The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist

With Chelsea VonChaz
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a storytelling podcast rooted in the sacred traditions of Black Southern spirituality. Hosted by Chelsea VonChaz—doula, philanthropist, and Southern-born truth-teller—this series blends testimony, conjure, ancestral wisdom, and church girl grit. "This podcast is a living, spoken reflection of my spiritual path — an inheritance of Hoodoo passed down from my great-grandmothers who worked the roots in silence. These recordings reflect my practice, which lives at the intersection of healing, storytelling, and honoring those who came before me. This isn’t instruction. It’s remembrance. It’s testimony. This is my practice." www.chelseavonchaz.com

  1. 6h ago

    Different Altars, Same Gods: A Conjured Convo with Juju Bae

    Same Gods, Different Altars. A conversation with Juju Bae What if the sacred was never as far away from our ancestors as we were taught to believe? In this episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with spiritual educator and storyteller Juju Bae to explore Black spiritual inheritance, ancestral reconnection, and the relationships between Christianity and Hoodoo. Through the lens of this episode, we talk about the traditions our ancestors carried, the spiritual knowledge we inherited or were separated from, and what it means to find our way toward these practices with curiosity, discernment, and respect. In an age when ancestral spirituality is increasingly discussed online, how do we distinguish meaningful learning from fleeting trends? How do we honor the communities and lineages that have preserved these traditions? And what might we discover when we approach our spiritual inheritance with humility rather than fear? This conversation invites us to sit with the questions, challenge the assumptions, and remember that our relationship with the sacred is shaped by histories far older than the stories we were told. Listen to The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist through Menärchē on Substack, and watch the conversation on YouTube. Takeaways Emphasis on ancestral wisdomImportance of community connections Support women in filmAuthenticity in spiritual practices Cultural appropriation in hoodooAncestral connections and teachings Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hoodoo and Spirituality02:17 The Impact of A Little Juju Podcast04:40 Exploring New Generations of Hoodoo06:14 Storytelling as a Cultural Practice07:22 The Nature of Controversy in Spiritual Practices10:48 The Journey to Creating A Little Juju Podcast17:46 Introducing Same Gods: A New Docuseries25:06 Fundraising and Future Aspirations28:22 Empowering Women in Film29:14 The Role of Platforms in Representation31:07 Exploring Black Spirituality37:22 Navigating Cultural Appropriation38:12 Teaching Hoodoo: Who is it For?42:05 The Ethics of Spiritual Practices51:00 Cultural Gatekeeping in Hoodoo52:34 Ancestral Wisdom and Lineage54:49 The Role of White Practitioners58:29 The Importance of Intent in Practice01:01:30 The Gift of Sight and Spiritual Inheritance

  2. Oct 17

    Community Building w/ the Churchy Mystic Jade T. Perry

    This conversation explores the intersection of spirituality, community, and personal identity through the lens of hoodoo practices and the experiences of Jade T. Perry and Chelsea VonChaz. They discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities and the significance of ancestral wisdom in shaping their identities as churchy mystics. They also conversation get into the deep-rooted connections between personal identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage, particularly within the African American community. Exploring the complexities of deconstructing religious beliefs while honoring ancestral traditions and the importance of curiosity in personal growth. They also tap into the intersection of nonprofit work, spirituality, and community service, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in these sectors, particularly regarding boundaries, compensation, and the importance of community support. Both speakers share personal experiences and insights on navigating their roles as activists and spiritual guides while maintaining their well-being. Hear more about the evolving landscape of Hoodoo spirituality, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, particularly Black queer and disabled individuals. The ending highlights the potential for new Hoodoo societies and spiritual homes to emerge, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Takeaways Emphasis on community buildingImportance of ancestral wisdom Cultural heritage shapes identityCuriosity aids in spiritual exploration Navigating nonprofit complexitiesImportance of community support Hoodoo spirituality is evolvingInclusivity is vital for community Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with Ancestral Roots05:30 The Birth of the Chicago Hoodoo Society10:09 Community Engagement and Activities16:10 Understanding Churchy Mysticism24:18 Honoring Ancestral Legacies27:31 Cultural Roots and Spiritual Heritage30:11 Navigating Fear in Spiritual Exploration33:21 The Journey of Deconstruction37:13 Honoring Fear and Embracing Curiosity39:01 Ancestral Connections and Genealogy43:26 Community and Shared Experiences46:53 Bravery in Spiritual Exploration50:02 Navigating Nonprofit Complexities54:01 The Importance of Community Support01:00:06 Redefining Service and Boundaries01:09:55 Spiritual Education and Accessibility01:14:50 Exploring Spiritual Work and Community Engagement01:17:18 The Future of Hoodoo Spaces01:21:25 The Role of Black Women in Hoodoo01:25:31 The Intersection of Disability and Spirituality01:30:27 Optimism for Future Generations

