permission) 0:06:27 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe Ad-Free episodes are now available of Toward A Better Life through Patreon.  As a paid subscriber you can enjoy episodes without advertisements.  All you need to do is visit Patreon, search for Toward A Better Life Podcast. AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:11:28 Chat with Steve Hounsome - Tarot-A Guide for Living   Steve Hounsome has been working with the Tarot since his teenage years, over 45 years ago! From his beginnings as a Tarot reader he developed his own style of working with and teaching the Tarot that he called 'Tarot Therapy'. In 1999 he published the first of his three volumes of books entitled 'Tarot Therapy', more recently adding 'The Tarot Therapy Workbook' to the series. He created two Tarot decks with accompanying books and continues to teach and promote use of the Tarot for personal and spiritual development by therapeutic means. He has created three Courses with Philip Carr-Gomm, creator of the Druidcraft Tarot, including the newly released 'Tarot Therapy'. Steve's recent books are 'Tarot for Grief' and new for 2026 'Tarot for Living and Dying'. 1:07:49 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Steve Hounsome: Website: https://www.tarottherapy.co.uk/ Steve's Books: https://www.tarottherapy.co.uk/printed-books Contact Steve Hounsome: https://www.tarottherapy.co.uk/contact Hem Netjer: Website: https://hemnetjer.band/ Bandcamp: https://hemnetjer.bandcamp.com/ Order of  Bards Ovates and Druids: Website: https://druidry.org/ Join the Order and Train in Druidry: https://druidry.org/our-courses/train-in-druidry Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/KevinPennell Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 171 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:13 Prologue - Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi by Damh the Bard (Used with Permission) 0:05:56 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe Ad-Free episodes are now available of Toward A Better Life through Patreon.  As a paid subscriber you can enjoy episodes without advertisements.  All you need to do is visit Patreon, search for Toward A Better Life Podcast. AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:09:58 Chat with Damh the Bard and the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi Damh the Bard is a modern-day Bard whose spirituality and love of folk tradition is expressed through his music, storytelling and poetry. His performances are both entertaining and educational, speaking directly to the heart, and never without a good splash of humour.  With twelve outstanding albums, and singing and speaking engagements all over the world, Damh has become one of the most popular contemporary Pagan musicians – a musical storyteller who works within the world of myth: where the Elves dance on Midsummer's Eve, where the trees talk, and the Hollow Hills take you into the Otherworld, where the Goddess rides her horse, guiding you to magic, and the Horned God and Greenman of old call to you from the shadows of the Greenwood.   He began his Spiritual Journey at a very young age, often found in the school library reading through books on magic and the supernatural. Damh was initiated into a Ceremonial Magic group at age 18. He then discovered Paganism, which led him to Druidry, joining the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids in 1994. On the Summer Solstice of 2010, he was installed as the Pendragon of the Order, taking over from the artist Will Worthington who had been the Order's Pendragon for the previous 19 years. Damh served the Order as Pendragon until the Summer Solstice of 2025 when he passed the role over to Matt McCabe. His Path is an Animistic Way that sees and acknowledges the connection between all life. That Spirit is within all things, from the pebble to the mountain, from the raindrop to the oceans, all alive, vibrant, conscious, and part of the Great Web. To Damh the Path of the Bard, the Skald, the Scop, is to sing of that connection and bring that magic to life through music. Along with his musical concerts, Damh has also given talks, run workshops, and participated in panel discussions at conferences and camps in the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and the USA, with his favourite topics including: Awen the Mead of Poetry and the Creative Quest; Animism; Magic and Seership; Tree Lore; Mythology; and Wilderness Awareness. 0:48:37 Son of the Waves - Damh the Bard (Used with Permission) 0:54:29 Continued Chat with Damh the Bard and the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi 1:14:29 Oak Broom and Meadow Sweet - Damh the Bard (Used with Permission) 1:19:16 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Damh the Bard: Website: https://www.paganmusic.co.uk/ Y Mabinogi: https://www.paganmusic.co.uk/y-mabinogi/ Connect with Damh the Bard: https://www.paganmusic.co.uk/contact-2/ Order of  Bards Ovates and Druids: Website: https://druidry.org/ Join the Order and Train in Druidry: https://druidry.org/our-courses/train-in-druidry Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/KevinPennell Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 170 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:18 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:10 Celebrate Spring with Kevin Pennell Kevin Pennell is the Podcast Host and Producer of Toward A Better Life a Licensed Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and a Bardic member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids.  He's also an Usui Reiki Master, and Instructor for various self-help and continuing education workshops with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spurgeon College. As a healing facilitator, he devotes his life to being a "hollow bone" or tool to bring about "Compassionate Healing".  Kevin also writes, honing his love of writing through journalism. As an author, he applied his biographical and spiritual insights to complete the work Two Feathers: Spiritual Seed Planter that shares the life and spirit of Ken Two Feathers. 0:28:38 Guided Meditation - Connecting with Herbs 0:45:27 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/KevinPennell Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 169 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:33 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:22 Interview with Robin Clare Robin is a bestselling author and creator of the Harmony Method™ — a transformative framework that guides people to live and lead with greater ease, clarity, and alignment. Through her book, Harmony: The Frequency of True Success, Robin teaches how to align inner truth with outer life so that success flows naturally. She bring decades of experience as a spiritual teacher, life and recovery coach, and nonprofit executive, blending practical wisdom with deep spiritual insight. Robin helps audiences discover how to move from stress and striving to a state of Harmony — where inspiration becomes purposeful action and life itself becomes a living expression of authenticity and joy. 0:55:26 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Robin Clare Website: https://www.robinhclare.com/ Contact: https://www.robinhclare.com/contact Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/KevinPennell Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 168 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:08 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:39 Interview with Emlyn Phillips Emlyn is this week's guests who hails from Wales. He's a druid-grade member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Emlyn has degrees in International Relations, Computer Science, and Business Administration, as well as a postgraduate qualification in Applied Linguistics. He's also a trained coach, hypnotherapist and mediator. He has worked as  an outdoor pursuits instructor, a Linux systems administrator, a developer of multilingual online learning systems, a corporate coach, a university lecturer in strategic management and marketing, and an educator and examiner in English as a second language. He is the author of numerous published articles, and of two books - with the third on its way. He currently lives in the small tropical nation of Timor-Leste.  Emlyn is also passionate in his studies of Wales, its history, culture, and the magical mysteries of old from that region. 1:02:33 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Emlyn Phillips Website: https://traethiad.com/ Substack: https://traethiad.substack.com/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 167 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:47 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:05 Interview with Michelle Walters Michelle is a voracious imagination advocate, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and AI Advocate.  