Who We Are & What We Need

In this conversation, Catherine Quiring speaks with Dorcas Chang-Tozun about her work in social innovation, the importance of empathy, and the various ways sensitive individuals can engage in justice work. They discuss the unique challenges faced by highly sensitive people in activism and the need for compassion in a divided world. Dorcas emphasizes the significance of relational activism and the power of small, meaningful interactions in fostering understanding and connection. The conversation concludes with a focus on finding joy and community amidst challenges.Resources:Guides, Books, and PlaylistConnect with Nancy: Website - Books - InstagramConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringShow Notes by AI and Catherine QuiringLogo by Catherine Quiring (including graphic by @andrewpixel)

Catherine Quiring explores the concept of emotional medicine, emphasizing the importance of care, love, and compassion in today's world. She discusses various forms of healing, including breath, dance, rest, curiosity, and grief, as essential tools for navigating life's challenges. Catherine reflects on personal experiences and insights, highlighting the significance of boundaries, voice, and belonging in the healing process. Ultimately, she connects these themes to a broader understanding of our existence, emphasizing our connection to the cosmos and the transformative power of life.

In this episode, Catherine Quiring speaks with Andrew Lang about navigating political overwhelm and the importance of community action. They discuss the role of curiosity and compassion in conversations, the challenges faced by therapists during crises, and the significance of collective support in resisting fascism. The conversation also touches on the pressures of activism, the need for balance, and the qualities essential for wellbeing. They provide resources for engaging with legislative representatives and emphasize the importance of community in creating meaningful change.Gentle Change Starter KitGentle Change CollectiveConnect with Andrew: Website - InstagramConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringLogo by Catherine Quiring

In this conversation, Andrew Lang shares the concept of 'Gentle Change' and how it relates to activism in today's political climate. He emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the need for a gentle yet fierce commitment to social change. The discussion between Catherine and Andrew covers various aspects of activism, including the distinction between waves and points of activism, the significance of focusing on one issue at a time, and the role of parenting in fostering activism in children. They also introduce Andrew's Gentle Change Starter Kit, which provides exercises to help individuals identify their passions and take meaningful action.Resources:Gentle Change Starter KitGentle Change CollectiveConnect with Andrew: Website - InstagramConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringLogo by Catherine Quiring

In this conversation, Catherine Quiring speaks with Jenny McGrath, a licensed mental health counselor and researcher on purity culture. They explore the impact of purity culture on women's identities, the healing power of movement, and the connection to nature. Jenny shares her journey of deconstructing her faith and understanding the historical roots of Christian nationalism. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, liberation, and the need for a deeper connection to our bodies and the world around us. In this conversation, they explore the complexities of cultural identity, the challenges of safety in connection, and the need for revolutionary change in the face of capitalism. Jenny reflects on her personal journey through purity culture and missionary work, the ethical implications of NGOs, and the contradictions within Christian nationalism. The discussion also delves into the importance of reconnecting with ancestral spirituality and the transformative power of embodied healing.ResourcesSensuous Knowledge by Mina SalamiOur Green Heart: the Soul and Science of Forests by by Diana Beresford-KroegerFinding the Mother Tree by Suzanne SimardEarth Path by StarhawkSex, God, and the Conservative Church by Tina Schermer SellersElaine PagelsConstantine’s Sword by James Carrolladrienne marie brownPrentiss HemphillAnatomy of a Missionary by Jenny McGrath (to be published)Consent/Control Matrix by Catherine QuiringReform or Revolution by Rosa LuxemborgLessons for Organizing by Ricardo Levins MoralesFeroze ManjiTaking America Back for GodConnect with Jenny: Website - InstagramConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine Quiring with AI assistance on show notesLogo by Catherine QuiringS3E13

In this enlightening conversation, Catherine Quiring speaks with retired therapist, Nancy Hagman, LMHC about her exploration of the Divine Feminine. They delve into the significance of the labyrinth as a symbol of transformation, the cycles of nature, and the influence of goddess archetypes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, the power of circles, and the need to reconnect with the earth. They share valuable resources and insights for those interested in exploring these themes further.Resources:Kate Northrup - Do LessStarhawk - several booksSue Monk Kidd - The Dance of the Dissident DaughterChristena Cleveland - God is a Black WomanElizabeth Lesser - Cassandra SpeaksAudre Lorde - The Power of the EroticKatherine Maillard - Medicine Woman Oracle CardsConnect with Nancy: WebsiteConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringShow Notes by AI and Catherine QuiringLogo by Catherine Quiring (including graphic by @andrewpixel)

