Conversations With Kara-Leah podcast

#Fitness #Society #Relationship #Religion #Sexuality #With KaraLeah

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In this episode, we uncover the grim details of the Bag Murders, the systemic failures that allowed the killer to evade justice for years.

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Kara-Leah brings deep listening, curiosity and inquiry into conversations with all kinds of people as she explores spirituality, sexuality, power, awakening and how they all intersect. Season 3 launched in August 2024!

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Conversations with Kara-Leah explicit

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#Fitness #Society #Relationship #Religion #Sexuality #With KaraLeah

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1
EJ Kidd on The Danger & Benefits of Cannabis (& other plant medicines) on the path of Tantra & Yoga 1:41:21

15 weeks тому1:41:21

1:41:21

Welcome to the fourth episode of season 3 of Conversations with Kara-Leah. My guest today is EJ Kidd. (Full bio below) Highlights from our conversation. On Tantra and Plant Medicines 🌀 "Tantra is not a dogmatic construct. Tantra is self-dissolving, self-eating—like the ouroboros, the snake that devours itself. Anything within the context of Tantra will dissolve itself once it has served its purpose." 🔥 "The path of poisons isn’t about chasing peak experiences. It’s about remaining completely sober—completely anchored in the base of awareness—even as the substance is circulating in your brain." 🌿 "Is it medicine? Is it a drug? Is it toxic? Is it dangerous? If you’re dedicated to Tantra or Yoga—should you even be working with these things? Or is that just spiritual tourism?" On The Dangers & Pitfalls 🌿 "I see people go from ‘I sat with the medicine a few times’ to ‘I’m called to be a shaman’ in under two years. Meanwhile, the indigenous medicine carriers start training as children and don’t serve until decades later." 🌪️ "Plant medicines don’t just show you truth. They also reflect your illusions. If you’re cycling in your mind, the medicine will amplify the cycle. If you’re grasping for power, it will feed that too." 🔮 "One of my teachers sat me down and said, ‘EJ, what are you doing in my ceremony?’ And I had to ask myself—was I here for truth? Or was I just using the medicine as a spiritual colonic, trying to purge my problems away?" On The Intensity of the Experience 🦋 "Cannabis isn’t just a substance. It’s a spirit. And that spirit is sticky. You don’t smoke cannabis—it smokes you." 🎭 "I took what was supposed to be a ‘small’ dose of Wachuma, sat down in a restaurant—and watched the walls start melting. Meanwhile, I was ordering dinner like nothing was happening." 💀 "When you ingest a plant medicine, you aren’t just altering your consciousness. You’re inviting an entity inside you. The question is—who’s really in control?" Chapter Highlights 00:44 Meet EJ Kidd: From Silicon Valley to Peru 01:31 Exploring Plant Medicines and Their Role in Awakening 03:40 EJ's Journey: From Corporate Life to Spiritual Path 06:40 First Encounters with Tantra and Plant Medicine 10:30 The Intersection of Tantra and Psychedelics 18:06 Navigating the Pitfalls of Plant Medicine 30:46 The Role of Facilitators and the Impact of Capitalism 39:41 Roles and Training of Indigenous Shamans 41:13 Community Recognition and Western Facilitators 41:51 Impact of Western Ideals on Indigenous Practices 44:18 Navigating Plant Medicine with Pure Motives 45:21 Understanding Non-Corporeal Entities in Tantra 53:56 The Path of Poisons in Tantra 59:04 Cannabis as a Tool for Embodiment and Healing 01:10:58 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Who is EJ? EJ is a practitioner of Tantra and meditation, exploring the wisdom of presence, energy, and deep connection with life. Rooted in ancient teachings, EJ’s path is one of deep inquiry—exploring the connection between sound, awareness, and the profound intelligence of nature. With a focus on the intersection of Tantra and plant medicine, EJ explores how these traditions open doorways to healing, expansion, and remembrance. EJ is a musician, educator, ceremonialist, and connector for those seeking plant medicine. As a vocal expression guide, EJ helps others unlock the power of their voice for healing and transformation. EJ also offers small group and private healing retreat experiences, creating sacred spaces for deep exploration and connection. Find EJ. https://www.instagram.com/ejkidd/ EJ on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ej-kidd-246881263/ EJ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6eEebEFOxBEHsxSXUNU56H?si=_UQdJnhVQrmvo2l9xSQYAw Show Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice Subscribe to KL's newsletter https://karaleah.com/subscribe/…

