Consciously Speaking

Today’s guest is Carla H. Brown. Carla is a dynamic force for laughter, levity and joy on the planet! Her infectious laughter and humorous spin on life’s transitions will leave you giggling with delight! As a Laughter Yoga Teacher, Joy Coach and Transformational Workshop Leader, Carla has been inviting students, clients and audiences nationwide to release stress and embrace health and aliveness through laughter yoga. In addition to frequently being featured on radio, TV and online, she has certified almost 100 Laughter Yoga Leaders since 2010. You can find out more about Carla at www.livingfromjoy.com. This episode is being sponsored by THE TOTAL WELLNESS CHALLENGE. In the Total Wellness Challenge, for 30 days, Ginny Wright will provide instruction and guidance to support us as we earn and post daily points in 3 categories: nutrition, fitness and lifestyle. Check it out today and join Michael & other Conscious Explorers in the Challenge in February 2016. Wanna be a patron of Consciously Speaking? To contr

Today’s guided meditation will be lead by Dr. Jamie Marich, from Season 1, Episode 172.  Jamie is an EMDR expert as well as a dancer, musician, performer, writer, recovery ambassador, and clinical counselor. Today she will share with you her meditation on embrace - release - embrace. This portion of our guided meditation series is brought to you by THE TOTAL WELLNESS CHALLENGE. In the Total Wellness Challenge, for 30 days, Ginny Wright will provide instruction and guidance to support us as we earn and post daily points in 3 categories: nutrition, fitness and lifestyle. Check it out today and join Michael & other Conscious Explorers in the Challenge in February 2016. Wanna be a patron of Consciously Speaking? To contribute, you can click on the Podbean link in the upper right corner of this page or simply on the word Podbean here. There are rewards available for all levels of patron sponsorships including t-shirts, coffee mugs, tickets to my Consciousness Summit event and more. Thanks in advance for your s

Today's episode is all about healing and how it can happen in the moment and breakthroughs can be instant. Michael is joined by Swami Tirtha, who you may remember from Season 1, Episode 210. Swami is a breakthrough expert in personal & professional transformations. He is an author, keynote/presenter, educator, monk (swami), shaman, and energy healer. You can learn more about him at The Hip Guru's Guide. As part of this episode, Swami will even do an instant healing on Michael and present healing energy to all of the listeners as well. This episode is being sponsored by THE TOTAL WELLNESS CHALLENGE. In the Total Wellness Challenge, for 30 days, Ginny Wright will provide instruction and guidance to support us as we earn and post daily points in 3 categories: nutrition, fitness and lifestyle. Check it out today and join Michael & other Conscious Explorers in the Challenge in February 2016. Wanna be a patron of Consciously Speaking? To contribute, you can click on the Podbean link in the upper right corne

Today’s guest is Ammora Grace. Ammora is the founder of Love of Life Institute and has studied natural health and healing since 1999. She became passionately interested in the mind/body connection through her studies and experience with Yoga, Qi Gong, and natural medicine. After curing herself of acute and chronic health conditions through nutrition and lifestyle she became more and more interested in a holistic approach to medicine. Ammora has taught classes locally in Santa Cruz on raw foods and healing, which she has studied since 2003. After studying with her spiritual teacher for a number of years, Ammora was guided to do a meditation retreat in 2010. This resulted in her receiving a vision for the Love of Life Institute project, and she has been dedicated to that path ever since. The heart of her vision is to empower people to be in their highest potential and to live a life of wellness and vitality. Ammora is committed to helping people life a life of radiant joy and wellbeing. You can learn more about

Happy 2016! Welcome to Consciously Speaking's Special New Year episode - Your Resolution Solution. One of the things that is practically synonymous with the New Year is the making of resolutions. The tossing out of the old calendar and breaking open the new one, seems to be the perfect time to hit the reset button on our lives. So today, Michael is going to talk about your 2016 New Year’s Resolutions, and give you some insights on how to make those resolutions more powerful, more meaningful, and more achievable. This episode will cover Commitment, Motivation, and Story as your three challenges: Are you REALLY committed to it? Are your reasons for change STRONG enough to motivate you? Can you discover and dismantle your underlying STORY that’s keeping you in place? Here's to a most fruitful 2016 to all of you! This episode is being sponsored by THE TOTAL WELLNESS CHALLENGE. In the Total Wellness Challenge, for 30 days, Ginny Wright will provide instruction and guidance to support us as we earn and po

