The Creative Soul Podcast

In this special solo episode, Leya shares the birth story of her first son, Alexander Boaz Henderson who was born March 10th, 2025 at 11:22 pm. Tune into get the full story of surprising twists and turns and surrendering our plans for something greater.Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Amie McNee is an author, speaker, creative guide, and the founder of the popular Instagram account @InspiredtoWrite. She writes historical fiction novels and writing guides and is known for speaking, teaching, and coaching artists all over the world and helping them to achieve their creative dreams.In this episode, we discuss:Creativity as a path to self loveHow to gentle parent the inner criticHow to reparent ourselves through creating our artWhy it's okay to want attention as an artistHow to be a JOYFUL artistHow to share and promote your artHow to find your audienceBalancing life with your creative lifeCreative Resources Mentioned:Beyond Anxiety by Martha BeckAmie's Book: We Need Your ArtConnect with Amie: @inspiredtowriteJoin The Creative Soul Practice today!

In this from the heart episode, Leya shares vulnerably how she's feeling as she's entering the birth portal. We discuss:What fears and resistances have come up before entering motherhoodMoving through fear and anxiety around labor and childbirthWhy birth feels like the ultimate embodiment experienceAllowing our experiences to be unique and universal at the same timeWhy motherhood is not a universal experienceHow to deal with life circumstances that feel out of our controlLearning to surrender and trustConnect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Mari Andrew is a New York Times bestselling author, artist, and speaker, who has gained an international reputation for joyfully philosophical illustrations and essays that meander between deep and light, bitter and sweet. Mari is in the business of paying attention, and her work reflects her specific observations turned into universal life lessons.In this episode, we discuss:Connecting to your past art as a creatorMaking meaning from your personal experiencesEmbracing our humanity as creative soulsNot having to be consistent in a creative practiceHow to own your own creative processLetting yourself grow and evolve as an artistMari's decision to leave Instagram after gaining a large communityThe number one thing that stops people from creatingCreative Resources Mentioned:Sabrina Ward HarrisonHow to Live a Good Life by Jonathan FieldsConnect with Mari: SubstackJoin The Creative Soul Practice - a 7 day guided writing meditation series. Use code "CREATIVESOUL" for 10% off. Find more info here.

In this solo episode, Leya shares how to make creativity a habit and how you can SHOW UP for your creative soul this year.We discuss:How to value your creativity and prioritize itCultivating a creative practiceWhy we face resistance in our creative practice and how to move through itHow to show up consistently to your creativityHow to see your creative ideas come to lifeHow to take the pressure off your creativity and start accessing it in fun, simple, easy waysJoin The Creative Soul Practice:A 7 day guided writing meditation series to help you cultivate your creative practice.Find more info here.Use code "CREATIVESOUL" for 10% offConnect with Leya: @leyavandoren Tune into Episode 111 for a taste of The Creative Soul Practice and receive a free Heart Chakra Writing Meditation

In this solo episode, I share my updates from week 35 of pregnancy!We talk about:How I'm feeling at 35 weeks pregnantWhat prenatal care decisions I made and whyHow I chose my birth team Hiring a doulaHow I chose my birth plan (and why I'm planning for a home birth)Why birth is not a medical eventManaging blood sugar during pregnancyPrepping for postpartumCreative Resources Mentioned:The Business of Being BornReal Food for Gestational Diabetes by Lily NicholsThe First Forty Days by Heng OuGlucose Goddess

In this episode, we talk about:Creating our creative soul projectsBeing in creative flow and getting "stuck" and how to move throughWriting retreatsUsing myths and fairytales to tell our storiesPublishingHero and heroine journeysElisabeth Sharp McKetta is a storyteller and the author of thirteen books across genres, including Edit Your Life (2023); Awake with Asashoryu (2022); She Never Told Me About the Ocean (2021). She teaches for the Harvard Extension School Writing Program and Oxford University's Diploma in Creative Writing.Connect with Elisabeth: WebsiteCreative Resources Mentioned:Writing the Story by John FranklinThe Virgin's Promise: Writing Stories of Feminine Creative, Spiritual and Sexual Awakening by Kim Hudson

In this solo episode, Leya shares a letter from the heart on the final processing of 2024 and sets intentions for 2025. Tune into be inspired as you process on your own year and reflect on what 2025 may have in store for you.We also talk about:Beginnings and endingsWords of the yearThe death of the maiden and rebirth of the motherFavorite Creative Soul podcast episodes from 2024Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

