Life, Death and the Space Between Dr. Amy Robbins |Psychology | Spirituality | Grief | Life After Death

IN THE ETHER with COLLEEN HILDEBRAND



“The love that you feel when you open your heart to someone transcends death.” – Dr. Amy Robbins





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SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:
 
If you’re enjoying the podcast and finding value in guest interviews, ghost stories, and the content I share, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month at Patreon.com/DrAmyRobbins
 
As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!
 
Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:
 
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EPISODE SUMMARY:
 
Have you ever felt an instant connection with someone? Even when circumstances are stacked against that person taking on a significant role in your life?
 
Today we talk with Colleen Hildebrand, a Life, Death and the Space Between podcast listener who first contacted Dr. Amy Robbins with her story, intending for it to be a ghost story. Dr Robbins was pulled to reach out to Colleen and invite her in as a guest on the show. 
 
Colleen’s book, “In the Ether” is an earthly love story that continues beyond death. Her goal with the book was to illuminate the struggle on the path toward unconditional love.
 
Listen in to hear how Colleen followed the pull of her intuition to write her book, and her arc toward living a more spiritual life full of signs and inexplicable otherworldly experiences.



Topics We Discuss:
 
[0:22] Colleen’s bio.  
[3:25] Dr. Robbins and Colleen connected after Colleen submitted the idea for a Life, Death and the Space Between podcast ghost story.  
[4:35] Tragic and stormy love story between Colleen’s teenage daughter Abby and Ryan, an older active duty US Marine. Ryan’s violent episode with PTSD and subsequent felony conviction.  
[6:00]  Colleen and Ryan’s continuing connection and evolving mother/son type relationship. Colleen’s faith in Ryan as a young person who wanted to do the right thing, but didn’t quite know what the right thing(s) were. Colleen wrote “In the Ether” about Abby and Ryan’s relationship, and Colleen and Ryan’s.  
[8:40] An overwhelming message Colleen heard to “be a mother to him” and the connection to the 90’s song “Champagne Supernova”.  
[10:28]  Ryan broke his neck in a diving accident, the aftermath of the sudden tragedy in the hospital, and how Colleen started hearing from Ryan while he lay unconscious in the ICU. Colleen continued to hear from Ryan after his death.  
[14:30] Colleen felt compelled to contact a medium - they validated her communication from Ryan across the veil. Colleen asked Ryan for very specific signs, and Ryan delivered again and again.  
[18:10] How Ryan kept his promise – even after his death – to promote Colleen’s book through social media. Abby’s viral TikTok dragonfly video got millions of views.   
[23:20] How love transcends death. Colleen’s multiple spiritual experiences throughout her life have opened her in ways she never imagined — including a premonition of Ryan’s death.  
[24:40] Colleen’s path toward a more spiritual life: experiencing the inexplicable, embracing it, cultivating it, and ultimately growing in awareness and connection. 



FOLLOW COLLEEN HILDEBRAND



See Colleen’s daughter Abby’s viral dragonfly video on Instagram or TikTok. 
 
Find Colleen on Instagram and on her website. Her book, “In the Ether: A Memoir of Holding Space” is available on Amazon.  
 
 
Life, Death and the Space Between is brought to you by:
Dr. Amy Robbins | Host, Executive Producer
PJ Duke | Executive Producer
2 Market Media | Editing
Mara Stallins | Outreach & Social Media Strategy
Claire | Clairperk.com | Podcast Cover Design

Resurrection of the Cross – A Ghost Story 
 
 
“I love ghost stories. They are my listeners’ way of being part of the podcast. You share your stories of mystical, magical experiences connecting to your loves ones on the other side – and other mystical, magical experience you’ve had.”
– Dr Amy Robbins
 
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SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS
 
If you’re enjoying the podcast and finding value in guest interviews, ghost stories, and the content I share, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month at Patreon.com/DrAmyRobbins
 
As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!
 
Stay Connected:
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Episode Summary:
 
Amy shares a listener’s story of help from the other side. Inexplicably finding long lost items, and a dark figure placing her son's long lost communion cross, a gift from her mother, into her hand. Chills!
 
