Circle of Life Podcast with Ellen Travassaros

A Life Production by Ellen Travassaros

Medicinal conversations on life, healing, and the human spirit. thecircleoflife.substack.com

  1. Ep. 24 - Ellen Travassaros

    Mar 31

    Ep. 24 - Ellen Travassaros

    If you are someone who is really dialled into the collective field, and can feel the threads of fear, contraction, and the unknown moving through - this episode is for you. In times like this, now and in the future - how I choose to respond has more weight than I often realise. Sometimes I want to collapse, other times I am fierce and I rise. Both are correct and make sense. Both need just as much heart and presence. AND - I know who I want to be amongst the revolution. I know what is required of me to stay conscious, clear, and connected. And that’s exactly what I’m offering you in this episode. You can expect my unique flavours of depth, vulnerability, and truth, as I bring the words, ways, and medicine I am personally dosing myself with at this time. I share 6 practice I am personally tapping into to remain connected, centred, and clear — physically, emotionally, spiritually, and energetically as a woman who values clarity. Clarity is the cornerstone of the work I facilitate. I sense you’ll gain loads from this episode if you find yourself oscillating between feeling clear and connected, and overwhelmed, anxious or dissonant. Lots of magic in here. Do enjoy. Ellen x Additional Supportive Solo Podcast Episodes To Tune Into Next; Ep. 14 - Discernment on The Healing Path Ep. 13 - Acknowledging & Navigating The Heavy Ep. 12 - 5 Powerful Convictions For Living Open (No Matter What) ------------------ If you’re ready to develop and deepen into the world of Somatic Mastery — Deep Roots Collective is my group mastermind that does 3 specific things for women who see the future (especially); Orients and contains her in her body/truth Strengthens (and empowers) her channel, clair senses, and deep intuitive knowing Facilitates the deepening and development of her somatic intelligence, range, and capacity as woman. This is the place where we have the big conversations that wouldn’t make sense anywhere else. We steward the channeled visions that strangers on the internet are not entitled to (yet). We breathe aliveness and alignment into every core aspect of your life. We’re big hearted, real humans who value the flesh and bones way of living, leading, and listening. Depth is our language. Email us at hello@ellentravassaros.com to learn more and to apply. Connect with Ellen & Her Work: Instagram : @circleoflifewithellenRetreats & Live Events : DM Ellen on Instagram to learn more. 1:1 Somatic & Facilitation Development Programs : Book A Call Here. Your Host: Ellen Travassaros Breathwork + Somatic Healing Practitioner, Retreat Leader, and Trusted Mentor for Facilitators + Extra-ordinary Women. Ellen has been leading and facilitating within the healing and personal development arts for over a decade. During this time she has been both self and formally initiated into the modalities of integrative somatic trauma therapy, integration, and SPIRITUS Breathwork. Ellen is a humanitarian at heart, and her life’s work is devoted to thawing out bodies, telling stories, connecting women to impeccable resources, and supporting practitioners to develop their facilitation skills (and their impact). Ellen has been facilitating impeccable spaces since 2014, and has supported thousands of women to heal, integrate, and reunite with their bodies, breath, and spiritual essence. “I believe that apathy is one of the greatest threats to humanity. So it’s up to each of us to do the kind of work that makes it possible to stay connected and unwavering within our felt experience, especially in the face of great loss, suffering, and injustice.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecircleoflife.substack.com

