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Ep. 195. In this episode, motivational speaker, resilience coach, and magician John Kippen shares how he rebuilt his identity after brain tumor surgery left him with facial paralysis and hearing loss, and how embracing his differences helped him find confidence, purpose, and connection. John reflects on the moment that helped him stop hiding, explains his “I’m Possible” method, feeding your Heart with your Art and explores why authenticity and creativity can help people feel seen. Bio John Kippen is a motivational speaker, resilience and empowerment coach, professional magician, and bestselling author, whose talk, "Being Different is My Super Power: Magic Saved My Life," has been viewed more than one million times. Following brain tumor surgery in 2002, John was left with permanent facial paralysis and hearing loss on one side, an experience that led to years of rebuilding his confidence and identity. Rather than allowing those differences to define him, he returned to his lifelong passion for magic and transformed his personal story into one of resilience, purpose, and empowerment. If you'd like to learn more about John, watch his TEDx Talk, Being Different Is My Superpower: Magic Saved My Life, or learn more about his documentary, John's Ultimate Illusion, visit John's website. Explore his Coaching work here

Ep. 194. In this episode, I read another of my Substack articles titled "Love Is Everywhere." The article argues that we often fail to see love because we have never learned what it looks like. In this episode, I reflect on the quiet ways love has appeared in my life, why it helps to define love for yourself and how understanding someone's past does not mean accepting everything they do. I close with a tarot reading on balance, intuition and trusting your dreams. For a personal reading, please email [email protected]. Viv's Tik Tok Viv's YouTube

Ep. 193. What happens when the person you used to be finally meets the person you’re becoming? In this intimate episode, Viv reads “⁠all my Lives are finally meeting⁠” and “⁠My dear, you’ve grown up⁠”, two essays about identity, self-acceptance, and the surprising feeling of watching your dreams arrive. She reflects on the names and versions of herself she once tried to leave behind, the cost of rejecting parts of her past, and what it means to welcome those parts back into the story. Viv also explores late blooming, autism, ambition, and the shock of realizing that life may be moving faster than the timeline she once imagined. From creative growth to new opportunities, she considers how becoming more fully yourself can change what you believe is possible. For a personal reading, please email [email protected]. Follow me on ⁠Tik Tok⁠ Check out my ⁠YouTube⁠ channel

Ep. 192. In this episode, journalist and novelist John DeDakis reflects on how writing can help us process grief and connect through shared human experience. Drawing on his years at CNN and his White House reporting, John discusses how journalism shaped Enemies Domestic; a thriller confronting political division and disinformation, and why stories can help us better understand one another. In this episode: Viv and John explore how social media and AI affect writing Why technology can be a resource but not a replacement for human creativityHow fiction can invite readers to understand perspectives beyond their own. Bio John DeDakis is a journalist, novelist, and writing coach with over 45 years of experience in journalism, including serving as a White House correspondent during the Reagan administration and as a former editor on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. John is also the author of six award-winning mystery-suspense-thriller novels, and he’s passionate about helping aspiring writers become published authors. Through his work as a manuscript editor, coach, and motivational speaker, he also encourages people to use writing as a path toward healing from grief. To learn more about John’s books, his editorial coaching, or upcoming talks, visit johndedakis.com

Ep. 191. The podcast is back! And in this episode, I talk with Darren Starwynn about shadow work, healing, and how our deepest wounds can reveal our greatest gifts. We explore what it means to awaken as an “avatar,” find purpose through our experiences, and bring more intention into everyday life. Darren also shares a simple grounding practice and explains why personal healing can ripple outward. If you’re exploring your identity, purpose, or spiritual growth, I hope this conversation helps you see your challenges in a new light. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: ​Why Darren connects healing with a sense of wholeness​How wounds and difficult experiences may point toward our gifts​What it means to awaken as an avatar​Why shadow work can feel uncomfortable, and why listening to those parts of ourselves matters Bio Darren Starwynn is a bestselling author, Quantum Catalyst and consciousness teacher who has spent more than three decades exploring the intersection of healing, spirituality and human potential. He is the author of four groundbreaking books, including Awakening the Avatar Within, and has guided thousands of practitioners, healers and seekers through workshops and trainings around the world. Buy Darren's book Awakening the Avatar Within Join his conscious community or book a session Access the Awaken your Inner Healing Power Toolkit Read his reflections on Awakening Avatar on Substack Watch his streaming TV show Quantum Awakenings