In this solo episode, Leya shares her reflections, lessons, and celebrations for her 30th birthday! We talk about:The importance of reflection on your birthdayHighlights from her 29th yearBeing proud of how far you've comeThe lessons she learned in her twentiesDealing with purpose anxiety, identity, home, and belongingThe next phase she's moving into for her thirtiesHow to deal with being humanWe end the episode with a special herbal reading to guide us through the end of the year and new year!Creative Resources Mentioned:Herbal Astrology Oracle by Adriana AyalesLeave a rating and review as a birthday gift!Connect with Leya @leyavandoren

Rachael Cohen is a spiritual guide, space holder, Nature connector, intuitive activator, energy transformer and author. She is the creator and founder of Infinite Succulent and Our Infinite Nature. When her experiences as an environmental educator, wild animal specialist and mother left her anxious and distraught over society's destruction of Nature, Rachael learned to cultivate a creative relationship with plants and Nature that transformed her life and awakened her spiritual gifts.In this episode, we talk about:Creating with natureHow to deal with eco anxiety and existential dreadStaying connected in a disconnected worldHeart chakra imbalance in the worldFollowing our authentic joyNature practices to regulate your nervous systemWhy we DO belong on earthConnect with Rachael:Website: ourinfinitenature.coInstagram: @ourinfinitenaturerachaelRachaels Books:Self-Care for Eco AnxietyEveryday Plant MagicInfinite Succulent

In this special solo episode, Leya shares about how she found out she was 6 months pregnant.We talk about:What it was like finding out at 6 monthsLeya's journey with hormonal birth control & cyclesThe physical experience of finding out you're pregnant in your third trimesterThe spiritual and emotional work that led to this The healing retreat Leya attended earlier this yearHealing mind, body, spiritConnect with Leya:@leyavandorenTW: Leya mentions her personal experience with CSA. Please visit Saprea for more info.

Rebecca Akat is a menstrual cycle coach and the founder and owner of Blume Womb where she guides women to have a deeper relationship to the cycles and seasons of their menstrual cycle.In this episode, we talk about:How to build a relationship with your womb and menstrual cycleWhat cycle and/or hormonal imbalances might meanThe four feminine archetypesThe four phases of the menstrual cycleThe shadow and light of each feminine archetypeWhy the wounded maiden is so prevalent in societyThe transition from maiden to motherCreative Resources Mentioned:Maiden to Mother by Sarah Durham WilsonWise Power and Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo WurlitzerConnect with Rebecca:@blumewomb

In this episode, Leya invites one of the retreat participants from The Creative Soul Retreat, Najma Treadwell to share more about her experience, what she got from the retreat, and what it opened up for her in her life.Najma homeschools her 6 children, is a birth doula, and community service advocate.We talk about:The importance of investing in yourselfThe fears that come up when we invest in ourselvesHow to take care of ourselves so we can take care of othersWhy self care is the opposite of selfish!Connecting to your creative soulNajma's retreat experience and what she learnedIf you're interested in coming on retreat, our next retreat is The Soul Radiance Retreat, January 17th-20th, 2025 in San Diego, CA.Find more info here.Connect with Leya:@leyavandorenleyavandoren@gmail.com

In this solo episode, Leya shares 5 tips on how to start and finish your creative projects.We talk about:How to show up consistently to your creative projectsHonoring your creative projectsFinding inspiration when feeling stuckHow to find the motivation to finish your creative project even if you haven't touched it in years!Playing and having fun to think of your project in new ways!Connect with Leya:@leyavandorenThe Soul Radiance RetreatJanuary 17th-20th, San Diego, CAFind more info here

Varsha Mathur, J.D, PCC, a certified dating and relationship coach with over seven years of experience, guides clients worldwide to effortlessly find and sustain lasting love with their ideal partners. Through her tailored coaching approach, Varsha empowers both singles and couples to cultivate confidence, ignite attraction, and build partnerships that withstand the test of time.We talk about:What to do if you're feeling hopeless in the dating processFinding clarity on what you want in a relationship/partnerThe importance of knowing yourself both in and out of datingThe common misconceptions and pitfalls of modern datingHow to intentionally dateHow to use or not use the dating apps to your advantageThe difference between therapy and coachingKey ingredients for a long lasting relationshipCreative Resources Mentioned:The Power of Now by Eckhard TolleIf The Buddha Dated by Charlotte KaslMen are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John GrayThe Five Love Languages by Gary ChapmanConnect with Varsha:Website: coachingbyvarsha.comTHE SOUL RADIANCE RETREAT,JANUARY 17TH-20TH, 2025SAN DIEGO, CAFind more info here.

