Your Spiritual Journey

Sara Sachs is an international medium based in Pittsburgh, PA. Sara holds a BA degree in drama at Syracuse University, a background she attributes to her strong presence in her public demonstrations. Her spiritual education in mediumship took place at Lily Dale, NY, the Arthur Findlay College in England, and the Zwanenhof Spiritual Center in the Netherlands. She travels extensively doing sittings, demonstrations, and teaching workshops. Her work has put her in demand for radio and television appearances. Sara enjoys serving Spirit by giving inspirational talks and messages at Spiritualist Churches and outdoor message services in Lily Dale NY in the summer. She has done readings, gallery messages, and taught workshops locally at Journeys of Life, Elemental Magick, and presently at the Christine Frechard Gallery. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram, and she has her Sara Sachs Mediumonthego channel on YouTube, where she uses Tarot to see how current events are affecting our spiritual paths. 

Kenneth D. Wortley was born in 1951 in Saginaw, Michigan USA, to a blue collar family of four. He attended Eastern Baptist College and Seminary where he received his Bachelor degree in Sociology and earned his Master's degree in Theology in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 1978 . He was married in the summer of 1972. He and his spouse have two grown boys who live in the state of Washington. Ken successfully served as Pastor and Preacher in churches in Colorado, Portland Oregon, and Walnut Creek California, ending his church work in Spokane Washington. He left the church to earn another master's degree in education at Eastern Washington University and began to teach middle school in Spokane Schools for 20 years.  Upon retiring from teaching he married a Brasilian in 2014 and they moved to Joao Pessoa Brasil, where he presently teaches English through an online company with students from across the entire country. He and his partner enjoy the beautiful beaches and the wonderful culture of Brasil. When he went through divorce and came out as a gay man late in life, he journaled his journey which became the basis of his new book "The Gospel Of Secrets; A Memoir of Truth, Liberation and Love". The book reached #1 on Amazon for new LGBTQ+ Memoir books.

Dr. Heidi Heron, a globally recognized psychologist, NLP Master Trainer, and co-founder of NLP Worldwide has penned a book that's a modern fable exploring authentic, values-driven living through psychology and spirituality. In "The Wizard of Cause," Dr. Heidi masterfully weaves psychology, spirituality, and storytelling into a modern parable that delves into the essence of living a life guided by authentic values. This transformative narrative, born from a project initially intended as a non-fiction exploration of Values, unfolds a deeply human story of self-discovery. It invites readers to question their performed lives and tune into their inner wisdom. This book is not your typical self-help guide; it serves as a mirror, prompting reflection, dialogue, and gentle awakening. It resonates with themes of purpose, self-trust, love, resilience, and identity, making it a timeless piece for those interested in personal growth, conscious living, and values-based change. Dr. Heidi's unique blend of academic grounding and accessible wisdom, drawn from her extensive experience as a psychologist and NLP master trainer, lends credibility and depth to the narrative. "The Wizard of Cause" is more than a novel; it's a catalyst for transformation, making it an excellent resource for discussion groups and coaching conversations. It is a testament to Dr. Heidi's ability to bridge psychology and spirituality, offering insights through metaphor and conscious storytelling.

Juliana Sloane is a skilled hypnotherapist, coach, and Buddhist meditation teacher whose approach blends mindfulness, neuroscience, and psychospiritual tools. Juliana's work centers on guiding sensitive, high-functioning individuals through transformative inner healing using modalities like Depth Hypnosis and shamanic journey work. Her practice is often described as "evidence-based magic"—accessible and grounded, yet able to spark meaningful, sustained change from within. Juliana holds an MA in Gender Studies from Central European University, a BA in Religious & Women's Studies from Guilford College, is a Certified Depth Hypnosis Practitioner, Certified Applied Shamanic Practitioner, Community Dharma Leader at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Ordained Minister with the Foundation of the Sacred Stream, and a Certified Hypnotherapist. Her teaching at respected centers like Spirit Rock and San Francisco Insight affirms her commitment to ethical, caring guidance. With a humble but engaged audience of over 5,500 spiritual seekers, Juliana is adept at connecting with those eager for real tools and insight.

