What Needs To Be Said

Today's episode is with the incredible Hannah Wallace. Join us as we explore life’s, challenges and beauty, with discussions on accessibility, surrender, belonging, authenticity and grace. It's a conversation that touched my heart in such a deep way and with Hannah's humor and wisdom, this episode is a journey you won’t want to miss as we navigate this beautiful and messy human experience.

You can connect with Hannah Here:

In this episode, we delve into the profound insights of astrology with the wisdom of Virginia Bell. Join us as we explore the art of "Embracing Our Years" through the lens of astrology, uncovering the hidden gems of life's various cycles and learning how they can guide us toward a more conscious and fulfilling journey. Virginia Bell shares her expertise on the transformative power of astrology, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing the unique life cycles that shape our paths. This engaging conversation offers valuable perspectives on aging, growth, and empowerment, all illuminated by the stars.

Join me in this powerful episode with Rev. LeVaughn McPherson who is a dedicated Interfaith Minister & Counselor, Birth & Postpartum Doula, and Certified Life Coach based in Brooklyn, NY. With a multifaceted background in finance and property asset management, she transitioned from a mainstream career to a life of service and healing, founding KindledMinds LLC in 2019.

Rev. LeVaughn's personal journey is a testament to resilience and faith. Growing up under the strict control of her father, she found solace and guidance from a compassionate teacher during her high school years. She's a loving mother, and her children have played a profound role in her transformative journey.

Rev. LeVaughn's conversion to Islam brought her into a supportive and nurturing community, providing her with a sense of family she had never experienced before. Her faith and spiritual practice have become central to her everyday life.

The theme of forgiveness has been a crucial element in Rev. LeVaughn's life. She discovered the teachings of 'A Course In Miracles,' which helped her repair her relationship with her children's father, exemplifying the power of healing and reconciliation. Her story beautifully illustrates the transformative power of connection, healing, and reconciliation, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, one can find a path to healing and a renewed sense of purpose.

Join me with special guest Dr. Deborah Egerton, psychotherapist and Enneagram Expert on this insightful conversation about social justice, the language we use to reach each other in difficult conversations and how the Enneagram fits into all of that. We also talk about her “magic mystical formula” for rapidly shifting from our less healthy levels of our enneagram type, up into our more integrated level of growth.

So don't miss this episode with a trailblazer in the field of social justice and personal growth. Dr. Deborah Egerton's work and her best-selling book, "Know Justice Know Peace," offer an incredibly life changing perspective on social justice movements and personal growth and ways to unlock your true self while reshaping the world for a more compassionate and equitable future!

In this episode, we explore Rev. Arda Itez's remarkable journey from corporate success to spiritual awakening. Raised in a secular Turkish family, Arda's early fascination with religious texts set her on a lifelong quest for meaning. Her family's dynamics were marked by opposing values and silence on critical issues.

Arda's life took a turn when she realized her high-profile career and marriage were out of sync with her true purpose. A pivotal moment came when she sought guidance from her late mother's spirit and received a sign leading her to seminary studies.

Arda's spirituality now revolves around service and making a positive impact. She faced her past trauma and discovered radical self-awareness during her seminary studies, later deepening her understanding through shamanism.

Today, Arda Itez champions authenticity, urging others to live true to themselves and effect positive change in the world. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey from the corporate world to her inner sanctuary and her mission to help others do the same.

In this poignant and heartfelt episode, I'm joined by my dear friends, Sara Bybee Fisk, a Coach, and Andrea Parks, a Psychotherapist, as we delve into the profound topic of Religious Trauma. Together, we embark on a journey where we explore the importance of sharing through our own stories.

We begin by recounting the serendipitous nature of our meeting, which felt almost like divine intervention. I open up about my own upbringing within evangelical Christianity, detailing the challenges of coming out, and we reflect on Sara and Andrea's unique journeys within Mormonism.

Through our conversations, we highlight the overlap and differences in our upbringings. Our discussion takes us on a profound exploration of their experiences as parents of LGBTQIA+ children and the impact it had on their perspectives on faith and life. We also delve into the complex process of losing our guidance systems, as our religions often demanded us to conform to specific molds and strive endlessly for a love that felt unattainable, and then how we began to reclaim them.