Bask in poems to inspire and care for your soul. Catherine reads poems from her books I AM: Poems for Expansion and Renewal and Awakening Wonder: Embracing Kinship with all of Life. You can find both of these books for sale on Amazon. (links below). Please comment and let us know what resonated with you the most. 💛ResourcesI AM: Poems for Expansion and RenewalAwakening Wonder: Embracing Kinship with all of LifeConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠Instagram - BooksEdited by Catherine QuiringLogo by Catherine QuiringS3E10

Dr. Alice Nichols, an autistic clinical psychologist, shares her expertise on autistic burnout, its cycles, and the importance of self-compassion and community support in recovery. The discussion delves into the nuances of navigating stress, the role of neurodiversity, and practical strategies for creating sustainable living environments. Dr. Nichols emphasizes the significance of connection and compassion in managing the challenges faced by autistic individuals, while also addressing the differences between autistic and ADHD experiences.ResourcesThe Cycle of Autistic BurnoutThe Autistic Burnout Symptom Checklist (ABSC)How to Keep House While DrowningBanish Burnout (aff link)Connect with Dr. Alice: Website - InstagramConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringShow Notes by Catherine Quiring and AILogo by Catherine Quiring

In this conversation, Dr. Alice Nicholls discusses the shame often associated with neurodivergent needs. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and understanding one's own needs while navigating societal expectations. Our discussion delves into the power of connection and compassion in healing.  We also touch on what to do with the question, “how are you?”ResourcesBanish Burnout (aff link)Learn How to Trust Yourself Mini MasterclassConnect with Dr. Alice: Website - InstagramConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringShow Notes by Catherine Quiring and AILogo by Catherine Quiring

Episode: S3E7Title: Inner Stillness with Max KomesDescriptionIn my conversation with Max Komes, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Registered Intern, we discuss how various Eastern practices can inform our personal growth inside and outside of psychotherapy. Max shares the three different ways of being with our thoughts: reflection, contemplation, and meditation, and how each is helpful. Max also teaches us about different layers of human existence, known as koshas. We explore the wound of disconnection we all experience, and we explore creative ways to heal, reconnect, and foster healthy interconnection and community.ResourcesLiving Resistance by Kaitlin B. CurticeConnect with Max: Website - Instagram - SubstackConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringLogo by Catherine Quiring

Episode: S3E6Intuitive Wisdom with Asia SulerDescriptionIn my conversation with writer, healer, and Earth intuitive Asia Suler, we explore her book Mirrors in the Earth and her journey of motherhood as a sensitive person. Asia shares some of her primary connections to the more-than-human world. We discuss astrology, shamanism, ancestral healing, and dance. Asia gives a few hints about an upcoming book and her new podcast! Asia gives us permission to give our attention back to ourselves and care for ourselves.ResourcesMirrors in the Earth by Asia SulerMothering Depth - Asia’s SubstackRemember Why You Are Here - Asia’s PodcastEarth Healing Archetype QuizSandra IngermanQuotes“Longing for our caregivers to embody the divine mother and father is entirely natural. But it’s also unrealistic…If you can see your parents as regular-sized human beings, with all their beauty and imperfections, you can support your own healing, relieve them from godlike expectations, and move toward a more healthy, reciprocal, and realistic relationship.” - Daniel Foor, p.123-124 Ancestral MedicineConnect with Asia: Website - Instagram - Substack - PodcastConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Catherine QuiringLogo by Catherine Quiring

S3E4Deep Knowing with Tammy ChowIn my conversation with Tammy Chow, a somatic-experiencing and attachment-repatterning practitioner, we discuss Tammy’s healing journey and practice, their ‘awakening the wild woman’ program, the 5 channels of knowing, the role of archetypes in healing, and more.  ResourcesConnect with Tammy:Website -InstagramConnect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠InstagramEdited by Jasmine Skye SmithLogo by Catherine Quiring

