Are You Enough Without the Labels and Expectations?

In today's episode of Mystical Sisterhood, I sit down with Andrea Markusich, a colleague and creative entrepreneur, to delve into the journey of self-discovery, the power of authenticity, and re-evaluating our relationship with societal roles. Andrea shares her transformative journey from feeling confined by the labels and expectations to embracing her true self and how this has influenced her work and personal growth.

Andrea's journey is a testament to the importance of listening to one's inner self and allowing your calling to evolve. We discuss the significance of divine timing and how Andrea's realization that her work could change children's narratives was instrumental. The creativity she honed was not just about aesthetics but about transforming her relationship with art—a medium often dismissed in her upbringing as less legitimate.

Andrea touches on her book, "Ivy, the Snail Finds She's Enough," a children's book embodying her message of self-worth and acceptance. Despite doubts about her writing and illustration skills, Andrea considers herself a facilitator bringing the book to life with the help of talented collaborators. The book serves as a simple yet profound reminder for parents and children alike about the concept of being enough just as they are.

There is power in recognizing that we, as individuals, are enough without the societal labels and expectations. The conversation is a call to embrace slow, meaningful and authentic steps in one's journey of self-discovery, and to seek out and cultivate safe spaces where vulnerability and growth are welcome.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:28 Andrea's Journey with Inspirational Walls
• 03:54 Rediscovering Passion and Purpose
• 07:29 The Turning Point: Shutting Down and Reopening
• 16:26 Creating 'Ivy, the Snail Finds She's Enough'
• 20:53 Children's Intuitive Understanding
• 21:16 Planting Seeds of Transformation
• 21:46 Embracing Infinite Possibilities
• 22:32 Reflection on Fun and Authenticity
• 25:36 Balancing Playfulness and Adulthood
• 32:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Growth
• 34:05 Men's Emotional Support
• 37:03 Honoring Personal Pace and Growth
• 40:02 Conclusion and Book Availability

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mystical Sisterhood® Rising: https://www.maureenspielman.com/mysticalsisterhoodrising
• Mystical Sisterhood® Resource Guide: https://www.maureenspielman.com/freebies
• One-on-One Coaching: Schedule a Discovery Call Here

About the Host:

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood®, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Soul Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops.

Connect with Andrea

• Website: https://www.inspirationalwalls.ca/
• Book: https://www.inspirationalwalls.ca/products/childrens-book-ivy-the-snail-finds-shes-enough

Connect with Maureen

• Instagram:

Have you ever wondered about the intersection between traditional careers and spiritual practices? In the latest episode of Mystical Sisterhood, I sit down with Bess Strzelecki to delve into the fascinating journey that led Bess from a career in finance to becoming a practitioner of evolutionary astrology, energy healing, and much more.

Bess Strzelecki's story is one of transformation and growth. Originally from a traditional background, Bess embarked on a journey that took her from Georgetown University's business school to the world of hedge funds, and eventually, to a profound spiritual transformation. This episode explores how Bess combines her business acumen with an array of spiritual practices including evolutionary astrology, energy healing, mediumship, and shamanism. Her journey is a testament to the possibilities that open when one follows their intuition and curiosity.

The conversation delves into the nuances of evolutionary astrology, a system focused on understanding the soul’s journey and purpose. Bess highlights the importance of intuition in astrology and how she combines different modalities to provide holistic insights during readings. She passionately discusses how astrology can empower individuals to navigate life with greater consciousness and intention.

This episode of Mystical Sisterhood offers a captivating glimpse into the transformative power of spiritual exploration. Bess Strzelecki’s journey reminds us that spiritual practices can coexist with traditional careers, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and holistic way of living. Whether you’re new to the world of astrology and energy healing or a seasoned practitioner, Bess’s insights and experiences are sure to inspire and enlighten.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:17 Journey into Spiritual Practices
• 05:02 First Clairvoyant Experience
• 06:04 Training with Raven Keys and Shamanic Studies
• 08:01 Health Crisis and Astrological Guidance
• 11:13 Evolutionary Astrology and Its Impact
• 13:19 Balancing Corporate Life and Spirituality
• 17:30 Exploring Runes and Their Power
• 18:54 Integrating Astrology and Intuition
• 24:55 Personal Challenges and Self-Reflection
• 26:13 The Role of Integrity in Spiritual Practices
• 27:20 A Memorable Astrological Prediction
• 30:15 Exploring Past Life Regressions
• 36:08 The Future of Healing and Astrology
• 43:32 Balancing Physical and Spiritual Health
• 46:20 Creating a Healing Retreat Space
• 49:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mystical Sisterhood® Rising: https://www.maureenspielman.com/mysticalsisterhoodrising
• Mystical Sisterhood® Resource Guide: https://www.maureenspielman.com/freebies
• One-on-One Coaching: Schedule a Discovery Call Here

About the Host:

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood®, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Soul Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops.