She writes and speaks on themes associated with the subconscious, self-improvement and personal growth. Michelle has blended her passion for marketing with hypnosis and AI to create "MakeMyHypno", a first-of-its-kind custom hypnosis app that makes you a personalized audio recording delivered to you inbox in a matter of minutes. 0:55:34 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Michelle Walters Website: https://michellewalters.net/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 166 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:08 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:52 Interview with Belinda Coker Belinda is an Australian hiker, writer, and educator who helps women rebuild confidence through practical adventure and responsible travel. She has completed solo hikes from Australia's Red Centre to crossing Greenland's Arctic Circle, experiences that shaped her belief that confidence grows through action, not theory. Through her platforms, Soul Treader and The House Sitting Collective, she teaches how structure, trust, and responsibility create genuine freedom and stability in life. 1:08:48 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Belinda Coker Website: https://soultreader.com/ Contact Belinda: https://soultreader.com/contact-us/ Free Resource Booklet: https://soultreader.com/hike-it-right/ 10% Off House Sitting Courses - hstravel: https://housesittingcollective.com/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 165 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:10 The Door with Spiral Dance (Used by Permission) 0:03:58 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:08:24 Interview with Dana O'Driscoll Dana currently serves as the Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America.  A lifelong student of nature spirituality and druidry she has been practicing for 18 years. Dana has authored multiple books that focus on nature spirituality and neopagan practices through the lenses of reverence, respect, and direct action on behalf of the living earth. Her writings include Ecospirituality for the 21st Century, which she co-authored withNate Summers.  She also wrote Land Healing: Physical, Metaphysical, and Ritual Approaches to Healing the Earth, I have also painted and published Oracle/Tarot Deck and Books: Tarot of Trees,  Plant Spirit Oracle, and TreeLore Oracle.  A few years ago Dana wrote Sacred Actions: Living the Wheel of the Year through Earth-Centered Sustainable Practices and the Sacred Actions Journal. 1:10:30 - Raise The Flag of Green - Damh the Bard (Used with Permission) 1:14:26 - Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Dana O'Driscoll Website: https://thedruidsgarden.com/ Contact Dana: https://thedruidsgarden.com/about-the-druid/contact/ Sacred Actions: https://thedruidsgarden.com/sacredactions-4/ Sacred Actions Journal: https://thedruidsgarden.com/sacred-actions-journal/ Ancient Order of Druids In America Website: https://aoda.org/ Contact: https://aoda.org/contact/ Spiral Dance Website: https://spiraldance.com.au/ Damh The Bard Website: https://www.paganmusic.co.uk/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 164 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:59 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:52 Interview with Michael Dorfman Michael is an 83-year-old certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach, investigative author, and thriving example of plant-based longevity. Based in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, he has spent the last 17+ years living—and coaching—on how to age vibrantly without chronic disease. Michael adopted a vegetarian diet in 1976, transitioned to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle in 2008, and earned his certification in Plant-Based Nutrition in 2019. His book, The Thriving Vegan, exposes how the food and pharmaceutical industries mislead the public—and how individuals can reclaim their health. In his latest book, The Longevity Wellness Revolution, Michael shares practical tools from the Blue Zones, as well as his discoveries, including breathwork, intermittent fasting, stress reduction, and more. He's passionate about showing that it's never too late to live with energy, purpose, and joy. 1:03:04 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Michael Dorfman Website: https://longevitywellnessrevolution.com/ Contact Michael: https://longevitywellnessrevolution.com/contact-me/ Free Guidebook: https://longevitywellnessrevolution.com/guidebook/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 163 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:41 Liminal by Nymphya  (Used By Permission) 0:06:25 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:10:08 Celebrate Spring with Kevin Pennell Kevin Pennell is the Podcast Host and Producer of Toward A Better Life a Licensed Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and a Bardic member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids.  He's also an Usui Reiki Master, and Instructor for various self-help and continuing education workshops with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spurgeon College. As a healing facilitator, he devotes his life to being a "hollow bone" or tool to bring about "Compassionate Healing".  Kevin also writes, honing his love of writing through journalism. As an author, he applied his biographical and spiritual insights to complete the work Two Feathers: Spiritual Seed Planter that shares the life and spirit of Ken Two Feathers.   0:22:09 Guided Meditation for Celebrating Spring 0:36:36 Almost Through the Dark with Emrys Abner from Mac and Cheese (Used By Permission) 0:41:18 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Nymphya Music and More: https://nymphya.com/home-mobile/ Emrys Abner Music and More: https://cheesebrowmusic.com/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 162 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:39 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:08 Interview with Ranbir Puar Ranbir is a TEDx Speaker, Author, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Strategies Coach, and Nervous System Architect and Certified HeartMath® Coach who has been helping adults and children transform their lives since 2009.  She blends neuroscience, somatic regulation, neurofeedback, and mindset training to rewire both mind and body, creating breakthroughs where traditional coaching or talk therapy often plateau. She is also a licensed provider of the Integrated Learning System (Focus), the Rest & Restore Protocol, and the Safe & Sound Protocol, providing her clients with access to cutting-edge tools that accelerate transformation. Ranbir is a 20-Time Staff Pick on Insight Timer, the world's largest community of meditators, and has spoken at global parenting events such as the Mindful World Parenting Summit alongside Eckhart Tolle and Dr. Shefali. She is the creator of the popular Today I Practice life strategies app and has been featured in publications around the world.  Please welcome Ranbir Puar as we discuss Life Rhythms on this episode of Toward A Better Life. 1:05:44 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Ranbir Puar Website: https://freewithin.me/ HeartMath® Tools: https://store.heartmath.org/emwave-pro.html Work with Ranbir: https://freewithin.me/work-with-me/ Further Leanring Options: https://www.innerchampion.me/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 161 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:17 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:40 Interview with William Gadea William Gadea is a Peruvian-American author, filmmaker, and Zen Buddhist practitioner. He has written ARROW: The Power and Poison of Story, which explores how storytelling shapes our minds, our sense of self, and our happiness. Drawing on neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, and personal experience, William looks at how the stories we tell can both heal and hinder us - and how awareness of this process can help us live with more clarity and compassion.  He is also the creator of What Is Mind?, a YouTube channel about consciousness.  1:03:24 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: William Gadea Website: https://www.williamgadea.