For this topical content episode, Michael is joined by Marty Klein. You may remember him from Season 1, Episode 76. Marty was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1948, lost his eyesight while serving with the U.S. Air Force in 1974, then went on to write several books, co-founded the Namaste Yoga Center, and co-produced an instructional video series “Beginning Yoga for the Blind and Visually Impaired”. You can find out more about Marty and support his efforts at www.WhyCantWeServe.com or www.HatchFund.org. In today's show, Michael and Marty talk about the challenges that exist for our disabled veterans and the bigger picture of the challenge for all of the disabled in this country. Marty shares his vision for reframing the way we look at disability in the military. This episode is being sponsored by THE TOTAL WELLNESS CHALLENGE. In the Total Wellness Challenge, for 30 days, Ginny Wright will provide instruction and guidance to support us as we earn and post daily points in 3 categories: nutrition, fitness and lifestyle.

Today’s guest is Chris Alexandria. Chris is an angel intuitive and energy healer with a personal mission to help others become empowered and live the lives they desire . . . because they deserve it. Chris grew up near the ocean on the Eastern Shore of Delaware. Following a transformative journey to Glastonbury, England more than a decade ago, she embarked on a personal journey to pursue her dream. She has since become a leading authority on angels and their healing powers. An Archangel Enlightenment Therapist, Soul Coach, Reiki Master, and Crystal Therapist, she has designed and inspired Angel Chatter products to promote her mission of empowering others. Chris has more than 10 years of experience as a certified healer and soul coach, and she creates intentional jewelry pieces that are designed to empower and inspire each person. Her online store is an embodiment of her mission allowing anyone, anywhere, to access their divine self and live life on their terms. You can find out more about Chris at www.angelcha

In this Christmas Special episode, Michael talks about how to bring consciousness back to your way of being during the frenzy of holiday madness. After a brief look into the causes of the chaos, you'll be treated to a short Christmas meditation (starts at 12:00 minutes in) to help you relax and take a break during your winter break. Happy Holidays! This episode is being sponsored by THE TOTAL WELLNESS CHALLENGE. In the Total Wellness Challenge, for 30 days, Ginny Wright will provide instruction and guidance to support us as we earn and post daily points in 3 categories: nutrition, fitness and lifestyle. Check it out today and join Michael & other Conscious Explorers in the Challenge in February 2016. Wanna be a patron of Consciously Speaking? To contribute, you can click on the Podbean link in the upper right corner of this page or simply on the word Podbean here. There are rewards available for all levels of patron sponsorships including t-shirts, coffee mugs, tickets to my Consciousness Summit event and

For this special pre-Christmas episode, Michael will be reading some classic holiday stories and poetry, fit for children and adults alike. Take a break from the norm (which is always a great way to stay conscious), and join in the fun as we ease into Season 2 of Consciously Speaking. Featured Readings: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (3:19) The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus (7:05) At Christmas (10:22) The Gift of the Magi (13:43) Happy Holidays! This episode is being sponsored by THE TOTAL WELLNESS CHALLENGE. In the Total Wellness Challenge, for 30 days, Ginny Wright will provide instruction and guidance to support us as we earn and post daily points in 3 categories: nutrition, fitness and lifestyle. Check it out today and join Michael & other Conscious Explorers in the Challenge in February 2016. Wanna be a patron of Consciously Speaking? To contribute, you can click on the Podbean link in the upper right corner of this page or simply on the word Podbean here. There are rewards available for all lev

Today’s guest is Ginny Wright. Ginny went from being a Canadian to a Virginian in 2002 with no idea what her next professional step would be, after an early career in retail. At a friend’s suggestion, she decided to apply her love of exercise to an actual career in fitness. So, being a true example that we should do what we love and the job and success will follow, Ginny attended a personal training seminar in DC, where she was recruited on the spot by a local outdoor fitness company. Within a year, she had started BodybyGinny, a boot-camp style of classes held in parks and other locations. Always meeting outside regardless of the weather, Ginny designs new workouts every time, and clients who have been with her for 12 years say they have never had the same class twice! Ginny became certified as a health coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2009 and started using those tools to help herself and her clients lead healthier lives. She became interested and started reading a lot about Buddhism and