Gil Gillenwater, a lifelong resident of Arizona, is the founder and president of the award-winning Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation, which has reimagined border philanthropy since 1987. For nearly four decades, he has worked hands-on along the U.S.–México border, building programs that empower communities through reciprocal giving and shared dignity. He is a recipient of the Hon Kachina Award, Arizona's highest honor for volunteerism, as well as the National Association of Realtors annual "Good Neighbor Award," likewise honoring volunteerism. In 2021, he became the first non-Mexican to receive Sonora's Premio a la Filantropía, as the individual philanthropic person of the year, recognizing his cross-border philanthropic work.  In 2009, Gillenwater partnered with the nonprofit Free the Slaves to launch the Free a Village program—an ambitious initiative that helps entire villages in India, often up to 20 families, transition from slavery to freedom within three years. The program's community-wide approach to liberation and empowerment caught global attention and was selected by former President Bill Clinton as a featured initiative at his Clinton Global Initiative, a gathering of the world's leading thinkers, philanthropists, and changemakers.  A lifelong student of Eastern philosophy and meditation, Gillenwater is a black belt in Kenpo Karate and a certified hot yoga instructor. An outdoorsman at heart, he has had countless wilderness adventures around the world and has visited over 75 countries. In 1994, he and his brother Troy were among the first Westerners granted access by the Communist Chinese into Tibet's forbidden "Himalayan Hidden Lands." His six expeditions and time spent studying with remote Tibetan lamas and mystics inspired a philosophy of enlightened self-interest that now guides his approach to social change with Rancho Feliz.

Karlie McWilliams, a native Pittsburgher, is a senior at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS). Karlie has worked in the past as a mechanical engineer and a web developer. She grew up a United Methodist and has always been active in her church. A decade ago, Karlie—who at the time held conservative evangelical views—realized she could no longer live a lie, and after much wrestling with God and her faith she decided to transition. Karlie has been living as her true self, a woman, for eight years now, but no one was more surprised than she when God called her to seminary and is currently a student pastor at Waverly Presbyterian Church. She is planning on pursuing a Doctorate in Theology, Trauma, and Ethics after she graduates from PTS.

Beatty Carmichael is a health and addiction breakthrough expert who specializes in exposing the hidden spiritual roots behind conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, addiction, and chronic pain. After 25 years in business, he uncovered a disruptive truth: many issues we label as mental illness or chronic conditions aren't medical at all—they're spiritual torments misdiagnosed as disease. By identifying and removing these spiritual oppressors, he's helped over 1,000 people experience lasting freedom—often within 24 hours—from struggles that therapy and medicine couldn't resolve. His method consistently delivers a nearly 90% success rate, even in long-term or treatment-resistant cases. He outlines this simple, step-by-step process in his book, The Prayer of Freedom. Today, he shares why so many people stay stuck—and how lasting freedom begins once the misdiagnosis is exposed and the true spiritual root is removed. A graduate of Auburn University, Beatty began his career as a small business entrepreneur before answering a higher calling that radically redirected his life. He is also the founder of Get Radical Faith Ministries, a nonprofit teaching organization that reaches audiences worldwide through live events, podcasts, and video broadcasts. Beatty lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Peggie. They have three grown children and are passionate about helping others experience the freedom they were meant to live.

Isabel Wells is a spiritual facilitator and mentor who bridges the gap between science and spirituality. Her work helps individuals restore balance by rewriting subconscious patterns and reconnecting with their inner wisdom. With a background in nursing, psychology, holistic health, and spiritual healing, she now blends neuroscience with ancient Shamanic teachings to touch all aspects of her clients' wellbeing. She is the founder of Gateway House of Healing and the former Director of Moon Rising Spiritual Institute. She will be a featured presenter at the Northeast Reiki Retreat (NERR) April 30-May 3, 2026 at Silver Bay YMCA. Isabel is certified in modalities including Reiki, EFT, and Coaching, and she received her Shamanic training under instructors such as Kim Doney Boyle, Beth Beurkens, and Christine Renee. Her approach is grounded, compassionate, and rooted in the belief that healing is a process of remembering who you truly are. Our thanks to the NERR for sponsoring this episode.