Anthony Meindl is an award winning writer/director, best selling author, and founder of international Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop. He's worked with 2-time Golden Globe Nominee Shailene Woodley, BAFTA Nominee Daryl McCormack, Grammy Winner Camilla Cabello, Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor and Simone Ashley, Pop Star Suki Waterhouse and hundreds of others, and is known as the Tony Robbins of Acting Coaches. He has also written 5 best-selling books on creativity and silencing your inner critic, including the groundbreaking, At Left Brain Turn Right, and his newest book UNSTUCK. And is currently in post-production on his second feature film (about the climate crisis), after selling his first film to Hulu. In this episode, we talk about:Protest as a form of artThe feeling path and how to feel your feelings as an artistThe risk of sharing your artSocial media & artistsThe relationship between artist & audienceHow to keep making things and keep the hope aliveConnect with Anthony:https://www.anthonymeindl.com/@anthonymeindl

In this solo episode, Leya shares her personal experience with her first creative love - the theater, and how she navigated heartbreak, rejection, and letting go of her dreams.We talk about:Why she fell in love with theater at 3 years oldWhy theater represented family, home, and belongingKeeping your heart open in the face of rejectionWhat happens when something you love becomes toxicThe shame of letting go of a dreamGoing to college to study musical theaterWhat theater taught her about the creative processWhere she's at with her relationship to theater nowThis is a beautiful heart warming episode for any creative who has ever loved the arts, has faced rejection, and still keeps going!Resources Mentioned:https://www.csssa.ca.gov/Ep 57: On Identity, Home, and Creativity as a Practice of PresenceConnect with Leya:@leyavandoren

Emma Andrews is an Intuitive, Medium and Intuition Teacher. She specializes in clairvoyance, energy healing and somatic therapy. She offers virtual and in-person Intuitive and Mediumship Sessions and leads intuition workshops and wellness retreats around the world.In this episode, we talk about:The story of how her intuitive gifts opened upThe difference between intuition and mediumshipThe five intuitive sensesLearning to trust your intuitionIntuition & creativityDiscerning the difference between intuition & the mindConnect with Emma:Website: https://www.emma-andrews.com/Instagram: @emmarews

Anat Peri is an Inner-Child Healing Expert in the coaching and wellness space whose background blends traditional healing arts and modern psychology, with somatic and inner-child reparenting techniques that have enabled her to guide hundreds of practitioners, business owners, and their teams, through her TCS Method.In this episode we talk about:The importance of feeling your feelingsWhy feeling your feelings feels so "taboo"The Five Personality Patterns or safety strategiesGiving your inner child permission to grieveThe five stages of healingHow to reparent yourselfWhy reparenting is an act of self-loveConnect with Anat:Website: https://trainingcampforthesoul.com/Instagram: @anat.peri

Elyse Welles is a Greek-Egyptian American earth intuitive witch, podcaster, & author based in Artemis, Greece. A practicing witch for over twelve years on three continents, she is a Priestess of the eclectic Faery Tradition. She writes regularly for Witchology, Witch Way Magazine, and the Wild Hunt, cohosts the Magick Kitchen Podcast, and runs Seeking Numina, giving tours to Greece's sacred sites and teaching magical living in nature through connection to land spirits and spirits of place.In this episode we talk about:The Witch WoundConnecting to NatureHow to Connect to Land SpiritsWhy Travel Can Be a Sacred PilgrimageSacred SitesMythology & History of GreeceCreative Resources Mentioned:The Witch by Ron HuttonConnect with Elyse@seekingnuminaseekingnumina.com

In this solo episode, Leya shares a seasonal life update! We talk about checking in on our goals midway through the year and what she's been learning through her own creative process, as well as recapping a trip she recently took to Italy and Greece!We discuss:Showing up to our writing practiceTelling your story and the process of writing a memoirLeya's experience attending a retreat for survivors of child sexual abuseLeya's experience attending a writing retreat and sharing her story with othersFinding your voice and having the courage to speakSharing the process of self-publishing her second poetry book, coming out this fall!A recap of mine and my husbands 2 week trip to Europe through Italy and Greece!Intentions for the remainder of 2024Creative Resources Mentioned:Saprea RetreatEp 84: How I Self Published a Book of PoetryMari AndrewContact Leya: @leyavandoren