Together, we unravel the layers of religious trauma, examining the impact it had on our lives and the paths we ultimately chose to take. Join us in this heartfelt conversation as we shed light on the healing journey beyond religious trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.

Find Sara here:

In this episode, I had the privilege of talking with the incredible Alaina G. Levine, an award-winning professional speaker, career coach, science writer, TEDx speaker, author, and corporate comedian. Alaina's story is a tapestry woven from diverse threads, reflecting her rich background and experiences. She shares her path from a childhood steeped in Jewish traditions to navigating the complexities of life, including the profound struggles and transformative moments that ultimately led her to become the successful and influential figure in her field that she is today.

Alaina opens up about her early life and the role of faith in shaping her worldview, providing insights into her background. She takes us through the profound struggle she faced when dealing with the loss of her beloved mother, a pivotal moment that forever altered the course of her life.

The heart of this episode centers on Alaina's journey of emerging from this deep personal struggle. She shares how she found beauty amidst the pain and grew as an individual. Her unwavering faith played a crucial role in sustaining her during this challenging period.

We explore the powerful concept of reframing one's life experiences, finding purpose even in moments of adversity, and how faith can be a guiding light during the darkest of times.

Alaina has become a sought-after speaker and career development expert, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. With her speaking, coaching and two books, "Networking for Nerds" and "Create Your Unicorn Career!" (forthcoming), she continues to inspire and guide others on their own journeys to success.

Throughout the episode, Alaina's wisdom and experiences are sure to inspire and resonate with listeners. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and the art of reframing life's challenges into opportunities for growth and purpose.

Find Alaina here:

Step into an engaging episode as we sit down with Nikki La Croce, the remarkable podcaster behind 'Who The F*ck?'. Join us for a candid conversation where Nikki opens up about her childhood marked by not fitting in—whether in her community, her religion, or even her own gender identity. Experience her journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and the quest for belonging. Tune in to hear how Nikki emerged triumphant, embracing her authentic self, and transcending her struggles to find a newfound sense of belonging, self-love, and the power of connection.

Connect with Nikki here:

In this heartwarming episode of "What Needs To Be Said," we dive into the extraordinary life of Elena Joy Thurston, a woman who has faced tremendous struggles with religious trauma in the Mormon Church and the ordeal of conversion therapy. As a devoted mother of four, Elena Joy's life took an unexpected turn when she bravely embraced her true identity and came out as a lesbian. This decision cost her dearly, causing her to lose her marriage, church, and community. But she emerged stronger, wiser, more resilient and now lives as her authentic self. Discover how she overcame adversity, founded a nonprofit to aid LGBTQ+ youth, and established herself as a sought-after Diversity & Allyship speaker. Together, we explore her transformation from exclusion to inclusion and the impactful work she's doing to foster understanding and acceptance. Her journey will move and inspire you. Tune in now! Find Elena Joy here:

In this episode, which is part 2 of my origin, I delve into the lifelong sense of impending doom that has haunted me, stemming from my religious upbringing and the belief that I was inherently flawed and irreparable. With vulnerability, I recount the heartache I faced while discovering and accepting my queer identity, which added an extra layer of feeling irredeemable. Throughout this episode, I explore the transformative power of healing, acknowledging that it often occurs in waves, unveiling new aspects of pain from our origins as we navigate through different phases of life. My intention in sharing these personal stories is to normalize the cycles of origin, struggle, and emergence, with the hope that you, the listener, can find empowerment in acknowledging and embracing your own journeys with grace and mercy. 

Join me on this glimpse into my transformative journey of self-discovery. Together, let's explore and discover new ways to emerge stronger, more self-aware, and liberated. We all possess the power to unlock new possibilities for growth and find our own paths to a more expansive existence.

