LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine Talking Stick Podcast

LightSong School
  • 4.7 (61)
  • Spirituality
  • Updated Biweekly

The LightSong podcast discusses current issues of shamanism and energy medicine. Stay tuned weekly!

  1. 8h ago

    S2 E29 - Unconditional Love: A Shamanic Path Beyond Judgment

    LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine Talking Stick Podcast Unconditional Love: A Shamanic Path Beyond Judgment What does unconditional love really mean? Is it something humans can truly experience, or is it an ideal we continually grow toward? In this thoughtful episode of the Talking Stick Podcast, Jan Engels-Smith and Micah Schwader explore unconditional love through the lens of shamanism, spirituality, and everyday life. Together they examine why the human mind naturally creates judgments and conditions, while the spirit world embodies an entirely different state of awareness—one of acceptance, allowing, and profound connection. Their conversation moves beyond philosophy into practical ways of cultivating greater peace and presence. They discuss the healing power of nature, journeying, meditation, breathwork, and reconnecting with the rhythms of the Earth. Jan shares the remarkable story of spending more than a year sleeping outdoors after receiving guidance from Spirit, and how that experience transformed her relationship with nature, rhythm, and consciousness. Micah reflects on the lessons of his own vision quest, discovering how asking for grace brought life's greatest challenges—and deepest transformation. Together they explore: What unconditional love really means in shamanic practice Why the ego struggles with acceptance and comparison How nature offers one of our clearest experiences of unconditional presence The spiritual practice of journeying beyond judgment Why intention matters—and why we should be careful what we ask for The difference between love, kindness, acceptance, and allowing Simple practices that help us reconnect with ourselves, Spirit, and the natural world Whether you're new to shamanism or simply seeking greater peace in a complex world, this conversation offers a compassionate invitation to move from judgment toward presence, from separation toward connection, and from striving toward simply being. About Jan Engels-Smith Jan Engels-Smith is an internationally respected shamanic teacher, author, and healer with more than four decades of experience helping people reconnect with Spirit, nature, and their inner wisdom. She is the founder of Lightsong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine, where she taught Core Shamanism, spiritual healing, and personal transformation. Jan is the author of Through the Rabbit Hole: Explore and Experience the Shamanic Journey and Energy Medicine and Becoming Yourself: The Journey from Head to Heart. Learn more about Jan, her books, classes, and events: https://www.lightsong.net About Micah Schwader Micah Schwader is a transformational writing coach, developmental editor, publisher, life guide, and shamanic practitioner with more than 30 years of experience helping authors, thought leaders, and changemakers discover and express their authentic voice. Drawing on his experience as a writing coach, he now helps people looking to make changes in their lives reconnect with their inner guidance system through the practice and power of writing. Micah is the author of Stumbling Into Grace: The Adventures of a Transgender Shaman, a memoir chronicling his journey through identity, spirituality, and profound personal transformation. Through his coaching, writing, and The Art of Discernment Method™, he helps people use writing as a path to clarity, self-trust, and meaningful change. Learn more about Micah's writing, coaching, retreats, and resources: https://www.shamansezz.com

  2. Jul 9

    S2 E28 - Raise Your Vibration: How Your Thoughts, Words, and Beliefs Shape Your Health and Life

    LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine Talking Stick Podcast Raise Your Vibration: How Your Thoughts, Words, and Beliefs Shape Your Health and Life Can your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence your physical health? In this thought-provoking episode, Jan Engels-Smith and Micah Schwader explore the relationship between consciousness, energy, and well-being through the lens of shamanism, personal experience, and everyday life. They examine how the frequencies we embody—through our thoughts, emotions, words, and beliefs—may affect not only our emotional state but also our physical health, relationships, and the experiences we attract. The conversation begins with a simple story: a friend experiencing high blood pressure after suppressing difficult conversations at work. What initially appeared to be stress caused by someone else revealed a deeper truth—the body's response wasn't to the external situation, but to the internal resistance of avoiding it. From there, Jan and Micah discuss the shamanic perspective that illness often begins as an energetic imbalance long before it manifests physically. Rather than viewing symptoms as isolated problems, they invite listeners to see the body as a messenger, constantly communicating where healing, honesty, or change may be needed. In this episode, you'll discover: How your body reflects emotional and energetic patterns The difference between repression and genuine acceptance Why words carry energetic power that shapes how we feel How childhood labels and beliefs continue influencing adult life The connection between vibration, manifestation, and daily experiences Practical ways to raise your personal frequency through gratitude, awareness, and intentional thinking Why your response to life's challenges matters more than the challenges themselves How changing your beliefs can begin changing your reality Stories of healing, resilience, and unexpected transformation through mindset shifts Simple daily practices that can help cultivate greater joy, peace, and well-being Micah shares personal stories about recognizing when his own body signaled misalignment, including becoming physically ill before attending a class that conflicted with his deeper values. He also reflects on remarkable experiences of "parking karma," effortless travel, and unexpected synchronicities that emerged when approaching life with optimism and positive expectation. Jan introduces practical exercises for maintaining a higher vibration, including creating a daily list of high-frequency words, keeping a gratitude journal, and paying close attention to the beliefs that quietly govern our lives. Together they emphasize a recurring theme throughout the podcast: beliefs are choices, and changing those choices begins by becoming aware of them. The episode also explores inspiring stories of people who faced serious illness by changing their outlook on life—including an author who lived nine years with Stage 4 lung cancer after transforming her relationships, priorities, environment, and inner world, as well as discussions of the work of physicians who integrate mindset and healing into their approach to medicine. Whether you view these ideas through a spiritual, psychological, or personal growth lens, this conversation offers practical insights into becoming more conscious of the energy you bring into every interaction—and how small shifts in awareness may create profound changes over time. Ultimately, Jan and Micah leave listeners with a simple but powerful reminder: If you want your life to change, begin by changing your vibration. About Jan Engels-Smith Jan Engels-Smith is a shamanic practitioner, teacher, and founder of the LightSong School of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine. For more than three decades, she has trained practitioners around the world in shamanic healing, energy medicine, and spiritual development. Her teachings emphasize personal empowerment, direct spiritual experience, and practical tools for living with greater awareness and vitality. About Micah Schwader Micah Schwader is a transformational writing coach, editor, publisher, shamanic life coach, and author of Stumbling Into Grace. Through storytelling, coaching, and spiritual practice, he helps people reconnect with their authentic voice, navigate life's transitions, and transform personal experiences into wisdom. He is the founder of Inspired Life Publications and lives in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, where nature continually informs his work. Visit ShamanSezz.com for Micah's shamanic work.

  3. Jul 1

    S2 E27 -Inner Authority: Learning to Trust Yourself in an Uncertain World

    LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine Talking Stick Podcast Inner Authority: Learning to Trust Yourself in an Uncertain World Who—or what—is guiding your life? In a world filled with competing opinions, social pressure, uncertainty, misinformation, and constant demands for your attention, it has never been more important to reconnect with your inner authority. In this deeply personal episode, Jan Engels-Smith and Micah Schwader explore the profound difference between living from external authority—allowing others, institutions, fear, or culture to dictate your choices—and living from the quiet confidence of your inner knowing. Micah shares intimate stories from his own life, including how losing trust in his intuition as a child eventually led to decades of searching for truth, identity, and belonging. He reflects on how his transgender journey became one of reclaiming his inner authority after years of listening to everyone else's expectations instead of his own soul. Jan expands the conversation by examining how many cultures teach us to seek validation and permission from outside ourselves—whether through religion, institutions, experts, or societal expectations. She offers a different perspective: true inner authority doesn't need to be loud, defensive, or prove itself. It is calm, grounded, and quietly certain. Together they explore: The difference between inner authority and outer authority Why many people lose trust in themselves early in life How fear, conditioning, and past experiences disconnect us from intuition The relationship between trust, courage, and personal transformation Why trusting yourself is a choice that grows through practice Learning to recognize physical and emotional signs of alignment The role of discernment when receiving advice from teachers, experts, or spiritual practitioners Powerful stories of healing through Lakota ceremonies and direct spiritual experience Why life's greatest setbacks often become unexpected turning points How uncertainty, artificial intelligence, political division, and social change are increasing the need for inner guidance Practical ways to strengthen self-awareness and rebuild trust in your own decisions Throughout the conversation, Jan and Micah return to a simple but transformative idea: trust is not something we wait to feel—it is something we choose to cultivate. As that trust grows, fear begins to lose its grip, decisions become clearer, and life becomes less about reacting to circumstances and more about responding from a place of grounded wisdom. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, questioning long-held beliefs, or simply trying to find clarity in an increasingly noisy world, this episode offers a compassionate invitation to reconnect with the one voice that has always been with you—your own. About Jan Engels-Smith Jan Engels-Smith is a shamanic practitioner, teacher, and founder of the LightSong School of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine. For more than three decades, she has trained practitioners around the world in shamanic healing, energy medicine, and spiritual development. Jan's teachings emphasize personal empowerment, direct spiritual experience, and helping people rediscover the wisdom that already lives within them. About Micah Schwader Micah Schwader is a transformational writing coach, editor, publisher, shamanic life coach, and author of Stumbling Into Grace: The Adventures of a Transgender Shaman. Through storytelling, coaching, and spiritual practice, he helps people reconnect with their inner guidance system, navigate life's major transitions, and transform personal experiences into sources of wisdom and healing. Micah is the founder of Inspired Life Publications and lives in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, where nature and spirituality continually shape his work. For more information, visit ShamanSezz.com.

