Vital Threads

Kate Marolt

What does it mean to choose aliveness, possibility, and active creation in a world that seems hell bent on destruction? Vital Threads is a podcast about staying connected to your own humanity and to one another, and about building a flourishing future out of the ordinary moments that make up life. Hosted by Kate Marolt, a somatic practitioner, coach, and yoga teacher of 15+ years, each episode explores what it means to be fully human, fully alive, and part of a greater whole. Expect solo reflections and insights alongside conversations with artists, athletes, scientists, writers, healers, and other curious humans. Here you’ll find space for wonder, awe, and re-enchantment with your own life, and for feeling more deeply in flow with the world around you. Life is sacred, more connects us than separates, and how we move through being human matters. So much. A more alive, more connected version of each of us isn’t only for personal gain. It’s part of what a more vital, nourished world calls for. Subscribe wherever you listen, and come find us at https://vitalthreadspod.com

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    S1 E4: Stop Seeking Enlightenment and Come Home to Yourself with Michelle Garside

    In this episode of Vital Threads, host Kate Marolt speaks with Michelle Garside, a brand architect and author, about her journey through spirituality, wellness, and personal growth. Michelle shares her unique upbringing in a spiritual environment, her quest for authenticity, and the challenges of navigating feelings of loneliness and disconnection. They discuss the impact of spiritual shame, the redefinition of self-worth, and the significance of authentic connections in a world where many feel isolated. They explore the need for presence, the role of resources in personal growth, the importance of acknowledging one's feelings without the pressure to 'fix' oneself, and learning to embrace their humanity and seek genuine connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michelle Garside 02:38 Spirituality and Wellness Today 05:04 Journey into Spirituality 09:26 The Quest for Healing and Connection 12:14 Navigating Loneliness and Disconnection 17:00 Acknowledging and Sharing Feelings 21:49 The Power of Sharing and Connection 22:43 Navigating Emotions and Trust 24:32 The Power of Presence and Resources 26:14 The Journey of Awakening 30:31 Confronting Spiritual Shame 32:05 Redefining Worth and Belonging 38:01 Identifying Disconnection in Spiritual Practices 41:51 Finding Connection and Authenticity Michelle Garside is a Brand Architect and Writer who has spent nearly two decades helping thought leaders, clinicians, coaches, and experts build brands that open doors to book deals, media, speaking stages, and meaningful movements. After beginning her career in pharmaceutical advertising, she co-founded and led branding agencies for 14 years, helping clients find their voice and build businesses around their most authentic work. Michelle is also the co-founder of Soul Camp, founder of the Connecticut Women’s Club, and co-facilitator of the Enchantment Experience retreats. Her first book, (NOT) Awakened, debuts with Hachette in 2027. You can find Michelle online (and pre-order her book!) at www.notawakened.com On Instagram: @themichellegarside On Substack: https://michellegarside.substack.com/

  2. Oct 26

    S1 E3: Environment, Design, and Decoding the Human Experience with Kat Maund

    In this conversation, Kate Marolt speaks with Kat Maund, an interior designer and community builder, about her journey through personal and professional challenges. Kat shares her insights on the importance of environment in design, the emotional growth that comes from life changes, and the power of collaboration in building community. They also discuss the impact of social media on individuality and creativity in the design industry. Kat and Kate also explore the importance of creating a home that reflects personal joy and authenticity, the journey of understanding intuition in decision-making, and the significance of relationships in finding purpose. They discuss the impact of AI on human connection and the future of work, emphasizing the need for joy and fun in life amidst challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kat Maund and Her Journey 01:36 Navigating Life Changes and Emotional Growth 05:31 The Importance of Environment in Design 11:25 Building Community Through Collaboration 17:53 The Impact of Social Media on Design and Individuality 19:52 Creating a Home That Reflects You 22:44 The Journey of Intuition and Decision Making 26:04 Embracing Imperfection and Learning from Experience 30:46 Navigating Relationships and Finding Purpose 34:03 The Future of Human Connection and AI 38:32 Finding Joy and Fun in Life Kat Maund is an interior designer, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Copeland + Co. Interiors and Design Commons PDX, a coworking community for independent designers in Portland, Oregon. Her work is rooted in curiosity about how we’re shaped by our environments, and how greater awareness of ourselves can change the way we create, connect, and move through the world. More recently, she’s begun weaving Human Design into her work as another lens for understanding how people are uniquely wired and what allows them to thrive. Across interiors, community building and this evolving work, Kat is interested in creating spaces - physical and otherwise - that help people feel more like themselves. You can find Kat online at: www.copelandpdx.com and www.designcommonspdx.com And on Intstagram at: @copelandandco and @designcommonspdx

  3. Oct 26

    S1 E2: Writing Your Way Through: Creative Expression as a Mode of Transformation with Jenna Britton

    In this conversation, Jenna Britton and Kate Marolt explore the transformative power of writing and self-expression. Jenna shares her journey as a writer, astrologer, and human design guide, emphasizing the importance of navigating emotions and allowing oneself to feel deeply. They discuss the healing potential of writing, the challenges of self-editing, and the significance of creating art as an offering to others. The conversation highlights the connections formed through shared experiences and the role of meaning-making systems in understanding one's truth. They discuss the role of human design and astrology in understanding oneself, the importance of maintaining a connection to one's emotions, and the potential pitfalls of relying on AI for creative expression. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of human connection and the hope that arises from creative endeavors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transformation through Writing 02:56 Navigating Emotions and the Human Experience 05:53 The Healing Power of Self-Expression 08:51 Overcoming Self-Editing in Writing 12:03 Writing as an Offering to Others 15:02 Connection through Shared Experiences 18:07 Meaning-Making Systems and Personal Truths 20:21 Uncovering Authenticity Through Human Design 23:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance 24:47 The Role of Writing in Self-Connection 30:06 Navigating the Impact of AI on Creativity 38:02 Finding Hope in Creative Expression Jenna Britton is a writer, astrologer, and teacher. She has written personal essays and articles that have been published in Salon, Thought Catalog, Darling Magazine, and other publications. She has also given a TEDx Talk on how story has the power to change your life. These days she shares her thoughts on the transformative practice of writing through her Substack publication, Writing Your Way Through. Jenna lives and writes in Portland, Oregon. You can find Jenna online at: Website: https://www.jennabritton.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennabrittonwrites/, https://www.instagram.com/writingyourwaythrough/ Substack: https://writingyourwaythrough.substack.com/

About

What does it mean to choose aliveness, possibility, and active creation in a world that seems hell bent on destruction? Vital Threads is a podcast about staying connected to your own humanity and to one another, and about building a flourishing future out of the ordinary moments that make up life. Hosted by Kate Marolt, a somatic practitioner, coach, and yoga teacher of 15+ years, each episode explores what it means to be fully human, fully alive, and part of a greater whole. Expect solo reflections and insights alongside conversations with artists, athletes, scientists, writers, healers, and other curious humans. Here you’ll find space for wonder, awe, and re-enchantment with your own life, and for feeling more deeply in flow with the world around you. Life is sacred, more connects us than separates, and how we move through being human matters. So much. A more alive, more connected version of each of us isn’t only for personal gain. It’s part of what a more vital, nourished world calls for. Subscribe wherever you listen, and come find us at https://vitalthreadspod.com