Unraveling Midlife - Episode 53

Community, Earth Beat and Unraveling Midlife: The podcast’s 4th birthday coincides with the wrap up for this phase: both for this podcast, and of Earth Beat festival. Tune in to see why these are interlinked.

This episode features snippets from the following contributors:

  1. Sadra Saffari, co-founder of Earth Beat Festival (at the opening ceremony)

  2. Psychotherapist Beth St Clair, member of many different communities

  3. Issac Oron, cofounder of Earth Beat and guest on episode 19

  4. Karen Hunter aka Karena, astrologer, musician, Zenergy facilitator and guest on episode 14

  5. Joe Swamy, Earth Beat crew stalwart and superhero, speaking with host Sarah Spence

  6. Kara-Leah, inspirer of this creative project, spiritual mentor and guest on episodes 1, 16, 22 and 50

  7. Maya Nova, mindful leadership coach and guest on episode 36

  8. Christine Spicer, facilitator extraordinaire and introducer of Human Design to New Zealand, and guest on episodes 9 and 16

  9. Sina Saffari, co-founder of Earth Beat (at the closing ceremony)

The live music at the end of the episode is Saraswati by Sarah Marlowe Spence sung live at the Barn at Earth Beat Festival 2025. You can listen to other music and kirtan that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, from the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Unraveling Midlife - Episode 52

Joydah Mae is a musician and changemaker with an interesting history.

Joydah Mae is a musician and changemaker. With a strong following in Aotearoa New Zealand, Joydah’s music truly moves people. In this episode we delve into the backstory of her singing, culture and ability to address the human condition through her song lyrics.

Listen to Joydah’s music and support local musicians by buying direct instead of streaming, plus check out her cool merch on www.joydahmae.com 

The original music in the latter part of the show is Reflection by Sarah Marlowe Spence, performed at the Arts Trust (Pah Homestead) in August 2024, previously unreleased. Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife - Episode 51

Upasika Deva gives an overview of astrology before explaining evolutionary astrology

Upasika Deva gives an overview of astrology before explaining evolutionary astrology. He is an astrologer, meditator and trained psychotherapist. Upasika has been following a spiritual path since his early 20s alongside his career in the world, running a landscaping business then an IT business. He now marries astrology and IT as a software developer of astrology software.

Contact Upasika via Taopulse@xtra.co.nz.

The original music in the latter part of the show is Be as the Sun by Sarah Marlowe Spence, previously unreleased. Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on midlife astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 50 - Golden Jubilee!

A discussion between three spirituality minded folk: host Sarah Spence, Megan Macdonald and Kara-Leah Grant. How many paths are there to climb the mountain?

A discussion between three spirituality minded folk: host Sarah Spence with recurring podcast guests Kara-Leah and Megan Macdonald to celebrate the 50th episode of Unraveling Midlife. Starting with the question of paths up the mountain, the conversation meanders to mountains plural, quotes from Osho, and classical tantra teachings.

Kara-Leah is a yoga teacher, mentor, strategic communications consultant and a creative primarily influenced by the teachings of Tantrik Yoga. She also assists people seeking clarity or wanting to make sense of kundalini awakenings. Find more at www.karaleah.com and listen to the podcast interview episode 1 or the panel discussions in episode 16 or episode 22.

Megan Macdonald of Expansion Healing specializes in helping people slow down and listen to their bodies using two main modalities: the Self-healing Dalian Method, transformer of deep seated thoughts, fears and beliefs, and Shivambhu, an ancient Ayurvedic health practice. Find her offerings at www.expansionhealing.ca and listen to the podcast interview with Megan in episode 12 and panel discussion in episode 47.

Although this panel episode didn’t include a music section, you can listen to music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 49

Mada Dalian: Suffering vs Surrender

Mada Dalian is an award winning author and spiritual teacher focusing on helping others heal from unconsciousness into consciousness. This is part 4 in a 4 part series.

Mada Dalian has dedicated many years to the healing of others. Many around the world are reaping the benefits of her Self-healing Dalian Method, a modality that can be facilitated by another or done by yourself. Mada is an award-winning author with her books Search for the Miraculous: Healing into Consciousness, and Healing the Body & Awakening Consciousness with the Dalian Method. 

This episode is part four of a series in we uncover more about the Dalian Method and healing the seemingly unhealable. Check out the Self-healing Dalian Method and the Find Answers to Your Questions session so you can practice yourself.

The original music in the latter part of the show is home recording of “Forgiveness,” with special relationship to the Dalian Method.

Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 48

Mada Dalian: Phases of Life and other gems. Mada joins us a second time in this series on the Self-healing Dalian Method.

Mada Dalian is an award winning author and spiritual teacher focusing on helping others heal from unconsciousness into consciousness.

 

Born in Armenia, emigrant to Canada, Mada has dedicated many years to the healing of others. Many around the world are reaping the benefits of her Self-healing Dalian Method, a modality that can be facilitated by another or done by yourself. Mada is an award-winning author with her books Search for the Miraculous: Healing into Consciousness, and Healing the Body & Awakening Consciousness with the Dalian Method. 

