Higher Love with Megan

In this episode, I speak with Fernando Deveras, an educator, community organiser, and social media activist. Fernando shares his personal story, from his family's immigrant roots to becoming a middle school teacher and using his platform to educate on complex social issues.We delve into the importance of understanding history, the lonely yet vital work of fighting for justice, and the concept of "revolutionary optimism". Fernando discusses the power of community, how to organise effectively, and the role of education as a tool for either conformity or freedom.This is a powerful conversation about finding our shared humanity and taking collective responsibility in a world that profits from our division.Key TakeawaysThe fight for justice is often not a popular movement in its own time; it is carried by the love and passion of a few who persist despite a lack of widespread support.A true understanding of interconnectedness means recognising that our comforts and privileges can come at the expense of others' suffering, which creates a moral responsibility to act."Revolutionary optimism" is the idea that we can draw strength and hope from the legacy of past generations who fought against and overcame immense struggles, reminding us that change is possible even if we do not see it in our lifetime.Effective community organising is built on finding common goals and connecting on a human level through shared joy, not just shared problems. It's about reclaiming our natural, collective way of being.Education is never neutral. It can either be an instrument for conformity, reinforcing the dominant worldview, or a tool for freedom that encourages critical thinking and the imagination of a different world.Episode Highlights03:23: Fernando talks about his background, from his family's roots in Mexico to his work as a middle school teacher and community organiser in Santa Ana, California.11:53: Fernando unpacks the meaning behind a James Baldwin quote about love and freedom, and what it says about the nature of social justice work.20:30: In response to a student's question, Fernando explains why he speaks out on issues that do not directly affect him, highlighting the concepts of interconnectedness and collective liberation.30:20: Fernando explains the concept of "revolutionary optimism" as a way to find hope and endurance by looking at the legacy of historical struggles for justice.42:30: We discuss the Malcolm X quote, "We aren't outnumbered, we are just out organized," and Fernando shares his experience on how we can build community and organise effectively.About the GuestInstagram: @‌Fernando.DeverasLatinx Parenting Instagram: @‌LatinxParentingWebsite: latinxparenting.orgEpisode LinksJames BaldwinBook: Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo FreireFBI Counterintelligence Program: COINTELPROConnect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I have the immense privilege of speaking with Misan Harriman, a photographer, entrepreneur, and social activist whose powerful images have captured global attention. Misan shares his perspective on using his platform to speak out on societal issues, the responsibilities that come with his visibility, and his journey into photography. We discuss the importance of documenting truth, the emotional impact of his work, and his inspirations, including the legendary Gordon Parks.Misan also offers insights into his creative process, the significance of empathy in his photography, and his role as Chair of the Southbank Centre, all while reflecting on the current state of public discourse and the courage it takes to stand for human decency.Key Takeaways:The act of speaking about basic human decency can feel like a lonely space for those with a public profile, highlighting a concerning societal shift.Photography has a profound power to tell stories, evoke empathy, and document truth, serving as a vital tool for social commentary and change.Inspiration can be found in the legacy of those who came before, like Gordon Parks, whose work paved the way for future generations of photographers to capture the human condition.Embracing one's unique path and purpose, even if it means navigating discomfort or criticism, is crucial for authentic expression and impact.Art and cultural institutions play a significant role in fostering understanding, dialogue, and connection within society.Episode Highlights:02:03: Misan reflects on how advocating for basic human decency has, surprisingly, become a distinct and sometimes solitary position for individuals with a public profile.17:08: I ask Misan how he navigates the intense grief and rage that comes with his work. He describes his voice and camera as a "sword and shield," enabling him to cut through noise and protect the stories of those affected, emphasising composure in his communication.35:00: Misan shares his experience of the pro-Palestine protests, describing them not as "hate marches" but as profound gatherings "bathing in humanity," representing a diverse and peaceful vision of what society can be.52:00: We discuss Misan's earlier reflections on "Where are the men?" in social justice and activism, exploring the societal conditioning that may contribute to their relative absence and the importance of men leading with gentle strength and vulnerability.01:07:00: When asked what he has gained from his unwavering activism, Misan poignantly states, "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience," highlighting the profound personal peace that comes from living in alignment with one's values, despite the challenges.About the Guest:Misan Harriman is a Nigerian-born British photographer, entrepreneur, and social activist. He is the first black person to shoot a cover of British Vogue in its 104-year history. His photography focuses on the Black Lives Matter movement, celebrity portraiture, and documenting social issues. He is also the Chair of the Southbank Centre, London.Website: misantharriman.comInstagram: @‌misantharrimanX (formerly Twitter): @‌misanharrimanEpisode Links:Gordon Parks Foundation: gordonparksfoundation.orgMisan Harriman's short film The After (available on Netflix)**Save the Children: **savethechildren.org.ukChoose Love: choose.loveAl Jazeera Documentary "My Hijab, My Choice": aljazeera.comOwen Jones' article on BBC whistleblowers: https://www.thenational.scot/politics/24811008.investigated-bbc-reports-gaza-found/Nikita Gill (Poet): nikitagill.comEnd credits:Connect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I talk with Paris Abbas, a theosophist and yoga teacher who's work has had a big impact on me over the past couple of years. Paris shares her insights on the current global landscape, particularly concerning Palestine, and the often-disappointing silence from within the wellness and spiritual communities. She discusses her personal journey of finding her voice, navigating online negativity, and the importance of spiritual practices in grounding activism. We delve into the performative nature of some Western spiritual circles, the collective "soul test" we are facing, and the necessity of reclaiming our full emotional spectrum. Paris offers a powerful reframing of motherhood as an archetypal force for change and encourages us to reimagine a future rooted in collective care, awareness, and the dismantling of oppressive systems.Key Takeaways:The current global crises, particularly the situation in Palestine, serve as a significant "soul test" for humanity, urging us to move beyond superficial spirituality and engage with difficult truths.True spiritual practice should anchor us in taking action and speaking out against injustice, rather than being a means to bypass suffering or focus solely on personal happiness.Authentic communication, rooted in soul-level truth, is a powerful tool for connection and change, even in the face of online negativity and censorship.There is a collective need to move from a "maiden phase" of development, characterized by passivity, to a "mother" archetype, embodying fierce protection, compassion, and responsibility for all.Reimagining a positive future involves cultivating awareness, challenging the scarcity mindset, fostering community care, and recognising that we have the collective power to create a world where everyone has dignity and basic human rights.Episode Highlights:00:03:16: Paris reflects on the impact of her earlier conversation on "Beyond Colonial Spirituality" and how she has "toughened up" over the past year.00:14:00: A critique of how spirituality in the West can often be about cherry-picking practices for personal happiness, bypassing the world's suffering.00:19:00: Paris explains her powerful concept of this era being a "soul test" for humanity.00:30:00: Discussion on the silence within wellness spaces and the idea that "one day when it's safe, everyone will have always been against this."00:47:00: Paris introduces the idea of the collective silence, especially from women and mothers, as being indicative of a "maiden phase" of development.About the Guest:Paris (Pyarvin) Abbas has been a yoga-teacher/ practitioner for over 20 years and a lifelong Theosophist. She was born and raised in Siberia, Russia, where she went to medical school to become a psychiatrist. She is a child of the world, eternal student of the Ancient Wisdom, devotee of the Great Mother and a mom of two amazing boys.She continues to learn and teach yoga, practices spiritual healing in Therapeutic Touch modality and learns how to grow lush gardens in the rough climate of South Texas.Instagram: @‌ParisAbbas108Fundraiser for a family in Gaza: Check the link in Paris's Instagram bio.Episode links:Leah Kim's podcast Voices on the Side: Episode "Beyond Colonial Spirituality"Re

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 rating and review*In this episode, I have the honour of speaking with Asma Shuweikh, a columnist, activist, public speaker, and proud British Muslim woman living in Birmingham, UK.Asma shares her powerful story, from the viral video of her intervening in a racist incident on the London tube, to her experiences growing up in Britain, facing discrimination, and her involvement in a documentary about the lives of Muslim women in the UK. We delve into misconceptions about Islam and wearing the hijab, the importance of integration and understanding between different communities, and Asma's journey of turning personal trauma into a driving force for advocacy and strength.This is a deeply moving conversation about resilience, identity, and the enduring hope for a more accepting society.My Hijab, My Choice directed by Samir Mehanovic is available on Al Jazeera English.⁠Key Takeaways:The act of intervening in injustice, as Asma did on the tube, stems from a deep-seated belief in standing up against wrongdoing, a principle she feels is part of her faith and personal experience with discrimination.Many misconceptions exist about Muslim women, particularly regarding the hijab, which Asma emphasises is a personal choice and a source of strength and identity, contrary to the narrative of oppression.Integration and taking the time to understand people from different backgrounds are crucial for breaking down barriers, challenging prejudices, and fostering a more cohesive society.Personal experiences of discrimination and trauma, while deeply challenging, can be channelled into resilience and a commitment to advocating for others and creating positive change.Despite ongoing challenges and feelings of not always belonging, there is a growing sense of empowerment and increased dialogue, offering hope for greater understanding and solidarity in the future.Episode highlights:01:25: Asma recounts the 2019 tube incident that went viral and the subsequent media attention.06:13: Discussing the stereotype of Muslim women as weak and Asma's determination to be seen as strong.17:39: Asma shares a childhood memory of her mother experiencing racial abuse and the lasting impact of feeling like an outsider.35:06: Asma offers advice on how to intervene safely and effectively if witnessing harassment.59:05: Asma's vision for a society built on acceptance and understanding.About the Guest:Asma Shuweikh is a columnist, activist, and public speaker. While specific links were not mentioned in this episode, you can look for her work and contributions online, including her appearance in the documentary ⁠My Hijab, My Choice directed by Samir Mehanovic is available on Al Jazeera English.⁠Connect with Megan:Instagram: @‌HigherLove_withMeganWebsite: ⁠http://www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (⁠http://lucylucraft.co.uk⁠ )

