Finding Refuge

Michelle Cassandra Johnson

This podcast emerged from work based in the exploration of collective grief and liberation. It exists to remind us about all the ways we can find refuge during unsettling and uncertain times, and to remind us about the resilience and joy that comes from allowing ourselves to find refuge. Michelle C. Johnson, author, yoga teacher, healer, social worker, dismantling racism trainer, activist, and grief-worker, offers monthly interviews, engaging and amplifying the brilliance and wisdom of people who have found ways to honor their grief and stay centered amidst the turmoil in the world. It uplifts the brilliance and wisdom of people who are invested in creating conditions for liberation for the collective. We feature spiritual teachers, movement practitioners, activists and social change makers, and people who hold space in various ways for healing.

  1. 04/15/2024

    Rest to Create Change

    Yetta Myrick is the mother of a young adult son diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. She is the Founder and President of DC Autism Parents (DCAP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the District of Columbia.  Ms. Myrick has served as the CDC’s Act Early Ambassador to the District of Columbia since 2016, led the DC COVID-19 Response Team from 2020-2022, and is currently leading the DC Act Early Team. In 2022, she co-authored and self-published, "Mr. Marshall’s Block Party".  Ms. Myrick leads the DC Autism Collaborative’s Developmental Monitoring, Screening, and Evaluation Subgroup, co-leads the Family Advisory Group, Outreach and Education Subgroup, and the Community Resources and Support Subgroup.  She serves as the Parent Educator/Advocate on the ECHO Autism HUB Team at Children’s National Hospital. Ms. Myrick co-leads the “Family Voices United to End Racism Against CYSHCN and Families” Project and served as the Co-Investigator for the “Building Capacity in the African American ASD Community for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research” Project funded through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award.  In 2021, she was appointed to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee by Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, J.D.  Additionally, Ms. Myrick is a member of the DC Developmental Disabilities Council and was awarded the 2024 Advocate in Equity Award by the DC Developmental Disability Awareness Month Planning Committee.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from The Catholic University of America. In this special episode, we discuss: PracticeTaking care of yourself to know yourselfBenefits of restResting practicesYoga off the matSelf-studyBoth/AndPurposeSystems of marginalizationNormalizing disability Connect with Yetta on her nonprofit’s website and download the Rest to Create Change Toolkit.Podcast music by Charles Kurtz + Read transcript

    50 min
  2. 03/15/2024

    Moving with Medicine

    The enigmatic Mache Chache, is an Houngan Asogwe (Haitian Vodou High Priest), Shaman, and Conjurer, whose spiritual prowess and ancestral lineage have captivated the hearts and minds of seekers worldwide. With an innate connection to the ethereal realms, Mache has emerged as a guiding light in the realm of spirituality.  From a tender age, Mache’s extraordinary gifts were evident, drawing attention from those who recognized the depth of his spiritual insight. Embracing his destiny, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, honing his skills under the tutelage of esteemed mentors and teachers. Through years of dedicated study and practice, Mache Chache is rising to become a revered spiritual figure in this generation.  As the owner of Kindred Spirits, one of North Carolina's oldest & most esteemed spiritual and metaphysical establishments, Mache Chache offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace, guidance, and transformation. Through spiritual tools & services, including divinations/readings, consultations, and ritual work—they empower individuals to tap into their inner wisdom and navigate the intricate tapestry of life.  Mache Chache's path as a priest and spiritual guide has been one of profound significance, marked by moments of enlightenment, challenges, and incredible enrichment. Rooted in the rich traditions of occult mysticism, Southern Conjure, Indigenous Shamanism & Haitian Vodou, he has cultivated a deep reverence for the spirits and an unwavering belief in the interconnectedness of all beings.  His impact extends far beyond the confines of his personal spiritual practice. Through his teachings, mentorship, writings, and public speaking engagements, Mache Chache has become a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for countless individuals seeking purpose, healing, and spiritual awakening.  With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and integrity, he invites us to embark on a transformative journey, where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms blur, and the true essence of our being is revealed. Mache’s wisdom and guidance serve as a reminder of the boundless potential that resides within each of us. He stands as a testament to the power of connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative magic that lies within our grasp. In this special episode, we discuss: LiminalityBalancingAscensionBringing medicine backCompassionEmbodying our humanness Spiritual HygienePatterns of energyRitual cleaningThe power of awareness Connect with Mache on his website on Instagram @mache.chache77 Podcast music by Charles Kurtz + Read transcript

