How to Be Human
Anna Toonk
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Top 10 How to Be Human Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best How to Be Human episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to How to Be Human for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite How to Be Human episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Co-Dependency with Heidi Smith and Deborah Bagg
How to Be Human
02/14/23 • 59 min
What happens when a psychosomatic therapist and a somatic psychotherapist team up? They do incredible work about topics like co-dependency that you and I get to benefit from. Today's episode with Heidi Smith of Moon and Bloom, and Deborah Bagg of Love is Juniper is filled with helpful information.
What is co-dependency? How can we know it when we feel it? What's a caring relationship versus controlling one? Both Heidi and Deborah give some tools to navigating the topic for as Deborah put it "optimal relationships," which I am stealing and love. Optimal seems like a great goal.
Where to find us:
- Learn more Heidi
- Learn more about Deborah
- Subscribe to the How to be Human Substack
- Leave a message on Speakpipe
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
Cosmic Counsel with Vanessa Hardy
How to Be Human
08/15/23 • 79 min
Vanessa Hardy is back for a little astrology jam! Venus is already halfway through her retrograde #venusday, and now Mercury is getting ready to park it for a retrograde that begins August 23rd. This has been a summer of many astrological shifts, and we talk a lot about how to honor the changes while also keeping our own good sense intact.
We also answered some listener questions! We cover creativity and pregnancy, a listener with a natal Venus retrograde who deserves more than a fairweather lover, Sabian Symbols, and memorable blows to our ego. We close this episode out with some thoughts about addiction, and if you are struggling we encourage you to stay the course and use some of our resources below for help.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements Stephen Arroyo
https://dopeisdeath.com/ Podcast and Film on the use of Acupuncture in Harm Reduction
Where to find us:
- Book a session with Vanessa
- Subscribe to View of an Hour Vanessa's Substack
- Find How to be Human on IG
- Find Anna on IG
- Book a session with Anna
- To suggest a guest/topic, or just get in contact [email protected]
Episode credits:
- HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave Podcasting
- HTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting
- HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
Tarot
How to Be Human
08/09/22 • 67 min
On today’s episode, Anna and Nina do a deep dive on the origins of Tarot, explain their approach to reading, and address some of the common misconceptions about the practice.
Traditionally, Tarot is a pack of 78 cards with five suits, but there have been endless variations since the original Italian Visconti-Sforza deck debuted around the year 1450. At its core, Tarot is used as a way to gain insight into one's life and tap into the past, present, and future. But, as Anna and Nina discuss in the episode, some practitioners deviate from that and engage in harmful or manipulative tactics.
Anna and Nina share how they were first introduced to Tarot and what inspired them to pursue it further. They break down some of the key processes involved with reading, including keeping objectivity in check and honoring humility. They also touch on what Tarot has taught them about themselves, humanity, and the freedom of interpretation.
Listen to hear more about Anna and Nina’s approach and experience with Tarot.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform
Topics Covered:
- A brief overview of the history of Tarot card reading
- How Tarot challenges the binary
- Anna and Nina’s perspectives on the role of Spirit in Tarot reading
- Mainstream fear and apprehension surrounding Tarot
- What concerns Anna and Nina about certain modern psychic trainings
- Success stories and challenges from client sessions
- The importance of defining and protecting your boundaries as a Tarot reader
- Advice for people who are thinking about getting a reading done or want to buy their first Tarot deck
Resources Mentioned:
Get in Touch:
- How to Be Human
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Nina's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
- Book a session with Nina
Pessimism and Optimism
How to Be Human
11/30/21 • 41 min
When it comes down to it, pessimism and optimism are protection methods. One lets us relish in negativity and victimhood, and the other leaves us soothed and hopeful. Somewhere between those two extremes exists realism, and the goal is to live in that gray space. Sounds simple, right? In today’s episode, we discuss how that’s not exactly the case.
Women are really tapped into avoiding being labeled negative and difficult, so oftentimes we feel the need to be optimistic. But the truth is, women can find power in pessimism. We discuss examples of the pros and cons of optimism and pessimism, and we also talk about our pessimism for the patriarchy, but our optimism for acceptance of traditionally excluded marginalized communities. Tune in to hear more!