Connect with Bess Strzelecki

• Astrology website: https://www.wholeheartedlivings.com/
• Retreat website:

Have you ever wondered how intuition and spirituality could lead to a deeper understanding of yourself? In the latest episode of Mystical Sisterhood, host Maureen Spielman dives into this very topic with Rachel Barker, an integrative intuitive who combines tarot, intuition, and spirituality to guide people towards self-compassion and inner wisdom. With a solid educational background from esteemed institutions like Boston University, Boston College, and ongoing graduate studies in religious studies at Harvard, Rachel harmonizes formal education with spiritual exploration in her work.

In this conversation, Rachel and Maureen explore the concept of intuition, its connections to imagination, and the importance of stillness. Rachel reveals her morning rituals, like drawing a tarot card over coffee, which integrate intuition into daily living. Highlighting that intuition isn't an exclusive skill, she encourages listeners to cultivate it through daily practice and openness to possibility.

Rachel sheds light on navigating the world as an empath, pointing out the importance of distinguishing empathy from compassion. She frames intuition as a sense rather than a feeling, which allows her to deliver clear and impactful readings. Rachel’s approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining compassion without becoming overwhelmed by others' emotions.

Through Rachel’s insights, listeners are invited to embrace their own intuitive capabilities, redefining traditional boundaries and exploring spirituality in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. Rachel encourages listeners to become aware of their inherent power, to trust in their ability to guide themselves, and to cultivate love and kindness in their daily lives.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction to Rachel Barker
• 00:39 Rachel's Journey into Intuitive Work
• 02:14 Personal Connections and Early Influences
• 03:00 Transition from Education to Intuitive Practices
• 04:39 Developing Intuition and Energy Work
• 05:12 Imagination and Intuition
• 06:01 Nature and Spiritual Connection
• 06:42 Challenges and Retraining Intuition
• 08:17 Understanding and Teaching Intuition
• 16:29 The Role of Tarot in Intuition
• 18:48 Intuitive Soul Readings Explained
• 19:52 Blending Intuitive Practices
• 20:41 The Evolution of Intuitive Soul Readings
• 22:20 The Role of Empathy and Compassion
• 26:29 Navigating Social Media and Sensitivity
• 33:23 Understanding the Power of Words
• 36:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mystical Sisterhood® Rising: https://www.maureenspielman.com/mysticalsisterhoodrising
• Mystical Sisterhood® Resource Guide: https://www.maureenspielman.com/freebies
• One-on-One Coaching: Schedule a Discovery Call Here

About the Host:

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood®, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Soul Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops.

Connect with Rachel

• Substack: https://mondaymetta.substack.com/
• Website: https://alignedandawake.com/

Connect with...

Have you ever imagined yourself as a lighthouse, standing tall and shining bright amidst the vast ocean of life?

Picture this: a steadfast beacon, casting its light upon the waters, guiding weary travelers through the darkest of nights. This imagery speaks not only to the importance of lighthouses but also to the radiant light within each of us—a light that can illuminate, guide, and inspire those around us.

As spiritual beings having a human experience, we are endowed with an inner light—a luminescence that may at times feel dulled by life's challenges or brightened through self-awareness and growth. Whether shiny and brilliant or seemingly dusty and dim, this light is there waiting to be nurtured. Through the support of friends, coaches, and inspirational sources like books or media, we find tools that help us polish our light, allowing it to shine with greater clarity and purpose.

Everything happens for a reason—synchronicity draws us to the right places and people at precisely the right times. These “divine appointments” may unfold into transformative connections, lessons, or epiphanies that further our personal evolution. We arrive with unique stories and challenges, but the universal connection through our light and love binds us powerfully.

As you walk the path of self-discovery, remember: You are a lighthouse and a seeker of light, bravely navigating the seas of life. Your light is needed. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it shine unabashedly for the world to see.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction: You Are the Lighthouse
• 01:44 Welcome to Mystical Sisterhood
• 02:44 Embracing Your Inner Light
• 05:11 Navigating Life's Challenges
• 06:36 The Power of Positive Influence
• 08:57 Guarding Your Energy
• 10:34 Empowerment and Self-Discovery
• 13:46 The Sacred Yes
• 18:43 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mystical Sisterhood® Rising: https://www.maureenspielman.com/mysticalsisterhoodrising
• Mystical Sisterhood® Resource Guide: https://www.maureenspielman.com/freebies
• One-on-One Coaching: Schedule a Discovery Call Here

About the Host:

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood®, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Soul Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops.

