Inner Threads

Courtney
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Spirituality

Conversations on healing, wholeness, growth and connection. Join us for shared insights and wisdom as we braid and weave together our common threads of experiences and stories to help you along your own healing path. 

Episodes

  1. 17h ago

    Relationships Part 1: Relationships as mirrors for growth

    Summary In this episode, Courtney, Jessica, and Bert explore the multifaceted nature of relationships. They discuss how relationships serve as mirrors for growth, the importance of conflict resolution, and the interdependence that underpins all human interactions.  Keywords relationships, self-awareness, conflict resolution, community, identity, interdependence, growth, love, boundaries, consciousness relationships, self-awareness, family, earth connection, community, personal growth, spirituality, nature, cultural norms, self-love Key topics Relationships as mirrors for self-awarenessThe role of conflict in growth and understandingInterdependence and community in personal developmentThe impact of childhood and family patterns on adult relationshipsThe importance of self-love and boundary setting in partnerships The cultural stigmas around divorce and the importance of authentic self-expressionThe evolution of family relationships and the value of ending relationships that no longer serve usThe diversity of relationship types beyond romantic partnerships, including friendships and community tiesThe significance of understanding our family origins and their influence on our current relationshipsBert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  2. Oct 8

    Death & Miracles: Or how I spent my Summer Vacation

    Summary In this episode, Courtney, Jessica, and Bert reflect on their summer experiences, exploring themes of endings, transformation, spiritual practices, and the power of intention. They share personal stories, insights on death and miracles, and how nature and rituals support their growth. Keywords summer reflections, endings, transformation, spiritual practices, death, miracles, nature, intention, mindfulness, healing Key topics Themes of endings and new beginningsPersonal stories of transformation and lossInsights on death, impermanence, and attachmentThe role of nature and land in spiritual practiceThe importance of intention and surrender in healingMiracles and synchronicities as signs of changeThe cultural silence around endings and deathPractices for cultivating compassion and presenceThe significance of rituals and community in healingExploring spiritual energy in sacred spacesBert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  3. Jun 25

    Understanding Manifestation: The Power of Synchronicity, Vibration and Embodiment

    Summary In this episode, Jessica, Bert and Courtney explore the multifaceted nature of manifestation, emphasizing the importance of aligning mind, body, and spirit, and the role of synchronicity, vibration, and intentional action in creating the life you desire. Hosts share personal stories, practical practices, and insights on how to harness these principles for personal growth and fulfillment. Keywords manifestation, synchronicity, vibration, mind-body-spirit, manifestation practices, manifestation stories, manifestation tips, manifestation and energy, manifestation and intention, manifestation journey Key Topics The connection between manifestation and energy vibrationThe role of synchronicity in manifesting desiresPractices to align mind, body, and spirit for manifestationPersonal stories of manifestation successes and lessonsThe importance of trust, surrender, and patience in manifestationBert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  4. Jun 11

    Tending the Altar: How Ritual Gives Meaning to Everyday Life

    Summary In this episode, Jessica, Courtney, and Bert explore the concepts of practice and ritual — what they mean, how they differ, and why they matter for personal growth and spiritual development. The conversation ranges from the nature of discipline (reframed as fortitude rather than punishment) to the power of intentionality, the role of seasons in shaping our practices, and how ritual serves as a "vehicle" that carries meaning across time. The hosts share personal examples from morning routines to ceremony facilitation, and offer grounded, accessible advice for anyone looking to bring more intentional structure into their daily life. Key Highlights What's the difference between practice and ritual?Reframing discipline needed in practice."Change is consistency over time"The "secret sauce" underlying practicesAligning practice with seasons — literal and metaphoricalUsing ritual as a thresholdMaking your own rituals Priya Parker the Art of Gathering, @priyaparker on IG Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  5. May 28