  3. Oct 1

    Hide to Seek w/ The Hungry Medium

    A special guest returns! Kat Niambi aka The Hungry Medium returns to do a light catch up. In this conversation Ms. Kat and I explore personal growth, the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of oral traditions in the context of family and spirituality. We also discuss the impact of astrology on our lives, the significance of human connection, and the need for grace in understanding the imperfections of elders. Chapters 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions03:02 Reflections on Summer and Fall06:05 Navigating Life's Ups and Downs08:54 Caregiving and Family Dynamics12:02 The Importance of Oral Traditions14:59 Spirituality and Online Presence18:07 The Dangers of Blanket Advice20:59 Personal Guidance and Individual Paths23:59 Connecting Through Pets and Personal Stories We didn't get a chance to discuss our love for Erykah Badu's new album with The Alchemist, "Before the World Blows." This conversation is definitely aligned contextually with that album. I highly recommend listening to it after watching or listening to our conversation.

  4. Apr 6

    Reading the Cards, Listening to Spirit: A Practitioner's Work of Knowing

    In this episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with Tatianna Tarot, diviner, intuitive tarot therapist, and Iyalorisa priestess, for a grounded and expansive conversation on what it really means to trust your intuition. The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, spiritual empowerment, and the significance of divination tools in reclaiming intuition. It also explores the impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection and the importance of ancestral veneration and rites of passage. Takeaways: Ancestral wisdom and spiritual empowermentReclaiming intuition through divination toolsThe impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection Discernment in spiritual educationThe power of abundance mindset and inner workThe impact of Afrofuturism on personal and collective growth Chapters: 00:00 Honoring Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Empowerment11:04 The Impact of Colonialism on Spiritual Disconnection46:22 The Transformational Power of Abundance Mindset and Inner Work53:40 Reparations and Afrofuturism

  5. Mar 10

    Ethics in Hoodoo w/ Brooke "Bee" Sanders

    This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a grounding conversation about ethics, discernment, and the responsibility that comes with spiritual work. I’m joined by Brooke “Bee” Sanders, founder of Amethyst Corner, a spiritual community rooted in ancestral connection, real healing, and practical tools for those walking their path with intention. The conversation delves into the importance of ancestral wisdom and ethical practice within the context of hoodoo and spiritual work. It explores the significance of honoring ancestral traditions and the need for ethical discernment in spiritual practices. We also get into the importance of community and sisterhood in spiritual practices, emphasizing the role of support, accountability, and cultural awakening. Further exploring the significance of ancestral wisdom, the power of tradition, and the non-performative nature of spiritual practices. Additionally, this episode highlights the magic of sisterhood, the importance of nurturing Black maternal health, and the value of intentional rest and self-care. Takeaways Importance of ancestral wisdomEthical practice and discernment Community is key in spiritual practicesSisterhood and support are essential in the spiritual journey Chapters 00:00 The Practice of Hoodoo and Ethical Discernment51:31 Embracing Sisterhood and Womb Magic