  4. Jun 23

    S2 E26 - Discernment in a Noisy World: Wisdom, AI, Empathy, and Inner Knowing

    LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine Talking Stick Podcast Discernment in a Noisy World: Wisdom, AI, Empathy, and Inner Knowing How do we know what's true in a world overflowing with information, opinions, technology, and constant noise? In this timely and thought-provoking episode, Jan Engels-Smith and Micah Schwader explore the art of discernment—the ability to recognize what aligns with your deepest truth, what serves your growth, and what deserves your attention. The conversation begins with Micah's experience teaching Storytelling in the Age of AI and his growing realization that while technology can provide information and intelligence, it cannot replace human wisdom, intuition, lived experience, or heart-centered knowing. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, the need for discernment becomes increasingly important. Jan brings the discussion into the world of shamanism, where discernment is essential for interpreting spiritual experiences, receiving guidance, and sharing healing stories. She explains how practitioners learn to set aside personal bias, avoid projection, and communicate spiritual messages in ways that empower rather than frighten. Together, Jan and Micah explore: What discernment really means beyond dictionary definitions The difference between knowledge, intelligence, wisdom, and inner knowing Why feelings and intuition are essential forms of guidance How discernment plays a role in shamanic healing and spiritual practice The importance of telling healing stories rather than fear-based stories Lessons from dismemberment journeys and spiritual transformation The relationship between discernment, empathy, compassion, and boundaries How empaths can avoid taking on other people's emotions The role of AI as a tool—and why human wisdom remains irreplaceable Learning to trust your own inner authority in a rapidly changing world Through personal stories, spiritual teachings, and practical examples, this episode offers listeners a powerful reminder that while information is abundant, wisdom still requires presence, experience, reflection, and heart. Whether you're navigating spiritual growth, developing your intuition, exploring new technologies, or simply trying to make sense of a complex world, this conversation will help you strengthen one of the most important skills of our time: discernment. About Jan Engels-Smith Jan Engels-Smith is a shamanic practitioner, teacher, and founder of the LightSong School of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine. For decades, Jan has trained practitioners around the world in shamanic healing, spiritual development, and energy medicine. Her work helps people cultivate direct relationships with spirit, strengthen intuition, and access their own inner wisdom for healing and transformation. About Micah Schwader Micah Schwader is a transformational writing coach, editor, publisher, shamanic life coach, and author of Stumbling Into Grace: The Adventures of a Transgender Shaman. Through his work with writers, seekers, and changemakers, Micah helps people uncover their authentic stories, navigate life's transitions, and connect with deeper sources of wisdom and meaning. He is the founder of Inspired Life Publications and ShamanSezz.com and lives in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, where nature, spirituality, and storytelling continually intersect.