Listen in to hear her story of signs, of connection, and of knowing that life does not end after death.
 
 
Do You Have a Ghost Story?
 
Ghost Stories is a way for listeners to tell their amazing stories.  If you have a great story to tell, a relationship you have with your loved one who has passed, or another mystical experience please reach out: Team@DrAmyRobbins.com.  Tell me your story so we can feature it on the show.
 
 
 
 
Life, Death and the Space Between is brought to you by:
Dr. Amy Robbins | Host, Executive Producer
PJ Duke | Executive Producer
2 Market Media | Audio and Video editing
Mara Stallins | Outreach & Social Media Strategy
Claire | Clairperk.com | Podcast Cover Design
 

ASTROLOGICAL HOUSES with CARMEN TURNER SCHOTT



“Astrology is a tool of self-awareness.” – Carmen Turner Schott




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SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:
 
If you’re enjoying the podcast and finding value in guest interviews, ghost stories, and the content I share, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month at Patreon.com/DrAmyRobbins
 
As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!
 
Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:
 
Instagram YouTube Website Facebook  
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EPISODE SUMMARY:
 
Have you ever wondered how your astrological sign can impact your life? What does it mean if you have certain placements? This week’s episode dives into the details of signs, planets, houses, and how they work together to make you unique.
 
Dr. Amy talks with Carmen Turner Schott, MSW, LISW: practicing licensed clinical social worker, astrologer, writer, and teacher with national and international clientele. She has been working as an astrological counselor and with victims of trauma for over 25 years. Carmen breaks down the basics of astrology in easy to understand language. She is an expert in the elusive 12th house and has experienced strong spiritual intuition throughout her life. 
 
Listen and learn how you can use your astrological chart to know yourself on a deeper level.



Topics We Discuss: 
 
[6:44] How your birth is chart formed  
[8:05] The 12 astrological houses explained  
[14:25] Why you need to know what time you are born to create an accurate birth chart  
[15:20] How astrology helps you learn about yourself  
[15:42] Carmen explains why she focuses on the 8th and 12th houses  
[17:15] Carmen shares the spiritual experience that led her on the path to become an astrologer  
[20:00] Carmen shares her experiences of having premonitions in vivid dreams  
[20:55] Does it matter which planet is in which house?  
[21:10] What is a stellium?  
[22:40] How Amy’s Gemini placement has impacted her career  
[24:15] “Astrology is fact, but there is no greater power than free will” - Edgar Cayce  
[25:30] Your north node is your mission  
[27:05] If we’re neglecting our destiny, the universe will force us into where we need to be  
[30:23] What is astro-cartography?  
[34:00] Carmen talks about her 12th house Facebook group  
[39:30] Amy’s speed round questions: What is spirituality? What is something people don’t know about you? What is one thing you’re looking forward to right now? What’s one thing you’re deeply grateful for? What book is on your nightstand? What is your favorite spiritual or healing practice? What do you believe happens when we die? What is the most spiritually transformative experience of your life?


FOLLOW CARMEN TURNER SCHOTT:
 
Find Carmen on her Website, YouTube, and Facebook.
 
Carmen’s book, “The Mysteries of the Twelfth Astrological House” is available here.

WHEN YOU’RE FALLING, DIVE with MARK MATOUSEK



“There seems to be an inexplicable link to facing our own impermanence and awakening spiritually… Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? What’s the purpose of all this? Until we are shaken out of the status quo, we don’t ordinarily ask those questions voluntarily. I like to say that most people are dragged kicking and screaming onto the spiritual path. And I really think that that’s true.“ [7:14] – author Mark Matousek
 
“Gratitude is the antidote to self-pity. You can’t feel both at the same time.” [15:41] – author Mark Matousek





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SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:
 
If you’re enjoying the podcast and finding value in guest interviews, ghost stories, and the content I share, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month at Patreon.com/DrAmyRobbins
 
As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!
 
Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:
 
Instagram YouTube Website Facebook  
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EPISODE SUMMARY:
 
Do you journal? 
 
