S1 E23 - Surrender, Trust, and the Illusion of Control - LightSong Talking Stick Podcast

Co-hosts: Jan Engels-Smith and Micah Schwader

In this deep and heartfelt episode, Jan Engels-Smith and Micah Schwader explore the spiritual paradox of surrender—not as giving up, but as letting go of the illusion that we were ever in control. Through personal stories, Vision Quest experiences, and teachings from the Lakota tradition, they reflect on how spiritual breakthroughs often come not through strength, but through surrender, trust, and deep humility.

Jan shares vivid stories of illness, injury, and discomfort during Vision Quests that pushed her beyond ego and into the hands of Spirit, while Micah reflects on the difference between control and true trust—from financial surrender to the surprising peace that comes when you stop wrestling with the universe. Together, they unpack the semantics and stigma around "surrender," revealing it instead as a sacred practice of receptivity, presence, and alignment.

This episode invites listeners into an honest inquiry: Do I truly trust Spirit? Can I surrender to the unknown without fear? With humor, depth, and grace, Jan and Micah offer a blueprint for living in flow—even when life doesn't go according to plan.

"When we finally let go of the need to be in control, the real magic begins."

Tune in for soul medicine, laughter, and two wonderful storytellers. Trust us—you'll want to hear this one.

For more information about Jan's ReCreate Yourself class, visit https://www.lightsong.net/recreate-yourself/

For more information about Micah's Shamanic Storytelling class, visit  https://shamansezz.com/shamanic-storytelling/

For more information about Micah's memoir, Stumbling Into Grace: The Adventures of a Transgender Shaman, visit  ShamanSezz.com/stumbling-into-grace-the-book