Season 1 Ep. 27 - Redefining Mental Health Through Art and Science - with Michael Ravenwood

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07/01/24 • 64 min

In this episode, Mariel and Josh are joined by Michael Ravenwood, the visionary founder of Skyfire Arts, an innovative organization that merges art and science to promote ecological awareness and renewable energy. The episode opens with Mariel introducing Michael and diving into his fascinating work, including his captivating performances where he becomes electrified by a Tesla coil, throwing 10-foot bolts of lightning, all while conveying critical messages about climate change and mental health.

Michael passionately discusses how storytelling can create and transform reality, explaining the distinction between physical or objective reality and creative or subjective reality. He emphasizes that the stories we tell ourselves and the values we uphold shape our world, urging listeners to be mindful of the dominant narratives, especially those around economic growth and industrialism, and their environmental impacts.

The conversation shifts to the importance of curiosity in personal and societal growth. Mariel shares her background of growing up in a conservative household where curiosity was often discouraged, while Michael highlights the role of curiosity in understanding oneself and navigating professional environments. They discuss the neurological underpinnings of curiosity and its profound impact on emotional well-being.

Michael opens up about his childhood emotional and mental struggles, detailing how adaptive mechanisms like emotional detachment and marijuana use helped him cope. He recounts a transformative backpacking trip that marked a turning point in his life, leading to a deeper understanding of holistic mental health practices such as meditation, visualization, and exercise. Michael shares a profound experience on a bus ride to school that instilled a sense of oneness with the universe and redefined his concept of "God."

Further, Michael elaborates on how his college education, particularly courses in environmental science, ethics, and physics, reshaped his worldview. He underscores the interconnectedness of all things and criticizes the superficial proclamations of unity that lack actionable follow-through. This educational journey feuled his mission through Skyfire Arts to foster universal compassion and love.

Michael stresses the power of the mind in creating desired effects without external aids, advocating for the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza and the concept of ikigai—finding one's reason for being—as keys to mental health and well-being. He also shares his approach to monetizing art and encourages listeners to identify and pursue their passions.

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Season 1 Ep. 26 - Modern Parenthood - with Mariel and Josh

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In this episode, Mariel and Josh dive into the multifaceted journey of parenting, exploring the challenges and transformations that come with the role. They emphasize the critical importance of allowing children to face challenges and hardships to develop resilience and anti-fragility. By sharing personal experiences and insights, they highlight how overprotection can hinder a child's ability to navigate the world, stressing that some adversity is necessary for growth.

The discussion also touches on the impact of emotional disregulation, particularly in individuals who have faced grief at a young age. Mariel and Josh explore the balance parents must strike between caring for their children and granting them autonomy, especially during adolescence. They delve into the significance of understanding and adapting to children’s developmental stages to foster healthy, connected relationships.

A major theme in the conversation is the necessity for parents to maintain their own identities and interests outside of their parenting roles. Mariel shares her experiences balancing work with the Mental Health Foundation and being a mother, discussing the value of being fully present with her child while pursuing her career. Josh and Mariel agree on the importance of demonstrating to children that they are not the sole focus of a parent's life, which in turn helps children develop independence.

The pair also discuss the importance of allowing children to take risks and learn through experiences, referencing the book "The Anxious Generation," which explores the shift from play-based to screen-based childhood and its impact on mental health. They debate the need for children to engage in unsupervised play to develop social and emotional skills, while balancing the potential dangers of the modern digital world.

Mariel and Josh emphasize the significance of learning through trial and error in parenting. They encourage parents to seek support from other parents and professionals, highlighting the value of community and shared experiences. They also introduce a future initiative to create a video reel of parents sharing their struggles and learnings anonymously, fostering a supportive and understanding community.

Join Mariel and Josh as they navigate the complexities of parenting in a rapidly changing world, offering valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for fostering resilience, maintaining balance, and promoting healthy emotional development in children.

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Season 1 Ep. 28 - The Power of Art and Storytelling with Celestine Aleck

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In this powerful episode, Mariel and Josh are joined by Celestine Aleck, a renowned author and storyteller, to explore her incredible personal and professional journey. Celestine, who has authored eight books, shares how a chance encounter with Holly Bright at a book launch led to their collaboration on a contemporary dance project that brings her stories to life.

Celestine delves into the challenges she faced while setting up the dance project, "Sun and Moon," amidst juggling two jobs and full-time schooling. Despite facing verbal and mental abuse at her job, she persevered with the support of Holly and secured the necessary grants for her project. The joy and happiness of the dancers reignited her passion for teaching and inspired her dream of working behind the desk.

The trio explores the significance of cultural practices in healing, with Celestine sharing her family's traditional medicine practices. They acknowledge the impact of residential schools on First Nations people and discuss the role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage. Celestine offers insights into her culture's healing rituals, such as crying and bathing, and the broader process of healing through self-discovery and alignment with one's true worth.

Celestine shares a haunting vision shown to her by her grandfather, Ronald Alec, depicting the pain her family would suffer if she committed suicide. This profound experience shaped her life and storytelling journey, which began at the age of four. Mariel and Josh express their admiration for the wisdom and care demonstrated by Ronald Alec and recognize the significant influence this vision had on Celestine.

Throughout the episode, Celestine emphasizes the importance of self-love, seeking help, and practicing forgiveness as continuous processes. The discussion highlights the need for individualized self-care strategies and the potential negative impact of misaligned values on one's authentic self. Celestine's journey of overcoming depression and suicidal ideation serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.