Today we talk with Mark Matousek, a bestselling author, teacher, and speaker whose work focuses on personal awakening and creative excellence through transformational writing and self-inquiry. 
 
Mark is the award-winning author of seven books, including “Sex Death Enlightenment: A True Story”. His articles have appeared in The New Yorker and O: The Oprah Magazine. His book, “When You’re Falling, Dive: Lessons in the Art of Living” was just re-released.
 
Listen in to hear how Mark integrates being in the world, being in relationships, and making a living, without compromising his values and what matters to him most. 



Topics We Discuss:
 
[0:20] Amy introduces Mark Matousek.   
[3:40] Mark describes how he was a spiritual seeker starting in childhood. How unanswered questions and unaddressed suffering, followed by a 5-years-to-live diagnosis accelerated his spiritual growth.   
[6:44] Mark feels that spiritual unfolding is linked to existential crisis.   
[8:28] Mark discusses spiritual bypassing – running from vs. running into whatever ongoing crisis you are experiencing. Seeking spirituality outside of yourself vs. finding answers within.   
[10:18] Mark integrated his profoundly spiritual experiences. Contrary to his earlier belief that spiritual awakening meant not feeling pain, he learned that the more he evolved, the more deeply he felt both joy and pain.   
[14:33] The most common story people tell themselves to keep them spiritually stuck is the victim story: that life is happening TO them.   
[16:07] Gratitude is the antidote to self-pity.  But what if someone is NOT glad to be here, to be alive?   
[17:54] Mark’s process of writing as a self-examination tool. How truth telling, including the truth about the messiness of being human, changes the story we tell ourselves and other people.   
[19:40] Mark’s favorite lesson from the book: if you’re willing to change and let go of what has been, then it’s possible to be healed and move forward within any situation.   
[22:00] The importance of experiencing awe and wonder. Fall colors. Sunrise. Sunset.  
[27:09] What his teacher’s question, “Do you go through the mountain or around the mountain?” means to Mark. The answer is often anti-Western culture.  
[29:56] Humanity’s relationship with Mother Earth. The planet will be fine. Humanity’s future is what is uncertain.  
[34:48] Everyday experiences are material for self-inquiry. These spiritual practices take you to the core of what you care about. All of our choices and thoughts can raise consciousness, and raise awareness.  
[37:00] Amy’s speed round questions: What is s

PTS DREAMS with LINDA YAEL SCHILLER



“This is like free therapy every night. If you can remember your dreams, capture them and write them down, you can bring them into your therapy session, but you can also work with your partner, with your friends in a dream circle -- to unravel and unpack the meanings and the messages from your dreams -- you get a real jumpstart on moving forward in your life.“ [19:47] – Linda Yael Schiller
 
“Even Carl Jung famously said he needed help interpreting his own dreams. We all have blind spots. None of us can see the back of our own heads… so working in therapy or with others in a dream group is key to being able to unpack  the whole dream.” [28:14] – Linda Yael Schiller




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SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:
 
If you’re enjoying the podcast and finding value in guest interviews, ghost stories, and the content I share, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month at Patreon.com/DrAmyRobbins
 
As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!
 
Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:
 
Instagram YouTube Website Facebook  
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EPISODE SUMMARY:
 
Do you or someone you care for suffer from PTSD, that is, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? 
Today, the PTSD label is more common than ever.
 
In today’s episode, we talk with Linda Yael Schiller, MSW, LICSW, a psychotherapist, consultant, supervisor, and trainer in Watertown, Massachusetts. Linda integrates traditional therapeutic styles and techniques with expressive energy psychology, and body-based modalities, providing support for healing at all levels of the self: mind, body, heart, and spirit. 
 
Her philosophy of treatment incorporates both deep healing at the source and practical coaching for daily life issues and dilemmas.
 
Linda also works deeply with dreamwork, and offers a group dream circle, individual consultation, and training for professionals on working with dreams. Linda’s book is “PTS Dreams: Transform your Nightmares through Healing Dreamwork”.
 
Listen in to hear how to transform PTSD using dreamwork. 



