Stoner Story Witch

S4E1: 🌑♋️Reality TV & Secure Attachment in {Love Island} w/ Jamie and Jason

(This episode was recorded before 2025’s “Summer of Love” & only contains spoilers for old seasons of #LoveIslandUK and #LoveIslandUSA)How do humans biologically build attachment?  How do popular reality shows (ab)use mammalian attachment to create dramatic moments for entertainment?  What happens to our nervous systems as viewers when we watch?  What are the narratives that #LoveIsland perpetuates? Who benefits when the collective believes those narratives?  In what ways are reality TV shows and their viewership a high demand group?  Can we collectively imagine something more liberated?Kristyn with a Why chats with Jamie and Jason- two of her besties from high school about Secure attachment and Love Island.0: Intro to episode9:00:  Intro to Jamie and Jason12:51: Secure Attachment and Contact Nutrition Overview29:00:  Consent, and Contact Nutrition in Love Island1:02:00: Suicidality, Racism, Patriarchy, and Casa Amor1:27:45: Favorite Moments on Love Island, and Predictions for upcoming season1:42:45: Love Village and The Boyfriend as “less culty” Love Island alternatives1:52:36:  OutroFollow the podcast on Substack or Instagram!—---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration alluded to in today’s episode:Carmen Spagnola’s Numinous Network for more on Secure attachment and Contact Nutrition, her Numinous Podcast on Fascism, & previous episodes with me here and here.Alexandra Stein’s book: Terror, Love and Brainwashing: Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian SystemsTimothy Snyder’s Book: On Tyranny“The Boyfriend” as the antidote to Love IslandAs always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

Ep 26: 🎂🥳 “Stoner” Solstice: Animism & Plant Stories w/ Kirsten

This episode marks the podcast’s one year anniversary and to celebrate we are going to give plants some “main character energy”What might emerge if we proceeded as though plants could grow us just as much as we grow them?  In what ways can Cannabis be a competent protector, and a companion for practicing consent in times of collapse?  How is the Cannabis industry “just like the Handmaid’s Tale” (which is to say it is actually just like slavery)?Kristyn with a Why chats with her colleague, friend, and “garden witch” Kirsten about how working with plants can subvert the hyperindividualistic, human-centric narratives that are all-too-common in popular stories, and what can happen when we accept their invitation to grapple with the “cracks in the wall” they reveal to us.0: Introduction/Episode Overview9:56: Meet Kirsten31:22: Cannabis, Consent, Compassionate Witnessing, Collapse, Camp Followers56:16: Patriarchy in the Cannabis Industry1:08:04: Stoner Somatics and Confronting “saviorism” with Psilocybin 1:15:00: Outro, seeds for future pods and your own home garden!Follow Kirsten on Instagram @tendingnettles Check out her seeds at https://www.goodseedhempgarden.com/Follow the podcast on Substack & Instagram!—---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration in today’s episode:Carmen Spagnola’s Numinous Network  and Numinous podcast on Collapse Friday Things with Stacey Lee Kong: Adriana Smith Sophie Strand’s books: “The Madonna Secret” and “Body is a Doorway”Naomi KleinCannabis as a “Camp Follower” in Dale Pendell’s Pharmako/PoeiaRat Park:  How cages create addictionLiberation with Rev. angel Kyodo williamsAs always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

S3E4: 🌕♐️ Dream Place Meditation

This entire episode, not to be listened to while driving, is a guided meditation provided to help listeners practice radical rest, connection, and creativity.  In this mini-season, Kristyn discusses {Dream Productions} and offers a guided meditation practice she has done with her kids for over a year titled “Dream Place.”Follow me on Substack to read the transcript for this meditation —---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration in today’s episode:Carmen Spagnola’s Numinous Network Tricia Hersey- “Nap Ministry” Audre LordeDra Rocio Rosales Mesaadrienne maree browntoi smithPeople’s Oracle-Dayna Lynn Nuckolls Liberation with Rev. angel Kyodo williamsSarah Faith Gottesdiener and the Moon StudioChani NicholasLate Fragment by Raymond CarverBayo Akomolafe- The times are urgent, let’s slow downAs always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