In this episode, I am joined by Yasmeen Jabri, founder of Amfi Botanicals. Yasmeen shares her deeply personal journey, from navigating an identity crisis rooted in her Palestinian-Syrian heritage and upbringing in Lebanon, to her experiences with activism during the Lebanese revolution. She discusses the intergenerational impact of the Nakba on her family, her path to creating a wellness brand that bridges science and holistic practices, and her powerful perspective on why true wellness must be collective, especially in the face of global and personal traumas. Our conversation explores the complexities of identity, the inherent nature of activism for those from impacted regions, the challenges of witnessing suffering from afar, and the vital importance of community and aligning one's work with deeply held values.Key Takeaways: My existence and the existence of many from regions of conflict is inherently political; activism is often a born-into reality rather than a choice.Living in the diaspora can lead to a profound identity crisis, but also to a powerful journey of reconnecting with one's heritage and roots.Community and collective action are essential, especially in times of crisis, offering profound humanity and resilience.Western wellness culture often promotes hyper-individualism, which can feel detached and exclusive; a more authentic wellness is collective, encompassing community care and social justice.It is crucial to align business practices with personal values, integrating social impact and ensuring your work contributes positively to the collective.Episode Highlights: 02:00: Yasmeen introduces herself, sharing her Palestinian-Syrian background, growing up in Lebanon, and the feeling of an ongoing identity crisis.08:00: Yasmeen discusses the initial shame tied to her roots while attending an American school and the subsequent journey of reconnecting with and feeling proud of her Palestinian heritage.12:00: Yasmeen explains how activism became an integral part of her life in Lebanon, particularly during the revolution, describing it as a role she and others were almost born into.26:00: Yasmeen speaks about the immense difficulty of witnessing the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the dehumanising responses from some, and the struggle to cope with the apathy of others.38:00: Yasmeen critiques the individualistic nature of Western wellness, advocating for a collective approach, and details how she is embedding social impact initiatives into her wellness brand, Amfi Botanicals.About the guestYasmeen is the founder of Amphi Botanicals, a wellness brand rooted in the belief that wellness is collective. Drawing on her background in Nutrition (BSc) and a master's in Entrepreneurship from UCL, she created Amphi to offer functional blends that support everyday wellbeing through nature and science. Raised in Lebanon by a Palestinian mother and Syrian father, Yasmeen carries a deep appreciation for community and collective healing, values that shape both her business and her everyday life. Amphi began in Beirut and now operates from Brighton, UK.Episode Links: Amfi Botanicals Instagram: @‌AmfiBotanicalsYasmeen's Personal Instagram: @‌n0t.yasmeenAmfi BotanicalsYasmeen's Nakba Day Run Fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestine: Yasmeen is running 107km to raise funds. (Link available via @‌AmfiBotanicals on Instagram)Cafe PalestinaMedical Aid for PalestineRevolt BrightonEmpowering Voices PanelInstagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this reloaded episode, I share a powerful conversation with Fritzi Horstman, founder of the Compassion Prison Project. Fritzi discusses the vital importance of creating trauma-informed prisons and communities. She explains how understanding trauma can shift our perception of incarcerated individuals, seeing them not as inherently bad people, but as individuals who have often endured immense suffering. Fritzi highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the impact of our actions on others, emphasising the need for compassion and systemic change to address the root causes of harmful behaviour, ultimately aiming to end child abuse and foster healing within society.Key Takeaways:Creating trauma-informed prisons and communities means understanding that individuals, particularly those who are incarcerated or living in poverty, are often dealing with significant past trauma and adversity.Shifting our perspective to see incarcerated individuals as people who have suffered, rather than simply "bad people," is crucial for fostering compassion and facilitating healing.We are all interconnected, and our actions and societal structures have a profound impact on individuals' well-being and behaviour. Addressing trauma can lead to a ripple effect of positive change.The goal of the Compassion Prison Project is to end child abuse by raising awareness of how trauma affects brain development and behaviour, encouraging more compassionate and informed interactions.Recognising and addressing our own trauma and reactive patterns is essential for personal healing and for contributing to a more compassionate world.Episode Highlights:01:00 - Fritzi explains the mission of the Compassion Prison Project: to create trauma-informed prisons and communities.02:00 - The belief in our interconnectedness and how that understanding shifts perception when interacting with others, including incarcerated individuals.03:45 - Fritzi shares her personal realisation of how her own past trauma and reactive behaviour impacted her child, highlighting the importance of understanding the effects of our actions.04:26 - The significance of Bessel van der Kolk's book, "The Body Keeps the Score," in understanding trauma, and the realisation that many in prison are deeply traumatised.07:08 - Fritzi discusses Tony Crowe's work with Trauma Talks in Belfast, emphasising that societal division often reflects our own internal divides.About the Guest:Fritzi Horstman is the Founder and Executive Director of Compassion Prison Project. She is a Grammy-award winning producer for her work on “The Defiant Ones”, has been a producer and post-producer on dozens of television projects and documentaries and has directed several films. She believes it is urgent to bring humanity and compassion to those living behind bars and these acts will help transform our society. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Vassar College.Episode links:Compassion Prison ProjectThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkTony Crowe episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39X8en1iTZffmwraDuTizs End credits:Connect with Megan:Instagram: @‌HigherLove_withMeganWebsite: http://www.higher-love.comThis episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this reloaded episode, I speak with Leah Kim about the pervasive nature of white supremacy and the importance of active disentanglement for everyone, including those who benefit from the system. Listen to the full episode, How White Supremacy Harms Us All here.We explored the personal work required to recognise internal biases and privilege, the concept of 'soul loss' in upholding harmful systems, and the challenging but necessary process of decolonising wellness spaces like yoga. Leah shares her perspective on how we can move towards genuine collective liberation by questioning our motivations and committing to real change.Key TakeawaysWhite supremacy harms everyone, not just those directly targeted, by potentially bringing out negative responses and hindering connection to shared humanity if not consciously addressed.Recognising one's own privilege and unconscious biases is crucial work that requires curiosity, willingness, and interrogation of immediate reactions.True change and participation in liberation require effort, and for those in positions of privilege, it involves some degree of sacrifice and moving beyond binary, 'us vs. them' thinking.Decolonising practices like yoga demands deep humility, learning from those with ancestral connections, and acknowledging the harm the industry has caused.Episode Highlights01:04 Leah discusses how white supremacy can negatively impact white individuals by eliciting unconscious, harmful responses.05:18 Recognising complicity can bring difficult emotions but is also empowering, offering a path to create balance.07:33 The immense challenge and humility required to decolonise one's thinking and teaching.08:58 Questioning the authenticity behind spiritual phrases if not backed by action.About the Guest: Leah KimInstagramVoices on the Side PodcastConnect with Megan:Instagram: @‌HigherLove_withMeganWebsite: www.higher-love.comThis episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ).If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

While I'm away on my belated honeymoon I wanted to re-share an edit of one of my favourite episodes. I picked a part where Jacqueline Kelly and I delved into the intersection of motherhood, humanism, and the courage to speak out, particularly in response to the current genocide in Palestine. Jacqueline shared her personal journey of navigating her online presence as a mother and business owner while addressing challenging topics. We also discussed the complexities of online communities, the responsibilities of those within the wellness and motherhood spaces, and the concept of "shift work" as a way to sustain engagement without burnout. Jacqueline offered profound insights into how witnessing global suffering impacts her experience of motherhood, transforming joy into a powerful drive for change, and advocates for more accessible, community-focused support systems for all mothers.Key Takeaways:Choosing humanism over silence involves speaking truth, even when anticipating negative consequences for visibility or business.True wellness and community cannot be built on silence or the exclusion of difficult conversations, particularly concerning human rights.Viewing activism or sustained support work as "shift work" can help manage overwhelm and prevent burnout, allowing individuals to rest while trusting others continue the effort.The deep love and joy experienced in motherhood can intensify the rage felt against injustice, providing potent fuel for taking a stand.There's a need to move away from exclusivity in the motherhood support sphere towards accessible, community-based care where all who need support can find it.Episode Highlights:01:00 How motherhood impacts activism and the decision to speak publicly about Palestine.05:00 Questioning the wellness industry's selective engagement and silence.07:30 Introducing "shift work" as a sustainable approach to activism and avoiding overwhelm.11:00 Processing the complex cycle of emotions – horror, anger, gratitude, guilt, joy – while witnessing global events.13:30 How "mother rage," born from love and witnessing injustice, fuels the need to act.About the Guest:Jacqueline Kelly is a coach supporting mothers through the transition and identity shifts of motherhood.Website: Our Brave Hearts (https://ourbravehearts.ie)Episode Links:Illyin's Instagram: @mixing.up.motherhood Connect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!1

