How To Be Magical

Soul Things Botanica
  • 5.0 (20)
  • SPIRITUALITY

How To Be Magical is an East Coast-based podcast where host Nikki Buchanan of Soul Things Botanica sits down with priests, healers, and practitioners across the African Diaspora to unpack the realities of spiritual traditions—far beyond the aesthetics. Since 2020, we’ve recorded 40+ episodes with Lucumí priests, Isese initiates, Hoodoo rootworkers, Espiritistas, Reiki masters, astrologers, and tarot readers. No fluff, no dogma—just raw conversations ✨ Let's Connect 🔮 IG: @howtobemagicalpodcast X: @howtobemagical For show notes and exclusive content, head over to soulthings.substack.com

  1. 05/29/2025

    The Spiritual Art of Tea with Tea of Grandma Baby Apothecary

    In this captivating episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with Tea, the visionary behind Grandma Baby Apothecary and creator of the Black Gold Lenormand and 52 Blues Oracle decks. Tea shares her journey into Hoodoo, revealing how ancestral connections and spiritual reliance shape her creative work. The discussion delves into the heart of Hoodoo, dispelling misconceptions and emphasizing its role as a practice of listening, community, and spiritual rebirth. Tea reflects on the importance of family stories, archival research, and honoring the grandmothers who guide us. She also explores the inspiration behind her divination decks, highlighting their role as bridges to the past and tools for self-discovery. Listeners are treated to insights on decolonizing spirituality, the power of Black storytelling, and the profound impact of Tea’s art. Connect with TeaTea’s Safe Relocation Gofundme 🚨 IG: grandmababyapothecarySubstack: grandmababyapothecary.substack.com Grandma Baby Apothecarygrandmababyapothecary.com

    48 min

  2. 05/22/2025

    Bad Dominicana Decoded: How Zahira Cabrera Rewrites the Rules

    In this compelling episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan welcomes Zahira Cabrera—activist, artist, and the voice behind Bad Dominicana—for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about survival, feminism, and reclaiming identity. Zahira shares her deeply personal journey, from enduring emotional abuse and racism in her marriage to becoming a global advocate for Black Latinx women. She recounts how her viral hashtag, #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou, shed light on the insidious nature of non-physical abuse, resonating with countless women and even leading to a TED Talk in Mexico. The episode delves into the flaws of mainstream feminism, critiquing its elitism, performative sex positivity, and failure to protect marginalized women, especially young girls facing coercion and exploitation. Zahira challenges respectability politics, emphasizing that anger is justified and necessary when fighting systemic oppression. She also reflects on the complexities of motherhood, describing how raising her autistic daughter deepened her activism and exposed the harsh realities Black mothers face, from societal disdain to institutional neglect. Art and cultural identity weave through the conversation as Zahira discusses her evocative watercolor paintings, which capture the essence of Caribbean life while honoring faceless, diasporic figures. She reveals how her creative roots trace back to her mother, a seamstress whose unrealized dreams in fashion mirror the erasure of Black and Latinx talent. The episode closes with Zahira’s vision for the future—her return to fashion and her unapologetic commitment to uplifting Black and Afro-Latina voices. Blending humor, vulnerability, and sharp critique, this episode is a rallying cry for self-liberation, artistic expression, and the transformative power of speaking one’s truth. Support Zahira’s Art & Activism Shop: shopzahirakelly.comIG: @Bad_Dominicana2.0 Twitter: @Bad Dominicana Patreon: Bad_Dominicana Download ‘The Alt Domi Mixtape’Soundcloud

    1h 7m

  3. 05/15/2025

    The Art of Remembering ft. Rish De Terra

    In this profound episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with Rish De Terra, a cultural memory keeper, curator of The Annual Hoodoo Conference, and creator of Nine Minds Radio. The conversation delves into the importance of reclaiming ancestral roots, the role of community in spiritual practice, and the power of remembering as an act of resistance. Rish shares her journey of spiritual awakening, from leaving the Nation of Islam to discovering Hoodoo and confronting cultural commodification by outsiders. She recounts pivotal moments, such as her transformative encounter with Mama Jean Taiwo and her viral Conjure Culture Demystified series, which sparked a movement to reclaim Hoodoo from exploitation. The discussion explores themes like: Cultural Memory Keeping: Honoring ancestors without the need for external validation. Community as Protection: The resurgence of communal living and mutual support in spiritual practice. Neurodivergence and Ancestral Gifts: Reframing "mental illness" as ancestral communication and the importance of grounding practices. The Hoodoo Renaissance: How digital spaces like The Witches Brew fostered a decolonial resurgence in Black spirituality. Rish also teases her upcoming docuseries, Conjure, which will spotlight Hoodoo’s elemental roots (Earth, Fire, Air, Water) and feature elders’ wisdom. The episode closes with a playful word-association game and a call to support Rish’s work. A must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to ancestral traditions and the magic of authenticity. Connect with Rish:IG @NineMindsRadioIG @freestyle_since_1984LarishaStone@gmail.com