    40 min
  2. Ep. 23 - Tiarnie Vidler

    Feb 1

    Ep. 23 - Tiarnie Vidler

    ‘Knowing the Astrology is like preparing for the weather.' You might pack a jumper if you know it’s going to be cold outside.. Whether you understand Astrology or not, this episode will help you attune to what’s happening this year (2026), and prepare in whatever way feels most available and aligned for you. I'm so honoured to bring you my personal Astrology goddess, Tiarnie Vidler. Tiarnie has been supporting me on the wings for just over a year, and I’m so excited for you to experience her bold and brilliant flavour of Astrology. My intention for this episode is to bring you the flavours, insights, dates, and energetics for 2026 - so you can ground, anchor, and prepare for what’s lighting up the stars this year. Tiarnie and I discuss what’s especially huge this year (ahem, Feb & March are big months!) and exactly what you can be doing now to reflect on, prepare for, and support yourself as we steamroll into the year of the Fire Horse. We chat about discernment when engaging with Astrology, especially online and with the rise of AI generated Astrology content. We deepen into personal power and autonomy and how to integrate and anchor into Astrology, without bypassing Self. And so much more. Connect with Tiarnie & Her Work:Instagram : @tiarnietalksTiarnie Talks Astrology Podcast : Tune In Here Upcoming Retreat : DM Tiarnie on Instagram to learn more. Website : TiarnieFree Astrology Natal Chart Lesson w/Tiarnie : Get It Here. Your Host: Ellen TravassarosBreathwork + Somatic Healing Practitioner, and Trusted Mentor for Facilitators + Extra-ordinary Women. Email hello@ellentravassaros.com to learn more and/or to book a 30-minute call to explore how working together can develop, deepen, and drastically support you as a woman, practitioner, mentor, and mother. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecircleoflife.substack.com

    1h 15m
  3. Ep. 22 - Mason Taylor

    Jan 5

    Ep. 22 - Mason Taylor

    In this episode I sit down with Mason Taylor, the founder of Superfeast. From humble beginnings in his mum’s garage, SuperFeast has grown into Australia’s leading supplier of Dì Dào (地道) tonic herbs and mushrooms. I’ve had Superfeast products in my arsenal for years - namely, I Am Gaia, The Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, Shen), Masons Mushrooms, and Reishi. These mushies + tonics have played a life-altering and vital role in supporting my physical, emotional, mental, hormonal, energetic, and spiritual healing, foundation, and health. And I know I’m not alone. I was speaking with a dear friend on our not-so-regular Friday walk before this episode, and she told me that Jing (a Superfeast blend that supports fatigue (Mason dives deeper into in this episode)) has been deeply supportive for her in postpartum. She said she feels it's power right away. These mushies + herbs aren’t just supplements. They are sourced and crafted impeccably, and work on the deepest levels of the human psyche. They have the ability support a human in ways you don’t often hear spoken about. Until now. Mason is a true devotee and master when it comes to this world of medicinal mushrooms and herbal tonics - and he matches my passion when it comes to the true healing capacity of the human body and cultivating strong foundations with health, spirit, and vitality. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to sit down with the man himself and bring you a profound and powerful conversation that I know will inspire and empower you in new ways. In this episode you’ll hear Mason’s origin story, how Superfeast came to be, and learn more about these incredible mushrooms + tonics and their application. I hope you find as much medicine in the words and stories shared as I do. With all my heart,Ellen ** p.s. A unique discount code for all Circle of Life Podcast listeners is linked below for your future Superfeast purchases.** Your Guest: Mason Taylor Founder/CEO of Superfeast. In 2011, Mason Taylor’s passion for health and his desire to access the world's best supplements, herbs and medicinal mushrooms led to the creation of SuperFeast. From humble beginnings in his mum’s garage, SuperFeast has grown into Australia’s leading supplier of Dì Dào (地道) tonic herbs and mushrooms.Mason founded the business in the family home in suburban Gladesville, Sydney. In those days, the dream to become a mushroom and tonic herb company was so huge that it seemed impossible. Drawing inspiration from the herbalists that Mason adored, alongside his experience with longevity-enhancing supplements, SuperFeast began offering a range of obscure health products. “There can be absolutely no compromise on quality when it comes to sourcing all of our herbs. These are the herbs that we choose to support our deepest health intentions, the herbs we give to our children and those we love. They must reflect and be of the standard that allowed these herbs to rise to become the most revered in Taoist herbalism thousands of years ago. Sourcing herbs from their spiritual homeland is born from the Taoist philosophy Dì Dào (地道).Dì Dào (地道) poetically translates as the ‘way of the Earth’, and it shows us where to harvest herbs if we wish to experience the herb’s true Spirit. This method results in a medicinally robust and Qi-full end product sourced from its ‘original place’ or ‘spiritual homeland’. CONNECT WITH MASON & THE MEDICINE OF SUPERFEAST (Discount Code below) Connect with Mason on Instagram : @masonjtaylorConnect with Superfeast on Instagram : @superfeast The Superfeast Podcast : Tune In Here (I reference Ep. 228 on dreaming in this episode)Shop + Unique Discount Code for Circle of Life Podcast Listeners : CIRCLEOFLIFE10 (Enter CIRCLEOFLIFE10 at the checkout to get 10% off your Superfeast purchases). Your Host: Ellen Travassaros Retreat & Somatic Breathwork Facilitator — and Trusted Mentor for Women. Ellen has been leading and facilitating within the healing and personal development arts for over a decade. During this time she has been both self and formally initiated into the modalities of integrative somatic trauma therapy, integration, and SPIRITUS Breathwork. Ellen is a humanitarian at heart, and her life’s work is devoted to connection, telling stories, and supporting women to heal and integrate their pain, suffering, and trauma as a way to reorient themselves into embodiment. “I believe that apathy is one of the greatest threats to humanity. So it’s up to each of us to do the kind of work that makes it possible to stay connected and unwavering within our felt experience, especially in the face of great loss, suffering, and injustice.” You can learn more about Ellen here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecircleoflife.substack.com