  6. Feb 27

    Remembering & Returning to Earth Medicine w/ Charlotte James

    This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is about that kind of remembering. I’m joined by Charlotte Duerr James—educator, therapeutic coach, and initiated Medicine Woman—for a conversation that moves slowly, intentionally, and with reverence.  The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom, the use of psychedelics and earth medicines, early psychedelic experiences, Charlotte's personal psychedelic journey, and the ceremonial use of plant medicine. We go into the intersection of ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and collective healing, highlighting the impact of colonial influence, societal stigma, and the importance of internal work and intention. Charlotte also emphasizes the need for more trained facilitators in the field of decolonized healing practices. Takeaways Ancestral wisdom and root work are central to the conversationPsychedelics and earth medicines play a significant role in personal and collective healing Ancestral wisdom and plant medicine offer a path to healing and ancestral reclamation.Colonial influence has led to societal stigma and misinformation about healing practices.Internal work and intention are key to the journey of healing and decolonization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ancestral Wisdom10:07 Early Psychedelic Experiences20:25 Charlotte's Psychedelic Journey32:22 Ceremonial Use of Plant Medicine38:54 Ancestral Wisdom and Plant Medicine55:39 Colonial Influence and Healing01:05:38 Internal Work and Intention01:11:06 Closing Remarks

  7. Feb 20

    Embody Your Magic: The Power Within You w/ Aycee Brown

    The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom and spiritual practices, highlighting the integration of these elements into personal journeys. It also addresses the challenges of navigating spiritual communities and the process of healing, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-trust. Aycee Brown is a psychic medium, astrologer, and spiritual guide known for telling folks what they need to hear — not just what they want to hear. With over 15 years of experience blending astrology, Human Design, mediumship, and trauma-informed healing, she helps people strip away conditioning, reclaim intuition, and live from deep self-trust instead of spiritual performance. She hosts the podcast Is My Aura On Straight? and is the author of the forthcoming Embody Your Magic (HarperOne, Feb 2026), a guide to embodying your power and truth. We also get into the struggle of embracing independence and freedom, as well as the power of truth and healing. Lastly, our conversation explores the challenges faced in navigating personal freedom and the impact of emotional maturity on individual growth and healing. Takeaways Ancestral WisdomIntegration of Spiritual Practices Embracing independence and freedomThe power of truth and healing Chapters 00:00 Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Journey26:45 Navigating Spiritual Communities and Healing37:23 The Struggle of Independence and Freedom

  8. Feb 13

    Black Women Taught Us: Abolition, Love, and the Politics of Survival

    The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, black feminism, and the intimate history of black feminism. It explores personal experiences, intellectual connections, and the impact of ancestral teachings on identity and community. The discussion also touches on the significance of grief and emotional/spiritual practices in the context of social movement work and abolitionism. The conversation delves into the spiritual and emotional connection to activism, emphasizing the role of spirituality and ancestral connection in the work. It also explores the influence of radical socialization and community roots on activism, highlighting the importance of community and genealogy in movement work. Additionally, it addresses the intersection of academia and activism, the importance of citational ethics, and the need for movement leadership to be rooted in the genealogy of Black Panther women. The conversation also discusses the problem of radical individualism and performative activism, emphasizing the need for community-based and strategic activism. The conversation delves into the legacy of the Black Panther Party, the evolution of movements, intersectionality, misinformation, the poverty cycle, teaching Black history, plagiarism, marginalization of Black women's voices, normalization of harm, telling the truth to ourselves, wisdom from Black women's histories, and upcoming books and projects. Takeaways Ancestral wisdom and teachingsBlack feminism and political theoryIntimate history of black feminism Spirituality and emotional connection to the workThe importance of community and genealogy in movement work Intersectional activismChallenging social norms Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction06:21 Fluidity and Identity11:27 Black Women as Teachers and Architects17:34 Title of the Book and Intimate History22:40 Grief and Emotional/Spiritual Practice36:08 Academia and Activism46:23 Citational Ethics and Movement Leadership53:36 Radical Individualism and Performative Activism58:37 Misinformation and Disinformation01:05:23 Normalization of Harm01:14:21 Wisdom from Black Women's Histories01:20:01 Upcoming Books and Projects

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a storytelling podcast rooted in the sacred traditions of Black Southern spirituality. Hosted by Chelsea VonChaz—doula, philanthropist, and Southern-born truth-teller—this series blends testimony, conjure, ancestral wisdom, and church girl grit. "This podcast is a living, spoken reflection of my spiritual path — an inheritance of Hoodoo passed down from my great-grandmothers who worked the roots in silence. These recordings reflect my practice, which lives at the intersection of healing, storytelling, and honoring those who came before me. This isn’t instruction. It’s remembrance. It’s testimony. This is my practice." www.chelseavonchaz.com

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