Episodes

  • Ancestral River Meditation

    Ancestral River Meditation
    Dec 1 2025
    Please join Ilissa during guided meditation to tap into inner wisdom.
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    17 mins
  • Staying Grounded in a Sensationalized World

    Staying Grounded in a Sensationalized World
    Nov 24 2025
    Summary
    In this episode, Ilissa and Jessica discuss the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the role of social media in shaping perceptions during crises, and the importance of maintaining mental health amidst sensationalized news. They explore the panic that often accompanies disasters, the illusion of control in government responses, and the need for balance in a digital world. The conversation emphasizes engaging with nature and community as a means to ground oneself, along with the use of mindfulness and mantras to foster mental clarity.

    Find ways to help with Jamaica's Hurricane Melissa relief efforts here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583048978585&comment_id=Y29tbWVudDoxMjIwOTgzNzk4OTUxMDE2MzJfODA5MTI5MDQyMDQxNTgw

    Chapters
    00:00 Navigating Anxiety in a Chaotic World
    04:19 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
    04:55 Coping with Natural Disasters and Panic
    06:10 Government Shutdown and Community Resilience
    09:12 Grounding Techniques for Mental Clarity
    12:09 The Role of Social Media in Entrepreneurship
    15:05 Finding Balance in a Digital Age
    18:13 Engaging with Nature and Community
    21:06 Concluding Thoughts on Anxiety and Awareness
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    24 mins
  • Unveiling Family Secrets in 'Black Candle Women'

    Unveiling Family Secrets in 'Black Candle Women'
    Nov 17 2025
    In this episode of 'Keep Expecting Miracles', hosts Ilissa and Jess discuss the book 'Black Candle Women' by Diane Marie Brown. They explore themes of family secrets, generational curses, and the role of magic in the story. The conversation delves into character development, personal growth, and the importance of open communication within families. The hosts share their insights and reflections on the narrative, making connections to their own experiences and the broader implications of the themes presented in the book.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Mini Pod Concept
    03:42 Personal Updates and Life Changes
    06:43 Book Introduction: Black Candle Women
    09:44 Themes of Secrets and Family Dynamics
    12:41 Generational Curses and Their Impact
    15:36 Character Development and Storytelling Style
    18:45 Magic, Will, and Consequences
    19:08 Family Gifts and Generational Roles
    20:44 Therapy and Magic: A Dual Journey
    22:46 The Distinction Between Voodoo and Hoodoo
    26:05 Family Secrets and Their Impact
    27:07 Breaking Generational Curses
    30:31 The Journey of Self-Discovery
    32:02 Character Reflections and Personal Connections
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    36 mins
  • It's Our One Year Anniversary!

    It's Our One Year Anniversary!
    Nov 10 2025
    In this celebratory episode marking their one-year anniversary, Ilissa and Jess reflect on their journey as podcasters, discussing the growth they've experienced, the importance of partnership, and the transformative power of their conversations. They express gratitude for their listeners and the impact their podcast has had on their lives and the lives of others. The hosts also share their aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of manifesting success and continuing to create meaningful content.

    Chapters
    00:00 Celebrating One Year of Podcasting
    03:39 Reflections on Growth and Learning
    06:37 The Power of Partnership
    09:31 Creating Content with Purpose
    12:44 Immortalizing Our Stories
    15:43 The Impact of Sharing Experiences
    18:44 Embracing Creativity and Intuition
    22:53 Celebrating One Year of Podcasting
    23:47 Listener Feedback and Community Engagement
    25:42 Impactful Messages from Listeners
    27:16 Manifestations and Listener Support
    30:04 Reflections on Listener Impact
    34:05 Future Manifestations for the Podcast
    39:21 Abundance and Resources for Growth
    42:54 Gratitude and Closing Thoughts
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    45 mins
  • The Spiral Path of Transformation - Embodiment

    The Spiral Path of Transformation - Embodiment
    Nov 3 2025
    In this episode, Jess and Ilissa discuss the themes of motherhood, embodiment, and personal transformation. They share personal anecdotes about parenting challenges, the importance of community support, and the necessity of setting boundaries for self-care. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of co-parenting and the evolution of personal style, reflecting on how generational trends influence current fashion choices. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the significance of planning ahead and embracing change as essential components of personal growth. In this episode, Jess and Ilissa explore themes of nostalgia through fashion, the journey of building confidence, and the transformative experiences of motherhood. They share a heartfelt listener story about self-acceptance and the wisdom of the body post-pregnancy. The conversation also delves into the significance of elderflower as a protective herb and the importance of ancestral connections in healing. The hosts emphasize the embodiment of personal growth and the power of community support in navigating life's challenges.