    1h 8m
  4. Ep. 21 - Tim Morrison

    11/12/2025

    Ep. 21 - Tim Morrison

    Tim is a global breathwork facilitator and sound alchemist, and the founder of SPIRITUS Breathwork — A ceremonial, somatic healing, and trauma-informed style of breathwork that I’ve had the deep privilege of experiencing and also formally training in. In this episode you’ll hear about my journey into breathwork facilitation, the path I walked to transform from freeze to freedom, and the deep and intricate medicine and application of SPIRITUS Breathwork from the founder himself. If you’ve ever wondered what SPIRITUS breathwork is, what’s really happening to your brain and body as you breathe, or how to participate in breathwork if you’ve experienced trauma or negative experiences with breathwork in the past - this episode will feel like medicine to you. Sitting down with Tim was something I envisioned the moment SPIRITUS chose me. I knew my community (you) would benefit immensely from diving deeper into the realms of SPIRITUS and Breathwork in this way. Many of you in this space have already had the pleasure of experiencing SPIRITUS Breathwork with me through my Retreats or in 1:1 or Group experiences. And if not, this conversation serves as a doorway and an anchor for what’s truly possible when it comes to healing trauma and the body through Breathwork. And if SPIRITUS Breathwork calls to you the same way it did me, you can explore the SPIRITUS Breathwork & Somatic Healing facilitation training here. You can also book a private SPIRITUS session with me here. I hope you find as much medicine in the words and stories shared as I do. With all my heart,Ellen Your Guest: Tim Morrison Founder of SPIRITUS Breathwork & Renowned multi-instrumentalist, transformational guide, coach, & healer. Tim is a renowned Australian, and internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, looping artist, ceremonialist, trauma-informed facilitator, and the visionary behind SPIRITUS Breathwork + Somatic Healing. The creation of SPIRITUS has grown into a world class facilitation training, enabling students all around the world to learn Tim’s method. Tim guides transformative journeys through breath, sound, and movement and empowering individuals to access innate wisdom, unleash inner power and receive healing through accessing altered states of consciousness. Through his workshops, trainings, immersions and retreats, Tim leads us towards liberation, freedom, and deep soul connection. CONNECT WITH TIM & THE SPIRITUS BREATHWORK FACILITATION TRAINING Become a SPIRITUS Breathwork Facilitator : 6-Month SPIRITUS Breathwork Facilitator Training with Tim Connect with Tim on Instagram : @timmorrison_ Your Host: Ellen Travassaros Retreat & Somatic Breathwork Facilitator — and Trusted Mentor for Women. Ellen has been leading and facilitating within the healing and personal development arts for over a decade. During this time she has been both self and formally initiated into the modalities of integrative somatic trauma therapy, integration, and SPIRITUS Breathwork. Ellen is a humanitarian at heart, and her life’s work is devoted to connection, telling stories, and supporting women to heal and integrate their pain, suffering, and trauma as a way to reorient themselves into embodiment. “I believe that apathy is one of the greatest threats to humanity. So it’s up to each of us to do the kind of work that makes it possible to stay connected and unwavering within our felt experience, especially in the face of great loss, suffering, and injustice.” You can learn more about Ellen here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecircleoflife.substack.com

