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Byte Sized Blessings | Paranormal Stories, Divine Encounters & Magical Happenings!

Kirsten Rudberg - Supernatural & Unexplained Phenomena Story Collector!

Explore these fascinating conversations which offer stories of paranormal encounter, bumping up against the Divine, profound experience of Death and the afterlife, as well as magic with a capital "M" in the Byte Sized Blessings podcast!

This podcast celebrates the magic woven into the warp and weft of our world, offering uplifting tales of hope and mystery that illuminate the unseen and liminal realms. An essential listen for those drawn to the paranormal and the divine!

Because babes, there is one undisputable fact-we're all on this beautiful, swirling planet experiencing the magic of life, of beauty, of the world, as well as the mystery of all of it! This podcast brings you these stories- spiritual interviews with all sorts of humans who have had encounters with angels, UFO's, ghosts, The Ancestors, as well as the Black Dog of Myth (just to name a few!). These are people who have witnessed things they cannot explain, people who have received advice from beyond the grave, people who have risen up from the ashes to triumph and build new lives. Here are stories that will lift you up, that will enchant you, that will remind you that this world is deeply, deeply alive. Go ahead, take a listen-this is the podcast for you. (all you need to do is hit PLAY!)

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S16 · E343
Saturday · 1 hr
S16 Ep343: When The Veil Gets Thin: Her Mother's Final Message And The Miracles That Followed, with Portia Booker, The Interview!
What if the people we love continue to send us signs after death? Portia shares extraordinary stories of grief, near-death experiences, synchronicity, signs from loved ones, and the miraculous transformation that followed her mother’s death. What If Grief Is Not the End of the Story? What if losing someone you love could somehow become the beginning of a profound transformation? In this deeply moving episode, Portia the Producer, a grief awareness advocate, media professional, storyteller, and mental health advocate, shares extraordinary stories about grief, death, signs from loved ones, synchronicity, near-death experiences, family, and spiritual transformation. And then there is the story of what happened when her mother died. Portia was sitting beside her mother during her final moments, witnessing something that few of us ever get the opportunity to see so closely: the transition from life to death. She recorded their final conversation because something inside her told her she would want to remember it. Her mother's final message? “Go for it.” Portia's Extraordinary Story of Her Mother's Death One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Portia's description of being present when her mother took her final breath. She describes watching the room change in the instant her mother's heart stopped and experiencing what she understood as her mother's spirit waving goodbye and blowing her a kiss. Rather than dismissing the experience, Portia allowed herself to remain curious about what it might mean. She had asked her mother for a sign that she was okay. Three days later, a monarch butterfly began circling in Portia's yard. For Portia, it felt like an unmistakable message. And that experience became part of a much larger journey through grief, spirituality, synchronicity, signs from the deceased, and personal transformation. A Near-Death Experience on an Oklahoma Highway Portia also shares the terrifying story of a near-death experience while driving in Oklahoma. Traveling at approximately 70 miles per hour, the back tire of her rental car suddenly blew out and the back bumper flew off. She managed to get the vehicle safely off the highway. Then, while sitting there shaken and overwhelmed, she looked up. A blue heron was circling above her. Portia experienced the bird as a powerful reassurance: I see you. I got you. A police officer who witnessed what happened told her how much worse the accident could have been. But the story didn't end there. And guess what? You'll just have to listen to hear the rest of the story! What Strong Women Taught Portia About Life! Portia also takes us into the remarkable household in which she was raised. She grew up surrounded by generations of strong women, including her great-grandmother, who was born in 1915. Her great-grandmother didn't have a conventional education by today's standards, but she understood something Portia considers far more important: She understood people. Through watching her great-grandmother interact with others, Portia learned about hospitality, storytelling, business, relationships, and bringing people together. Those lessons ultimately helped shape her entrepreneurial life and her understanding of the power of human connection. But being raised around strong, independent women also came with another lesson: Portia learned that she was supposed to be strong all the time. Eventually, she had to learn something very different. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to let someone love you and help you. And this, too, is a lesson I have had to learn. It is a hard one, but oh so necessary! Meet Portia the Producer Portia brings together media, storytelling, grief awareness, mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation in a career that has taken her through many different chapters. She is also the executive producer and host of Groove with Portia, where she continues to explore stories, people, culture, and the experiences that connect us. But perhaps the most powerful thing Portia brings to this conversation isn't a particular job title. It's her conviction that our experiences can become gifts when we are willing to share them with other people. Her stories remind us to notice the synchronicities. To pay attention to the unexpected. To allow ourselves to receive help. To remain open to mystery. And, perhaps most importantly, to keep going. Because sometimes what looks like the end of one life chapter is actually the beginning of another. And thank goodness for that! Listen to the Full Episode My Friends! If you've ever experienced a strange coincidence after someone died, wondered whether a loved one was sending you a sign, struggled to find meaning after loss, or simply felt that there might be more mystery in this world than we can explain, this conversation with Portia is one you'll want to hear. Listen to Portia's extraordinary stories of grief, synchronicity, near-death experience, signs from loved ones, family, healing, and transformation—and see what happens when you remain open to the possibility that the world is communicating with you. And guess what? The world's only going to get even more exciting! If you want to hear more stories like this, stories of connection and love and that liminal space between death and life, you'll want to click on the links below! Diana Divine shares a story of being saved! The voice that spoke in her ear one day was insistent-she needed to leave the bus stop, or something bad would happen. What happened next allowed Diana to understand this world is a very intentional and alive place! Listen to "The Voice That Warned Her And Saved Her Life" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Salaam Green shares her story about being on a Southern plantation and witnessing something she would never forget! Listen to "The Woman In The Yellow Apron, Paranormal Plantations!" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And then, for the animal lovers, Catherine shares a charming and spooky story of what she witnessed one day...and the veil is indeed thin, in her life! Listen to "Ghosts Playing With Cats, the Purr-fect Episode For Your Weekend!" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And what, you may ask, about my most splendid guest, Portia? Well, here are the links below! Listen to "Groove With Portia" on Apple Podcasts HERE. Here is a link to her Facebook, as well as her YouTube! And then, her decidedly cool Insta! And finally, her incredible audiobook, "Finding Grace within Grief: Her Transition...My Transformation," can be listened to right here! Don't forget to rate and review the pod, Byte Sized Blessings, because you LOVE IT, you know you do! Please and thank you and thank you and thank you! If you want to see what I'm up to: here is my website, Byte Sized Blessings As well as my Insta, and my YouTube, which is woefully behind! And now for your bit of beauty...this beautiful video about keening in Ireland and northern climes, "Keening | Six authentic recordings from Ireland and Scotland (1955-1965)" shared with us by The Folk Revival Project. Keening is so ancient and essential...this video is a powerful testament to those who express grief in this way, as well as the bringing together of community and the connection that results.
S16 · E343
Saturday · 19 min
S16 Ep343: When The Veil Gets Thin: Her Mother's Final Message And The Miracles That Followed, with Portia Booker, The Byte!
What if the people we love continue to send us signs after death? Portia shares extraordinary stories of grief, near-death experiences, synchronicity, signs from loved ones, and the miraculous transformation that followed her mother’s death. What If Grief Is Not the End of the Story? What if losing someone you love could somehow become the beginning of a profound transformation? In this deeply moving episode, Portia the Producer, a grief awareness advocate, media professional, storyteller, and mental health advocate, shares extraordinary stories about grief, death, signs from loved ones, synchronicity, near-death experiences, family, and spiritual transformation. And then there is the story of what happened when her mother died. Portia was sitting beside her mother during her final moments, witnessing something that few of us ever get the opportunity to see so closely: the transition from life to death. She recorded their final conversation because something inside her told her she would want to remember it. Her mother's final message? “Go for it.” Portia's Extraordinary Story of Her Mother's Death One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Portia's description of being present when her mother took her final breath. She describes watching the room change in the instant her mother's heart stopped and experiencing what she understood as her mother's spirit waving goodbye and blowing her a kiss. Rather than dismissing the experience, Portia allowed herself to remain curious about what it might mean. She had asked her mother for a sign that she was okay. Three days later, a monarch butterfly began circling in Portia's yard. For Portia, it felt like an unmistakable message. And that experience became part of a much larger journey through grief, spirituality, synchronicity, signs from the deceased, and personal transformation. A Near-Death Experience on an Oklahoma Highway Portia also shares the terrifying story of a near-death experience while driving in Oklahoma. Traveling at approximately 70 miles per hour, the back tire of her rental car suddenly blew out and the back bumper flew off. She managed to get the vehicle safely off the highway. Then, while sitting there shaken and overwhelmed, she looked up. A blue heron was circling above her. Portia experienced the bird as a powerful reassurance: I see you. I got you. A police officer who witnessed what happened told her how much worse the accident could have been. But the story didn't end there. And guess what? You'll just have to listen to hear the rest of the story! What Strong Women Taught Portia About Life! Portia also takes us into the remarkable household in which she was raised. She grew up surrounded by generations of strong women, including her great-grandmother, who was born in 1915. Her great-grandmother didn't have a conventional education by today's standards, but she understood something Portia considers far more important: She understood people. Through watching her great-grandmother interact with others, Portia learned about hospitality, storytelling, business, relationships, and bringing people together. Those lessons ultimately helped shape her entrepreneurial life and her understanding of the power of human connection. But being raised around strong, independent women also came with another lesson: Portia learned that she was supposed to be strong all the time. Eventually, she had to learn something very different. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to let someone love you and help you. And this, too, is a lesson I have had to learn. It is a hard one, but oh so necessary! Meet Portia the Producer Portia brings together media, storytelling, grief awareness, mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation in a career that has taken her through many different chapters. She is also the executive producer and host of Groove with Portia, where she continues to explore stories, people, culture, and the experiences that connect us. But perhaps the most powerful thing Portia brings to this conversation isn't a particular job title. It's her conviction that our experiences can become gifts when we are willing to share them with other people. Her stories remind us to notice the synchronicities. To pay attention to the unexpected. To allow ourselves to receive help. To remain open to mystery. And, perhaps most importantly, to keep going. Because sometimes what looks like the end of one life chapter is actually the beginning of another. And thank goodness for that! Listen to the Full Episode My Friends! If you've ever experienced a strange coincidence after someone died, wondered whether a loved one was sending you a sign, struggled to find meaning after loss, or simply felt that there might be more mystery in this world than we can explain, this conversation with Portia is one you'll want to hear. Listen to Portia's extraordinary stories of grief, synchronicity, near-death experience, signs from loved ones, family, healing, and transformation—and see what happens when you remain open to the possibility that the world is communicating with you. And guess what? The world's only going to get even more exciting! If you want to hear more stories like this, stories of connection and love and that liminal space between death and life, you'll want to click on the links below! Diana Divine shares a story of being saved! The voice that spoke in her ear one day was insistent-she needed to leave the bus stop, or something bad would happen. What happened next allowed Diana to understand this world is a very intentional and alive place! Listen to "The Voice That Warned Her And Saved Her Life" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Salaam Green shares her story about being on a Southern plantation and witnessing something she would never forget! Listen to "The Woman In The Yellow Apron, Paranormal Plantations!" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And then, for the animal lovers, Catherine shares a charming and spooky story of what she witnessed one day...and the veil is indeed thin, in her life! Listen to "Ghosts Playing With Cats, the Purr-fect Episode For Your Weekend!" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And what, you may ask, about my most splendid guest, Portia? Well, here are the links below! Listen to "Groove With Portia" on Apple Podcasts HERE. Here is a link to her Facebook, as well as her YouTube! And then, her decidedly cool Insta! And finally, her incredible audiobook, "Finding Grace within Grief: Her Transition...My Transformation," can be listened to right here! Don't forget to rate and review the pod, Byte Sized Blessings, because you LOVE IT, you know you do! Please and thank you and thank you and thank you! If you want to see what I'm up to: here is my website, Byte Sized Blessings As well as my Insta, and my YouTube, which is woefully behind! And now for your bit of beauty...this beautiful video about keening in Ireland and northern climes, "Keening | Six authentic recordings from Ireland and Scotland (1955-1965)" shared with us by The Folk Revival Project. Keening is so ancient and essential...this video is a powerful testament to those who express grief in this way, as well as the bringing together of community and the connection that results.