S3E3: 🌑♊️Dream Place Meditation: Intention, Introduction, & Overview

In this mini-season, Kristyn will be discussing {Dream Productions} and offering a guided meditation practice she has done with her kids for over a year titled “Dream Place.”How can we practice opening ourselves up to accidental spiritual encounters?  What is a witch if not someone who can shift their consciousness at will?  What becomes possible when we offer our bodies rest and our spirits a sense of security?In this episode, Kristyn provides an overview of the psychoeducation of trance journeys, sharing her experiences and offering insights before giving an overview of the upcoming episode’s meditation.Follow me on Substack, where I share the transcript for next episode’s meditation It is FREE WEEK on Carmen Spagnola’s ⁠Numinous Network⁠ from May 24th-30th 2025.—---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration in today’s episode:Tricia Hersey- “Nap Ministry” Audre LordeDra Rocio Rosales Mesaadrienne maree browntoi smithPeople’s Oracle-Dayna Lynn Nuckolls Liberation with Rev. angel Kyodo williamsSarah Faith Gottesdiener and the Moon StudioChani NicholasLate Fragment by Raymond CarverBayo Akomolafe- The times are urgent, let’s slow downCarmen Spagnola’s ⁠⁠Numinous Network⁠⁠ As always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

S3E2: 🌕♏️{Dream Productions} Competent Protectors, Creativity, & Value-Aligned Community

In this mini-season, Kristyn will be discussing {Dream Productions} and offering a guided meditation practice she has done with her kids for over a year titled “Dream Place.”This episode provides a synopsis and discussion of the 2024 animated series “Dream Productions” that takes place between the events of “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2” on Disney/Pixar.Why do all the stories on this podcast have characters that are a personification of capitalism’s impact on the creative process?  How can stories and intentional altered states of consciousness help us to connect with what matters most to us, and practice embodying it?  If Riley deserves better dreams, can we also demand better stories?In this episode, Kristyn discusses Dream Productions and the connection to the upcoming Dream Place meditation with her co-parent and partner Kevin.  Kevin also provides a testimonial of his experience of Kristyn leading him through a trance journey similar to the Dream Place.Follow me on Substack! #dreamproductions #insideout #insideout2—---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration in today’s episode:Carmen Spagnola’s various hypnotherapy offerings on the Numinous Network SaffanaBanana on IG “Is this true? Who benefits from me believing this?”Sophie Strand’s “Sexy Inventory” on Substack Roadmap to Liberation with Rev. angel Kyodo williamsAs always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

S3E1: 🌑♉️*Dream Place* and the Memento Mori of Motherhood

In this season, Kristyn will be discussing {Dream Productions} and offering a guided meditation practice she has done with her kids titled “Dream Place.”In the words of Sophie Strand, inspired by Octavia Butler, what is sexy?  How can the tropes we love in stories be the roadmaps for what liberation looks like for us, here, now?  How can intentional changes of consciousness be a magical practice to enable our senses to feel the presence of loved ones after they pass on?In this episode, Kristyn shares some more context of how the vision of this podcast came to be- by watching the stories her kids loved *with* them and provides her personal reasons for this season of dreams: her desire to leave behind batons and breadcrumbs for her kids in the event she dies before they grow up.Follow me on Substack! —---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration in today’s episode:Carmen Spagnola and the Numinous Network Sophie Strand’s Substack Roadmap to Liberation with Rev. angel Kyodo williamsAs always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

Ep21: 🌕♎️{Severance} Numinous Reactions to Season 2- w/ Carmen Spagnola

(This season contains spoilers for the show “Severance”- season 2 aired in 2025 on Apple)How can shows, like Severance, hijack our nervous systems into dysregulation so that we will accept the same-old stories, confusing coherence with liberation? In what ways is Severance a part of the same propaganda it warns about?  How can we use stories as a way to locate ourselves in the larger story of our own lives- to see what gaps there might be in where we really are and who we aspire to be?  If every white person were just a little more like Irv could we be closer to collective liberation?!? Pretty please!!?Kristyn with a Why uses the three questions she learned from teacher and mentor Carmen Spagnola on the Numinous Network to engage in a trauma-informed and attachment-oriented friendly chat to settle their nervous systems as they shared their reactions to Severance Season 2. Thanks again, Carmen Spagnola and The Numinous Network (Happy 4 year Anniversary!)You can check out our earlier podcast together here!Follow me on Substack! —---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration in today’s episode:Carmen’s Learning to See in the Dark Podcast and the work of Marija Gimutas and Charlene SpretnakGeorgia Nicols AstrologyBayo AkomolafeRachael Rice & Personal DiminishmentLow Value Men by Zawn VillinesKristyn on the Asteria’s Convos PodcastSophie Strand’s Substack for all the Romantasy Roadmap to Liberation with Rev. angel Kyodo williamsAs always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