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
- Defining optimism and pessimism
- Where realism falls in the spectrum of pessimism and optimism
- How gender roles can impact our reactions
- The upsides and downsides of pessimism and optimism
- What we’re currently optimistic and pessimistic about
Follow Us:
- How to Be Human
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Nina's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
- Book a session with Nina
Vulnerability
How to Be Human
10/05/21 • 59 min
What does it mean to be vulnerable and what does it mean to willingly open your heart to others? As Dr. Brené Brown mentions in her TED talk, The Power of Vulnerability, she describes the act of vulnerability as “the willingness to do something where there are no guarantees” or, more narrowly defined, “the willingness to invest in a relationship that may or may not work out”. She notes that by allowing ourselves to revel in this uncertainty, we discover that the true beauty of connecting with others lies in our willingness to let go of our controlling and predicting tendencies.
As humans, being vulnerable is not an innate trait in and of itself. It requires work and the constant process of self-reflection. Yet, when we work from this place of gratitude and allow ourselves to experience pure joy in moments of terror, it allows us to say: I am enough. I am worthy of love. And this is my true, authentic being. As we gain this new sense of confidence, we are left with the question of how we can continue to return to this state? How does society view the topic of vulnerability? And, most importantly, what barriers or roadblocks stand in our way?
Join us on this week’s episode as we discuss how we can become more vulnerable, empathetic humans. We also discuss tips for becoming more mindful of emotional risks in our lives, embracing life changes, and using creativity to move through our own vulnerabilities. Join us in this week’s episode of How To Be Human as we dive into these subjects, and much, much more.
Listen to the episode on Simplecast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
- Exploring the topic of emotional risk
- Tips for becoming more vulnerable
- How to be mindful with your energy and working through past traumas
- Using creativity to move through vulnerability
- Approaching vulnerable topics, such as drug overdose
Resources Mentioned:
Follow Us:
- How to Be Human
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Nina's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
- Book a session with Nina
SNEAK PEEK: What It Means To Be Human
How to Be Human
07/16/21 • 42 min
Life is a varied and wide-ranging experience, and there is no doubt that some journeys are better than others. However, as humans, we rarely take a balanced, clear, and super-informed look at what happens to us all – young and old – when we analyze our actions and behaviors. For example, how do we give ourselves permission to experience more joy? How do our actions and behaviors characterize us in the way that we are? And how does life work? Join us on our podcast How To Be Human as we have insightful conversations about the human body as a means of connecting to and coming to our spiritual selves.
As professional energy healers, both Nina and Anna bring their healing work to individuals looking to create a profound ripple effect in their lives. Nina's upbringing deeply influenced her approach to healing. Her own chronic health issues and childhood trauma prompted her to deepen her practice and, ultimately, has led her to share her knowledge and expertise with a wide range of individuals. She believes in the healing power of movement, stillness, truth, and surrender and empowers individuals to align with their higher purpose. Similarly, Anna Toonk is a tarot reader and spiritual worker who believes in assisting people in reaching their end goal and empowering them to make their most authentic decisions.
As two experts in the field of spirituality and wellness, both Nina and Anna share their guidance on the most common and often confusing things about humanness. In this episode, we will explore what this podcast is about and who we are as spiritual and wellness guides. Join us as we embark on this journey together using humor, honesty, and intuition to discuss the unanswerable questions we all share.
Listen to the episode on Simplecast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
- Providing an in-depth look at human behavior
- Examining the behaviors or thought patterns that hold you back
- Focusing on the commonalities of being human
- Leading a more intuitively led life and moving away from complacency
- Embarking on a journey of spiritual empowerment and healing
Resources Mentioned:
Follow Us:
- How to Be Human
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
- Book a session with Nina
Control
How to Be Human
06/28/22 • 61 min
Control doesn’t run by itself. It has two buddies and runs in a pack with fear and anxiety. This leads us to ask, is all control negative? When is it appropriate to take control? How do you know when you’re in the thralls of someone controlling?
When you’ve grown up in an environment with a controlling family member, it’s familiar and comforting to find those characteristics in someone as an adult. It can get murky and confusing deciphering between control and care, many may have heard of Stockholm Syndrome.
Nina & Anna give us the wisdom to hold tight to our truth. On today’s episode, we learn how to use control in a positive way, stand up for ourselves, and stay true to who we are. When we can’t control our surroundings, let’s explore how we can control our own actions and behaviors and find our flow.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform
Topics Covered:
- Why do we desire control? Where does it come from?