Cynthia Cavitt has more than 28 years of experience of energy healing. She began her journey into self-healing in her early 30's after experiencing many allergies and illnesses throughout her childhood and adult life. She began with learning about herbs and homeopathic healing and taking a physical approach to her healing. In 1997 she began her journey into energetic healing while taking massage classes. She learned about crystals and their energetic properties and how they could help with healing while also beginning her journey into Reiki and energetic modalities. She also felt called to become a Universal Life Minister at this time. She is now a Reiki master in 10 different forms of Reiki. Cindy has worked with SRT(Spiritual Response Therapy), EFT(Emotional Freedom Technique), OrthoBionomy (which she calls Spontaneous Release), crystal healing, Access Bars, channeling and light language for a number of years. Cindy makes custom jewelry  and pendulums so that you can have access to some of Cindy's healing energy when she is not with you.  When one books a session with her, it is unique to the person's needs at the time of the session. She incorporates different modalities into the healing depending upon the needs of the client. The client is also given information to help them learn how to do healing and clearing for themselves.  Website:   www.cynthiacavitt.com  Email:  cavittcynthia@yahoo.com  

Paulette first discussed her spiritual journey with us on Episode #23 in June of 2023. She returns to discuss the latest development in her spiritual work: expelling spirits that haven't moved on and have taken possession of bodies where they are not welcome. She still practices Transcendental Meditation but has cut back on her Reiki practice to allow for the many clients who need rid of spirits that make them feel not themselves. Paulette Glover holds an M.Ed. from California University of PA and a Supervisor of Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She is certified as a Mindful Level II Instructor by Dr. Christopher Willard, Harvard University.  Her experience of teaching students with special needs spans decades as she continues her mission to help children succeed. Her spiritual journey began as a five-year-old when she was gifted with Acute Rheumatic Fever in 1953. She recognizes that the months of being alone in a hospital, not allowed to walk or participate in any of the activities the other kids were doing was a lesson to learn the art of stillness, and the ability to go within, needed as preparation to recognize the value of meditation necessary for her spiritual journey. A college student in the 1960's, she met a student from the Maharishi Institute, who introduced her to Transcendental Meditation, a practice that she continues to this day. In the mid 1990's came a disappointment that turned into another gift of Grace from the Universe. On the exact same day that a job promotion that was told would be hers was given to someone else, a friend introduced her to the possibilities of Reiki. Once again, her belief that we are where we are meant to be, was reinforced. From that day on, her spiritual path opened to become a Reiki/Master Teacher and to practice several other healing practices, such as having the Grace be able to study White Light healing in South Africa with Alf Reynolds, who has entrusted Paulette as the Coordinator of the White Chapel Lectures, channeled during the 1960's. However, the best was yet to come. The most amazing transformational change occurred in 2012. Paulette was gifted with a Near Death Experience during a heart attack, where she narrowly survived a 100% blockage, often referred to as the widow-maker. Since her heart attack, her abilities have grown where she has been guided to share her NDE experience, to help others learn how to connect with their angels, and to be gifted with the ability to clear unwanted, negative energies. Paulette is the author of Mindfully Ever After. Mindfully Ever After is a book for all ages about how to navigate relationships in order to keep the spark of love alive and in alignment to helping others on the path to improved health on a cellular level, Paulette is a National Sales Representative for Swiss Bionics Solutions. A Pulsed Electromagnetic Field medical device bridges science with spiritual energy, one cell at a time.