In this special solo episode, Leya shares ALL the details about her wedding day on the first anniversary of her wedding! We talk about:The wedding planning process being a portal of transformationThe death and rebirth cycle of transitionsWhy grief can come up during the wedding planning processHow to infuse intention & ceremony throughout the wedding dayHaving a sober curious weddingNavigating stress, overwhelm, family drama, to come out more embodied on the other sideSurrendering to the WEATHER on your wedding dayRecapping the chaos and beauty of Leya and Paxton's wedding day!Plus some of Leya's favorite wedding moments :)Enjoy and send to any friends who are getting married or have gotten married!Songs Mentioned:Escala by PalladioOld With You by Chuck WicksShe's Magic by Mike Parker

Shannon Keating is a Holistic Life Coach for Women, Teen Girls in Middle/High School, & Young Adult Women in College. She supports women with self empowerment, self love, and gaining the tools to cultivate self awareness guiding them back home to their hearts.In this episode, we discuss:Healing from an eating disorder holisticallyNavigating comparison with other women, body image, shame, and depressionHow Shannon guides other women to be their most authentic selvesUsing Human Design as a tool for self-understandingWhere to look in your own human design chartWhy we are creating an intentional women's retreatDetails about our women's retreat in San Diego, October 2024Ep 75: ft. Shannon Keating on Cultivating Female FriendshipsThe Soul Radiance RetreatOctober 18th-21st, 2024San Diego, CALearn more hereEmail soulradianceretreat@gmail.com for any questionsConnect with Shannon:shannonkeating.com@shannonkeatingPodcast: Unmasked and Open Hearted

HEATHER ECK is a multimedia abstract artist and writer. Heather interprets people, places, and experiences through color, a condition known as synesthesia. Her work has been exhibited in more than 30 shows, and she offers an inspiring perspective on connecting healing through color, symbolism, and form.In this episode we discuss:Leya's experience receiving a spirit portrait from HeatherOpening up to your spiritual, intuitive giftsThe importance of color and what colors representCreating healing art for people, places, and spacesCreative Resources Mentioned:The Secret Language of the Body by Inna SegalConnect with Heather:@heathereckartistheathereck.com/thankyouTHE CREATIVE SOUL RETREATApply for The Creative Soul Retreat by June 1st! Learn more here.

Tune into this solo episode where Leya shares how she has developed a deep connection to nature, and what nature has taught her about her own creative soul.We discuss how nature and creativity are mirrors, connecting with our childhood self, and Leya shares personal stories about how plants got re-introduced in her life and how nature has inspired her.She also shares details, about The Creative Soul Retreat, happening July 26th-29th and invites you to attend to deepen your sense of connection to nature, and to yourself. For more info, email leyavandoren@gmail.com or message @leyavandoren on instagram.Website: Creative Soul Retreat

Maria Brito is an award-winning New York-based contemporary art advisor, curator and the bestselling author of “How Creativity Rules The World” (HarperCollins). A Harvard graduate, originally from Venezuela, Brito has been selected by Complex Magazine as one of the 20 Power Players in the Art World she was named by ARTNEWS as one of the visionaries who gets to shape the art world.In this episode we talk about:The common myths around creativityHow to find motivation to show up for your creativityThe power of action Art in the age of digital mediaContent Creators and CreativityWhat it's like to be an art curatorHow to start curating art for your own tastes and homeConnect with Maria:Website: mariabrito.comBook: How Creativity Rules the WorldTHE CREATIVE SOUL RETREATJuly 26th-29th, 2024 Ann Arbor, MichiganLearn more here.

Tune into this week's solo episode where Leya shares a mini message on changing our mindsets on how we view success and how we can start creating for our future self, and creating our legacy.We talk about:Changing your definition of successCreating for your legacyThe one question you can ask yourself today to create for your tomorrowBeing proud of how far you've comeSending love to your future selfLeya's poetry book:Mermaid Musings: Stories of Sea, Sex, and SpiritualityConnect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Val is an herbalist, gardener, writer, and artist. She is the owner of Woodspell Apothecary where she cultivates resources for folks to connect to the plant world around them.In this episode we talk about:The mythical nature of the forestThe connection between fairytales and the forestWorking with fear in natureConnecting to ancestors through the landHerbal bitters and how they affect the bodyThe ancestral gut connection to bittersHow to incorporate herbs into your daily wellness practiceConnect with Val:Instagram: @woodspell.apothecarySubstack: Medicine Garden and Under the Linden TreeConnect with Leya: @leyavandorenJoin Us for The Poetry Of Plant MagicConnect To Your Writing Practice & Deepen Your Connection With NatureWhen: April 9th-April 30th, 2024Where: Anywhere in the world via Zoom4 weekly creative writing sessionsCreative Writing and Journal PromptsLearn about herbal medicine and how to incorporate herbs into your wellness practiceWrite and read poetry in safe communityDevelop a deep connection with natureHerbal folklore and ancient uses of herbsSign up here.Creative Resources Mentioned:Spiritual EcologyBig Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Tune into this week's solo episode as Leya shares all the details behind the upcoming creative writing workshop, The Poetry of Plant Magic!The Poetry Of Plant MagicConnect To Your Writing Practice & Deepen Your Connection With NatureWhen: April 9th-April 30th, 2024Where: Anywhere in the world via Zoom4 weekly creative writing sessionsCreative Writing and Journal PromptsLearn about herbal medicine and how to incorporate herbs into your wellness practiceWrite and read poetry in safe communityDevelop a deep connection with natureHerbal folklore and ancient uses of herbsLearn more and sign up here.Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Brooke Novick is a licensed psychotherapist and graduate of the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has worked for a psilocybin retreat company, assisted a shaman during Ayahuasca ceremonies, and has years of experience working with individuals, couples, and groups.In this episode, we talk about:Integrating therapy and medicine workCultivating your intuition on when to work with plant medicineWorking through fear before and during a ceremonyAllowing integration to be part of the medicine experienceHow to start an intentional microdosing practiceCreative Resources:How To Change Your Mind by Michael PollanFantastic Fungi (Documentary on Netflix)The Last Shaman (Documentary on Amazon Prime) Connect with Brooke:Website: https://axismundiceremony.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axismundiceremony/Learn more about The Poetry of Plant Magic: https://leyavandoren.com/the-poetry-of-plant-magic

In this solo episode, Leya shares the two intentions she made for 2024 and how sticking to her habits has created more stability, structure, and safety.We discuss:The changing of the seasonsWhat Leya loved about winter this yearThe hardest part about sticking to your habitsWriting as an act of embodimentFeeling your feelingsFriendship breakupsHealing the sister woundDM @leyavandoren or email me at leyavandoren@gmail.com with the word "RETREAT" for more info on The Soul Radiance Retreat May 17-20th, 2024. The deadline to sign up is March 17th.Discover Your Creative Soul Playlist: Listen here.

Britt is a certified health coach, spiritual life coach, podcast host, entrepreneur, energy healer, plant-based nutrition advocate, speaker, and integrative wellness enthusiast. In this episode, we talk about:How Britt hosted the MAGIC retreat in Puerto Rico and the gifts it gave usTrusting your visionsPausing your career for motherhoodNavigating parenthood and mental health with your partnerHow to not self-abandon in motherhoodListen to our first episode here:Episode 55: ft. Britt Olson on Saturn Returns, Intuitive Eating, and the MAGIC RetreatConnect with Britt: @thebrittolsonApply for the Soul Radiance Retreat, May 17-20th in San Diego, CA:Find more info here

Ning is a published poet, grief guide, spiritual healer and dream yogi specializing in the intersection of the healing power of dreams, rituals, and spiritual constellations as potent tools for helping the bereaved evolve and continue their relationship with their dead loved one and find the light side of grief.Her work as a grief guide is an integration of 10+ years of Tibetan dream yoga, 6+ years of Spiritual Healing and Constellations work, shamanic breathwork, African mourning and grief rituals, western grief models, sleep and dream science, a master's degree in Spiritual Psychology from Columbia University as well as an embodiment of her personal experience grieving the death of her mother in 2018. Her life's work is to inspire people to develop a softer relationship with death and grief by learning how to consciously journey into their pain, evolve relationships with their dead loved ones, and extract the medicine, soul gifts and purpose hidden within their grief.In this episode we discuss:The gifts from death and griefConnecting with your loved ones after they passThe five dimensions of griefConnecting with your loved ones through dreamingHow to start remembering your dreamsInterpreting the symbols from your dreamsCrafting rituals to support transitions in your lifeThe connection between creativity and grief Connect with Ning:@ning_tendoWebsite: www.dreamreunions.comNing's Poetry Book: Death Song in GreenCreative Resources Mentioned:The Dream Messenger by Patricia GarfieldGrief Dreams by T.J Wray and Ann Back PriceUnattended Sorrows by Stephen WellerThe Dark Interval by Rainer Marie RilkeThe Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis WellerGrief Dreams by Dr. Joshua Black