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Poet Laura Sharp on Magick, Spells & Ritual in the World of Poetry 49:04

30 weeks тому49:04

49:04

Welcome to the third episode of season 3 of Conversations with Kara-Leah, recorded in my new home - Squamish Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Canada. My guest today is poet Laura Sharp. Laura is a Scottish Poet and Bodyworker living and working in Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh.) She’s 31 years old and has had as many different jobs, and as many different addresses in as many years. Her debut book Places You Catch Yourself is a collection of poetry and prose about the never-ending search for home in new places and strangers faces. Her work has been featured by the Lupine Review, BBC The Social, Speculative Books and most recently Whistler Writers Festival. Hilariously, Laura never wanted to be poet but she has always wanted to understand life deeply and has recently come to learn the two go hand in hand. Laura & I talk about all the things including: ✨ the allure of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor & how life 'makes sense' here ✨ why she started writing poetry ✨ being haunted by not-enoughness ✨ on writing your way out of suffering ✨ writing as a practice for liberation ✨ her yoga journey & the impact of the lockdown ✨ yin yoga & writing poetry ✨ poetry as a process of listening ✨ why the book finally got published ✨ the power of the next step ✨ self-love of all aspects of being ✨ the power of being vision-led ✨ why she burned the first copy of her book ✨ how she uses poetry to write her life into being ✨ being on the stage at Whistler Writer's Festival four months after publishing ✨ the power of art beyond numbers ✨ the art of surrender ✨ Squamish Poet Next Door's thriving poetry scene ✨ the power of owning your shit & letting it move through you Find Laura here: https://www.instagram.com/thebreathworkpoet/ https://www.facebook.com/laura.sharp.731 Show Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice Subscribe to KL's newsletter https://karaleah.com/subscribe/…

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Bhairav Thomas English on the Truth About Kundalinī Awakening & his Guru Initiation 1:26:42

43 weeks тому1:26:42

1:26:42

Welcome to the second episode of season 3 of Conversations with Kara-Leah, recorded in my new home - Squamish Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Canada. My guest today is Bhairav Thomas English. Bhairav is a dedicated teacher, practitioner, and empowered guru of Tantra and Kundalini Yoga with over 25 years of experience. His journey began after a near-fatal car accident, which led him to travel the world and be initiated into various traditions and lineages. He spent four years living in India, studying under his first yoga teacher until he met his Guru, Maharaji Guruji of the Bhairavananda lineage. Bhairav is the author of The Power of Tantric Meditation and the visionary behind Anuttara Ashram. As a co-creator and facilitator within the Anuttara School, Bhairav continues to share his deep wisdom, guiding others on their path to self-realization through authentic spiritual practices. Bhairav & I talk about all the things including: ✨ the near-death experience that changed everything for him ✨ what happened when he met his first yoga teacher in the foothills of Rishikesh ✨ how yoga healed him from an old car accident, including finally becoming medication-free ✨ what becoming a renunciate meant to him ✨ the impact of immersing in yoga practice for 6+ hours a day ✨ why he resisted teaching when his teacher asked him to ✨ how he met his tantric Guru and what happened when he first met him ✨ how the car accident blocked ajna chakra and what his Tantric master told him about it ✨ what it was like to go through a guru initiation ✨ the meaning of Tantra ✨ his understanding of karma ✨ astrology, Bill Gates, billionaire and being wealthy as a karmic tendency ✨ the intersection of destiny, free will, and karma ✨ Grace and Kundalinī ✨ what causes Kundalinī to awaken ✨ why a Guru is necessary once Kundalinī is awakened ✨ what happens when Kundalinī gets blocked at certain chakras ✨ the difference between awakening to the energy field, and Kundalinī awakening Find Bhairav here: https://www.anuttara.org/ https://www.instagram.com/anuttara_ashram/ Show Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice Subscribe to KL's newsletter https://karaleah.com/subscribe/…

