Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein

Traci Stein

Welcome to the Unpacking Possibility podcast – I’m your host, Dr. Traci Stein. I’m a psychologist, hypnotherapist, and I’m a core faculty member at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University in the heart of great city of New York. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how our minds work, understanding how our intuition speaks to us, and learning about what combination of these things helps people to make important steps and lead meaningful lives. I’m fascinated with how we can use our inner knowing to guide us to live a life that’s in line who we truly are. In this podcast, I’ll share with you everything I’ve learned, and give you the keys to unlock YOUR potential to live YOUR most rewarding life. I’ll sit down with people from all walks of life who’ve experienced profound personal transformation in some way – each with the common thread of realizing with great clarity, openness and receptivity, that it was time to live their purpose. We’ll listen in as each person tells their story of “aha moments,” and how they ultimately wound up taking action, overcoming challenges, and pursuing their passions. In each episode of Unpacking Possibility, we’ll unpack what it really takes to manifest positive change. It’s my calling to inspire you to discover your authentic self, learn to trust your inner wisdom, and live a life that has meaning for you!

  1. Jun 9

    Ep. 158 - Breaking the Trance: How to Snap Out of Autopilot and Rescript Your Life

    Running on Autopilot? The Good, the Bad & How to Snap Out of that Trance Ever feel like you're on autopilot — reacting the same old way, falling back into habits you thought you'd outgrown, or getting way more amped up than a situation deserves? That's your trance at work. In this episode, we dig into the science and psychology of everyday trance states — the unconscious "movies" playing behind the scenes of your mind that shape how you feel, think, and act. Whether it's a relationship dynamic with your mom, stress-eating pretzels after a bad day, or that gym teacher's comment from second grade that's still quietly running the show — your inner script is more powerful than you realize. You'll learn: What everyday trances actually are (and why they're not woo-woo)How good trances work for you — and how to build them intentionallyWhy we regress under stress, and the "nested boxes" of context that pile on without you noticingHow to use imagery, journaling, body-based tools, and the right kind of questions to rewrite your autopilotWhy "don't do X" fails your subconscious — and what to say insteadThe power of asking the right questions to prompt the answers you need Mentioned in this episode: O Magazine: “How to Stop Biting Your Nails Once and For All” https://www.oprah.com/style/how-to-stop-biting-nails-once-and-for-all For more on Traci Stein, her audio programs and more: https://www.drtracistein.com/

    38 min
  2. Jun 2

    Ep. 157 - Self-Care for Empaths, Intuitives & Highly Sensitive People

    Are you an empath? Intuitive? Have people described you as highly sensitive (HSP)—and you’ve wondered why you seem to absorb other people’s emotions (or even physical symptoms)? In this episode of Unpacking Possibility, psychologist Traci Stein breaks down what it really means to be an empath and an intuitive empath, how empathy differs from sympathy, and why high-empathy people can feel grounded one moment…and totally depleted the next. This episode is for you if you’ve ever left a conversation feeling overly “full,” anxious, or exhausted. And you’ll know it’s for you if  people tell you, “I feel so much better after talking to you,” but you feel like you need to detox or take a nap afterward. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Signs you may be an empath or intuitive empath  - Why empathy can feel like both a gift and overwhelming without the right self-care - A simple, powerful question to help you reset: “Is this mine—or someone else’s?” - How empath overload can show up as fatigue, anxiety, irritability, resentment, or physical symptoms - Grounding practices that help: boundaries, movement, guided imagery/meditation, and time in nature - Why even 10 minutes outside, done consistently, can make a difference Mentioned in this episode: Developing Everyday Intuition Course https://www.drtracistein.com/developing-everyday-intuition-course Use promo code ENERGY5OFF for $5 off. Meditations for Letting Go of Unhealthy Relationships: https://tracistein.com/products/mp3-releasing-unhealthy-patterns-situations-emotional-cords-formerly-letting-go-of-unhealthy-relationships Study: Time Spent in Nature Leads to Significant Physical and Mental Health Benefits…https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11851813/

    42 min
  3. May 26

    Ep. 156 - Energy Healing for Pancreatic Cancer? MD Anderson Groundbreaking Study

    What if “energy healing” could be tested—and measured—in a world-class cancer research setting? In this episode of Unpacking Possibility, host Traci Stein unpacks a groundbreaking MD Anderson Cancer Center preclinical study investigating biofield therapy (energy healing) and its reported effects on pancreatic cancer in lab and animal models—including slower growth and spread. Traci shares the findings of this study and discusses them in the broader context of research on biofield therapies (including Reiki, Healing Touch, and Therapeutic Touch). She also shares a personal story about doing Reiki in an operating room for a patient who was undergoing heart surgery and how what she witnessed deepened her perspective on subtle energy.  You’ll also learn a simple, at-home exercise you can try to begin sensing your own energy field (as well as a friend’s). In this episode you’ll learn more about: - What the MD Anderson studies found - Why pancreatic cancer research needs new possibilities   - Early research showing energy healing could make seeds germinate faster, surgical wounds heal better, and more - A brief look at the Bengston Healing Method and “image cycling”   - A simple exercise you can try tonight to explore energy-field sensing   Note: This episode is educational and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team about diagnosis and treatment. To learn more about Traci’s self-paced, online course, “Developing Everyday Intuition,” visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/developing-everyday-intuition-course To receive $5 off the price of Traci’s course, “Developing Everyday Intuition,” apply code ENERGY5OFF before checkout. “The Everything Guide to Integrative Pain Management,” by Traci Stein, PhD, MPH: https://a.co/d/0fji41kQ To read the MD Anderson paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cam4.71726

    33 min
  4. May 19

    Ep. 155 - Rev. Joseph Shiel: Evidential Mediumship, Spirit Portraits & Proof of the Afterlife

    In this fascinating episode of Unpacking Possibility, Dr. Traci Stein sits down with Rev. Joseph Shiel—internationally renowned evidential medium, spirit portrait artist, and spiritual teacher, featured in Netflix’s documentary “Surviving Death.” Widely regarded as one of the best living evidential mediums and spirit artists, Joe shares the surprising path that took him from childhood spirit drawings to becoming a trusted voice in modern mediumship.This is a powerful conversation about evidence, integrity, and the continuity of life—and how connection doesn’t end when someone we love passes.  In This Episode, You’ll Discover:- How Joe first recognized his gifts as a child  - The pivotal seminary library moment when a stranger identified Joe’s “doodle” as a portrait of his deceased uncle  - What sets evidential mediumship apart from general psychic readings- Joe’s extraordinary experience with spirit portrait art, including drawing up to 27 family members in a single sitting  - What Joe believes happens to “bad” people after they pass—and why he doesn’t believe in hell  - The uncanny sign Joe’s father sent the night he passed- Whether pets come through in readings (spoiler: they do)  - How everyday people can recognize signs and feel the presence of loved ones in spirit   For more on Rev. Joe Shiel, his classes, readings and events, visit:https://www.josephshiel.com/ View the Netflix documentary, “Surviving Death,” Episode 4 (featuring Joe Shiel): https://www.netflix.com/watch/81088180?trackId=284616272 For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

    1h 9m
  5. May 12

    Ep. 154 - Psychic Detective Pam Coronado (Encore)