    The Spiral of Awakening: Navigating Consciousness in a Complex World

    Summary This conversation explores the multifaceted nature of consciousness, its role in personal growth, and how awareness can transform our lives and the world around us. Join Bert, Courtney, and Jessica as they share insights, personal stories, and practical approaches to awakening and living consciously. Keywords consciousness, awareness, personal growth, spiritual practice, mindfulness, awakening, interdependence, transformation, compassion, self-awareness Key Topics The nature of consciousness and its levelsThe role of awareness in personal and collective transformationPractical practices for cultivating consciousness and compassion "Consciousness is a spiral, not a binary." "Choice gives permission to live consciously." "Living consciously is a creative act." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Consciousness and Inner Threads 07:08 - Defining Consciousness: Perspectives and Insights 15:03 - The Journey of Awakening: Personal Experiences with Consciousness 21:03 - Navigating Unconsciousness: Patterns and Choices 29:54 - Compassion in a World of Unconsciousness 46:18 - Navigating Consciousness and Compassion 48:05 - Process vs. Project: The Journey of Consciousness 51:21 - Loving Kindness: Starting with Neutrality 56:55 - The Goal of Consciousness: Finding Joy in the Journey 01:01:57 - Transforming Pain into Joy: The Power of Choice 01:06:51 - The Ripple Effect of Personal Change 01:07:28 - Finding Joy in Nature and Connection Resources Divine Union by Paul Selig A World Appears by Michael Pollan Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  6. May 14

    Power of Truth and Personal Responsibility

    In this conversation, Courtney, Bert, and Jessica explore how truth and responsibility can transform our lives when approached with compassion rather than judgment. Bert defines truth as a visceral knowing, while acknowledging our human perspectives can lead to misunderstanding. The hosts discuss how many of us live within constructed truths built from unexamined stories and assumptions we've never questioned. The episode explores what it means to be "response-able"—having the ability to respond consciously rather than react automatically. The hosts examine the communication trap (victim triangle), where people unconsciously cycle through roles of victim, rescuer, and judge. Jessica shares how pausing before reacting to her partner created space for authentic communication. They address common barriers to taking responsibility—fear of judgment, shame, and defensiveness—while emphasizing that personal responsibility is actually empowering. Links to references in the podcast: Byron Katie Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Thanksgiving Address [PDF] Communication Trap  Chapters 00:00 Exploring Truth and Responsibility 02:52 The Nature of Personal Truths 06:13 Reactivity vs. Responsiveness 09:00 Understanding the Communication Trap 12:10 The Role of Conflict in Truth 14:47 The Burden of Responsibility 18:08 The Power of Choice and Awareness 20:57 The Impact of Ignorance on Responsibility 24:01 Compassion and Personal Growth 27:09 Finding Empowerment in Responsibility 33:40 Frameworks for Personal Growth 35:27 The Power of Responsibility 37:54 Practicing Vulnerability and Authenticity 43:21 Navigating Conflicting Truths 53:00 The Role of Compassion in Responsibility 58:01 Embracing Individuality and Authenticity Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  7. Apr 30

    Navigating Difficult Times: Insights and Strategies

    In this episode of Inner Threads, hosts Courtney Kaplan, Jessica Luke, and Bert Nelson discuss how to navigate difficult times, focusing on emotional responses, the importance of community, grounding techniques, and the power of belief and appreciation. They explore the challenges of feeling overwhelmed and resigned, while emphasizing the need for connection and the ability to respond with compassion. The conversation culminates in reflections on personal intentions for the upcoming year, highlighting the significance of weaving together various aspects of life for a more cohesive experience. Chapters 00:00- Navigating Difficult Times 06:48 - Understanding Emotional Responses 13:53 - The Importance of Community 21:11 - Facing Fear and Rejection 27:51 - Finding Safety in Overwhelm 29:39 - Navigating Information Overload 32:27 - Grounding Techniques for Stress Relief 36:26 - The Power of Presence and Awareness 40:05 - Safety and Awareness in Our Environment 43:09 - Shifting Focus: From Negativity to Positivity 45:58 - Finding Joy in Everyday Moments 49:51 - Community: Contribution and Connection 56:11 - Setting Intentions for 2026 Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  8. Apr 16

    The Power of Intention: Crafting Your Life with Purpose

    In this conversation, Courtney, Bert, and Jessica explore what it truly means to live intentionally and how setting intentions differs from traditional goal-setting. The hosts discuss intention as a way of directing life force energy through conscious awareness of thoughts, words, and actions—asking not just "what" we want to accomplish, but "for the sake of what" we're taking action. The episode dives into practical ways to cultivate intentionality, from Bert's 30-second morning candle ritual to Jessica's annual intention word practice and Courtney's experience-based approach. The hosts examine how intention shows up in everyday moments—from the love poured into a handcrafted latte to the energy we bring into holiday gatherings—and how setting intentions in community amplifies their power. They also address the shadow side, discussing how negative intentions (whether conscious or unconscious) can impact relationships and communities, and why examining our true motivations matters more than justifying actions with "good intentions." Ultimately, this conversation offers a roadmap for living more meaningfully: start small, stay flexible, embody your intentions through physical practices like altar-setting, and regularly reflect on how you want to show up in the world. The message is simple but transformative—30 seconds of intentional focus each day can genuinely change your life. Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  9. Apr 2

