Advertise on podcast: The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist

This conversation explores the intersection of spirituality, community, and personal identity through the lens of hoodoo practices and the experiences of Jade T. Perry and Chelsea VonChaz. They discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities and the significance of ancestral wisdom in shaping their identities as churchy mystics. They also conversation get into the deep-rooted connections between personal identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage, particularly within the African American community. Exploring the complexities of deconstructing religious beliefs while honoring ancestral traditions and the importance of curiosity in personal growth. They also tap into the intersection of nonprofit work, spirituality, and community service, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in these sectors, particularly regarding boundaries, compensation, and the importance of community support. Both speakers share personal experiences and insights on navigating their roles as activists and spiritual guides while maintaining their well-being. Hear more about the evolving landscape of Hoodoo spirituality, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, particularly Black queer and disabled individuals. The ending highlights the potential for new Hoodoo societies and spiritual homes to emerge, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Takeaways Emphasis on community buildingImportance of ancestral wisdom Cultural heritage shapes identityCuriosity aids in spiritual exploration Navigating nonprofit complexitiesImportance of community support Hoodoo spirituality is evolvingInclusivity is vital for community Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with Ancestral Roots05:30 The Birth of the Chicago Hoodoo Society10:09 Community Engagement and Activities16:10 Understanding Churchy Mysticism24:18 Honoring Ancestral Legacies27:31 Cultural Roots and Spiritual Heritage30:11 Navigating Fear in Spiritual Exploration33:21 The Journey of Deconstruction37:13 Honoring Fear and Embracing Curiosity39:01 Ancestral Connections and Genealogy43:26 Community and Shared Experiences46:53 Bravery in Spiritual Exploration50:02 Navigating Nonprofit Complexities54:01 The Importance of Community Support01:00:06 Redefining Service and Boundaries01:09:55 Spiritual Education and Accessibility01:14:50 Exploring Spiritual Work and Community Engagement01:17:18 The Future of Hoodoo Spaces01:21:25 The Role of Black Women in Hoodoo01:25:31 The Intersection of Disability and Spirituality01:30:27 Optimism for Future Generations

A special guest returns! Kat Niambi aka The Hungry Medium returns to do a light catch up. In this conversation Ms. Kat and I explore personal growth, the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of oral traditions in the context of family and spirituality. We also discuss the impact of astrology on our lives, the significance of human connection, and the need for grace in understanding the imperfections of elders. Chapters 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions03:02 Reflections on Summer and Fall06:05 Navigating Life's Ups and Downs08:54 Caregiving and Family Dynamics12:02 The Importance of Oral Traditions14:59 Spirituality and Online Presence18:07 The Dangers of Blanket Advice20:59 Personal Guidance and Individual Paths23:59 Connecting Through Pets and Personal Stories We didn't get a chance to discuss our love for Erykah Badu's new album with The Alchemist, "Before the World Blows." This conversation is definitely aligned contextually with that album. I highly recommend listening to it after watching or listening to our conversation.

In this episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with Tatianna Tarot, diviner, intuitive tarot therapist, and Iyalorisa priestess, for a grounded and expansive conversation on what it really means to trust your intuition. The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, spiritual empowerment, and the significance of divination tools in reclaiming intuition. It also explores the impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection and the importance of ancestral veneration and rites of passage. Takeaways: Ancestral wisdom and spiritual empowermentReclaiming intuition through divination toolsThe impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection Discernment in spiritual educationThe power of abundance mindset and inner workThe impact of Afrofuturism on personal and collective growth Chapters: 00:00 Honoring Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Empowerment11:04 The Impact of Colonialism on Spiritual Disconnection46:22 The Transformational Power of Abundance Mindset and Inner Work53:40 Reparations and Afrofuturism

This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a grounding conversation about ethics, discernment, and the responsibility that comes with spiritual work. I’m joined by Brooke “Bee” Sanders, founder of Amethyst Corner, a spiritual community rooted in ancestral connection, real healing, and practical tools for those walking their path with intention. The conversation delves into the importance of ancestral wisdom and ethical practice within the context of hoodoo and spiritual work. It explores the significance of honoring ancestral traditions and the need for ethical discernment in spiritual practices. We also get into the importance of community and sisterhood in spiritual practices, emphasizing the role of support, accountability, and cultural awakening. Further exploring the significance of ancestral wisdom, the power of tradition, and the non-performative nature of spiritual practices. Additionally, this episode highlights the magic of sisterhood, the importance of nurturing Black maternal health, and the value of intentional rest and self-care. Takeaways Importance of ancestral wisdomEthical practice and discernment Community is key in spiritual practicesSisterhood and support are essential in the spiritual journey Chapters 00:00 The Practice of Hoodoo and Ethical Discernment51:31 Embracing Sisterhood and Womb Magic