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Warren Hooley on the Missing Factor in the Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn Model 1:40:32

46 weeks тому1:40:32

1:40:32

Welcome to the first episode of season 3 of Conversations with Kara-Leah, recorded in my new home - Squamish Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Canada. (Listen to the correct pronunciation here. ) My first guest this seasion is Warren Hooley. Warren Hooley is from Penticton, British Columbia and was born of Okanagan/Syilx, English and Ukrainian heritage. He is passionate about nonviolent communication, decolonization and healthy masculinity and has facilitated over 2500 workshops in the past 13 years. Today Warren is based in Vancouver, BC and his overall vision is to help create communities where everyone can thrive and find genuine happiness. In his workshops, Warren loves to weave engaging activities with fascinating diagrams. He has a talent for creating spaces where people can learn skills that measurably impact their lives for years to come. Warren & I talk about all the things including: healthy masculinity and why Warren prefers the term restricted masculinity to toxic masculinity relational neurobiology, nervous system regulation, shame and humility how tools like NVC (non-violent communication) can be used to manipulate the gift of fawning the Missing Factor in the Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn Model the ineffectiveness of cancel culture confidence as a coping mechanism the tragedy of men trapped in shame - and how to climb out the continuum of emotional expression, processing and containment what it means if you can't handle an action-adventure movie staying safe as a male facilitator decolonization, the wall of shame, the river of grief and the ocean of possibility the danger of prioritizing productivity as a value and finally, Warren's vision for the more beautiful world. Find Warren here: https://www.warrenhooley.com/home https://www.instagram.com/mrwarrenhooley/ https://www.facebook.com/Warrenseannhooley Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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Adam Robertson on Transformational Festivals, Inclusivity and Safety in NZ 1:18:57

2 years тому1:18:57

1:18:57

This conversation went to ALL the juicy places - the playful, the painful, the divine, and everything else in between. We talk about Adam's personal journey with trauma and how he found healing. We get into hot-topic issues around gender, sexuality, identity, and Adam's experiences as a gay man in New Zealand. And we talk about making Transformational Festivals into spaces that are TRULY safe and inclusive because as much as we love these Festivals we also recognise how they could be better. Oh, and there's a bonus twerking lesson in there too! You're welcome. Adam Robertson is a Neurosomatic Facilitator, Public Speaker, Coach, and founder of Twerkwerk. Find Adam here: Website • https://www.adamrobertson.co.nz/ Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/adamtrobertson/ Facebook • https://www.facebook.com/adamtrobertson0 Twerkwerk • https://www.twerkwerknz.com/ Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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Aaron Hendry on Faith, Social Justice & Why Love Is The Way 56:27

2 years тому56:27

56:27

Aaron Hendry is a Youth Worker, rangatahi advocate, writer, and political commentator on social justice issues. In this episode, we focus on youth homelessness in Aotearoa and how Aaron's Christian faith motivates him to work with the most structurally marginalised people in our society. We also get into personal responsibility vs collective responsibility, ideologies of hate and fear, what it really means to 'be the change', and explore how Love can be the guiding force in our lives. Aaron is incredibly articulate and passionate. I can't recommend this episode enough. Find Aaron here: Substack • https://wlas.substack.com/ Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/a.j.hendry/ Facebook • https://www.facebook.com/aejayhendry Twitter • https://twitter.com/AeJayHendry Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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Lara Charlotte on Plant Medicine, Astrology & Venus Retrograde 1:27:09