S16 · E342
Wednesday · 16 min
S16 Ep342: Brain Tumor Surgery Survivor, Seeing Spirits & the Incredible Story of Rome the Cat with Jennifer White, The Byte!
Can you see spirits after brain surgery? What happens when you wake up from a coma and have to relearn how to walk, talk, and think? Can pets communicate with people? And what does it mean when a psychic knows details about your life that they couldn't possibly know? In this extraordinary episode, retired registered nurse and brain tumor surgery survivor Jennifer White shares a remarkable story of survival, recovery, spirituality, paranormal experiences, death, animal communication, and what she believes exists beyond the physical world. Jennifer's story begins with one of the greatest challenges imaginable: surviving brain tumor surgery, waking from a coma, and having to relearn how to live. But that's only the beginning. Jennifer also describes seeing spirits, feeling the presence of people who have died, unexplained experiences in her home, and an extraordinary encounter with a pet empath who appeared to communicate with a deceased nursing-home cat named Rome. And the details of the Rome story are astonishing! (so excited for you all to hear this story!) Jennifer White's Miracle of Survival! Jennifer's brain tumor survival story is itself a miracle. After emerging from a coma and facing the prospect of relearning seemingly ordinary human abilities, she kept going. That's why her story is ultimately bigger than brain surgery. It is about resilience after trauma, recovering when the odds seem impossible, overcoming adversity, and discovering that you may be capable of much more than you think. Jennifer's message is simple: Never give up. Can People Really See Spirits? Jennifer also has another extraordinary story to tell. She says she was aware of spirits both before and after her surgery. She describes seeing people who she believes are spirits, talking to them, and experiencing unexplained phenomena in homes and other locations. That raises some fascinating questions: Why Do Some People See Spirits? Jennifer believes there is more happening around us than we normally perceive. She describes hearing footsteps, experiencing unexplained activity, and sensing a presence in her home. And then, she shares so much more, including a really funny story that happened with her husband one night! Are Paranormal Experiences Always Scary? For Jennifer, they aren't. She says she has never encountered a spirit she considered nasty. Instead, she describes experiences that range from unexplained noises to objects behaving unexpectedly. Her perspective is particularly interesting because she isn't presenting herself simply as a paranormal enthusiast. She spent years as a registered nurse and director of nursing, caring for people through illness, aging, and death. So death and the paranormal are "normal" for her, because of her work and her experiences. What Happens When Someone Dies? One of the most profound parts of Jennifer's story comes from her professional experience. She has been present when people died. She describes feeling, for lack of a better word, their presence leave their bodies. Those experiences contributed to her belief that human beings are spirits having a physical experience and that something continues after physical death. That leads directly into some of humanity's oldest questions: What happens when we die? Does consciousness survive death? Is there an afterlife? What happens to the spirit after death? Can you feel someone's presence after they die? Are we more than our physical bodies? Can someone who has died communicate with the living? Jennifer doesn't claim to have all the answers. And I don't either, but I love the mystery and the question around this, because it makes life more exciting! Can Deceased Pets Communicate With Us? Then Jennifer tells the story that may stay with you long after the episode ends. Rome was a cat. When Jennifer was working as a director of nursing at a nursing home in Toronto, one of the residents had a cat named Rome. After the resident died, the nursing home essentially adopted him. Rome became part of the community. He wandered around visiting residents and would regularly come into Jennifer's office, jump onto her desk, and spend time with her. And that's all I'm going to leave you with because the story gets even better from there. You'll just have to listen, my friends! Do Cats Have Spirits? Jennifer clearly believes they do. Her experience with Rome fits into her broader belief that animals, humans, and consciousness may be connected in ways we don't fully understand. The story also raises questions about: Do cats have souls? Do animals have spirits? Do pets go somewhere after they die? Can cats visit their owners after death? Can deceased pets communicate? How do you know if your dead pet is visiting you? What are signs from a deceased pet? Can an animal's spirit remain connected to people? For Jennifer, Rome's story is not just about a cat. It is about connection continuing beyond physical death. Signs From the Other Side: Jennifer's Unexplained Experiences Jennifer's stories throughout this episode share a common thread: connection. She describes spirits. She describes people who have died. She describes an unexplained light that she believes responds to her. She describes hearing footsteps. She describes encounters in old homes. And she describes a deceased cat communicating information that Jennifer says could not easily have been known by the person conducting the reading. These stories invite listeners to consider whether some coincidences are more meaningful than they initially appear. If you're fascinated by brain tumor survival stories, coma recovery, paranormal experiences, seeing spirits, life after death, animal communication, deceased pets, pet psychics, synchronicity, miracles, and unexplained phenomena, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Jennifer White's story is ultimately a reminder that the world may be stranger, more mysterious, and more beautiful than we realize. Sometimes the miracle is surviving. Sometimes the miracle is recovering. Sometimes the miracle is a mysterious encounter you can't explain. And sometimes, apparently, the miracle is a little cat named Rome waiting for you at the nursing home. To hear more stories of animals and miracle encounters, click on the links below to hear these sweet stories! Leslie Draffin shares a powerfully impactful story about her beloved dog and how she got the answers she needed after this sweet nugget passed. Listen to "Paranormal Pets? Dog Love After Death!" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE! Junko Nagao shares multiple stories about being an Animist and the very potent, alive world which she inhabits. It's full of spirits, magic and many, many layers of miraculous reality! Listen to "All The Spirits We Cannot See, Japanese Animist Magic!" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Ines Maricle shares a story about being intensely psychic as a child and her ability to speak with the animals. She absolutely inhabits the places in between and so you'll not want to miss her story. Listen to "Animal Communication and Wildwood Magic" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And what about my delightful guest, Jennifer White, you ask? Well, to get ahold of her on her website, click here. And to buy any and all of her delightful creations, click here for her selling page! To reach me, in the wilds, here is my website: Byte Sized Blessings. And my Insta, as well as my YouTube which is woefully out of date! DON'T FORGET TO RATE AND REVIEW...IT WOULD MEAN EVER SO MUCH! Your bit of beauty is this: The Travel Channel has this little video titled "Pets vs. Ghosts, Paranormal Caught on Camera!" I'm not gonna lie, I think our sweet roommates, whatever animal they are, can sense a lot more than we ever could. Super cool!!
S16 · E342
Wednesday · 57 min
S16 Ep342: Brain Tumor Surgery Survivor, Seeing Spirits & the Incredible Story of Rome the Cat with Jennifer White, The Interview!
Can you see spirits after brain surgery? What happens when you wake up from a coma and have to relearn how to walk, talk, and think? Can pets communicate with people? And what does it mean when a psychic knows details about your life that they couldn't possibly know? In this extraordinary episode, retired registered nurse and brain tumor surgery survivor Jennifer White shares a remarkable story of survival, recovery, spirituality, paranormal experiences, death, animal communication, and what she believes exists beyond the physical world. Jennifer's story begins with one of the greatest challenges imaginable: surviving brain tumor surgery, waking from a coma, and having to relearn how to live. But that's only the beginning. Jennifer also describes seeing spirits, feeling the presence of people who have died, unexplained experiences in her home, and an extraordinary encounter with a pet empath who appeared to communicate with a deceased nursing-home cat named Rome. And the details of the Rome story are astonishing! (so excited for you all to hear this story!) Jennifer White's Miracle of Survival! Jennifer's brain tumor survival story is itself a miracle. After emerging from a coma and facing the prospect of relearning seemingly ordinary human abilities, she kept going. That's why her story is ultimately bigger than brain surgery. It is about resilience after trauma, recovering when the odds seem impossible, overcoming adversity, and discovering that you may be capable of much more than you think. Jennifer's message is simple: Never give up. Can People Really See Spirits? Jennifer also has another extraordinary story to tell. She says she was aware of spirits both before and after her surgery. She describes seeing people who she believes are spirits, talking to them, and experiencing unexplained phenomena in homes and other locations. That raises some fascinating questions: Why Do Some People See Spirits? Jennifer believes there is more happening around us than we normally perceive. She describes hearing footsteps, experiencing unexplained activity, and sensing a presence in her home. And then, she shares so much more, including a really funny story that happened with her husband one night! Are Paranormal Experiences Always Scary? For Jennifer, they aren't. She says she has never encountered a spirit she considered nasty. Instead, she describes experiences that range from unexplained noises to objects behaving unexpectedly. Her perspective is particularly interesting because she isn't presenting herself simply as a paranormal enthusiast. She spent years as a registered nurse and director of nursing, caring for people through illness, aging, and death. So death and the paranormal are "normal" for her, because of her work and her experiences. What Happens When Someone Dies? One of the most profound parts of Jennifer's story comes from her professional experience. She has been present when people died. She describes feeling, for lack of a better word, their presence leave their bodies. Those experiences contributed to her belief that human beings are spirits having a physical experience and that something continues after physical death. That leads directly into some of humanity's oldest questions: What happens when we die? Does consciousness survive death? Is there an afterlife? What happens to the spirit after death? Can you feel someone's presence after they die? Are we more than our physical bodies? Can someone who has died communicate with the living? Jennifer doesn't claim to have all the answers. And I don't either, but I love the mystery and the question around this, because it makes life more exciting! Can Deceased Pets Communicate With Us? Then Jennifer tells the story that may stay with you long after the episode ends. Rome was a cat. When Jennifer was working as a director of nursing at a nursing home in Toronto, one of the residents had a cat named Rome. After the resident died, the nursing home essentially adopted him. Rome became part of the community. He wandered around visiting residents and would regularly come into Jennifer's office, jump onto her desk, and spend time with her. And that's all I'm going to leave you with because the story gets even better from there. You'll just have to listen, my friends! Do Cats Have Spirits? Jennifer clearly believes they do. Her experience with Rome fits into her broader belief that animals, humans, and consciousness may be connected in ways we don't fully understand. The story also raises questions about: Do cats have souls? Do animals have spirits? Do pets go somewhere after they die? Can cats visit their owners after death? Can deceased pets communicate? How do you know if your dead pet is visiting you? What are signs from a deceased pet? Can an animal's spirit remain connected to people? For Jennifer, Rome's story is not just about a cat. It is about connection continuing beyond physical death. Signs From the Other Side: Jennifer's Unexplained Experiences Jennifer's stories throughout this episode share a common thread: connection. She describes spirits. She describes people who have died. She describes an unexplained light that she believes responds to her. She describes hearing footsteps. She describes encounters in old homes. And she describes a deceased cat communicating information that Jennifer says could not easily have been known by the person conducting the reading. These stories invite listeners to consider whether some coincidences are more meaningful than they initially appear. If you're fascinated by brain tumor survival stories, coma recovery, paranormal experiences, seeing spirits, life after death, animal communication, deceased pets, pet psychics, synchronicity, miracles, and unexplained phenomena, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Jennifer White's story is ultimately a reminder that the world may be stranger, more mysterious, and more beautiful than we realize. Sometimes the miracle is surviving. Sometimes the miracle is recovering. Sometimes the miracle is a mysterious encounter you can't explain. And sometimes, apparently, the miracle is a little cat named Rome waiting for you at the nursing home. To hear more stories of animals and miracle encounters, click on the links below to hear these sweet stories! Leslie Draffin shares a powerfully impactful story about her beloved dog and how she got the answers she needed after this sweet nugget passed. Listen to "Paranormal Pets? Dog Love After Death!" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE! Junko Nagao shares multiple stories about being an Animist and the very potent, alive world which she inhabits. It's full of spirits, magic and many, many layers of miraculous reality! Listen to "All The Spirits We Cannot See, Japanese Animist Magic!" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Ines Maricle shares a story about being intensely psychic as a child and her ability to speak with the animals. She absolutely inhabits the places in between and so you'll not want to miss her story. Listen to "Animal Communication and Wildwood Magic" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And what about my delightful guest, Jennifer White, you ask? Well, to get ahold of her on her website, click here. And to buy any and all of her delightful creations, click here for her selling page! To reach me, in the wilds, here is my website: Byte Sized Blessings. And my Insta, as well as my YouTube which is woefully out of date! DON'T FORGET TO RATE AND REVIEW...IT WOULD MEAN EVER SO MUCH! Your bit of beauty is this: The Travel Channel has this little video titled "Pets vs. Ghosts, Paranormal Caught on Camera!" I'm not gonna lie, I think our sweet roommates, whatever animal they are, can sense a lot more than we ever could. Super cool!!