Connect with Maureen

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenspielman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysticalsisterhood
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list
• Website: https://www.maureenspielman.com
• Email Maureen at hello@maureenspielman.com to inquire about coaching, podcasting & speaking engagements

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media

What is your relationship with creativity? How do you define wellness? These are the questions that we explore in a recent conversation with Catherine Willows, a dynamic individual who believes that creativity is our birthright and integral to our total wellness.

In a fascinating discussion on the Mystical Sisterhood podcast, host Maureen Spielman and guest Catherine Willows delve deep into the intersections of creativity, wellness, and personal growth. Catherine, an impressive figure with a background in nursing, functional medicine, and various healing arts, shares how creativity is an essential thread woven into the fabric of our existence.

Catherine emphasizes that many of us have lost our creative spark but insists that it's still within us, waiting to be rediscovered. This creativity isn't just about making art or music; it's about how we solve problems, express ourselves, and connect with the world.

By participating in creativity, we don't just contribute to our well-being; we enrich the collective tapestry of humanity. Catherine's work with women underscores the importance of tapping into our creativity at all stages of life, especially as we enter phases often neglected by traditional societal roles.

Catherine Willows' insights serve as a powerful reminder of the necessity to nurture our creative selves. She invites us all to delve into this process with curiosity and compassion, embracing our imaginative capabilities as an essential part of our wellness journey.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 04:24 Catherine's Journey in Nursing and Holistic Medicine
• 10:50 Integrating Creativity into Healthcare
• 12:43 Exploring Personal Creativity
• 20:39 The Importance of Childlike Wonder and Intuition
• 23:13 The Power of Creativity and Intuition
• 24:14 Understanding Birthrights and Abundance
• 26:51 The Role of Women in Midlife
• 29:56 Equanimity and Sovereignty in Modern Life
• 32:03 The Impact of AI on Creativity
• 35:48 Healing Through Art and Creativity
• 42:23 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mystical Sisterhood Rising: https://www.maureenspielman.com/mysticalsisterhoodrising
• Mystical Sisterhood Resource Guide: https://www.maureenspielman.com/freebies
• One-on-One Coaching: Schedule a Discovery Call Here

About the Host:

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Holistic Life Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops.

Connect with Catherine

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WillowsCoachingandConsulting/
• Website: https://willowscc.com/

Connect with Maureen

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenspielman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysticalsisterhood
• YouTube:

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of your everyday experiences and how tapping into the depths of your soul could drastically transform your life? In this episode of Mystical Sisterhood, we had the profound opportunity to dive deep into the world of holistic healing with the remarkable Jody Farina, founder of Light Healing Therapies. With over 30 years of experience, Jody brings a unique blend of therapies that promise to unlock inner peace and deeper self-awareness.

Jody Farina, renowned for her work in soul healings and facilitating ceremonies, joined us to shed light on various healing practices including ancestral healing, light language activation, craniosacral therapy, and womb healing.

Growing up, Jody found herself suppressing her intuitive gifts due to a lack of understanding and support. However, as she matured, she embraced these abilities and began to explore various healing modalities. By enrolling in massage therapy school and discovering like-minded individuals, she opened doors to infinite possibilities in healing practices.

Jody describes her work as 'soul healings,' which transcend conventional therapy sessions. Instead of following a predefined script, she relies on intuitive guidance to address the unique needs of each individual. Whether it’s through craniosacral therapy or light language activation, Jody provides a holistic approach tailored to the soul seeking healing.

Jody’s conversation on Mystical Sisterhood is not just an exploration of healing practices; it’s an invitation to delve into the uncharted territories of our souls. She encourages us all to find the silence amid the noise, embrace our innate gifts, and seek the guidance that awaits us.

For those interested in discovering more about Jody Farina and her work, visit her website at Light Healing Therapies or connect on Instagram for updates and insights.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:41 Jody’s Early Life and Suppression of Abilities
• 04:22 Near-Death Experience and Awakening
• 05:55 Journey into Healing and Self-Discovery
• 09:37 The Concept of Remembering and Soul Work
• 17:06 Guidance and Continuous Learning
• 23:29 Unlocking Untapped Abilities
• 24:27 Navigating Fear and Personal Growth
• 26:12 Energetic Healing and Craniosacral Therapy
• 29:11 Ancestral Healing and Generational Trauma
• 31:53 The Power of the Womb and Divine Feminine
• 35:27 Exploring Plant Medicine and Healing Modalities
• 42:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mystical Sisterhood Rising: https://www.maureenspielman.com/mysticalsisterhoodrising
• Mystical Sisterhood Resource Guide: https://www.maureenspielman.com/freebies
• One-on-One Coaching: Schedule a Discovery Call Here

About the Host:

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Holistic Life Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops.

Connect with Jody

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lighthealingtherapies
• Website:

What if your life took a turn and you had to reevaluate everything you thought was true about yourself?