  5. Jun 17

    S2 E25 Spiritual but Not Religious: Reclaiming Your Direct Connection to Spirit

    What does it really mean to be spiritual but not religious? In this thought-provoking episode, Jan Engels-Smith and Micah Schwader explore the growing movement of people who identify as spiritual while stepping away from organized religion. Together, they examine the difference between religion, spirituality, and direct communication with the spirit world, sharing personal stories, shamanic perspectives, and powerful experiences that challenge conventional beliefs. Jan discusses the shamanic understanding that everything in existence—from rocks and rivers to animals and trees—carries intelligence and spirit. She shares stories of communicating with the unseen world, working with spiritual allies, and the profound lessons that emerge when we open ourselves to guidance beyond the physical senses. Micah reflects on his lifelong questioning of religious dogma and his search for a more direct relationship with the divine. He shares moving stories about spirit animals, ancient stones, childhood experiences with organized religion, and the journey that led him toward a spirituality rooted in personal experience rather than prescribed belief. Together, they explore: The rise of people identifying as "spiritual but not religious" Why direct spiritual experience matters The shamanic belief that all things possess intelligence and spirit Power animals, spirit allies, and sacred relationships with the unseen world Personal stories of elephants, snakes, rocks, and synchronicity The difference between dogma and direct connection Why respect, compassion, and interconnectedness are central spiritual values The Lakota concept of Mitákuye Oyás'iŋ ("All My Relations") How spirituality can deepen our relationship with nature, ourselves, and each other This conversation invites listeners to reconsider where spiritual wisdom comes from and to explore the possibility that guidance, connection, and meaning may be far more accessible than we've been taught. About Jan Engels-Smith Jan Engels-Smith is a shamanic practitioner, teacher, and founder of the LightSong School of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine. With decades of experience training practitioners around the world, Jan is the author of numerous books on shamanism, spiritual healing, and personal transformation. Her work focuses on helping people develop direct relationships with spirit, access their innate intuitive abilities, and live with greater purpose, balance, and connection. About Micah Schwader Micah Schwader is a transformational writing coach, editor, publisher, shamanic life coach, and author of Stumbling Into Grace: The Adventures of a Transgender Shaman. Through his work with writers, seekers, and changemakers, Micah helps people uncover their authentic stories, navigate life's transitions, and connect with deeper sources of wisdom and meaning. He is the founder of Inspired Life Publications and ShamanSezz.com and lives in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, where nature, spirituality, and storytelling continually intersect.

  6. Jun 1

    S2 E24: Death, the Great Mystery: A Shamanic Perspective on What Happens After We Die

    LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine Talking Stick Podcast Death, the Great Mystery: A Shamanic Perspective on What Happens After We Die Death is one of life's greatest mysteries—and one of its most universal experiences. In this profound and deeply personal conversation, Micah Schwader and Jan Engels-Smith explore death through the lens of shamanism, spirituality, personal experience, and the wisdom gained from working with those who have crossed over. Together, they discuss the shamanic view that death is not an ending but a transformation—a process of shapeshifting from one form of existence into another. Jan shares teachings about the soul's journey after death, the role of belief systems in shaping our transition, and why many indigenous traditions placed such importance on preparing for a "good death." Micah reflects on near-death experiences, encounters with discarnate spirits through compassionate spirit release work, and the profound lessons learned from the deaths of both parents. The conversation explores life reviews, soul journeys, the concept of the Inner Akasha, unexpected deaths, spirit communication, and the healing that can occur when we release our fear of the unknown. Along the way, Jan recounts remarkable stories of assisting souls during their transition, witnessing life reviews, and discovering that the spirit world appears far more compassionate and accepting than many religious traditions suggest. The discussion challenges conventional ideas of heaven, hell, judgment, and reincarnation, inviting listeners into a broader exploration of consciousness, purpose, and the soul's eternal nature. Both hosts share deeply personal stories — including Jan's experience guiding her own father's soul through a life review, and Micah's encounter with past-life memories on the sacred Scottish island of Iona — that point to the same truth: death is far more expansive, compassionate, and mysterious than most of us are taught to believe. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, curious about what lies beyond this life, or seeking a more expansive understanding of death itself, this episode offers comfort, insight, and a reminder that mystery need not be feared. Sometimes it can be embraced with wonder. The conversation covers: ·      The shamanic understanding of death as transformation rather than ending ·      How belief systems may influence the death experience ·      Unexpected deaths versus conscious transitions ·      Why souls sometimes get "stuck" after death — especially in sudden or unexpected deaths — and the compassionate shamanic practice of psychopomp work (spirit release) that helps them move on ·      The role of discarnate spirits and how they can affect the living ·      Personal near-death experiences and what they revealed about fear, the unknown, and the nature of consciousness ·      The concept of the inner Akasha — your soul's internal record of all lifetimes and existences ·      The ancient, instinctive wisdom that can arise in the moment of death ·      Finding peace with life's greatest mystery Memorable Quote "I don't think death is what we're making it out to be. It's not this horrible thing. The fear comes from not knowing—the mystery is the most fearful part of death." — Micah Schwader Audience Takeaway What if death is not an ending, but a transition? This episode invites listeners to examine their beliefs, release fear-based narratives, and consider the possibility that consciousness continues beyond the physical body. Through stories, teachings, and personal experiences, Micah and Jan offer a compassionate exploration of one of humanity's oldest questions: What happens when we die?