    In 1996, Pam Coronado had a dream so vivid and disturbing that she couldn't ignore it. She reported what she saw to police — and it helped solve a murder. That single moment transformed a suburban mother of three into one of the most sought-after psychic detectives in the country, eventually landing her on the TV series “Sensing Murder” and in the middle of cases involving serial killers, missing persons, and families desperate for answers. In this episode of Unpacking Possibility, Dr. Traci Stein sits down with Pam to hear how that fateful night unfolded and what came after. Since that first case, Pam has used her intuitive abilities to work alongside law enforcement agencies across the country — helping locate missing persons, assisting in high-profile investigations like the Beltway Murders, and bringing long-awaited answers to grieving families. An accomplished Remote Viewer and educator, Pam also discusses her passion for teaching others to develop their own intuitive gifts, the connection between intuition and life purpose, and how her work supporting families of the missing keeps her grounded in service. In this conversation, you'll hear about:  • How one vivid dream changed Pam's life forever  • What it's like to work alongside law enforcement as a psychic  • Remote Viewing — what it is and how anyone can learn it  • Practical ways to strengthen your own intuition • Pam's mission to support families of missing persons Whether you're curious about psychic phenomena, interested in developing your own intuition, or fascinated by true crime, this episode will challenge your assumptions about the boundaries of human perception. Learn more about Pam, psychic readings, her upcoming courses and more: https://pamcoronado.com/  Follow Traci Stein on Instagram @DrTraciStein and visit DrTraciStein.com for more episodes, guided meditations, and resources.

    1 hr
  6. Apr 28

    Ep. 152 - Grief Relief from the Beyond

    Grief and loss are universal, and among the most challenging life experiences to navigate. Loss leaves us wondering if our friends and family are okay. But what if one of the most powerful tools for moving through grief is hearing from loved ones on the other side?  In this deeply personal episode of Unpacking Possibility, host Traci Stein once again explores the phenomenon of mediumship. She describes early research illustrating just how common after death communications are and how healing they can be. Traci also opens up about a story she's never shared publicly: a 40-year-old wound that was unexpectedly healed during a recent session with a medium who knew nothing about her. The remainder of the episode is an encore of Traci’s interview with Scott Allan, the “Boston Medium” and author of In the Presence of Light: A Funeral Director's Journey from Mourning to Mediumship. Together, Tracy and Scott explore: What evidential mediumship is and how it differs from psychic workWhy grief can block communication from our loved ones — and what to do about itThe unforgettable "fender bender boat" and secret service agent readingsWhy mediums work for the spirits, not for the sittersHow a reading once stopped someone from ending their lifeThe surprising overlap between the funeral profession and mediumshipHow to receive signs from loved ones — and why you can't dictate the form they takeWhether you're a skeptic, simply curious, or someone carrying unresolved grief, this episode offers a perspective on loss, love, and consciousness that might change the way you see what comes next.  Scott's book: In the Presence of Light Find Scott at: mediumscottallan.com For more on Traci Stein: https://www.drtracistein.com/To sign up for Traci’s newsletter: https://www.drtracistein.com/let-s-stay-in-touchSpecial thanks to medium Gisele Terry for her profoundly healing reading.Have a question for an upcoming guest, Reverend Joe Shiel? Leave Traci a comment on social media. On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtracistein/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTStein*Please note: this episode contains an anecdote that references suicide.

    1h 23m
4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Unpacking Possibility podcast – I’m your host, Dr. Traci Stein. I’m a psychologist, hypnotherapist, and I’m a core faculty member at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University in the heart of great city of New York. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how our minds work, understanding how our intuition speaks to us, and learning about what combination of these things helps people to make important steps and lead meaningful lives. I’m fascinated with how we can use our inner knowing to guide us to live a life that’s in line who we truly are. In this podcast, I’ll share with you everything I’ve learned, and give you the keys to unlock YOUR potential to live YOUR most rewarding life. I’ll sit down with people from all walks of life who’ve experienced profound personal transformation in some way – each with the common thread of realizing with great clarity, openness and receptivity, that it was time to live their purpose. We’ll listen in as each person tells their story of “aha moments,” and how they ultimately wound up taking action, overcoming challenges, and pursuing their passions. In each episode of Unpacking Possibility, we’ll unpack what it really takes to manifest positive change. It’s my calling to inspire you to discover your authentic self, learn to trust your inner wisdom, and live a life that has meaning for you!

You Might Also Like