2 years тому1:27:09

1:27:09

Join us for a playful and enlightening exploration of Lara's extensive experience with plants, planets, and prayer. Lara spent over 5 years in full-time training with traditional shamanic plant medicines in the Peruvian Amazon, and she shares with us some of the depth of knowledge of that tradition and the power of plants as allies. Along the way, we talk about multi-dimensional reality, animism, and what it means to live inter-relationally. We also go deep into the current astrological reality, particularly the upcoming Venus retrograde from July 22 - September 3, 2023. For more guidance and support with your Venus retrograde experience, check out Lara's program Heart Alchemy: https://www.pathoftherose.com/heart-alchemy Find Lara here: Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/mythic_muse/ Website • https://www.pathoftherose.com/ Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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BLASE on Embodied Ecstatic Dance & Transformational Festivals 56:16

2 years тому56:16

56:16

BLASE is an Auckland-based DJ and Embodied Ecstatic dance facilitator known for his diverse, multi-genre music journeys. I've had the delight of dancing to his incredible DJ sets, so I was fascinated to hear about how he found his way to facilitating ecstatic dance experiences in just a couple of short years, and what makes his sets so damn good. We also vibe on our mutual love of transformational festivals and share some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of these powerful containers. Plus there's some inside information on what really goes on in the fashion industry Find Blase here: Soundcloud • https://soundcloud.com/user-690668005 Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/stephenblase/ Facebook • https://www.facebook.com/stephen.blase/ Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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Tyran Mowbray on Sex, Masculinity & Being a Tantrik Tradie 1:22:24

2 years тому1:22:24

1:22:24

A classic Aussie bloke working as a bricklayer, Tyran's been on an incredible journey. There's sex, drugs, bikie gangs, porn addiction, plenty of drama, and an intense downward spiral. All of which led Tyran into deep self-inquiry, a ton of learning and now the work he does today as a men's health and sex coach. We talk all things conscious sexuality and masculinity, including Tyran's experiences with ISTA, polyamory and porn, the importance of brotherhood, and more. Find Tyran here: Website • https://www.tyranmowbray.com/ Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/tyran.mowbray/ Facebook • https://www.facebook.com/TyranMowbray1 Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

1
Laura-Ellen on The Entrepreneur Journey & Untangling Money Shame 1:04:58

2 years тому1:04:58

1:04:58

I adored this conversation with Laura-Ellen. Join us for real talk on our experiences with entrepreneurship - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the transformative. We go into burnout, money shame, how we're navigating the current economic downturn, and why sometimes it's beneficial to embrace day jobs and take a break from the hustle. With a deep-rooted passion for sexual wellness and mental health, Laura's focus lies in the regeneration of individuals. She firmly believes that as women rejuvenate their bodies, they bring vibrancy not only to themselves but also to their families, friends, communities, and the entire ecosystem. Her purpose is to revolutionize our approach to sex, shifting away from a porn-centric mindset towards a profound and transcendent pleasure that is accessible to all. Find Laura-Ellen here: Website • https://laura-ellen.com/ Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/_laura_ellen Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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Rana Hamida on Identity Politics, the Refugee Experience & Finding True Freedom 1:19:26

2 years тому1:19:26

1:19:26

I loved this deep yet playful conversation with Rana Hamida. Rana is an incredible DJ, musician, singer, dancer, artistic director, and a Yin Yoga/Yoga Nidra guide who was born in Syria and was living there as a university student when the civil war began in 2011. Fleeing the conflict, Rana and her family came to New Zealand as refugees. In unpacking this experience we explored how arriving in New Zealand enabled Rana to find freedom from the conditionings of her mind and how she started the embodiment journey of what’s true for her. We talked identity politics and what happens when you don't align with the national identity of your birthplace. And we get into festivals, the joy of dancing as a devotional practice, and what radical honesty looks like. Find Rana here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranafreesoul/ Website: https://www.ranahamida.com/ DJ Rana: https://www.facebook.com/musicalPrana Rana's band: https://www.facebook.com/people/Yet-Undefined/100092474053730/ Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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Kim Saama on being Sacred AND Sexual, plus Neo-Tantra and ISTA. 1:17:48