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@whatismind-williamgadea Contact William: https://www.williamgadea.com/contact Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 160 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:54 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:22 Interview with Faith Spencer Faith Spencer, is a certified "Happy for No Reason" trainer and author of "The Oneness Guide for Today: A Book of Insight for Young Women"—a unique and timely book for teen girls and young women navigating pressure, perfectionism, and social media stress. Her work helps young people shift from ego-driven striving to soul-deep connection by exploring the science and spirituality of oneness. Faith is here to share powerful tools for self-acceptance, inner peace, and authentic living. Granted, the focus of her book is connecting with teens and young women, yet, after reading her book, I can confidently say her book, The Oneness Guide is a great guide for everyone!  Won't you please welcome, Faith to Toward A Better Life! 0:59:54 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Faith Spencer Website: https://faithspencer.com/ Faith's Book: https://faithspencer.com/oneness-guide/ Contact Faith: https://faithspencer.com/contact/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 159 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:03 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:32 Interview with Ashana Kaiulani Ashana is a trauma support specialist and reclamation coach whose work is rooted in helping women remember who they are after deep emotional pain or betrayal. She's the founder of Way Home Wellness and host of The Reclamation Room podcast, where she shares real, grounded conversations about self-trust, healing, and coming home to yourself.  Her work, though rooted in helping women navigate toward their better life, can be applied to all when is it some to resilience.  Please welcome my guest Ashana Kaiulani as we discuss Reflections on resilience. 1:01:38 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Ashana Kaiulani Website: https://wayhomewellness.com/ The Way Home Wellness Library: https://wayhomewellness.com/store Ashana's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/search?term=Reclamation%20Room Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 158 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:01 Dance of the Druids by MortenA (Used By Permission) 0:04:09 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:07:30 Insights of Imbolc with Kevin Pennell Kevin Pennell is the Podcast Host and Producer of Toward A Better Life a Licensed Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and a Bardic member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids.  He's also an Usui Reiki Master, and Instructor for various self-help and continuing education workshops with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spurgeon College. As a healing facilitator, he devotes his life to being a "hollow bone" or tool to bring about "Compassionate Healing".  Kevin also writes, honing his love of writing through journalism. As an author, he applied his biographical and spiritual insights to complete the work Two Feathers: Spiritual Seed Planter that shares the life and spirit of Ken Two Feathers. 0:20:34 Guided Meditation for Honoring Imbolc 0:39:31 First Blush of Spring by MortenA (Used By Permission) 0:43:10 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: MortenA Music and More: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=MortenA Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 157 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:43 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:03:19 Interview with Shilah Shilah is a Bardic member with the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids.  She says that while Google may be good for some things, Shilah believes connecting, learning, and growing happen in the more "human" realm.  She calls herself an artist of the Fae Folk which can be seen in her magickal creations that honor the Fae Folk and related realms.  She's walking her path in Earth Based Spirituality and is sharing glimpse of her life as a Hedge Witch in this episode of Toward A Better Life. 0:51:05 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Shilah Contact Through Instagram: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shilahthebard?igsh=MWZ3YXRhamlxdXQ1MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr  Order of Bards Ovates and Druids Website: https://druidry.org/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 156 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:01 I'll Play For You by Mark Firehammer (Used by Permission) 0:05:34 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:08:25 Interview with Mark Firehammer Mark Firehammer is the founder of the Creative Humanity Alliance, a growing ecosystem of artists, educators, and innovators using creativity as a catalyst for cultural healing and human reconnection. Their mission is simple but urgent: to use art and creative practice as keys to unlock the connection that modern life too often makes us forget.  As an author, creator, and entrepreneur, Mark's  work—including the novel The Echo and the Voice—explores how imagination can repair culture and guide us toward a more human, more fulfilling life.    1:14:32  Walk The Heavens by Mark Firehammer (Used by Permission)  1:18:46 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Mark Firehammer Website:https://markfirehammer.com/ Contact: https://markfirehammer.com/contact/ Creative Humanity Alliance: https://creativehumanityalliance.org/ Mark Firehammer Music: https://markfirehammer.com/music/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 155 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:50 Winter Solstice by Awenfire (Used By Permission) 0:04:57 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:08:25 Bear Facts of Introspection with Kevin Pennell Kevin Pennell is the Podcast Host and Producer of Toward A Better Life a Licensed Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and a Bardic member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids.  He's also an Usui Reiki Master, and Instructor for various self-help and continuing education workshops with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spurgeon College. As a healing facilitator, he devotes his life to being a "hollow bone" or tool to bring about "Compassionate Healing".  Kevin also writes, honing his love of writing through journalism. As an author, he applied his biographical and spiritual insights to complete the work Two Feathers: Spiritual Seed Planter that shares the life and spirit of Ken Two Feathers. 0:24:46 Guided Meditation to Connect with Bear Medicine 0:42:24 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Awenfire https://soundcloud.com/awenfire Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 154 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:40 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:51 Interview with Teri M Brown Terri M Brown: Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri came into this world with an imagination full of stories to tell. She now calls the North Carolina coast home, and the peaceful nature of the sea has been a great source of inspiration for her creativity. Not letting 2020 get the best of her, Teri chose to go on an adventure that changed her outlook on life. She and her husband, Bruce, rode a tandem bicycle over 3000 miles across the United States from Astoria, Oregon to Washington DC, successfully raising money for Toys for Tots. She learned she is stronger than she realized and capable of anything she sets her mind to. Teri graduated from UNC Greensboro with a multitude of degrees – majors in Elementary Education and Psychology and minors in Math and Sociology – she just couldn't settle on one thing! While homeschooling her four children, she began her writing career by focusing on small businesses, writing articles, blog posts, and website content. In 2017, after finally getting out of an emotionally abusive 14-year marriage, Teri began dabbling in fiction, a lifelong dream. Upon winning the First Annual Anita Bloom Ornoff Award for Inspirational Short Story for a piece about her grandfather, she began writing in earnest, and published her debut novel in 2022, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, a historical fiction set in Ukraine. Her second novel published in 2023, An Enemy Like Me, takes place during WWII. Her latest novel, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, a generational story about Appalachian healers came out in January 2024. In June 2024, her short story, The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper, came out in the anthology Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. Her latest book, 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure (Feb 2025), is an inspirational look at the life lessons she learned riding across the United States on a tandem bicycle. In April, her first children's book, Little Lola and Her Big Dream, will launch. 