Brightly

In this episode of Brightly, we reflect on the incredible journey of 150 episodes filled with curiosity, growth, and connection. We explore the cycles of rest, renewal, and rebirth that have shaped the podcast, sharing the lessons, memories, and moments that have left a lasting impact. As we close this chapter, we invite you to join us in celebrating the radiance we've created together and the light that will continue to shine in the paths ahead. This isn't just an ending—it's an opportunity to embrace what comes next.

As we wrap up Season 4 of Brightly, we're diving into the transformative energy of 2025, a year marked by the numerological influence of 9. Together, we explore the themes of completion, integration, and preparation for new beginnings. In episode 149, The Culmination, Amy and Tracy reflect on how endings and new cycles show up in their lives, sharing insights on aligning with the energy of the year and working with its lessons. Join us as we discuss how to embrace this period of culmination and set the stage for fresh adventures with wisdom and intention. It's the perfect way to close out 2024 and step brightly into what's next!

In this special Winter Solstice anniversary episode, The Witching Year, Amy + Tracy share their experiences and reactions to Diana Helmuth's book “The Witching Year a Memoir of Earnest Fumbling Through Modern Witchcraft”.

In episode 147, The Frolic, we challenge the old rules of rigid planning and introduce F.U.N. goals—Flexible, Uplifting, and Non-judgmental. We'll discuss how to shift from checklists to more playful approaches that spark excitement and curiosity. Tune in to discover fresh ways to embrace growth without the grind. Let's bring more joy into our ambitions and the coming year!

In episode 146, The Algorithm, we explore how technology can be a powerful ally in personal development and goal setting.  From leveraging tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming and self reflection to creating vision boards on Pinterest, we'll show you how to streamline your path toward growth.  Learn how to uncover insights about yourself, clarify your aspirations, and design a future aligned with your goals using the digital tools at your fingertips.  Listen in to harness tech to turn possibilities into plans and dreams into realities!

In this episode of Brightly, we dive into our second book club pick - “Grimoire Girl: Creating an Inheritance of Magic and Mischief” by Hilarie Burton Morgan. Through memoir essays and magical practices, Burton Morgan invites us to explore the enchantment woven into everyday life, inspiring us to create our own tangible collections of love, wisdom, and curiosity. As one of our ultimate girl muses, she embodies creativity, resilience, and the beauty of living with intention. Join us as we reflect on the themes of self-discovery and storytelling and share how this book has sparked new ideas and practices in our lives.

In episode 144, Amy and Tracy return after a behind-the-scenes hiatus to reaffirm Brightly's values in the wake of the disappointing U.S. election results. This isn't a political analysis but a deeply personal conversation about hope, fear, and the power of standing firm in your principles. Join them as they explore turning fear into action, building trusted community, and staying aligned with values in uncertain times. This episode is an invitation to reflect, recalibrate, and rise brighter than ever.

In episode 143, The Spark, Amy and Tracy dive into the concept of a Quantum Leap Year, where small, consistent changes meet transformative leaps. Inspired by "75 Grow," a movement started by @badarteveryday on IG and Tiktok, they explore "kind consistency" and how incremental actions create monumental shifts. Whether you're recalibrating or on the brink of a breakthrough, this episode encourages you to honor both the subtle and powerful changes that can move you forward. Tune in as they reflect on personal growth and the magic of blending small adjustments with life-changing moments to reignite your internal spark.

In our most recent Bright Spot, we're excited to shine a light on one of our favorite Bright Lights, JR Pearse Nelson. JR is a fantasy and paranormal romance author who infuses her work with magic and creativity. Her approach to weaving magic into both her craft and life is nothing short of radiant. JR's journey reminds us that creativity thrives when we make time for it, nurture it, and embrace the wonder in everyday moments. In this conversation, we explore how she channels inspiration, stays motivated amidst life's demands, and makes space for her creative passions. It's a thoughtful and inspiring exchange that left us reflecting on the magic we can all bring into our own lives.

