For Thought's Sake

In this episode: Turtles showing up in Alex's world with a message Convicing property managers to give you a virtual tour Alex did indeed get approved for the apartment she mentions! Adjusting from house living to apartment living Finding closure and honoring endings

In this episode: Joys of home ownership Why do contractors think "good enough" is okay?  Understanding common sense and functionality, even if you're not an expert What are the hurdles preventing people in a variety of industries from doing their jobs well? Vocations in need of staff lowering standards and making accomodations

In this episode: AJ is deciding between taking a new job or staying where she's at Astrology lining up with current life situations Deciphering between fear responses, trauma responses, and intuition when it comes to decison making Mental health and somatic symptoms exacerbated by the stress of decision making Previous choices gone wrong coloring your current perspective

In this episode: Alex and AJ are not Swifties The politics and business of billionaire recording artists What Jennifer Did on Netflix White boomer male detectives  Labeling people before acquiring sufficient background information Why do people lie? 

In this episode: Tarot card readings  Homemade cold brew Alex's failed attempt to use non-gendered language Conscious brain retraining Tips and tricks for implementing nonbinary pronouns "You don't have to keep up, you just have to keep open." Considerations when asking for someone's pronouns Are we still saying "guys"? Living For The Dead on Hulu

In this episode: Chopping off fingernails Dog names and cat cafes AJ and Alex's eclipse experiences Going going back back to Cali Cali Grieving the garden Bringing the new you to an old situation How environment shapes behavior

In this mini ep: Finding a replacement for alcohol Potent herbal tea remedies Mountain Rose Herbs for the win

In this mini ep: Alex's struggle with perfectionism that AJ wholly relates to Hosting events as a breeding ground for compulsivity and insecurity  Simultaneously wanting and not wanting acknowledgement for your efforts Coming from a long line of hosts with the most

In this episode: Spring Equinox and Alex's garden update Alex read two books about the spiritual concept of spirit babies Why did our souls choose to incarnate in this lifetime?  Twin Flames explained What is a spiritual experience vs. nervous system dysregulation? Spiritual beliefs that get misconstrued by human's egos

In this episode: AJ and Alex get into what may seem like an argument, but they truly are just dancing (Adam Grant style) in order to broaden and deepen their understanding of each other's perspectives Daylights savings time adjustments turned into consent violations and learning adaptations The nuance of language and projecting your preferences onto others The pacification of self in order to "play the game" vs. honoring your right to engage authentically The repetition of engaging in patterns of behavior vs. breaking behavior cycles Mutual responsibility in interactions when it comes to offering opportunity and choices Where is the placement of responsibility in educating the majority? Channeling micro experiences into opportunities to impact the macro What serves your best interests for moving forward despite how an interaction plays out?

In this mini ep: Gift giving to yourself Nespresso Aeroccino XL Milk Frother Solawave Glowing Skin Set Simple Incense

In this episode: Alex took a webinar on recovering from the flu Germ vs. terrain theory, a hot button topic Becoming siloed in where you get your information from The purposefully confusing limitations of health insurance Taking it on yourself to invest in your own preventative care Who are holistic wellness communities targeting? Access to information limited by algorithms and resources Social media as a threatening and hostile environment

In this episode: Priming for one experience, then unintentionally being prepared for the unexpected When the energy it takes to retell a story isn't supportive or helpful for you The stress and nuance of question based interactions Support and connection looking different for different people What are Alex and AJ's points of connection with each other? 

In this episode: AJ has someone she has lived past lives with who keeps popping up in her dreams Cord cutting and ending a karmic relationship Boundary setting in person and energetically Alex's recurring dream of teaching dance in annoying circumstances Surviving Death on Netflix, specifically the reincarnation episode Children who have specific past life memories at young ages What are the implications of knowing the exact person you were in a past life? 