Welcome to a special episode of the podcast where I sits down with my podcast's producer and friend, Lucy Lucraft for our quarterly pod meeting. Join us as we delve into the highlights of the past three months, discussing favorite episodes, key learnings, and Lucy talks about her complex feelings about the term white passing and why white women need to stop complaining about being shadow-banned. Key Takeaways:The episode featuring Jen and Georgia from All Our Relations was a standout, praised for its educational content, invitation to action regarding solidarity with Gaza, and the powerful way Jen communicated a message of inclusivity and hope.*Sumi's episode on DEI in small businesses offered a fresh perspective, emphasizing authentic implementation, vulnerability, and recognizing the protective masks people wear that can hinder inclusivity.The conversation highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing blind spots in inclusivity, extending beyond race and gender to include accessibility for disabled individuals and those with chronic health issues.A valuable reframe was discussed around getting things wrong in the context of social justice, shifting from fault to responsibility and viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning.Sally's episode on The Portal Collective provided a hopeful and revolutionary perspective on using permaculture principles in business and the power of cross-pollination for collective change.Episode Highlights:00:03- Lucy shares her thoughts on the impactful episode with Jen and Georgia from All Our Relations, highlighting its educational aspect and Jen's inclusive message00:06 - Lucy mentions Sumi's episode on DEI, praising its focus on authentic implementation in small businesses00:09 - Lucy shares her personal blind spot around making her business accessible to disabled people00:12 - Megan discusses a reframe around getting things wrong in social justice work, emphasizing responsibility over fault00:15 - Lucy expresses her appreciation for Sally's episode on The Portal Collective and its hopeful message of collective action00:25 - Lucy explains her reasons for taking a break from social media and her return due to the situation in Gaza About the Guest:Lucy is the producer and editor extraordinaire of the Higher Love with Megan podcast, Building Your Brand, The Good Ship, Can You Hear Me and Do Good & Do Well and you can find her on Instagram and TikTok as well as right here.Episode Links:All Our Relations: https://www.allourrelations.org.uk/Declassified: https://declassifieduk.org/Mondoweiss: https://mondoweiss.net/Novara Media: https://novaramedia.com/The Portal Collective: https://collective.jointheportal.com/End Credits:Connect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode I have a thought-provoking conversation with Dina, a Palestinian healer and guide, about the complexities of wellness in today's world. Dina shares her journey in the wellness industry, her observations on its current state, and her vision for a more inclusive and socially conscious approach. We delve into the challenges of maintaining integrity in wellness practices and the importance of addressing social justice and collective liberation.Key Takeaways:The wellness industry often overlooks social justice and can be disconnected from real-world issues.There's a need for greater responsibility and awareness among wellness practitioners regarding their influence and the importance of creating systemic change.Decolonizing wellness involves recognizing and unlearning harmful conditioning and centering connection to the sacred and collective liberation.Collaboration and community are essential for creating a new standard in wellness that prioritizes collective well-being.Episode Highlights:02:37: Dina discusses her Palestinian heritage and journey in the wellness industry.10:11: The challenge of silence and apathy within the wellness community regarding social issues.17:17: Dina shares her perspective as a Palestinian on the disconnect between wellness spaces and real-world suffering.29:13: The importance of integrating social justice into wellness practices.About the Guest:Dina is a Palestinian healer and guide deeply passionate about women's health, energy, movement, and decolonizing wellness. She creates thoughtful, compassionate, and nurturing spaces where you're invited to show up fully and be held as your whole, beautifully imperfect self. Her work is shaped by the needs and experiences that arise within our community, guided by a deep connection to spirit, energy, and intuitive insights.Instagram: @wellnesswithdinaWebsite: https://www.dinaghandour.com/Episode Links:The Portal: https://www.theportal.love/Suzanne Barkataki: https://www.suzannebartaki.comConnect with Megan:Instagram: @HigherLove_withMeganWebsite: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review.

In this episode, I chat to Fearne Cotton's fave yoga teacher, Donna Noble. Donna's been a yoga teacher since 2011 and without realising has pioneered inclusivity and accessibility in the yoga space. Donna shares her journey into yoga, initially inspired by a friend's observation of Madonna's physique (!) and how it evolved into a central part of her life, especially after her experience with Bell's Palsy. We chat about our shared beginnings in Bikram, the challenges of inclusivity, and why Yoga is fundamentally a social justice practice at its core. Key Takeaways:Wellness should be defined individually, not by the wellness industry.Yoga is more than just physical fitness; it's about the mind-body connection and community.There's a need for greater diversity and inclusion in yoga spaces.Teachers have the power to disrupt and change the yoga landscape.Addressing socioeconomic disparities is crucial for making yoga accessible to both practitioners and teachers.Episode Highlights:00:03:40 Donna's experience with Bell's Palsy and how it influenced her yoga journey.00:07:20 Redefining wellness 00:11:40 The importance of listening to your body 00:19:55 The power of teachers to create change in the yoga community.00:25:50 Social justice in yoga00:30:30 Addressing the affluence gap among yoga teachers.About the Guest:Donna Noble is a yoga teacher and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the yoga and wellness space. She is the author of "Teaching Body Positive Yoga: A Guide to Creating Inclusive Classes" and is currently writing her second book, focused on demystifying yoga. Donna is committed to making yoga accessible to everyone and disrupting the yoga industry to be more inclusive.Website: https://thenobleartofyoga.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/donnanobleyoga/⁠Episode Links:The Minded InstituteYoga UnionSusanna BarkatakiNorman BlairConnect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review

In this episode, I chat with Sumi Fitzgerald, a DEI consultant who makes it simpler for small businesses to make their services and marketing more inclusive. Sumi shares her journey into DEI work, the importance of moving beyond awareness to practical implementation, and how humour can be a powerful tool for social change. Key Takeaways:Small businesses often struggle with implementing DEI initiatives, and need practical support to move beyond awareness.It is crucial to understand who is missing from your business and identify the barriers they face in order to create effective change.Inclusion is an ecosystem, and it's important to ensure that your message aligns with the reality of your business practices.Humuor can be a powerful tool to make DEI work more accessible and engaging.You don't need to know everything about everyone's needs to start making your business more inclusive; asking and listening are key.Episode Highlights:06:00 The disconnect between academic DEI theory and practical application 15:00 The dangers of performative allyship and the importance of accountability 21:00 Overcoming the fear of getting it wrong and embracing learning 00:24:00 Practical steps for creating a more inclusive business 39:00 Compassion without collusion About the Guest:Sumi (they/she) makes it simpler and easier for small businesses to make their services and marketing more inclusive. Find Sumi on Instagram @‌sumi.does.dei or check out their websiteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumi.does.dei/Website: https://www.sumifitzgerald.com/Episode Links:Free Guide: Five things I have to tell almost everyone Free Mini-Course: Inclusive Biz Foundations (first four lessons) Email Sign-Up: Things I Don't Say on Instagram End CreditsConnect with Megan: Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review

In this episode, I speak with Jen Brister and Georgia Takacs, the founders of All Our Relations, an not for profit organisation dedicated to providing essential support to families in Gaza. We delve into the origins of All Our Relations, the challenges they face, and the importance of long term solidarity. Jen and Georgia share their personal experiences, the harsh realities on the ground, and what long term solidarity REALLY looks like.Key Takeaways:All Our Relations focuses on providing individualised support to families in Gaza, addressing their specific needs for survival and fostering a sense of agency.The situation in Gaza is dire, with aid being blocked and people facing extreme hardship, trauma, and financial exploitation.True solidarity involves more than just donations; it requires a commitment to long term support, discomfort, and a willingness to challenge our own privilege and complicity.Palestine is a liberation movement that is freeing us, demanding an up leveling of our awareness, a reorientation of our priorities, and a recognition of our interconnectedness as human beings.We must resist the narratives of powerlessness and engage in critical thought, amplify the voices of those in Gaza, and support initiatives that provide direct assistance and long term solutions.Episode Highlights:[00:03] The inspiration behind All Our Relations and providing individualised support to families.[00:07] The current situation in Gaza, including challenges with aid distribution and the psychological warfare experienced by Gazans.[00:21] The concept of long term solidarity and recognising privilege and imbalance.[00:26] Palestine as a leveler, a catalyst for self-development, and seeing our complicity and interconnectedness.[00:32] The power of community, taking action, and the importance of resisting numbness.[00:48] Connecting with families individually and the value of human connection.About the Guests:All Our Relations:https://www.instagram.com/_allourrelationsWebsite: ⁠https://allourrelations.co.uk/Jen: https://www.jenbrister.co.uk/Georgia: https://georgiatakacs.com/Episode Links:Sponsor a Family: ⁠bit.ly/donatetoAOREnd Credits:Connect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠⁠.This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review.