This episode is part three of a series in which we will uncover more about the Dalian Method and healing the seemingly unhealable. Check out the Self-healing Dalian Method and the Find Answers to Your Questions session so you can practice yourself. 

The original music in the latter part of the show is a live version of I Feel Joy, performed live at Wallace Arts Trust, Auckland in July 2024.

Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 47

Eclipse Special – Dalian Method Panel Discussion

Dalian Method facilitators Jennifer (Jandy) Anderson, Kindi Dulai-Gill and Megan Macdonald speak with Sarah about their experiences with the Dalian Method.

Following on from last month’s episode featuring Mada Dalian, this panel continues the theme of the Dalian Method and drills into people’s personal experiences of working with it. Created by Mada Dalian, an award winning author and spiritual teacher focusing on helping others heal from unconsciousness into consciousness.

 Contact the facilitators on the panel:

This episode is part two of a series in which we will uncover more about the Dalian Method and healing the seemingly unhealable. Check out the Self-healing Dalian Method and the Find Answers to Your Questions session so you can practice yourself.

Although this panel episode didn’t include a music section, you can listen to music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 46

Who am I? with Mada Dalian Part 1: The background to the revolutionary self-healing Dalian Method

Mada Dalian is an award winning author and spiritual teacher focusing on helping others heal from unconsciousness into consciousness.

Born in Armenia, emigrant to Canada, Mada has dedicated many years to the healing of others. Many around the world are reaping the benefits of her Self-healing Dalian Method, a modality that can be facilitated by another or done by yourself. Mada is an award-winning author with her books Search for the Miraculous: Healing into Consciousness, and Healing the Body & Awakening Consciousness with the Dalian Method.  

This episode is part one of a series in which we will uncover more about the Dalian Method and healing the seemingly unhealable. Check out the Self-healing Dalian Method and the Find Answers to Your Questions session so you can practice yourself.

The original music in the latter part of the show is a previously unreleased track called Wonder, performed live at Wallace Arts Trust, Auckland in July 2024.

Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 45

Imbolc Soliloquy and midwinter Fullness

Reflections from winter as spring starts to hint, a soliloquy to celebrate the new moon in Leo.

Sarah’s soliloquy reflects on the slowly lengthening days and sharing music in the current climate.

The original music in the latter part of the show is a previously unreleased song, Full of Fullness, performed at Pah Homestead (Arts House Trust) in July 2024.

Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

 Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 44

Medicine Drums and living on the land with Chalice Malcolm

Chalice Malcolm is a Shamanic Practitioner who facilitates the creation of medicine drums. One of New Zealand’s earliest adopters of the heart medicine cacao, Chalice now lives off grid without the electricity to make her chocolate but is busy with so much more. Contact Chalice via www.wildheart.nz.

The original music in the latter part of the show is an adapation of Mother, the original of which is available on the album Awake by Premratna, performed live with Ora Vida Life in Grey Lynn, Auckland in June 2024.

Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 43 Panel discussion

Sarah, Toni and Sian reflect on learnings from living their 40s and the difference between pre- and post- astrological midlife.

Covering death, grief, joy and life, this juicy conversation is uplifting and reflective.

Although there was no music section of the show in this episode, you can listen to music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine which was mentioned during this show, and Episode 26. Also mentioned was the interview with Kāren Hunter, Episode 14 and Mariana Melo Art.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 42

Community and authenticity with Mataora Rongoā-Hōtoke

Health practitioner and martial artist Mataora Rongoā-Hōtoke on community

Mataora Rongoā-Hōtoke is a health and medicine facilitator and martial artist amongst many other roles. Unusual in these times, Mataora prefers to work in the old school way, without a website! You can easily find Mataora via Instagram or Facebook.

The original music in the latter part of the show is Deep Peace, a traditional Gaelic blessing put to music by Sarah Marlowe Spence. It is a live recording of Shakti Sacred Music performing it at the Ecstatic Dance Festival in Aongatete in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty in January 2024, previously unreleased.

Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 41

Our role in helping our loved ones transition at end of life with Erihapeti McPherson.

Learn about what a Psychopomp (Death Walker) is and how you can choose to assist your loved ones with transition.

Esoteric Hypnotherapist, artist and spiritual/cultural protection agent Erihapeti McPherson shares about her role as a Death Walker and what we can do to assist our loved ones as they transition. We cover natural funerals, preparation for end of life wishes, and practical tips for dealing with death.

Contact Erihapeti via www.eri.nz.

The original music in the latter part of the show is Kali Durge Ma on the 2015 album Awake by Premratna. Learn more about kirtan in Episode 10.

Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 40

Christopher Jones is a Master Handreader and Astrologer, as well as being passionate about cult and abuse education. When he realised he was living in an abusive cult, alongside others Christopher closed down the cult from the inside. We cover his story here and much more.

Join Master Handreader Christopher Jones talk about what he does, which includes identifying cults, and how he closed one down: “Knowledge, wisdom and insight is more valuable than belief.”