In this episode: Waking up in a dark headspace Personalizing morning routines based on how it feels vs. productivity Timing and cycles in relation to implementing different regulating tools in your life Routines with room for flexibility and room to evolve Variations in how a tired brain presents in different people Trauma symptoms at night and changing routines to accomodate this Craniosacral still point inducer to balance the autonomic nervous system

In this episode: An overburdened liver as a root cause for chronic illness Why Alex is joining AJ as a vegan The controversy that is the Medical Medium The importance of individualized health protocols Liver detox reactions, emotions, and cravings Being led by intuition vs. ego when it comes to food choices

Welcome to Season 5! In this episode: Alex is reading Fatal Conveniences by Darin Olien  Environmentally conscious choices don't always line up with best health choices When an attempt to solve one problem causes other problems Toxic athletic attire Financial component of being able to purchase non-toxic products Moral implications of giving away toxic products Different facets of reasons why we make the choices we do

In this episode: TENS unit mishaps A year of starting from scratch for Alex Acceptance of the cards you've been dealt Recognizing what you need in order to function at baseline Quantifiable and relative judgements about how your year has gone AJ's journey of uncovering her trauma The constant and consistent work of survival and stability Viewing your natal chart through a different lens in relation to how you navigate life

In this episode: Go back to listen to part 1 and watch the documentaries Escaping Twin Flames on Netflix and Love Has Won on HBO Max Mother God is triggering for both AJ and Alex for more personal reasons Living in delusion because it's easier than processing your own suffering Health conscious ideations coming from fringe groups When the sheep replace the shepherd Where does the line of accountability and responsibility lie for cult members? What level of intergenerational trauma healing needs to happen in society at large in order to make meaningful, incremental change?

In this episode: Alex and AJ discuss two documentaries they watched on cults. Go watch the docs before listening!  Escaping Twin Flames on Netflix and Love Has Won on HBO Max Spiritual concepts being twisted so severely by cult leaders Intelligence meets substance abuse meets psychosis meets new age metaphysical beliefs Spiritual aesthetics that look like rainbow barf How does our upbringing inform our perspectives of other people's living situations? Empathy for people who fall prey to cult leaders There is going to be a part 2 to this episode because we have so much to discuss!

In this episode: Alex is a bonafide fire builder and cake wrangler. Call her for all of your birthday needs. AJ, the birthday queen, reflects on her prior year being a boring one What does boring mean for someone used to chaos?  Dive bar shenanigans What environments do we feel comfortable in based on authenticity, prior trauma, etc.?  Alex and AJ navigate the same environments very differently AJ has the satisfaction of a perfectly landed joke to cap off her birthday celebration  

In this episode: Does "beginner" yoga really exist at yoga studios? Competition and hypervigilence in movement classes At home vs. in person classes Gluten free bakery names and prices Behavioral activation to help with dysregulation Making choices when you're dysregulated vs. in touch with your intuition Kristin Collier's FREE workshop. Sign up at CollierConnections.com Follow us on Instagram: @wildiriscollective @alexandrajthomsen    

In this episode: Vent sesh about all things vacationing Pets as a hinderance to vacationing  Is vacationing worth the cost? Alex and AJ's dream vacation destinations and situations Astrocartography - locational astrology that combines astrology and geography to understand areas in the world that best align with your energy

In this episode: Tips and tricks for recovering from the stomach flu Feeling alone and vulnerable when you're sick Limbic system limiting your access to choice Vent sesh about manifestation "High vibes" as a diminishment of consciousness Moving through a "low vibe" Getting out of your cognitive thinking and into your emotional and somatic self as a way of manifesting Follow us on Instagram! @alexandrajthomsen @wildiriscollective 

In this episode: Animals feeling the thinning of the veil on Samhain Asking spirit for what you do or do not want Healthy dissociation vs. protective dissociation Definition and connotation of the word "problem"  Herbalism Infusions, teas, bath teas, syrups You get what you give in terms of Halloween energy

In this episode: Alex can't watch scary movies anymore Comfort, control, and catharsis in relation to watching Law and Order: SVU What are you playing on your mind movie? More spiritual visitors as the veil gets thinner At this point in the episode we shift to topics that may be difficult for some people to hear, so feel free to discontinue listening here Alex uncovered some new layers of her childhood trauma Recognizing the healing capabilities of spiritual practices in the right circumstances Shifting perspectives on abuse and the abuser EMDR vs. claircognizance Science catching up with spirituality