In this episode of Higher Love with Megan, I delve into the complexities of sustainable entrepreneurship with Lara Sheldrake, a business mentor, community expert, and the founder of Found and Flourish. Lara shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout and finding her path to becoming a business mentor, highlighting the profound impact of building a business that aligns with her values. She discusses the unique structure of Found and Flourish, its success in supporting impact-led founders, and the ripple effect of community support in the entrepreneurial journey. Key Takeaways:Building a sustainable business requires a focus on three key pillars: visibility, impact, and profit.Aligning your values with your business actions is crucial for creating a fulfilling and impactful career.Community support is essential for navigating the challenges and celebrating the successes of the entrepreneurial journey.Episode Highlights:07:51 - The importance of community in building a sustainable business.13:40 - The power of redistributing wealth and investing in small businesses that align with your values.30:00 - The challenges of being visible on social media and the importance of diversifying your online presence.38:00 - The importance of self-care and grounding practices for sustaining your voice and activism.44:33 - The importance of aligning your values with your business actions to avoid burnout and create a fulfilling career.About the Guest:Lara Sheldrake is a business mentor, community expert, and the founder of Found and Flourish, a platform that supports impact-led founders in building purposeful and profitable businesses. You can connect with Lara on Instagram at @‌FoundFlourish and @‌Lara_Sheldrake or through her website, foundandflourish.co.uk.Episode Links:Found and Flourish: foundandflourish.co.ukGive a S@*t Movement: giveashit.substack.comEmpowering Voices Event: foundandflourish.co.uk/eventsConnect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠Podcast Music:Good For You by THBD ⁠https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultan ⁠Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: ⁠http://bit.ly/2PgU6Mu ⁠Music promoted by Audio Library ⁠⁠.This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I chat with Sally, the founder of The Portal Collective, a platform designed to foster community and collaboration among creators and learners. Sally shares her journey from working in corporate e-learning to creating a space that prioritizes interconnectedness and knowledge sharing and w e explore the values of permaculture and how they influenced the development of The Portal Collective. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of building a values-driven tech platform and the importance of divesting from systems that perpetuate individualism and scarcity. Key TakeawaysThe importance of community and collaboration in personal and societal growth. The need to divest from systems that perpetuate individualism and scarcity. The power of sharing resources and knowledge to create a more abundant and equitable world. Episode Highlights[00:06:58] Exploring the concept of mycelium networks and their relevance to business and community building. [00:09:19] Sally's background in e-learning and her journey to founding The Portal Collective. [00:38:34] Sally's perspective on tech bros and the rise of female-focused tech spaces. [00:41:49] The Portal Collective as Sally's dharma and the gifts she has received from creating it. [00:50:30] The importance of seeking out community and taking action in the face of global challenges. About SallyInstagram:@join_the_portal/Website: Join The Portal Collective 2:0Connect with MeganInstagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.comPodcast Music⁠Good For You by THBD ⁠https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultan⁠Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: ⁠http://bit.ly/2PgU6Mu⁠Music promoted by Audio Library ⁠https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ⁠.This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I delve into the complexities of what it means to be well in an unwell world. I explore the concept of soul loss, the importance of deconditioning and unlearning, and the power of collective healing. I also discuss the importance of being in right relationship with self, others, and the world.Key Takeaways:Soul loss is a real phenomenon that occurs when we suppress parts of ourselves to conform to societal expectations.Deconditioning and unlearning are essential for healing and creating a new, more just world.We heal in community, and collective liberation begins with being in right relationship with self, others, and the world.Episode Highlights:01:24: The question: How can we be well in an unwell world?04:42: The concept of soul loss07:31: Deconditioning and unlearning11:12: Collective healing18:15: Hypernormalization and the refusal to stay the sameMentioned in the episode:Compassion Prison Project:https://compassionprisonproject.org/how-it-all-began/Voices on the Side Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-on-the-side/id1688949334Disrupting the Wellness Industry (Episode):https://www.higher-love.com/The Nap Ministry:https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/Connect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠ Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠Music:Good For You by THBD ⁠https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MNCAIWXJ7PY&t=0s Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream:https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary Music promoted by Audio Library ⁠https://www.youtube.com/audiolibraryProduction credits:This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (https://www.lucylucraft.co.uk/about )If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I delve into the complexities of cultural appropriation versus appreciation in the yoga space with Georgina Edwards, a yoga teacher, and teacher trainer. Georgie shares her personal journey of discovering yoga, exploring her Sri Lankan heritage, and becoming a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusivity in wellness spaces.We discuss the nuances of cultural appropriation, the importance of ongoing learning and self-reflection, and the power of community in creating a more welcoming and accessible yoga world.Join us as we challenge the status quo and explore how we can all contribute to a more conscious and inclusive yoga community.Key Takeaways:Cultural appropriation in yoga is a complex issue with no easy answers, requiring ongoing learning and self-reflection.Yoga teachers have a responsibility to uplift marginalized voices and create more diverse and inclusive spaces.Yoga is more than just the physical practice (asana); exploring other aspects like meditation, chanting, and self-inquiry can deepen one's understanding and appreciation.Episode Highlights:(02:41) Georgie's journey into yoga and exploring her Sri Lankan heritage.(09:54) The complexities of cultural appropriation versus appreciation in yoga.(18:57) The importance of being an eternal student and approaching yoga with humility and curiosity.(28:21) The need for compassion and understanding in navigating cultural appropriation.(36:22) How to respond when someone is triggered or upset in a yoga class.(40:32) Encouraging practitioners to explore different aspects of yoga beyond the physical practice.(44:24) Honoring the sacredness of yoga and moving away from commodification.(50:30) The evolving landscape of yoga and the importance of embodiment and intuition.(56:30) The importance of play and rest in yoga and activism.About the Guest:Instagram: @georgie.francescaEpisode Links:Trauma Talks program:https://compassionprisonproject.org/Book "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey:Charity All Our Relations:Connect with Megan:Instagram: @‌HigherLove_withMeganWebsite:www.higher-love.comPodcast Music:Good For You by THBDhttps://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream:http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ⁠.This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode I interview Viv Grant, a former head teacher, an executive coach, and the author of the book Learning to Walk in the Dark. Grant discusses her journey through cancer and the loss of her mother, emphasizing the importance of stillness, vulnerability, and inner work in navigating life's challenges. She also shares her vision for a more humane educational system that prioritizes the well-being of school leaders. Key Takeaways: Embrace the darkness: Difficult times are an inevitable part of life. Instead of avoiding them, learn to walk in the dark and embrace them as opportunities for growth. Cultivate stillness: In the midst of life's challenges, find moments of stillness to connect with your inner self and access your inner wisdom. Embrace vulnerability: True strength lies in embracing vulnerability and allowing yourself to be seen and supported. Episode Highlights: 02:41 The essence of Grant's book Learning to Walk in the Dark 09:40 The role of artwork in Grant's healing 18:09 Grant's experience as one of the few Black women to turn around a failing primary school 25:37 The biggest challenges facing school leaders today 29:58 Grant's vision for school leaders 35:50 Racial literacy coaching and what grounded, confident, anti-racist leadership looks like 40:41 The importance of inner work About the Guest: Viv Grant is an Executive Coach, author, and public speaker known for her deep insights into leadership, vulnerability, and resilience. She is the Director of Integrity Coaching, London's leading provider of coaching services for Headteachers and Senior School Leaders. Integrity Coaching: https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/ Connect with Megan: Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠ Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠ Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD ⁠https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultan⁠ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: ⁠http://bit.ly/2PgU6Mu⁠ Music promoted by Audio Library ⁠https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ⁠. This episode was written and recorded by Megan Cooper and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

I couldn't have timed this conversation better. As our inboxes flood with messages about intention setting, words of the year, and productivity, I sat down with Tamu Thomas, a transformative coach, keynote speaker, and author. Tamu is on a mission to dismantle the societal and systemic barriers that lead to burnout, especially for high-achieving women. Key Takeaways: - Toxic Productivity: Learn the signs and impacts of toxic productivity. - Systemic Barriers: Understand the systemic and societal barriers that lead to burnout. - Self-Love and Work: Discover how to embrace your full self and create a healthier relationship with your work. Episode Highlights: 01:15 - What is Toxic Productivity? 01:36 - Tamu's Journey: From feeling like she wasn't enough to becoming a transformative coach. 14:23 - Building Spaciousness: How to create more space in your schedule. 25:51 - The Gaslighting of Women: How women are often gaslit into believing they aren't doing enough. 40:32 - Toxic Productivity in the Wellness Space: About Tamu Thomas: Tamu Thomas is a leading advocate for high-achieving women's well-being. As an author, transformational coach, and keynote speaker, she's dedicated to dismantling the systemic barriers that lead to burnout. - Website: https://www.livethreesixty.com/ - Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/739638/women-who-work-too-much-by-tamu-thomas/ - Substack: https://www.livethreesixty.com/ - International Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0CN3PVHZQ Connect with Me: Instagram: @HigherLove_withMegan Website: https://www.higher-love.com Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultan Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6Mu Music promoted by Audio Library This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating and review!

In this powerful episode of The Higher Life with Megan, I delve into the complexities of trauma, addiction, and healing with Tony Crowe, a facilitator for the transformative program, Trauma Talks, developed by previous guest Fritzi Horsman of the Compassion Prison Project. Tony shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and finding his path to becoming a facilitator, highlighting the profound impact of addressing the root causes of trauma rather than just the symptoms. He discusses the unique structure of Trauma Talks, its success in both prison and community settings, and the ripple effect of healing that extends beyond the individual. This episode challenges conventional views on addiction, emphasizing the importance of compassion, self-awareness, and community support in the journey towards recovery and societal change. Timestamped Highlights: 00:04:06:09 - 00:05:50:00 The development of Trauma Talks 00:08:57:10 - 00:13:20:21 Tony's struggles with addiction 00:16:19:14 - 00:18:46:12 The impact of societal "othering" 00:22:39:22 - 00:23:20:02 The revolutionary approach of viewing addiction through a trauma-informed lens. 00:28:15:01 - 00:33:24:19 The Trauma Talks framework 00:38:15:20 - 00:40:12:20 Trauma Talks personal transformations Resources & Links: Compassion Prison Project: https://compassionprisonproject.org/ Gabor Maté's work: https://drgabormate.com/ Previous episode with Fritzi: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/does-trauma-define-our-prison-system-with-fritzi-horstman/id1598796616?i=1000673796732 Connect with Tony on TikTok: @‌TheUnorthodoxRecoveryCoach Connect with Tony on Instagram: @‌Pro2022 New Fritzi Horsman film on veterans in prison: Connect with Megan: Instagram: @‌HigherLove_withMegan Website: www.higher-love.com Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In this special edition of the podcast, I reflect on my 2024 both personally and professionally, and dive into some of my favourite bits of the podcast. Have a restful holiday and I'll be back with more conversations in 2025. Episode Highlights: 01:42 Reflecting on a Year of Personal and Professional Growth 03:09 Challenging Mainstream Narratives in Wellness 04:08 Decolonization and Collective Healing 05:25 Insights from Conversations with Guests 08:56 Connecting with Change Makers and Visionaries 15:10 Honoring Indigenous Wisdom and Practices 19:23 Looking Ahead to 2025 Mentioned in the episode: Join The Portal Collective Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hearsey Composting group with Keri Jarvis Podcast Production - Lucy Lucraft Siobhan Strode Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/higherlove_withmegan/ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠: https://www.higher-love.com/. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In this episode I catch up once more with my new husband Caspar Chittenden to review our year, and discuss a recent ⁠Misan Harriman video⁠ that provoked some big thoughts and realisations for us both. TW: We briefly touch on suicide so please do take care when you listen to the episode. If you want to skip this section it starts at around 39:33 mins. Episode Highlights: 01:03 Reflecting on a Busy Year 12:16 Navigating Privilege and Global Issues 21:10 The Evolution of the Podcast and Personal Growth 32:26 Respecting Ancient Practices 35:21 The Role of Men in Social Justice 39:31 Generational Trauma and Male Vulnerability 57:26 Celebrating Achievements and Gratitude Mentioned in the episode: ⁠Misan Harriman video⁠ we discuss from 34:18 Previous Coffee with Caspar podcast episode Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/higherlove_withmegan/⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠: ⁠https://www.higher-love.com/⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD ⁠https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultan⁠ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: ⁠http://bit.ly/2PgU6Mu⁠ Music promoted by Audio Library