Ep20: 🌑♓️ Stories on our skin: Tattoos & Secure Attachment w/ Dusty

This episode does not center a particular story.  It is a revisiting of a {PAST} conversation, honoring that {people are stories, too!}.  In this episode, Kristyn practices secure attachment and connects with her tattoo artist Dusty to discuss tattoos, the union of creativity and spirituality, and the practices that resourced us to leave the cult of evangelical Christianity while leaving the door open for the Numinous.—---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration alluded to in today’s episode:Carmen Spagnola’s Numinous Network for courses on Secure attachment & ritual practices, her Podcast on Fascism, and her book  “The Spirited Kitchen” for more on Yule and other “rewilded” spiritual practices.For more companioning around leaving the high demand group of fundamentalist/evangelical Christianity, check out Tia Leving’s Instagram and Substack and Jeanna Kadlec’s “Heretic”For more on rewilding Yeshua/Jesus, check out Sophie Strand’s books: “The Madonna Secret” and “Flowering Wand”For more animism and mythology for troubled times, check out The Emerald PodcastRoadmap to Liberation with Rev. angel Kyodo williamsAs always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

Ep19: 🌕♌️ {Bad Sisters} Practicing Pleasure to Dismantle the Patriarchy w/ Marisa Sullivan

(This episode contains spoilers for the season 1 ofBad Sisters on Apple- Watching not mandatory-Kristyn provides arecap in the beginning of the ep)If practicing pleasure weren’t a radically potent act of resistance, then why are radical conservatives andlow value men so scared of women, trans, & queer folk experiencing it?  How does capitalism condition us into scarcity mindsets that keep our pleasure small?  What are simple, yet profound, practices that can help us embody the world we dream about?  Why does the etymology of the words we use to describe our pleasure parts and practices matter, and what words can we use instead?Kristyn with a Why chats with her colleague and friendMarisa Sullivanabout their past pains of the patriarchy; the magical practices of self-pleasure, story, and creativity; and the importance of security, slowness, options, and consent-  through the lens of Bad Sisters season 1.0: Introduction 6:33: Kristyn gives an overview of Bad Sisters through the lens of the Stoner Story Witch28:24: Introducing Marisa!43:50: Marisa and Kristyn chat about Bad Sisters- Grace’s dance class and what the facilitator might have done differently57:51: The importance of creativity: Grace’s art class and autonomy1:06:23: Grace saved herself through story and creative practice1:14:13: The different channels of pleasure, Romantasy/Onyx Storm connections1:21:47:  Casting spells, at home practices1:28:59: Kristyn gets personal1:43:17: Marisa gets personal1:50:38: More practices1:59:06: Where you can work with Marisa2:02:03: Gratitude, sneak peek of upcoming episodesFor more on pleasure, check outPleasure Activism byadriennemareebrown For more on the the liberation of women in hetero relationships, check out Zawn Villines’Liberating Motherhood Substack, andPodcast—---------------------------------------------Grateful for all the learning and inspiration alluded to in today’s episode:The Numinous Network (where Marisa guides embodied movement sessions) and Carmen Spagnola’s courses on Secure attachment and Contact NutritionThe book“Love Sex and No Regrets for Today’s Teens” by Elizabeth ClarkWheel of Consent/Consent GameThe life and death of Isadora DuncanEve Ensler & the Vagina MonologuesMarisa’s Teachers:Sheri Winston ,Mama Gina,Amina Peterson &Pamela SamuelsonJacob Moreno & PyschodramaPillars of Liberation withRev. angel Kyodo williamsAs always:----------------------------------Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically“Our Lady of the Underground” andOrpheus’ Song“Hedwig’s Theme” by John WilliamsShout out for the artistic assistance of:Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)

Ep18: 🌑♒️ Embodying Community in the Revolution w/ ESJC

How can we resist buying into the big lie that we are alone?  What does it take to embody a sense of dignity and belonging when we hold dominant identities within oppressive systems?  Can we lay to rest the desire to be “pure, perfect, and innocent” and still be worthwhile to the revolution?
Kristyn with a Why receives compassionate witnessing from some of the folks from her Embodied Social Justice cohort (ESJC) in today's (relatively) mini episode.
0-11:00: Introduction, Updates, Synchronicities
11:16- end: Crying and Compassionate Witnessing by Embodied Social Justice Cohort
Check out Kristyn on the “Asteria’s Convos” podcast where they chatted about building community and sharing sourdough!
—---------------------------------------------
Grateful for all the learning and inspiration alluded to in today’s episode:
If you enjoyed today’s ep, you will probably love the Cosmic Anarchy Substack by Ayesha Khan, Ph.D  and on IG @wokescientist
Liberation with Rev. angel Kyodo williams
As always:----------------------------------
Thankful for the musical inspiration for the theme song:
Hadestown by Anais Mitchell, specifically “Our Lady of the Underground” and Orpheus’ Song
“Hedwig’s Theme” by John Williams
Shout out for the artistic assistance of:
Matt Schubbe (Logo)Kevin Carlow (Music and sound editing)