In this conversation with Megan, a life coach for autistic, ADHD, auDHD, and neurocurious individuals, we discuss her journey of discovering her autistic and ADHD identities and explore the topic of neurodivergence as a whole. We touch on self-diagnosis and professional diagnosis, the identities included under the term neurodivergent, executive dysfunction, self-sovereignty, and neurodivergent communities. As mentioned in the episode, I’m hosting a Neurodiversity Workshop on Monday, January 27 from 11:30am CT to 1:00pm CT via Zoom. You can find all of the details below!  Neurodivergent workshop hosted by Catherine MONDAY, JANUARY 27 Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm CT (9:30-11am PT/12:30-2pm ET) Location: Zoom Join me to explore your flavor of neurodiversity in a fun, playful way. Uncover new layers of self-understanding, self-expression, and self-care. You leave this workshop with a workbook full of how your neurodiversity shows up for you. This workbook is for your own self-reflection and self-care. It is also to share with loved ones, if you’ve been looking for a way to explain your neurodiversity to them. Participants will get a free pdf of the workbook. Or you can get an advance copy in my shop or on Amazon: Define Your Neurodivergence Workbook. Related Resources ⁠Samantha Craft’s unofficial females with autism checklist ⁠(mentioned by Megan)  ⁠I Think I Might Be Autistic by Cynthia Kim⁠ (mentioned by Megan)  ⁠Autism and ADHD Discovery Binders⁠ (mentioned by Megan)  ⁠The Neurodivergent Clubhouse⁠ (mentioned by Megan)  ⁠⁠Catherine's Neurodivergent Screening Tools⁠⁠ ⁠Neurodivergent workshop hosted by Catherine⁠ ⁠Enneagram workshop hosted by Catherine⁠ Connect with Megan: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠YouTube⁠ Connect with Catherine: ⁠Website⁠ - ⁠Substack⁠ - ⁠Instagram Edited by Jasmine Skye Smith Logo by Catherine Quiring

In my conversation with Mehgan Cash, a Pensacola pet sitter, we discuss her experiences with anxiety, self-advocacy, and how learning about the Enneagram changed her life. Connect with Catherine•Therapy + Coaching•Learning + Support•Instagram•Substack Edited by Jasmine Skye SmithLogo by Catherine Quiring

Online dating can sometimes feel demoralizing and overwhelming. In my conversation with Amanda Quinby, an online dating strategist with a PhD in clinical psychology. we discuss how you can transform it into one of playful empowerment. We discuss Amanda’s personal journey with online dating, the importance of self-compassion and authenticity, navigating intense connections and red flags, and expressing needs and wants and setting boundaries around those.  More About Amanda Her passion is wanting to help women transform the online dating process in a way where they not only meet people who are really good fit for them, but they also feel good about themselves and feel like they’re seen and heard rather than feeling like they have to shrink themselves.  • Get her free red flags checklist  • Website: playfullyempowered.com • Instagram: @playfullyempowered Connect with Catherine • Therapy + Coaching • Learning + Support • Instagram • Substack  Edited by Jasmine Skye Smith Logo by Catherine Quiring

Survivors hold so much wisdom for their own recovery process. When empowered to make their own choices and trust their own intuitive guidance, their healing process really opens up. But, building an empowered, healthy relationship with yourself as a trauma survivor can be really hard. In this continuation of my conversation with Sara Aird, a complex trauma survivor, educator, and advocate, we discuss how to learn to take care of yourself, the day-to-day nitty gritty of meeting your needs, how healthy behaviors can feel like threats to complex trauma survivors finding wholeness and a sense of self, and the most effective, ongoing, far-reaching, long-term effective tool in healing complex trauma – curiosity. More about Sara: Sara is a complex trauma survivor, educator, and advocate. Through her Instagram platform @survivorwise, she shares resources and tools for trauma recovery in the context of her own healing story. Using her background in biology, education, writing, and trauma training, she breaks down complex trauma recovery into accessible and relatable packets of information offered in her Survivor Wise workbooks and courses. She has over five years of experience working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector with organizations dedicated to the prevention and healing of sexual abuse and other trauma. She is Level 1 NARM Informed Professional and has training in Internal Family Systems and Somatic Attachment. She brings her professional and lived experience into her Survivor Wise resources, where she empowers survivors to become the experts on their healing process. Her personal research and lived experience give Sara a compassionate perspective on the psychological and neurobiological impact of trauma, which makes her a valuable advocate for complex trauma recovery and survivors. Related resources: • Befriending the Body (mentioned by Sara) Connect with Sara • Website: saraaird.com • Instagram: @survivorwise Connect with Catherine • Therapy + Coaching • Learning + Support • Empathic Changemakers Community • Instagram • Substack  Edited by Catherine Quiring Logo by Catherine Quiring

