Braving the Elements Podcast with Tracy James
The Braving the Elements Podcast is dedicated to inspiring and supporting those committed to mindful and creative living. Join host Tracy James, Mindfulness and Life Balance Coach, as she shares meditations and conversations with thought leaders in the realms of business, the arts and spirituality. Tracy explores the real journey of staying centered, mindful and inspired in dynamic times.
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S3:E14 Jade Miles on Futuresteading
12/01/2023
S3:E14 Jade Miles on Futuresteading
At a time when our daily lives often feel disconnected from the natural world, our guest today offers a path to reengagement. Joining us is Jade Miles, author, regenerative heritage fruit farmer and CEO of Sustainable Table, a funding organization for change makers in the field of regenerative farming. In her book, Futuresteading: Live Like Tomorrow Matters, Jade models a lifestyle deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature and the cycles of growth. She is a powerful voice for sustainable living and an advocate for making small positive changes in our daily lives that lead to a more resilient future. In her homeland of Australia, Jade is a champion for community sufficiency, ecological balance and a more thoughtful approach to consumption. Jade's insights beautifully weave together practical guidance with a philosophy deeply anchored in respect and reverence for the earth. Her approach is born from a profound love for the land and an understanding that healing our ecosystems goes hand in hand with our own healing journey. Join us as we explore with Jade how to truly 'live like tomorrow matters'. “Every decision we make has an impact - on other humans, creatures and ecosystems. How do you make your decisions and will their impact be degenerative, sustainable or regenerative?" - Jade Miles For more about Jade and her work visit the show notes at...
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S3:E13 Stress and The Language of Breath with Jesse Coomer
10/31/2023
S3:E13 Stress and The Language of Breath with Jesse Coomer
Stress, dysregulation and anxiety plague modern life with origins that lie deep in human psychology and physiology. In this episode, Human Performance Specialist Jesse Coomer, helps us understand the unconscious processes and survival mechanisms that drive our experience of stress and offers us tools to restore balance. Blending neuroscience with breath-work practices, Jesse maps the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind. He details how techniques like controlled breathing can "speak" to the unconscious, quieting stress responses and restoring calm. Jesse trains athletes, CEOs, first responders, military, and everyday people who seek to optimize their performance, reduce their anxiety levels, and live a healthier life. In this episode, Jesse discusses his new book, The Language of Breath, and inspires us to take an embodied path to reducing chronic stress and restoring balance. Whether you grapple with anxiety or simply seek deeper self-awareness, this episode offers practical tools to engage with the inner forces shaping your state of mind and body. For more about Jesse or about coaching with Tracy, visit
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S3E12: Transcending Toxic Productivity with Steven Puri
09/19/2023
S3E12: Transcending Toxic Productivity with Steven Puri
In a time when pressures to do more, faster and better inundate us, it’s refreshing to find tools to help us address the demands of modern life without compromising our well-being. Our guest today, Steven Puri, Founder of The Sukha app, is deeply engaged in the movement to transcend burnout and toxic productivity, and restore happiness in work and life. Alongside his tech career, Steven has a rich background in the entertainment world, having served as a studio executive and producer at companies such as 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks Pictures. In this episode, we dive deep into what actually helps us be more focused, productive and happy and how The Sukha app was designed to make the process easier. So, whether you're looking for ways to achieve sustainable productivity, seeking a greater sense of well-being in your day-to-day life, or are looking for solutions to burnout, this conversation is for you. To check out The Sukha app, use this link for a free trial and use the code TRACY to get 20% off when you become a member... Find the links and quote mentioned in the episode in the show notes at... https://podcast.livingelemental.com
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S3:E11 Into The Luminous with Diana Winston
09/05/2023
S3:E11 Into The Luminous with Diana Winston
While meditation and mindfulness promise peace, the reality of these practices can involve more struggle than serenity. From meditation cushions in India and Burma to her role as Director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, our guest has navigated both the traditional and scholarly worlds of mindfulness and has come to embrace an expansive, objectless, and effortless approach. Diana Winston is the author of The Little Book of Being and co-author of Fully Present, and is here on the podcast to share a practice that I resonate deeply with and have wanted to share with you. Join us as as Diana discusses Natural Awareness and offers us a direct experience of the luminous as she guides us in meditation. Whether you're a seasoned meditator seeking a fresh perspective, or someone newly venturing into this territory, today's episode offers an alternative and accessible approach to the practice of mindfulness.
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S3E10: Arianna Bradford On ADHD
08/03/2023
S3E10: Arianna Bradford On ADHD
Arianna Bradford is an ADHD Coach and author of the book Shame on You: Big Truths from A Bad Mom. Whether or not you have ADHD, Arianna’s perspectives on being a mulitpassionate person are an inspiring invitation to live into your uniqueness and work with your nature. From how to get motivated to the links between hormone changes and ADHD symptoms, we explore neurodiversity from many angles in this episode. Tune in as Arianna brings practical wisdom, compassion and humor to the process of embracing who you are and how your brain works.