Episode Summary: Join me and Dr. Nilesh Satguru for a deeply insightful conversation that challenges the status quo of self-development and explores the profound impact of self-mastery in today's world. About Nilesh:Dr Nilesh Satguru is a self-mastery coach and compassion expert. After over a decade of practising medicine, Nilesh now helps high performers activate their potential by mastering their emotions with compassion. His work spans 4 continents and his client list includes 7-figure serial entrepreneurs, a Hollywood production company founder and award-winning charity founders. His work has been featured by brands, including Soho House, Entrepreneur and Mindvalley. Key Takeaways: The limitations of conventional medicine and the self-development industry: Nilesh shares his personal journey of transitioning from traditional medicine to a holistic approach, highlighting the gaps in both fields and emphasizing the importance of a body-mind-spirit connection. The four stages of self-mastery: Discover the sequential path to self-mastery, beginning with finding peace in the present moment, followed by establishing a vision, aligning with your authentic self, and ultimately giving and sharing your gifts with the world. The power of the present moment: Learn why we are addicted to suffering and how returning to the present moment can break this cycle and unlock true happiness. The importance of self-compassion, especially for women: NWe explore how self-compassion is crucial for navigating these challenges and achieving self-mastery. The difference between empathy and compassion: Understand the distinct neurological pathways associated with empathy and compassion and why compassion is essential for sustainable service and impact. Self-mastery as a ripple effect: Explore how self-mastery empowers individuals to flourish and create positive change in their families, communities, and the world. Resources & References: Experts mentioned: Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Mark Hyman, Barbara Fredrickson, Sonia Lyubomirsky, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Martin Seligman, Deepak Chopra, Gabor Maté Concepts: Lifestyle medicine, positive psychology, self-compassion, human flourishing, broaden-and-build theory, compassion fatigue Connect with me: Instagram: @‌higherlove_withmegan Website: http://higher-love.com Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

Episode Summary: In this episode I chat with Senior Yoga teacher, TRE practitioner and studio owner Calli Popham about her journey from a traditional Ashtanga yoga background to an embodied and trauma-informed approach. Our conversation was really juicy but discussed: The evolution of Calli's yoga practice: Calli shares her personal journey of unlearning and rediscovering yoga through the lens of embodiment, nervous system regulation, and trauma-informed practices like TRE (Trauma Releasing Exercises). Creating safe and inclusive spaces: We chat about the importance of language, nervous system awareness, and creating a sense of belonging for all students, regardless of background or identity. The wellness industry and social justice: We delve into the need for the wellness industry to move beyond self-care and address social justice issues, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility for all. Cultural appropriation in yoga: Calli acknowledges the complexities of cultural appropriation in yoga and discusses how she strives to honor the practice's roots while making it more inclusive. Flow State's commitment to social justice: Calli highlights Flow State's efforts to support social causes through fundraising events and community classes, particularly her endeavours to support families in Gaza. Highlights: 12:23 The Impact of TRE on Calli's Life 17:35 Creating Safe and Inclusive Yoga Spaces 32:30 Spiritual Bypassing in Yoga 33:17 Yoga as Activism and Oneness 34:14 Navigating Whitewashing in Yoga 50:17 Fundraising and Social Justice in Yoga Resources Mentioned: Books: Awakening the Spine by Vanda Scaravelli Intelligent Yoga by Peter Blackaby Practices: TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) Train with Calli: https://www.calliyoga.co.uk/embodied-beings-teacher-training Organisations: All Our Relations (charity supporting girls and families) Choose Love (humanitarian aid organization) War Child (charity supporting children affected by war) People: Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (movement educator and researcher) Georgie Francesca (yoga & meditation teacher) Calls to Action: Flow State fundraising Workshops: https://www.flowstate-hove.com/eventsworkshops Brighton Half MarathonJoin our Run Team or sponsor us to run the Brighton half marathon for war child: https://www.justgiving.com/team/flowstate About Calli: Calli is a Senior Yoga Teacher, TRE (Trauma Releasing Exercises) practitioner, Co-Founder of Yoga & movement studio Flow State, in Hove and Founder  & lead teacher of Embodied Beings, an Embodied Yoga Teacher Training school. She shares embodied, creative, inquiry based practices and is passionate about shifting the landscape of yoga. Connect with Megan: Instagram: @‌higherlove_withMegan Website: http://higher-love.com Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In this episode of Higher Love, I'm joined by the incredible Jasmine Sara, a yoga teacher, writer, and advocate who's deeply passionate about making wellness truly inclusive and accessible for everyone. We had such an insightful conversation about her own journey with yoga, how she navigates chronic illness and hypermobility, and the frustrating barriers she's faced in the wellness world. Jasmine really opened my eyes to the importance of creating safe spaces in yoga for people with hidden disabilities and neurodiversity. We talk about shifting to a values-driven approach to teaching, why trauma-informed practices are essential, and how traditional wellness models can often miss the mark. I know you're going to love this episode. Episode Highlights: 03:03 Early Experiences with Yoga 14:37 Accessibility in Yoga 32:20 Experiences in Palestine: Stories of Resilience 34:55 Challenges in the Yoga Industry 41:54 Transformative Power of Accessible Yoga 49:48 Combating White Supremacy in Wellness 53:04 LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Yoga Mentioned in the episode: Accessible Yoga School: This is where Jasmine completed her training in accessible yoga and is now part of their ambassadorship. It's a key resource for teachers and practitioners wanting to learn more about inclusivity. LGBTQ+ Northern Social Group: A Newcastle-based organization fighting barriers to social inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. Jasmine teaches monthly LGBTQ+ yoga classes with them. Be (Trans & Non-binary Peer Support): Another Newcastle organization focused on support for the trans and non-binary community. Jasmine also teaches monthly yoga classes with them. Keri Jarvis: A previous guest on Higher Love with Megan who discussed problematic aspects of the wellness industry, particularly related to figures like Louise Hay. You can find those past episodes with Keri on Megan's podcast feed. Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/higherlove_withmegan/ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠: https://www.higher-love.com/. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In this episode of the podcast I have a profound conversation with Rayya, a holistic coach and practitioner, about the intersections of breathwork, decolonization, and indigenous wisdom. We explore Rayya's journey from Beirut to Ohio, the challenges of living in a colonized land, and her mission to honor indigenous traditions in wellness. Our discussion delves into how breath can be an act of rebellion and healing, the importance of acknowledging privilege, and the need for authenticity in the wellness industry. Rayya also shares personal reflections on her children's upbringing and her future plans to return to Egypt to further her work in reconnecting with ancestral roots. Episode Highlights: 01:26 The Power of Breath and Vulnerability 18:30 Living in Ohio and Indigenous Wisdom 30:03 Questioning Breath Practices in Yoga 30:32 The Power of Breath and Transformation 31:51 Reconnecting with Breath and Life Connect with me on https://www.instagram.com/higherlove_withmegan/ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠: https://www.higher-love.com/ ⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In this episode, Megan reflects on her journey from teen radio host to revamping her podcast with new purpose. She shares her early love for radio, the podcast's inception in 2021, and how overcoming mindset hurdles led to exploring deeper, challenging discussions. Megan chats about her experiences with Compassionate Inquiry training and understanding the systemic inequalities in wellness access, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and collective healing for marginalised communities. Megan and I (Lucy Lucraft, her producer!) talk about fave episodes and bold conversations with people like Lisa Lister and Fritzi Horstman and, in my opinion, encapsulates the importance of authentic dialogues and the ongoing evolution of the podcast towards fostering liberation and wellness. Episode Highlights: 03:26 Overcoming Personal Hurdles 05:10 Challenging the Status Quo 06:52 The Podcast Pivot 21:45 Embracing Rejection and Persistence 25:37 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey 27:46 Favorite Episodes and Listener Insights Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/higherlove_withmegan/ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠: https://www.higher-love.com/. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In this episode, I talk with Fritzi Horstman, founder of the Compassion Prison Project, about the profound impact of childhood trauma on individuals who end up incarcerated. Fritzi's work was brought to my attention through the deeply moving video "Step Inside the Circle," featured in the "Wisdom of Trauma" documentary. This video showcases a compassion trauma circle within a maximum-security prison, revealing the pervasive role of trauma in the lives of inmates. We delve into The link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and criminal behavior. The shocking statistics on the prevalence of trauma in prison populations. How the Compassion Prison Project addresses trauma through compassion circles and other initiatives. The need to reframe our understanding of incarcerated individuals as products of a traumatized society. The importance of collective responsibility in creating a more just and compassionate world. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional views on crime and punishment and offers a new perspective on healing and rehabilitation. Episode Highlights: 02:08 Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 03:30 The Impact of Trauma in Prisons 06:47 Compassion Trauma Circle Exercise 13:14 Symptoms and Effects of Trauma 33:41 Finding Value in Dehumanizing Environments 38:44 Collective Responsibility and Community Healing 41:07 Systemic Issues and Racial Disparities in Prisons Connect with me on ⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higherlove_withmegan/ ⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠: https://linktr.ee/higherlovewithmegan?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaUdx9GkR1vkfJarQte_E14RWHKU4sfWN9ec7I0Kbbqx-DsA7XlMCwTS3E_aem_qpzWZv8Je0FWm1_kR6iLJA I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