Geno La Placa's story is one of courage, transformation, and the profound journey of turning pain into purpose. Moving from Guatemala to the United States at the age of 21, Geno pursued a life filled with external successes—college degrees, a thriving career in finance, and a family. From the outside, Geno’s life seemed perfect.

But beneath the surface was an illusion of control that we often feel we have but never really do. A significant loss prompted her to pause, look inward, and begin to unravel decades of patterns she'd unconsciously woven into her life. On this path to self-discovery, Geno transformed her perspective, fundamentally changing her approach to life, her relationship with her family, and, most importantly, how she perceived herself.

In this episode of Mystical Sisterhood, we explore how early life experiences shape our reality and the moment we come into consciousness. It's in these moments of reflection and awareness that we're invited to redefine who we are beyond societal expectations. Geno realized her drive for success was fueled by an unconscious need for validation and love, which led her to back-breaking work and an overextension of herself.

Throughout the conversation, Geno emphasized the power of intuition and the need to trust it. Intuition, often overshadowed by the demand for rational proof, is a fundamental part of the human experience. In Geno's case, learning to listen to her inner voice played a significant role in navigating her life’s challenges.

Awareness and consciousness became guiding lights—tools to observe her thoughts and emotions with curiosity rather than judgment, leading her to profound personal growth.

Geno illustrates through her experiences that within the struggle lies the potential for profound transformation. Her story encourages us all to find purpose in pain, listen to our intuition, and embrace the power of our own consciousness.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:25 Early Life in Guatemala: Growing Up During Civil War
• 08:37 Cultural Differences: Family Structures in Guatemala vs. USA
• 12:24 Understanding Consciousness: Awareness and Curiosity
• 17:04 Redefining Intelligence: Beyond the Mind
• 22:41 Career in Finance: The Drive for Success
• 26:05 Facing a Family Crisis
• 26:52 The Search for Solutions
• 27:37 The Awakening
• 28:53 Dealing with Grief
• 38:20 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Qualities
• 40:12 Empowered Parenting
• 46:51 The Journey of Self-Belief
• 49:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mystical Sisterhood Rising: https://www.maureenspielman.com/mysticalsisterhoodrising
• Mystical Sisterhood Resource Guide: https://www.maureenspielman.com/freebies
• One-on-One Coaching: Schedule a Discovery Call Here

About the Host:

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Holistic Life Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops.

Connect with Geno

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekindandpresent/
• Website:

Have you ever wondered how the spaces we inhabit shape who we are? Olga Naiman, a Spatial Alchemist and author of "Spatial Alchemy: Design Your Home to Transform Your Life," believes that our homes hold the potential to influence our lives profoundly. Through a unique blend of home design and personal growth, Olga offers a roadmap to empowerment by transforming our physical surroundings.

Olga's journey into spatial alchemy began in October 2020 when she found herself stuck both personally and professionally. Frustrated with her circumstances, she took a bold step by reupholstering her furniture—not for the present, but for her future self. This act of future-oriented design unlocked what she describes as a miraculous transformation. Her career as a design therapist was born, leading to writing her book, "Spatial Alchemy."

The concept of coding your home involves a deliberate choice of items that align more with where you want to be rather than where you've been. Olga explains that objects we interact with daily, like mirrors, towels, or even kitchenware, can subconsciously influence our mindset. By selecting items that reflect our aspirations, such as vitality or calm, we can create environments that support our goals and dreams.

Olga suggests moving beyond classic decluttering and adopting a process she calls "dissolving." This method focuses on letting go of unwanted identities and patterns encoded in our possessions. By releasing items that are more representative of our past, we create space for new opportunities and energies. This process not only transforms our homes but revitalizes our self-worth.

Olga inspires us to bring the future we envision into the present by consciously designing our home. By doing so, we can cultivate spaces that aren't just aesthetically beautiful but are also energetically supportive and transformative.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:14 Manifesting Your Future Self Through Home Design
• 05:51 The Power of Physical Spaces in Manifestation
• 09:12 Intentional Choices and Self-Worth
• 20:42 Releasing the Past to Embrace the Future
• 24:55 The Power of Releasing and Decluttering
• 25:17 Personal Transformation Through Symbolic Objects
• 26:23 Choosing Objects That Reflect Your Desired Energy
• 28:05 Future Self vs. Higher Self
• 29:24 Coaching and Home Inventories
• 31:04 Repurposing and Reupholstery
• 32:31 Reading the Energy of Objects
• 36:02 Creating Intentional Spaces
• 38:20 The Importance of Lighting
• 43:19 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mystical Sisterhood Rising: https://www.maureenspielman.com/mysticalsisterhoodrising
• Mystical Sisterhood Resource Guide: https://www.maureenspielman.com/freebies
• One-on-One Coaching: Schedule a Discovery Call Here

About the Host:

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Holistic Life Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops.

Connect with Olga

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olga.naiman
• Instagram: