Episodios

  • Called to Action: How a Poverty Simulation Sparked Amy Spohn’s Bold Vision
    Jul 13 2025

    Among many other topics, we explore:

    What Belonging Really Means: Amy explains the “B” in DEI&B and why fostering a true sense of belonging is crucial for equitable systems, especially in education and corporate spaces.

    From Teacher to Changemaker: How burnout, motherhood, and a post-pandemic shift led Amy to leave the classroom and expand her mission in new and unexpected ways.

    The Power of Simulated Empathy: A poverty simulation rocked Amy’s world and ignited a fire to build programs that connect stakeholders with the real challenges marginalized families face.

    Designing a Support Ecosystem: Amy lays out her vision for a mentorship-based, multi-layered program that connects families in need with accessible, relevant, and local resources through tailored workshops and personal guidance.

    Funding and Sustainability in Service Work: We discuss the myth that good deeds are free, and why sustainable funding, partnerships, and social enterprise models are essential to scale meaningful change.

    Reimagining Education for Adults: Amy shares her idea for digital “packages” on personal finance and healthcare navigation, designed for working adults who didn’t learn these life skills in school, and how every purchase could support someone in need.

    Join us for this energizing and grounded conversation about service, systems change, and what happens when an educator takes her compassion beyond the classroom.

    Connect with Amy!

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-spohn-7b489136/

    Email: email:a_spohn12@hotmail.com

    Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

    Website: www.HezzieMae.com

    Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

    Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    Más Menos
    40 m
  • Tatterhood & the Wild Within: Storytelling with Chani Becker
    Jul 6 2025

    In this episode, I’m joined once again by illustrator, designer, and creative scholar Chani Becker, who returns to share one of her favorite fairytales: Tatterhood. Chani guides us through a vivid retelling of this lesser-known Norwegian folktale and invites us to explore its powerful psychological symbolism through a Jungian lens.

    As part of her MFA thesis in Illustration, Chani used Tatterhood as a springboard for a deeper conversation about the ego, shadow self, transformation, and wholeness. Together, we reflect on what this bold, wild heroine can teach us about embracing all parts of ourselves.

    Among many other topics, we explore:

    The Power of Archetypes and Fairytales: How stories like Tatterhood can mirror the deep structure of our psyche—and why they stay with us for decades.

    Ego, Shadow, and Wholeness: Understanding how the two sisters in the tale represent a balanced psyche—and what happens when we suppress parts of ourselves.

    Transformation Through Initiation: How symbolic moments in the tale, including decapitation (!), speak to the disorientation and rebirth we often experience in adulthood.

    Visual Storytelling Through Psychology: Chani shares how she illustrated Tatterhood using principles of Jungian dream analysis, bringing both narrative and subconscious symbolism into her artwork.

    Honoring the Shadow Self: Why the “ugly,” “wild,” or “socially unacceptable” parts of us may actually carry our greatest strength and vitality.

    Art as Personal and Cultural Reflection: Chani opens up about how five years of MFA study (while raising a family!) helped her deepen her creative process and reconnect with her own story.

    Join us for a playful, profound conversation that celebrates the beauty of fairytales, the wisdom of our inner wildness, and the joy of lifelong creativity.

    Connect with Chani!

    Websites: http://www.chanibecker.com | http://www.hothouseandpress.com

    Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

    Website: www.HezzieMae.com

    Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

    Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    Más Menos
    46 m
  • Choosing Life After Loss: Adrienne Bender and The Almost Miracle Years
    Jun 27 2025

    Among many other topics, we explore:

    Living Through the “Almost Miracles”: How both of Adrienne’s children defied the odds and what it meant to cherish moments of joy, even when the bigger picture looked grim.

    Resilience as a Daily Choice: Finding the strength to get out of bed, schedule joy, and stay present even when it’s just for an hour or a cup of coffee.