Step into the intriguing world of authenticity and self-discovery as I sit down with the extraordinary Jillian Abby on this thought-provoking episode of the "What Needs to be Said" podcast. Brace yourself for an intimate conversation that unravels the complexities of perfectionism and the relentless pursuit of external validation. Witness the defining moment when Jillian, in her late 30s, fearlessly embraced her true identity as a lesbian, paving the way for a profound metamorphosis that would forever change her life. With raw vulnerability and unwavering resilience, she sheds light on the transformative power of self-acceptance, leading her to not only find her authentic self but also a deep spiritual connection and an unexpected love. Be prepared to be inspired, moved, and empowered as we journey through the extraordinary narrative of Jillian Abby.

Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into the life and journey of Emily Scott Robinson, an internationally touring singer-songwriter hailing from the picturesque mountains of Colorado. Born and raised in North Carolina, Emily's musical talent has earned her accolades and a dedicated following. But her artistry is more than just music; it's a spiritual path.

In this enlightening conversation, Emily shares her personal evolution and the transformative moments that shaped her worldview. From her upbringing in the Presbyterian Church to her exploration of shamanism and somatic therapy, we delve into her quest for deeper meaning and connection.

Together, we explore topics that resonate with Emily's experiences, such as purity culture, alternative motherhood, reproductive rights, and the profound relationship between creativity and serving a higher power. Emily's insights and reflections shed light on her journey of breaking free from societal constraints, transcending patriarchal patterns, and finding her authentic path.

Prepare to be inspired as we uncover the intersection of artistry, spirituality, and personal growth in this thought-provoking episode featuring the soulful Emily Scott Robinson.

In this captivating episode of "What Needs To Be Said," host Alex Reegan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jen Berlingo, an author, coach, and Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in midlife transitions. Together, they explore Jen's personal journey of origin, struggle, and emergence, offering invaluable insights and inspiration for listeners embarking on their own paths of authenticity. Jen's book, "Midlife Emergence," serves as a compassionate guide for women seeking to reclaim the powerful parts of themselves that may have been concealed by societal conditioning. Join this enlightening discussion as Jen fearlessly shares her transformative experiences, challenging societal norms and embracing her authentic self with unwavering courage.

On this episode, join us for a powerful conversation with Ari Wisner, a talented queer artist, tarot author, and reader based in London. Together, we embark on a profound exploration of Ari's origin story, shaped by a conservative religious upbringing. We delve into the struggles they faced, including the weight of shame and inauthenticity, and witness their inspiring emergence into a life of embracing their authentic self. Ari's experiences become a guiding light, illuminating the path to personal growth and empowerment amidst the complexities of identity. As we navigate the depths of self-discovery and resilience, we discover the liberating power that comes from living in alignment with our true selves. Join us on this captivating episode as we embark on a transformative journey, drawing inspiration from Ari's extraordinary emergence into a life of authenticity and fulfillment.

In this episode of the What Needs to be Said podcast, host Alex Reegan sits down with Ruth Schwartz, Ph.D., the brilliant mind behind the Conscious Girlfriend Academy. Ruth shares her personal journey of origin, struggle, and emergence, and offers profound insights into her groundbreaking work in the realm of dating, love, and sexuality.
Ruth's own story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's authentic self. She opens up about her own struggles and how she overcame them, ultimately emerging as a beacon of empowerment and wisdom. Her experiences have shaped her into a leading global resource, helping lesbians and women who love women navigate the complexities of dating and relationships.
At the Conscious Girlfriend Academy, Ruth has created a safe and inclusive space for individuals seeking meaningful connections. Drawing from her extensive educational background, including Creative Writing, Transpersonal Psychology, Applied Shamanism, and Somatica Sex & Intimacy Coaching, Ruth brings a holistic approach to her transformative work.
Throughout the interview, Ruth offers practical guidance and shares her expertise, gained through years of teaching at prestigious institutions. Her acclaimed book, Conscious Lesbian Dating and Love, serves as a valuable roadmap for those looking to create fulfilling partnerships.
Join Alex Reegan as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ruth Schwartz, exploring her personal journey and the profound insights she has gained along the way. This episode of the What Needs to be Said podcast invites listeners to embrace their authentic selves, navigate the complexities of dating and relationships, and find empowerment through love and sexuality.

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