2 years тому1:17:48

1:17:48

There’s so much juicy content in here folks! Kim and I talked energetic orgasms, astral sex, hedonism, aging as a spiritual practice, yoni mapping AND anal mapping, and the joy of butt plugs for relaxation and pleasure. Plus we also had a nuanced conversation about Kim’s experiences with ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) and her take on how the organization is responding to recent allegations of abuse and harm. Kim is a sex and intimacy guide with qualifications in Education Psychology, massage, embodied counseling, somatic sexology, Tantra and sacred sexuality, erotic exploration through Yoga of Sex and Erotic Blueprints, and immersive somatic healing modalities for non-acute exploration of trauma and themes related to limiting core beliefs. Find Kim here: Website: https://sacredbeing.co.nz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim_saama/ Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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Rebecca Gunson on Navigating the ’Spiritual’ vs Mainstream Divide 1:09:51

2 years тому1:09:51

1:09:51

I was curious to talk to Rebecca about her experiences of operating in both the mainstream and alternative worlds, and how these worlds can merge in productive ways. Rebecca experienced a spiritual awakening in her early twenties that resulted in a dramatic shift in her worldview and required some significant changes in her relationships with her friends and family. Rebecca now works in schools as a Dance Therapist and Expressive Arts Facilitator and that’s also been an opportunity to engage with people and systems operating from very different worldviews. We also talk about Water Ceremony, a practice that was gifted to Rebecca by Melissa Billington, our guest from episode 13! About Rebecca Rebecca Bee is a Dance Therapist and Expressive Arts Facilitator living on Waiheke Island. Supporting Wahine and Tamariki to work through their emotional reality and access soul gifts. She also works 1 on 1 client sessions. Find out more at https://www.sa-koya.com Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

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Melissa Billington on Transmuting Ancestral Trauma: Turning Poison into Potion 1:33:17

2 years тому1:33:17

1:33:17

Melissa Billington is a talented yoga teacher, creatrix, inspiratrice, and also a dear friend of mine. Born in Virginia, Melissa is the 13th lineal descendant of Pocahontas and she shares how she has worked to transmute her family’s ancestral trauma into healing. We also explore why and how Melissa has chosen to take her yoga off the mat and more widely into the world, particularly through water walks, praying for the water, and stand-up comedy. Oh, and make sure you stick around until the end for a bonus performance from Melissa! About Melissa + links For a more detailed bio go here: https://melissaelvirabillington.substack.com/p/who-am-i PocaHauntUs - Shapeshifting History into HerStory: https://youtu.be/sYHN1r976XE First song gifted to Melissa in 2014, released by Ojibwe elders in 2018 with encouragement for all women to sing to the waters: https://youtu.be/KC2FHciQ0sU Learn more about the Indigenous-led prayerwalks for water: http://www.nibiwalk.org A blip of Melissa's ecologically-focused stand-up material: https://youtu.be/1VF1e-f21M8 Melissa's Instagram (that chronicles the walkabout, including the Missouri River Water Walk): https://www.instagram.com/melissaelvirabillington/ Melissa's Blog "a : muse musing is (more than) amusing": https://melissaelvirabillington.substack.com Melissa's MYOGA Freedom modules: https://www.youtube.com/@myogafreedom Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

1
Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau on Tinder, Sexuality & Porn 1:09:28

2 years тому1:09:28

1:09:28

21 years ‘clean’ from drug & alcohol addiction and work in the sex industry, Ninakaye is a powerhouse of a woman who works in the New Zealand music industry and is also involved in sexual violence treatment and harm prevention. In this episode, Ninakaye and I share some of our personal experiences of exploring sexuality and dating as older women, particularly Ninakaye’s experiences with Tinder and the problematic behavior of many men on these apps. We talked about the negative ways in which porn can influence sexual expression and also delved into what led Ninakaye into her current work with male sex offenders. We also talked about Ninakaye's experience as a Māori woman in the New Zealand yoga community, its lack of inclusivity and why she chose to study Kemetic Yoga, an ancient Egyptian well-being and transformation practice. Find Ninakaye here: Website: https://www.tikidub.com/page/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninakaye_taanetinorau/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliveWithNinakaye/ Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Sophia de Fossard on Cults, High Demand Groups & Power Dynamics in the Spiritual Community 1:21:34