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S3E9 The Power of Ritual with Casper ter Kuile
06/26/2023
S3E9 The Power of Ritual with Casper ter Kuile
For all of us navigating the stresses of modern life, my guest, Casper ter Kuile shares a path to wellbeing and connectedness through the familiar terrain of our everyday activities. Casper is the author of The Power of Ritual, co-founder of The Nearness and the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. As a fellow at the Harvard Divinity School, Casper researched the effects of the digital age on connectedness and community. In this episode we explore how cultivating simple rituals and practices can restore your peace and connection with what matters most.
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S3E8: Jay Vidyarthi on Tech and Becoming Better People
05/12/2023
S3E8: Jay Vidyarthi on Tech and Becoming Better People
Is technology the enemy or a mirror reflecting the best and worst aspects of its creators and users? In this episode, we explore this question as well as the role of attention and mindfulness in navigating our modern digital landscape. I’m joined by Jay Vidyarthi, an attention activist and the founder of Still Ape - the world's first UX design studio focused exclusively on mindfulness, compassion, and wellbeing. He envisions a society where access points to self-care and collective transformation are as diverse as the people who need them. He also teaches mindfulness, inspiring people to reclaim their freedom of attention in the face of constant distraction.
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S3E7: Deb Dana on Befriending Your Nervous System with Polyvagal Theory
04/28/2023
S3E7: Deb Dana on Befriending Your Nervous System with Polyvagal Theory
As humans, our needs for connectedness and safety run deep. Painful experiences and trauma shape our nervous systems in ways that make it difficult to truly meet those needs. My guest on the podcast helps us navigate the complex terrain of the nervous system. Deb Dana is a clinician, consultant and author of books and programs including the book Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory. She is well known for translating Polyvagal Theory into a language and application that is both understandable and accessible. Join us as we explore ways to engage the nervous system for greater wellbeing, safety and connectedness.
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S3E6: Allison Pelot on Finally Thriving
04/14/2023
S3E6: Allison Pelot on Finally Thriving
It’s easy to compartmentalize aspects of ourselves. To separate out mind from body from spirit and attempt to address challenges we face from our parts instead of our wholeness. My guest, Allison Pelot helps us explore a more integral approach to health and wellbeing. As the author of Finally Thriving and host of the Integrate Yourself podcast, Allison has inspired thousands of people to take ownership of their wellbeing by integrating the diverse aspects of their nature, honoring their values and making space for what brings them joy. Join us as we explore a range of topics from recovery after injury to the role creativity and spontaneity can play in wellbeing.
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S3E5: Steven Puri on Productivity and Staying Human in a Tech-Oriented World
03/31/2023
S3E5: Steven Puri on Productivity and Staying Human in a Tech-Oriented World
From the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in our lives to challenges cultivating focus in a landscape of distractions, my guest Steven Puri and I explore how to stay human in an increasingly technology-oriented world. He’s the co-founder of Centered, an app for finding focus and getting things done with mindfulness, intention and with the support of community. Join us as we discuss ways to reduce stress and burnout and make more space in your life for what matters most.
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S3E4: Devorah Brous - From Burnout to Regeneration
03/23/2023
S3E4: Devorah Brous - From Burnout to Regeneration
We’re all faced with pressures to over-extend ourselves. Whether it’s career, family commitments or too much screen time, there are no shortage of ways that we can burn ourselves out. But how do we restore and regenerate? My guest today is Devorah Brous, she is an Urban Homesteader & Herbalist and Executive Director of Temple Emanu El in Burbank, CA. In our conversation, Dev shares her Nature-based model of the regenerative change cycle and how we can apply it to restoring and sustaining balance in our lives.
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S3E3: Megan Hayes on Writing as a Wellbeing Practice
03/16/2023
S3E3: Megan Hayes on Writing as a Wellbeing Practice
Megan Hayes is an author, researcher, mentor, and teacher of joyful writing habits. Her PhD explored the links between writing, psychology and happiness and her latest book is titled The Joy of Writing Things Down. In this episode Megan shares ways to cultivate wellbeing by integrating simple writing practices into your life.
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S3E2: Ian Banyard on Natural Mindfulness
02/14/2023
S3E2: Ian Banyard on Natural Mindfulness
Natural Mindfulness: The restorative power of cultivating nature awareness. Ian Banyard is a well-being author, nature connection guide and guide trainer as well as creator of the online platform and community Nature Connection World. He describes the leaders of the future being edge-walkers... people who navigate on the edges of their comfort zones which requires being really good at being mindful and cultivating balance under pressure. Ian shares his process of finding his way back to nature from a fast-paced and high stress lifestyle and tools for how you can too.