S16 · E341
September 14 · 8 min
S16 Ep341: Synchronicity Explained: Fate, The Strange Patterns of Life, Carl Jung & Signs From the Universe!
What is synchronicity, and are coincidences meaningful? Explore Carl Jung, incredible true coincidence stories, chaos theory, fate, signs from the universe, and the mysterious connections linking our lives. What if the coincidences in your life aren't really coincidences? Why do seemingly unrelated events sometimes line up with astonishing precision? What does it mean when you think about someone you haven't seen in years—and suddenly they appear? Why do certain unlikely events happen at exactly the right moment? In this fascinating episode, we explore synchronicity, meaningful coincidences, coincidence and causation, interconnectedness, and the possibility that there are hidden patterns within the apparent randomness of life. Inspired by a passage from Lyall Watson's The Dreams of the Dragons, this episode explores some of the most remarkable examples of synchronicity ever reported—including a devastating church explosion in Nebraska, actor Anthony Hopkins' incredible encounter with a lost book, a future husband appearing unexpectedly in a childhood photograph, and a startling real-life coincidence involving a long-lost romantic connection. Could these events simply be random chance? Or could they reveal something deeper about how interconnected our lives really are? What Is Synchronicity? Synchronicity is a term most closely associated with Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung, who used it to describe meaningful coincidences—events that appear to be connected by meaning even though there is no obvious causal relationship between them. Jung's ideas raise a fascinating question: Can two unrelated events be connected in a meaningful way? This episode explores the difference between coincidence and synchronicity, and why some coincidences feel so extraordinary that we instinctively wonder whether the universe is trying to tell us something. We also look at the historical idea that the world may be fundamentally interconnected—a concept explored by philosophers, physicians, psychologists, and scientists throughout history. Are Coincidences Meaningful? One of the central questions of this episode is whether coincidences can have meaning. Psychology, philosophy, probability, spirituality, and science all approach this question differently. Some coincidences can be explained through probability and statistics. Others may be examples of our brains recognizing patterns in random events. But that doesn't necessarily eliminate the personal meaning of the experience. Sometimes a coincidence stops us in our tracks. Sometimes it makes us wonder. Sometimes it changes how we see our lives. And sometimes the most interesting question isn't "Was this supernatural?" but: "What does this experience mean to me?" Is There a Pattern Inside Randomness? The episode also explores an intriguing connection to chaos theory. Although chaos can appear completely random, mathematical systems can contain recognizable structures and patterns—including strange attractors. Could the apparent randomness of life contain patterns that we don't yet understand? Could synchronicity somehow emerge from hidden connections within complex systems? There is no simple answer, but these questions sit at the fascinating intersection of science, psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and mystery. Episode Highlights ✨ The astonishing story of the 1950 Beatrice, Nebraska church explosion and the choir members who were all inexplicably late 📖 Anthony Hopkins' strange encounter with the lost copy of The Girl from Petrovka 📸 The extraordinary story of a future husband appearing in his wife's childhood Disney World photograph ❤️ A startling real-life coincidence involving a former romantic partner appearing at exactly the moment he was being discussed 🧠 Carl Jung's theory of synchronicity 🔬 The fascinating relationship between chaos theory, randomness, patterns, and synchronicity 🌎 The ancient and modern idea that everything in the universe may be interconnected ✨ An invitation to become more aware of the magical coincidences and mysterious encounters happening in everyday life Another short excerpt from a book, this one captured my attention and I wanted to share it with you all right away. I love synchronicity myself, as I feel like it allows us to get a glimpse behind the universe. For those of you wanting to read about other synchronistic stories, here is an article from Bored Panda that will get you thinking! For those of you who want to read up on the patterns they have found inside Chaos Theory, here you go!: Core Patterns of Chaos Strange Attractors: These are geometric boundaries that pull the system's behavior toward a specific set of shapes. Instead of settling on a single point or a simple loop, the path loops endlessly within a confined space without ever crossing itself, such as the butterfly-shaped Lorenz Attractor. Fractals: These are never-ending, infinitely complex structures that show self-similarity across different scales. When you zoom in on a fractal pattern, smaller pieces mirror the overall shape, which you can see in natural objects like coastlines, clouds, and lightning. The Butterfly Effect: Formally called sensitive dependence on initial conditions, this pattern shows how a tiny change at the start can multiply over time and lead to massive, unexpected differences later. Bifurcation Diagrams: This visual pattern maps how a system splits or branches into new behaviors as a variable changes. It illustrates the transition point where a stable, predictable system breaks apart into complex, chaotic behavior. Feedback Loops: Constant internal feedback feeds output back into the input of the system. This recursive process drives the continuous generation of self-similar and chaotic designs. Whew! Here's the Wiki Entry for those of you brave enough to venture there! If you want to check out Lyall Watson's books as well as his other works, click HERE. To see what I am doing in this patterned and chaotic world, HERE is my website, my Insta, and my YouTube! Don't forget to rate and review...it makes me ever so happy! 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S16 · E340
September 11 · 1 hr 21 min
S16 Ep340: What Happened at Ground Zero After 9/11? A Story of Service, Survival, and Human Kindness! Guest Bethany Anne Putnam, The Interview
What was it really like to volunteer at Ground Zero after 9/11? Twenty-five years later, Bethany Anne Putnam shares her extraordinary story of spending six weeks at Ground Zero in New York City after the September 11 attacks, helping organize volunteers, feed first responders, distribute supplies, and create a place of rest and comfort at historic St. Paul’s Chapel. This is not simply a story about September 11, 2001. It is a story about what happened after the attacks—when firefighters, police officers, National Guard members, volunteers, chaplains, clergy, medical professionals, musicians, businesses, churches, and ordinary people came together to help. It is also a powerful story about human kindness after tragedy. Who Was Bethany Anne Putnam Before 9/11? Bethany describes herself as having an unconventional career path built around hospitality, organization, logistics, volunteerism, and service. She had worked in hotels, catering, personal-chef roles, nonprofit management, political campaigns, and other fields. From childhood, volunteering and giving back were part of her life. Her disaster-relief work began after a devastating tornado in Oklahoma. That experience eventually inspired her to create Labor of Love, a disaster-relief organization that brought volunteers into communities affected by disasters. What Was It Like to Volunteer at Ground Zero After 9/11? When Bethany received the call asking how quickly she could get to New York, she packed her belongings, loaded her car, and drove to Manhattan. She arrived at St. Paul’s Chapel on September 19. St. Paul’s Chapel became a sanctuary for firefighters, police officers, rescue workers, National Guard members, volunteers, and others working at Ground Zero. The historic chapel had survived the destruction with virtually no damage. Because of its location near the World Trade Center site, it became an important place for food, rest, prayer, comfort, supplies, and support for first responders. Bethany was asked to help coordinate the volunteer operation. And coordination was desperately needed. What Was the Miracle of St. Paul’s Chapel After 9/11? For Bethany, the miracle was not necessarily one supernatural event. The miracle was people showing up. People kept sending supplies. Businesses wanted to contribute. Churches sent volunteers. People donated food. Medical professionals volunteered their services. Musicians came to play. People who had never met each other worked together. And when supplies arrived that St. Paul’s couldn't use, Bethany found other organizations that needed them. This created an enormous network of generosity. What Happens When a Disaster Ends? Perhaps the most important part of Bethany's story happens after she leaves New York. She eventually realizes that she needs to get away from Ground Zero for a day. She drives to Connecticut and experiences one of the strangest contrasts of her life. She watches a child's soccer game. People drink Starbucks. Families go about their ordinary lives. She shops for sneakers. Life looks normal. But Bethany has just spent weeks surrounded by Ground Zero, first responders, death, destruction, grief, exhaustion, and constant crisis. Listen to this episode to understand how Bethany balanced the world continuing, while so many were still grieving. What Does Bethany’s Story Teach Us About Human Nature? At the heart of this episode is a much bigger question: Are humans naturally selfish, or do people really want to help each other? Bethany's experience offers powerful evidence for the second possibility. Again and again, people wanted to contribute. And these stories, and Bethany's sharing of them, begins to help us understand what is most important in this world-connection, community and showing up for eachother! Listen to Her Story If you've ever searched for true stories about 9/11, wondered what happened at Ground Zero after September 11, wanted to understand what it was like to volunteer after 9/11, or wondered how ordinary people responded to an unimaginable tragedy, this episode offers a deeply personal perspective. Bethany Anne Putnam's story is a record of six weeks at Ground Zero—and a reminder that even in the aftermath of overwhelming tragedy, human beings can choose to show up for one another. Sometimes the miracle is simply this: People come. People help. People stay. And sometimes, that is exactly what the world needs. Questions Answered in This Episode What was it like to volunteer at Ground Zero after 9/11? What happened at St. Paul’s Chapel after September 11? How did volunteers help 9/11 first responders? What did first responders need after 9/11? How did ordinary people help after September 11? Can disaster-relief volunteers develop PTSD? What is PTSD after a traumatic event? How did people support firefighters at Ground Zero? Why was St. Paul’s Chapel important after 9/11? What happened to volunteers after they left Ground Zero? Are humans naturally altruistic? Why do people help strangers during disasters? What are some inspiring stories from September 11? How did New Yorkers respond to 9/11? What can we learn from the people who helped after 9/11? To check out what Bethany is doing in the world, here is her website! As well, here is her Instagram, where you can keep track of all of the beauty she is creating in the world! And to learn about all of the fabulous humans who travel across the globe to stay at Bethany's incredible retreat space, click here! To hear additional stories of people showing up to help others, in all sorts of ways, click on the links below. There are plenty of miracle stories out there, proving that we always will show up for eachother! Drew Ayotte's story involves a sweet little pup and showing up at the right time! Sometimes it is our furry and feathered friends we are supposed to show up for! Listen to "The Miracle Of The Magnificent Enzo" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE! Lyubim Kogan shares an incredible story of being in the right story at the right time. Really, it was astonishing! Listen to "Saying "Yes" One Night Saves A Child's Life" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And finally, Mirian Schulman talks about her 9/11 experience and how she responded after the incident. Her psychic impressions truly saved her life. Listen to "Psychic Vibes Before 9/11, How Her Understanding Of Reality Changed," on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. To check out what I am doing in the world, click on my website HERE. And my Insta here! And my woefully behind YouTube channel! (I know, I'm trying to get on top of everything!) Your bit of beauty is this: "Happiness Is Helping Others," a sweet YouTube by Haytham Ibrihim, which is all about how we can be present and a blessing for all those around us!