2 years тому1:21:34

1:21:34

Sophia is a former social worker who moderates the Culty Conversations NZ Facebook group and I was eager to talk with her about the nature of cults and high-demand groups in New Zealand, particularly in the spiritual community. Sophia shares her perspective on power, charismatic leaders and group dynamics, and what leaders and teachers in the spiritual community (like myself) need to be aware of to make sure they’re not unconsciously abusing power. We also specifically discuss these things in the context of ISTA, Highden Temple, and Eden Festival. About Sophia: Sophia de Fossard has worked as a social worker in the community, and is interested in the intersectionality between societal structures and the personal experience, particularly in the area of power and control. She has worked as an academic researcher and advocate for honoring The Treaty of Waitangi (partnership between Māori and the Crown) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Currently she is working on a research project in community based addiction treatment. In her personal life she is a long time practitioner of yoga and meditation and teaches yoga with a trauma informed, trauma sensitive and inclusive approach. Find Sophia here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeandmetta LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/sophia-de-fossard-79b092188 Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Lauren Hill on Online Bullying & Being Unapologetic 1:05:36

2 years тому1:05:36

1:05:36

In 2022 one of Lauren’s Instagram posts for her coaching business was ridiculed by a satirical Instagram account that remixed and reshared her post, and other content from her business, over the course of several days. What I love about Lauren’s story is that even as she was dealing with the pain and trauma of this experience she also saw it as an opportunity for initiation and growth. Lauren shares the intense emotional response she had to the bullying, the steps she took to process her emotions and support herself during this time, and the self-reflection and self-inquiry that it prompted. We talk about the importance of being kind in online spaces, advice to young women and teenagers who are the victims of online bullying, and how and why Lauren still chooses to show up as unapologetically herself. About Lauren: Lauren Hill is a Spirit-Led Business & Leadership Coach, Speaker, Fempowerment Mentor and Founder of Camp Wondergirl. From working in Corporate Advertising in America climbing the ladder to ‘success’, to solo-traveling New Zealand in a painted hippy van, to living & working at spiritual Yoga Retreats, to birthing her female empowerment coaching business - she has experienced the depth of true freedom, fulfilment and fun. It’s her mission now to empower, activate and inspire women to unleash their unapologetic expression, monetize their magic and live their most epic life. Find Lauren here: Website: https://iamlaurenhill.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaurenhillshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurenhilll/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenhill29 Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Darren Bruce on Unresolved Childhood Sexual Experiences & Emotional Vulnerability in Men 59:05

2 years тому59:05

59:05

CW: This episode contains a discussion on resolving childhood sexual experiences. Darren Bruce is a connection coach who discovered the power of emotional vulnerability and relational skills after a career in the military and fitness industry. Despite operating at an incredibly high level of physical skill and intensity in his military role, Darren realized he was unable to sit down and have an honest conversation with the people that he cared about. Darren talks about how it took self-sabotaging his own business to make him realize how important relational skills are, particularly the willingness to have hard conversations and to face our fears of loss and rejection. Darren also shares his experience of being sexually abused as a child, how that affected his life, and how he has worked with it as an adult. And we talked about the importance of male role models and why a lack of initiation into manhood can cause men to be "dickheads". Find Darren here: Website: https://www.darrenbruce.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarrenJohnBruce/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenjbruce/ More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Ellie Wilde on Life after ISTA & The Power of Menopause 1:02:09

2 years тому1:02:09

1:02:09

Ellie Wilde is a Trauma Trained Transformational Guide, who, through her life’s struggles and 20+ years of training and service has become an activist and revolutionary for Conscious and Embodied Relating. In this conversation, we dive into her journey with ISTA (International School of Temple Arts), some of the issues with this organization, and why she ultimately chose to step away. We also talked about the power of slowing down, particularly during menopause, and how crucial it is to listen to the wisdom of our bodies at every stage of our life In recent years Ellie's 1:1 private practice has shifted away from sexuality coaching and she now offers Alchemical Alignment - Trauma Resolution and Embodiment of Spirit. Her events and workshops are currently on hiatus whilst she recalibrates to an entirely new way of holding groups post ISTA. Find Ellie here: Website: https://www.yinsexuality.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellie.wilde.8 More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Harshada on Dealing with Sexual Abuse Scandals in Yoga and Tantra Lineages 1:13:20