This one's for all the anxious, neurodivergent, trauma surviving baddies out there: Not being able to access your toolbox of skills when you're "in it" Using self care techniques as prevention for and recovery from dysregulation Awareness does not always equate to behavior change Definition of "hard" or "challenging" when it comes to working on mental health Follow through when working with a practitioner vs. trying to do the work on your own Early childhood trauma reactions vs. taking ownership of your choices

In this episode: Witchy dreams Cowboy Hat makes a comeback Are people visiting you in dreams or are you conjuring them? Utilizing religious practices as part of your spirituality, but not identifying as religious Take Back the Magic by Perdita Finn Heirophant in the Tarot Communicating with the dead Find us on Instagram: @alexandrajthomsen @wildiriscollective

In this episode: Present moment awareness vs. future thinking Theoretical spiritual practice vs. real life practical application  Choosing to do a task vs. waiting for it to meet you when you're ready Judging ourselves for engaging in calm, joyful states of being Kitchen witchery How you are viewed from the outside vs. what is felt from within Functional ways to feed our instinctual trauma responses in order to prevent escalated responses in the future Addressing sensory disregulation with a punching bag

In this episode: Alex was a guest on the But I'm Spiritual Podcast! Listen here! The struggle of trying to fall asleep, especially if you have intrusive thoughts Differentiating between developmental trauma symptoms and energetic entities Ego/cognition getting in the way of spiritual downloads Sleeping in your own room, not with your partner Building bedtime routines to address both the body and the spirit Noise sensitivity when falling asleep

In this episode: Constructive feedback from listeners of the pod Increasing clarity and being vocal about our intention Speaking about certain topics when you have no lived experience Talking about something out of curiosity vs. having an opinion or judgment People pleasing as it relates to attachment

In this episode: Having a conversation with yourself in your head Priming for the outcome of a future conversation Asking questions that don't have answers Having a hospital birth vs. a home birth Informed decision making when it comes to birth Advocating for the birth you want and will your doctor listen The medicalization of birth

In this episode: Hormones misbehaving Sharing with the world what you're ingesting Pulse check on Cowboy Hat Ethical non-monagamy How do you move forward when earth suit and soul suit are at odds? 

In this episode: "I've never met her, but I hate her." The story of Cowboy Hat Energetically feeling "bone sick" When it's not jealousy or envy, what is it? Solution oriented venting  

This episode was recorded back in 2022. We forgot about it until now!  In this episode: Season 1 of The Morning Show Sexual assault Fight, flight, or freeze Emotional vulnerability being exploited Power dynamics across gender and in the workplace Behavioral retraining to shift perspectives about consent How do we help men understand the perspective of women when it comes to sexual assault?  It's a no if it's not a hell yes Developmentally appropriate ages and tactics for discussing consent with children Please use your own judgement for whether you feel ready to listen to this episode as it does contain discussions surrounding sexual assault and suicide. Take care of yourself! 

In this episode: How to be social and have fun People pleasing on social media Being the responder vs. initiator in friendships Finding a point of connection to establish friendships Gender BS in friendships. . . AJ is outraged The problems with couple friends   Find us on Instagram! Alex: @alexandrajthomsen AJ: @wildiriscollective

Alternate episode title: Angry Toddler in the Sandbox In this episode: Finding comfort in doubling down on discomfort Knowing your identity vs. being it Journaling: a help or a hinderance? We become the mask we wear for too long Recognizing the residue that resistance leaves behind  

In this episode: Tips on being that heinous customer who modifies every order Navigating ordering at the drive thru window Clay mask armpit detox Should Alex and AJ offer online classes you can take?  DM us on Instagram! AJ: @wildiriscollective Alex: @alexandrajthomsen

In this episode: When research sends you spiraling and you have to stop investigating Orthorexia - an unhealthy focus on eating in a healthy way Trying to feel of the masses by ingesting things you don't actually want Because I'm slim you think I'm healthy? What is expected of a Primary Care Physician vs. what they provide Preventative care and patient advocacy Liking the podcast? Leave us a review! We'd love to hear from you!