    1h 11m

  4. 05/08/2025

    Spirit Work Beyond The Binary ft. Gerard Miller of Altared Roots

    In this deeply enriching episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with Gerard Miller—hoodoo practitioner, herbalist, doula, and textile artist—for a conversation that bridges ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and the liberatory power of queer spirituality. Gerard, a Baltimore-born, Seattle-based rootworker, shares their journey of returning to Chesapeake Bay conjure traditions after exploring Vodou, Ifá, and other diasporic paths. "We got spirits at home," their ancestors told them—a reminder that healing lies in the land, plants, and practices of their own lineage. From foraging Pacific Northwest herbs like devil’s club and salmonberry to adapting Igbo and Yoruba cosmologies, Gerard reveals how Black Southern hoodoo thrives through reinvention. The discussion unfolds like a communal kitchen table chat, blending practical magic with profound insights: Herbalism as Survival: Tips on garlic’s medicinal power (let it sit 10 minutes after chopping!), okra water for childbirth, and why white sage isn’t universal. Queer Ancestral Liberation: Stories of gender-fluid orishas like Logunedé and Igbo traditions of "female husbands," challenging colonial binaries. Craft as Resistance: The resurgence of Black quilting, broom-making, and basket-weaving as spiritual acts. Nature as Nervous System Care: Why forest bathing isn’t a trend—it’s how humans are meant to live. Gerard also critiques the hypocrisy of "conservative" values in spiritual spaces ("Why take morality lessons from a system that enslaved us?") and offers resources like Working the Roots by Michele E. Lee for those reclaiming herbalism. This episode is a call to remember: Spirit work has always existed beyond binaries, and liberation grows where we tend it—whether in the soil, the stitches of a quilt, or the stories we refuse to let die. To support the podcast, consider subscribing to The Boneyard on Substack for as little as $8 a month! For in-depth articles and commentary on afro-disasporic traditions, additional resources, and show notes: soulthings.substack.com --- Follow Gerard Miller & Altared Rootswww.altaredroots.comAltared Roots BookshopIG: @altared.rootsFB: Altared Roots

    1h 17m

  5. 05/01/2025

    From Taft to the Astral Plane: Gio's Unconventional Wisdom

    In this captivating episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with her lifelong friend and unconventional thinker, Giovanni Luna, for a deep dive into spirituality, dreams, and the unseen connections that shape our lives. Titled "From Taft to The Astral Plane: Gio's Unconventional Wisdom," the conversation explores Gio's unique journey—from his formative years training at Harlem’s legendary Karate Institute under Dr. Hyman to his profound experiences with lucid dreaming, ancestral visits, and the spiritual energy of New York City’s parks. Gio shares personal stories of out-of-body experiences, synchronicities with loved ones across dreams and reality, and the importance of honoring family traditions and intuition. The two also reflect on how their shared roots in Caribbean culture influence their spiritual practices, the significance of dreams as messages, and the power of creative expression as a form of liberation. With laughter, nostalgia, and raw honesty, Nikki and Gio remind us that magic is everywhere—whether in the streets of East Harlem, the mangroves of Puerto Rico, or the depths of our subconscious. Tune in for a conversation that blurs the lines between the physical and the mystical, and discover how to embrace your own "unconventional wisdom." "Dream, On!" dream journals are available for purchase at soulthingsbotanica.com