    The Spiritual Necessity of Play

    In this conversation, Bert Nelson, Courtney Kaplan and Jessica Luke explore the essential role of play in our lives, emphasizing its necessity for functionality and its deep connection to spirituality. They unpack how engaging in play can lead to a flow state, where individuals feel completely present and connected to a higher spirit or the universe. They talk about what play can look like for different people and how you can become more playful and creative in your life. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Play in Adult Life 00:45 The Impact of Play on Mental Health Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  10. Mar 19

    Reconnecting with Our Roots

    In this conversation, Courtney Kaplan, Bert Nelson, and Jessica Luke explore the profound connection between humans and nature, emphasizing the healing and restorative qualities of the natural world. They discuss the importance of reconnecting with nature in a modern, often disconnected society, and how this relationship can foster personal growth, resilience, and a sense of community. The conversation also addresses the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world and how grounding practices can help individuals reclaim their power and find balance in their lives. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with Nature 09:06 Healing Through Nature's Wisdom 19:53 Nature as a Teacher 29:57 Overcoming Overwhelm and Burnout 39:55 Finding Balance in Nature 52:52 Nature's Role in Personal Power Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  11. Mar 19

    Personal Journeys to Healing Paths

    In this conversation, Courtney Kaplan, Jessica Luke, and Bert Nelson explore their personal journeys into healing, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with nature, understanding the multifaceted nature of healing, and reclaiming agency in one's life. They discuss the challenges of navigating a modern world filled with distractions and the significance of play and joy in the healing process. The dialogue highlights the transformative power of self-discovery and the potential for growth and wholeness through various healing modalities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healing Paths 06:01 Personal Journeys into Healing 11:13 The Role of Nature in Healing 33:39 Understanding Healing and Wholeness 44:44 Agency and Responsibility in Healing 55:47 Finding Joy and Play in Healing Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  12. Mar 19

    Acknowledging Pain: Understanding and Alleviating Suffering

    In the first podcast episode, Courtney Kaplan, Bert Nelson, and Jessica Luke start from the beginning by talking about pain. They unpack how acknowledging pain can lead to healing and connection. They discuss insights on suffering and ways to alleviate it for themselves and others. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it's essential to confront the uncomfortable topics of pain and suffering. In this episode, we will explore the significance of acknowledging our struggles, how they connect us, and actionable steps we can take to alleviate suffering in our lives and the lives of others. Why does this matter? Because when we acknowledge our pain, we open the door to healing. We can learn from our experiences and find ways to alleviate suffering in our lives and those around us.  Let’s share these conversations and learn how to support each other difficult times.  Join us as we explore how to relate to discomfort and transform it into understanding. LINKS: Sacred Stream: https://www.sacredstream.org/ Circle of Shamanic Practioners: https://www.appliedshamanism.org/ Book: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate Bert Nelson is a spiritual counselor, Buddhist minister, and energy medicine practitioner. He works with individuals navigating change, grief, identity, and questions of meaning, supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves and living with greater clarity and intention. On Substack @BrightRavenArts https://www.brightravencounseling.com/  Jessica Luke is a Depth Counselor and Integrative Healing Practitioner, and founder of The Well Grounded Soul and the https://1440health.com/, an integrative healing center in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with individuals navigating transition and emotional complexity, supporting them in reconnecting with their bodies, intuition, and deeper sense of truth. On IG @thewellgroundedsoul https://thewellgroundedsoul.com/  Courtney Kaplan is a coach based in Oakland, CA. After years in the corporate world, she founded Iconic Leadership Coaching to help people navigate work complexities, leverage their strengths, and grow their authentic leadership style. She uses emotional, physical and spiritual tools to help clients find peace and power. On Substack @courtneykaplan https://www.iconicleadershipcoaching.com/

  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Conversations on healing, wholeness, growth and connection. Join us for shared insights and wisdom as we braid and weave together our common threads of experiences and stories to help you along your own healing path. 

Information

  • Creator
    Courtney
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inner Threads
  • Show Website
    Inner Threads