Up on the podcast this week, we have Alex Sesto. I followed Alex on Instagram over the past year and reached out to him a while ago to guest on an episode about Alex's deep connection to indigenous wisdom and how he embraces it in modern life. I hope that you enjoy this episode and find comfort in the accessible way Alex explores how to access indigenous healing and ritual. Episode Highlights: 5:29 Integrating Indigenous Wisdom 13:14 The Power of Community Healing 24:35 Challenges of Modern Progress 39:00 Integrating Ancient Practices into Modern Times 42:24 The Rise of Somatic Therapies 01:07:58 Poem: Surrender, Trust, Receive Mentioned in the episode: The Healing Wisdom of Africa by Malidoma Patrice Somé https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ymyMtJDeARImRfIKygY9W https://www.taraswart.com/ https://greatbritishspeakers.co.uk/talents/michael-maisey-speakers/ Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/higherlove_withmegan/ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠: https://linktr.ee/higherlovewithmegan?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaDWVr3jLcNta7vrdgbIC_Rc5dVQpWLiXNIALSdA7Ks6bQEtvNo5c78NU0_aem_cz0U2a-SDKcA7xwu5DSIxw I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

It's a bit of a different episode this week as while Megan is prepping for her impending wedding, I (aka her podcast producer Lucy!) is introducing the episode. Megan was recently a guest on The Elevated Coach podcast with Joel Burgess and they chatted all about how Megan's ‘why' has evolved over time, especially after studying with the amazing Dr. Gabor Maté. Megan and Joe get real about the importance of understanding trauma and systemic oppression, especially for coaches working with marginalized communities. And they even talk about how to overcome that fear of saying the wrong thing, which I think we can all relate to. This episode is packed with wisdom, compassion, and actionable advice whether you're a coach, or even if you're just interested in personal growth and social justice. Episode Highlights: 02:01 Diving into Megan's 'Why' 04:38 Understanding Systemic and Collective Trauma 08:34 Starting Points for Coaches in Inclusivity 15:17 The Power of Compassion and Beginner's Mindset 25:43 Exploring the Concept of Collective Liberation 29:55 The Shadow Side of Coaching and Inner Work Mentioned in the episode: Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

Today I chat with Siobhan Strode, a word witch mentor and copy coach and fearless intersectional feminist and activist. We dive into breaking societal narratives in wellness, decolonizing our minds, and addressing privilege. Siobhan shares her journey from education to social justice activism, highlighting her work in raising voices through impactful language. We challenge the status quo in wellness, discussing language inclusivity, representation, and the critical role of social justice in holistic practices. Tune in for deep, transformative discussions on fostering a space for higher love and collective healing. Episode Highlights: 03:29 The Power of Language in Shaping Perspectives 07:32 Challenges in the Wellness Industry 17:10 Social Activism and Wellness: Bridging the Gap 27:51 Empowering Women to Raise Their Voices 39:37 The Importance of Inclusive Language About Siobhan: Siobhan is a word witch, copy coach and mentor, helping you raise your voice and lead the change. Her background is in education, activism and politics. She's obsessed with women telling their stories and telling the world about their magic - whether that's their small biz or their next campaign.  Get on the This Sister Speaks waitlist & be the first to hear about everything. Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In today's episode I chat to Leata-Mae d'Avoine, an expansive, full spectrum doula and well-being facilitator. Leata-Mae's work is rooted in decolonising rest and the art of slowing down and her mission is to centre embodied rest as a pathway to uplifting, collective healing and liberation. We had a fascinating chat about how rest is an act of resistance and rebellion, and how to support yourself to incorporate it into your everyday life with intention and devotion. Connect with Leata-Mae: Instagram: @‌leatamae Substack: https://substack.com/@leatamae Patreon : http://patreon.com/leatamae Episode Highlights: 05:13 Redefining Rest: Beyond Naps and TV 22:20 The Commodification of Rest in Wellness 28:10 Listening to Your Body: True Rest vs. Dissociation 33:03 Setting Boundaries for Self-Care 53:57 Collective Healing and Liberation Mentioned in the episode: Radical Rest by Evie Muir Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

Today's guest is my friend, Sussex based photographer and activist Natasa Leoni. She focuses on humanitarian, protest and lifestyle photography, inspiring change through visual storytelling and photojournalism. Natasa has taken many a photo of me, and I lovingly call her 'the Queen Maker', since she legitimately makes everyone she snaps look like a queen! She's a long term volunteer and campaigner in the charity and migrant solidarity sector, running the Brighton branch of Care for Calais, which supports refugees and those seeking asylum. Her activism is something I've long admired. Her recent photography exhibition in Brighton entitled ⁠In Limbo⁠ showcased photo portraits of individuals living in temporary hotel accommodation, having travelled to the UK to escape harsh experiences in their home countries. I was so excited to have a personal, up close conversation with Natasa to explore how activism touches every single area of her life. Episode Highlights: 02:53 Defining Activism: A Personal Perspective 05:23 The Role of Community in Activism 09:36 Natasa's Journey into Activism 14:42 Experiences in Calais: Volunteering During COVID 19:45 Supporting Refugees in Brighton 24:34 In Limbo: The Photography Exhibition 31:58 Photography and Activism: Capturing the Spirit 37:43 Activism and Wellness: A Holistic Approach Mentioned in the episode: How White Supremacy Harms Us All with Leah Kim Voices on the Side Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

Up on the Higher Love with Megan podcast this week, we have Jacqueline Kelly. Jacqueline is a life coach for mums who feel like they've lost sight of themselves in motherhood. She helps them get very clear and confident about who they are now at this stage of their motherhood journey. Jacqueline has spent years challenging the unrealistic standards of motherhood that we are encouraged to aspire to and in doing this has redefined what's possible not just for her but for the mothers that she works with. Episode Highlights: 04:09 Discovering Matrescence 11:29 The Pathologization of Motherhood 14:19 Challenging Societal Narratives 18:48 Shame and Silence in Motherhood 34:50 Motherhood and Activism Mentioned in the episode: Alexandra Sacks TED talk on matrescence Dr Aurelie Athan Dana Raphael Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In this episode I welcome Leah Kim, host of the excellent podcast Voices on the Side which centers stories of marginalised identities as an antidote to white supremacy. Her guests have a variety of backgrounds. Some are thought leaders actively focused on the fight for collective liberation, whilst others share stories rooted in their personal history. As people of the global majority, Leah's podcast contributes to resisting oppression through an insistence to live, create, be seen and heard, exploring narratives that remind us of our shared humanity. I came across Leah's podcast Voices on the Side through her episode with Paris Abbas entitled Beyond Colonial Spirituality, and immediately I felt like this was someone that I needed to connect and converse with. Enjoy. Listen to Voices on The Side on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you usually listen to podcasts. Episode Highlights: 02:26 Addressing Racism and Systemic Oppression 04:57 Impact of October 7th and Shift in Focus 06:33 Centering Marginalised Identities 10:20 White Supremacy and Its Effects 14:22 Collective Liberation and Personal Reflections 19:49 Decolonizing Yoga and Wellness Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

"I'm not drinking out of that!" This line, delivered after I handed her a Feminist mug, was the catalyst for this conversation, with my friend Sophie Alexandra Wurr. Our differing opinions on feminism and the stickiness of proffering challenging views, especially on social media where nuance is very often lost. In this episode we discuss societal constructs of womanhood and the feminine, the split of purity verses the erotic, moving towards a society catering more for women as women, the troubles of censorship when talking about these topics and the necessity to champion the healthy masculine and healthy MEN for balance and harmony on an individual and collective level. About Sophie: Inviting women into remembrance through the Sacred Feminine Mysteries. Cyclical & sensual embodiment to reclaim the fullness of your feminine nature. Come back into right relationship with the masculine. Embrace the gifts of your feminine essence. Follow Sophie's work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophie.wild.rose.wellness/ Join Sophie's Cosmic Masculine course waitlist Episode Highlights: 03:07 Exploring Feminine Archetypes 06:22 Impact of Societal Norms on Feminine Expression 12:21 Censorship and Double Standards 18:37 Reevaluating Feminism 29:30 Healing the Masculine and Feminine Divide Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠⁠this way⁠⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD ⁠https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultan⁠ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: ⁠http://bit.ly/2PgU6Mu⁠ Music promoted by Audio Library ⁠https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ⁠

Hi everyone! Welcome to the refreshed Higher Love with Megan podcast. I'm thrilled to hear your positive feedback since our relaunch. Today, we delve into the journey of escaping the privileged wellness echo chamber together. Alongside my own real-time learning, we explore addressing white biases and collective trauma. Conversations with guests like Keri Jarvis highlight socio-economic disparities in wellness, challenging us to include underrepresented groups. We tackle the confronting topics of racism, classism, and the limitations of binary thinking. Inspired by ancestors of all backgrounds, let's move towards collective liberation and a higher love for everyone. Tune in and join me on this transformative path. Episode Highlights: 03:56 Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities in Wellness 06:10 Confronting Whiteness 13:01 Embracing Curiosity 19:02 Honouring Ancestral Lineages and Future Generations Mentioned in the episode: - Africa Daly-Clarke @TheVitaminDProject - Episode with Keri Jarvis Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