1:09:01 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Teri M Brown Website: https://www.terimbrown.com/ Contact: https://www.terimbrown.com/contact.html Order of Bards Ovates and Druids Website: https://druidry.org/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 153 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:18 Gunshae - By Lady Eve (Used by Permission) 0:07:09 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:11:59 Interview with Lady Eve Lady Eve is a musician, artist, and the owner of Singing Pines. Eve grew up in Atlanta and spent summers in Appalachia basking in the aroma and nurturing her deep love and appreciation of trees and the forests while playing in mountain streams. Eve is a certified forest bathing guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, and enjoys sharing her passion for soundscape and sensory/somatic experiences. As a Bardic Druid (with the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids) and an active Zazen practitioner, she incorporates meditation and subtle awareness throughout her endeavors. Her artistic advocacy focuses on the connection between music, environment, accessibility and wellness. In 2016 she began to lead an ongoing series of soundwalks, which gives the public opportunities to experience natural surroundings through listening techniques, meditative breathing, and contemplative focus. In recent years, the soundwalk program has grown into an artist residency called the ACA Soundscape Field Station at Canaveral National Seashore, and an accessibility program for blind and partially sighted youth called Young Sound Seekers, sponsored by the National Park Service. These programs highlight the growing importance of environmental sound (soundscape) on the quality of health for all living creatures. As a musician and soundscape artist, she uses field recordings, electronic music, spoken word, and classical oboe in her compositions and collaborations. She has performed at several venues throughout North America.  1:10:12  Meiji Sunbeams by Lady Eve (Used by Permission)  1:19:54 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Lady Eve Website: https://www.singingpines.co/ Contact: [email protected] Order of Bards Ovates and Druids Website: https://druidry.org/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 152 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:02 Dark Night of the Soul by Spiral Dance (Used by Permission) 0:06:34 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:07 Interview with Rachael Schmidt Rachael Schmidt, author of Common Sixth Sense, is a mindfulness-based self-development coach, mentor, and educator with more than twenty years of experience helping people awaken to their fullest potential. She has worked with teenagers, Fortune 500 leaders, and everyone in between, guiding them to live more authentic and connected lives. Schmidt teaches mindfulness integration at the graduate level and is the founder of the consultancy, Common Sixth. You can learn more at www.commonsixth.com. 1:01:49  Deep Peace to You by Awenfire (Used by Permission)  1:05:30 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Rachael Schmidt Website: https://commonsixth.com/ Contact: https://commonsixth.com/contact-rachael-schmidt/ Order Rachael's Book: https://commonsixth.com/book/ Spiral Dance Website: https://spiraldance.com.au/ Awenfire On Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/awenfire Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 151 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:55 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:07 Interview with Joanna Zhang Joanna Zhang is the award-winning founder of The Operations Genius and creator of the world's first Fractional VA Service, a revolutionary approach to operational support that gives entrepreneurs the flexibility, accountability, and expertise they need.  A sought-after global speaker, Joanna brings more than strategies, she infuses her talks with soul-aligned wisdom, sharing divine messages that inspire founders to lead from their hearts. Her unique perspective comes from her own journey of soul awakening and soul ascension, guided by her spiritual mentor, which deepened her commitment to uplifting others toward personal transformation.  Her story resonates with Toward A Bette Life as a reminder that a "better life" begins with inner alignment—and ripples out to touch family, community, and the world.  Please welcome Joanna Zhang to Toward A Better Life as we explore Soul Awakening and Personal Transformation  0:58:34 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Joanna Zhang Website: https://operationsgenius.net/ Contact Joanna Through Her Website Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 150 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:54 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:19 Druidic Perspectives of The 4 Elements with Kevin Pennell Kevin Pennell is the Podcast Host and Producer of Toward A Better Life a Licensed Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and a Bardic member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids.  He's also an Usui Reiki Master, and Instructor for various self-help and continuing education workshops with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spurgeon College. As a healing facilitator, he devotes his life to being a "hollow bone" or tool to bring about "Compassionate Healing".  Kevin also writes, honing his love of writing through journalism. As an author, he applied his biographical and spiritual insights to complete the work Two Feathers: Spiritual Seed Planter that shares the life and spirit of Ken Two Feathers. 0:19:35 Guided Meditation to Deepen A Connection to the 4 Elements 0:43:50 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Kevin Pennell & Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 149 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:07 Thanksgiving Address - Michael Douglas - Used By Permission 0:06:40 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:10:09 Interview with Cindy Caprio Woulfe Cindy Caprio Woulfe is a full time mother, certified meditation teacher and wellness advocate residing in Connecticut with her husband and two sons. A University of Colorado at Boulder graduate in Communication and an Institute of Integrative Nutrition alumna, she balances motherhood with her passion for mindfulness practices. A regular contributor to Fairfield County Mom, she offers compassionate guidance for mothers seeking balance amid life's overwhelming moments. Her first book, In the Weeds: A Guide to Saving Your Own Soul on This Crazy Journey Called Motherhood, is available for purchase.  0:57:52 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Cindy Capro Woulfe Website: https://cindycapriowoulfe.com/ Order Her Book: https://cindycapriowoulfe.com/buy-the-book-1 Michael Douglas Website: https://www.maineprimitive.com/ Contact: https://www.maineprimitive.com/contact Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 148 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:26 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:06:22 Interview with Eimear Burke Eimear Burke - is the Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) who lives in Kilkenny, Ireland.  Eimear is a retired Counselling Psychologist and her interests in Druidry and psychology have led her to act as a Celebrant, helping people to design and enact meaningful rites of passage. She is licensed to perform legal weddings in the Republic of Ireland and can also offer non legal ceremonies.  Eimear has a deep love of the ancient Irish tales and has a passion for storytelling. She brings the old tales to new audiences, and - while remaining faithful to the stories - often examines them from new perspectives, so that listeners experience them as fresh and relevant. She particularly enjoys showing people the sacred sites of Ireland and telling the ancient tales right where they happened.  Eimear is also a Priestess dedicated to Danú in the Fellowship of Isis. She is an Arch Druidess in the Druid Clan of Dana and a member of the Noble Order of Tara.'  1:04:00 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Eimear Burke Website: https://www.kilkennydruidry.com/ Eimear & OBOD: https://www.kilkennydruidry.com/obod.html Contact: https://www.kilkennydruidry.com/contact-us.html Order of Bards Ovates and Druids Website: https://druidry.org/ Contact: https://druidry.org/contact-us Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 147 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:25 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:14 Interview with Craig Meriwether Craig Meriwether is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Medical Hypnosis Specialist, and author of the Past Lives Guidebook. He's also the founder of Sacred Mystery Hypnotherapy, where he goes clients through powerful spiritual healing journeys such as past life regression, life-between-lives regression, spirit guide connection, and ancestral healing.  