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S3E1: New Direction for the Podcast
02/08/2023
S3E1: New Direction for the Podcast
Tracy returns after a long break with a new name and vision for the podcast. In this first episode of the new season, she outlines her nature-based approach to cultivating clarity and alignment in all areas of your life.
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S2E13: Stephanie Jameson on Thriving as an Empath
12/01/2018
S2E13: Stephanie Jameson on Thriving as an Empath
Stephanie Jameson is an intuitive psychic empath, a reiki master, and author of The Happy Empath's Workbook. Are you an empath? Well, Stephanie is the perfect person to help you find out. In this episode, we explore what it is to be an empath, the challenges different types of empaths face, and inspiration and resources for harnessing your intuitive and empathetic abilities. For more episodes and inspiration for your spiritual path, visit www.formodernmystics.com
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S2E12: Miamah Karmo on Fear, Strength and Softness
07/18/2018
S2E12: Miamah Karmo on Fear, Strength and Softness
Maimah Karmo is an author, philanthropist, and Founder and CEO of the Tigerlily Foundation. Over the last 10 years, Maimah has transformed herself from being a 32 year old mother with a young child and a diagnosis of breast cancer to an inspiration, guiding others in being fearless in transcending any life circumstance into an opportunity for personal evolution and bliss. For more information on Maimah and her work, visit .
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S2E11: Nicole Doherty on Shamanic Healing
05/15/2018
S2E11: Nicole Doherty on Shamanic Healing
Nicole Doherty is the founder of the Shamanic Healing Arts Academy, as well as an Empowerment Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Shamanic Reiki Master Healer. In this episode, Nicole shares her perspectives on shamanism and how to step into your power and be your own inner healer. She also guides us through a grounding meditation you can use to center and balance yourself moving forward. For more information on Nicole and her work, visit www.nicoledoherty.com
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S2E10: Catherine Rains on a Spiritual Approach to Big Transitions
02/03/2018
S2E10: Catherine Rains on a Spiritual Approach to Big Transitions
Transitioning from Corporate job to full-time mixed media artist, Catherine Rains is an inspiring example of the process of making profound shifts in your life through embracing what currently is. Cat shares the story of finding her way to her deepest desire through the practices of asking for clear signs from the Universe, taking action on those signs, and falling in love with her life exactly as it is in every moment, no matter how difficult things might appear to be. For more information on Cat and her art, visit
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S2E9: Hanson Tse on Letting Life Be an Unfolding Exploration
11/27/2017
S2E9: Hanson Tse on Letting Life Be an Unfolding Exploration
Hanson Tse is a master healer and the developer of WAMBI Exploration™, an experiential approach to listening to your own wisdom through awareness and the integration of mind and body. He harnesses wisdom from many modalities including the fields of energy healing, martial arts, and acting. On this episode, Hanson shares his perspectives on tuning to your own wise body/mind and the process of allowing life to be an unfolding exploration.
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S2E8: Hetal Sheth on Ayurveda for Animals
09/13/2017
S2E8: Hetal Sheth on Ayurveda for Animals
Hetal Sheth is a Silicon Valley techie turned animal advocate. Since founding her company, Curry & Pepper, Hetal has been on a mission to create more happy and healthy dogs by increasing access to Ayurvedic resources. She reminds us that our pets have a spiritual path and deserve attention at the levels of mind, body, and spirit. On the podcast, she shares insights into the ancient science of Ayurveda and the history and practice of using Ayurvedic techniques to heal animals.
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S2E7: Greg Bogart on Astrology and Spiritual Awakening
08/18/2017
S2E7: Greg Bogart on Astrology and Spiritual Awakening
Greg Bogart, Ph.D., MFT is a writer, musician, and therapeutic astrologer. On the podcast, Greg shows us how planetary movements affect us on every level from our personal lives and relationships to the political and social climate. For those seeking to harness their own natal chart for personal and spiritual growth, Greg offers inspiration and guidance rooted in decades of spiritual study and practice.
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S2E6: Erin Lanahan on The Balance of Masculine and Feminine
08/14/2017
S2E6: Erin Lanahan on The Balance of Masculine and Feminine
Erin Lanahan, a transformational life coach, an internationally certified yoga teacher, and guide for anyone seeking to thrive through the balance of their masculine and feminine energy. On the podcast, Erin guides us through the deep waters of our feminine and masculine selves and how to navigate the aspects of shadow and light that we face individually and collectively.