Hi everyone! Join me and my fiancé Caspar on this episode of Higher Love with Megan where we dive into as we casually sip on coffee at our kitchen table. We reflect on my journey with trauma-informed training over the past 18 months and how it has profoundly changed both of us, personally and professionally. We explore the importance of addressing root causes rather than quick fixes and how these changes manifest in our approach to societal systems and personal relationships. Casper shares heartfelt observations on my growth and how it has upped his compassion game. We discuss the necessity of genuine service, inclusivity, and the responsibilities that come with our roles as coaches. Tune in for an engaging, insightful chat that challenges norms and encourages real change. Big love to all for listening :) Episode highlights: 04:49 Impact of Personal Growth on Relationships 07:42 Challenging Judgements and Biases 14:27 Improving Communication in Relationships 23:51 Navigating Triggers and Emotional Responses 33:36 Communicating Needs and Finding Safety 43:00 Purpose, Mission, and Privilege 51:35 Inclusivity and Accessibility in Coaching Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

Up on the podcast this week, we have someone I've followed for a long time and am THRILLED to talk to. Please welcome Lisa Lister! Lisa is an author who shares + re-writes the narratives of being a woman. An artist celebrating the female form + essence. Creatrix of art, life + realities.   She's a psychotherapeutic spiritual guide + somatic movement practitioner, who offers support, space and counsel to women who are exploring, navigating and wanting to heal their relationship with their body, power, sex, creativity, spirituality, pleasure + passion in these 'interesting' times.   She also has a particularly strong skill-set in accessorising, chocolate eating + living life like a devotional ceremony.  You can find out more about her work at www.thesassyshe.com. Episode Highlights: 04:20 Understanding Cycles and Women's Wisdom 08:06 Navigating Societal Expectations 10:31 The Concept of Self Sorcery 22:31 Challenges in Women's Healthcare 24:50 Wellness Industry Critique 34:28 Building Self-Trust Through Cycle Awareness 41:18 Intuition and Trust in Self-Sorcery 55:57 Navigating Trauma and Building Safety Let's connect on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

This week, we have Keri Jarvis on the podcast and I'm thrilled to chat to her. Keri is an intersectional feminist developmental coach, a community activist, and a charity co founder. Her best work happens when she's exploring relational dynamics with clients, deepening their understanding of themselves and others in the context of oppressive systems so that they can sustain easier access to their healthy adult selves and rehearse the future we're craving into being. Keri was exceptionally honest, sharing her messy journey from questioning the need for feminism to deeply examining systemic injustices such as white supremacy and capitalism. The conversation delves into the significance of relational dynamics, systemic factors affecting mental health, and rethinking the notion of individual legacy and purpose. Episode highlights: 02:40 Keri's Journey to Feminism 04:12 Intersectionality in Feminism 07:52 Critique of Positive Thinking 14:48 Relational Approach in Wellness 19:15 Systemic Issues in Mental Health 24:50 Challenging the Wellness Industry 39:53 Creating Equitable Spaces To contact Keri: W: https://kerijarvis.com/  ⁠⁠⁠ IG: @‌kerijarvis

Today my guest is Mind Body Health Facilitator and Bestselling Author Pat Divilly. I've followed Pat's work for a while and was keen to chat to him about his experience of being active in the wellness industry for over fifteen years, starting in the physical fitness space before transitioning to the areas of mental, emotional and relational wellness. He is an experienced breath worker, a Trauma Release Facilitator and spent a year training in a psychotherapeutic approach called Compassionate Inquiry with renowned addiction and trauma specialist Gabor Maté. Since 2017 he has released over 250 episodes of his podcast and run hundreds of seminars, workshops and retreats whilst continuing to invest in his own learning and development. Pat is also the #1 bestselling author of the book 'Fit Mind'. Tune in to hear Pat's insights on shadow work, breathwork, and the transformative power of authentic connection. Episode Highlights: 03:56 Transition to Holistic Wellness 05:22 Trauma-Informed Approach and Training 12:07 Understanding and Integrating the Shadow 14:33 The Role of Breathwork in Healing 26:07 Community and Connection in Healing 40:39 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Mentioned in the episode: Gabor Maté Anthony De Mello To contact Pat: W: www.patdivilly.com   ⁠ IG: @‌patdivilly Listen to Pat's podcast: Join Pat's free breathwork session

Up on the podcast this week, we have Gemma Brady. Gemma is the founder of Sister Stories, which is on a mission to make going to women's circles as common as yoga class. She's dedicated her life to creating spaces for people to tell important stories, be it on film, in writing, or in their community. She believes in the healing power of storytelling and the power of the generous acts of both speaking and offering deep listening. Her 15 year career as a filmmaker has seen her creating BAFTA award winning content across a variety of media from senior roles on some of the UK's most popular and sensitive documentary series to award winning charity campaigns. In 2017, Gemma created Sister Stories as a means of offering women an opportunity to come together and experience the transformative power of being seen and heard. Grounded in the primal and magical tradition of storytelling, Sister Stories events invite women to deepen their sense of connection to the self and one another, experiencing the simple joy of knowing we are all in it together. What started as a simple circle gathering in London has grown to a global movement of women training to lead and share the transformative power of circle in their communities. Enjoy. Episode Highlights: 03:05 The Essence of Sister Stories 05:10 Gemma's Journey: From Filmmaker to Circle Leader 12:26 The Healing Power of Storytelling 19:33 Facilitation and the Role of the Listener 21:51 The Ripple Effect of Circle Work 30:41 Challenges and Rewards of Sharing Mentioned in the episode: Matthew McConaughey's GreenLights Compassion Prison Project The Gathering (Monthly Sister Stories Circle) Let's connect on ⁠Instagram⁠ and find out more about me ⁠this way⁠. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

In this episode, I return to the Higher Love with Megan podcast with a fresh perspective and renewed purpose after a 9 month hiatus. I delve into my recent experiences, including the one-year Compassionate Inquiry training under Dr. Gabor Maté and its influence on my approach to holistic health. I discuss the importance of understanding trauma beyond its traditional scope, integrating deep subconscious and somatic healing methods. The conversation extends to societal issues around trauma, including racial and intergenerational impacts, urging us to expand our perspectives and promote collective well-being. Join me on this journey of learning, unlearning, and striving for higher love for all. Episode Highlights: 00:39 The Journey So Far: Reflecting on the Podcast's Origins 06:54 A New Direction: Embracing Trauma-Informed Conversations 09:58 Addressing Racial and Intergenerational Trauma 14:11 Moving Beyond the Echo Chamber 20:46 A Call to Action: Higher Love for All Mentioned in the episode: ⁠Gabor Maté⁠ Peter Levine Bessel van der Kolk Dr. Stephen Porges Connect with me on Instagram and find out more about me this way. I'd love to hear what you think. Podcast Music: Good For You by THBD https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultanCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2PgU6MuMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ

Up on the podcast this week we have Chris Geisler. Chris is Host of the Chris Geisler Podcast, a podcast to explore our nature and nurture a meaningful life. He is the Founder of Men of Earth, a space for men to connect, learn, re-wild, be accountable and gain clarity on their mission. He runs a private online men's community dedicated to interwork and self-leadership. And in this exact moment in time he might be in the cold plunge, since he is leading a 21 Day Cold Water challenge which started on 1 November. I connected with Chris recently and what came through most was his commitment to nurturing a meaningful life, both for himself and facilitating that in others. Bringing that alive in this conversation, Chris draws attention to what this really means, including connection and community, purpose and mission and creating the life we really want. His personal mission centres around creating more spaces where we can access more parts of ourselves that we have forgotten about and let go of and using attention and intention to bring these parts back, whether that is through a podcast conversation, retreats and group spaces and challenges or on the dance floor. In this episode: - the essence of creating a nurturing, meaningful life and what this means - the importance of mission and purpose - creating community: cultivating connection plus making sacrifices and embracing loneliness to open up into deeper friendships and relationships - building trust in ourselves and our lives - shifting suppressed emotion and pent up anger into healthy emotional fluidity - opening our hearts where they might have been previously shut down and connecting back to feeling - creating space for grief within our own emotional experience and wider collective spaces - getting closer to our roots and rekindling our separation from natural environments- stretching our limitations on what we've made possible for ourselves- building and joining collective spaces to discover long-lost parts of ourselves- the healing and transformational power of cold water therapy in expanding our tolerance, resilience and comfort zonesAll this and more! To contact Chris:W: thechrisgeisler.comIG: @the.chris.geislerThe Chris Geisler Podcast available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Up on the podcast this week we have Kelly Wilde Miller. Kelly is a Creative Embodiment and Cyclical Creativity Coach, artist and speaker who helps creative individuals step into their full expression by honouring they creative dreams, designing sustainable and cyclical workflows and fully embodying their genius.Creativity, inspiration and entrepreneurship has been in Kelly's field for a long time but as Kelly explains in this episode, she found herself often stuck in the initial phases projects but struggling to bring them to full fruition. Kelly's exploration into cyclical living transformed her relationship with creativity and entrepreneurship, finding herself able to bring things full cycle and maintain balance and avoid burnout in the process.  Cyclical living is really the essence of who we are as a human race; everything within the natural world ebbs and flows and when we can remember and reclaim this cyclical nature for ourselves we can learn to capitalise on each stage of the cycle with its unique energetic offering and get to know and love different facets of ourselves. In this episode: - the essence of cyclical living and embodying the different energetic chapters to ebb and flow in our lives - redefining our relationship with time and energy to avoid burnout and maintain balance - the in-built cyclicality of a woman's body echoing the seasons of nature and how to harness these seasons - how to apply a cyclical approach to ideas and projects within your creativity, career or entreprenurship - the importance of "the void" and rest within the creative process - managing and creating space for our inner critic within the cycle - bringing cyclicality into dating and relationships - beginnings and endings within the sacredness of the cycle - cyclicality as a permission slip for boundaries and living according to our values - the process of unlearning and de-conditioning within this process and applying these principles into our lives Books referenced: Sacred Rest by Saundra Dalton-Smith M.D. Women who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés To contact Kelly: Websites: www.kellywildemiller.com and www.wildonpurpose.co (podcast + newsletter)  Social: Twitter & Instagram