In Craig's work, he's helped Clients uncover and heal unresolved trauma from past lives.  People connect with their spirit guides for clarity and direction.  Individuals release ancestral patterns and generational wounds. Seekers access the "life-between-lives" spirit world for profound insight.  Clients reconnect with their soul's purpose and mission.  In this magical episode, Craig shares how these techniques can help people heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually—often in ways that traditional approaches can't reach. He offers a grounded, practical explanation of how spiritual hypnotherapy works, along with inspiring real-world stories from his practice.  1:10:33 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Craig Meriwether Website: https://sacredmysteryhypnotherapy.com/ Publications: https://sacredmysteryhypnotherapy.com/past-lives-guidebook/ Contact: https://sacredmysteryhypnotherapy.com/contact/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 146 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:12 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:54 Interview with Dr. Len Lopez Dr Len Lopez is a Nutrition and fitness expert, who created 5 S.T.E.P.S. a Day... a unique 'to-do' list to help improve your Habits and Attitude by tracking how You Feed Body, Mind, and Spirit. Everyday shade-in One or all 5 S.T.E.P.S. for the action you took and tap into your 'visual' and 'kinesthetic' learning centers to help anchor those better habits and attitude. If you're already tracking your Physical steps or closing your Rings for your PHYSICAL Body... this will be easy, but What am I doing for My Mind and Spirit? Every day ask yourself these 5 questions? SLEEP ----- Did I Sleep/Dream with a Smile? THINK ----- Did I Think Better? EAT ------- Did I Eat Right? PHYSICAL -- Did I Get Physical? SPIRIT ------ Did I work my Spiritual muscles? ....if you did, shade-in that step. By the end of the day... week... month... you can quickly see how good you are at feeding your body, mind, and spirit. It's NOT Rocket Science... It's Feedback and Accountability. In less than 2 minutes you can track and see, if you are doing the things that will make you Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise? Or at least get you to be Bigger, Better, Bolder? Dr. Len also created a TEEN version. The 5 S.T.E.P.S. are the Same - but applicable to teens.   1:09:41 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Dr. Len Lopez Website: https://drlenlopez.com/ Publications: https://drlenlopez.com/publications/ Contact: https://drlenlopez.com/contact-us/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 145 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:59 Autumn Leaves - Damh the Bard (Used with permission) 0:06:01 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:10:54 Finding and Being With Our Spirit Guides with Kevin Pennell Kevin Pennell is the Podcast Host and Producer of Toward A Better Life a Licensed Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and a Bardic member of the Order of Nards Ovates and Druids.  He's also an Usui Reiki Master, and Instructor for various self-help and continuing education workshops with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spurgeon College. As a healing facilitator, he devotes his life to being a "hollow bone" or tool to bring about "Compassionate Healing".  Kevin also writes, honing his love of writing through journalism. As an author, he applied his biographical and spiritual insights to complete the work Two Feathers: Spiritual Seed Planter that shares the life and spirit of Ken Two Feathers. 0:31:22 Guided Meditation to Find Your Spirit Guide  0:48:58 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Kevin Pennell & Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/ Damh the Bard Website: https://www.paganmusic.co.uk/

Episode 144 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:10 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:54 Interview with Amy Dickens Amy Dickens is a leading voice on joy, play, and reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that make us feel most alive. She's the creator of Joyfully You, where her mission is to help adults rediscover the transformative power of joy and play—not as something frivolous, but as a vital part of well-being, creativity, and authentic living.  With her background in yoga, meditation, and coaching, Amy has guided people through healing and self-discovery for years. Now she channels that wisdom into her playful videos, her podcast, getting people quite literally dancing through the streets, and her new book 101 Ways to Spread Joy.  Amy reminds us that joy isn't just for kids—it's fuel for our souls.  0:45:44 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Amy Dickens Website: https://www.livejoyfullyou.com/ Order 101 Ways To Spread Joy: https://www.livejoyfullyou.com/101waystospreadjoy Contact: https://www.livejoyfullyou.com/contact Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 143 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:53 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:05 Interview with Lizbeth DeSa Lizbeth is Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy Practitioner, Educator, Conflict Mediator, Laughter Yoga Leader, Writer.  She helps those dealing with Shame, Anxiety, and Depression.  Using  An IFS Approach, she has also helped individuals suffering from Complex Trauma issues and  PTSD with IFS.  Lizbeth believes the mind is made up of sub-personalities or "parts". Each part has unique qualities.  Some parts are functional and valuable while others may behave in negative ways.  However, they have positive intentions, even if that is hard to believe.  Underlying the parts is a person's true essence or Self.The Self knows how to heal in order to become whole and integrated.  Sing the song of Your Self.  Stay tuned as Lizbeth DeSa shares the magic of Internal Family Systems Therapy.  0:53:14 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Lizbeth DeSa Website: https://www.multiplemind.com/ Contact: https://www.multiplemind.com/  Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 142 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:55 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:03:38 Interview with Erica Joy Siegel Erica is an Acupuncture Physician & Herbalist in the Jacksonville, Florida area. In practice for 20 years she assists in treating a variety of health conditions, simple to complex, acute to chronic. Utilizing several techniques and adjunct therapies to get desired outcomes. She's the only practitioner in the region doing Acunova-a protocol from Denmark using points on the hands and feet to help recover some vision and slow degenerative eye diseases. She is also unique in her offering of laser acupuncture for kids and needlephobes.  She's also authored a wonderful book The Acupuncture Point Functions Charts & Workbook which she talks about in this episode Acupuncture Demystified  0:51:08 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Erica Joy Siegel Website: https://www.joyvisionacu.com/ Contact: https://www.joyvisionacu.com/contact-acupuncture-ponte-vedra Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 141 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:03 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:27 Interview with Angie Hawkins Angie Hawkins is an Inner Glow Coach who transforms high-achieving, spiritual women from chasing love and approval to radiating fierce confidence so they can finally feel happy, free, and loved for who they are.  She works with women who've done therapy, read the books, tried the spiritual path, but still feel like something's missing. Through deep inner work and identity transformation, she helps them break the cycle of not feeling "enough," so they can experience real love, confidence, and peace without having to change who they are. Angie authored Running in Slippers, a raw and vulnerable memoir about finding resilience after emotional rock bottom. Angie has moved from Chicago to Hawaii on her own, jumped out of a helicopter and into the ocean Navy SEAL-style, bungee jumped, skydived, and cliff jumped, and now she's jumping in to talk with me about People Pleasing, Boundaries, and Being A Functional Adult.  