S16 · E339
September 9 · 1 hr 3 min
S16 Ep339: “You Are Worth It” — Addiction, Recovery, Synchronicity & an Unexpected Angel, The Interview With Bryan Blackmon!
What happens when you’ve reached what feels like the absolute bottom—and then, in the middle of the chaos, you suddenly hear four words that change your life? You are worth it. In this powerful episode of Byte Sized Blessings the podcast, Bryan Blackmon shares an extraordinary story of addiction, homelessness, despair, recovery, synchronicity, and the unexpected kindness of a stranger who may have appeared in his life at exactly the right moment. What Does a Miracle Feel Like? Bryan's story raises a fascinating question: What does a miracle actually look like? Sometimes miracles aren't dramatic supernatural events. Sometimes they're a moment of profound clarity. Sometimes they're a voice—or an intuition—that arrives when we most desperately need to hear it. For Bryan, the miracle was the sudden experience of pure silence after years of mental and emotional chaos. In that silence came a message that challenged everything he had been telling himself about his own worth. Was Elaine an Angel in Bryan’s Life? If Bryan's experience of hearing “you are worth it” was one miracle, the appearance of Elaine was another. While Bryan was homeless and sleeping in his car, he was desperately searching for a room to rent. He eventually found a rental sign in Elaine's yard. Elaine was 85 years old. Bryan was 45. At first, it looked like the rental wasn't going to happen. Someone else had apparently been given first opportunity to take the room. Listen now to find out how Bryan finally found his home! Are Coincidences Meaningful? Bryan doesn't believe his meeting with Elaine was simply a coincidence. Looking back, he sees the circumstances that brought them together as something much more meaningful. Bryan needed a home, companionship, and someone who would give him a chance. Elaine was living alone after the death of her husband and needed companionship and help around her house. They found each other at a moment when both needed something the other could provide. Bryan describes Elaine as an angel in his life—and says she believes that God also played a role in bringing them together. Can One Moment Change Your Life? Bryan believes it can. The moment of silence in front of the bathroom mirror became a turning point. The words “you are worth it” helped him begin seeing himself differently and listening to his intuition. His encounter with Elaine gave those words a physical manifestation. Someone else looked at Bryan during one of the lowest periods of his life and essentially said: You belong here. Come home. Listen to the Episode! Listen to Bryan Blackmon's extraordinary story of addiction, homelessness, recovery, synchronicity, intuition, unexpected kindness, and the angel who helped him find his way home. And as Bryan's story reminds us: don't give up. Keep walking forward. Episode Takeaway! (and don't forget this part!) Bryan's story is a reminder that your worst moment does not determine the rest of your life. Sometimes the miracle arrives as silence. Sometimes it arrives as four words. Sometimes it arrives as an 85-year-old woman standing outside her house in a robe saying: “Welcome home.” And sometimes the most miraculous thing we can do is simply refuse to give up. And with that, I drop the mic and walk away. A true story of resilience, grace and wonder this time, and at it's heart is something we each want, a place to call HOME! To hear other episodes of grace and wonder, check out the episodes below and dive on into how enchanting this world really is! Judith Jenya tells a story of never giving up-and making sure that she was able to create and bring to life a safe place for war-ravaged children to come together and heal! Listen to "Peacebuilding, Healing and the Miracle of a Croatian Children's Summer Camp" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE! Stanley Bronstein tells an astonishing story of being able to show up for a child, years after he suffered much the same trauma. His story of recognition and grace is mind-blowing! (and beautiful!) Listen to "The Miracle That Took A Lifetime" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Nathaniel Turner tells a lovely story about community coming together to lift him up! Nathan was on the wrong track and had been told he would amount to nothing...but his friends and relatives disagreed. Hear how they changed his life in "The Miracle In Gary, Indiana" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And to check out what Bryan's been doing in the world: His website-CRABCREWLIFE His Insta: bblackmon25 And most important, his TIKTOK!! Please do check out his brand of magic and Elaine's incredible sense of humor and anything she makes with peaches!! They are the dynamic duo everyone! miracle story, miracle stories, Brian Blackman, addiction recovery story, inspirational recovery story, synchronicity, divine intervention, spiritual awakening, unexpected miracle, true miracle story, homelessness and addiction, overcoming addiction, finding hope, finding your worth, intuition, meaningful coincidences, angels in our lives, unexpected kindness, second chances, recovery stories, inspirational stories, mysterious experiences, spiritual experiences, life-changing moments Your bit of beauty is this: Bryan making peach cobbler with Elaine! A taste of what these two are up to, (see what I did there?) this fun and sweet channel will have you remembering that it is only by creating community and true family, that we will all survive and thrive!
S16 · E339
September 9 · 16 min
S16 Ep339: “You Are Worth It” — Addiction, Recovery, Synchronicity & an Unexpected Angel, Guest Bryan Blackmon-The Byte!
What happens when you’ve reached what feels like the absolute bottom—and then, in the middle of the chaos, you suddenly hear four words that change your life? You are worth it. In this powerful episode of Byte Sized Blessings the podcast, Bryan Blackmon shares an extraordinary story of addiction, homelessness, despair, recovery, synchronicity, and the unexpected kindness of a stranger who may have appeared in his life at exactly the right moment. What Does a Miracle Feel Like? Bryan's story raises a fascinating question: What does a miracle actually look like? Sometimes miracles aren't dramatic supernatural events. Sometimes they're a moment of profound clarity. Sometimes they're a voice—or an intuition—that arrives when we most desperately need to hear it. For Bryan, the miracle was the sudden experience of pure silence after years of mental and emotional chaos. In that silence came a message that challenged everything he had been telling himself about his own worth. Was Elaine an Angel in Bryan’s Life? If Bryan's experience of hearing “you are worth it” was one miracle, the appearance of Elaine was another. While Bryan was homeless and sleeping in his car, he was desperately searching for a room to rent. He eventually found a rental sign in Elaine's yard. Elaine was 85 years old. Bryan was 45. At first, it looked like the rental wasn't going to happen. Someone else had apparently been given first opportunity to take the room. Listen now to find out how Bryan finally found his home! Are Coincidences Meaningful? Bryan doesn't believe his meeting with Elaine was simply a coincidence. Looking back, he sees the circumstances that brought them together as something much more meaningful. Bryan needed a home, companionship, and someone who would give him a chance. Elaine was living alone after the death of her husband and needed companionship and help around her house. They found each other at a moment when both needed something the other could provide. Bryan describes Elaine as an angel in his life—and says she believes that God also played a role in bringing them together. Can One Moment Change Your Life? Bryan believes it can. The moment of silence in front of the bathroom mirror became a turning point. The words “you are worth it” helped him begin seeing himself differently and listening to his intuition. His encounter with Elaine gave those words a physical manifestation. Someone else looked at Bryan during one of the lowest periods of his life and essentially said: You belong here. Come home. Listen to the Episode! Listen to Bryan Blackmon's extraordinary story of addiction, homelessness, recovery, synchronicity, intuition, unexpected kindness, and the angel who helped him find his way home. And as Bryan's story reminds us: don't give up. Keep walking forward. Episode Takeaway! (and don't forget this part!) Bryan's story is a reminder that your worst moment does not determine the rest of your life. Sometimes the miracle arrives as silence. Sometimes it arrives as four words. Sometimes it arrives as an 85-year-old woman standing outside her house in a robe saying: “Welcome home.” And sometimes the most miraculous thing we can do is simply refuse to give up. And with that, I drop the mic and walk away. A true story of resilience, grace and wonder this time, and at it's heart is something we each want, a place to call HOME! To hear other episodes of grace and wonder, check out the episodes below and dive on into how enchanting this world really is! Judith Jenya tells a story of never giving up-and making sure that she was able to create and bring to life a safe place for war-ravaged children to come together and heal! Listen to "Peacebuilding, Healing and the Miracle of a Croatian Children's Summer Camp" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE! Stanley Bronstein tells an astonishing story of being able to show up for a child, years after he suffered much the same trauma. His story of recognition and grace is mind-blowing! (and beautiful!) Listen to "The Miracle That Took A Lifetime" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Nathaniel Turner tells a lovely story about community coming together to lift him up! Nathan was on the wrong track and had been told he would amount to nothing...but his friends and relatives disagreed. Hear how they changed his life in "The Miracle In Gary, Indiana" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And to check out what Bryan's been doing in the world: His website-CRABCREWLIFE His Insta: bblackmon25 And most important, his TIKTOK!! Please do check out his brand of magic and Elaine's incredible sense of humor and anything she makes with peaches!! They are the dynamic duo everyone! miracle story, miracle stories, Brian Blackman, addiction recovery story, inspirational recovery story, synchronicity, divine intervention, spiritual awakening, unexpected miracle, true miracle story, homelessness and addiction, overcoming addiction, finding hope, finding your worth, intuition, meaningful coincidences, angels in our lives, unexpected kindness, second chances, recovery stories, inspirational stories, mysterious experiences, spiritual experiences, life-changing moments Your bit of beauty is this: Bryan making peach cobbler with Elaine! A taste of what these two are up to, (see what I did there?) this fun and sweet channel will have you remembering that it is only by creating community and true family, that we will all survive and thrive!
S16 · E338
September 5 · 50 min
S16 Ep338: A Miracle Story: Synchronicity, Faith & Divine Timing by Kurt Bush, The Interview!
When a Miracle Looks Like Perfect Timing: Kurt Bush on Faith, Synchronicity, and Being Taken Care Of What if the miracle you need arrives before you even know you need it? That’s the question at the heart of this episode of Byte Sized Blessings featuring Kurt Bush, a certified Internal Family Systems practitioner, trauma-informed leadership coach, speaker, author, pastor, and co-founder of the Brimstone Coaching Group. Kurt’s miracle moment happened around one of the most frightening and uncertain periods in recent history: the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. And the story raises a fascinating question: Can seemingly impossible coincidences be signs that we are being guided, protected, or taken care of? What is synchronicity? Kurt's story is a wonderful example of the kind of experience that makes us wonder about synchronicity. Synchronicity is often used to describe a meaningful coincidence—two or more events that appear unrelated but come together in a way that feels profoundly significant. Was it simply coincidence that Kurt and his friend were independently making career changes that brought both families to the same tiny Iowa town? Maybe. Can faith help us trust that everything will work out? Kurt's story ultimately comes back to faith. Not necessarily the kind of faith that promises we'll know exactly what is going to happen. Instead, it's the kind of faith that says: Maybe I don't know what's coming—but I can trust that I won't have to face it alone. When the miracle is hiding inside the ordinary One of the things I love about Kurt's story is that there is no dramatic supernatural spectacle. There isn't a glowing light. There isn't an impossible medical recovery. There isn't an angel appearing in the middle of the night. Instead, the miracle looks like two families independently making decisions that somehow bring them together at exactly the right time. Kurt Bush on miracles, synchronicity, and faith In this episode, Kurt and I talk about: Kurt's extraordinary COVID-era miracle story A seemingly impossible coincidence involving his closest friends Moving to a tiny Iowa community Why Kent and Amy became like family How synchronicity can show up in ordinary life Whether coincidences can have deeper meaning Faith and trusting the universe, God, or spirit Finding community during a time of isolation The unexpected ways we can be taken care of Grief, belonging, and starting over How relationships can become part of our miracles Why some miracles only become visible in hindsight And, naturally, fridge rights, rodeo clowns, and demolition derbies To listen to other stories of ordinary miracles (and synchronicity) click on the links in the episodes below! Diego Sanmiguel shares a powerful and simple story of reminder. "The Miracle In The Words" can be found on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Pat Wetzel is an incredible pilot! She loved gliding, and it's what she lives for. Her story, about an encounter during one of those flights, is simply enchanting! You can find "Floating On A Bubble Of Magic (Gliding On Air, Witnessing Miracles)" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. and finally, Claire Boyce shares a heart-warming story of a praying mantis, and how she got the be the Angel for a day...and it all began unexpectedly! (as most very cool experiences do!). "The Magic Of Mantises (Insects Are Groovy!)" can be found on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And now, to Kurt and his grooviness! You can find his website HERE. His Insta is HERE and his Facebook, HERE. And here is the link to his YOUTUBE. And if you want to get your ears on his pod, "Live Fully. Lead Authentically. A Brimstone Coaching Podcast" you can check it out on Apple HERE. And what about me you may ask? Well, here's my website: Byte Sized Blessings And my Insta, and YouTube, which is woefully behind! And what's that? You want to buy my books from Beastly Books? Here's a link to my series then!! DON'T FORGET TO RATE AND REVIEW THE PODCAST!! Hooray! And your bit of beauty is this! A seriously fun demolition derby on YouTube! From Gander Demolition Derby, here's why there's so much excitement...who wouldn't want to watch really slow cars bumping up against eachother? (in somewhat slow motion...haha! Enjoy!) Kurt Bush miracle story, Kurt Bush podcast, miracle stories, true miracle stories, synchronicity, meaningful coincidences, meaningful coincidence stories, divine timing, signs from the universe, signs and wonders, faith and miracles, miracles and faith, coincidence or synchronicity, are coincidences meaningful, what is synchronicity, spiritual synchronicity, mysterious coincidences, unexplained coincidences, pandemic miracle stories, COVID miracle story, miracles during COVID, finding meaning in coincidence, trusting the universe, trusting God, spiritual signs, magical moments, miraculous moments, unexpected miracles, stories of faith, stories about miracles, inspirational miracle stories
S16 · E338
September 5 · 14 min
S16 Ep338: A Miracle Story: Synchronicity, Faith & Divine Timing with Kurt Bush-The Byte!