    Raw Grief and Real Healing: Why Adrienne chose to write with honesty, including the missteps, messy moments, and hard truths that accompany deep loss.

    The Power of Intentional Moments: From a daughter’s hospital Halloween party to a son’s decision to pursue college, Adrienne shares how focusing on what’s beautiful can anchor us through stormy seasons.

    Humor, Ritual, and Celebration: Adrienne talks about using laughter, birthday traditions, and intentional acts of remembrance to stay connected with her children after their passing.

    Hope Beyond This Realm: Why Adrienne believes in the afterlife, and how that belief gives her strength and purpose in continuing to be a mother, storyteller, and guide.

    Join us for this profoundly moving conversation about choosing to live, love, and lead with purpose (even after loss) and why Adrienne’s story is one of triumph, not tragedy.

    You can get Adrienne Bender’s book,

    The Almost Miracle Years, on Amazon and her website

    .

    Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

    Website: www.HezzieMae.com

    Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

    Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    Más Menos
    31 m
  • Return to Oneness: Sacha Rondeau Guides Us Back to Truth
    Jun 19 2025

    Among many other topics, we explore:

    • Creative Energy as a Mirror: How our internal world shapes what we create—and how Sacha uses tarot and intuition to tap into the collective field of inspiration.
    • Alignment vs. Autopilot Living: Identifying when life feels off-track, and how to consciously return to our truth by questioning inherited beliefs and systems.
    • Self-Love as a Foundation: Exploring love as a state of being rather than an emotion, and how radical self-love creates the conditions for unconditional love toward others.
    • Letting Go to Make Room: How releasing relationships and patterns that no longer serve us can magnetize new, soul-aligned connections.
    • Choosing Growth Over Stagnation: The energetic message of the cards pulled in this episode—about embracing personal power, moving forward with intention, and remembering we always have a choice.
    • The Invitation to Leap: Sacha shares her intention behind the August 8, 2025, release of her book and encourages listeners to embrace their own magic and take bold steps toward alignment.

    Join us for this soulful, unscripted conversation about living, creating, and connecting from a place of inner truth—and finding the courage to leap, even when the landing is unknown.

    Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

    Website: www.HezzieMae.com

    Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

    Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Creating Without a Finish Line: Trusting the Daily Spark with Rachel Gilbertson
    Jun 9 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with artist, author, and creative guide Rachel Gilbertson to talk about what really happens when you commit to showing up for your creativity every day. We get honest about the 100-Day Creative Soul Retrieval Journey—the magic, the mess, and everything in between. This one’s for anyone craving deeper self-connection, creative freedom, and the reminder that it’s not about the outcome—it’s about the becoming.

    Among many other topics, we explore:

    • The Power of Process Over Outcome: Embracing the journey of creating without pressuring ourselves to produce something “perfect” or even shareable.
    • Ritual and Routine in Creativity: How a daily commitment—even as simple as 15 minutes—can deepen creative flow and spark inspiration.
    • Creative Nudges and Intuition: Paying attention to the gentle pulls toward materials, words, or images that feel right, even if we don’t know why.
    • Letting Go of External Validation: Releasing the need for praise or feedback in order to create more authentically and vulnerably.
    • Reclaiming Creative Identity: Honoring the childlike joy and expression that comes with saying, “I am an artist,” no matter your background or training.
    • Safe Creative Community: The power of sharing in a non-judgmental space, where expression is celebrated without critique.

    Join us for this heartfelt episode about returning to the simple, sacred act of creating and letting it “ripple” outward!

    Connect with Rachel!