Stay tuned for my eye opening chat with Angie.  0:49:56 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Angie Hawkins Website: https://www.runninginslippers.com/ Contact Dana: https://www.runninginslippers.com/contact Buy Her Book: https://www.runninginslippers.com/book Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 140 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:12 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:48 Interview with Dana O'Driscoll and Nate Summers Dana O'Driscoll - Dana is the Grand Arch Druid of AODA in the US along with being a lifelong student of nature spirituality and Druidry and has been practicing for 18 years. She has authored of multiple books that focus on nature spirituality and neopagan practices through the lenses of reverence, respect, and direct action on behalf of the living earth.  Nate Summers has authored several books as well studying with a number of amazing teachers and mentors over the years.  Nate's approach is a blend and mix of the lineages.  Ultimately, his goal in writing, teaching, and mentoring is to help people discover their own truths and ways with the guidance and wisdom handed down through the ages and through many powerful lineages. Nate hopes to empower people in their lives, to help them discover ease, peace and confidence, and to be lit up inside with their own primal passion, vitality, and power. Dana and Nate talk about their new book "Eco-Spirituality in the 21st Century: ReVisioning Nature, Community, and Connection for a Better Tomorrow" an incredible title for an incredible book.  Eco-Spirituality offers a new vision for nature spirituality both by drawing upon ancient, ancestral connections and by visioning human-nature-spirit connections for a brighter future. The authors combine their collective skill sets in druidry, wilderness survival skills, permaculture, and more, to create this new framework for engaging in an eco-centric spiritual practice and lifestyle in the 21st century.  Stay tuned for this compelling chat about Eco-Spirituality! 1:15:27 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Dana O'Driscoll Website: https://thedruidsgarden.com/ Contact Dana: https://thedruidsgarden.com/about-the-druid/contact/ Nate Summers Website & Contact: https://www.primalnate.com/ Buy the Book: https://thedruidsgarden.com/eco-spirituality-in-the-21st-century-revisioning-nature-community-and-connection/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 139 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:58 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:03:40 Interview with Corie Wightlin Corie Wightlin, an ADHD/executive functioning coach, educator, and mindfulness facilitator who gets ADHD—because she lives it. With over 25 years of experience in cognitive science, education, and coaching, she helps overwhelmed folks turn chaos into clarity using real-life strategies that actually work. Her approach is rooted in self-compassion, practical tools, and meeting clients exactly where they are. 0:50:01 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Corie Wightlin Website: https://wightlincoachingservices.com/ Corie's Dopamine Menu: https://wightlincoachingservices.myflodesk.com/wugdpijekr Buy the Book - Balance Your Business:  https://wightlincoachingservices.com/balance-your-business Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 138 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:08 Nwyfre and Intuition - The Listening Breath Dr. Abby Campbell (Produced by Kevin Pennell and Used By Permission)  0:03:57 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:07:47 Exploring Our Soul - Kevin Pennell  Kevin is a Podcast Host and Producer of Toward A Better Life. He's also a Licensed Massage Therapist, an Usui Reiki Sensei, and Continuing Education Instructor and Instructor for various self-help workshops.  Kevin has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spurgeon College. As a healing facilitator, he devotes his life to being a "hollow bone" or tool to bring about "Compassionate Healing". Various cultural and ceremonial methods may be applied to his work as a facilitator for personal healing and spiritual counseling. He employs Traditional Massage Therapy, TuiNa (a Chinese form of medical massage), Thai, Trigger Point Therapy, Acupressure, and other bodywork techniques plus Reiki, Intuition, and Empathy to promote the individual's emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Creator and Spirit Guides play vital roles in Kevin's facillitory work with others. He also applies hypnosis, journey, and guided meditation techniques for overcoming present, past, and/or past life issues in person and via Zoom Kevin also writes, honing his love of writing through journalism. As an author, he applied his biographical and spiritual insights to complete the work Two Feathers: Spiritual Seed Planter that shares the life and spirit of Ken Two Feathers. 0:37:14  Guided Meditation with Kevin Pennell 0:54:53 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Kevin Pennell Email: [email protected] Buy the Book - Two Feathers Spiitual Seed Planter:https://towardabetterlife.com/product/two-feathers-spiritual-seed-planter/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 137 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00: 56 Eve of A Great Discovery by Awenfire (Used By Permission)  0:04:55 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:08:05 Interview with Victoria Williams  Victoria Williams is the author of The Warlock and the Ovate.  The cover says it's a timeless fantasy adventure crafted for older children and adults. Set in a mythological world of ancient castles, majestic dragons, wise druids, and battle-hardened Vikings and even a magical tree where morality and corruption collide. Powerful themes of redemption, ancient wisdom, and the awakening of true purpose are also found in the pages of Victoria's The Warlock and the Ovate a world where hope prevails! 0:49:39 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Victoria Williams Email: [email protected] Buy the Book - The Warlock and the Ovate: https://www.amazon.com/Warlock-Ovate-Victoria-Williams-ebook/dp/B0FJZ75K56/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QN5ZTGSV3G83&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Yn7yXIOIVu5V4dKNvRD8_g.ASkI5I9qDmBLWSYmoBo7-cJHpKjzTSdOKsJUYtcYIYc&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+warlock+and+the+ovate&qid=1756942778&sprefix=%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1: https://www.paulownia-la.com/12-universal-laws-of-nature/ Awenfire "An Artist/Producer who blends Ancient Wisdom with Moden Songcraft" Music Link: https://soundcloud.com/ahebblet Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 136 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:15 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively. Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:05:13 Interview with Matthieu Mehuys  Matthieu Mehuys, is an award-winning author and landscape architect on a mission to make the world a greener, healthier place. His story began on a family farm in Belgium, where, from the age of three, Matthieu was captivated by the magic of plants and the incredible transformation of a tiny seed into vibrant life.  After earning a Master of Engineering in Landscape Architecture, he started what he thought was his dream job—but Matthieu quickly felt trapped in a system that didn't align with his purpose. Depressed and unfulfilled, he decided to make a bold move, quit a 9-to-5 job and set off on a global adventure to explore and work on some of the world's most stunning gardens and groundbreaking eco-projects.  This journey shaped Matthieu's vision and passion, leading him to start his own business. Today, he helps clients around the world creating low-maintenance, biodiverse gardens, farms, and high-value developments. His focus is on designing spaces that work with nature to restore ecosystems, reduce maintenance, and unlock the full potential of the land 0:56:46 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Matthieu Mehuys Website: https://www.paulownia-la.com/ Buy 12 Universal Laws of Nature: https://www.paulownia-la.com/12-universal-laws-of-nature/ Contact Matthieu Mehuys: https://www.paulownia-la.com/#contact Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 135 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:38 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:03:54 Interview with Justin Shaw About Justin Shaw is a mystical comedian, Dr. of Divinity, and a Sourcerer passionate about empowering people to reclaim their self-worth and manifest their highest potential.  