Leya announces the launch of The Soul Radiance Retreat - a sisterhood, creativity, and self-love focused retreat from May 17th-20th, 2024 near San Diego, California. An invitation to slow down, connect with your true self, and experience the magic of sisterhood.She invites her co-hosts for the retreat, Shannon Keating and Ashley Love to discuss:All the details for the upcoming retreat, The Soul Radiance RetreatWhat Shannon, Ashley, and Leya have all gained from attending various retreats (including how they met at a retreat!)Our WHY for creating The Soul Radiance Retreat + what you can expect to receive!The fears that can come up before investing in a retreatThe magic of sisterhood and finding soul-aligned friendshipsLearn more about the retreat: bit.ly/thesoulradianceretreatConnect with Leya:@leyavandoren // www.leyavandoren.comConnect with Ashley:@ashleycreatrix // www.theashleylove.comConnect with Shannon:@shannonkeating // www.shannonkeating.com

In this bonus episode, Leya shares some of her favorite books she read in 2023.She talks about:The importance of reading and why she's loved books and reading since childhoodWhy this year she stopped reading as many self-help books and started reading more fiction!How social media can be a window, but books can be a mirrorHow books connect us to the collective unconsciousnessSome of the books mentioned:Hidden Valley Road by Robert KolkerMother, Nature by Jedidiah JenkinsLetting Magic In by Maia TollA Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J MaasThe Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch+ tune into the episode to hear 10+ more!Connect with Leya:Instagram: @leyavandorenWebsite: www.leyavandoren.com

Tune into this special solo episode where Leya reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, the lessons learned, and some of her hopes for 2024. From spending the first six months of the year wedding planning, to hosting a bachelorette retreat trip in Tulum, to being a bridesmaid in a friends wedding, to getting married in June, to honeymooning in Mexico, to moving to D.C., to connecting with family and ancestors, and experiencing the contrasts of life, this year was one to remember!Creative Resources Mentioned:The Conscious Bride by Sheryl PaulThe Wisdom of Anxiety by Sheryl PaulConnect with Leya:@leyavandorenleyavandoren@gmail.comPurchase The Creative Soul Practice for $44 here.

Happy winter solstice and happy 29th birthday to our host, Leya!In this episode, Leya shares what she's celebrating for her 29th birthday, including a celebration of this year and her favorite podcast episodes from the past year.Today is the LAST day to receive 10% off The Creative Soul Practice using code "CREATIVESOUL10". After today, the price will remain at $44.00.Leave a rating and review to get a free guided writing meditation.Creative Resources Mentioned:It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn

Nikki Novo is a Cuban-American, best-selling author and master intuitive reader with a waitlist exceeding 1,000 people, and the founder of the Soul Reading Method®, a certification program where she has taught more than 1,300 students how to activate their own intuitive abilities. Nikki is the go-to spiritual advisor for the biggest names in the wellness industry and a leader in the spiritual Latinx community. In this episode we talk about:Her new book, Soul-Led LivingGrounding tips for starseedsDeveloping the voice of the inner mother/inner parentReparenting yourself while raising kidsSpiritual reasons behind panic attacksYour souls work and your careerThe seasons of your soul's purposeCreative Resources Mentioned:Journey of Souls by Michael NewtonMany Lives, Many Masters by Brian WeissAaron AbkeConnect with Nikki: Website: nikkinovo.comBook: Soul-Led Living: Discover Your Soul's True Path and Become Brave Enough to Follow ItThe Creative Soul Practice - a 7 day guided writing meditation series is now live! Purchase it here for $44.Listen to the free heart chakra meditation on Episode 111!Use code "CREATIVESOUL10" to get 10% offDiscount available through Dec. 21st, 2023Connect with Leya: leyavandoren.com

The Creative Soul Practice is officially LIVE! It's a 7 day guided writing meditation series to help you reconnect back to your writing practice and your creative soul.Listen to this episode as I share the WHY behind creating The Creative Soul Practice and what you can expect inside+++PLUS a SNEAK PEEK of the practice - Get Day 4 completely free inside this episode, connecting you to your heart

Tune into this week's solo episode as Leya explores the topic of self-care and how to support and take care of ourselves through the darker, colder seasons:What does it mean to really take care of ourselves?Why millennials are the “self care” generation and why it's not a bad thingWho are examples in your life of women who take care of themselves?Allowing self-care to change with the seasonsHow plants can support your self-care practiceHow where you live can affect your self-care routineSome of my favorite ways to take care of myself through the seasonsJoin me on December 5th for a free workshop: The Poetry of Plant Magic hosted with Creative Mornings. Sign up hereRate and review the podcast for a free guided writing meditation!