Ep. 190. In this episode, I'm joined by Queen Michele, a spiritual educator, author, and founder, to explore ancestry, spirituality, and conscious living. We discuss her journey of reconnecting with her Fula heritage, visiting her ancestral homeland in Guinea-Bissau, building a life in Mexico, and the lessons she's learned about generational healing, New Earth consciousness, and raising Generation Alpha with intention. If you've ever wondered how reconnecting with your roots can transform the way you see yourself and the future, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Queen's Fula Heritage Ancestry and Ancestral Practice New Earth Consciousness Gen Alpha's Curriculum Bio Queen D. Michele is an author, blogger, and creator whose life bridges continents and consciousness. After living four years in Mexico’s Lake Chapala region, she followed her ancestral trail to West Africa, discovering her Fula roots through African Ancestry DNA testing. She is the founder of the Fula History & Genealogy Society in America, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving African heritage and healing generational trauma. Queen’s writings—like Traveling Home Together and The Road to WellBeing—guide readers through spiritual awakening and wholeness. Now based in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, she continues her mission of mindfulness, cultural reconnection, and conscious education through her curriculum 52 Insights for Gen Alpha. To explore Queen's writings, her blog My Soul’s Journey Home, or to support the mission of the Fula History & Genealogy Society in America, visit fulaamerican.org.

Ep. 189. What if the most powerful manifestation tool you have is the relationship you have with yourself? In this episode, I sit down with Julie Heaton to explore the deep connection between self-love and the life you're calling in, and why believing you're worthy of what you want is where it all begins. Together, we unpack the practical and the spiritual: from vision boards and affirmations to shadow work and inner child healing. Julie shares how doing the inner work isn't separate from manifestation, it is the work. We also get into the energy of abundance versus scarcity, and why learning to accept the present moment might be the shift that changes everything. In this episode: ​Why self-love is the foundation of every intention you set​How visualization and vision boards help anchor your goals​Shadow work, inner child healing, and why the inner work matters​Manifesting from abundance not desperation​Accepting where you are as a starting point, not a setback Bio Julie Heaton is an Author, Mentor, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and Reiki Master. Her 30+ years as a corporate executive have culminated in a mission to help more people become their best selves. Her books, The Manifester's Playbook, The Manifester's Workbook, and her children's book series, The Adventures of the Fabulous Three, are inspiring and a roadmap to personal growth. Julie's mentoring encourages you to lean in, do the work, and live your best life. ⁠Julie's Website ⁠⁠Leave a Comment About the Episode⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Please Support the Podcast⁠

Ep. 188. In this episode, Perle Noire shares her inspiring journey from burlesque star and trafficking survivor to healing and intimacy coach. She discusses her unique framework of healing through seduction, redefining intimacy, and honouring ancestral power, offering practical insights for personal empowerment and self-trust. Key Topics Perle Noire's journey from burlesque star to healing coach The concept of self-seduction and its healing power Redefining intimacy beyond physical connection The importance of ancestral veneration in healing The role of chakras and consent in sensuality The significance of altars and ancestral offerings Bio Perle Noire is a healing and intimacy coach, trafficking survivor, and former internationally acclaimed burlesque star. She is the founder of Healing Through Seduction, a transformational practice that helps women reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their power through self-intimacy, ritual, and embodiment. Perle has empowered over 7,000 people worldwide and has been featured by Lincoln Center, MTV, Cosmopolitan, Broadway World, and the Millionaire Summit. She is also a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in burlesque and healing. ⁠Perle's Website⁠ Watch the Episode on Youtube ⁠⁠Leave a Comment About the Episode⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Please Support the Podcast⁠

Ep. 187. In this episode I explore the energetic and symbolic significance of the new moon in Gemini, offering insights on communication, self-expression, and personal growth ending the report with the most delicious tarot reading! This episode provides practical advice on embracing change, balancing inner emotions, and using wit and discernment to navigate life's challenges. Segments Introduction to the New Moon in Gemini Understanding Gemini's Influence Personal Reflections on Communication Exploring the Eighth House and Intimacy Creativity and the Fifth House Tarot Reading Insights Emotional Expression and Imbalances Read this report on Substack Book a Tarot Reading with Me⁠ ⁠Leave a Comment About the Episode⁠ Please Support the Podcast

Ep. 186. In this episode I read my article "come on Viv." and I suggest you open it as I read to you. We go down memory lane and reflect my previous relationship with romance, romantic disappointments and "moments" over the years. It's a personable and humorous episode in which I share anecdotes and stories around the events written in the article. In the process I talk about what healing looks like. I end with a lovely tarot reading emphasising your personal strengths and the opportunities coming your way. Segments Reflections on the Past Healing and Self-Discovery The Nature of Love and Expectations Crafting Your Own Narrative Confronting Past Illusions The Journey of Self-Expression Healing and the Search for Love Recognizing Patterns in Relationships Moments of Realization and Self-Reflection Book a Tarot Reading with Me Leave a Comment About the Episode