When a Miracle Looks Like Perfect Timing: Kurt Bush on Faith, Synchronicity, and Being Taken Care Of What if the miracle you need arrives before you even know you need it? That’s the question at the heart of this episode of Byte Sized Blessings featuring Kurt Bush, a certified Internal Family Systems practitioner, trauma-informed leadership coach, speaker, author, pastor, and co-founder of the Brimstone Coaching Group. Kurt’s miracle moment happened around one of the most frightening and uncertain periods in recent history: the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. And the story raises a fascinating question: Can seemingly impossible coincidences be signs that we are being guided, protected, or taken care of? What is synchronicity? Kurt's story is a wonderful example of the kind of experience that makes us wonder about synchronicity. Synchronicity is often used to describe a meaningful coincidence—two or more events that appear unrelated but come together in a way that feels profoundly significant. Was it simply coincidence that Kurt and his friend were independently making career changes that brought both families to the same tiny Iowa town? Maybe. Can faith help us trust that everything will work out? Kurt's story ultimately comes back to faith. Not necessarily the kind of faith that promises we'll know exactly what is going to happen. Instead, it's the kind of faith that says: Maybe I don't know what's coming—but I can trust that I won't have to face it alone. When the miracle is hiding inside the ordinary One of the things I love about Kurt's story is that there is no dramatic supernatural spectacle. There isn't a glowing light. There isn't an impossible medical recovery. There isn't an angel appearing in the middle of the night. Instead, the miracle looks like two families independently making decisions that somehow bring them together at exactly the right time. Kurt Bush on miracles, synchronicity, and faith In this episode, Kurt and I talk about: Kurt's extraordinary COVID-era miracle story A seemingly impossible coincidence involving his closest friends Moving to a tiny Iowa community Why Kent and Amy became like family How synchronicity can show up in ordinary life Whether coincidences can have deeper meaning Faith and trusting the universe, God, or spirit Finding community during a time of isolation The unexpected ways we can be taken care of Grief, belonging, and starting over How relationships can become part of our miracles Why some miracles only become visible in hindsight And, naturally, fridge rights, rodeo clowns, and demolition derbies To listen to other stories of ordinary miracles (and synchronicity) click on the links in the episodes below! Diego Sanmiguel shares a powerful and simple story of reminder. "The Miracle In The Words" can be found on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Pat Wetzel is an incredible pilot! She loved gliding, and it's what she lives for. Her story, about an encounter during one of those flights, is simply enchanting! You can find "Floating On A Bubble Of Magic (Gliding On Air, Witnessing Miracles)" on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. and finally, Claire Boyce shares a heart-warming story of a praying mantis, and how she got the be the Angel for a day...and it all began unexpectedly! (as most very cool experiences do!). "The Magic Of Mantises (Insects Are Groovy!)" can be found on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And now, to Kurt and his grooviness! You can find his website HERE. His Insta is HERE and his Facebook, HERE. And here is the link to his YOUTUBE. And if you want to get your ears on his pod, "Live Fully. Lead Authentically. A Brimstone Coaching Podcast" you can check it out on Apple HERE. And what about me you may ask? Well, here's my website: Byte Sized Blessings And my Insta, and YouTube, which is woefully behind! And what's that? You want to buy my books from Beastly Books? Here's a link to my series then!! DON'T FORGET TO RATE AND REVIEW THE PODCAST!! Hooray! And your bit of beauty is this! A seriously fun demolition derby on YouTube! From Gander Demolition Derby, here's why there's so much excitement...who wouldn't want to watch really slow cars bumping up against eachother? (in somewhat slow motion...haha! Enjoy!)
S16 · E337
September 2 · 17 min
S16 Ep337: The Tree, the Acorns, and Synchronicity at Auschwitz, Sande Hart's Miracle Story! The Byte
Sande Hart shares an extraordinary miracle story at Auschwitz involving a tree, falling acorns, synchronicity, and the mysterious signs that may surround us every day. What if the strange coincidences in your life aren't coincidences at all? My guest shares her extraordinary acorn miracle at Auschwitz, the unforgettable “What About the Dog?” story, and her philosophy of synchronicity, spiritual signs, and paying attention to the invitations hidden in everyday life. In this deeply moving episode I talk with Sande Hart, mother, grandmother, author, community builder, and founding president of the Global Women's Village, about the mysterious and miraculous experiences that have shaped her life. Sande Hart's Miracle Story: The Tree, the Acorns, and Auschwitz One of the most powerful stories Sande shares takes place at Auschwitz-Birkenau, where she was working with the One Humanity Institute on the idea of creating an institute for peace on the grounds of Auschwitz. While visiting the site, Sande found herself drawn toward a magnificent old tree. Sande describes herself as a “tree hunter,” someone who instinctively looks for trees and feels that they hold stories and energy. At Auschwitz, surrounded by the weight of history, she noticed a particularly enormous, beautiful tree that seemed to call her attention. She broke away from her group and walked toward it. And that's when something very unexpected happened! What Is Synchronicity? If you've ever experienced a series of coincidences that seemed strangely connected, you may have wondered: What is synchronicity? Are coincidences meaningful? Can the universe send us signs? How do you recognize a spiritual sign? Why do certain symbols keep appearing in your life? What does it mean when something keeps showing up? Can nature communicate with us? Sande's philosophy is not about having all the answers. Instead, it is about becoming willing to notice. The “What About the Dog?” Miracle Sande also tells an unforgettable story from the 1982 Peace Sunday No Nukes Rally and Music Festival at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where approximately 100,000 people had gathered. Early in the event, an announcement was made that someone had left a dog inside a car with the windows rolled up. While everyone else seemed to move on, Sande couldn't. She felt compelled to ask: “What about the dog?” You have to listen to the rest of this magical story, because the outcome, and the synchronicity that followed, are incredible! The Liminal Spaces Where Magic Happens Sande's experiences ultimately point toward a larger idea: the spaces in between. The moments between one event and another. The places where coincidence becomes synchronicity. The instant when intuition tells us to stop and pay attention. The unexpected encounter that changes the direction of our lives. The question we feel compelled to ask even when everyone else has moved on. These are the liminal spaces—the mysterious thresholds where something new can emerge. And Sande's book, The Liminal Odyssey, grew directly out of her desire to understand those spaces and the stories that happen within them. A Conversation About Trees, Nature, Synchronicity, and Miracles This episode is ultimately about much more than one extraordinary experience at Auschwitz. It is about how we relate to the living world around us. Sande sees trees as beings that hold stories. She talks about the importance of connecting with nature, following our passions, listening to our intuition, and recognizing that we have both a responsibility to the world and the privilege of being alive within it. Her invitation at the end of the episode is wonderfully simple: Go talk to a tree. Hug one. Say hello. Pay attention. Because you never know what kind of magic might happen when you stop long enough to notice what has been there all along. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Sande Hart's extraordinary acorn miracle at Auschwitz Why Sande feels drawn to trees and believes they hold stories The mysterious experience of being showered with acorns Whether coincidences can carry deeper meaning Synchronicity and spiritual signs How to recognize the “invitations” life places in front of us The unforgettable “What About the Dog?” story from the 1982 Peace Sunday No Nukes Rally How a mysterious newspaper article eventually corroborated Sande's memory The connection between synchronicity and The Liminal Odyssey Why asking “Why?” can open the door to curiosity and mystery What it means to be willing to say yes to adventure The relationship between humans, trees, nature, and the living world Why paying attention may change the way you experience everyday life To dive on in to all that Sande has been involved in, and is dreaming into being, check out her website HERE. Her Insta can be found HERE, and her Facebook, HERE. And please, get a copy of her book, "The Liminal Odyssey, The Alchemical Power Of The Spaces In-Between", HERE. If you are into humans creating good change and lifting others up, while experiencing the mystery that is life, please check out these episodes below! Reed Thomas Lawrence experiences a magical moment on a hike on a mountain, when he had an encounter that quite literally, changed his life! "The Myterious Man On The Mountain" can be found on Apple HERE, and Spotify HERE. Catarina tells an uplifting miracle story about being at the end of the world on the Mongolian Steppes and what she encountered there. This story will change your life! "Mongolian Dreams, Sámi Encounters, (Magic At The End Of The World)" can be found on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Susan Hensley tells an intense story of being in Hawaii and finding herself in the center of an incredibly powerful storm. What she realized at that moment changed her life forever! "The Wildness and Peace Inside the Storm (Magical Encounter In Hawaii) can be found on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Check out what's happening in my world, if you get a moment. Here's my website: Byte Sized Blessings As well as my Insta and my YouTube, which is woefully behind at the moment! And your bit of beauty is this, this week: the incredible article about Sande's story, "What About The Dog." Click HERE to get some more background on that magical day! Sande Hart, miracle stories, true miracle stories, synchronicity, meaningful coincidences, spiritual signs, signs from the universe, mysterious experiences, unexplained experiences, miracles and synchronicities, spiritual experiences, tree symbolism, sacred trees, nature and spirituality, signs and wonders, miraculous stories, mystical experiences, meaningful coincidences, what is synchronicity, are coincidences meaningful, how to recognize signs from the universe, spiritual signs and synchronicities, mysterious signs, miracles in everyday life
S16 · E337
September 2 · 1 hr 1 min
S16 Ep337: The Tree, the Acorns, and Synchronicity at Auschwitz, Sande Hart's Miracle Story! -The Interview
Sande Hart shares an extraordinary miracle story at Auschwitz involving a tree, falling acorns, synchronicity, and the mysterious signs that may surround us every day. What if the strange coincidences in your life aren't coincidences at all? My guest shares her extraordinary acorn miracle at Auschwitz, the unforgettable “What About the Dog?” story, and her philosophy of synchronicity, spiritual signs, and paying attention to the invitations hidden in everyday life. In this deeply moving episode I talk with Sande Hart, mother, grandmother, author, community builder, and founding president of the Global Women's Village, about the mysterious and miraculous experiences that have shaped her life. Sande Hart's Miracle Story: The Tree, the Acorns, and Auschwitz One of the most powerful stories Sande shares takes place at Auschwitz-Birkenau, where she was working with the One Humanity Institute on the idea of creating an institute for peace on the grounds of Auschwitz. While visiting the site, Sande found herself drawn toward a magnificent old tree. Sande describes herself as a “tree hunter,” someone who instinctively looks for trees and feels that they hold stories and energy. At Auschwitz, surrounded by the weight of history, she noticed a particularly enormous, beautiful tree that seemed to call her attention. She broke away from her group and walked toward it. And that's when something very unexpected happened! What Is Synchronicity? If you've ever experienced a series of coincidences that seemed strangely connected, you may have wondered: What is synchronicity? Are coincidences meaningful? Can the universe send us signs? How do you recognize a spiritual sign? Why do certain symbols keep appearing in your life? What does it mean when something keeps showing up? Can nature communicate with us? Sande's philosophy is not about having all the answers. Instead, it is about becoming willing to notice. The “What About the Dog?” Miracle Sande also tells an unforgettable story from the 1982 Peace Sunday No Nukes Rally and Music Festival at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where approximately 100,000 people had gathered. Early in the event, an announcement was made that someone had left a dog inside a car with the windows rolled up. While everyone else seemed to move on, Sande couldn't. She felt compelled to ask: “What about the dog?” You have to listen to the rest of this magical story, because the outcome, and the synchronicity that followed, are incredible! The Liminal Spaces Where Magic Happens Sande's experiences ultimately point toward a larger idea: the spaces in between. The moments between one event and another. The places where coincidence becomes synchronicity. The instant when intuition tells us to stop and pay attention. The unexpected encounter that changes the direction of our lives. The question we feel compelled to ask even when everyone else has moved on. These are the liminal spaces—the mysterious thresholds where something new can emerge. And Sande's book, The Liminal Odyssey, grew directly out of her desire to understand those spaces and the stories that happen within them. A Conversation About Trees, Nature, Synchronicity, and Miracles This episode is ultimately about much more than one extraordinary experience at Auschwitz. It is about how we relate to the living world around us. Sande sees trees as beings that hold stories. She talks about the importance of connecting with nature, following our passions, listening to our intuition, and recognizing that we have both a responsibility to the world and the privilege of being alive within it. Her invitation at the end of the episode is wonderfully simple: Go talk to a tree. Hug one. Say hello. Pay attention. Because you never know what kind of magic might happen when you stop long enough to notice what has been there all along. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Sande Hart's extraordinary acorn miracle at Auschwitz Why Sande feels drawn to trees and believes they hold stories The mysterious experience of being showered with acorns Whether coincidences can carry deeper meaning Synchronicity and spiritual signs How to recognize the “invitations” life places in front of us The unforgettable “What About the Dog?” story from the 1982 Peace Sunday No Nukes Rally How a mysterious newspaper article eventually corroborated Sande's memory The connection between synchronicity and The Liminal Odyssey Why asking “Why?” can open the door to curiosity and mystery What it means to be willing to say yes to adventure The relationship between humans, trees, nature, and the living world Why paying attention may change the way you experience everyday life To dive on in to all that Sande has been involved in, and is dreaming into being, check out her website HERE. Her Insta can be found HERE, and her Facebook, HERE. And please, get a copy of her book, "The Liminal Odyssey, The Alchemical Power Of The Spaces In-Between", HERE. If you are into humans creating good change and lifting others up, while experiencing the mystery that is life, please check out these episodes below! Reed Thomas Lawrence experiences a magical moment on a hike on a mountain, when he had an encounter that quite literally, changed his life! "The Myterious Man On The Mountain" can be found on Apple HERE, and Spotify HERE. Catarina tells an uplifting miracle story about being at the end of the world on the Mongolian Steppes and what she encountered there. This story will change your life! "Mongolian Dreams, Sámi Encounters, (Magic At The End Of The World)" can be found on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Susan Hensley tells an intense story of being in Hawaii and finding herself in the center of an incredibly powerful storm. What she realized at that moment changed her life forever! "The Wildness and Peace Inside the Storm (Magical Encounter In Hawaii) can be found on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. Check out what's happening in my world, if you get a moment. Here's my website: Byte Sized Blessings As well as my Insta and my YouTube, which is woefully behind at the moment! And your bit of beauty is this, this week: the incredible article about Sande's story, "What About The Dog." Click HERE to get some more background on that magical day! Sande Hart, miracle stories, true miracle stories, synchronicity, meaningful coincidences, spiritual signs, signs from the universe, mysterious experiences, unexplained experiences, miracles and synchronicities, spiritual experiences, tree symbolism, sacred trees, nature and spirituality, signs and wonders, miraculous stories, mystical experiences, meaningful coincidences, what is synchronicity, are coincidences meaningful, how to recognize signs from the universe, spiritual signs and synchronicities, mysterious signs, miracles in everyday life
S16 · E336
August 29 · 59 min
S16 Ep336: Miracle of Divine Timing: When Intuition Changes Everything!-Interview
What if the thing you thought was a delay was actually a miracle? In this powerful episode, Bart Merrill shares an extraordinary true-life story about amputation, intuition, divine timing, and a series of seemingly small decisions that ultimately protected both him and his wife. Bart had already endured 12 years of excruciating pain after a devastating accident left him with a severely damaged ankle. Eventually, his ankle bone deteriorated to the point where there was nothing left to fuse, and doctors told him that amputation was likely his best option. But Bart’s most remarkable story isn't simply about losing his leg. It’s about timing. And what happened when he listened to the feeling that told him, not yet. Bart Merrill’s Miracle Story: The Power of Divine Timing Bart originally scheduled his leg amputation for November 2023. Then, for several reasons—including concerns about the holidays, recovery, and insurance—he decided to postpone the surgery. He eventually rescheduled. And then something happened that changed everything. When a Delay Becomes a Miracle Bart’s story raises a fascinating question: Can intuition tell us when the timing of something is wrong? He had practical reasons for postponing his surgery. But looking back, he sees something much bigger at work. What Bart Merrill’s Story Teaches Us About Intuition One of the most powerful themes in this episode is the idea that intuition is a form of guidance. Bart’s experience isn't simply a story about coincidence. It's a story about paying attention when something inside you says, wait. A Miracle Hidden in the Timing Bart's story is a beautiful example of the kind of mystery this podcast explores: the possibility that the events of our lives can connect in ways we don't fully understand at the time they're happening. A postponed surgery. A wife's unexpected medical crisis. A series of changes in hospital arrangements. A successful amputation and recovery. And a man who ultimately looks back and sees not chaos, but divine timing. In This Episode Bart Merrill's extraordinary miracle story The divine timing behind his delayed amputation Why Bart postponed his surgery several times His wife's quadruple bypass surgery How intuition may protect us from dangers we cannot yet see Bart's 12-year journey with chronic ankle pain The accident that eventually led to his leg amputation The surprising discovery that his ankle bone had deteriorated Bart's experience preparing for life as an amputee His terrifying walk into the hospital Recovery after his leg amputation The difference between acute rehabilitation and nursing care Finding gratitude in difficult circumstances The connection between intuition, synchronicity, and miracles Why sometimes the best thing you can do is wait To check out other episodes on this podcast that deal with Divine Intervention, check out the conversations listed below: Celeste Yacaboni shares a powerful story of what happened one night in the wee small hours of the morning...a light appeared, and then asked her a simple, yet life-changing question. "The Vision That Changed Everything" can be found on Spotify HERE and Apple HERE. Stanley Bronstein shares an incredible story of witness and timing, when he could be there for a small child at a gravesite. What he does and how he helps this child, brings Stanley's entire life full circle! "The Miracle That Took A Lifetime" can be found on Spotify HERE, and Apple HERE. Rev. Dr. Keith Haney shares a divine story-he was called to the bedside of a young woman who was told she was going to die. What happened next will change your mind about community, prayer and healing through Love. "Our Voices Can Heal Worlds" can be found on Spotify HERE and Apple HERE. And now, Bart's deets...and the fab work he is doing in this world! Here is his website, The Side Hustle Samauri! And then his Facebook, as well as his YouTube! And if you want to check me out, here's my website- Byte Sized Blessings As well as my Insta...which is irreverent yet serious, like me! And I have not forgotten your bit of beauty...that spark that will remind you this world is lovely. This bit of summer Zen comes courtesy of some of my favorite creatures, ever. Moomins! Here they are, celebrating summer just like we all should-together, in community and very, very relaxed! miracle story, true miracle story, divine timing, signs and wonders, intuition, trusting your intuition, spiritual intuition, synchronicity, divine intervention, unexplained miracles, miraculous timing, amputation story, amputee story, leg amputation, chronic pain, resilience after amputation, miraculous recovery, spiritual experiences, mysterious coincidences, signs from the universe, listening to your intuition
S16 · E336
August 29 · 20 min
S16 Ep336: Miracle of Divine Timing: When Intuition Changes Everything!-Byte
What if the thing you thought was a delay was actually a miracle? In this powerful episode, Bart Merrill shares an extraordinary true-life story about amputation, intuition, divine timing, and a series of seemingly small decisions that ultimately protected both him and his wife. Bart had already endured 12 years of excruciating pain after a devastating accident left him with a severely damaged ankle. Eventually, his ankle bone deteriorated to the point where there was nothing left to fuse, and doctors told him that amputation was likely his best option. But Bart’s most remarkable story isn't simply about losing his leg. It’s about timing. And what happened when he listened to the feeling that told him, not yet. Bart Merrill’s Miracle Story: The Power of Divine Timing Bart originally scheduled his leg amputation for November 2023. Then, for several reasons—including concerns about the holidays, recovery, and insurance—he decided to postpone the surgery. He eventually rescheduled. And then something happened that changed everything. When a Delay Becomes a Miracle Bart’s story raises a fascinating question: Can intuition tell us when the timing of something is wrong? He had practical reasons for postponing his surgery. But looking back, he sees something much bigger at work. What Bart Merrill’s Story Teaches Us About Intuition One of the most powerful themes in this episode is the idea that intuition is a form of guidance. Bart’s experience isn't simply a story about coincidence. It's a story about paying attention when something inside you says, wait. A Miracle Hidden in the Timing Bart's story is a beautiful example of the kind of mystery this podcast explores: the possibility that the events of our lives can connect in ways we don't fully understand at the time they're happening. A postponed surgery. A wife's unexpected medical crisis. A series of changes in hospital arrangements. A successful amputation and recovery. And a man who ultimately looks back and sees not chaos, but divine timing. In This Episode Bart Merrill's extraordinary miracle story The divine timing behind his delayed amputation Why Bart postponed his surgery several times His wife's quadruple bypass surgery How intuition may protect us from dangers we cannot yet see Bart's 12-year journey with chronic ankle pain The accident that eventually led to his leg amputation The surprising discovery that his ankle bone had deteriorated Bart's experience preparing for life as an amputee His terrifying walk into the hospital Recovery after his leg amputation The difference between acute rehabilitation and nursing care Finding gratitude in difficult circumstances The connection between intuition, synchronicity, and miracles Why sometimes the best thing you can do is wait To check out other episodes on this podcast that deal with Divine Intervention, check out the conversations listed below: Celeste Yacaboni shares a powerful story of what happened one night in the wee small hours of the morning...a light appeared, and then asked her a simple, yet life-changing question. "The Vision That Changed Everything" can be found on Spotify HERE and Apple HERE. Stanley Bronstein shares an incredible story of witness and timing, when he could be there for a small child at a gravesite. What he does and how he helps this child, brings Stanley's entire life full circle! "The Miracle That Took A Lifetime" can be found on Spotify HERE, and Apple HERE. Rev. Dr. Keith Haney shares a divine story-he was called to the bedside of a young woman who was told she was going to die. What happened next will change your mind about community, prayer and healing through Love. "Our Voices Can Heal Worlds" can be found on Spotify HERE and Apple HERE. And now, Bart's deets...and the fab work he is doing in this world! Here is his website, The Side Hustle Samauri! And then his Facebook, as well as his YouTube! And if you want to check me out, here's my website- Byte Sized Blessings As well as my Insta...which is irreverent yet serious, like me! And I have not forgotten your bit of beauty...that spark that will remind you this world is lovely. This bit of summer Zen comes courtesy of some of my favorite creatures, ever. Moomins! Here they are, celebrating summer just like we all should-together, in community and very, very relaxed! miracle story, true miracle story, divine timing, signs and wonders, intuition, trusting your intuition, spiritual intuition, synchronicity, divine intervention, unexplained miracles, miraculous timing, amputation story, amputee story, leg amputation, chronic pain, resilience after amputation, miraculous recovery, spiritual experiences, mysterious coincidences, signs from the universe, listening to your intuition
S16 · E335
August 26 · 58 min
S16 Ep335: Death, Dying, and the Sacred Mystery of Life’s Final Moments-Interview With Theresa Evans!