In this episode, Leya shares about her soul sister retreat weekend in San Diego and talks about the lessons she learned from letting herself be seen in her most natural form in a photoshoot. We also talk about:How ancestral work deepens your sense of belongingLeya discovering her great great grandmother is from an indigenous tribe in SiberiaThe Taurus/Scorpio Eclipse cycle from November 2021 to October 2023Lessons from the Taurus Lunar eclipseThe importance of female friendshipsLetting yourself be witnessed and seenRecapping the soul sister retreat weekend in San DiegoThe feminine formReleasing shame and judgement about our bodiesBeing a future ancestorResources:Connect with @leyavandorenPhotographer: @ashleycreatrix

Amikaeyla Gaston is a force for change. Proclaimed as one of the “purest contemporary voices” by National Public Radio (NPR), Amikaeyla is a public keynote speaker, performer, educator, and author. She travels the world serving as a Cultural Arts Ambassador for the State Department and is the Founder of the International Cultural Arts and Healing Sciences Institute and co- Executive Director for World Trust Educational Services Organization.In this episode we talk about:How music helped Ami heal from a traumatic hate crimeRestorative JusticeThe subconscious power of musicHow to start singing even if you think you're a bad singerUsing the voice to heal the bodySustaining hope through hopeless timesExamining privilege and powerCreative Resources:Ami's Ted Talk: Dare To Be DauntlessAppalachia RisingKivaConnect with Ami:www.amikaeyla.comGet on the waitlist to be the first to know when The Creative Soul Practice launches!DM @leyavandoren

Jamie Varon is a Writer, Course Creator, Branding Expert and Executive Producer. Her first book “Radically Content” (along with the companion journal Radically Content: The Journal) was released in 2022 and her fiction book, Main Character Energy was released in 2023. She also created a course called Live With Intention and writes a newsletter on Substack called Plot Twist.In this episode, we talk about:The Identity Shifts That Come with Reaching SuccessHow Writing For 2 Hours A Day Is More Productive Than Writing For 8 Hours Finding Internal Self-Worth As A Creative, Even After Achieving Your Dreams How To Live With Intention In The Age of Social MediaDealing With Criticism Once Your Book Is PublishedValuing Your Own Creative Voice and Writing What You Believe InHow to Cultivate a Growth MindsetThe Differences of Writing A Self-Help Book Vs. A Fiction NovelHer Book Writing Process for Main Character EnergyCreative Resources:Outrageous Openness by Tasha SilverConnect with Jamie:Website: https://www.jamievaron.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamievaron/DM @leyavandoren for first access to The Creative Soul Practice - a 7 day guided writing meditation series to start your daily creative practice.

In this episode, Leya shares about her bachelorette trip to Tulum, Mexico.We talk about:How to curate an intentional bachelorette trip and shift the focus from excessive drinking to conscious ceremonyMindful travelNavigating fears, self doubt, and low self worth when having an event celebrating the BRIDE!How to ACTUALLY support the brides in your lifeThe full bachelorette itinerary in Tulum, MexicoWhy women gathering is SO healingHow to create intentional ceremonies to honor the transition from maiden to bride+ Leya sings a special song devoted to Goddess Ixchel at the end :)This episode is a must listen for any bride or maid of honor planning a bachelorette trip who wants to do it in a mindful, conscious, intentional way to really HONOR the transition and CELEBRATE with the women in your life.Connect with Leya:@leyavandorenWrite a rating and review to receive a free guided writing meditation.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Creative Soul Podcast!In this episode we talk about:Post wedding energy and the change Leya has felt since getting married!Navigating a dark night of the soul and making it to the other sideStories from our honeymoon ft. turtles, the full moon, and the seaEmbracing change and new beginningsWhat you can expect for Season 2 of the podcast!Shares upcoming exciting creative projects, including The Creative Soul Practice - a guided writing meditation series, writing workshops focused on herbalism, ancestral work, finding the magic in everyday life, and RETREATS coming to you in 2024.Join the waitlist for the upcoming writing workshops:@leyavandorenWrite a rating and review and receive a free guided writing meditation!

