West Of What

Kahreela and Ekbalu sit down with the remarkable Yasmin Sidhwa for a rich and powerful conversation about the transformative force of art—particularly theatre—and its ability to reshape the world around us. Together, they explore how storytelling cultivates empathy and compassion, especially in the places where these qualities are most needed.They dive into the profound relationship between inner work and outer social change, revealing how truly listening to people’s stories—beyond the headlines, beyond the noise, beyond the propaganda we’re fed every day—can shift perspectives, open hearts, and spark collective healing.The conversation also journeys back to the origins of theatre, unpacking its earliest intentions and how the art form has evolved. They speak candidly about the impact of monetisation—how it has reshaped theatre, and not always for the better—raising vital questions about accessibility, purpose, and who gets to tell their stories.It’s an honest, expansive, and inspiring exploration of why theatre still matters, how it continues to change lives, and who it is (and isn’t) currently available to.Yasmin Sidhwa FRSA is the Artistic Director of Mandala Theatre Company, a nationally and internationally touring company based in Oxford, UK. Mandala creates visceral, socially charged theatre that amplifies voices too often ignored, making the invisible visible. The company also champions pathways into the arts for young people from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, and white working-class backgrounds—ensuring the next generation of storytellers is diverse, empowered, and heard.

Kahreela and Ekbalu sit down with Gratzia and Pam for a deep and heartfelt conversation on the origins and evolution of Kirtan. Together they explore the ancient roots of this devotional sound practice, its movement into the modern world, and the questions and controversies that arise as sacred traditions meet contemporary expression. They discuss the power of sound, the pathways of chanting, and the energetic potency of both traditional mantras and the channeled, inspired ones that come through Gratzia and Pam in their Kirtan gatherings. A soulful exploration of how sound connects, transforms, and continues to evolve.

Kahreela and Ekbalu speak to Mona about the powers of the incredible plant medicine Blue Lotus and the inspiring projects that Mona has been called to create and develope in Cairo, Egypt.Mona Rabie is a designer and creator of ‘Ancient Future’ transformative experiences and systems from Egypt and Canada. She is the founder of Together/Ma3ba3d – a community and movement for planetary co-creation coming out of Egypt/Africa, Mother of Civilization. For over 12 years she has been developing and facilitating new processes and technologies to facilitate large-scale personal and collective transformation, regeneration and co-creation of breakthrough innovation and communities. She is the founder of the ‘Together Temple’ based in Maadi, Cairo where she is hosting an emerging co-creative community, conscious events, and Together’s first quest for large-scale co-creation ‘Lotus Rising Quest’.She is inspired to bring to life the ‘Ancient Future’ by designing interactive, immersive experiences and gamified systems that bring the timeless wisdom of the past into the present and future to foster personal and collective transformation. She custom designs and guides initiatory ‘Quests’ through the ancient Egyptian temples, for private events/groups, at the societal level and at the ‘Together Temple’ that bring the essential teachings of Ancient Egypt alive in accordance with the unique values and intentions of the diverse groups she works with. She also grows and works with the Blue Lotus flower of Ancient Egypt and makes blue lotus products and facilities Blue Lotus ceremonies, in addition to other customized initiatory experiences and modern fertility rituals for local and international groups. In her work, she weaves together deep knowledge/expertise of ancient wisdom, Egyptian metaphysics and spirituality, universal spirituality, alchemy, bio-mimicry, simulation design, gamification, experiential learning, and new currency/economy/governance design.She is passionate about creating holistic viral transformation that awakens the creative potential and genius in each and enables unified collective action that regenerates and re-awakens beauty, wonder, enchantment, and love to our world.

Kahreela and Ekbalu are joined by Carmen, also known as Mango, for a heartfelt conversation about co-counselling — exploring the benefits and potential of this free and accessible form of therapy, and how the simple acts of listening and sharing hold the power to transform the world.Carmen GuiuActivist Mother Witch.My life got particularly messy when I was diagnosed with a mental divergence from the norm at 9 years old and then medicated for many years after.At 25, after many years of pain and parties, I trained to be a councillor. I then went on to train others in co councelling. Assisting folks to heal themselves using our inate human tools through a non capitalist free form of therapy. This led to the ability to claim a bigger life for myself, which took the form of creating a moon circle, which is now the largest in West London. We have been meeting at my home for 10 years. I go to festivals like Mediciene and Buddafield to teach folks how to start your own circle.I retrained in horticulture and then combined my talents to work as a horticultural therapist for a large homeless charity. I plan to continue on a path of liberation and light work for the rest of my days.

In this Episode Kahreela, Ekbalu and Gareth all discuss the responsibilities that come with the role of the Shaman, the conflicting opinions around 'modern day shamanism' and the wonderful opportunities we have at this time to reclaim so much that has been lost and reintegrate it into todays culture.Gareth Hughes has walked a lifelong path of spiritual connection and awareness, beginning in childhood and unfolding into a deep vocation of service. His journey led him to South America and the mysteries of the rainforest, where he underwent profound initiations into the power of the jaguar and forged a lasting trust with the spirit world.With over 35 years’ experience in tarot and 8 years teaching Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot at a professional level, Gareth is also a powerful shaman known for his deep connection to the spirit realm. His work embraces shadow exploration and the breaking of curses and black magic, always grounded in compassion and integrity. Over many years, he has earned the trust of spirit allies who walk with him in his healing and ceremonial work.Drawing on the light of Rahanni Celestial Healing and the transformative power of crystal therapy, Gareth brings together ancient wisdom and contemporary practice. He guides a medicine wheel training program with more than 150 participants, and has helped countless people find clarity, healing, and empowerment. His presence is both profound and approachable, weaving together insight, humour, and spiritual depth

Kahreela and Ekbalu sit down with Hazem, a self-professed “man from the East,” Syrian-born and raised, now living in Brighton, UK. In this insightful conversation, Hazem reflects on the forces that divide us—how these divisive tactics have long been designed and implemented by colonisers, with outcomes repeated throughout history. He also shares what, in his view, brings us together as human beings: the power of community, the importance of creativity, and the value of heritage. Together, these become not only sources of strength but also pathways to unity.