Abby Bolton is a visionary artist and transformation consultant whose work explores the profound connection between energy, intention, and the spaces we inhabit. Through soul-inspired, abstract fluid acrylics, she creates art that serves as a bridge between the tangible and the unseen—capturing the movement of energy, the unfolding of personal evolution, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. Infused with intention, vibrational energy, and intuitive flow, Abby's paintings act as visual anchors for spiritual alignment, self-reflection, and transformation. Her immersive creative process incorporates palette knives, breath, dotting tools, and embellishments such as genuine crystals and mandala-inspired metallic detailing—infusing each piece with both texture and energetic resonance. Guided by themes of rootedness, ascension, and divine connection, Abby's work reflects the balance between stability and expansion—grounding us in self-awareness while inviting growth toward higher wisdom. Inspired by the divine feminine across cultures, her paintings invite the viewer to experience the sacred within—what Jewish tradition calls the shekhinah, or the indwelling presence of the divine. In addition to creating fine art, Abby helps individuals and businesses align their environments through SpaceLift Consultations and custom brand-infused artwork—integrating feng shui, color psychology, and intentional design to transform spaces into sources of clarity and inspiration. She also leads private team workshops, using art as a tool to unlock creativity, deepen vision, and shape environments that support mission, values, and well-being. Whether through custom commissions, energy-infused art, or holistic space alignment, Abby's work is dedicated to elevating both space and spirit. She holds a BA from Smith College, is a Leadership Pittsburgh graduate, as well as a Certified Human-Centered Design (Design Thinking) Practitioner through the LUMA Institute. In 2023, following other significant personal and professional changes, and a continued feeling of misalignment, she finally listened to my ever-louder inner voice, taking a bold leap away from a successful 15+ year corporate consulting career to pursue my soul's purpose: creating art to elevate both space and spirit and founded Abby Bolton Arts.     Before transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship, she specialized in change management, strategic communications, leadership and team development, and culture transformation, and spent a decade at the fast-growing strategy activation consultancy, TiER1 Performance Solutions, supporting high-performance teams and cultures, followed by in-house change strategy roles in the healthcare and finance industries Her commissioned work is collected by numerous individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations, which include Leadership Pittsburgh Inc., Frederick Wells Advisors, and POWER (PA Organization for Women in Early Recovery), where she is honored to be creating paintings to support healing, hope and renewal in the group therapy spaces of their new campus.  She has participated in several Pittsburgh-area art exhibitions, garnered awards in international online art competitions, and been a featured artist in the OMA Center for Mind, Body & Spirit's "Art as a Sacred Channel" event and instructor at the 2025 "Connecting to Source" retreat.  Her work is for sale in her studio/gallery in Etna, PA and online. 

Christine Frechard has had several different careers: from Academics, French teacher and CEO of IIAL (Institute of International art and Languages) to an art gallery owner for 21 years. Then, last year, she successfully became a certified coach for High potential, intellectual, emotional and neurodivergent individuals. She was raised in France as a catholic but always questioned the dogma and the orthodoxy. At 20 years old, she had a profound near death experience after suffering 3 weeks of total insomnia triggered by a challenging trip to Greece. Prior to the NDE, she tapped into a higher intelligence that understands everything beyond words. This changed her life forever as she went on a deeper quest to find answers, bring awareness of magic and healing power around and within us, as well as soul connections. She realized that life is impermanent, but our souls are eternal and connected. She became passionate about Tarot & Pendulum readings. She studied the Bovis scale and she applies it into spiritual guidance experience, as well as her healing power. Christine just reopened an art gallery 2 months ago in Garfield where for the first time, she is willing to share her gift, along with other readers. Every Thursday there is a Tarot evening at the gallery between 4 and 8 pm. On Sunday, the gallery offers Mediumship circles, healing classes, mediumship classes and more. This is a very welcoming space where art and magic coexist.