In this episode, Leya and Paxton discuss their 5 year journey on the road to marriage, with their upcoming wedding in 2 weeks!They discuss:What brought them together as a coupleThe differences they had when they first metThe growth they've experienced as a coupleWhat Paxton is most excited for the weddingTheir different perspectives on religion and spiritualityConnect with Leya:@leyavandoren

Alexandra Franzen is a best-selling author, award-winning editor, and entrepreneur based in Hawaii. She has written seven books including two novels. She has written articles for Time, Forbes, Newsweek, The Huffington Post, and Lifehacker. Her work has been mentioned in The New York Times Small Business Blog, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Times, Fast Company, BuzzFeed, Inc., in Tim Ferriss' newsletter, and she has appeared on the Peabody Award-winning radio show, Marketplace.She's the co-founder of a company called Get It Done and a brick and mortar bookstore called One Idea Books and Gifts.In this episode, we talk about:How she became a self-employed creativeHer decision for getting off social mediaHow to market without social mediaHer daily routineWhy she instituted a 4 day work week for her companyWorking on projects for clients vs yourselfSelf publishing vs Traditional PublishingCreative Resources:AlphabetizerThe Name of the Wind by Patrick RothfussConnect with Alex:Website: www.alexandrafranzen.comwww.youcangetitdone.com

Amy Green Smith is a certified and credentialed life coach and hypnotherapist, masterful speaker, and personal empowerment expert. Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-worth. With acute focus on helping people “find their voice”, she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor and has been a featured expert in Inspired Coach Magazine and on Fox 5 San Diego.In this episode we talk about:Having difficult conversations with graceBeing in relationship with people you disagree withSetting boundariesHow to have better communication with your coworkers, family, and friendsRegulating your nervous system to not be triggered during conflictCultivating Emotional IntelligenceWhy hypnotherapy can helpCreative resources:Atlas of the Heart by Brene BrownConnect with Amy:Website: www.amygreensmith.comPodcast: The Bold Faced Truth

Joi is a multi-passionate, educator, community builder, and content creator. She believes having many passions is a gift, not a burden and she's on a mission to rewrite the narrative around “choosing one thing” being the only path to success. Through her e-book, signature course, and podcast, Joi teaches creatives how to make friends with focus, overcome overwhelm, and step into their Multi-Passionate Mastery.In this episode we talk about:How to know if you're a multi-passionate creativeFinding focus as a multi-passionate creativePrioritizing different creative projectsTips for following through on your creative projectsBuilding structure for your creativity to flowMarketing as a spiritual practiceCreative Resources Mentioned:LibbySuch a Fun Age by Kiley ReidFinding Me by Viola DavisConnect with Joi:Website: www.joi-knows-how.comPriority Mapping Method Free Training HerePodcast: Multi-Passionate Mastery

Tune into this special episode to celebrate 100 episodes of The Creative Soul Podcast. Leya shares a prayer and offering from her heart and sings for the very first time on the podcast. Song begins at 5:25Song: Please Prepare Me by Beautiful ChorusTake a moment to pause, integrate, and celebrate how far you've come.Leave a rating and review on the podcast and receive a free guided writing meditation.Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Kat Daou is a Family Constellation Therapy Facilitator helping people clean up intergenerational trauma and support them back to their innate wholeness. She is trauma informed and utilizes parts work, inner child work, felt sense bodily awareness, and intuitive guidance to support clients in moving from "what's wrong with me" to "what happened to me". With a philosophy of one foot in the spiritual world and one foot in the physical 3D, FCT brings life force energy back into the family system and creates healing for 14 generations backwards, and forwards.We talk about:How to Face Negative EmotionsHow she went from an Eating Disorder, Toxic Relationships, Depression, to Healing and EmpoweredFamily Constellations Therapy for Healing Generational TraumaWhy You May Be Called to Heal Ancestral TraumaMillennial's Current Role in Society EpigeneticsSystems of Support for Processing TraumaResources Mentioned:What Happened To You? By Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey@the.holistic.psychologist@mindfulmftGabor MatéConnect with Kat:@heal_with_kathealwithkat.com