Alex has uncovered yet another thing she needs to heal. Luckily AJ is here to help guide her through it. Topics in this episode: Sugar addiction Parasites MTHFR gene mutation Malnutrition and malabsorption Chewing your food Resources we mention: NutritionFacts.org IntelligenceOfNature.com OneCommune.com JourneyOfIntrinsicHealth.com FarmersFootprint.com

In this episode:  Going on an identity journey as you process trauma When a lightweight competes in the heavyweight championship Pros and cons of social media normalizing mental health issues Getting out of the mind and into the body through performing arts Physical armoring  If you feel so inclined please share, subscribe, rate and review For Thought's Sake! AJ and Alex thank you :-D

As part of her trauma healing journey, Alex tried EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). AJ breaks down what it is from a clinical standpoint and Alex shares what it was like to be in EMDR sessions. 

Alex continues telling the story of uncovering her trauma. AJ offers great insights and caveats on how people can process their trauma in a multitude of ways. Alex discusses her process of building a relationship with her therapist. 

Alex has been cocooning for the past six months and explains why. 

We took a month off to reconnect as friends.   Our visual interpretations of going into 2023: Gymnasts and Cat's Dont Dance   Looking forward to Season 4 of For Thought's Sake starting up in January!    

Is trick-or-treating a dying Halloween tradition?   Feeling yourself in the way you dress and curating your wardrobe accordingly.   I want to feel this way in the clothes I wear, but I don't want to be perceived by others.    Region based wardrobe standards for the workplace and social events.   Validation when others witness your synchronistic, spiritual experiences.    Knowing when signs are specifically for you.   Mars retrograde and the Chani app.    Only took us 28 episodes, but we are finally realizing it might be cool to ask you all to write a review for us! If you feel so inclined, we'd appreciate your feedback about how you're liking For Thought's Sake!    Follow us on Instagram: @forthoughtssake Follow AJ: @wildiriscollective Follow Alex: @alexandrajthomsen 

Setting boundaries with spirits about when and how to communicate with you.    Hosting a dumb supper for deceased loved ones.   Grieving around the time of death anniversaries.     Samhain as a platform to use spiritual practices to navigate your grief as well as honor those who have passed.    How the deceased may try to get your attention through signs, synchronicities, and the five senses.   Follow us on Instagram: @forthoughtssake Follow Alex: @alexandrajthomsen Follow AJ: @wildiriscollective

Organized religion based trauma.   Guilt, shame, safety, trust.   The act of ritual in relation to compulsive personalities and addictive behavior.    Types of therapists and strategies used during therapy sessions.   Client led therapy. Trauma therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy.   Therapist as triage doctor vs. therapist as sounding board.    Ghostly interference in real time as we are recording this episode.    Follow us on Instagram: @forthoughtssake Follow AJ: @wilidiriscollective Follow Alex: @alexandrajthomsen

Identity conundrums revealed through everyday tasks like cooking.     Denying yourself of what you naturally gravitate towards for fear of judgement.   Linking daily activities to spirituality, mysticism and intentionality.   Ceasing to do tasks and activities that previously were a part of your identity.    What happens to friendships when you no longer have similar interests or lifestyle choices?   Adaptability to change and expanding your bandwidth for accommodating change within yourself as well as those around you. 

Wanting to be acknowledged for previous trauma or challenges in life so that it validates why we are where we are in life.   Trauma as qualifiers for bad behavior vs. sharing lived experience in order to connect and inform.   Don't Worry Darling and why Alex cried at the end.   Is being emotionally affected by a film indicative of a wound needing to be addressed and tended to? Or is it just an acknowledgement of relating to the film and therefore having an emotive response?   Hocus Pocus 2 dissection. The good, the bad, and the witchy.    “This is not stage ready.”   *So sorry about the sink noises in the beginning of the episode, we weren't officially recording but what we talked about ended up being important enough to keep in the episode!   Follow us on Instagram: @forthoughtssake Follow Alex on Instagram: @alexandrajthomsen Follow AJ on Instagram: @wildiriscollective

Consciously embracing seasonal changes.    Parts of self that only emerge in certain seasons.    Hearthwitch vibes during Autumn.   Flowing with what you know is true for you or serves you best in each season.    Curating an aesthetic for spooky season.    What kinds of scary movies we like or don't like and why.   Halloween happenings.    Wild Iris Collective candles in harvest aromas.   Follow us on Instagram: @forthoughtssake Follow AJ: @wildiriscollective Follow Alex: @alexandrajthomsen