Topics We Discuss:
 
[0:25] Amy introduces Linda and her credentials and the modalities of work.   
[2:43] Dreams vs. nightmares. They all “rinse out” our experiences, and an opportunity for deep healing from this life and perhaps previous lifetimes. Dream components: storyline, setting, and emotional narrative.  
[8:07] Trauma vs PTSD. “Big T” trauma, vs. “Little T” trauma. The extent to which we’re supported, believed, and accepted following trauma influences long-term effects.  
[14:04] Trauma-based nightmare vs. a “normal” nightmare. Normal childhood development can bring on “normal” nightmares.  
[18:21] What if I don’t remember my dreams? We all have 5-7 REM cycles overnight. We all have access to free therapy if we just unravel and unpack our dreams, perhaps in a dream circle with friends.   
[20:48] The fragile fabric of dreams. How to remember your dreams.   
[23:13] Linda uses a layered approach to unpack and interpret dreams using the acronym PRDS. (Based on the Biblical Hebrew word Pardes, meaning "orchard" or "garden”.) Dream interpretation is very personal, not something you can look up in a book. A therapist cannot tell you what your dream means, but they can help you find the deeper layers of meaning.   
[33:48] How vivid, luminous, long-remembered dreams may be considered visitations. Amy’s own experiences with dream visitations.   
[37:00] Amy’s speed round questions: What is spirituality? What is something people don’t know about you? What is one thing you’re looking forward to right now? What’s one thing you’re deeply grateful for? What book is on your nightstan

 
WIFE, WIDOW, NOW WHAT? with RACHEL ENGSTROM




“You can have your life blow up and be ok.”
          – Rachel Engstrom, author of “Wife, Widow, Now What?”



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SUPPORT DR. AMY ROBBINS:



If you’re enjoying the podcast and finding value in guest interviews, ghost stories, and the content I share, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month at Patreon.com/DrAmyRobbins



As a member you’ll get more say in the content we cover and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes goodness!



Stay Connected with Dr. Amy Robbins:



Instagram YouTube Website Facebook
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EPISODE SUMMARY:



How would you feel if you found yourself widowed at age 31? Talk about life giving you a whammy!
 
Today we talk with Rachel Engstrom - a health education specialist and widow’s advocate, who found herself widowed at age 31. She authored “Wife, Widow, Now What?” with a fresh, witty, and authentic voice.  Her book is an invaluable resource for cancer spouses, and anyone navigating the process of losing a loved one, or supporting a loved one after a loss.  
 
Listen and learn how to manage the shock of a cancer diagnosis, and how you can keep living through the unthinkable, and still come out okay on the other side.



Topics We Discuss: 



[3:38] Rachel dives into her journey meeting, marrying, and later losing her husband.

[8:05] How Rachel came to write her book as a guide for someone going through the loss of a spouse, or someone who maybe doesn’t know how to support a loved one suffering a loss. It’s a love story toolbox: logistics around health insurance, disability, talking to their employer, funeral arrangements, life insurance, how to ask for help, and more.

[11:25] Rachel discusses how music helped her cope.

[15:32] In hindsight, what Rachel would have done differently.  
[24:36] Amy’s new offering: a spiritual consultation, not a therapy appointment and not a medium reading, but somewhere in between.  
[27:15]  Rachel discusses her work with GriefCoach.com -- a new app for supporting grieving people through texts.  
[29:15] Rachel talks about her life afterward and now: how she got back out in the world, started dating again, and remarried.

[32:02]  Working in cancer education to ensure people have the resources they need to get the best treatment possible.  
[34:16] How Rachel’s relationship to her first husband fits into her life with her new husband.  
 



FOLLOW RACHEL ENGSTROM:




Find Rachel on her Website, Instagram, and Facebook. 



Rachel’s book, “Wife, Widow, Now What?” is available on Amazon.  
 
 
Life, Death and the Space Between is brought to you by:
Dr. Amy Robbins | Host, Executive Producer
PJ Duke | Executive Producer
Andrej | Podcasticize | Sound Editing
Mara Stallins | Outreach & Social Media Strategy
Claire | Clairperk.com | Podcast Cover Design