Christopher Jones is a Master Handreader and Astrologer, as well as being passionate about cult and abuse education. When he realised he was living in an abusive cult, alongside others Christopher closed down the cult from the inside. We cover his story here and much more.

Find Christopher at:

www.handreading.nz
www.youtube.com/@MasterHandreader
www.facebook.com/handreadingnz
www.instagram.com/handreadingnz

References:

‘Sex in the Forbidden Zone’, Peter Rutter (1995)
Extract:  https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1992/01/sex-in-the-forbidden-zone
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Forbidden-Zone-Therapists-Teachers/dp/1855384604

Red Flags in Workshops
https://redflagsinworkshops.com/a-system-of-flags/

 

The original music in the latter part of the show is a live recording of Seeking Peace, previously unreleased, by Sarah Marlowe Spence.

Listen to music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 39

Escaping East Germany, starting anew (twice) and plenty of inspiration with Steffi August.

Steffi August is a self-leadership coach and speaker with a fascinating story to how she got here. She shares her story of successfully leaving East Germany, showcasing the go-getting attitude that keeps her going despite life’s obstacles. Prepare to be inspired and reflective with the gems she shares.

Find Steffi at www.steffiaugust.com, which features her upcoming charity event Defining Moments: Breaking down barriers.

The original music in the latter part of the show is a live recording of Highlands, previously unreleased, by Sarah Marlowe Spence.

Listen to music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 38

Celebrating the New Year with Healing Mother Earth - a solo check in with live music from Ora Vida Life collective.

The original music in this episode show is Healing Mother Earth by Kāren Hunter (Kārena), performed live by the Ora Vida Life collective 31 December 2023 at Resolution NYE Festival in rural north Auckland, New Zealand. This song features Kārena on lead vocals, supported by Sarah Marlowe Spence and Samantha May.

The video including dancers can be watched here on the Ora Vida Life YouTube page.

Hear more about Kāren Hunter and her music journey in Episode 14.

Listen to music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 37

Musical musings with David Shanhun

David Shanhun is a professional musician currently based in Auckland who has opened shows for bands like Foreigner and Three Dog Night, and has had a number #1 song on iTunes NZ. He performs live at various events, weddings and shows, sharing his passion for music and helping others through YouTube videos, 1:1 sessions, online workshops and simply by sharing his authentic self through his music. Find David on www.davidshanhun.com and on YouTube with plenty of fabulous records, as well as on Instagram and Facebook.

The original music in the latter part of the show is Butterlies by David Shanhun, recorded live at the Jam Factory in Tauranga, NZ in November 2023.

 

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Listen to music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 36

From war to peace with former Buddhist nun and Mindful Leadership Coach Maya Nova.

A former ordained Buddhist nun, Maya Nova is a Mindful Leadership Coach and meditator. This powerful and inspiring discussion covers topics from escaping war, compassion, AI technology and of course, mindfulness.

Maya mentions several points worth looking more into:
- Leadership researcher and speaker Nick Petrie
- the BANI framework that can be used to describe the current state of the world
- Julia Butterfly Hill, an environmental activist who was at risk of losing her life to loggers
- Social philosopher Daniel Schmachtenberger
- Best-selling author, researcher and meditation teacher Joe Dispenza

Contact Maya at www.mindbalance.co.nz or via LinkedIn.

Sarah’s December kirtan in Auckland has details here. The original music in the latter part of the show is Om Tara by Sarah Marlowe Spence from the album Awake by Premratna. Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 35

Sacred sites and life adventures with Gary Cook, a sacred site archaeologist, author, documentary maker and storyteller extraordinaire.

Gary Cook is a sacred site archaeologist, author, documentary maker and storyteller extraordinaire. Contact him via www.secretland.co.nz where you can find out about his sacred site writings, documentary and audio music.

Further information on the sacred sites of Castle Hill and Te Miringa Te Kakara, and the book Song of Waitaha can be found on Barry Brailsford’s website www.stoneprint.co.nz.  

The original music in the latter part of the show is by Gary’s sidekick, Sybella.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art. Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

More details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26. Another handy reference is Molly McCord on astrological transits, broken down by decade of life.

Unraveling Midlife: Episode 34

Learn how your skin can boost your confidence with Lisa Goodeve.

Lisa Goodeve is a specialist in natural skincare and helping people find their confidence through their skin. Starting as a beauty therapist, she now creates her own line of chemical-free, local, organic and sustainable products. Contact her at https://www.lisagoodeve.co.nz/

The original music in the latter part of the show is SwingatOmique recorded live at NZ Spirit South Island. The original multi-instrumental version recorded at Free Soul School Switzerland can be listened to at https://freesoulschoolswitzerland.bandcamp.com/track/swingatomique.  

Listen to other music that Sarah sings on a variety of albums via this Spotify playlist.

Theme music is Trust by Sarah Marlowe Spence, on the album Awake by Premratna. The inspiration for the name of this podcast was from Brene Brown ‘The Midlife Unraveling’ The show’s cover art is by Samantha Hepburn Art.

Details on astrological transits are covered in Episode Nine and Episode 26.