Complex trauma leaves us with an incredibly ruptured relationship with ourselves, right? That’s why I’m SO excited to speak with Sara Aird, a complex trauma survivor, educator, and advocate.  We discuss the single-most important factor in her own healing from complex trauma, the modalities that have been useful, the healing impact of being single-most important factor in her own healing from complex trauma, and the shift from post traumatic stress to post traumatic growth in practical, everyday terms. More about Sara: Sara is a complex trauma survivor, educator, and advocate. Through her Instagram platform @survivorwise, she shares resources and tools for trauma recovery in the context of her own healing story. Using her background in biology, education, writing, and trauma training, she breaks down complex trauma recovery into accessible and relatable packets of information offered in her Survivor Wise workbooks and courses. She has over five years of experience working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector with organizations dedicated to the prevention and healing of sexual abuse and other trauma. She is Level 1 NARM Informed Professional and has training in Internal Family Systems and Somatic Attachment. She brings her professional and lived experience into her Survivor Wise resources, where she empowers survivors to become the experts on their healing process. Her personal research and lived experience give Sara a compassionate perspective on the psychological and neurobiological impact of trauma, which makes her a valuable advocate for complex trauma recovery and survivors. Connect with Sara • Website: saraaird.com • Instagram: @survivorwise Connect with Catherine • Therapy + Coaching • Learning + Support • Empathic Changemakers Community • Instagram • Substack  Edited by Catherine Quiring Logo by Catherine Quiring

Today on the show, I’m joined by Kandi Zeller, a writer and editor at the intersections of spirituality, creativity, and justice. We celebrate wonder and whimsy. We explore how freedom to be our authentic selves increases our access to wonder, ourselves, soul-space, magic and presence. We discuss masking and the gifts of neurodivergence. We discuss how we would like society to transition from one way of being as the norm, to communication about who we are and what we need being the norm.  We cover how disability can be due to trauma as well as physical health issues. Disability for Kandi reflects that she lives in a body that is not welcome or well-treated in our society. Exploring things that brough Kandi joy and wonder led her down the path to witchcraft. Kandi discusses her interpretation of tarot and its connection to our intuition. For Kandi, being a witch represents her connection to radical autonomy, rooted in feminism and nature. We discuss systemic barriers to meeting needs. Kandi recommends moving from us versus them to us versus problem to address them. Quotes “The love that holds up the universe” - Julian of Norwich “Today I am worthy of all that I need” - Kandi Zeller Connect with Kandi KandiZeller.com Undead Faith Zine Substack: All the Threads Book: Disabled Witchcraft: 90 Rituals for Limited Spoon Practitioners Connect with Catherine • Therapy + Coaching • Learning + Support • Empathic Changemakers Community • Instagram • Substack  Edited by Catherine Quiring Logo by Catherine Quiring

Today on the show, Joy Malek, LMFT, and I continue our conversation. We explore what liberates us socially and personally, especially for those of us who live in our inner worlds. We discuss personality typologies that speak to our inner experience, such as Jungian personality typology and the Enneagram. We weave the understanding of our inner experience with larger community systems through frameworks such as Internal Family Systems. We explore the “spinal cord” of linked systems. Catherine shares some aspects of how her personality and energy work. How she finds breathing space that exhales into liberation and care. We explore various gifts of introverts, empaths, and intuitive folx. Connect with Joy Instagram Website: joymalek.com Connect with Catherine • Therapy + Coaching • Learning + Support • Empathic Changemakers Community • Instagram • Substack  Edited by Catherine Quiring Logo by Catherine Quiring

Today on the show, I’m joined by Joy Malek, LMFT. We delve into the empathic experience of feeling the pain of the world. We grieve and process the heaviness of the world, carving out space for ourselves and our personal care. Joy describes the deep nuances of what we are collectively seeing and feeling, and some paths forward including personal and collective care. Since taping this podcast, I have been working on a community space for empathic care and activism. That community, Empathic Changemakers, is now live! Click on link below to join us! Joy and I had a long, enjoyable conversation. Part 2 will be out next Monday, so stay tuned. Connect with Joy Instagram Website: joymalek.com Connect with Catherine • Therapy + Coaching • Learning + Support • Empathic Changemakers Community • Instagram • Substack  Edited by Catherine Quiring Logo by Catherine Quiring