    1h 8m
  5. Ep. 20 - B. J. Wilde

    10/20/2025

    Ep. 20 - B. J. Wilde

    This episode is breathtakingly beautiful. Amidst the sweet banter of two women bringing their hearts together in deep resonance and story - You’ll hear about a ‘someday’ dream being turned into a lived reality. Brittany Wilde is a Fantasy Author who recently *burned everything down* to pursue her long-time vision to write and debut her first (of 3) Fantasy Novel, The Sky Called Her Home. In this episode, Brit invites you into the underbelly of her journey and transition from successful business coach to published author. I sense the words and stories shared will inspire, captivate, and move you to trust yourself and the vision you have for your life. With all my heart,Ellen Your Guest: B.J. Wilde “Writing has always been home to me. Something happens when I tap those keys and turn thoughts and mental imagery into words and worlds to interact with. It gives me a satisfaction and fulfilment that I’ve not been able to experience elsewhere. I’ve held a secret dream under lock and key in my heart since I was a little girl that I’d be an author “someday”. It has taken me until my 30s to understand that we create our “someday”, and my someday is today. I’m B.J. Wilde and I’m a writer, mother of three little girls, wife to the man of my dreams, friend, business owner, sister, daughter, ocean lover, wellness prioritiser, and a whole bunch of other roles. I live right on the beach on the Gold Coast of Australia, with my three girls, husband and our dog Frankie. I spend my time being a hermit, swimming in the ocean, popping down to the local cafe for a morning coffee, at the gym to nourish my mind and body, playing in the pool with my family, or as you can probably imagine, sitting at my laptop turning imaginings into stories you can read. Writing has been the one common dream I’ve carried with me through my life, and there are two types of writing that do something to my life force, head and heart; romantic fantasy where the world building helps you escape to a completely different reality, and deep, rich and immersive memoir-style perspectives and reflections that help you think and feel more perceptively.” CONNECT WITH BRIT PURCHASE & READ : The Sky Called Her Home SUBSTACK : Made For This INSTAGRAM : @bjwildewrites WEBSITE & OFFERINGS: https://www.bjwildewrites.com/ Your Host: Ellen Travassaros Retreat & Ceremonial Breathwork Facilitator, and Trusted Mentor for Women. Ellen has been leading and facilitating within the healing and personal development arts for over a decade. During this time she has been both self and formally initiated into the modalities of integrative somatic trauma therapy, integration, and SPIRITUS Breathwork. Ellen is a humanitarian at heart, and her life’s work is devoted to connection, telling stories, and supporting women to heal and integrate their pain, suffering, and trauma as a way to reorient themselves into embodiment. “I believe that apathy is one of the greatest threats to humanity. So it’s up to each of us to do the kind of work that makes it possible to stay connected and unwavering within our felt experience, especially in the face of great loss, suffering, and injustice.” You can learn more about Ellen here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecircleoflife.substack.com