    1h 11m

  6. 04/24/2025

    The Abundance Mindset: Lessons from Mel of Luminary Wings

    In this enlightening episode of How To Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with Mel of Luminary Wings to explore the power of an abundance mindset, spiritual healing, and the transformative journey of self-discovery. Mel shares her personal story of overcoming trauma, embracing Reiki, and building a community rooted in love and light. From debunking misconceptions about group rituals to discussing the magic of spiritual tools like tarot and crystals, this conversation is a heartfelt guide to living authentically and manifesting abundance. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Mel’s near-death experience led her to transform through love and create Luminary Wings. The truth about group healing rituals and why individualism thrives in shared energy spaces. The profound impact of Reiki—beyond relaxation—and how it unlocks hidden gifts. Mel’s unexpected talent for spirit baby predictions and the divine messages behind them. Honest reflections on parental relationships, forgiveness, and breaking generational cycles. A fun detour into urban lit, drama, and the joy of fictional chaos (because balance is magic too!). Whether you’re new to spirituality or deepening your practice, Mel’s wisdom on authenticity, courage, and creating your own magic will leave you inspired. Tune in and learn how to embrace your light—and maybe even predict a celebrity baby or two along the way. 🔗 show notes: soulthings.substack.com  Follow Mel: @luminary_wings (Twitter & TikTok) @luminarywings (BlueSky)  h2hhealingboutique.com  Follow Nikki: @iamdecd (Twitter) @soulthingsbk (IG & TikTok)  soulthingsbotanica.com  Follow HTBM: @howtobemagical (Twitter) @howtobemagicalpodcast (IG & TikTok)

    1h 33m

  7. 04/17/2025

    Glam, Goddesses & Y2K: The Cinematic World of Ace Blackwood

    In this electrifying episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with the visionary Ace Blackwood of Hip Hop and Hoodoo for a conversation that blends spirituality, pop culture, and unapologetic Black femme magic. From the nostalgic allure of Y2K aesthetics to the rebellious power of mythology’s unruly women, Ace shares their journey as a filmmaker, illustrator, and conjure woman reclaiming ancestral traditions with a fierce, glamorous twist. Highlights: Hoodoo as Reawakening: Ace discusses their unique path into Hoodoo—despite growing up in a Christian household—and how ancestral whispers guided them to reconnect with practices buried in their family’s history.Mean Girls Meet Mysticism: Dive into Ace’s viral Hoodoo Swim Series, where Bratz dolls and Regina George archetypes collide with Afro-spirituality, challenging stereotypes and celebrating Black femme fierceness.Feminism & Folklore: Why mythology’s wild women—from Anansi to Cersei—are blueprints for defiance, and how pop culture (like American Horror Story: Coven) mirrors the sacredness of sisterhood and power.The Glamdemic: A critique of "clean girl" minimalism and the beigeification of culture, advocating for maximalism, beauty rituals as devotion, and the radical act of loving your own magic.Perfume as Power: Ace’s love for fragrance as spiritual technology, tying ancient rituals to modern glamour, and why smelling divine is a revolutionary act. 🔗 Show notes: soulthings.substack.com Follow Ace: @HouseofBLKWD (Twitter) @hiphopandhoodoo (IG) @aceblackwood (TikTok) Follow Nikki: @iamdecd (Twitter) @soulthingsbk (IG) @soulthingsbk (TikTok) | soulthingsbotanica.com Follow HTBM: @howtobemagical (Twitter) @howtobemagicalpodcast (IG) @howtobemagicalpodcast (TikTok)

    1h 26m

  8. 04/10/2025

    Romance, Wrestling & Rituals ft. Iya Ajewole Osundara

    Host Nikki Buchanan (Soul Things Botanica) sits down with priestess and spiritual practitioner Iya Ajewole Osundara for a lively discussion blending spirituality, pop culture, and real talk. Spiritual Paths: Iya’s journey from candle magic to becoming an Iyanifa, and the realities of Orisha practice. Community Wisdom: Misconceptions about initiation, vetting elders, and why discernment matters more than ever. Ancestral Work: Simple steps to begin (or deepen) your practice, plus why spiritual baths are non-negotiable. Beyond the Altar: Iya’s love for romance novels, wrestling drama, and anime—and how hobbies keep her grounded. Social Media Spirituality: The dangers of "instant guru" culture and honoring the "long game" of tradition. Funny, unfiltered, and full of gems—perfect for seekers and seasoned practitioners alike. 🔗 Show notes: soulthings.substack.comFollow Iya: @BrujaBanton (IG/Twitter/Bluesky) | iyalodescorner.comFollow Nikki: @SoulThingsBK | soulthingsbotanica.com

    1h 33m
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

How To Be Magical is an East Coast-based podcast where host Nikki Buchanan of Soul Things Botanica sits down with priests, healers, and practitioners across the African Diaspora to unpack the realities of spiritual traditions—far beyond the aesthetics. Since 2020, we’ve recorded 40+ episodes with Lucumí priests, Isese initiates, Hoodoo rootworkers, Espiritistas, Reiki masters, astrologers, and tarot readers. No fluff, no dogma—just raw conversations ✨ Let's Connect 🔮 IG: @howtobemagicalpodcast X: @howtobemagical For show notes and exclusive content, head over to soulthings.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Soul Things Botanica
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Soul Things Botanica
  • Show Website
    How To Be Magical