- Differentiating between love and control
- The need for adhering to your boundaries and staying loyal to yourself
- Control can be positive when you can apply it to your own life
- Always meet control with curiosity
Resources Mentioned:
Get in Touch:
- How to Be Human
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Nina's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
- Book a session with Nina
Love Languages
How to Be Human
08/02/22 • 72 min
Expressing and receiving love is something that seems universal, but communication styles, especially when it comes to romantic relationships, are highly individualized and nuanced. On today’s episode, Nina and Anna use Dr. Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages as a jumping off point to reflect on their current and previous partnerships and discuss how their perspectives on love and marriage have changed throughout the years.
From Anna’s POV, Nina’s marriage seems effortless and intuitive. Nina describes how she and Huê have non-negotiables that they don’t need to talk about, but there have definitely been changes in their relationship after having a child. She illustrates her marriage as two vines that sometimes grow apart, but always grow together, which is something that Nina wants and isn’t willing to give up on. They emphasize how important it is to let go of the patriarchal message that a successful partnership requires major compromise, even at the cost of your identity.
For so many people looking for love, it's hard to imagine something different than what they’ve always experienced. Anna expresses her desire for a partner who has a strong sense of self, but finds that hetero men are so often threatened by her strength and independence. Nina encourages her to hold out for someone who not only accepts Anna for who she fully is, but also lifts her up and enriches her life.
Join Anna and Nina as they unpack how their love language styles have played a role in their approach to love, partnership, and marriage.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform
Topics Covered:
- Nina and Anna’s thoughts on the concept of love languages and what their experience was like taking the quiz
- The importance of taking responsibility for letting your partner know what you need and want
- How Nina’s husband has demonstrated gentleness, sensitivity, and love
- Anna’s reflections on things that are holding her back from seeking and receiving love right now
- Examining internalized patriarchal and misogynist belief systems about marriage
Resources Mentioned:
Get in Touch:
- How to Be Human
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Nina's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
- Book a session with Nina
Q2 Astrology with Vanessa Hardy
How to Be Human
03/07/23 • 84 min
Vanessa Hardy is back and we're not just doing a business ladies parody talking quarterly reports we're delving back into the astrology that lies ahead. Vanessa tells us what Spring's astrology has in store for us in Q2. Who this quarter's heavy hitters are and what kind of vibes lie ahead. Vanessa breaks down what Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter have in store for us and who this may impact the most. Get clued into how this will affect your chart and...you know everyone else around us.
If you like the podcast please rate, review and subscribe. It truly means the world.
Resources mentioned:
Where to find us:
- Vanessa's Instagram
- Book a session with Vanessa
- Subscribe to Vanessa's Substack
- Subscribe to the How to be Human Substack
- Leave a message on Speakpipe
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
Molly Wizenberg Answers A LOT of Questions
How to Be Human
11/29/22 • 57 min
Anna re-read Molly’s book The Fixed Stars on her way to Italy and it hit deeper. A story of having the courage to transform your life out of a desire to be true to yourself. Swoon. Also tons of themes around love, sexuality, and figuring out what kind of life you want. For real read it. Thanks to this digital age, her wish to talk to Molly about the process of writing such an incredible book about your lived experience was able to be realized by sending a simple email. Writer, podcaster and lovely person Molly Wizenberg was gracious enough to say yes and join Anna for a lively conversation about trusting your memory, ways to write about your own life that don’t have to always be mining the sad memories and the commitment to forever seeking!
Where to find us:
- Molly’s Instagram
- Molly’s Website
- Molly’s Substack
- Molly Podcast Spilled Milk
- How to Be Human Instagram
- Anna's Instagram
- Book a session with Anna
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FAQ
How many episodes does How to Be Human have?
How to Be Human currently has 93 episodes available.
What topics does How to Be Human cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Personal Journals, Podcasts and Philosophy.
What is the most popular episode on How to Be Human?
The episode title 'Victimhood' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on How to Be Human?
The average episode length on How to Be Human is 56 minutes.
How often are episodes of How to Be Human released?
Episodes of How to Be Human are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of How to Be Human?
The first episode of How to Be Human was released on Jul 16, 2021.
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