Ep. 185. In this heartfelt interview, Singer & Songwriter Sophia Warren shares her journey of self-discovery through music, exploring vulnerability, shadow work, and the healing power of song writing. Discover how her creative process reveals deep truths and inspires authenticity as she shares about her newly released EP Adesso. We discuss: Healing Through Music The Creative Process: Channeling Emotion Vulnerability in Art: A Personal Diary The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Songwriting Songwriting as a Healing Practice Navigating the Music Industry & More... Stream Sophia’s latest EP Adesso and explore her full discography on Spotify. Bio Sophia Warren, is a rising alt-pop artist with raw, unfiltered lyrics and cinematic production, Sophia’s latest EP Adesso dives into identity, anxiety, and self-worth in a way that feels both intimate and universal. Featured in SPIN, KUTX, and The Austin Statesman, Sophia’s sound is part confession, part invocation like she’s translating her inner world into melody.

Ep. 184. In this episode, we discuss the powerful Full Moon in Sagittarius and what it means for your personal growth, self-worth, and transformation. I break down the astrology transit in depth by sharing personal insights and real-life examples of how this moon is showing up in your relationships, self-perception, and everyday life. I close the episode with a tarot reading to bring you direct guidance for navigating this lunar energy. This episode covers: Full breakdown of the Sagittarius Full Moon transitHow this moon is activating themes of growth, opportunity & self-worthPersonal insights & real-life examplesA closing tarot reading for this lunar cycle Read the Astro Report on Substack Book a Tarot Reading or Leave a Message for the Podcast here

Ep. 183. In this episode, I sit down with Ara Trembly, a seasoned psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and counselor, who explores the significance of dreams and their connection to our subconscious mind. He emphasizes the importance of understanding dreams as messages from God and the unconscious, offering insights into how they can guide us in our daily lives. Drawing on Jungian psychology (my favourite!) and a faith-based perspective through his book Dreaming God’s Way, Ara reveals how our dreams communicate hidden truths we often overlook, and how dream interpretation can unlock powerful personal growth and spiritual connection. We cover: ​How the unconscious mind uses symbols to speak to us​What the Bible and modern spirituality say about spiritual dreams and biblical dream interpretation​Practical steps for recording, reflecting on, and interpreting your own dreams​Why dream symbolism is deeply personal — the same symbol means something different for every person​How hypnotherapy and dream work support personal healing and transformation Whether you believe in dreams or not, this conversation would most definitely shape your perspective of them. Buy Ara's Book Dreaming God's Way Visit Ara's Website

Ep. 182. In this episode, I do a deep analysis as I take you through the pages of Sweet Heat, exploring the story of Kiki and Malakai once more but this time as adults with careers navigating life, career options, heartbreak and an upcoming wedding. With Sweet Heat, I delve into the intricate dance of romance and passion, breaking down the characters, the plot drivers and the underlying themes of love, friendship, relationships, and family served on a bed of pop culture. I briefly talk about Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi and how this book stands out with its complex characters weaving themes of identity, acceptance and self-discovery into a compelling narrative. I discuss how the author’s unique approach to storytelling captivates the reader, making every twist and turn a revelation. Whether you're a lover of romance, fantasy, or simply great storytelling, this episode offers a deep dive into the magic of these books. I love it here!

Ep. 79. Re-released. Discover insights into love, friendship, and identity through an engaging conversation about Honey and Spice. Viv and her guest delve into character development, storytelling, and the portrayal of romance from different perspectives, offering valuable reflections on life and relationships. Main Topics: The blend of friendship and romance in Honey and Spice Character analysis of Kiki, Amina, and Malachi The depiction of romantic ideals and real-life expectations Reflection on personal love stories and fictional influences Critique of storytelling techniques like flashbacks in contemporary novels Viv shares her love for Honey and Spice and its themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery She discusses her views on romantic character portrayals and storytelling methods The two explore how fiction influences real-life perceptions of romance A lively debate on the authenticity of romance in media and literature Personal favorite romantic movies and fantasies, including Beauty and the Beast, The Notebook, and Outlander An honest conversation about self-worth, standards, and how to design your ideal romantic life Connect with the podcast TwitterInstagram