2 years тому1:13:20

1:13:20

David Harshada Wagner is a master meditation instructor, author, artist, dad, and wisdom teacher with more than 25 years of teaching experience. He's classically trained in the wisdom traditions of Yoga, Bhakti, Vedanta, and Tantra, his teachings come from his decades of working with people helping them learn to live more fulfilling, soul-centred, purpose-driven lives. He's known as a 'teacher of teachers' due to the depth of his experience. The Sanskrit name Harshada was given to him by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda in 1996, meaning "the bringer of joy, laughter, and delight". He lived and worked in Gurumayi's ashram for ten years, and intimately understands the nature of traditional lineages, ashrams and communities. He is the author of the men's book Backbone (Penguin 2015), and On the Field of Dharma (about the Bhagavad Gita), and is currently working on a modern translation of and commentary on the 10-century Tantric text known as the Shiva Sutra. He is the proud father of two and lives with his family in Ojai, California when he is not travelling to offer retreats and seminars. We spoke about his time at the Ashram, the nature of his teaching journey, why he eventually left the ashram, and how he's navigated allegations of sexual abuse within his lineages. Find him here: Website: https://www.davidhwagner.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harshadawagner/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCzp0B6MCrKd3pi4k3b9rKlA More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Dane Tomas on How the New Age has Failed and Who He REALLY Serves (it’s not Lucifer) 1:27:31

2 years тому1:27:31

1:27:31

This episode was originally recorded in November 2022. Dane is a fascinating human to dialogue with because he's a voracious information consumer, assimilator and systemiser. He looks at human behaviour through a systems lens and sees beyond black and white, good and bad, right and wrong. He both adores the New Age swamp, as he calls it, and has no qualms calling out its more questionable behaviour - despite being part of the thing he's riffing about. He's been a telemarketer, excelled at leveraging the algorithms on Facebook for organic scaling and selling, and has a knack for predicting what's coming next, and making sure he's ahead of the wave. We talked about scandals in the New Age swamp, including touching on ISTA and his role there, power dynamics and what it means to be an esoteric entrepreneur. Oh - and if he really is a devil-worshipping Satanist. (He's not.) Dane has published seven books, created multiple successful businesses in the healing & personal development industries & mentored thousands of people. He has spent the last 20-plus years deeply studying comparative religion, yoga, embodiment, psychedelics, sexuality, ritual magic, human behaviour, marketing, tantra, trauma & success principles. He is obsessed with the cross-over of spirituality and business and has just started a new podcast called The EE Podcast - The Esoteric Entrepreneur. Find him here . More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Yoga Teacher Kylie Rook on How Completing 1000 Days of Ucchāra Practice Helped Heal Anxiety and More 53:03

2 years тому53:03

53:03

This episode was originally recorded in October 2022 to celebrate Kylie Rook's successful completion of 1000 Days in a row of Ucchāra Practice. Kylie attended a Direct Realization Training with Kara-Leah in January 2020, where she learned Ucchāra and made the commitment to show up every day to the practice, no matter what. And she did it! We discuss what it was like to keep that commitment, and the results she noticed along the way. Kylie is ridiculously qualified to talk about all aspects of the body/mind - she has a Bachelor of Nursing degree and is a Yoga Medicine Registered Therapeutic Specialist. She has also studied extensively in Chinese Medicine, Myofascial Release, Functional Mobility, and Somatics, and has a keen interest in neuroplasticity. Get ready to geek out on all things body/mind/yoga related! For more on Kylie, see here . More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Claire Eli on Moving from Anxiety to Confidence, The Spiral and Her Experiences with ISTA 52:15