This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is about that kind of remembering. I’m joined by Charlotte Duerr James—educator, therapeutic coach, and initiated Medicine Woman—for a conversation that moves slowly, intentionally, and with reverence.  The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom, the use of psychedelics and earth medicines, early psychedelic experiences, Charlotte's personal psychedelic journey, and the ceremonial use of plant medicine. We go into the intersection of ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and collective healing, highlighting the impact of colonial influence, societal stigma, and the importance of internal work and intention. Charlotte also emphasizes the need for more trained facilitators in the field of decolonized healing practices. Takeaways Ancestral wisdom and root work are central to the conversationPsychedelics and earth medicines play a significant role in personal and collective healing Ancestral wisdom and plant medicine offer a path to healing and ancestral reclamation.Colonial influence has led to societal stigma and misinformation about healing practices.Internal work and intention are key to the journey of healing and decolonization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ancestral Wisdom10:07 Early Psychedelic Experiences20:25 Charlotte's Psychedelic Journey32:22 Ceremonial Use of Plant Medicine38:54 Ancestral Wisdom and Plant Medicine55:39 Colonial Influence and Healing01:05:38 Internal Work and Intention01:11:06 Closing Remarks

The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom and spiritual practices, highlighting the integration of these elements into personal journeys. It also addresses the challenges of navigating spiritual communities and the process of healing, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-trust. Aycee Brown is a psychic medium, astrologer, and spiritual guide known for telling folks what they need to hear — not just what they want to hear. With over 15 years of experience blending astrology, Human Design, mediumship, and trauma-informed healing, she helps people strip away conditioning, reclaim intuition, and live from deep self-trust instead of spiritual performance. She hosts the podcast Is My Aura On Straight? and is the author of the forthcoming Embody Your Magic (HarperOne, Feb 2026), a guide to embodying your power and truth. We also get into the struggle of embracing independence and freedom, as well as the power of truth and healing. Lastly, our conversation explores the challenges faced in navigating personal freedom and the impact of emotional maturity on individual growth and healing. Takeaways Ancestral WisdomIntegration of Spiritual Practices Embracing independence and freedomThe power of truth and healing Chapters 00:00 Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Journey26:45 Navigating Spiritual Communities and Healing37:23 The Struggle of Independence and Freedom

The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, black feminism, and the intimate history of black feminism. It explores personal experiences, intellectual connections, and the impact of ancestral teachings on identity and community. The discussion also touches on the significance of grief and emotional/spiritual practices in the context of social movement work and abolitionism. The conversation delves into the spiritual and emotional connection to activism, emphasizing the role of spirituality and ancestral connection in the work. It also explores the influence of radical socialization and community roots on activism, highlighting the importance of community and genealogy in movement work. Additionally, it addresses the intersection of academia and activism, the importance of citational ethics, and the need for movement leadership to be rooted in the genealogy of Black Panther women. The conversation also discusses the problem of radical individualism and performative activism, emphasizing the need for community-based and strategic activism. The conversation delves into the legacy of the Black Panther Party, the evolution of movements, intersectionality, misinformation, the poverty cycle, teaching Black history, plagiarism, marginalization of Black women's voices, normalization of harm, telling the truth to ourselves, wisdom from Black women's histories, and upcoming books and projects. Takeaways Ancestral wisdom and teachingsBlack feminism and political theoryIntimate history of black feminism Spirituality and emotional connection to the workThe importance of community and genealogy in movement work Intersectional activismChallenging social norms Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction06:21 Fluidity and Identity11:27 Black Women as Teachers and Architects17:34 Title of the Book and Intimate History22:40 Grief and Emotional/Spiritual Practice36:08 Academia and Activism46:23 Citational Ethics and Movement Leadership53:36 Radical Individualism and Performative Activism58:37 Misinformation and Disinformation01:05:23 Normalization of Harm01:14:21 Wisdom from Black Women's Histories01:20:01 Upcoming Books and Projects