Up on the podcast this week we have Phil Kreutzer. In this conversation we discuss healing through homeostasis, bringing about the right conditions in the body's nervous and energy system in order for the body to rebalance, for healing to occur and for us to experience our infinite potential within our wellbeing and our lives in general. Phil is an intuitive guide, nervous system specialist, and energy integration coach with a passion for supporting people in awakening to their infinite potential. He has developed an original approach which draws on somatic experiencing, mindfulness, breathwork, and other practices to help clients heal trauma, integrate energetic blocks, access their intuition, and connect with higher intelligence. Phil is the founder of Awaken Through Anxiety, a cohort based program that guides people in learning to work with anxiety as an ally and a portal of awakening to the true self, intuition and spiritual connection. In this conversation: - the significance of the body's energy and nervous system in regards to healing - trusting the fundamental intelligence of the body - coming back to simplicity over complexity through acceptance for the present moment and shifting our frequency to unconditional love - anxiety, pain, triggers all as signposts back into healing - distortions and traumas as blocks in the body's energy system to be cleared - shifting from victimhood and separation consciousness into unity consciousness for integration and healing to occur - reframing anxiety in the context of a desire for healing and reconnection, an intelligent function of homeostasis wanting to come back online, as a portal for awakening to the true self - tangible tips for healing the body's energy system To contact Phil & program links: Awaken to Anxiety: https://www.philkreutzer.com/awaken-through-anxiety Awaken to Anxiety Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awakenthroughanxiety/ Delivering Divinity: https://www.philkreutzer.com/delivering-divinity IG: @philkreutzer

Up on the podcast this week we have Carelle Rose of Fire Fly Formula. Carelle is a reflexologist, a face yoga instructor and a Gua Sha Therapist. Carelle supports people embarking on a facial fitness journey via her online facial fitness membership, encouraging members to consider natural alternatives to injectables by training their facial muscles via Face Yoga, Facial Massage and Gua Sha. I started following Carelle on instagram when she was on a deep journey to treat her psoriasis, taking a multi-pronged.. well, ALL the prongs, approach to healing. I was very inspired and over the past year I've resonated with so much of her story and her shares as they reflect my own experience healing my hormones and reversing my PCOS. Our approaches really align in terms of radical ownership, radical responsibility and radical prioritisation when it comes to our health, doing the “hard things” in order to get the results you want, connecting to the why behind why you're doing it, getting to the root cause over endlessly treating symptoms and all in all taking this sense of new-found empowerment in our health into all aspects of our lives. In this episode: - the importance of educating yourself and doing your own research when it comes to your health - taking radical responsibility for all aspects of your healing - the impact stress has on the body even after the mind has moved on - bringing the mind and body back into alignment to support health and healing - making conscious choices in all aspects of your life to support your wellbeing and connecting to the why behind your choices - practising patience for long-term gain over quick-fixes for immediate results - creating new habits which over time become the new norm - discovering radical empowerment through radical prioritisation and ownership Find Carelle on instagram @fireflyformula where you can enquire about her 1:1 consultations and Fire Fly Face Fit memberships, her podcast "The Bits In Between" and discover more about her journey of holistic wellbeing.

Up on the podcast this week we have Eddie Sullivan (@mangomanmovement) Eddie is a movement and wellness coach, a husband and father of two. He has studied and trained in multiple movement disciplines and spiritual philosophies offering a unique perspective and experience for his clients. He is passionate about helping people to create meaningful long lasting change using methods that are thoughtful, consistent and manageable. When I first spoke to Eddie, I was struck by what an incredible story he had, starting his life in an environment of drugs, violence and crime, hitting rock-bottom which was the catalyst for changing his world, struggling with addiction and committing to finding another way. Comparing where he was, to where he is now appears to be a huge quantum leap into a different reality, which it is. Yet, what Eddie draws attention to in this conversation is that it is a journey of a thousand steps, ten thousand steps, mirroring as he says the journey of not only the tortoise but of the snail. It being a marathon, not a sprint. And I feel this is so vital to recognise for anyone wanting to create meaningful, long-lasting change. We all too easily set the massive goals and give up long before getting there, because we don't break it down into daily, weekly, monthly, yearly actions. And we look at other people who've achieved that and assume they've got some secret sauce we don't have access to rather than understanding they too took thousands of steps to get there. I love talking to people like Eddie with incredibly powerful stories of personal transformation because it truly models what is possible and available. In this episode: - how rock-bottom moments can catalyse change -shifting your environment to shift your perspective & behaviours - tools to help you create new habits - following through on the small things to build self trust for the big things - developing new connections and friendships - small steps that compound into giant quantum leaps - handling resistance and getting out of our heads - common roadblocks to long lasting change - disrupting our patterns by coming out of autopilot - "doing the do-able" and letting go of our own limiting beliefs

Up on the podcast this week we have my beautiful friend and soul sister, ceremonialist, breath work practitioner and women's guide, Betty Lewis Griffiths. Betty joined me for Episode 8. Love and Loss: reclaiming joy, peace and meaning in times of grief, which we recorded together six months after the passing of Betty's mum back in 2021. 18 months on, I wanted to circle back to speak to Betty about how life has shifted for her in the past couple of years, with her mum's death acting as a huge catalyst for deepening her work and her own relationship with love, life and death. Devotion, both to self and to life itself has become central to the way she lives her life, infusing the way she holds ceremony, the presence she cultivates with her clients, finding hidden pockets of joy all around and the way she prioritises herself and her needs, something that a lot of people struggle with amongst demanding lives and a busy culture. In this episode we discuss what she sees as living a devotional life, not just lighting candles and incense, but actually going back to basics so that we eat, sleep, breathe and connect better to keep falling more and more in love with this sacred life we have. In this episode: - Betty's passage of grief following the death of her mother in 2021 - how devotion emerged as a way of life and continues to evolve - what it means for Betty to 'live a devotional life' - the symptoms - individual and collective - of us living outside of devotion - a devotional approach to eating, resting, movement and taking it back to basics - living in accordance with the cycles of nature and using nature as the blueprint About Betty: (Reclaim Your Wild) www.reclaimyourwild.co.uk CEREMONIALIST, BREATHWORK PRACTITIONER AND WOMEN'S GUIDE.  Betty works with wild-hearted humans, guiding them back to their wisdom within so they can access their full pleasure portal and live a life that welcomes all that they are. Living every day full of presence and pleasure, Betty teaches others to do the same, through women's circles, powerful breathwork ceremonies, rewilding programmes, sacred ending ceremonies and working with nature and the elements.  She uses breath, sound, movement, meditation, mantra and self-inquiry to facilitate transformation and enable us to reconnect with our wild essence and live a life that welcomes our fullest expression.  She sees life (and death) as a ceremony, making everyday life sacred, with the smallest touches to bring us into presence, gratitude and joy.  As a free tool we all have access to, Betty believes changing your breath can change your life. She guides others to feel safe in their body and reconnect with themselves to live an empowered and embodied life. Working one to one and delivering group workshops and programmes, Betty uses breath, sound and self-inquiry to facilitate transformation and enable others to connect with their true essence.

This theme has been popping up with clients all over the place recently so I felt to share some reflections and insights to act as inspiration and a catalyst for deeper healing, releasing and transformation. We are all consciously or subconsciously pertaining to certain rules we've created around what we can and can't do and often when we want to create change or grow, we need to give ourselves full permission to do so. Sometimes we might be unconsciously waiting for someone else to give us permission, often our parents or care-givers, from our peers or remnants of memories from growing up. Perhaps we'll receive that, perhaps we won't, and ultimately as we continue to forge our own path in life and move into greater truth and authenticity with ourselves, we must become adept at granting OURSELVES permission. Over and over. And on a bigger and bigger scale until we are fully free. Enjoy!

Up on the podcast this week we have Jonny Miller. Jonny is an emotional resilience researcher, host of the Curious Humans podcast and Founder of 'Nervous System Mastery' — a cohort based course for cultivating calm & agency over your internal state. This course seeks to rewire your neurobiology with evidence-backed protocols and equip you with a personal toolkit to increase calm, upgrade resilience and increase aliveness.  I met Jonny many years ago whilst we were both living in Canggu, Bali and have since followed his journey with intrigue, partaking too in his September 2022 cohort of Nervous System Mastery. My partner and I benefitted so significantly from the course individually and also as a couple in partnership. Understanding the language of our nervous system is immensely powerful and necessary for our optimal wellbeing and to give us greater agency in our lives, so I've been so looking forward to recording and sharing this conversation with Jonny. In this episode: - Jonny's experience with other modalities and how this led him into the nervous system- what exactly is the nervous system and why should we care about it- using the nervous system to avoid burn-out- an overview of polyvagal theory and how this informs us on our nervous system states- tools and practices that have helped Jonny and his clients, including longer term approaches to benefit our system over time, things to implement immediately whilst experiencing disregulation and techniques to keep working on our triggers when we are regulated and safe- approaching our triggers as teachers and gifts to build our emotional resilience- Jonny's observations of the correlation between nervous system state and our mental landscape- nervous system in relationship: understanding the language of our partner's nervous system so we can form betterconnection and hold better space for our partners- co-regulation, both the impact of being in positive community or a positive therapeutic dynamic upon our nervous system and also the negative impact of toxic environments To contact Jonny:Nervous System Mastery: https://nsmastery.com/ Twitter and IG: @jonnym1ller References: Dr Stephen Porges "Polyvagal Theory" Peter Levine "Waking the Tiger"