Making Meaning: Deep Conversations on Life, Purpose, and The Human Experience

The Cohere Collective
  • 5.0 (18)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Why are we here? What's the meaning of life? What's the meaning of your life? Exploring these mysteries often results in more questions than you began with. So how do we move forward living meaningful lives? Making Meaning by The Cohere Collective explores this exact question. Every other week, host Reese Brown interviews a new guest about how they have chosen to live their life in a meaningful way. We hope that through these stories you can explore how you have, and can, make meaning in your life. Let's make meaning together. We are so glad you're here!

  1. Colonization & Ancestral Healing: Why did We Forget to Eat Acorns? with Elspeth Hay

    SEP 9

    Colonization & Ancestral Healing: Why did We Forget to Eat Acorns? with Elspeth Hay

    In a culture of disconnection, how do we live with Purpose? Our collective hunger for belonging can be directly linked to the violent rupture of place experienced through the human cycle of colonization and displacement. Join host Reese Brown as she sits down with author and Meaning Maker Elspeth Hay to discuss the connection between the trauma of Euro-American history, our connection to trees, and the ability to eat acorns. Together we ask: how can healing begin, and expand — for ourselves, our communities, and the land — and what role does truth-telling play in collective belonging? Listen Now to Learn: - The connection between capitalism, colonization, and agriculture, and why we stopped eating acorns - How the root of belonging begins in place and our connection to the living world - The power of tree-based systems for sustainable agricultural - How our collective stories and myths have always connected us to trees, acorns, and food - How to personally connect with your local community and begin healing ancestral trauma through Truth-telling A huge thank you to Elspeth for her time, energy, and for sharing place during this episode! Read Feed Us with Trees: https://newsociety.com/book/feed-us-with-trees/?aff=65 Learn More about Elspeth’s Work: https://elspethhay.com Follow Elspeth: https://www.instagram.com/elspethhay/?hl=en Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support Follow Triston Morgan, the creator of Making Meaning's theme music: https://www.instagram.com/tristonmorgan/ Follow Nicole Oesterreicher, the creator of Making meaning's art and podcast cover: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocreates/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoleodesign/ References and Resources: Against the Grain by James C. Scott: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/34324534-against-the-grain Thank you for being here! Smack, Reese

    1h 6m
  2. The Innate Power of Breath: Remember and Restore Your Magic with Anthony Abbagnano

    AUG 26

    The Innate Power of Breath: Remember and Restore Your Magic with Anthony Abbagnano

    Join host Reese Brown as she sits down with Founder of The Alchemy of Breath, Author of Outer Chaos Inner Calm, and Meaning Maker Anthony Abbagnano to discuss the divinity of the breath and how we can use this gift to regulate our nervous system, come back to the present moment, and return home to ourselves. When we engage with the outer world from our inner breath, we learn to see everything as a mirror for our own human experience; what can we learn from our broader world, our inner world, and our inner child to step into presence and more abundantly love one another? That, and so much more in this episode of Making Meaning! A huge thank you to Anthony for his expertise, energy, and time during this episode! Follow Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/alchemyofbreath/ https://www.facebook.com/AOB.Breathwork/ Read Outer Chaos Inner Calm: https://alchemyofbreath.com/outer-chaos-inner-calm/ Learn About Alchemy of Breath and Work with Anthony: https://alchemyofbreath.com Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support Follow Triston Morgan, the creator of Making Meaning's theme music: https://www.instagram.com/tristonmorgan/ Follow Nicole Oesterreicher, the creator of Making meaning's art and podcast cover: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocreates/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoleodesign/ Thank you for being here! Smack, Reese

    1h 20m
  3. Embrace Uncertainty and Outsmart Everyone: Why Doubt is Our Strongest Weapon Against Apathy with Carolyn Kraft

    AUG 12

    Embrace Uncertainty and Outsmart Everyone: Why Doubt is Our Strongest Weapon Against Apathy with Carolyn Kraft

