Note: the connection was poor, so the sound suffered a little.

In this episode, I sit down with herbalist, author, and modern-day curandera Josie Castañeda Morales to discuss the world of ancestral healing—exploring how herbalism, ceremony, and connecting with your heart can help you return to your roots and bring more balance, intuition, and peace into your modern life.

Josie shares her journey from the fast-paced fashion world in NYC to becoming a yerbera (herbalist) and healer in Miami—blending traditional curanderismo with modern wellness. We talk about sun and moon energies, the role of ritual, and why meditation and listening to the heart are essential in a world that often pulls us away from ourselves.

If you're curious about herbalism, decolonizing your wellness practice, or simply longing to reconnect with your roots, this conversation will invite you to slow down, listen inward, and honor the wisdom of your lineage.

Episode Highlights:

• Josie's path from fashion designer to healer—and choosing a "spiral life" over a "linear life"
• Meditation as the gateway to intuition, clarity, and daily alignment
• What curanderismo and modern Latine herbalism look like today
• Heart connection, boundaries, and trusting our inner knowing
• Sun vs. Moon energy: supporting digestion (Sun) and the nervous system (Moon)
• Rituals as a bridge between the physical and subtle body
• Decolonizing wellness by honoring abuela wisdom and family recipes
• Gentle first steps to reconnect with your ancestral healing
• Following your heart to leave an unfulfilling job and create a purpose-driven business or healing practice
  
  

Books Mentioned in the Episode:

• Josie's book: Latin Herbalism: A Beginner's Guide to Modern Curanderismo, Healing Plants, and Folk Traditions of the Americas
  
  
• CURANDERO HISPANIC ETHNO-PSYCHOTHERAPY & CURANDERISMO: TREATING HISPANIC MENTAL HEALTH IN THE 21ST CENTURY by Antonio Noe Zavaleta Ph.D
  

Connect with Josie:

Website: https://www.curanderaremedies.com/

And @curanderaremedies on Instagram

Call to Action:
If this episode resonated, share it with a sister, your mom, or an amiga who's craving a deeper connection to her roots. And let me know your favorite takeaway—I love hearing how these conversations land for you.

Enroll Now or Join the Waitlist:
Start a Soulful Business: a 90 Day Coaching Experience to Build a Heart-Centered Business Aligned with Your Purpose

Where To Find Me:

Instagram: @modernlatinainmidlife

Email: sonia@soniasdesk.com

bluechakrastudio.com