Following a long battle with substance abuse, PTSD, depression and anxiety disorders, Justin, a former stand-up comedian, experienced firsthand the redeeming power of Source energy after an incredible experience he will never forget. A little bit Deepak and a little bit Tupac with a sharp comedic edge, Justin L. Shaw challenges the status quo and empowers people to wake up and live their truth with his new book Sourcery 101: 13 Rungs to a Higher Elevation of Consciousness, a new system designed for Sourcing a spiritual revolution.   0:56:00 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Justin Shaw Website: https://www.awakenthesourcerer.com/ Buy Sourcerer 101: https://www.awakenthesourcerer.com/buy-the-book/ Contact Justin Shaw: https://www.awakenthesourcerer.com/contact/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 134 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:50 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:35 Interview with Elizabeth Catherine About Elizabeth Catherine Elizabeth Catherine has been creating hypnotherapy sessions for healing, self love, and spiritual experiences, inspiring others to feel good, and treat each other with compassion for years.  She trained with Dr. Brian Weiss an American psychiatrist, hypnotherapist, and author who specializes in past life regression.  Elizabeth's Self Hypnosis for Healing Podcast is an experience based healing journey. Each episodes covers a different spiritual, or relaxation topic, covering everything from energy healing to utilizing your body chemistry to bring you to a relaxed space where you are immersed in feelings of love and compassion. The second part of the weekly episode is a self hypnosis session where you will put everything you have learned into a relaxing session.  0:52:20 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Elizabeth Catherine Website: https://www.elizabethcatherine.com/ Podcast: https://www.elizabethcatherine.com/projects-7 Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 133 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:22 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:06:03 Interview with Aneta Waclaw About Aneta Waclaw Aneta is a transformation guide, wellness advocate, and the voice behind the powerful movement Nourished Inside Out. Once a ballet dancer and hairstylist, she took the pain of an unhealthy relationship and turned it into purpose—helping thousands of women heal, reclaim their confidence, and rebuild their lives after heartbreak. She's the author of Blooming with Self-Love and the host of a popular podcast that dives deep into mindset, emotional wellness, and self-worth. Through her affirmations, journaling practices, and unapologetic self-care teachings, Aneta empowers her audience to break free from the patterns that no longer serve them and step boldly into the life they truly deserve. When Aneta speaks, she speaks from experience. With heart, honesty, and hope, she reminds us all that healing isn't about going back—it's about rising up, nourishing yourself from within, and choosing yourself every single day.  0:37:43 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Aneta Waclaw Website: https://bio.site/nourisheinsideout Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 132 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:02 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:30 Interview with Zoia About Zoia Zoia is a success catalyst who doesn't want people to just believe in themselves, she wants them to advocate for themselves the way she did.  She doesn't tolerate weakness, but not because she judges it, rather she knows the cost of staying stagnant.  Instead of talking dreams there can be results.  Her work dives deeper than the usual self care to the journey of self-mastery.  Zoia down't tell people what they want to hear, she tells them what's needed to effect real change.  Hitting rock bottom can become unshakable power She helps people understand emotional strength. No more self-betrayal.  Zoia is an author, carrying three degrees, multiple certifications in fields like Sexology, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Psychosomatics, and Neuroplasticity providing a multidimensional approach to personal growth, transformation, and empowerment and where each certification unlocks different layers of human psychology, behavior, and transformation.  Zoia is not just another mindset/life coach— she's an expert in personal transformation, relationships, and brain rewiring. She is a Catalyst for Purposeful Living.    0:56:50 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Zoia Website: https://zyelitewoman.com/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 131 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:32 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:03:02 Interview with Erin Pontbriand About Erin Pontbriand Erin has been practicing Reiki for several years and is currently a Reiki Sensei or Reiki Master/Teacher.  She is also a compassionate mental health professional with a dedicated focus on perinatal and women's wellness. Erin works with individual clients, ensuring they feel validated, empowered, and connected to a community that knows it takes a village to thrive during life's pivotal moments.  She extends her expertise to providers in the perinatal and birthing fields, offering supervision and support to fellow mental health & perinatal practitioners.  With her deep commitment to fostering connection and empowerment, Erin helps clients and professionals alike navigate their unique journeys with confidence. 0:58:33 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Erin Pontbriand  Website: https://www.erinpcounseling.com/ Contact Erinhttps://www.erinpcounseling.com/contact:  Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 130 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:58 Saint Nectans Glen - Alex Roberts (Used with Permission) 0:05:01 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:09:13 Interview with Stephanie Thomas Berry About Stephanie Thomas Berry Stephanie Thomas Berry an accomplished artist, poet and practicing Druid from Western North Carolina.  Stephanie documents the mysterious wonder-filled and other-worldly aspects of life through her captivating artwork and prose.  She has three guiding principles for her work, creativity is a spiritual path, It's a path of growth and healing (which is scientifically proven, by the way).  But it's also a path where we can experience the mysteries that inhabit our inner world.  Creativity is relationship.  She says, "My creative work is fed primarily by two relationships: my relationship with the natural world (and perhaps more specifically, the landscape where I make my home) my relationship with the dream world, that vast inner landscape we all roam about."  And thirdly Creativity is Community.  At its heart, creative work longs to be shared. We are social animals to the core, and creative work gives us the opportunity to share our unique inner worlds with our community. There's a deep joy that comes from that feeling of being seen so deeply, and contributing to the communal inner life 0:50:54 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Stephanie Thomas Berry Website: https://stephanie.studio/ Contact Stephanie: https://stephanie.studio/contact/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 129 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:46 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:32 Interview with Michael McAdams About Michael McAdams Michael McAdams, a lifelong seeker of spiritual truth and co-author of An Angel Told Me So.  This compelling book offers a collection of messages and teachings dictated directly from spirit teachers/angels. Michael's dedication to bridging the physical and spiritual realms has provided profound insights to many and established him as a trusted voice in spiritual communication. In An Angel Told Me So, Michael shares the remarkable experiences of his late mother, Wilma Jean Jones, who received messages from spirit teachers for more than 22 years. These teachings provide a roadmap for personal spiritual development, offering actionable steps to recognize and interpret messages from beyond. Michael's insights empowers many to explore spiritual potential and find comfort in understanding life beyond this physical plane.  Michael's work has touched countless readers, providing comfort and clarity in understanding life beyond the physical plane. His appearances have drawn interest from spiritual seekers and skeptics alike, as he invites everyone into a dialogue that balances faith, reason and personal discovery. 