    1h 13m
  6. Ep. 19 - Meghan Lee

    09/16/2025

    Ep. 19 - Meghan Lee

    If you consider yourself a woman who is here to serve from a deeper place without bypassing the real work, this episode is for you. Soul level business requires something different. In this episode Meghan and I discuss exactly what this difference is and the tools, practices, and truer work required to steward your highest vision (and succeed). We delve into the more uncommon yet deeply felt aspects of being highly attuned, intuitive, and heart-led women who desire to make massive impact. Moreover, what Meghan offers is a potent blend of depth and practicality. * How do we know which ideas and visions are really worth pursuing or not? * What are we forgetting to implement when it comes to soul business? * When our soul vision is deeply linked to the state of our being, how do we hold both when the world is in ruin and chaos? This is where we’re going with you. It is such an honour to bring this woman and her much needed medicine to you. With all my heart, Ellen This Episode is Sponsored by SÝNDESIS. An impeccable Retreat Immersion led by Facilitator Ellen Travassaros. The deeper purpose of SÝNDESIS is true capacity and ability to remain connected to self, life, and others, no matter the environment or field you’re in. SÝNDESIS cuts through shame, bypassing, disconnect, and severance with dignity, respect, and trust in you as a woman, mother, leader, and holder. This experience acknowledges the power you carry and will help you harness this within yourself for the sake of your next level. You can learn more and apply here. Your Guest: Meghan Lee Deep Woman, Founder & CEO of Presence Media, & Host of The Turned On & Tuned Up Podcast. Meghan is a Canadian-Australian entrepreneur, digital strategist, and the visionary force behind Presence Media, a boutique digital marketing agency for transformational leaders. With over a decade of experience working behind the scenes of multiple 6- and 7-figure personal brands, Meghan is known for blending cutting-edge strategy with embodied presence—supporting thought leaders to scale movements that change the world. Her work sits at the intersection of business, consciousness, and creativity. Through Presence Media, Meghan leads her team in delivering high-level digital upgrades, omnipresent visibility strategies, scaleable offer ecosystems, and online business management services. Meghan’s approach is deeply rooted in feminine business principles, somatic awareness, and nervous system-informed strategy. She believes sustainable visibility and legacy-level impact come not just from the right tactics, but from aligned embodiment, clarity of vision, and energetic congruence. CONNECT OR WORK WITH MEGHAN LEE Meghan & Presence Media work exclusive with visionary women who have movements that intend to impact millions. Together they offer a handful of business class services including online business management, system and back-end builds, AI integration, and creative services like website, content, and brand design. You can book a free 30 minute consult with Meghan, or download their digital services guide here. The Turned On & Tuned Up Podcast has been a delight and game-changer for me and my business, as mentioned in the episode. You can binge it here. This episode has been most impactful for me personally. You can also find Meghan on Substack here and Instagram here. Your Host: Ellen Travassaros Retreat & Ceremonial Breathwork Facilitator, Guide, and Trusted Mentor for Women. Ellen has been leading and facilitating within the healing and personal development arts for over a decade. During this time she has been both self and formally initiated into the modalities of integrative somatic trauma therapy, integration, and SPIRITUS Breathwork. Ellen is a humanitarian at heart, and her life's work is devoted to helping women self-actualise, awaken to the Spirit of their bodies, and to heal and integrate their pain, suffering, and trauma as a way to elevate themselves and humanity. "I believe that apathy is one of the greatest threats to humanity. So it's up to each of us to do the kind of work that makes it possible to stay connected and unwavering within our felt experience, especially in the face of great loss, suffering, and injustice." You can learn more about Ellen here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecircleoflife.substack.com

    1h 1m
  7. 09/05/2025

    Ep. 18 - Depth Work

    What is depth work and how does it differ from self-improvement? How do you know if you’re really ready to deepen? What does it really mean to participate in depth work? This is where we’re going in this episode. This one packs a hearty punch, for sure. It’s raw, honest, and true. My intention for bringing this episode earth side is to create a placeholder for those of you who, like me, truly value the deeper realms and ways of moving through this world. When you step into depth work or any variety of healing work really, sometimes what can happen is it can create and perpetuate further separation and severance from Self, others, life, Spirit, and land - and that’s not the point of healing. You know you’re truly healing when you’re experiencing more instances of being in connection with the whole. Not above, not below, but WITH. This is important work. It means everything to me. And every crevice of my world, words, and work, will offer you a way in. Depth is not what you know. Depth is not what you do. Depth is a field that you’re either participating in or not. I would love to know what you would offer to this conversation in the comments below. Ellen This Episode is Sponsored by SÝNDESIS. SÝNDESIS is Ellen’s signature 4-Day Retreat Immersion for women who are ready to thaw out and lean into the depths of connection fully. This is a complete journey into dissolving survival patterns, and the tension and severance they create in your body, relationships, and service. The deepest gift of SÝNDESIS is the nervous system healing and recalibration that will offer you the ability to pause, respond, process, discern, and remain in connection with Self, others, and life as you walk your path. Doors are closing soon. Apply here or book a free chat with Ellen here to explore if this is the right experience for you or not. Your Host: Ellen Travassaros Retreat & Ceremonial Breathwork Facilitator, Guide, and trusted Mentor for women. Meet Ellen Ellen has been leading and facilitating within the healing and personal development arts for over a decade. During this time she has been both self and formally initiated into the modalities of integrative somatic trauma therapy, deep state re-patterning, integration, and SPIRITUS Breathwork. Ellen is a humanitarian at heart, and her life's work is devoted to helping women self-actualise, awaken to the Spirit of their bodies, and to heal and integrate their pain, suffering, and trauma as a way to elevate themselves and humanity. "I believe that apathy is one of the greatest threats to humanity. So it's up to each of us to do the kind of work that makes it possible to stay connected and unwavering within our felt experience, especially in the face of great loss, suffering, and injustice." You can learn more about Ellen here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecircleoflife.substack.com

