The Reluctant(ish) Medium

Maria T Elara, PhD
  • 4.9 (85)
  • Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

What happens when a psychotherapist starts talking to dead people? Dr. Maria Elara (formerly Rothenburger), PhD is a psychotherapist, psychic medium, and skeptic-ish person who has learned that science and spirit don’t have to live in separate rooms. The Reluctant(ish) Medium explores mediumship, intuition, spirit babies, grief, healing, consciousness, and the strange, beautiful experiences that don’t always fit neatly into what we think we know. Expect grounded conversations about decidedly ungrounded things, thoughtful curiosity, humor, and the occasional existential rabbit hole. You don’t have to believe everything. Maria certainly didn’t. Come curious. Stay open. See what happens.

  1. Feb 19

    Finding Peace Amidst Chaos: A Journey into Sufism with Salima Adelstein

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, hosted by Dr. Maria Rothenburger. This time, spiritual healer Salima Adelstein joins us to share essential wisdom and techniques from Sufism that provide a much-needed balm for our weary souls. In a world full of literal and metaphorical storms, Salima discusses her transformative journey from special education to discovering alternative healing and the essence of Sufism—including 'dying before you die' and the practice of remembrance. From hearing the inner voice of the Divine to understanding life’s deeper purposes, this episode is packed with soul-soothing insights. And yes, there's even a bit of Care Bear magic mentioned! Tune in to learn how to find inner peace and love, even in the midst of life’s chaos. Check the show notes for Salima's free 'Five Cs of Inner Truth' video series! The Five C’s of Inner Truth Receive 5 free short Sufi wisdom videos re: Consciousness, Connection, Clarity, Cultivation, Commitment—to help you tune into your heart’s deeper guidance on a daily basis. (It’s FREE!)   https://sufi.net/5C Stay connected with Maria: Website: www.drmariaelara.com Instagram: @drmaria.spiritbaby Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thereluctantmedium A little housekeeping: The conversations shared on The Reluctant Medium(ish) are for educational, spiritual, and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or other professional support. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who enjoys exploring the space where science and soul meet.

    Finding Peace Amidst Chaos: A Journey into Sufism with Salima Adelstein

  2. Jan 22

    Getting Hit by a Bus Was Just the Beginning: Liane Lambert's Path to Enlightenment

    Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger as she chats with Liane Marie Lambert about her transformative journey from being hit by a double-decker bus to attaining 5D consciousness. Liane shares her insights on karma, dharma, and the importance of self-awareness in transcending low vibrational energies. Learn practical tips for breaking patterns, embracing your inner work, and preparing for ascension. Packed with wisdom and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to elevate their spiritual journey! CONNECT WITH LIANE www.lianemarielambert.com [BOOK] Karma to Dharma: A New Age Guide to Becoming Superhuman Stay connected with Maria: Website: www.drmariaelara.com Instagram: @drmaria.spiritbaby Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thereluctantmedium A little housekeeping: The conversations shared on The Reluctant Medium(ish) are for educational, spiritual, and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or other professional support. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who enjoys exploring the space where science and soul meet.

    Getting Hit by a Bus Was Just the Beginning: Liane Lambert's Path to Enlightenment

  3. 12/31/2025

    2025 Reflections: Mediumship, Love, and Expansion

    In the final episode of 2025, Dr. Maria dives deep into the connections between us and the other side. The episode features powerful stories from the community about spirit baby communication and the significance of love, grief, and expansion in our spiritual journeys. Dr. Maria also shares personal reflections on growth and mediumship experiences, offering listeners valuable insights into how to foster gentle, compassionate connections with themselves and others as they move into 2026.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:21 Reflecting on 2025: Personal and Work Growth 02:55 Connecting with the Other Side 03:54 Spirit Baby Communication and Mediumship 08:37 Themes of Connection and Trust 14:29 Stories of Spirit Baby Connections 30:24 Messages from the Other Side 36:36 Embracing Self-Compassion and High Vibration 42:05 Conclusion and Moving into 2026 Stay connected with Maria: Website: www.drmariaelara.com Instagram: @drmaria.spiritbaby Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thereluctantmedium A little housekeeping: The conversations shared on The Reluctant Medium(ish) are for educational, spiritual, and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or other professional support. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who enjoys exploring the space where science and soul meet.

    2025 Reflections: Mediumship, Love, and Expansion

  4. 12/12/2025

    [Audio Corrected] Bagel Scoops, SpongeBob, and Other Mediumship Madness with Barbara Banner

    In this hilarious and upbeat episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, Dr. Maria sits down with the talented and witty Barbra Banner. Barbra shares her incredible journey from a high-powered marketing executive to an evidential psychic trance medium. Laugh along as they discuss shocking client revelations, whimsical spirit interactions, and the profound impact of mediumship. Plus, Barbra recounts her own surprising experiences, including a spirit revealing his wife’s pandemic binge show! Get ready to be amazed, and don’t miss Barbra’s special exercise to help you connect with signs from the other side. Tune in for an episode full of joy, hope, and possibly a few you-can’t-make-this-up moments. Stay connected with Maria: Website: www.drmariaelara.com Instagram: @drmaria.spiritbaby Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thereluctantmedium A little housekeeping: The conversations shared on The Reluctant Medium(ish) are for educational, spiritual, and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or other professional support. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who enjoys exploring the space where science and soul meet.

