Mind-Body Stuff

We are so excited to introduce you to Oula's new owner Heather Hughes! To get to know her, listen to this latest edition of the Mind-Body Stuff's podcast.

In this episode, Bernice and Kali are honored to share an interview with Daina Middleton - an accomplished business person who has worked at a variety of firms including Hewlett Packard and Twitter. Daina talks about her climb to success, the lessons she learned along the way and how Oula came into her life at a particularly poignant time of reckoning and recentering. This is a great listen from a knowledgeable leader with insights into why it's so important to embrace your authentic self. Read more about Daina at her website https://dainamiddleton.com/

"Astrology works. The charts never lie." In this episode, Kali and Bernice have the incredible privilege of interviewing Whitney Fishburn, editor and reporter on Capitol Hill turned Astrologer. After both having really life-affirming sessions with Whitney, Kali and Bernice could not have been more excited to talk to Whitney about her personal story that led her to astrology, how and why it can be a life changing experience for clients, and how the systems and cycles of astrology can help us make sense of our own lives, our own journeys and realize our personal power in a world where so often we are just a cog in the machine that is capitalism. To book a consultation with Whitney or to learn more, visit https://www.ensouledastrology.com/.

In this episode, Kali and Bernice explore what came up for them this month as they reflect on #iamlove. How quick they are to confuse their actions with their essence, how the concept of love is much simpler than the action of it, and how maybe self love is the key to save the world. Take a listen and reflect on how love is given and received in your life.

In this episode, Kali and Bernice have the opportunity to talk with Registered Nurse and Dietician, Chelsea Campbell, to learn and talk about Intuitive Eating - the practice of, tuning into your body's signals, cues, and sensations to guide your self-care and your eating choices, as opposed to following some external set of rules like a diet or restrictive lifestyle. They talk about how this process can be done by all of us, and how it is a very important step on the path towards self-love, especially in the fatphobic world we live in. This episode is a must-listen, especially for those of us with a complicated relationship with our bodies and who desire to be freed from the suffering this causes us. Other media referenced in this episode: Podcast: Ten Percent Happier where one of the creators of Intuitive Eating, Evelyn Tribole, was interviewed, and in real-time during the episode, host Dan Harris has some amazing revelations about himself. It was re-aired in December 2020. Book: "Intuitive Eating" and "Intuitive Eating Workbook"

In this episode, Kali and Bernice have the opportunity to talk with Registered Nurse and certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Chelsea Campbell, to learn and talk about Intuitive Eating - the practice of, tuning into your body's signals, cues, and sensations to guide your self-care and your eating choices, as opposed to following some external set of rules like a diet or restrictive lifestyle. They talk about how this process can be done by all of us, and how it is a very important step on the path towards self-love, especially in the fatphobic world we live in. This episode is a must-listen, especially for those of us with a complicated relationship with our bodies and who desire to be freed from the suffering this causes us. Other media referenced in this episode: Podcast: Ten Percent Happier where one of the creators of Intuitive Eating, Evelyn Tribole, was interviewed, and in real-time during the episode, host Dan Harris has some amazing revelations about himself. It was re-aired in December 2020. Book: "Intuitive Eating" and "Intuitive Eating Workbook"

In their first podcast of 2021, and following in line with the #iamoula campaign, January's affirmation is #iamhere. In this episode, Kali and Bernice discuss what it means to be here in the present moment, here as a product of our own story, here as heirs to our ancestral story, and here as community members to a collective story. Their hope is that as you listen to their personal stories, it will encourage you to explore your own #iamhere story.

On the last episode of this series, Kali and Bernice talk about why empowering women, themselves included is work that they are called to do. They grapple and fumble over gender binary stereotypes, if they are creating inclusive spaces for all women and people in general and how they use Oula to empower themselves in their own lives. They also talk about the healing power of storytelling through music and movement, and how stories that aren't even our own can be felt deeply to create empathy in action and an opportunity to heal collective wounds.