 In episode 141, The Minimalistas, Amy and Tracy kick off The Brightly Podcast's book club with Minimalista by Shira Gill. Join them as they explore how less really can be more—more ease, more creativity, and more room for what matters most. Amy shares her personal journey through decluttering and simplifying, reflecting on the surprising ways it challenged her beliefs, helped her reset her life, and even led to finishing a long-held dream. But this episode goes beyond just organizing. Amy and Tracy dive into how the minimalist approach also became a form of shadow work, uncovering hidden aspects of identity and long-held patterns. Tune in to hear how minimalism reshaped Amy's path and the lessons that go beyond just organizing your space.

In episode 140, "The Sleep," Amy and Tracy delve into the mystical and esoteric realms of rebirth, exhaustion, rest, and regeneration in our spiritual and personal growth journey. From exploring the alchemical processes of transformation to discerning genuine rest from prolonged states of inertia or avoidance, join us as we uncover the magical interplay between sleep, awakening, and soulful rejuvenation. Tune in to embrace the prophetic wisdom of self-awareness, intuition, and divine timing as we navigate the mysteries of sleep, awakening, and renewal with mindfulness, enchantment, and sacred grace.

In Episode 139, "The Future," Amy and Tracy delve into the transformative journey of cultivating mindful presence, sacred self-compassion, and intuitive grace. Together, they navigate the shadows of inertia and avoidance, paving the way for a future where they are renewed and aligned with their higher selves, destiny, and cosmic flow. Join them as they explore the alchemical processes of soul growth, uncovering the secrets of soul fatigue and spiritual nourishment on their path of self-discovery. As they bid farewell for now, they reflect on the magic of emergence and renewal, embracing their renewed selves with gratitude and joy as they navigate life's cycles with enchantment and grace.

What happens once you've accomplished that big dream, that thing that has been weighing on you, that thing you had set out to do and never seemed to finish? Are you overjoyed, grief stricken, a combination of the two? Or are you simply wondering: can I do it again? Okay, this has a whole lot to do with Amy's lifelong dream of FINISHING writing a book, but it is truly relatable to any big dream or goal. So, now what? Join Amy and Tracy as they navigate this question.

In episode 137, "The Rules," Amy and Tracy explore the intentional, unintentional, and put-upon rules we follow in life. From examining societal norms and personal boundaries to unraveling mystical and esoteric themes that shape our beliefs and behaviors, join us on this enlightening journey of self-discovery and rule-breaking. Tune in to embrace the transformative power of questioning, redefining, and aligning with our authentic essence and soul's path.

In episode 136, "The Reset," Amy and Tracy delve into the idea of resetting life and soul goals. We discuss the importance of recognizing when things aren't running smoothly and the value of listening to discomfort as a signal for change. From navigating resistance in work and daily tasks to experiencing moments of confirmation and clarity, join us on this transformative journey of resetting and realigning.

In episode 135, "The Return," Amy and Tracy address the elephant in the room: our unexpected hiatus. We delve into an expedition of grief and life's tiny chaos', shedding light on the reasons behind our break and the transformative journeys they've inspired. Tune in to reconnect with us as we envision our future selves, navigating our current chapter(s) with authenticity, openness, friendship, and grace.

If you've listened for any length of time, you know Amy and Tracy love a good plan. In fact, we dedicate whole days to planning for the podcast. Even with that, we are excellent pivoters, are you? Join us as we talk about plans gone awry and who's in charge of our lives anyway.

Are you adept at choice? Can you make a choice and then take responsibility for its outcome? Or are you more in the overwhelmed by choice category--vacillating constantly and asking everyone around you for their opinions? Amy's mom would often share the quote, “Not choosing is making a choice.” Amy had a tendency to not choose, to wait for the Universe to push her in the right direction, which was usually nowhere. There were also plenty of times she didn't think she had a choice, now she can see she had choices, she was just afraid to find them and then act on them. Choice is still a tricky thing for her, which is why we're going to talk about it! Join us as we navigate choice.