ICU nurse Theresa Evans shares powerful stories of death, dying, and what she witnessed during her mother’s final days, including moments of mystery, light, love, and profound presence. Death is one of life’s greatest mysteries. We can talk about it, study it, fear it, prepare for it, and try desperately to understand what happens when a person takes their final breath. But ultimately, death remains one of the great unknowables. My guest on this episode, Theresa Evans, has spent much of her life close to that mystery. An ICU Nurse’s Perspective on Death and Dying Theresa brings a unique perspective to conversations about death because she is grounded both in medical science and in lived experience. She believes in physiology. She believes in what medical imaging, tests, and the human body can tell us. And yet, after witnessing people die—and after experiencing the deaths of those closest to her—she also recognizes that there are moments at the end of life that seem to resist easy explanation. Grief and the Person Who Is Dying One of the most important insights Theresa shares is about the difference between the experience of grieving and the experience of dying. The people who remain are often devastated. Even when we know that death may bring relief from suffering, even when we believe we are making the right decision, we still grieve. But Theresa believes we sometimes unintentionally place our grief on the person who is dying. A Mother’s Final Days: 86 Days of Love Theresa was 60 years old when her mother died. She reflects on how grateful she was to have reached that point in her own life. With decades of living behind her, she had witnessed relationships of many kinds and seen people come and go. She understood, on some level, that love and grief could exist simultaneously. The Sacred Moment of Her Mother’s Death When Theresa’s mother finally died, Theresa describes the experience as the most sacred moment of her life. Not sacred in a heavy or formal sense. Sacred because she was fully present. This episode will be sure to tug at your heart-strings, but also remind you that Love is eternal and that our time is short, so make sure to tell those you love that you do...as often as possible. For other episodes that engage with this liminal space of Death, check these out below... In "Irish Magic and A Father's Love" Kathy Mahon details what happened at the bedside of her Father, who was dying. A powerful reminder of love and family, this episode should not be missed. For Spotify, listen HERE. Apple, HERE. Helen Gretchen Jones is a Death Doula and she has stories to share! I mean, WOW! Listen to her experiences at the edge of Death, "The Mystery at Death's Door...The Vision Of The Death Doula," on Apple HERE, and Spotify HERE! Paul Zolman shares an astounding story about his Father that will have you thinking twice about whether Death is an ending. "The Message From Beyond Death" can be found on Spotify HERE and Apple HERE. And finally, the goodies so that you can check out Theresa and what she is doing in the wild, wild world! Here's her website! Theresa's Insta, and Facebook! And finally, her gorgeous book, "Choosing to Die: A Daughter's Story Of Supporting Her Mother's End Of Life Through Assisted Death" just click on the link, and you can buy your own copy. With so many 5-star reviews you just know this book is going to change your life! PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE POD, I WOULD BE SO GRATEFUL! Your bit of beauty is this: a sweet little video showing a bee drunk on pollen. I needed something simple this week after so much bad news...and loss. Nepal, Dolly Parton, Tim Curry and so many other precious souls who went to their next adventure. So bees it is! Revel in the simplicity and the beauty of nature doing her thing! ICU nurse stories, end-of-life experiences, death and dying, sacred death, hospice and palliative care, what happens when we die, deathbed experiences, grieving a loved one
S16 · E335
August 26 · 16 min
S16 Ep335: Death, Dying, and the Sacred Mystery of Life’s Final Moments
ICU nurse Theresa Evans shares powerful stories of death, dying, and what she witnessed during her mother’s final days, including moments of mystery, light, love, and profound presence. Death is one of life’s greatest mysteries. We can talk about it, study it, fear it, prepare for it, and try desperately to understand what happens when a person takes their final breath. But ultimately, death remains one of the great unknowables. My guest on this episode, Theresa Evans, has spent much of her life close to that mystery. An ICU Nurse’s Perspective on Death and Dying Theresa brings a unique perspective to conversations about death because she is grounded both in medical science and in lived experience. She believes in physiology. She believes in what medical imaging, tests, and the human body can tell us. And yet, after witnessing people die—and after experiencing the deaths of those closest to her—she also recognizes that there are moments at the end of life that seem to resist easy explanation. Grief and the Person Who Is Dying One of the most important insights Theresa shares is about the difference between the experience of grieving and the experience of dying. The people who remain are often devastated. Even when we know that death may bring relief from suffering, even when we believe we are making the right decision, we still grieve. But Theresa believes we sometimes unintentionally place our grief on the person who is dying. A Mother’s Final Days: 86 Days of Love Theresa was 60 years old when her mother died. She reflects on how grateful she was to have reached that point in her own life. With decades of living behind her, she had witnessed relationships of many kinds and seen people come and go. She understood, on some level, that love and grief could exist simultaneously. The Sacred Moment of Her Mother’s Death When Theresa’s mother finally died, Theresa describes the experience as the most sacred moment of her life. Not sacred in a heavy or formal sense. Sacred because she was fully present. This episode will be sure to tug at your heart-strings, but also remind you that Love is eternal and that our time is short, so make sure to tell those you love that you do...as often as possible. For other episodes that engage with this liminal space of Death, check these out below... In "Irish Magic and A Father's Love" Kathy Mahon details what happened at the bedside of her Father, who was dying. A powerful reminder of love and family, this episode should not be missed. For Spotify, listen HERE. Apple, HERE. Helen Gretchen Jones is a Death Doula and she has stories to share! I mean, WOW! Listen to her experiences at the edge of Death, "The Mystery at Death's Door...The Vision Of The Death Doula," on Apple HERE, and Spotify HERE! Paul Zolman shares an astounding story about his Father that will have you thinking twice about whether Death is an ending. "The Message From Beyond Death" can be found on Spotify HERE and Apple HERE. And finally, the goodies so that you can check out Theresa and what she is doing in the wild, wild world! Here's her website! Theresa's Insta, and Facebook! And finally, her gorgeous book, "Choosing to Die: A Daughter's Story Of Supporting Her Mother's End Of Life Through Assisted Death" just click on the link, and you can buy your own copy. With so many 5-star reviews you just know this book is going to change your life! PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE POD, I WOULD BE SO GRATEFUL! Your bit of beauty is this: a sweet little video showing a bee drunk on pollen. I needed something simple this week after so much bad news...and loss. Nepal, Dolly Parton, Tim Curry and so many other precious souls who went to their next adventure. So bees it is! Revel in the simplicity and the beauty of nature doing her thing! ICU nurse stories, end-of-life experiences, death and dying, sacred death, hospice and palliative care, what happens when we die, deathbed experiences, grieving a loved one
S16 · E334
August 21 · 1 hr 3 min
S16 Ep334: Interview: Mysterious Synchronicity: A Powerful Story of Connection and Healing!
Discover a powerful story of mysterious synchronicity, grief, spiritual connection, and how being in the right place at the right time can bring unexpected healing. The world is full of mystery, magic, and sometimes mayhem. Every so often, something happens that makes us pause and wonder whether life is simply a series of random events—or whether there are moments when we find ourselves exactly where we are meant to be. In a recent conversation with Dr. Raymond Roberts, a pastor with more than 40 years of experience, author, and musician, he shared one such story. It involved a lightning strike, a small church in Virginia, a devastating family tragedy, and an extraordinary chain of events that placed him in a position to offer comfort when it was needed most. Was it coincidence? Synchronicity? Divine providence? Whatever name you give it, the story is a powerful reminder that our connections with other people can matter in ways we may not understand until much later. A Strange Beginning at Providence Presbyterian Church As a young pastor, Dr. Raymond Roberts was invited to speak at Providence Presbyterian Church in southern Virginia. A friend drove him to the church, where the congregation gathered for dinner before the service. Dr. Roberts had previously spoken at a youth retreat for the local presbytery, which was how the church had learned about him. Everything seemed relatively ordinary—until the service was about to begin. The clerk of session stepped outside and called for the young men waiting beneath a large oak tree to come inside. At that exact moment, lightning struck the tree. The Power of Being in the Right Place at the Right Time A series of seemingly unrelated events had brought him to that church. A lightning strike had marked the beginning of the evening. His friend had unexpectedly arranged for him to travel home with a grieving family. And that family turned out to be mourning a young man Dr. Roberts had recently known. Sometimes, this is how healing enters a difficult moment. Not through an explanation. Not through a perfect set of words. But through presence. Does Everything Happen for a Reason? Is every coincidence a sign? Dr. Roberts offered an important distinction. He does not believe that every tragedy is caused by God or that every event has a simple explanation. He does not believe, for example, that God caused Calvin's death. Life contains tragedy, loss, and events that can be impossible to understand. But Dr. Roberts does believe in the possibility of a redeeming presence. Synchronicity, Connection, and the Mystery of Life The story of Dr. Raymond Roberts and Calvin's family is ultimately a story about connection. It is about the mysterious intersections that occur in our lives. If you'd like to hear other episodes of the podcast that deal with magical synchronicity, being in the right place at the right time, or stories of spiritual connection, here are some offerings for you! Gloria Vanderhoorst shares her story of being profoundly ill as a child, and close to Death, until a mysterious glowing woman entered her room and healed her. A spiritually profound encounter, her experience reminds us that healing happens in all sorts of ways! Listen on Spotify HERE, on Apple HERE! Birmingham, Alabama's Inaugural Poet Laureate shares a mysterious story of healing and encounter in this episode, "The Woman In The Yellow Apron." A story from the South, it engages with an old plantation, and the ghosts that still reside there. Listen on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And finally, Holly Porter's episode about surviving 70 days in the hospital with COVID, and the visions she experienced during that time, are astounding. Listen on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And friends, to read up on Dr. Raymond and his life, here is his website! Here is his Insta, so you can stay in the know! As well as his Facebook! And then, to support this intrepid author, click here to buy "A Democratic and Republican Faith: A Public Theology for a Church and Nation in Crisis” To take a gander at his Substack, click on this BUTTON! And finally, to check out "Reckless and Wild" on Spotify, click HERE! And your bit of beauty is this: RECKLESS AND WILD'S website where you can check out this band and their villan origin story! ;-) Here's a blurb from their bio: "What do you call a band where the two singers/songwriters come from very diverse backgrounds? One, a former New York model was working the late-night city music scene, writing and recording with "the B-52's" and doing soundtracks for movies, including a Stephen King film. The other? Would you believe a full-time Presbyterian minister? The resulting band is Reckless and Wild, tying Reckless Ray "The Rev" Roberts to his foil, Johnny Wild Coté. Together this duo is out to make rock history by creating genre-fluid music! Enjoy everyone!