    Website: https://www.artofpresence.org/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofpresence.rmg/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_of_presence_rmg/

    Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

    Website: www.HezzieMae.com

    Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

    Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    Más Menos
    34 m
  • Dreams, Depression, and the Drive to Heal with Millennial Brandi Fleming
    May 14 2025

    In this episode, I’m joined by Brandi Fleming, a millennial with a remarkable story of transformation and self-discovery. We talk about Brandi’s journey from a chaotic home life to finding stability and pursuing her dreams, including moving to Spain and becoming an author. Brandi shares her experiences with overcoming depression, trusting her intuition, and the importance of self-awareness. We explore the significance of breaking cycles and setting personal goals, as well as the impact of intuitive guidance on one’s life path. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and the powerful ripple effects of sharing our stories.

    Among many other topics, we explore:

    • Following Intuition: Trusting and following one’s intuition can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment.
    • Self-Awareness and Healing: The importance of addressing and healing past traumas and being self-aware to prevent them from impacting future decisions.
    • Finding Beauty in Adversity: Learning to see the positive aspects and lessons in life's challenges can contribute to personal resilience and growth.
    • Comparing and Judging: Comparison often stems from judgment, and avoiding it can lead to a more fulfilling life without the burden of self-criticism.
    • Role Models and Support Systems: The significance of having mentors and supportive figures in life to provide guidance and emotional support.
    • Setting Goals for Mental Health: Establishing goals can serve as a motivator to overcome challenges such as depression, providing a sense of purpose and direction.
    • Pursuing Dreams Against Odds: Overcoming societal and personal challenges to pursue and achieve one’s dreams, emphasizing the importance of persistence and self-belief.

    Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

    Website: www.HezzieMae.com

    Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

    Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    Más Menos
    40 m
  • Fairy Tales, Art, and the Inner Journey: A Conversation with Chani Becker
    Apr 27 2025

    In this episode, I’m joined by Chani Becker, a creative, a mama, and a storyteller. We talk about Chani’s background in art, her journey to becoming a creative professional, and her recent work in teaching and illustrating. She also shares insights into the psychological and archetypal symbolism in fairytales, specifically the story of "Blue Beard." We explore how these tales can offer profound self-understanding and even healing.

    • Working with Creatives: Her collaboration with Chani highlights how teamwork can lead to the development of significant and fruitful projects, as evidenced by their joint efforts in designing book covers and fostering creative growth.
    • Importance of Education in Art: She talks about how understanding core principles like design elements, critique, and feedback processes can deeply enhance one's ability to create meaningful and impactful art.
    • Relationship Between Stories and Ourselves: The discussion about Carl Jung's psychological perspectives on fairy tales provides insights into understanding the deeper meanings behind stories. It explains how characters and symbols in stories can be reflective of various aspects of an individual's psyche, which can lead to personal insights and self-discovery.
    • The Bridge Between Fairy Tales and Reality: The tale of Blue Beard, when interpreted through a psychological lens, imparts a lesson on confronting and overcoming internal barriers or negative aspects of oneself. It teaches the necessity of facing inner fears and truths to achieve self-awareness and personal growth.

    Connect with Chani Becker:

    Website: https://www.hothousedesignandpost.com/ | https://www.chanibecker.com/

    Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

    Website: www.HezzieMae.com

    Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

    Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    Más Menos
    44 m
  • 50 Years, 50 Truths
    Apr 7 2025

    In this special birthday episode, we’re gettin’ real. I’m sharing 50 Years, 50 Truths—a mix of lighthearted laughs, gut-punch lessons, and the moments that shaped me. Some are sweet, some are raw, but all of them are honest. It’s my way of honoring the road I’ve walked and the ripples I hope to keep making as I cross the half-century mark.

    Heather N. Wilde & Hezzie Mae Book Publishing

    Website: www.HezzieMae.com

    Facebook: Heather N. Wilde

    Do you need an engaging, heartfelt speaker to inspire your audience? Heather brings a blend of authenticity, insight, and storytelling to every event. Whether addressing professional teams, high school audiences, or creative communities, Heather’s talks focus on personal growth, resilience, and the power of stories to transform lives. Reach out to hwilde@hezziemae.com to book Heather for your next event.

    Más Menos
    15 m