00:00 Introduction
01:04 Who is Linda Star Wolf, Ph.D.
03:35 Star Wolf gives us a beautiful opening blessing
06:57 History of Michael and Star's relationship
11:50 The Spiral Path - the transformational process that requires change!
15:30 The origin of the word Shaman and it's true meaning as Shamaning...
19:16 Trusting when things need to end...
20:42 We all need the right amount of heartbreak.
23:00 My grandmothers who have helped me.
26:13 Shamanism and Breakdown/Breakthroughs
30:00 Growing up in the woods and forest as an only child.
32:57 Growing up highly sensitive.
35:48 Breathwork, breakdowns and breakthroughs and precautions
42:00 Shadow work, shamanic deaths and rebirths
45:36 The blessings of soul friends - who help us embrace our weirdness - that is our uniqueness!
48:14 Weird originally meant, 'having a foot in both worlds.'
50:30 Authenticity and embracing the shadow
55:13 The collective shadow and the pain of being demonized and shamed can drive you crazy
58:00 Let's be clear we LIVE on a Shamanic Planet - we've already had huge extinction events!
1:00:00 This is an Earth School
1:05:00 The AI I'm interested in is Authentic Intelligence - NOT artificial intelligence.
1:10:00 Here to get a doctorate degree in the Universe - according to grandmother Twyla.

I’m truly honored to welcome a dear friend and longtime collaborator to the show today—Dr. Linda Star Wolf. Star Wolf and I have shared a deep connection for decades, working together on projects rooted in transformation, healing, and the sacred path of shamanic wisdom. As a shamanic breathwork facilitator myself, I’ve been profoundly influenced by her teachings and the visionary work she has brought to the world.

Today, we’ll be diving into her latest book, The Aquarian Shaman, exploring the evolution of shamanic consciousness in these changing times. From breathwork to shadow work, the endless spiral path of the soul and the wisdom of our teachers and elders, we’ll journey into what it means to truly follow our hearts and the path of our souls!

Get comfortable, take a deep breath, and join us on this soul-centered conversation with the incredible Linda Star Wolf.

Linda Star Wolf, Ph.D., has been a shamanic visionary teacher and guide to thousands of people over the last four decades. Star Wolf was a nationally certified alcohol and drug counselor for 30+ years. She studied a variety of breathwork techniques with many teachers. Star Wolf draws much of her wisdom from personal experience of using breath to fortify connection to one’s own life force energy.

The author of 13 books, Star Wolf is the creator of Shamanic Breathwork®, the Shamanic Healing Initiatory Process® (S.H.I.P.), the Founder of Venus Rising Association for Transformation (a non-profit organization), and Founding President of Venus Rising University for Shamanic Psychospiritual Studies. Star Wolf is also co-founder of the Shamanic Mystery Tours and guides spiritual seekers to travel as emissaries to sacred shamanic sites worldwide.

Dedicating her life to assisting soul seekers to transform and embrace their lives, Star Wolf teaches how to embody the shaman within and step into a life of passionate, soul purpose. Her commitment to sacred activism and visionary leadership led her to create the Shamanic Ministers Global Network and train Shamanic Breathwork Facilitators around the world.

Star Wolf has a deep connection to shamanic earth wisdom teachings originating from Indigenous elders. Twylah Nitsch, beloved Seneca Wolf Clan Grandmother, gave her the spirit name Star Wolf and adopted her as a Spiritual Granddaughter.

Website: https://www.shamanicbreathwork.org/
Michael's Website: https://michaeldemaria.com/
Order book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aquarian-Shaman-Walking-Spiral-Transformation/dp/1591435145

00:00 Introduction
01:13 Who is Gabi Varga?
06:05 A Holistic Approach to Fitness
10:51 The Imprint of Trauma on our Bodies
12:18 Nurturing Our Nervous Systems
20:38 When Clients Feel Safe Even Tears May Come
23:16 Understanding What Dysregulation of The Nervous System Is
37:15 Fight, Flee, Freeze or Fawn Responses.
40:41 What Trauma-Sensitive Personal Training May Look Like
52:00 Where to find out more about Gabi and her work.

I first discovered Gabi Varga’s work during the pandemic, while searching for a way to stay active without going to the gym. Growing up as an athlete—playing football, lacrosse, and competing in track—I had my share of experiences with harsh, even abusive coaching styles. Like so many in our culture, I often held myself to impossible standards. Add to that the challenges of lingering trauma from childhood surgeries, which have left me with muscle imbalances requiring extra care during training, and I knew I needed a different approach.

When I came across the phrase “trauma-informed personal training” in my feed, I was immediately drawn to Gabi’s unique perspective. Following her work was a game-changer, helping me reframe my workouts with more compassion and curiosity. Her approach offered a much-needed reset for both my body and mind. Our schedules finally aligned for us to have a deep dive into this fascinating topic and new approach to fitness.

More about Gabi:

I grew up in Hungary and became a group fitness instructor at 20. Fifteen years ago, I moved to Montreal for someone who became my husband and turned out to be emotionally abusive. At the time, I didn’t realize it; I was busy learning English and starting my life from scratch. I built a wonderful life with amazing Hungarian friends and a great following of fitness participants.
During COVID, I found a somatic therapist. This body-based approach made so much sense, helping with nervous system regulation and trauma release. The shift was slow but significant. I started my own personal training business but felt stuck with conventional "no pain, no gain" fitness.

I began using somatic techniques in my sessions and discovered trauma-informed personal training, which excited me. I completed the next course available.

Now, I help people who are healing from existing trauma improve their relationship with movement and reach their fitness goals. By listening to you and understanding your individual needs, we can work together to turn exercise into a safe, sustainable, and joyful experience.Often, we overlook our body’s signals, pushing through pain or overtraining—leading to injury, burnout, shame cycles, and even trauma responses like dissociation.

Trauma-informed training unlocks your potential by embracing a gentler, more mindful approach. Together, we’ll build tools for body awareness, self-regulation, and understanding what your body truly needs to reach your fitness goals safely. Most importantly, we’ll reframe exercise so it feels genuinely good.

Gabi's website: https://thetraumainformedpt.com/

Michael's Website: https://michaeldemaria.com