We love a beginning.  A fresh page.  A new cycle.  Welcome to season 4 of Brightly you radiant radiant beings. This year we're embarking on a journey of personal growth and reflection as we explore the depths of the human experience. From the excitement of fresh starts to the introspection of measuring growth, we explore it all in episode 132, Growing Pains. Tune in as we tackle the nuances of personal growth, embracing discomfort, and navigating liminal spaces on our quest to shine brighter.

Welcome to season 4 of Brightly you radiant being! The show that wildly recognizes, encourages, and invests in the radiance we all carry so you can shine your brightest. Each episode we use our good & bad experiences, friendship, and passions to inspire thought provoking conversation and soul driven advice to better help you create a life worth living and step more brightly into yourself, inch by inch. Here's a look at how that will play out this year. Season 4 will launch Monday, February 12, 2024. Shine bright, Amy + Tracy

Dive into the magical season finale of Brightly! In episode 131, "Celebrations," Amy and Tracy reflect on the big and small victories of the past year as they wrap up Season 3. From surviving to thriving, they share soul-driven advice on giving yourself credit, setting intentions for the future, and embracing the enchanting energy of the year-end magic windows. Join the conversation on wishes, goals, and the mystical customs that make saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one truly magical. Don't miss this empowering episode to step into the next chapter of your radiant self, inch by inch!

So, what's your vibe for 2024? Everybody sets goals and there's nothing wrong with that, and now more and more people are choosing a word of the year. Both Tracy and Amy have done this numerous times, but it's either been far too aspirational or the words have flitted into forgetful land. This year we're thinking of maybe doing it differently--not only the choosing but also the experiencing. And that's the key, how will we experience our words? Join us for all the words and how Amy found her word in a very unexpected way…

Okay, maybe you didn't accomplish everything you set out to…or was that just us (mainly Amy--listen to episode 122 if you haven't). But this is a much needed lessons-learned. At the end of major projects we meet as a group for a “lessons learned” meeting where we discuss: what worked, what didn't, major milestones, failures, and could we do differently next time. I say meet with your group, whether they be a friends group, a family group, or your higher self, guides, and you group. The point is to learn not to say I failed. But what might I do differently next time?

Have you ever thought about how we all have very similar goals, aspirations, and guiding principles in life on paper but upon digging deeper realize just how differently we can view the same concept? Uncover the magic of living a value-driven life as we redefine core values and guide you through prioritizing them in the chaos of daily decisions.

Are you plagued or simply curious as to what the heck your purpose on this Earth is? Do you find yourself asking the tarot reader what your purpose is? Tracy and Amy talk about the difference they see between a capital P Purpose and a lowercase p purpose and if we find our purpose or it finds us.

In Episode 126, "Self-Advocacy," Tracy shares a deeply personal and inspiring story of self-advocacy. Tracy's over a decade-long journey to receive a diagnosis for a rare medical condition is a testament to persistence and unwavering determination. This episode explores the complexities of self-advocacy in the face of adversity and day to day life. Join us in celebrating the radiance that emerges from never giving up on yourself.

Have you ever made a decision not knowing if it would pay off or not, while simultaneously trading or giving up something else in the process? Are you haunted by the spirits of choices long passed/past? How do you live brightly in pursuit of your dreams and mitigate risk in the process?  In episode 125, Trade Offs , Amy & Tracy discuss the oneway forks in the road they've taken in hopes of brighter skies and bigger futures.

Missing High School? Just kidding, we certainly aren't, but we do like bringing one tradition back “Spirit Week” with our own brand of Spirit. Instead of the week before Homecoming, it's the week before Halloween, we'll have fun “spirit” filled activities daily. Kicking it off with Superstitions! Join us as we throw some shade on the patriarchy (number 13 anyone?) and also just have some fun with our own favorite superstitions.