Rita is an Advanced Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner, MSW/LCSW, and Integrative trauma healing specialist.  She has worked extensively with clients with deep grief and loss, anxiety and PTSD, auto-immune disorders and cancer as well as people in addiction recovery. Rita studied Reiki in the early 2000's and has level 3 Reiki training. This led to many shifts in her professional career working as a "traditional talk therapist" (LCSW) to a body-centered and intuitive healer.  When she discovered and began studying Eden Energy Medicine (with Donna Eden) in 2017, eventually becoming an Advanced Practitioner, she realized she had finally found her passion and the work she was meant to do in this world.  She was also led to study intuitive training with Kim Chestney as well as Soul Empowerment Hypnosis with Courtney Starkey, which deepened and broadened her skills as an intuitive holistic healer. She has an active psychotherapy and Energy Medicine practice where she incorporates all the intuitive training and gifts she has received from Eden Energy Medicine, Intuition Lab, and Spiritual Empowerment Hypnosis training.  Rita is very passionate about the sacred work of Energy Medicine.  Through this work and the introduction to past life regression, as well as her unexpected meeting of someone in 2013 that made her realize there is "no other explanation", she has come to believe in the soul's journey through many lifetimes. Rita identifies her work as spiritual and believes that true healing happens on the spiritual level. She believes we are all connected and together we can change the world.  Rita identifies herself as a Light being in this world whose path of self-discovery and spiritual growth has evolved from childhood as a "cradle Catholic", to a strong belief and connection to Source and many "soul tribe" guides. She chose to move out of the church after experiencing and witnessing multiple levels of unwellness.  She believes this was a Source guided choice that opened her up and deepened her connection to Source.  Rita worked in group private practices for over 20 years until launching her own private practice In Harmony Energy Balancing and Healing, LLC, in January 2022. She is very passionate about her work and life path and is excited to share her gifts with this community and the world. 

 Rev. Robyn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Reiki Master Healer and Teacher, and an Ordained Spiritualist Minister. Spiritualism is the Science, Philosophy and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication with those who live in the Spirit World, proven through mediumship. She has written two nonfiction books which show our extraordinary powers of Unconditional Love and Faith in action. Some call Rev. Robyn an Earth Angel. She's been able to embody the Christ Consciousness and move mountains for many people here on Earth, just as Jesus said we could. It has taken her since 1987, when her spiritual awakening began in the form of prophetic dreams, to stand in her spiritual power publicly. Since 1990, Source Energy has worked through her to heal others.      Robyn's journey to becoming a vessel for the Christ Consciousness has been filled with trauma. She endured many hardships in life including codependency as a child, to escaping domestic violence as a young woman. Her truth shows that what happens to us does not have to define us as she turns each experience into an opportunity for her Soul's growth.      Her Mental Health/Spiritual Operations Manual, "I am the Reluctant Messiah and So Are YOU," provides a blueprint to follow to help us step into the vibration of the Christ Consciousness. It provides a simple yet profound model to understand our feelings and gives us tools to heal the trauma blocking our heart-space as stagnant energy. She created a template to reframe our way of thinking to see ourselves as a Spirit first, using our physical body as a vehicle of transport similar to how a 4-stroke combustion engine transports a car.      

Winnie Xi was born in China where the communist government has made it hard for people to practice any form of religion. She says that it is by God's amazing grace that she saw His light, converted to Christianity and then attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Listen to a former English professor share her spiritual journey towards Jesus. Note that her name has been changed to protect her family members in mainland China. She was fortunate to have a father who valued her as a girl in a time when many girl babies were left on hillsides, aborted, or given away for adoption. Her story provides a first-hand account of growing up in China during tumultuous times, including the Tiananmen Square Massacre. 

Sarah Soltow was a guest in episode #37 of this podcast, which aired in September of 2023. This episode brings us up-to-date on her research on the "organ of awareness" - fascia, the importance of breath work, and her angel encounters. Sarah Soltow found her way to Reiki and energy work in 2009 after a long career in education. Originally from West Virginia, she and her husband Fred lived in Phoenix, AZ for 6 years. In January 2020, they moved Back East and now reside on 15 acres of land just outside of Richmond, VA.  Her journey to wholeness includes Reiki, crystals and vibrational energy work, finding connection with healing the land around her, and a continuing exploration of the role of the fascial system, i.e. connective tissue, in the body's ability to receive and transmit intuitive and healing energies.  In addition to these pursuits, Sarah is a fiber artist who creates basketry with pine needles provided by a tree in her front yard. 