It’s Thanksgiving today, and I want to take a moment to join you in gratitude in this special holiday episode. I'll also take some time to let you know about the launch of Season 2, but for now... What are you thankful for? If you’ve been listening to my show for a while now, you know that I’m a big advocate of letting go of your stories – the fiction part at least; the part you make up about the real facts of what happens. And you’ll also know that the best way to do that is to stay awake and not go into auto-pilot mode. Being thankful is one great way to flip that switch and become fully present to what is. Anytime we pause to give thanks, if we’re truly looking at what we are thankful for, we have no choice but to heighten our awareness. So, what are you thankful for today? Really Thankful for? Today’s episode is brought to you by American Ruckus, a New Digital Series that tells stories focusing on the real heartbeat of America, highlighting the accomplishments and struggles of American entrepreneurs, busi

In today’s episode, I will share a series of brief interviews conducted at the Museum of Art & History right here in Santa Cruz, CA. I was invited to introduce the art of podcasting as part of their Radical Craft Night. This is a really awesome event that the MAH puts on every year, where you can learn about everything from button-making and taxidermy, to metal forging and silk-screening, and so much more. It’s radical. And it’s all part of the third-Friday series that the MAH features on an ongoing basis. So, if you’re local to Santa Cruz, or just stopping through, be sure to check out the MAH (The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History) anytime, but especially on the third Friday of every month when things really get rocking. Today's episode is brought to you by American Ruckus, a New Digital Series that tells stories focusing on the real heartbeat of America, highlighting the accomplishments and struggles of American entrepreneurs, businesses and manufacturers. You can check them out at AmericanRuckus.

Today’s guest is Dr. Gay Hendricks. Gay has been a leader in the fields of relationship transformation and body-mind therapies for over 45 years. After earning his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Stanford, Gay served as professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado for 21 years. He has written and co-authored, with his wife Katie, 35 books, including the bestseller Conscious Loving, used as a primary text in universities around the world. In 2003, Gay co-founded The Spiritual Cinema Circle, which distributes inspirational movies and conscious entertainment to subscribers in more than 70 countries. Gay has offered seminars worldwide and appeared on more than 500 radio and television shows, including OPRAH, CNN, CNBC, 48 HOURS and others. In addition to his work with The Hendricks Institute, Gay is currently continuing his new mystery series that began with The First Rule Of Ten. You can learn more about Gay at www.hendricks.com, or www.heartsintrueharmony.com. Also, be sure to pick up hi

Today’s guest is Sheevaun Moran. Sheevaun is a business advisor, master coach, and energy thought leader helping entrepreneurs and individuals alike to achieve amazing results using uncommon ancient principles. When you feel you can’t go further amid challenges and multiple odds, Sheevaun’s techniques and principles bring clarity, simplicity and become that extra force you need to succeed. At her company, Energetic Solutions, Inc., proven health and wellness principles are used to achieve leadership, profits, and ease in complex managerial goals in a truly unique way, far from what’s obtainable in the mainstream. Be sure to check out her book, Learn to Meditate in 2 Minutes for the Lazy Crazy and Time-Deficient. You can find out more about her at www.sheevaunmoran.com. This episode is brought to you by Clammr, the hot new app for iPhone and Android (soon). Get your free download at the App Store today and follow Consciously Speaking (@ConsciousSpeak) on Clammr! Can’t get enough of Consciously Speaking’s host?

Today's guided meditation was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's talk in Santa Cruz, CA, as she is touring to promote her new book, Big Magic. The book is both inspirational and motivational, and is sure to ignite your creative juices. In this sit led by your host, Michael Neeley, the intention is to apply similar meditation practices to the removal of your creative blocks and fears. No matter what the area of your creativity, this practice is designed to open you up to your natural flow, allowing what wants to come forth from you the freedom to do so, unencumbered. Please provide feedback below, or post your comments on Consciously Speaking's Facebook page. Enjoy! Be sure to catch Michael being interviewed on The Heart of the Matter, The Life Purpose Advisor Podcast and Motivate Me. To learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities, send an email to Admin@MichaelNeeley.com.  Thanks! And don’t forget to subscribe to Consciously Speaking so that you don’t miss a single episode. While you’re at it, won’t you take a mo