Do you find yourself hyper alert looking for and asking for signs?  When you do (or very much don't) see signs, are you finding yourself more exasperated than inspired?  What if the universe isn't sending you exact messages and answers through signs?  What if instead the universe is flirting with you by sending little winks your way?  What if you flirted back?! In episode 123, Flirting with the Universe, Tracy & Amy introduce ways to change your mindset around the universe communicating through concrete signs that have meaning to flirtatious winks of general support and affection.

Are you feeling like you're continually refusing the call to adventure? Or stuck on the proverbial “road of trials” with test after test that you seem to fail? You are not alone! As we tie the bow on our season of traveling from the fool's journey to the hero(oine's)'s adventure join Amy and Tracy as Amy basically relives a recorded car rant about her seeming stuckness as if it's all a foolish endeavor. But, fear not, there is a way (we think) to get back on course to keep shining brighter.

Now that we're ending summer of woo, have you thought about how you want to use your power?  Have you claimed your power yet? In episode 121, Harness Your Power, Amy and Tracy share what makes them feel powerful, what gets in the way of recognizing your own power, and how to generate energy to feel more powerful in your own practices.

For a series called summer of woo, we haven't even touched on some of our wooiest beliefs and experiences.  In episode 120, What's Your Woo, Amy + Tracy explore their gateway woo, how they'd classify their woo (so far), and the things and experiences that tend to not come up in conversation with colleagues.  Share your woo and wooiest beliefs with us on instagram at "The Brightly Podcast"!

Are you removed from your ancestors from thinking about them or even wondering about them? Amy and Tracy are continuing the conversation from episode #118 Reclaiming Ritual with an emphasis on our ancestors. Join us as we talk about our own ancestors, what they might mean to us, and how, through ritual, we're honoring them--and reminding them who we are!

We have been using ritual (and even spells) our whole life, but what happens when your spiritual practice gets away from you?  Why do we let the rituals that connect us, get away from us? How do we reclaim that practice and know when its time to grow? Episode 118, Reclaiming Ritual, reminds us why we ritual and what we can tap into when we need to get it back.

We are revisiting Shadow Work, it seems it's still in your “human life” job description to do the work. This time, we're talking more in depth on shadow origin stories and how that can help you transform, integrate, and use that shadow to show up as your whole self.

Today, we start a 6 show series: Summer of Woo. So, if you're wanting more magic in your life, you best listen in as Amy + Tracy talk all things mystical, magical, supernatural, and woo. Whether you consider yourself a magical being or you're more woo-adjacent, join us, for this Summer of Woo as we open ourselves up to more magic.

At some point we all think about getting older, what will that mean, will I have enough money to retire, where will I live, what about Medicare? Do you ever consider if you'll feel fulfilled or happy when you're older, what attitude you'll have everyday as you wake-up? And what age is “old”? Join us as we talk about what aging means to us and, of course, quote Amy's mom: Joan Violet Kennedy, author and speaker, not Ted's ex-wife.*If you're watching in real time, Amy & Tracy will be taking a spring hiatus. We'll be back with new programming this summer!

Have you ever done a bunch of tasks and then been surprised at how little time has passed?  Have you ever done absolutely nothing and felt like time was crawling only to discover time moved incredibly fast? Although time is a social construct, it's one most are stuck living in.  Do you believe the days are long, but the years are short? How relative is time to you and how does that impact how you interact with others, and more importantly - how does it impact how you're living and viewing your life?  Listen in to episode 114, The Myth of Time, as Amy & Tracy discuss how they view time and if that's ever gotten in the way of the goals they think they can achieve. 

Beyonce created Sasha Fierce as her stage presence and then put her to rest in 2010 because she didn't need her anymore, she felt that she'd grown enough to be able to merge the two. If you're not Beyonce but you wish you had your very own Sasha Fierce, listen-up. We invite you to explore how to create your own archetype, goddess, fierce being, strong person, by alchemizing your best traits with the traits you wished you had from legends and myth.