2 years тому52:15

52:15

This episode was originally recorded in July 2022, and details Claire Eli's journey from anxiety to confidence. Claire has spent the last decade studying the body and mind and draws from many different practices including; yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and embodiment practices. She talks about being paralysed by chronic anxiety, negative self-talk, and body shame and what eventually led to her finding her way out. And yes, she also shares some insightful anecdotes into the ISTA Training she attended in London a few years ago. More on Claire Eli here . More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Embodied Ecstatic Dance Teacher & Trainer Sarsha Hope on Teacher/Student Dynamic & Ethics 1:20:03

2 years тому1:20:03

1:20:03

This episode was originally recorded on July 26, 2022, in the wake of Sarsha stepping down from co-facilitating a retreat with Matiu Te Huki because of her ethical concerns. Our conversation begins just after Sarsha led a beautiful meditation - hence me thanking her! The ending is a little abrupt because we were recording Live on YouTube at the time. Sarsha has over 30 years of movement and teaching experience and has a gift of bringing people into connection with themselves, each other, and the earth. She has hosted many retreats. workshops and rituals around the world. She creates brave, tender, and inclusive spaces for our hearts' unfolding, healing and embracing of our wildness. More on Sarsha here . I delighted in this conversation with Sarsha, who brings a wealth of wisdom to the table, and I trust that you'll enjoy it too. As always - do stay right to the end! More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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Ahly Titchener on Skilfully Working with Anxiety, Grief & Rage at the NZ Parliament Protest Feb-Mar 2022 58:49

2 years тому58:49

58:49

This conversation was originally recorded in May 2022. In this conversation, we explore the role of Anxiety, Grief and Rage, and how Ahly was able to work with these emotional states throughout the highly polarised time leading up to the Profest occupation at Parliament grounds. On February 7, 2022, a Freedom Convoy converged on Parliament Grounds in Wellington. Tents were put up, and occupation began which lasted 23 days. Since then, I've been having conversations with people who were on the ground. As time moves on, the nature of those conversations is beginning to change and expand - like this one with Ahly Titchener. In this conversation we get to experience what it's like, as Rainer Maria Rilke's famous poem pens it; to live into the question, in an open and curious way. What becomes apparent is that where one landed in their decision to vaccinate or not to vaccinate was not the juice to be squeezed, but rather it was the journey itself - of seeking to understand the emotional landscape, and experiencing the universality of these emotions. The conversation circles around Emergence as an energy force that - like a universal law - is set in motion after a severance. The conversation concludes with outing the predominant psychology of safety, fast becoming our 'new normal' at the expense of developing a psychology of resilience both for one self, and for our society at large. This conversation covers a lot of subterranean ground - partly because Ahly is a trained practitioner in the modality of Hakomi - a trauma informed, body-centered approach to psychotherapy. She brings her passion for self reflection, poetry and mindfulness into how she shows up in the world, offering her clients a gentle, empowering and respectful therapeutic relationship. You can find out more about Ahly and Hakomi at her website here . More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

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The Pub Owner, the Politician and the Protest. Alistair Boyce on NZ Parliament Occupation 2022. 1:15:49

2 years тому1:15:49

1:15:49

This episode was originally recorded in March 2022 as part of a series where I spoke to people intimately involved in the NZ Parliament Protest Feb 8 - March 2, 2022. Alistair is the owner of the Backbencher Pub in Wellington, which was on the outskirts of the Protest. The pub ended up operating as 'neutral' ground as Alistair used his contacts to attempt to mediate between the protestors, the politicians and the media. This is Alistair's perspective on what the Protest was really like - compared to the mainstream media reports - and on the role he played. To catch all the episodes from the Protest Series, see Conversations with Kara-Leah on YouTube. More from Kara-Leah Conversations with Kara-Leah on Video • YouTube Playlist Web: https://karaleah.com/ The Toolbox: https://toolbox.karaleah.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleah108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karaleah108 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraLeah Credits Audio • Luke Bowman Music • Sexy Urban Beats by PenguinMusic Photo • Pete Longworth Graphic Design • Tara Spice…

Conversations with Kara-Leah

1
Why This Podcast is All About Spirituality, Sexuality, Power and Awakening 33:18

2 years тому33:18