S16 · E334
August 21 · 12 min
S16 Ep334: Byte: Mysterious Synchronicity: A Powerful Story of Connection and Healing!
Discover a powerful story of mysterious synchronicity, grief, spiritual connection, and how being in the right place at the right time can bring unexpected healing. The world is full of mystery, magic, and sometimes mayhem. Every so often, something happens that makes us pause and wonder whether life is simply a series of random events—or whether there are moments when we find ourselves exactly where we are meant to be. In a recent conversation with Dr. Raymond Roberts, a pastor with more than 40 years of experience, author, and musician, he shared one such story. It involved a lightning strike, a small church in Virginia, a devastating family tragedy, and an extraordinary chain of events that placed him in a position to offer comfort when it was needed most. Was it coincidence? Synchronicity? Divine providence? Whatever name you give it, the story is a powerful reminder that our connections with other people can matter in ways we may not understand until much later. A Strange Beginning at Providence Presbyterian Church As a young pastor, Dr. Raymond Roberts was invited to speak at Providence Presbyterian Church in southern Virginia. A friend drove him to the church, where the congregation gathered for dinner before the service. Dr. Roberts had previously spoken at a youth retreat for the local presbytery, which was how the church had learned about him. Everything seemed relatively ordinary—until the service was about to begin. The clerk of session stepped outside and called for the young men waiting beneath a large oak tree to come inside. At that exact moment, lightning struck the tree. The Power of Being in the Right Place at the Right Time A series of seemingly unrelated events had brought him to that church. A lightning strike had marked the beginning of the evening. His friend had unexpectedly arranged for him to travel home with a grieving family. And that family turned out to be mourning a young man Dr. Roberts had recently known. Sometimes, this is how healing enters a difficult moment. Not through an explanation. Not through a perfect set of words. But through presence. Does Everything Happen for a Reason? Is every coincidence a sign? Dr. Roberts offered an important distinction. He does not believe that every tragedy is caused by God or that every event has a simple explanation. He does not believe, for example, that God caused Calvin's death. Life contains tragedy, loss, and events that can be impossible to understand. But Dr. Roberts does believe in the possibility of a redeeming presence. Synchronicity, Connection, and the Mystery of Life The story of Dr. Raymond Roberts and Calvin's family is ultimately a story about connection. It is about the mysterious intersections that occur in our lives. If you'd like to hear other episodes of the podcast that deal with magical synchronicity, being in the right place at the right time, or stories of spiritual connection, here are some offerings for you! Gloria Vanderhoorst shares her story of being profoundly ill as a child, and close to Death, until a mysterious glowing woman entered her room and healed her. A spiritually profound encounter, her experience reminds us that healing happens in all sorts of ways! Listen on Spotify HERE, on Apple HERE! Birmingham, Alabama's Inaugural Poet Laureate shares a mysterious story of healing and encounter in this episode, "The Woman In The Yellow Apron." A story from the South, it engages with an old plantation, and the ghosts that still reside there. Listen on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And finally, Holly Porter's episode about surviving 70 days in the hospital with COVID, and the visions she experienced during that time, are astounding. Listen on Apple HERE and Spotify HERE. And friends, to read up on Dr. Raymond and his life, here is his website! Here is his Insta, so you can stay in the know! As well as his Facebook! And then, to support this intrepid author, click here to buy "A Democratic and Republican Faith: A Public Theology for a Church and Nation in Crisis” To take a gander at his Substack, click on this BUTTON! And finally, to check out "Reckless and Wild" on Spotify, click HERE! And your bit of beauty is this: RECKLESS AND WILD'S website where you can check out this band and their villan origin story! ;-) Here's a blurb from their bio: "What do you call a band where the two singers/songwriters come from very diverse backgrounds? One, a former New York model was working the late-night city music scene, writing and recording with "the B-52's" and doing soundtracks for movies, including a Stephen King film. The other? Would you believe a full-time Presbyterian minister? The resulting band is Reckless and Wild, tying Reckless Ray "The Rev" Roberts to his foil, Johnny Wild Coté. Together this duo is out to make rock history by creating genre-fluid music! Enjoy everyone!
S16 · E333
August 15 · 1 hr
S16 Ep333: Interview: Hannah Forest ~ Fairies, The Fae, Paranormal Encounters & Magic! (Whew!)
What happens when we open ourselves to the fae, nature spirits, flower essences, and the mystery of the natural world? Hannah Forest shares her experiences with synchronicity, spiritual encounters, and living in relationship with nature. There are some conversations that leave you thinking long after the microphone has been turned off. My conversation with Hannah Forest was one of those. Hannah is an intuitive naturopath, herbalist, and lover of the natural world. Her work explores the quiet, everyday practices that shape our health, our homes, and our relationship with nature. But what really drew me into our conversation was her relationship with the fae, nature spirits, flower essences, and the unseen world. And then there was the story about the ghost who touched her shoulder. The Synchronicity That Led Hannah to Her Mentor Was it coincidence? Was it synchronicity? Was it simply a series of ordinary events that happened to line up? Hannah doesn't need to force an answer. That's part of the magic. The Time Hannah Felt a Spirit Touch Her Shoulder Hannah says the experience was particularly striking because she doesn't consider herself someone who routinely sees or hears spirits. She doesn't describe herself as clairvoyant, nor does she regularly communicate with the dead. This was different. Why Stories About the Fae Still Matter The idea of faeries can easily be dismissed as children's fantasy. But stories about fae and nature spirits have existed across cultures for centuries, often reflecting a deeper relationship between people and the landscapes they inhabit. Whether understood literally or symbolically, these stories can encourage us to treat the natural world as something more than a collection of resources. Final Thoughts: Open Your Heart to the Mystery My conversation with Hannah Forest reminded me why stories about the mysterious and unseen continue to captivate us. They're not necessarily about proving that ghosts exist or convincing someone to believe in the fae. They're about wonder. They're about those strange moments when life seems to line up in ways we couldn't have planned. They're about the possibility that the world might be more mysterious, more alive, and more interconnected than we usually allow ourselves to imagine. Check out my other interviews with guests that include stories of the fae! Jennessee Rosenberg's Interview where she shares her funny story of the Fae, and how they purposely made sure she got lost in the woods! "Fairies Think They're Funny (Getting Lost In The Woods), Listen on Apple, HERE. Listen on Spotify HERE. "The Magic Of Amazonian Forest Gods/Tricksters (And Other Tales), where I interview Sally Smith. A crazy story of encounter, you can listen on Spotify HERE. On Apple, HERE. "All The Spirits We Cannot See! Japanese Animist Magic!" I interview Junko Nagao for this episode, and she shares the very potent and alive traditions of her ancestors! Spotify HERE, Apple HERE! OK, so first things first: Hannah's website-->> check it out HERE. And then, her Substack, filled with gorgeousness, HERE. Woot! Now her sweet Instagram...where green things grow...HERE! And guess what everyone? She has THE BEST PODCAST, called "Old Ways for the New Age," which is, "A hearth-centred podcast exploring herbalism, folk magic, astrology and seasonal rhythms through a grounded, practical lens." (I snagged that description off of her website, and it was perfect, so there it is!) To listen on Apple Pods, click HERE. On Spotify, click HERE! To check out my website, click here! Please follow & subscribe, so you don't miss any of the excellent humans and their stories...of magic, mystery (sometimes mayhem) and miracle! xoxo AND, your bit of beauty, babes is a bit more info about FINDHORN! Here is a link to the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland, check that out when you have a moment. BUT, to see a bit more of why I am smitten and enchanted with this little patch of the world, this video, put out by the Findhorn Foundation titled, "A Message from the Spirit of Honeysuckle." Hooray! Enjoy this introduction to this gorgeous plant and who knows, you might just find a new best friend!
S16 · E333
August 15 · 17 min
S16 Ep333: Byte: Hannah Forest ~ Fairies, The Fae, Paranormal Encounters & Magic! (Whew!)
What happens when we open ourselves to the fae, nature spirits, flower essences, and the mystery of the natural world? Hannah Forest shares her experiences with synchronicity, spiritual encounters, and living in relationship with nature. There are some conversations that leave you thinking long after the microphone has been turned off. My conversation with Hannah Forest was one of those. Hannah is an intuitive naturopath, herbalist, and lover of the natural world. Her work explores the quiet, everyday practices that shape our health, our homes, and our relationship with nature. But what really drew me into our conversation was her relationship with the fae, nature spirits, flower essences, and the unseen world. And then there was the story about the ghost who touched her shoulder. The Synchronicity That Led Hannah to Her Mentor Was it coincidence? Was it synchronicity? Was it simply a series of ordinary events that happened to line up? Hannah doesn't need to force an answer. That's part of the magic. The Time Hannah Felt a Spirit Touch Her Shoulder Hannah says the experience was particularly striking because she doesn't consider herself someone who routinely sees or hears spirits. She doesn't describe herself as clairvoyant, nor does she regularly communicate with the dead. This was different. Why Stories About the Fae Still Matter The idea of faeries can easily be dismissed as children's fantasy. But stories about fae and nature spirits have existed across cultures for centuries, often reflecting a deeper relationship between people and the landscapes they inhabit. Whether understood literally or symbolically, these stories can encourage us to treat the natural world as something more than a collection of resources. Final Thoughts: Open Your Heart to the Mystery My conversation with Hannah Forest reminded me why stories about the mysterious and unseen continue to captivate us. They're not necessarily about proving that ghosts exist or convincing someone to believe in the fae. They're about wonder. They're about those strange moments when life seems to line up in ways we couldn't have planned. They're about the possibility that the world might be more mysterious, more alive, and more interconnected than we usually allow ourselves to imagine. Check out my other interviews with guests that include stories of the fae! Jennessee Rosenberg's Interview where she shares her funny story of the Fae, and how they purposely made sure she got lost in the woods! "Fairies Think They're Funny (Getting Lost In The Woods), Listen on Apple, HERE. Listen on Spotify HERE. "The Magic Of Amazonian Forest Gods/Tricksters (And Other Tales), where I interview Sally Smith. A crazy story of encounter, you can listen on Spotify HERE. On Apple, HERE. "All The Spirits We Cannot See! Japanese Animist Magic!" I interview Junko Nagao for this episode, and she shares the very potent and alive traditions of her ancestors! Spotify HERE, Apple HERE! OK, so first things first: Hannah's website-->> check it out HERE. And then, her Substack, filled with gorgeousness, HERE. Woot! Now her sweet Instagram...where green things grow...HERE! And guess what everyone? She has THE BEST PODCAST, called "Old Ways for the New Age," which is, "A hearth-centred podcast exploring herbalism, folk magic, astrology and seasonal rhythms through a grounded, practical lens." (I snagged that description off of her website, and it was perfect, so there it is!) To listen on Apple Pods, click HERE. On Spotify, click HERE! To check out my website, click here! Please follow & subscribe, so you don't miss any of the excellent humans and their stories...of magic, mystery (sometimes mayhem) and miracle! xoxo AND, your bit of beauty, babes is a bit more info about FINDHORN! Here is a link to the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland, check that out when you have a moment. BUT, to see a bit more of why I am smitten and enchanted with this little patch of the world, this video, put out by the Findhorn Foundation titled, "A Message from the Spirit of Honeysuckle." Hooray! Enjoy this introduction to this gorgeous plant and who knows, you might just find a new best friend!

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