The conversation delves into the intersection of religion, spirituality, and liberation, highlighting the impact of capitalism and supremacy on religious and spiritual practices. It also explores the implications of AI and technology, the environmental impact of data storage, challenges in nonprofit funding, the role of churches in communities, and the impact of surveillance and technology on personal privacy and health. Plus it highlights the struggle for funding, the high cost of maintaining a church, and the need for communal investment in spiritual gatherings and events. The conversation delves into the intersection of spirituality and Blackness, highlighting the importance of community, identity, and personal growth. It also explores the impact and significance of writing, storytelling, and the power of words in shaping narratives and creating connections. Takeaways Religion and spirituality as tools of liberationThe impact of capitalism and supremacy on religious and spiritual practices Environmental racismImpact of data centers on communities Impact of capitalism on church fundingChallenges of sustaining a churchCommunity support and investment in spiritual spaces Spirituality and BlacknessThe Power of Writing Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest08:45 The Black Church and Its State19:11 Boycotts and Corporate Influence28:35 Environmental Racism and Data Centers36:40 Church and Community Impact42:08 Surveillance and Technology53:04 Impact of Capitalism on Church Funding01:15:42 Spirituality and Blackness01:35:15 The Power of Writing

The episode begins with an introduction to Season Two, followed by a dedication to the awakening of individuals. It then explores the embrace of ancestral traditions, the burden of being the first believer, the importance of embracing solitude and discernment, connecting with practitioners, navigating the journey of faith, planning for Season Two, and concludes with closing remarks and gratitude. The overarching theme revolves around embracing ancestral wisdom, navigating spiritual awakening, and finding community and support in the journey of faith. Takeaways Season of awakeningCommunity is everything Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Season Two10:06 Embracing Ancestral Traditions16:25 Embracing Solitude and Discernment22:17 Navigating the Journey of Faith28:02 Planning for Season Two34:01 Closing and Gratitude

Forgiveness is sacred. But it’s not a shortcut. Not a performance. Not a requirement for healing. Some of us were taught to forgive too quickly — out of fear, out of guilt, out of the pressure to be “good.” Especially as Black women.Especially in the church. Especially when we were never given space to grieve what was taken. But here’s the truth: I didn’t forgive you for you. I did it for my spirit. Forgiveness doesn’t always mean calling them back. It means cutting the cord. Releasing the weight. Clearing the attachment and boundaries. That’s spiritual work too. That’s a “no” prayed over. That’s protection spelled out in silence. That’s clarity with a backbone. I’ve learned to stop equating maturity with suffering. I’ve learned that walking away is sometimes the holiest thing you can do. And I’ve learned that peace feels like stillness — not approval. If you’re still holding on to something you know you need to release… If you’ve been taught that forgiveness means forgetting who hurt you…If you’re afraid that saying “no” will make you look bitter… Take a breath. You’re not bitter….. You’re boundaried. You’re not broken….. You’re becoming. Covered by spirit. Guided by blood. 🎙 Listen to this full reflection now on The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chelseavonchaz.com/subscribe

There are voices that don’t just speak — they shift the room. This week on The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with EbonyJanice, Hip Hop Womanist scholar and author of All the Black Girls Are Activists. For those that may not know, EbonyJanice is a dynamic lecturer, transformational speaker, and Womanist scholar committed to decolonizing authority and centering Black women’s freedom dreams. Her latest book, All The Black Girls Are Activists, explores Black girlhood, ancestral reverence, and radical wholeness as pathways to liberation. Our conversation is a love letter to the sacred, intellectual, and spiritual work that Black women carry — often unseen, often unpaid, yet always world-shaping. Together, we talk about: * How the spiritual labor of liberation shows up in our bodies, relationships, and creative work. * Black girlhood as sacred text — joy, play, and memory as theology. * What ancestral reverence looks like as a living, breathing theology. * Why softness, pleasure, and wholeness are revolutionary acts. EbonyJanice reminds us that the revolution isn’t just in the streets — it’s in our healing, our art, our prayers, and our rest. Her voice carries the rhythm of revival, the fire of truth, and the joy of remembrance. Grab her book All the Black Girls Are Activists wherever books are sold and check out more of her work on her website. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chelseavonchaz.com/subscribe