    Join host Reese Brown as she sits down with lawyer, philosopher, and meaning maker Carolyn Kraft to discuss the importance of nuanced and philosophically informed civil discourse, the necessity of vulnerability in a progressing society, how interrogating the complex layers and intersectional wrinkles in opinions and worldviews garners more empathy in conversation, and most importantly, how changing the way we engage with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us truly is the nexus point for creating positive change in broader society. Carolyn also shares her story from growing up in Hawaii, through personal hardship, and eventually to becoming a lawyer and content creator. Her unique approach to content creation is informed by Carolyn’s passion for creating space for critical thinking amidst an ever-intensifying push towards black and white thinking. For Carolyn, even controversial topics and the hardest conversations are the areas where we all need to be taking a bit more time, and creating a bit more grace, for our personal and societal growth, starting with gratitude, vulnerability, and empathy. CW: 7:10 - 13:42 includes conversation regarding a car accident, personal injuries, and recovery. A huge thank you to Carolyn for sharing her time, energy, and expertise during this episode! Follow Carolyn Kraft: https://www.instagram.com/kraftythinking/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kraftythinking?lang=en https://substack.com/@kraftythinking www.youtube.com/@kraftythinking Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support Follow Triston Morgan, the creator of Making Meaning's theme music: https://www.instagram.com/tristonmorgan/ Follow Nicole Oesterreicher, the creator of Making meaning's art and podcast cover: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocreates/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoleodesign/ Thank you for being here! Smack, Reese

    1h 20m
  4. The Call of Meaning and the Essential Aspect of Self with Jules Kuroda

    JUL 29

    The Call of Meaning and the Essential Aspect of Self with Jules Kuroda

    Join host Reese Brown as she sits down with author, coach, and Meaning Maker Jules Kuroda to discuss the innate quality of the human experience. Who are we really? And how should that inform the way we live our lives engaged in humanity during this iteration of selfhood? We cover the intersection of spirituality and science, the importance of developing your personal character, contributing to our local and global communities, and the need for lightheartedness in serious discussions about selfhood. Our conversation reminds us of the importance of asking big questions about meaning and purpose in a world filled with social and political unrest, ultimately calling us all towards a more compassionate and interconnected approach to life. A huge thank you to Jules for her time, energy, and openness during this conversation, and for her work in The N8 Self! Read The N8 Self: https://www.n8self.com Follow Jules: https://www.instagram.com/n8coach/ Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support Follow Triston Morgan, the creator of Making Meaning's theme music: https://www.instagram.com/tristonmorgan/ Follow Nicole Oesterreicher, the creator of Making meaning's art and podcast cover: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocreates/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoleodesign/ Resources and References: Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7624251-the-allegory-of-the-cave https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/seyer/files/plato_republic_514b-518d_allegory-of-the-cave.pdf https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato-myths/ Thank you for being here! Smack, Reese

    1h 16m
  5. Refusing to Forget the Self: Healing through Art, Self-Discovery, and Community with Loveth Heard

    JUL 15

    Refusing to Forget the Self: Healing through Art, Self-Discovery, and Community with Loveth Heard

    Join host Reese Brown as she sits down with photographer, artist, Artistic Director of Knotted Lace, and Meaning Maker Loveth Heard! In this conversation, Reese and Loveth explore what it means to reclaim your humanity through rage, creativity, queerness, and neurodivergence. From breaking free of outdated expectations to building healing community through art and connection, this is a story about unlearning shame, embracing complexity, and choosing radical self-love. Reese and Loveth talk about healing from religious and social conditioning, the power of neurodivergence, embracing queer identity, and how creativity can serve as resistance in a world that often tries to make us forget who we are. A huge thank you to Loveth for her time, energy, and vulnerability during this episode! You can find her work and Knotted Lace below. Follow Loveth: https://www.instagram.com/spicylove___/ Follow Knotted Lace: https://www.instagram.com/kno.ttedlace/ Read Knotted Lace: https://knottedlace.xyz/2/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaftXOyPPHLq3OsPIesG8imTkgQ5T8_KBtoOZAR9h_Yt7GO_uzTs5xya48OAmg_aem_fqJIkP6zKHgcRw2Om4kxhA Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective To Work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support Follow Triston Morgan, the creator of Making Meaning's theme music: https://www.instagram.com/tristonmorgan/ Follow Nicole Oesterreicher, the creator of Making meaning's art and podcast cover: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocreates/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoleodesign/ Thank you for being here! Smack, Reese

    1h 29m
  6. From Cult Survivor to Soulful CEO: Human Design and Healing with Abigail Rebecca

    JUL 1

    From Cult Survivor to Soulful CEO: Human Design and Healing with Abigail Rebecca

    Join host Reese Brown as she sits down with Human Design Mentor, EFT Alchemist, International Speaker, and Business Coach Abigail Rebecca to discuss the importance of self-discovery, the impossible challenge of hustle culture, and the power of rest. We discuss Abby’s journey from being raised in a religious cult to becoming a Human Design Business Mentor and passionate spiritual Icon! Abigail’s story reminds us of the importance of understanding one's unique path, and no matter how challenging, knowing that empowering ourselves to walk our unique path will always lead us to Truth. In addition to these fascinating topics, we also chat about Kundalini, crystals, tarot, and more! Ultimately, Abigail's mission is to help women embrace their true selves and find fulfillment in their lives and businesses, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this conversation with you! A huge thank you to Abigail Rebecca for her time, energy, and vulnerability during today’s episode, and for being such a powerful Meaning Maker! Find Abigail Rebecca and her work through the links below: https://abigailrebecca.com https://www.instagram.com/the_visibility_goddess/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_visibility_goddess https://www.facebook.com/theiconicabigailrebecca/ Work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support Follow Triston Morgan, the creator of Making Meaning's theme music: https://www.instagram.com/tristonmorgan/ Follow Nicole Oesterreicher, the creator of Making meaning's art and podcast cover: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocreates/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoleodesign/ Resources and References: Generate your FREE Human Design Chart: https://abigailrebecca.com/human-design-chart Gene Keys: https://genekeys.com Kundalini Yoga: https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/types-of-yoga/kundalini/ Thank you for being here! Smack, Reese

    1h 17m
  7. Why We're Still Chasing Enlightenment and Missing the Point with Kelly Wendorf

    JUN 17

    Why We're Still Chasing Enlightenment and Missing the Point with Kelly Wendorf

    Join host Reese Brown as she sits down with Founder of Equus, writer of Flying Lead Change, and Meaning Maker Kelly Wendorf to discuss the nature freedom and its interconnectedness with spiritual presence, the difference between embracing the spiritual journey and using it as another avenue for shame and entitlement, and the self knowledge we obtain through maintaining curiosity. A huge thank you to Kelly for her time, energy, and expertise during this episode. Kelly is offering her Course "How to Lead a Transformative Life" for FREE (worth $457) to Making Meaning listeners when you use code EQUUS100KW – use the link below to learn more! https://www.theequusacademy.org/courses/how-to-lead-a-transformative-life-2025 Read Flying Lead Change: https://www.equusinspired.com/flc Find Kelly and Equus: https://www.equusinspired.com https://kellywendorf.com Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support Check out the Making Meaning Podcast here on YT: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAhLOs2BEEjrh4TgKGHG_qosscdGZmFo Check out the Making Meaning Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-meaning/id1626551098 Check out the Making Meaning Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fpr3lHrdscYCxYQiBus9b?si=a9b82bd6a6a942ff Follow Triston Morgan, the creator of Making Meaning's theme music: https://www.instagram.com/tristonmorgan/ Follow Nicole Oesterreicher, the creator of Making meaning's art and podcast cover: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocreates/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoleodesign/ Thank you for being here! Smack, Reese

    1h 15m
  8. Acting as a Path to Compassion and Self-Discovery with Cathryn Hartt

    JUN 3

    Acting as a Path to Compassion and Self-Discovery with Cathryn Hartt

    Join host Reese Brown as she sits down with Actor, Acting Coach, Meaning Maker, and her lifelong mentor, Cathryn Hartt! In this episode, Reese and Cathryn discuss acting, discovering spiritual truths through life and creative art, the intersection of justice and performance, and their relationship. A huge thank you to Cathryn for her time, energy, and openness during this episode! Content Warning: Sexual Assault and Abuse of a Minor 53:50-59:15 Follow Cathryn and find Hartt and Soul Studio: https://www.instagram.com/cathrynhartt/ https://www.facebook.com/cathartt https://www.facebook.com/harttandsoul/ Email: harttandsoul@aol.com Miss Hartt’s website is currently down, but will be active shortly: https://www.harttandsoul.com Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support Follow Triston Morgan, the creator of Making Meaning's theme music: https://www.instagram.com/tristonmorgan/ Follow Nicole Oesterreicher, the creator of Making meaning's art and podcast cover: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocreates/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoleodesign/ Thank you for being here! Smack, Reese

    1h 7m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Why are we here? What's the meaning of life? What's the meaning of your life? Exploring these mysteries often results in more questions than you began with. So how do we move forward living meaningful lives? Making Meaning by The Cohere Collective explores this exact question. Every other week, host Reese Brown interviews a new guest about how they have chosen to live their life in a meaningful way. We hope that through these stories you can explore how you have, and can, make meaning in your life. Let's make meaning together. We are so glad you're here!

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