    [Audio Corrected] Bagel Scoops, SpongeBob, and Other Mediumship Madness with Barbara Banner

  5. 12/04/2025

    [Audio Corrected] TikTok Made Me Do It: Soul Contracts with Jared Carter

    In this fascinating episode, we delve into the concept of soul contracts with Jared Carter. Jared explains how he discovered soul contracts through his work with crystals and aura photography, and how this ancient system can reveal your life’s purpose and challenges. Using a unique blend of numerology and Jewish mysticism, Jared offers insights into how our birth names vibrationally influence our lives. From personal anecdotes to in-depth explanations, Jared shares how understanding these contracts can offer profound realizations and guidance. And let’s not forget chats about puppies and some crystal talk for you fellow crystal nerds out there! 👉🏻 https://www.minsharaminerals.com/ 👉🏻 Facebook 👉🏻 Instagram Stay connected with Maria: Website: www.drmariaelara.com Instagram: @drmaria.spiritbaby Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thereluctantmedium A little housekeeping: The conversations shared on The Reluctant Medium(ish) are for educational, spiritual, and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or other professional support. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who enjoys exploring the space where science and soul meet.

    [Audio Corrected] TikTok Made Me Do It: Soul Contracts with Jared Carter

  6. 11/27/2025

    A Real Life Angel Among Us: Rachel Corpus and her Quantum Shenanigans

    Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger in this totally fascinating episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast as she interviews Rachel Corpus, an angel incarnate and cosmic multitasker extraordinaire. Rachel spills the celestial beans on her near-death experience at age four and her life mission as an angel on Earth—complete with interstellar run-ins and multiverse mishaps. Discover her tips for diving into the quantum realm, why playing is a spiritual must, and how to navigate your inner TV channels. This episode is packed with laughs, enlightening moments, and a sprinkle of cosmic humor. Don't miss it! Stay connected with Maria: Website: www.drmariaelara.com Instagram: @drmaria.spiritbaby Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thereluctantmedium A little housekeeping: The conversations shared on The Reluctant Medium(ish) are for educational, spiritual, and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or other professional support. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who enjoys exploring the space where science and soul meet.

    A Real Life Angel Among Us: Rachel Corpus and her Quantum Shenanigans

  7. 10/30/2025

    What Really Happens When We Die? with Julie Ryan

    Join Dr. Maria Rothenburger on The Reluctant Medium Podcast as she welcomes Julie Ryan, a businesswoman turned medium, medical intuitive, and inventor. Julie shares insights from her book 'Angelic Attendants', detailing the 12 phases of transition that every spirit goes through during the process of dying. Discover eye-opening stories, scientific perspectives, and comforting information about what really happens when we die. Learn how everyone can tap into their intuitive abilities and gain comfort from understanding that no one ever dies alone.   CONNECT WITH JULIE www.askjulieryan.com Julie's Books Instagram Facebook YouTube Stay connected with Maria: Website: www.drmariaelara.com Instagram: @drmaria.spiritbaby Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thereluctantmedium A little housekeeping: The conversations shared on The Reluctant Medium(ish) are for educational, spiritual, and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or other professional support. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who enjoys exploring the space where science and soul meet.

    What Really Happens When We Die? with Julie Ryan

  8. 10/16/2025

    Intuition and Imagination: The Art of Channeling with Stephanie Banks

    Join host Dr. Maria Rothenburger in another enlightening episode of the Reluctant Medium Podcast, where she speaks with Stephanie Banks, an intuitive channeler. They discuss Stephanie's diverse professional background, her experiences with her mother's dementia, and how those experiences led her to discover the power of channeling. Stephanie shares her philosophical insights on channeling, energetic hygiene, and how everyone inherently possesses the ability to channel. They also delve into the differences between mediumship and channeling, the importance of trusting one's body signals, and how to communicate with nonverbal loved ones. This episode is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and practical advice for anyone interested in enhancing their spiritual connection and intuitive abilities. Stay connected with Maria: Website: www.drmariaelara.com Instagram: @drmaria.spiritbaby Join the community on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thereluctantmedium A little housekeeping: The conversations shared on The Reluctant Medium(ish) are for educational, spiritual, and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or other professional support. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who enjoys exploring the space where science and soul meet.

    Intuition and Imagination: The Art of Channeling with Stephanie Banks
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4.9
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

What happens when a psychotherapist starts talking to dead people? Dr. Maria Elara (formerly Rothenburger), PhD is a psychotherapist, psychic medium, and skeptic-ish person who has learned that science and spirit don’t have to live in separate rooms. The Reluctant(ish) Medium explores mediumship, intuition, spirit babies, grief, healing, consciousness, and the strange, beautiful experiences that don’t always fit neatly into what we think we know. Expect grounded conversations about decidedly ungrounded things, thoughtful curiosity, humor, and the occasional existential rabbit hole. You don’t have to believe everything. Maria certainly didn’t. Come curious. Stay open. See what happens.

Information

  • Creator
    Maria T Elara, PhD
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Maria T. Elara, PhD
  • Show Website
    The Reluctant(ish) Medium

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