  7. May 22

    S2 E23 AI, Imagination, and the Quantum Field: Creating with Clarity in a Changing World

    LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Healing Talking Stick Podcast AI, Imagination, and the Quantum Field: Creating with Clarity in a Changing World In this thought-provoking episode of the LightSong Talking Stick Podcast, Jan Engels-Smith and Micah Schwader explore the surprising relationship between artificial intelligence, manifestation, imagination, fear, and the quantum field. What begins as a conversation about AI quickly becomes a deeper reflection on what it means to be human. Micah shares how AI, when used consciously, can support creativity by handling linear, left-brain tasks while freeing more space for imagination, intuition, and authentic expression. Jan expands the conversation into the quantum realm, exploring how intention, focus, belief, and vibration shape the realities we experience. Together, Jan and Micah discuss the parallels between prompting AI and working with the universe: clarity matters, intention matters, and what we put into the field influences what comes back. They also explore fear, resistance, root chakra survival patterns, worry as negative imagination, and the power of bringing hidden beliefs into awareness. This episode invites listeners to become more conscious creators—whether engaging with technology, spiritual practice, creativity, relationships, or personal transformation. Rather than resisting what is emerging, Jan and Micah encourage curiosity, discernment, and alignment with higher-frequency possibilities. Websites: LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine: https://www.lightsong.net Micah Schwader / Shaman Sezz: https://shamansezz.com

  8. May 14

    S2E22 Rewriting Reality Through Belief, Love & Self-Discovery

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:d6bab587-0f3e-44f7-bb2e-85e0319367b9-1" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:d6bab587-0f3e-44f7-bb2e-85e0319367b9-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Rewriting Reality Through Belief, Love & Self-Discovery In this deeply insightful and heart-centered episode of Manifesting Miracles, Jan explores the profound relationship between belief systems, manifestation, emotional healing, and spiritual transformation. Through personal stories, community questions, and powerful teachings, this gathering dives into how our thoughts, perceptions, and inner narratives shape the realities we experience. The conversation opens with a beautiful guided invocation focused on breath, alignment, intuition, and connecting with benevolent spiritual allies. From there, the discussion unfolds into powerful teachings on self-worth, manifestation, healing relationships, and transforming old patterns into opportunities for growth. Topics Explored in This Episode The power of breathwork to move from stress into coherence and intuition Aligning with the "divine mind" and right-brain awareness Calling in spiritual allies, guides, healers, and protectors Reiki, healing journeys, and miraculous transformation stories How difficult experiences can propel us toward greater healing Healthy ways to release anger, frustration, and emotional buildup The energetic impact of labeling others and holding fixed opinions How perception influences behavior and relationship dynamics "All behavior is a call to love" Transforming conflict through compassion and shifted perception Manifestation through thought, intention, and energetic awareness Releasing victim consciousness and reclaiming personal responsibility How belief systems shape physical and emotional realities Journaling, self-inquiry, and uncovering hidden subconscious beliefs Reprogramming negative self-talk through "I Am" statements Turning "work" into opportunity and joyful spiritual practice Learning to consciously pre-create positive outcomes Support, listening, validation, and the healing power of presence Spiritual immersion, journey work, and connecting with spirit realms Angelic Shamanism, journeying, and evolving spiritual teachings Claiming yourself daily in a world filled with negativity Moving from self-criticism into self-love and empowerment Memorable Themes & Teachings "If you want things different in your life, then you've got to change." "Our opinion holds people captive to behavior." "The spirits say that all behavior is a call to love." "Daily, you should be claiming yourself. This is who I am." "We are bombarded with negativity — you must answer your own call to love." "Spirits want you to be successful." This episode is filled with practical spiritual insight, compassionate guidance, and empowering reminders that transformation begins within. Through awareness, intention, and conscious self-examination, we can shift our inner world — and in doing so, transform the reality we experience around us.

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The LightSong podcast discusses current issues of shamanism and energy medicine. Stay tuned weekly!

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