In this penultimate, pandemic-ruled episode of this series, Bernice and Kali take a deep dive into their self image, how its motivated their lives, lesson they've learned, and freedoms they are still striving for. They also reflect on the gift of Oula for this safe space in which identity, image and perception fall away so that we can truly see one another at the soul level.

This episode is all about asking ourselves what is the purpose of finding our purpose? Bernice and Kali talk about their relationships with their purpose, how they struggle to know it, live it and also how it allows them to tap out of being present, because they want to go "fulfill their purpose!" The ego plays a huge role in purpose, and its shadow side can make a lot of things yucky pretty quickly. Thanks, as always, for listening and for being a part of this community!!

This episode is all about asking ourselves what is the purpose of finding our purpose? Bernice and Kali talk about their relationships with their purpose, how they struggle to know it, live it and also how it allows them to tap out of being present, because they want to go "fulfill their purpose!" The ego plays a huge role in purpose, and its shadow side can make a lot of things yucky pretty quickly. Thanks, as always, for listening and for being a part of this community!!

In Episode 3 of our 2020 Vision Series, Bernice and Kali talk about spirituality. This is the trigger warning for the episode, as they dive into their own beliefs and practices, as well as their observances about religion and its purpose, benefits and flaws. It's a big topic and they hope in some way it adds value to the listener's experience or provide at least some food for thought!

In Episode 2 of our 2020 Vision Series, Kali and Bernice talk about the importance that friendship plays in their lives. After being friends for nearly 10 years, they talk about their own friendship and their generation gap, what they look for in friends, why their friendships last (or not!) and the importance of maintaining them, especially through difficult times like Covid. Thank you to you, our friends, for being a part of our lives.

In Episode 1 of our 2020 Vision Series, Bernice and Kali talk about their relationship with marriage. How it's been affected by COVID, how its changed throughout the years, and how their marriage endures through rough waters. Self-deprecating, amusing and explicit, but always honest and authentic, these friends don't hold back on this one!

Kali and Bernice are back after a pause for reflection.  In this episode, they talk about some of the more difficult questions they've been asking themselves during this confusing time.  They offer insight into their own struggles and fears and questions that keep them up at night.   Podcasts referenced:  Brene Brown's Unlocking Us- "On My Mind: RBG, Surge Capacity, and Play as an Energy Source" Super Soul Sunday- "What Does Purpose Really Look Like- with Wes Moore"

As we are approaching our 10 year anniversary at OULA, we have been taking a good look at our marketing and branding and have been working with experts to help us hone in on message and voice. One idea that Bernice came up with is the concept that we've all lost something, and we can find it through OULA. It could be loss of health, community, relationships, people and even ourselves. What we can find through music, movement and community sometimes feels like the missing puzzle pieces of ourselves and lives, even if we didn't realize they are missing. Of course, it wouldn't be a Mind-Body Stuff podcast without several digressions into masks, humor, parenting, stories and lots of laughter.

In this podcast, Kali and Bernice explore their own truths and the shock when they are not universal. They go on to discuss that if these truths are not universal, do they become less meaningful to the individual who holds them. Can you still hold your space and also hold space for another's truth? They also speak about how women are so tuned into the power of shame and wield it as a weapon. What can we learn about how to hold space for another's truth without shaming them for being different?

It was week 10 of COVID-19 and Bernice and Kali talk about the Great Pause and how they are pivoting personally and also as OULA Fitness. They recorded this podcast live on Instagram and as always, asked the big questions, laughed inappropriately and spoke with fervor and passion!

Our podcast this week is all about life in the time of Coronavirus. How we're staying sane, how we're sitting with uncertainties and fear, how humor is so important to mental health. In these unprecedented times, we are trying to find hope and lightness so that we can get through-- stronger, more connected, grateful and wiser-- on the other side.

In this week's episode, Kali and Bernice talk about all things social, from COVID-19, awkward interactions at parties, the safety of an OULA circle and (inspired by Glennon Doyle's new book) becoming Untamed. They talk about their collaborative relationship and how their ego may tell them they're not enough on their own but really their magic is when they come together to create. As humans, social creatures, it can be so hard to navigate the connection that we equally crave and fear, but how important it is for the expansiveness of humanity.

Kali and Bernice are back at the mic after taking a bit of a hiatus! The Super Bowl sprung them out of Podcast Retirement because they were all fired up about peoples' responses to the halftime show. On this podcast they try to understand the strong push back that men and women alike gave to Shakira and JLo's performance! As you can imagine, Bernice was pole dancing while watching it and Kali and her girls were talking about whose costumes were their favorite without even a clue that this was going to be controversial. Is it fear based? Is it learned? Is it from the Puritans? Is it from our witchy background being burned at the stake? WHAT IS IT? Take a listen to our perspective!

This week, Bernice and Kali discuss our human tendency to rationalize grief. The truth is, grief doesn't follow the rules. It can not be compared or put on a timeline or diminished and whatever you are feeling right now, and especially during the holiday season, deserves your attention. They talk about their own experiences with loss and grief and even their own shame about their grief. Have you ever felt like you shouldn't be so sad about something because someone has it worse? Yes this thought process can sometimes be of assistance with cultivating gratitude, but it can also stop you from fully feeling what is coming up. We hope this podcast gives you permission to be sad or disappointed or longing during the holidays.

In this episode, Bernice and Kali refer to their new song of the week, "She'd Say" by Andy Grammer, about what his mother who has passed would say to his daughter. This song prompted them to reflect on their own knowledge of their lineage and how to tap into ancestral wisdom. They wrestle with cultural appropriation and their longing for connection to the wisdom that elders hold. Their ancestors migrated to the United States, and like so many others, lost their ancestral wisdom. Did they give it up, was it taken from them, where is it and how do we find it?

Today, Bernice and Kali talk about self-sabotage, after being prompted by the new song of the week, Flames by R3HAB & ZAYN. They share different times in their lives when they have either self-sabotaged or almost self-sabotaged. They explore why we self-sabotage and what the fear is that lies under this need to destruct. It oftentimes comes down to a desire to control outcome or triggers feelings of shame or unworthiness. We have to identify where the desire for this behavior is coming from and what are the outcomes if we choose to self-sabotage.

This week, Kali and Bernice respond to a listener's message about feeling like an imposter. They explore why we doubt ourselves and how to believe in ourselves. Imposter Syndrome is common and can either make us want to shrink or over-inflate to compensate for our feelings of inadequacy. They talk about where they feel inadequate and imposters in their own lives and roles and hopefully give some tips for how to manage your own feelings of being an imposter.

Do you have enough joy in your life? This week, Bernice and Kali share their epiphany that celebrating is the best way to elevate. They apply it to OULA, their personal lives, the work they are doing and the work they have yet to do. With our puritanical background of the importance of work ethic and focus on doing rather than being, we can get lost in how to find joy. When celebrating doesn't have to be earned, we can experience gratitude and joy for the simple pleasures of life. Because isn't that what it's all about?

Today, Bernice and Kali dive into the sources of motivation for humans and for themselves. They talk about modern society's obsession with instant gratification and our lack of patience, which is why it is so hard for us to stay curious about what motivates us. When we get so addicted to the outcome (as proven by Skinner and Behavioral Psychology), we forget to deeply connect to our motivation. Why do we do the things that we do? And do they give us satisfaction or are they just fulfilling our want for power, recognition and other ailments of the ego. Article referenced by Mark Manson: https://markmanson.net/how-to-be-patient Enneagram Test: https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test

In this week's podcast, Bernice and Kali talk about their trip to Tulum, what they learned about humanity and the importance of doing self work in a group setting. So many of us struggle with vulnerability and upholding the image that everything is fine! But in group work we learn that many of our struggles are shared and that we are not alone. With social media, especially, we feel inadequate to our peers and to ourselves and through personal work we in the group we get to realize that there is usually always a fear of being unloved or unaccepted that these fears affect us all and drive our actions and reactions. Take a listen and find a group! Or.... sign up for one of our workshops at www.oulafitness.com

This week, Bernice and Kali talk about something that came up in the last podcast- why they avoid conflict. They both explore their reasons, which inextricably are connected to their fears, and their tendency to avoid when things get hard. They also note their differences in how they handle conflict and which conflicts are more intimidating. They talk about the importance of logic and reason when dealing with conflict and how to engage without becoming overly emotional. How do YOU do conflict?

There are a lot of voices going on in this podcast! With a strong focus on sexuality (not appropriate for kids!), we eventually get to our topic: 5 Voices- How to Communicate Effectively with Everyone You Lead by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram. Kali and Bernice go over the 5 different communication profiles that are explored in this book. They then reflect on their own styles, the styles of their partners and their workplace. Learn your communication style here: https://5voices.com/assessment/

Have you hit emotional puberty? Because our emotional voices are cracking! Bernice and Kali talk about a couple of situations in which their reactions were on the, one would say, immature side:) They question how to feel their feelings, validate their emotional experiences, but not become overwhelmed and reactive. They talk about the importance of justice, and conclude that it's not always theirs to serve, even though they think it will feel good if they do. Are you in emotional puberty, too? Take a listen and see where you are on the maturity scale!

In this episode, we interview Classical Singer and Oula Enthusiast, Claire Robertson-Preis. After many post Oula.One conversations, we decided it was time to pick this woman's brain-- on air! She takes on a magical, musical journey where we delve into synesthesia, the chakras, the 3 circles of energy and where we are in relation to not only music, but our physical and emotional reactions to it. Take a listen and be blown away by your own body and how you can interpret music. This could change everything for you.

Thanks to a listener write-in, today Bernice and Kali talk about what happens when you become unrecognizable or when someone you love becomes unrecognizable. What do you do with this? As always, they encourage themselves and listeners to stay curious about the lessons, the blessings and the heartaches of these confusing times. In all long term relationships, with ourselves and with others, we will be confronted with these times of confusion and potential growth.

In this week's episode, Bernice and Kali talk about traveling. This lighthearted podcast invites in accents, foreign lovers and romantic interludes of their 20's. They also talk about the importance of leaving your own routine and the many gifts of travel- both good and bad.

In this week's episode, Bernice and Kali talk about transitions in life in general and in their own lives. They highlight the struggles people have with transition and reflect on their own philosophies and strategies in navigating the unknown of change.

In this week's episode, Bernice and Kali explore alternative forms of healing. After a soul retrieval this past weekend, Kali has a lot to share about the experience and how healing it was. They talk about their opinions, skepticism, and curiosity about both Western medicine and alternative forms of healing.

In this week's episode, Bernice and Kali talk about the negative and positive aspects of putting thoughts into spoken word and the power that those words hold. They look at the role that fear plays in our desire to manifest and question their own definition of success. They explore their own experiences with manifestation, ambivalence, and enough-ness.

This podcast starts with Kali going into journalist mode while asking the Queen B about her experience turning 57 last week. They then venture into their spirit ages (10 and 21) and how that affects how they feel as they age, their struggles reconciling the two and the affects (sometimes SHOCKING) that aging has had on their body. Hopefully you'll be laughing as you listen and reflect on your aging process.

Bernice and Kali talk about the problems that can arise when expectations are not met in many aspects of life, and also in OULA. The disappointment that people can feel when they realize that OULA is not a Utopia can be very hard for them to accept. They explore that nothing that involves humans is a utopia, because no one and nothing is perfect. They hope that OULA is faction of learning about life and human interaction- which will always be messy, beautiful, challenging and worth it!

This week, Kali and Bernice talk about how hard it is being an adult! They talk about the expectations they had about how they would feel when they magically became this thing called "adult" and how the reality doesn't match the expectation. They also talk about wanting to hear the words "I am proud of you" and how surprised they are at their need to hear it. They share, as always, personal stories with honesty and humor with the hope that it makes people feel connected and not so lonely out there in Grown Up Land!

Shut up! I'm not angry, you're angry! Today, Bernice and Kali have a heated discussion about anger! As one of the five basic emotions, anger is a fiery one that can intoxicate us with its power. But it also can overwhelm us, make us sick and destroy relationships. They question when anger can be beneficial and when it can be detrimental. Take a listen and see where you lie on the anger spectrum.

Do you need a vacation? Is it hard for you to leave? Kali and Bernice talk about how hard it is to vacate, but how important it is to take a break from your life sometimes! They wonder why it is so hard to do just that, and they blame it on the Puritans for the massive guilt most of us feel about resting!

This week, Bernice and Kali discuss one of the hardest lessons for the heart; forgiveness. They explore how hard it is to forgive, but also that the true gift of forgiveness is to ourselves. The body holds trauma, anger, resentment and other emotions that can be released when we forgive. When we release these emotions, we can create space for light, love and healing.

This week, Kali and Bernice, talk about Resiliency - what is it, do you have it, can you learn it. They discuss their own relationships with resiliency and their desire to instill resilience in their children. Take a listen if you, like they, have ever wished you were more resilient :)

This week, Kali and Bernice gossip about GOSSIP! They talk about the fascinating role that gossip has played in homo sapiens' evolution. Gossip has helped our species create sophisticated social dynamics but also has been used to hurt and isolate members from the community. Be prepared for lots of laughing and if you like emus, well, we're sorry.

Kali and Bernice explore the relationship between self-acceptance and self-improvement. When and how do we reconcile the desire to change something about ourselves and the desire for self love and acceptance? The recognize that most of our personal suffering is because of unhealthy patterns of behavior or thought or societal pressures to conform and grapple with and form a plan for self-actualization.

Kali and Bernice interview Chelle Bird, Director of Oula in the Twin Cities. Chelle shares her body journey through Oula and pregnancy and the three women talk about how normal it is for women to engage in toxic conversation about their bodies. They struggle with their own perceptions of their bodies and their desire to change how women view their bodies. They acknowledge that we live in a society that has a powerful voice in how women should look, and how we all can get caught up in this message, but ultimately want to be the model for change.

Do you ever wish you could be more connected? Do your defenses get in the way of your connection? In this week's episode, Kali and Bernice talk about how it became so apparent over the last Empowerment weekend that we are all searching for connection but how we can't truly experience it until we let our defenses down. But, we are terrified! They explore an incident that happened during their time in L.A. that really brought this whole concept to light!

This week, Kali and Bernice talk about their experiences being a mom. The highs, the lows, the difficulties that they experience finding the balance between "mom" and "me" and how motherhood has changed them. Very true to themselves and this podcast, they are open and vulnerable about this world's most challenging job: Mom.

Ooh, ouch! How comfortable are you with physical discomfort? In our modern age, physical discomfort isn't part of the paradigm anymore. Now, this is NOT about chronic pain, this is about the discomfort you feel when you use your body physically! Why are we so comfortable with mental and emotional discomfort, but not with physical discomfort? This week, Kali and Bernice explore, both in Oula and in the industrialized world, how humans have the luxury to tap out when things get hard.

This week's podcast was inspired by Brene Brown's Netflix special, A Call to Courage. One of the most fascinating parts of this talk to Kali and Bernice was the concept of joy! They explore their own relationship with joy and, like 95% of folks Brene researched, how problematic it is because they always keep the darkness so close. They go on to talk about their desire to stay in the light more often by focusing on gratitude, presence and joy.