There are certain conversations that feel like ceremony—where words, laughter, and memory become offerings. This one with Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani is exactly that. A New Orleans native, award-winning playwright, priestess of OYA, and 8th-generation witch, Mawiyah carries both fire and tenderness in her voice. She joins me on The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist to talk about what it means to live as OYA’s child—standing at the crossroads, creating art from the storm, and conjuring liberation through story. In this episode, we explore: * The sacred chaos of OYA and the spiritual lessons in change. * How Hoodoo and writing act as portals for ancestral wisdom. * Her books Conjuring the Calabash and the upcoming Hoodoo Saints and Root Warriors, and the power of magick made for women’s freedom. * What it means to carry an 8-generation legacy of witches, healers, and storytellers. * The purpose behind her podcast FishHeads in Red Gravy and her mission to center marginalized voices in the esoteric world. Mawiyah reminds us that the work of spirit is not always soft—it’s movement, transformation, and truth-telling. Her words are both a spell and a sermon for anyone learning to live inside their own storm. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chelseavonchaz.com/subscribe

Before I had language for “rootwork,” I had land. I had fresh mint by my great-grandmother’s steps. I had mason jars filled with leaves I wasn’t supposed to touch. I had herbs steeped into tea that tasted like prayer. I wasn’t taught by books. I was taught by the Earth. And the Earth never needed to explain herself. In Hoodoo, plants are not props. They’re not ingredients. They’re not trendy. They’re elders. They’re teachers. They’re spiritual collaborators. When I work with basil, I’m calling in peace. When I steep hyssop, I’m clearing something heavy. When I keep red clover near, I’m remembering my bloodline. And before I ask anything from these plants, I speak to them. I give thanks. I listen. You don’t need a yard. You don’t need the perfect setup. You just need to remember that you’re not separate from nature — you are nature. And nature recognizes her own. Start with what’s near. Start with what feels right. Let the land teach you what Google can’t. You don’t have to know every ritual — just move with respect. Covered by spirit. Guided by blood. 🎙 Listen to this full reflection now on The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist on YouTube, Spotify, and of course Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chelseavonchaz.com/subscribe

Happy Hoodoo Heritage Month! It’s also my birthday month! Shout out to all of my Libras and Scorpios. In celebration of my favorite time of the year, I’m dedicating these last few episodes of this season of the podcast to the tradition. What happens when you study Hoodoo not as superstition, but as sacred practice — a living, breathing tradition of survival, healing, and power? This week on The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I’m joined by Dr. Yvonne P. Chireau, historian, author of Black Magic: Religion and the African American Conjuring Tradition, and one of the first scholars to put Black folk healing and conjure at the center of American religious studies. Together, we talk about: * How enslaved and free Black communities used conjure as medicine, protection, and resistance. * The importance of oral tradition, memory, and everyday practice in keeping these traditions alive. * What therapeutic pluralism teaches us about the blending of Hoodoo, Christianity, and other healing systems. * The impact of her mentor Albert Raboteau, and what it means to build on that legacy. * Her own reflections on identity, faith, and how scholarship and spirit meet in her life. Dr. Chireau reminds us that Hoodoo is not just history on a page — it’s a sacred technology of resilience, rooted in the lives of Black people who refused to be erased. Listen now right here on Substack or consider following the podcast on Youtube! Follow Dr. Chireau’s work on her website, AcademicHoodoo.com. Paid subscribers get access to extended notes from this conversation, plus reflections on how Dr. Chireau’s scholarship shaped my own practice and work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chelseavonchaz.com/subscribe

What happens when faith refuses to stay in the narrow pews it was handed, and instead begins to stretch, breathe, and move in the rhythm of liberation? This week on The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with Kristian A. Smith — pastor, public theologian, and the voice behind Holy Smokes: Cigars and Spirituality. Kristian is a thought leader who challenges us to rethink the boundaries of belief, asking how faith can serve as a tool for healing, justice, and radical imagination. He’s also the founder of The Faith Community, an intersectional inclusive space, rooted in the Greatest Commandment. Together, we talk about: * Breaking up with fear-based theology and moving into a spirituality rooted in freedom. * How cigars, conversation, and community can become a liturgy of their own. * The role of storytelling in reshaping our understanding of God, church, and ourselves. * What it means to build faith practices that honor both tradition and personal truth. I truly enjoyed talking to my homie. We even talked about capitalism, and how too many Black christians view poverty as a virtue. Lawd knows I don’t condone slavery. Neither does pastor Smith. So we gotta get paid. Okay! Kristian reminds us that faith isn’t about blind allegiance — it’s about crafting practices that serve our wholeness and liberation. His voice is one that many of us have been waiting to hear: equal parts pastoral, prophetic, and practical.ads Check out the full episode here or on Youtube and all other podcast platforms. Also please connect with Pastor Smith and tap into The Faith Community here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chelseavonchaz.com/subscribe