The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist

With Chelsea VonChaz
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a storytelling podcast rooted in the sacred traditions of Black Southern spirituality. Hosted by Chelsea VonChaz—doula, philanthropist, and Southern-born truth-teller—this series blends testimony, conjure, ancestral wisdom, and church girl grit. "This podcast is a living, spoken reflection of my spiritual path — an inheritance of Hoodoo passed down from my great-grandmothers who worked the roots in silence. These recordings reflect my practice, which lives at the intersection of healing, storytelling, and honoring those who came before me. This isn’t instruction. It’s remembrance. It’s testimony. This is my practice." www.chelseavonchaz.com

  1. Apr 6

    Reading the Cards, Listening to Spirit: A Practitioner's Work of Knowing

    In this episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with Tatianna Tarot, diviner, intuitive tarot therapist, and Iyalorisa priestess, for a grounded and expansive conversation on what it really means to trust your intuition. The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, spiritual empowerment, and the significance of divination tools in reclaiming intuition. It also explores the impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection and the importance of ancestral veneration and rites of passage. Takeaways: Ancestral wisdom and spiritual empowermentReclaiming intuition through divination toolsThe impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection Discernment in spiritual educationThe power of abundance mindset and inner workThe impact of Afrofuturism on personal and collective growth Chapters: 00:00 Honoring Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Empowerment11:04 The Impact of Colonialism on Spiritual Disconnection46:22 The Transformational Power of Abundance Mindset and Inner Work53:40 Reparations and Afrofuturism

  2. Mar 10

    Ethics in Hoodoo w/ Brooke "Bee" Sanders

    This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a grounding conversation about ethics, discernment, and the responsibility that comes with spiritual work. I’m joined by Brooke “Bee” Sanders, founder of Amethyst Corner, a spiritual community rooted in ancestral connection, real healing, and practical tools for those walking their path with intention. The conversation delves into the importance of ancestral wisdom and ethical practice within the context of hoodoo and spiritual work. It explores the significance of honoring ancestral traditions and the need for ethical discernment in spiritual practices. We also get into the importance of community and sisterhood in spiritual practices, emphasizing the role of support, accountability, and cultural awakening. Further exploring the significance of ancestral wisdom, the power of tradition, and the non-performative nature of spiritual practices. Additionally, this episode highlights the magic of sisterhood, the importance of nurturing Black maternal health, and the value of intentional rest and self-care. Takeaways Importance of ancestral wisdomEthical practice and discernment Community is key in spiritual practicesSisterhood and support are essential in the spiritual journey Chapters 00:00 The Practice of Hoodoo and Ethical Discernment51:31 Embracing Sisterhood and Womb Magic

  3. Feb 27

    Remembering & Returning to Earth Medicine w/ Charlotte James

    This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is about that kind of remembering. I’m joined by Charlotte Duerr James—educator, therapeutic coach, and initiated Medicine Woman—for a conversation that moves slowly, intentionally, and with reverence.  The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom, the use of psychedelics and earth medicines, early psychedelic experiences, Charlotte's personal psychedelic journey, and the ceremonial use of plant medicine. We go into the intersection of ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and collective healing, highlighting the impact of colonial influence, societal stigma, and the importance of internal work and intention. Charlotte also emphasizes the need for more trained facilitators in the field of decolonized healing practices. Takeaways Ancestral wisdom and root work are central to the conversationPsychedelics and earth medicines play a significant role in personal and collective healing Ancestral wisdom and plant medicine offer a path to healing and ancestral reclamation.Colonial influence has led to societal stigma and misinformation about healing practices.Internal work and intention are key to the journey of healing and decolonization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ancestral Wisdom10:07 Early Psychedelic Experiences20:25 Charlotte's Psychedelic Journey32:22 Ceremonial Use of Plant Medicine38:54 Ancestral Wisdom and Plant Medicine55:39 Colonial Influence and Healing01:05:38 Internal Work and Intention01:11:06 Closing Remarks

  4. Feb 20

    Embody Your Magic: The Power Within You w/ Aycee Brown

    The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom and spiritual practices, highlighting the integration of these elements into personal journeys. It also addresses the challenges of navigating spiritual communities and the process of healing, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-trust. Aycee Brown is a psychic medium, astrologer, and spiritual guide known for telling folks what they need to hear — not just what they want to hear. With over 15 years of experience blending astrology, Human Design, mediumship, and trauma-informed healing, she helps people strip away conditioning, reclaim intuition, and live from deep self-trust instead of spiritual performance. She hosts the podcast Is My Aura On Straight? and is the author of the forthcoming Embody Your Magic (HarperOne, Feb 2026), a guide to embodying your power and truth. We also get into the struggle of embracing independence and freedom, as well as the power of truth and healing. Lastly, our conversation explores the challenges faced in navigating personal freedom and the impact of emotional maturity on individual growth and healing. Takeaways Ancestral WisdomIntegration of Spiritual Practices Embracing independence and freedomThe power of truth and healing Chapters 00:00 Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Journey26:45 Navigating Spiritual Communities and Healing37:23 The Struggle of Independence and Freedom