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S2E5: Jaimal Yogis on All Our Waves Are Water
07/04/2017
S2E5: Jaimal Yogis on All Our Waves Are Water
Jaimal Yogis is an award-winning writer, an avid surfer and outdoorsman, and a teacher of meditation, mindfulness, and creative writing. He is the author of the books Saltwater Buddha, The Fear Project and his recent release, All Our Waves Are Water: Stumbling Toward Enlightenment and the Perfect Ride. With compassion and deep self-awareness, Jaimal’s writing eloquently captures the highs and lows of the spiritual path and I’ve personally been very moved by his books and teaching. In this episode, we explore moving through emotions, harnessing fear, and the integration of spiritual practices into modern daily life. For information on Jaimal’s books, book signing tour dates and more, visit .
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S2E4: Will Pye on Radical Gratitude, Science, and Spiritual Awakening
06/22/2017
S2E4: Will Pye on Radical Gratitude, Science, and Spiritual Awakening
Will Pye is a true modern mystic. Through his Radical Gratitude teachings, his book, "Blessed With A Brain Tumor", and his courses, Will inspires spiritual seekers to leverage life’s difficulties for conscious self-mastery. On the podcast, we explore a wide range of subjects from Epigenetics and the effects of spiritual practice on the brain and body, to social justice and how to engage without being in a state of resistance. Will's depth of wisdom offers a wealth of resources and inspiration. For more information on Will and his online and in-person courses, visit .
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S2E3: Brian Piergrossi on Spiritual Awakening and How To Love What Is
04/28/2017
S2E3: Brian Piergrossi on Spiritual Awakening and How To Love What Is
Brian Piergrossi is an author and spiritual teacher who, through his coaching and retreats, creates experiences that harness the power of resonant fields and cultivate spiritual awakening. Brian’s difficult journey with pain and chronic fatigue syndrome drew him to deeply explore the challenges of the human condition and led him to profound realizations about pain, suffering and transcendence. For more information on Brian’s books, coaching and retreats visit .
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S2E2: Karen Curry Parker on Human Design
03/09/2017
S2E2: Karen Curry Parker on Human Design
In this episode, author, Karen Curry Parker offers practical resources for navigating the process of personal and spiritual evolution. Karen shares with us her insights into Human Design, a system that synthesizes ancient and modern sciences to help you harness your natural gifts and identify and live out your life’s purpose. She is a brilliant teacher and spiritual guide and I’m delighted to have her on the podcast. For more on Karen’s work and to get your own free Human Design chart, visit .
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S2E1: Flora Bowley on Brave Intuitive Painting
01/19/2017
S2E1: Flora Bowley on Brave Intuitive Painting
Flora Bowley is an internationally celebrated painter, author, and creative pioneer. In this episode, Flora discusses her work with brave, intuitive painting and how each of us can find freedom and profound personal and spiritual growth through the simple act of picking up a paintbrush. For more about Flora, and for simple ways to cultivate your intuitive gifts, visit .
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S1E6: Alexis Brooks on Conscious Musings, Spiritual Sovereignty and Exploring Non-physical Realms
09/30/2016
S1E6: Alexis Brooks on Conscious Musings, Spiritual Sovereignty and Exploring Non-physical Realms
Alexis Brooks is a best-selling author of the book ‘Conscious Musings’. She is a journalist, a researcher and host of Higher Journeys Radio covering metaphysics, spirituality and new thought concepts. In this episode, Alexis discusses non-physical realms, the importance of contemplation as a practice and the power of cultivating spiritual sovereignty. She shares her insights on the media and technology and ways to stay centered and evolve in an age of distractions. Be sure to check out her blog and listen to her fascinating interviews with a wide range of thought leaders including journalist Dan Rather at www.higherjourneys.com.
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S1E5: Eliot Cowan on Plant Spirit Medicine
08/31/2016
S1E5: Eliot Cowan on Plant Spirit Medicine
Eliot Cowan is the founder of the Blue Deer Center, a home for the study and practice of ancient wisdom teachings in upstate New York, he is the author of the book Plant Spirit Medicine which I highly recommend and is a healer and an initiated elder in the Huichol indigenous tradition from Mexico. In this episode, Eliot explores the process of communing with the Spirits of plants and the importance of right relationship when doing so. For more information on Eliot and his work visit www.bluedeer.org
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S1E4: Quynn Red Mountain on Trauma, Shamanism and Soul Healing
07/29/2016
S1E4: Quynn Red Mountain on Trauma, Shamanism and Soul Healing
Quynn Red Mountain is the founder of The Institute for the Shamanic Arts and author of "Accepting The Ashes - A Daughters Look At Post Traumatic Stress Disorder". Quynn is an authentic and inspiring spiritual teacher who shares so much in this episode. She discusses wolf medicine, soul healing for war veterans, cultural appropriation in shamanism, and using your intuition to create your own sacred ceremonies. To find out more about Quynn Red Mountain and her shamanic courses go to www.shamanicanimism.com
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