    Chapters
    00:00 Reconnecting After a Break
    03:24 The Importance of Planning Ahead
    06:06 Understanding Embodiment
    09:03 Motherhood and Transformation
    11:59 Navigating Doubts in Parenting
    14:54 The Role of Community in Parenting
    18:01 Setting Boundaries as a Mother
    21:03 Embodying the Woman You've Become
    27:23 Navigating Online Privacy for Kids
    30:35 The Journey of Co-Parenting
    32:48 Embracing Business Transformation
    40:31 Building Confidence and Standing Tall
    48:08 Listener Reflections on Transformation
    52:58 Exploring Elderflower: The Guardian Herb
    01:03:18 Witchy Practices and Ancestral Connections
    01:16:20 Embodiment and Ancestral Healing
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • The Spiral Path of Transformation - Integration

    The Spiral Path of Transformation - Integration
    Oct 27 2025
    In this episode, hosts Ilissa and Jess explore the theme of integration following personal transformations and manifestations. They discuss the emotional complexities that arise when achieving goals, the importance of letting go of familial approval, and the role of ancestral wisdom in personal growth. The conversation also touches on the significance of social media presence and the use of herbal remedies like ashwagandha to support emotional balance during transitions. Listeners are encouraged to share their own manifestation stories and reflect on their journeys of integration.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Integration
    02:59 Personal Experiences of Change
    05:49 Navigating New Levels of Responsibility
    09:05 The Reality of Integration
    12:09 Embracing New Identities
    15:02 Living in Alignment
    18:02 The Butterfly Effect of Transformation
    21:02 Public Perception and Personal Growth
    26:15 Navigating New Relationships
    28:48 The Process of Integration
    29:21 Listener Manifestation Story: Maya's Journey
    34:01 The Role of Ashwagandha in Integration
    42:02 Connecting with Ancestors
    48:06 Embracing Our Chosen Paths
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    53 mins
  • The Spiral Path of Transformation - Surrender

    The Spiral Path of Transformation - Surrender
    Oct 20 2025
    In this episode, Ilissa and Jessica explore themes of surrender, ancestral communication, and the healing power of herbs. They reflect on their personal experiences at an herbalism conference, share book recommendations, and discuss the importance of self-care and intentional practices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of connecting with ancestors and the role of herbs in promoting wellness. Listeners are encouraged to engage with their own ancestral practices and share their stories.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
    03:33 Reflections on the Herbalism Conference
    06:31 Book Recommendations and Insights
    09:38 Understanding Surrender in Transformation
    12:28 Personal Stories of Surrender
    14:35 The Impact of Societal Constructs
    17:14 Navigating Career Changes and Health
    19:54 The Role of Ancestry in Personal Growth
    34:22 Embracing Change and Surrender
    35:54 Manifestation Stories: The Power of Surrender
    36:03 The Beauty of Letting Go
    40:42 The Journey of Transformation
    45:38 Herbal Remedies for Surrendering
    52:25 Ancestral Communication and Divine Guidance
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The Spiral Path of Transformation: The Dissolution

    The Spiral Path of Transformation: The Dissolution
    Oct 13 2025
    In this conversation, Jess and Ilissa delve into various themes surrounding American diet culture, the process of transformation, and the impact of colonialism on land ownership and cultural identity. They discuss the importance of ancestral foods, the disillusionment that often accompanies personal growth, and the societal constructs that shape our understanding of right and wrong. The conversation also touches on the role of language in cultural identity and the influence of media and politics on public perception. In this conversation, the speakers explore the evolving symbolism of the American flag, the power of manifestation, and the influence of media on public perception and free speech. They discuss the importance of ancestral support and herbalism as a means of spiritual connection and healing. The conversation also touches on the role of cooking and herbalism in creating nourishing meals, emphasizing the idea of witchcraft as a form of healing and empowerment.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Weekend Reflections
    03:06 The Necessity of Chaos in Transformation
    05:36 The Dark Side of Transformation
    07:52 Astrological Influences on Change
    11:12 Cultural Reflections on Freedom of Speech
    14:17 The Power of Collective Action
    16:48 Disney's Disillusionment and Cultural Impact
    19:30 Betrayal and the Reality of Representation
    21:54 Censorship in Media and News Reporting
    27:00 Reflections on School Violence and Media Coverage
    32:01 Spiritual Transformation and Personal Harmony
    32:48 The Dark Side of Transformation
    35:25 Disillusionment and Colonialism
    38:21 Language and Mindset
    41:28 The Power of Manifestation
    44:32 Herbalism and Connection to Nature
    51:45 The Healing Power of Oat Straw
    55:02 Personal Experiences with Herbalism
    01:01:10 Understanding Ancestral Support and Energetic Healing
    01:03:13 Witchy Brews: The Art of Soup Making
    01:10:52 Exploring American Diet Culture and Nutritional Wisdom
    01:14:45 Cultural Foods and Their Significance
    01:15:38 Engagement and Community Building
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    1 hr and 17 mins