  5. Feb 13

    Black Women Taught Us: Abolition, Love, and the Politics of Survival

    The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, black feminism, and the intimate history of black feminism. It explores personal experiences, intellectual connections, and the impact of ancestral teachings on identity and community. The discussion also touches on the significance of grief and emotional/spiritual practices in the context of social movement work and abolitionism. The conversation delves into the spiritual and emotional connection to activism, emphasizing the role of spirituality and ancestral connection in the work. It also explores the influence of radical socialization and community roots on activism, highlighting the importance of community and genealogy in movement work. Additionally, it addresses the intersection of academia and activism, the importance of citational ethics, and the need for movement leadership to be rooted in the genealogy of Black Panther women. The conversation also discusses the problem of radical individualism and performative activism, emphasizing the need for community-based and strategic activism. The conversation delves into the legacy of the Black Panther Party, the evolution of movements, intersectionality, misinformation, the poverty cycle, teaching Black history, plagiarism, marginalization of Black women's voices, normalization of harm, telling the truth to ourselves, wisdom from Black women's histories, and upcoming books and projects. Takeaways Ancestral wisdom and teachingsBlack feminism and political theoryIntimate history of black feminism Spirituality and emotional connection to the workThe importance of community and genealogy in movement work Intersectional activismChallenging social norms Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction06:21 Fluidity and Identity11:27 Black Women as Teachers and Architects17:34 Title of the Book and Intimate History22:40 Grief and Emotional/Spiritual Practice36:08 Academia and Activism46:23 Citational Ethics and Movement Leadership53:36 Radical Individualism and Performative Activism58:37 Misinformation and Disinformation01:05:23 Normalization of Harm01:14:21 Wisdom from Black Women's Histories01:20:01 Upcoming Books and Projects

  6. Feb 7

    Anti-Blackness & The Church w/ Pastuh D. Danyelle Thomas

    The conversation delves into the intersection of religion, spirituality, and liberation, highlighting the impact of capitalism and supremacy on religious and spiritual practices. It also explores the implications of AI and technology, the environmental impact of data storage, challenges in nonprofit funding, the role of churches in communities, and the impact of surveillance and technology on personal privacy and health. Plus it highlights the struggle for funding, the high cost of maintaining a church, and the need for communal investment in spiritual gatherings and events. The conversation delves into the intersection of spirituality and Blackness, highlighting the importance of community, identity, and personal growth. It also explores the impact and significance of writing, storytelling, and the power of words in shaping narratives and creating connections. Takeaways Religion and spirituality as tools of liberationThe impact of capitalism and supremacy on religious and spiritual practices Environmental racismImpact of data centers on communities Impact of capitalism on church fundingChallenges of sustaining a churchCommunity support and investment in spiritual spaces Spirituality and BlacknessThe Power of Writing Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest08:45 The Black Church and Its State19:11 Boycotts and Corporate Influence28:35 Environmental Racism and Data Centers36:40 Church and Community Impact42:08 Surveillance and Technology53:04 Impact of Capitalism on Church Funding01:15:42 Spirituality and Blackness01:35:15 The Power of Writing

  7. Jan 31

    Season 2 Premiere: Giving Thanks

    The episode begins with an introduction to Season Two, followed by a dedication to the awakening of individuals. It then explores the embrace of ancestral traditions, the burden of being the first believer, the importance of embracing solitude and discernment, connecting with practitioners, navigating the journey of faith, planning for Season Two, and concludes with closing remarks and gratitude. The overarching theme revolves around embracing ancestral wisdom, navigating spiritual awakening, and finding community and support in the journey of faith. Takeaways Season of awakeningCommunity is everything Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Season Two10:06 Embracing Ancestral Traditions16:25 Embracing Solitude and Discernment22:17 Navigating the Journey of Faith28:02 Planning for Season Two34:01 Closing and Gratitude

  8. 10/31/2025

    Forgiveness, Boundaries & Spiritual Maturity.

    Forgiveness is sacred. But it’s not a shortcut. Not a performance. Not a requirement for healing. Some of us were taught to forgive too quickly — out of fear, out of guilt, out of the pressure to be “good.” Especially as Black women.Especially in the church. Especially when we were never given space to grieve what was taken. But here’s the truth: I didn’t forgive you for you. I did it for my spirit. Forgiveness doesn’t always mean calling them back. It means cutting the cord. Releasing the weight. Clearing the attachment and boundaries. That’s spiritual work too. That’s a “no” prayed over. That’s protection spelled out in silence. That’s clarity with a backbone. I’ve learned to stop equating maturity with suffering. I’ve learned that walking away is sometimes the holiest thing you can do. And I’ve learned that peace feels like stillness — not approval. If you’re still holding on to something you know you need to release… If you’ve been taught that forgiveness means forgetting who hurt you…If you’re afraid that saying “no” will make you look bitter… Take a breath. You’re not bitter….. You’re boundaried. You’re not broken….. You’re becoming. Covered by spirit. Guided by blood. 🎙 Listen to this full reflection now on The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chelseavonchaz.com/subscribe

    Forgiveness, Boundaries & Spiritual Maturity.
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a storytelling podcast rooted in the sacred traditions of Black Southern spirituality. Hosted by Chelsea VonChaz—doula, philanthropist, and Southern-born truth-teller—this series blends testimony, conjure, ancestral wisdom, and church girl grit. "This podcast is a living, spoken reflection of my spiritual path — an inheritance of Hoodoo passed down from my great-grandmothers who worked the roots in silence. These recordings reflect my practice, which lives at the intersection of healing, storytelling, and honoring those who came before me. This isn’t instruction. It’s remembrance. It’s testimony. This is my practice." www.chelseavonchaz.com

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