Have you ever felt that you were in the middle of a transformation that you didn't ask for? There are times in our lives when we think we want a transformation and then there are times when we're going through a transformation and we have no idea what it will be--or who we will be afterward. Join us as we look to some powerful goddess myths dealing with transformation and how they might be able to help us as we criss-cross our own change.

Is your life a magical adventure filled with grace and ease?  Moments of magic are everywhere, do you feel them in your life? Listen to magical episode 111 for Amy + Tracy insights into looking for and working with the moments of magic in your everyday life.

After some personal revelations in the previous show, in episode 110 - Myths of Productivity - Amy and Tracy explore how feeling the need to be productive, and what they consider productive endeavors has affected their creativity, their passion, how they pursue their big goals / dreams, and self worth.  Do you feel you have to earn your free time with stereotypical productive actions?  Do you feel you need to be actively producing something in life to feel worthy? What is productivity and who decides anyway?  Join us as we explore these concepts and how to switch to what Abraham Hicks recommends and “give up your need to justify your existence through hard work”. #mythofproductivity #productivitymyth #bigdreams #biggoals #abrahamhicks #alanwatts #treateverythingasplay #hardwork #existence

While writing and living the story of your life, do you ever stop to question the myths you're telling yourself? What false ideas or inaccurate beliefs do you hold that are justifying existing yet ineffective structures in your life? How are the myths you tell yourself keeping you in your own way?

Have you ever asked yourself “who am I” and waited for an answer? In episode 108, Myth of Self, Amy + Tracy explore whether they're stepping back into themselves or stepping toward themselves inch by inch as they continue to discover who they are and who they want to be.

You're a hero(ine) now…Now what? You've gone on your journey, you went down the dark path, you dove into the cave, you came out the other side reborn and renewed. What's next? Do you keep on a new path? Are you expected home? Do you know who you are? Join Amy + Tracy for episode 107, Happily Ever After - The Story's End, as they navigate these questions within their own personal journey's, endings, and beginnings.

Okay, so, who are you now? After the transformation--what's the aftermath of this? You've gone through this metaphorical death and rebirth, this transformative cave experience and you're on the other side and you feel like a different person, but you haven't fully integrated that, “Hey, thanks for the transformation…now what do I do with it?” Go to Disney? I think not. How to step -- I am not even kidding -- more into your NEW self inch by inch. AND how to bring your people along.

Are you sick of self-work? As in, “do I have to face my fears, my shadows, my shortcomings AGAIN?” Don't get us wrong, here at Brightly, we love a good self reflection, but sometimes it feels like a never ending loop. Here's a reminder that it's okay to ask for help if it feels overwhelming. And listen in for some tips on getting out of the cave and Tracy's “aha” moment that could apply to all of us and our deep dark caves.

What are you approaching? Maybe you know, maybe you don't know what the heck it is, but you can feel it inside yourself and you simply know you're moving toward something...Hint: it's the cave, that challenge or big old change you can't stop from happening. What do you need to do to prepare for this? Listen in as Tracy and Amy talk about different ways to prepare...or not as we approach that place on our never ending journey.

If you feel like you're being tested and tried a lot lately, maybe it's because you're transforming--you're now in a new world so to speak--and the rules are different here. If you're feeling lost and frustrated, or even subverted by others, it's time to look for allies, folks who have either gone through what you're going through or are empathetic to your journey. And even better if you can get yourself a tribe, a group of kindred spirits who want to go on the journey with you.

It is a well known fact that every story in need of adventure will have its share of resistance. Especially in our own stories where we are the main character, we resist even the things we want, sometimes that resistance shows up as “threshold guardians” those keepers of the gates that keep us from our achievements and adventures. Listen in as we talk about why the threshold guardians are there FOR us and not to keep us out.

Every story needs a call to adventure, whether that's a new opportunity or an invitation to a fun outing. In this episode we're introducing “the Heroine's Adventure” and, yes, it is a mythic structure. Join us as we relate the beginnings of this adventure to our everyday lives.