    59 min
  8. Ep. 17 - Helen Padarin

    08/25/2025

    Ep. 17 - Helen Padarin

    Friends, I’m really honoured to bring you this episode. As many of you know, health is my number one value in life. It is the foundation that holds and supports everything else, including the work I do in the world. Reclaiming my health was my entry into the world of healing and self-mastery. As such, I’m not the kind of woman who cares for quick fixes or ways to detox or flush my body without deep inquiry or incorporating my whole being into the experience. Back in 2024 I crossed paths with Helen and participated in her Gallbladder Flush. I was delighted by Helen’s depth, knowledge, and the way she wove the metaphysical, spiritual, and physical together, to bring about deep vitality and function to the body as a whole living system. The Gallbladder flush has since become a seasonal staple in my life and I sing its praises because the results are genuine and support the life I see myself living 30 years from now. In this episode Helen and I dive into the deeper purpose and layers of the Gallbladder Flush as a process that supports not only the whole body to thrive, but the mind and Spirit too. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, resistant, or unsure how to detox, flush, or optimise and support your body and her systems into new levels of functionality and vitality, this episode is for you. Now more than ever are our bodies feeling the burden and overload of consuming and living within toxic environments. The Spring edition of the Gallbladder Flush kicks off September 1st 2025. If you feel called to step in and reclaim vitality, connection, and function for yourself, you can join here. Once you’re in, you’re in for life. I hope you find as much medicine within the words and stories shared as I do. Ellen This Episode is Sponsored by SÝNDESIS. SÝNDESIS is Ellen’s signature 4-Day Retreat Immersion for women who are ready to thaw out and lean into the depths of connection fully. This is a complete journey into dissolving survival patterns, and the tension and severance they create in your body, relationships, and service. The deepest gift of SÝNDESIS is the nervous system healing and recalibration that will offer you the ability to pause, respond, process, discern, and remain in connection with Self, others, and life as you walk your path. You can learn more and apply here. About Our Guest: Helen Padarin Helen is a Naturopath, Herbalist, Nutritionist, Best Selling Author, and Co-Founder of Well Embodied. With over 25 years experience in the holistic health space, the deepest purpose of her work is to bring people home to themselves. “We believe true transformation happens when we invite every part of ourselves—mind, body, and spirit—into the healing journey. Health is not just freedom from disease, but a state of balance, vitality, and deep connection with ourselves".” You can book a consultation or learn more about Helen and her team here. You can also join the Spring Edition of the Gallbladder Flush kicking off September 1st 2025 here. Your Host: Ellen Travassaros Retreat & Ceremonial Breathwork Facilitator, Guide, and trusted Mentor for women. Meet Ellen Ellen has been leading and facilitating within the healing and personal development arts for over a decade. During this time she has been both self and formally initiated into the modalities of integrative somatic trauma therapy, integration, and SPIRITUS Breathwork. Ellen is a humanitarian at heart, and her life's work is devoted to helping women self-actualise, awaken to the Spirit of their bodies, and to heal and integrate their pain, suffering, and trauma as a way to elevate themselves and humanity. "I believe that apathy is one of the greatest threats to humanity. So it's up to each of us to do the kind of work that makes it possible to stay connected and unwavering within our felt experience, especially in the face of great loss, suffering, and injustice." You can learn more about Ellen here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecircleoflife.substack.com

    1h 5m

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Medicinal conversations on life, healing, and the human spirit. thecircleoflife.substack.com