    57 min
  3. 02/01/2024

    Good Grief

    LaUra Schmidt is the founder of the Good Grief Network and the brain behind the “10-Steps to Resilience & Empowerment in a Chaotic Climate” program and the FLOW Facilitation Training modality. She is a lifelong student, curator, and practitioner of personal and collective resilience strategies. LaUra holds a BS in Environmental Studies, Biology, and Religious Studies and an MS is in Environmental Humanities. LaUra has earned certificates in “Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy” and “Climate Psychology.” LaUra’s new book on eco-distress, How to Live in a Chaotic Climate: 10 Steps to Reconnect with Ourselves, Our Communities, and Our Planet, is available through Shambhala Publications.  Aimee Lewis Reau is the cofounder of the Good Grief Network and the heart behind the “10-Steps to Resilience & Empowerment in a Chaotic Climate” program and the FLOW Facilitation Training. She was born and raised in Adrian, Michigan. Aimee is an edgy & reverent contemplative, healer and yoga/intuitive movement instructor. She also DJs under the name eXis10shAL.  Aimee received her Bachelor’s degree in English, Poetry, and Religion from Central Michigan University before obtaining her MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Georgia College & State University. Aimee's new book on eco-distress, How to Live in a Chaotic Climate: 10 Steps to Reconnect with Ourselves, Our Communities, and Our Planet, is available through Shambhala Publications. In this special episode, we discuss: Seeking beauty and gratitudeThe birth of Good Grief NetworkThe universality of griefEmbodimentPracticeUncertaintyLiminalityDeconstructionGrief as a portalDreams Connect with LaUra and Aimee on their website or on Instagram @goodgriefnetwork Order LaUra and Aimee’s book, How to Live in a Chaotic Climate: 10 Steps to Reconnect with Ourselves, Our Communities, and Our Planet Podcast music by Charles Kurtz + Read transcript

    57 min
  4. 01/15/2024

    Coming Back to Oneself

    Mara Branscombe is a mother, writer, yogi, artist, teacher, mindfulness leader, ceremonialist, and spiritual coach. She is passionate about weaving the art of mindfulness, self-care, creativity, mind–body practices, and earth-based rituals into her life and work, and she has been leading community ceremony since 2000. Mara runs international retreats, corporate leadership programs, and online coaching and personal development courses. Mara has taught yoga, meditation, and mindfulness for over 20 years. She is the published author of “Ritual As Remedy: Embodied Practices for Soul Care”, and “Sage, Huntress, Lover, Queen: Access Your Power and Creativity through Sacred Female Archetypes.”  An adventurous spirit, Mara has sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, trekked across the Himalayas, studied yoga in India, planted trees in Canada’s north, lived off the grid in a remote cabin in the woods, worked as a Waldorf (Steiner School) teacher, and then found her passion for dance and choreography where she co-founded the professional performance company “The Tomorrow Collective”. All the while yoga, meditation, mysticism, and ritual have been at the heart of Mara’s journey. Her trainings in the Incan Shaman lineage, Yogic studies, Pagan tradition, and Buddhist wisdom teachings have greatly inspired her life’s work of earth-based, ceremonial, intentional, and heart-centered living and loving. In this special episode, we discuss: NatureHonoring the darknessGriefWritingEmbodimentTurning towards shadowWitnessingSupport teamsDreamworkThe Sage Connect with Mara on her website or on Instagram @marabranscombe. Learn more and purchase Mara’s books, Ritual as Remedy and Sage, Huntress, Lover, Queen. Podcast music by Charles Kurtz + Read transcript

    45 min
5
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

This podcast emerged from work based in the exploration of collective grief and liberation. It exists to remind us about all the ways we can find refuge during unsettling and uncertain times, and to remind us about the resilience and joy that comes from allowing ourselves to find refuge. Michelle C. Johnson, author, yoga teacher, healer, social worker, dismantling racism trainer, activist, and grief-worker, offers monthly interviews, engaging and amplifying the brilliance and wisdom of people who have found ways to honor their grief and stay centered amidst the turmoil in the world. It uplifts the brilliance and wisdom of people who are invested in creating conditions for liberation for the collective. We feature spiritual teachers, movement practitioners, activists and social change makers, and people who hold space in various ways for healing.