Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a chakra meditation, then shares the definition of the word LEGACY, and invites us to consider the question: what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind and why? Merle Saferstein also joins the conversation to discuss the importance of journaling as an educator, author, and pioneer in legacy journaling. Together, Chrissy and Merle discuss how living your life becomes your legacy, tips to start journaling and the benefits of writing even if...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a loving kindness meditation, then shares the definition of the word LIGHT, and invites us to consider the question: what does the concept of light mean to you? Liz Kinchen, author of Light in Bandaged Places: Healing in the Wake of Young Betrayal, also joins the conversation. Together, Chrissy and Liz discuss meditation, Buddhism, and the healing power of their writing practices. Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, How the ...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a mantra meditation, then shares the definition of the word ACCEPTANCE, and invites us to consider the question: What are some common barriers to acceptance in ourselves and others? Chrissy is also joined by her husband Scott for a special conversation about her new book, Finding Sunlight! Together, Chrissy and Scott discuss the meaning of acceptance, how Chrissy wrote her book, and the role of self-love in accepting yourself and others. The...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a body-scan meditation for feeling supported, then shares the definition of the word FAITHFUL, and invites us to consider the question: how do you stay faithful to yourself and your values in a world that pressures us to conform? Podcaster Amber White also joins the conversation to share her journey as a formerly faithful, which she talks about on her podcast Now I See. Together, Chrissy and Amber discuss the power of commitment and how her e...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a walking meditation on the power of telling your truth, then shares the definition of the word TELL, and invites us to consider the question: how does the way we tell a story impact its meaning? Writer and journalist Fran Hawthorne also joins Chrissy to share her love of storytelling. Together, they discuss how stories can inspire change, the importance of sharing real-life experiences, and the impact of personal narratives. Then Chrissy sha...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a box breathing practice, then shares the definition of the word belonging, and invites us to consider the question: what role does acceptance play in creating a sense of belonging? Stacey Chomiak also joins the conversation to discuss the challenges of feeling whole and accepted as a queer person of faith. Together, Chrissy and Stacey discuss finding a sense of belonging through art, Stacey’s queer-affirming children’s books, and creating spa...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a nature visualization meditation, then shares the definition of the word purity, and invites us to consider the question: how have societal expectations or the idea of purity impacted your mental health? Erica Smith also joins the conversation to discuss her work as an award-winning sexuality educator and consultant with over 20 years of experience. Together, Chrissy and Erica discuss purity culture, Erica’s approach to working with people co...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on being present in nature, then shares the definition of the word weather, and invites us to consider the question: how does the weather influence our emotions and behaviors? Therapists and writers Gretta Keene and Bill Murray of Mind Your Weather also join the conversation. Together, they explore how we can attune to the outer weather and our inner weather with the support of therapy, creativity, and spirituality. We also talk a...
Send us a text Season two of Stirred By Words has come to a close, and I'm very excited to share that while we're on break, I'm launching my first book on Kickstarter! Finding Sunlight is a memoir about love within the wreckage of purity culture. It's about my journey to unpack my sexuality, faith, and mental health to help me uncover my own truth and navigate love with pride. We have until July 1st to get the Kickstarter fully funded, so I can release my book in the fall. If you're able to...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on creating positive change, then shares the definition of the word IMPACT, and invites us to consider the question: how can we build effective collaborations to achieve impact? Dara Beevas and Amy Quale of Wise Ink Creative Publishing also join the conversation to share the impact stories have had on their lives and communities. Together, they discuss where publishing meets activism, how books cultivate empathy, and what makes a...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on rest and worthiness, then shares the definition of the word burnout, and invites us to consider the question: how can you learn to set boundaries to avoid taking on too much and contributing to burnout? Stress and resiliency expert Anastasia Galka also joins the conversation to share her favorite definition of burnout, its early signs, and common root causes. Together, Anastasia and Chrissy discuss why burnout isn’t a mindset,...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on vulnerability, then shares the definition of the word vulnerable, and invites us to consider the question: how can we be more comfortable with vulnerability in our lives? Britta and Lizzy, hosts of the Attention Spam podcast also join the conversation to discuss their thoughts on vulnerability in relationships. Together, they discuss how they’ve experienced vulnerability in friendships, marriage, and with each other. Then Chr...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on challenges we’re facing and how to release them. Then she shares the definition of the word RECKONING and invites us to consider the question: how would our world be different if we took more time to consider the consequences of our decisions? Adele Holmes, MD also joins the conversation to share a bit about her new book Winter’s Reckoning. Together, Adele and Chrissy discuss the various forms of reckoning (including reckoning ...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on experiencing discomfort in our bodies, and then shares the definition of the word PAIN, and invites us to consider the question: how do you manage emotional pain in your life? Katie Kaufmann also joins the conversation to share her experience of twenty years of chronic back pain and her work as a pain recovery coach. Together, Chrissy and Katie discuss the relationship between the brain and pain, the disappointments and reward...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on secrecy, then shares the definition of the word SECRET, and invites us to consider the question: how can the power of secrecy shape our interactions with others? Laura Hall also joins the conversation to discuss her book Affliction: Growing Up with a Closeted Gay Dad. Together, Chrissy and Laura discuss the difference between secrets and lies, how other peoples’ secrets can impact us, and the connecting power of telling the tru...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on abundance, then shares the definition of the word MONEY, and invites us to consider the question: how does money shape our perceptions of success and happiness? Lauren Cañafranca also joins the conversation to discuss her joyful relationship with money as an Accredited Financial Counsellor® Canada and the owner of Elbie Cashflow Coaching. Together, Chrissy and Lauren discuss the ways money shapes our culture, what money can (an...
Send us a text Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on the past and present, then shares the definition of the word MEMORY and invites us to consider the question: how does memory shape our understanding of the world? Barbara Rubin also joins the conversation to discuss her memoir More Than You Can See, a story of joy and sorrow mixed with humor and rage as both a mother and advocate for her injured daughter Jenn. Together, Chrissy and Barbara discuss the ways traumatic brain injur...
Send us a text Welcome back to Stirred By Words! In this transition episode, Chrissy shares some exciting news about the show! Then she provides guided meditation to help ground the conversation. She defines the word CHANGE, and answers the questions: How can we create meaningful change in our lives, and how does that create a better world? Chrissy then describes this week's book recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear In the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself some questions...
Send us a text In this finale episode of Season 1, Chrissy gives a mental health tip about self-care, defines the word PAUSING, and answers the question: What is your top tip for pausing and practicing self-care? Previous listeners responded to this question, including Becca & Holly (Episode 001: Community), Martina (Episode 003: Health), Carolyn (Episode 005: Romantic), Lisa (Episode 006: Relationship), Julie (Episode 007: Tranquility), and Dr. Melanie (Episode 008: Ba...
Send us a text Chrissy starts the episode with a health tip about learning new things, defines the word CREDENTIAL, and ponders the question: How have credentials impacted your life? If they're important, why? If not, why not? Lizzy Miller, MS, MPH, NBH-HWC, RDN, shares her thoughts on the question. You can find her on Instagram @lizzydmiller and on LinkedIn. Chrissy then describes this week's book recommendation: Credentials: Understand the Problems. Identify the Opportunitie...