Today’s guest is Meghan Neeley. Meghan is a midwife for your own rebirth. She is a fiercely loving huntress of what wants to emerge through you. A soul-centered coach for leaders, guides, priestesses, teachers, and healers who are ready to listen to the whispers of their soul’s longing. Meghan sees, and loves, the one who is here now and the one you are becoming. The full spectrum of you is welcome in her presence. No holding back. Heart broken open in the quest to reveal your purpose and live from your essence. Meghan easefully bridges the gap between rich spiritual life and walking your talk in the world. She combines coaching skills with sacred ritual, yogic embodiment practices, tantrik meditation, and deity exploration, into the sacred ceremony of your journey together. Meghan has over 1200 hours of yoga teacher training with Shiva Rea and Janet Stone, and over 1000 hours of life coach training with Grace Clayton. She is a certified One Shift Coach and Desire Map facilitator and works with clients intern

This episode of Consciously Speaking’s guided meditation series will be led by your host, Michael Neeley, as he takes you into a meditation that will engender a great night's sleep and potentially lead you to subconscious solutions to what may be troubling you. Do not dwell in the pastDo not dream of the futureConcentrate the mind on the present moment~ Buddha Sleep well! This week you can hear Michael being interviewed on The Heart of the Matter, The Life Purpose Advisor Podcast and Motivate Me. Also, be sure to sign up for your Podcasting Mentorship Discovery Call today; and to learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities, send an email to Admin@MichaelNeeley.com.  Thanks! And don’t forget to subscribe to Consciously Speaking so that you don’t miss a single episode. While you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to www.MichaelNeeley.com and

Michael is joined today by Amy Scott Grant, who you may remember from Season 1, Episode 140. Amy is a Master Intuitive Healer with an uncanny knack for going straight to the root issue to get you “clear” using her masterful intuition and her own unique clearing methods. You can find out more about Amy at www.askamyanything.com. Today's topic is Addiction, Attraction, and Sensitivity: how to differentiate between them and set about to make a lasting change when you have had enough. Michael and Amy will explore: The many types of addiction (from drugs and alcohol to drama and poverty) The distinguishing features of addiction vs. attraction Ways to overcome your addictions (it can be easier than you'd think) ...and more This episode is being brought to you by Touched and Transformed. Get your free chart about your Enneagram type HERE! This week you can hear Michael being interviewed on The Heart of the Matter, The Life Purpose Advisor Podcast and Motivate Me. Also, be sure to sign up for your Podcasting Mentor

Today’s guest is Gay Dillingham. Gay has consistently juggled her parallel passions for the environment, public policy and communication through film all in an effort to deepen our human experience and success while on this marvelous planet.She was born in 1965 to a ranching, entrepreneurial family in Oklahoma, lived mostly under the open skies of the West including Santa Fe New Mexico for the past 26 years.Gay started making documentary films out of college in the late 80s. Her first, The WIPP Trail, narrated by Robert Redford, cast a critical eye at our nation's first and still world's only underground nuclear waste repository. She later co-founded and managed two environmental technology companies: Earthstone International and Growstone. She served eight years on the EIB, a regulatory board in charge of environmental management and consumer protection for the State of New Mexico. Under her tenure the EIB spear-headed the passage of the most comprehensive regulations on greenhouse gases in the country.Today

This short episode is a quick update about some ideas I have for Season 2 and to let you know what’s going on with my next podcast that is going to launch soon - called Stoked! I hope you'll get involved in the formation of the upcoming Season. It's really pretty simple to do it - just give me your feedback about what you like and what you don't. I've tossed out a few ideas in this episode and I'd love to hear what you think about them as well. Leave me a comment on my website or on Facebook, or even tweet me your ideas. If you'd like to jump aboard my launch team for Stoked, drop me a line at Admin@MichaelNeeley.com. I'll add you to the list and send you a personal invite to my new Facebook group setup for the launch. From there you can chime in with ideas and insights, as well as get to know other launch team members. I hope you'll join! This episode is being brought to you by Touched and Transformed. Get your free chart about your Enneagram type HERE! This week you can hear me being interviewed "live" on T