1:15:04 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Michael McAdams Website: https://spiritspeaks.com/ Contact MIchael: https://spiritspeaks.com/contact/ Get Your Copy of "An Angel Told Me So": https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/352817-An-Angel-Told-Me-So Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 128 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:01 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:04:41 Interview with Amy Friesen About Amy Friesen Amy Friesen assists with answers and recommendations that can be fruitful for all concerned.  Amy is a renowned expert in senior care with over 20 years of experience, helping families navigate the complex maze of eldercare decisions. As the founder of Tea & Toast, Amy has dedicated her career to simplifying senior-living options and providing personalized, compassionate guidance. Her deep understanding of the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges faced by caregivers makes her insights invaluable for those struggling to care for their loved ones. Amy's innovative approaches to aging in place and caregiver burnout prevention have made her a sought-after speaker and media guest.  She is a wealth of information shared from a place of true compassion.  0:51:43 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Amy Friesen Website: https://www.amyfriesen.com/ Contact Amy: https://www.amyfriesen.com/contact Tea and Toast: https://www.teaandtoast.ca/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 127 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:15 Silverbird - Denise London (Used By Permission) 0:03:58 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:06:44  Interview with Andrew Matthews About Andrew Matthews Today we're talking to Australian author and international speaker, Andrew Matthews.  Andrew's books, including BEING HAPPY!, FOLLOW YOUR HEART and BOUNCING BACK speak to happiness, resilience, gratitude, and so much! He has sold over 8 million copies in 48 languages and has presented to over 1000 corporations on 5 continents! Andrew is popular with CEOs and surgeons, with teenagers and even prisoners. Andrew's latest book is BOUNCING BACK! - How we rebound from disaster and disappointment. It is now available on amazon in hardcopy, eBook and Audible. Andrew is an accomplished artist and his 12 books are lavishly illustrated with his own cartoons. Andrew has done over 5,000 media interviews on 5 continents. Andrew lives in Queensland, Australia, with his wife and publisher, Julie. 0:50:41 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Andrew Matthews Website: https://andrewmatthews.com/ Contact Andrew: https://andrewmatthews.com/contact/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 126 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:08 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:03:55  Interview with Chris Lippincott About Chris Lippincott Chris is an international psychic medium, spiritual teacher, bestselling author, and the host of the Spirits Beside Us podcast. Chris is my guest on this episode of Toward A Better Life.  Through his evidential readings and unique insights from spirit, Chris has transformed lives by providing comfort, healing, and the profound reassurance that our loved ones in spirit remain close and continue to care for us.  His mission is to elevate the spiritual awareness of humanity by sharing spirit's healing messages through his mediumship, teachings, books, and frequent podcast appearances. As a trance medium, Chris channels messages of love and healing from his spirit guides, offering listeners a direct link to spirit's wisdom.  Chris also teaches the fundamentals of mediumship, guiding those on their spiritual journey toward a deeper understanding of spirit and the afterlife.  1:08:00 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Chris Lippincott Website: https://montclairmedium.com/ Soul Growth Circle: https://montclairmedium.com/soul-growth-circle Free Meditation: https://montclairmedium.com/free-meditation Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 125 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:50 Spirit of the Green - Spiral Dance - (Used By Permission)  0:06:59 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:10:45  Interview with Adrienne Piggott About Adrienne Piggott and Spiral Dance Many of you have heard Spiral Dance songs featured on past episodes of the show. A visit to their website will share that Spiral Dance is As powerful as any equinox and as magical as any inspired ritual, Spiral Dance offers up rich vocals, delicate melodies and rousing jams all invoking the pagan world at the dawning of its rebirth. Spiral Dance plays high energy pagan folk rock that combines an eclectic blend of powerful self-penned songs and tunes. Spiral Dance are the song catchers of Magick, myth and legend.  The band was formed in 1992 as a project to explore some of the more mystical elements in life and has drawn its energy from the song-writing and vocal skills of Adrienne Piggott. Adrienne's haunting lyrics and Paul's innovative accordion tunes are carefully arranged to blend acoustic folk- rock with lush Celtic harmony, creating an almost tangible musical aura that envelopes the audience. Spiral Dance Songs Featured During the Episode Interview (Used by Permission) 0:19:02 Thirteen Notes  0:35:33 Marrundi Song 0:47:44 To The Wild-Dancing Hare 1:04:42 Man of Straw 1:10:58 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Adrienne Piggott & Spiral Dance Website: https://spiraldance.com.au/ The Music of Spiral Dance: https://spiraldance.com.au/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 124 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:01:13 Yggdrasil - Alex Roberts - (Used By Permission)  0:04:57 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:08:34  Interview with Dr. Larisa A White About Dr. White  Larisa writes to celebrate nature, advocate ecological stewardship, and to explore the ways in which people relate - or fail to relate - across nations and cultures, landscapes and species. She has won international awards for her poetry and screenwriting, and enjoys writing rich stories with compelling characters, grounded in the living world. Larisa's past projects have ranged from award-winning screenplays for animated films (Bee Mine / Logline: Bee meets girl.) to acclaimed academic studies (World Druidry / exploring how modern Druids relate to their local landscapes). At present, she is developing the modern eco-myth trilogy, Tales of the Primordial Mountain. 0:52:20 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Dr. Larisa A. White  Website: https://larisa-a-white.com/ Larisa's Newest Book: https://larisa-a-white.com/worlddruidry.html Alex Roberts Alex Roberts Music Downloads and More: https://www.alexrobertsmusic.com/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/

Episode 123 Toward A Better Life with Kevin Pennell 0:00:00 Episode Preview 0:00:49 Forests - Willowolf - (Used By Permission)  0:04:36 Episode Opening: The podcast that features like-minded people sharing stories, ideas, and activities, on what we can do to generate a Better Life individually and collectively.  Submissions:  Be a part of the show by sharing your prose, music, poetry, or storytelling.  Just send them to me [email protected].  If it's audio, please send it as an MP3 file. Subscribe AND Spread the word and keep following for magical insights into Earth Based Spirituality, self development, and self care. Free Discovery Call By the way, if you'd like to dive into self-care, self development, or distance shamanic work, drop me a line [email protected] for a free discovery call. 0:07:55 Interview with Michael Wilson About Michael Wilson  Michael is a psychotherapist with an extensive background in psychotherapy, and Transpersonal Psychology (or Spiritual Psychology).  He has written excellent books on psychology.  Michael is a long term membef of OBOD (The Order of Bards Ovates and Druids) He also recently published a phenomenal book, Portals Into Deep Imagination, Celtic Mythology, Nature's Year, and the Quest for Soul. 0:34:10 The Dragon Lines - Willowolf - (Used By Permission) 0:37:50 Michael Wilson Interview Continues with Book Discussion 1:02:04 I'll Be With You - Willowolf - (Used By Permission) 1:06:40 Episode Closing Thoughts Connections: Michael Wilson Website: http://www.michaelwilson.uk.com/ Michael's Publications: http://www.michaelwilson.uk.com/publications/ Michael's New Book & Events: http://www.michaelwilson.uk.com/pathways/ Willowolf Willowolf Music Downloads and More: https://willowolf.bandcamp.com/album/children-of-the-sun Order of Bards Ovates & Druids Website: https://druidry.org/ Toward A Better Life Website: https://towardabetterlife.com/ Kevin Pennell: https://towardabetterlife.com/contact/