The Stumbling Spirit

Qi is the universal life force. It is the cosmic energy that flows through all things. This concept is present in several Asian holistic modalities including Feng Shui. With origins in China, this ancient divination practice dates as far back as 4000 BCE and is still in use today. Drawing upon elements of the natural and celestial realms, Feng Shui is said to influence the flow of energy in our physical world to clear out blockages, restore harmony and balance, and, enhance wellbeing and good fortune. As a Professional Feng Shui Master and Teacher, Leigh Whiting is an expert in this complex art of energy flow and in our fascinating discussion, she talks about how we can use it to our advantage.Guest information:Website: https://www.sunstonecentre.com/Instagram: @sunstone_centreEmail: sunstonecentre@gmail.com

The Asian diaspora has made countless contributions to the growth, success and tapestry of nations around the world. For example, in Canada, Chinese immigrants helped to build the railway which has since become a symbol of Canadian unity. Asians make up 20% of the Canadian population, yet racism persists and anti-Asian hate crime is on the rise. Helping to raise awareness of these issues is Emily Gong, co-founder of Asian Arts and Culture Trust - a Toronto-based organization whose mission is to provide a platform for Asian newcomers and immigrants to tell their stories through art. In our conversation, Emily explains how creative expression brings people together and helps break down systemic barriers.Guest information:Website: https://www.aact.community/Email: aact.canada@gmail.com ; emilygong1@gmail.comInstagram: @aact.community

Since ancient times, astrologers have studied the stars and planetary cycles to offer celestial explanations for earthly events, energy shifts and life circumstances of the past, present, and future. Tarot card reading is another form of divination which came into prominence in the 18th century. And today, if you scroll through your social media feeds, chances are you have seen a multitude of content creators who have combined both of these esoteric practices to guide you through life’s ups and downs based on your zodiac sign. Alysa Reese is an expert on both of these systems of divination with three decades of experience as a Western Astrologer and Master Tarot Reader and Teacher. Also known as the North Star Mystic, Alysa demystifies the art of divination and gives us a tutorial on the stars and cards.Guest information:Website: https://www.northstarmystic.comEmail: hello@northstarmystic.comInstagram: @north_star_mystic

A few years ago, an American scientist simulated the sound of the big bang - the beginning of all creation in our universe. Early civilizations understood the importance of sound and integrated it in their religious rituals. This custom continues today in many traditions around the world which use instruments, song and chants in ceremonies for healing purposes. In more secular wellness settings, it’s better known as sound bathing. It’s also used in therapy. Nicole Manes is a certified sound therapy practitioner based in Toronto. As a registered psychotherapist, Nicole harmonizes the vibration of her singing bowls and the frequency of her voice in her holistic practice, and she regularly hosts local sound bath events. In this episode, Nicole describes and demonstrates the healing power of sound.Guest information:https://nicolemanes.comInstagram: @nicolemanessoundtherapyFacebook: @nicolemanessoundtherapyLinkedIn

Indian yogi, Sadhguru, once said, “Karma is your survival and your bondage. And if you handle it right, it can also be your liberation.” For holistic therapist, Edit B. Kiss, this quote might well be her mission. Born in communist Hungary, she grew up at a time when spiritual expression was suppressed. As a young woman, Edit did what was expected - she went to university, got her engineering degree and started a family. However, during this period, she also battled crippling anxiety and panic attacks. This all-time low set her on a path of spiritual growth and wellness, including healing her ancestral karma. Today, Edit practices Source Memory Healing to help others mend their karmic wounds, and in my fascinating conversation with her, she explains why clearing our karmic debts has a powerful ripple effect that extends beyond ourselves and encompasses our soul family.Guest information:Website: https://editbkiss.com/Instagram: @editbkissYouTube: @MagicalKarmaPriestess

They say that homo sapiens emerged sometime between 300 and 200 thousand years ago. One of the lead scientists in this field of research is award-winning molecular anthropologist, Dr. Himla Soodyall, whose groundbreaking work has traced back some of the oldest DNA linking modern day humans to our origins in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this episode, Himla tells us what our genes can teach us about our earliest ancestors and how our roots in Africa connect us all to one common tree.Guest information:Email: himla@assaf.org.za

It’s estimated that there are over 3 trillion trees on this planet, with 842 million hectares of forest in South America alone. One of these gentle giants is said to be the oldest in the world - nearly 5,500 years old. “Gran Abuelo”, or the great-grandfather, is a Patagonian cypress located in Chile. As a child, Jonathan Barichivich marvelled at it, and now as an environmental scientist, he studies it and other trees like it, not only to decode their ages but to reconstruct the past and predict the future impacts of climate change on earth’s critical zone. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about his important research and tells us what we can learn from ancient trees.Guest information:Website: https://jbarichivich.github.io/Email: jonathan.barichivich@lsce.ipsl.fr

Transportation planner, Anthony Smith, is an avid cyclist and endurance athlete. Eight years ago, while doing a long ride north of Toronto, the course of his life took a near fatal turn. He unavoidably crashed his bike into a pick-up truck. Miraculously, he survived but not without injury. The impact dislocated his neck and fractured his spine, which needed two surgeries to fuse back together. And, the driver at fault got off on a measly fine. In this episode, Anthony talks about the rights of cyclists, his long road to recovery, and how he has grown personally and spiritually since his accident.Guest information:Email: anth42@gmail.comInstagram: @anthonynsmithTwitter: @safestreetsto