Patty Elvey is a dedicated student of life using every experience for learning and greater awareness. Her 40+ years working with thought leaders and corporate visionaries spanning the industries of legal tech, quantum AI, media, and healthcare provides the foundation for her work uniting client's professional goals with their personal passions. Patty's uniquely holistic approach uncovers strengths and builds a roadmap for achieving their unrealized dreams. In her debut book, "Practicing the Art of Becoming," Patty shares personal insights that inspired and ignited her journey of becoming. A longtime resident of Menlo Park, California, Patty now enjoys splitting her time between the East and West coasts. Patty is a serene force of nature—equal parts wise sage, intuitive strategist, and spiritual guide. Whether she's advising a CEO through conscious leadership or helping someone rediscover their worth after a major life pivot, Patty has a way of seeing straight into the soul. She doesn't just inspire. She activates. She reflects your truest self back to you—and helps you believe in what's possible. Over decades of deep inner work, professional leadership, and spiritual devotion, Patty has built a life rooted in service, transformation, and truth. Her personal story is one of resilience and trust in divine timing. She is a master at asking the right question at the right time—and then holding the space for you to find the answer.

Lee Ann Heitzel was our guest for episode #108 which aired in February 2025. During that discussion her focus was on her MetaArt which decorated the doors behind her and a special door at Lily Dale, New York. In this episode she focuses on her work as a death doula. At an early age, Lee Ann could assist those crossing over, creating a safe and loving space for the death experience to unfold. She fostered this natural esoteric ability for decades, working from the 'side of spirit' to support both loved ones and strangers who would ask for assistance. Years of this work revealed to her how to access higher dimensions of awareness, which she organically integrated into her branding and marketing work and channeled frequency MetaArt paintings. Lee Ann is a grandmother of four, mother of three, and a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan. When not traveling and sharing her work, she is nestled in her art studio in the hills of Western Pennsylvania. 

Dena DeLuco is a spiritual teacher, speaker, and creator of the Activate Your LightBody program, a unique offering that helps people clear energetic blocks, raise their vibration, and live from a place of clarity and purpose. With a background in NLP / Life Coaching and hypnotherapy, she blends science-based tools with spiritual insight to guide clients through powerful transformation. Dena is passionate about helping people remember who they really are and align with their highest potential in practical, everyday ways. She loves guiding people to clear the static, raise their vibe, and discover just how magical and aligned life can feel.

Our second guest pastor to challenge the tenets of the Christian Nationalist movement (see Rev. Janet Edwards, episode 142) Marian provides the keys to bridge-building that gives us hope for compassionate communication. Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen is a pastor, peacebuilder, and bridge-builder whose life has been shaped by a profound spiritual journey—one that began in traditional ministry and led through a personal awakening to her own LGBTQ+ identity. Today, she serves as Executive Director of Parity, a New York City–based nonprofit that works internationally to heal divides between faith and identity, and Research and Teaching Associate to the Neurospirituality Lab at Harvard Medical School, where she explores human-centered, ethical uses of AI and technology, religious liberty, and values-based collaboration. Marian's path has been anything but straight. Early in her Evangelical ministry, she encountered openly LGBTQ+ chaplains for the first time—an experience that challenged her assumptions, deepened her faith, and ultimately revealed her own identity. This turning point set her on a course of bridge-building, from founding an LGBTQ+-affirming church in Salt Lake City to leading national programs for youth and families. Along the way, she discovered the power of what she calls "grace space"—holding open, respectful conversations about faith and identity, even in the most polarized environments. Her work has been recognized with honors including Person of the Year by Q Salt Lake for visionary leadership and the Petra Fellowship for her ministry with homeless youth. Whether she's speaking, writing, or walking alongside those in crisis, Marian invites others to embrace their own "fearfully and wonderfully made" selves, to see God in those who are different, and to live as human bridges of compassion, courage, and hope. Outside her work, she's a passionate skier, outdoor adventurer, devoted spouse, and parent, always curious about what the next chapter of her spiritual journey will reveal.