Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell

Not an Ending, A Beginning

EP #330 - Not an Ending, A Beginning, an interview with author and spiritual practitioner, Nancy MacMillian

I know I say this every time—and yes, I’m probably being redundant—but I say it because it’s true. I get to welcome and have chats with so many incredible guests. And this guest, Nancy MacMillian is no exception.

She has written an amazing book, and I’m so excited to introduce her.

Nancy MacMillian is a gifted storyteller and someone who guides others through one of life’s most profound transitions: Dying. I’m honored to welcome her to Empowering Chats.

Nancy’s work focuses on death and dying, and her book, Call to the Far Side, explores how we can approach death with awareness and support our loved ones as they enter this unknown—and often miraculous—part of life.

She speaks truths that need to be heard, especially in the Western world, where death is often handled in sterile, clinical settings like ICUs, far from family and loved ones.

We talk about the use of medication in the dying process—recognizing that when there’s pain, medication is necessary—but what about when there isn’t? Nancy believes possibilities open up when we allow the body to do what it naturally knows how to do. Nancy discusses the endorphins released near death, and how we might honor the body’s own ability to bring peace and grace.

We also explore what it means to die with dignity, kindness, and love.

Nancy encourages open conversations about death with those closest to us. When we talk about it—ask questions, share thoughts—it can help us be better companions to those we love as they enter that journey. It help us -the care giver - be more present, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

In her book, she also highlights the growing number of resources available today that didn’t exist before, such as Death Doulas, music therapy, massage, and other out-of-the-box options. Her book speaks to the cultural shift happening in how we view death in the West—and it’s a hopeful one.

Call to the Far Side reintroduces the idea that death can be beautiful. It’s not something to fear or push away. As Nancy so eloquently puts it, this is about bringing death back into our hearts and homes—and remembering that our dead are not gone; they’re just in the next room.

Being intentional and conscious about the dying process can be incredibly supportive—for those who are transitioning, and for those of us walking alongside them.

To learn more about Nancy MacMillian visit: NancyMacMillan.com

To Purchase her book, Call to the Far Side visit: NancyMacMillan.com/book

To view Nancy's Substack Page visit: NancyMacMillan.substack.com

To learn more about how I show up in the world visit: SusanBurrell.com

The Egoless Revolution

EP #329 - The Egoless Revolution, an interview with visionary author, Cynthia Rivard

I’m truly grateful to welcome visionary author Cynthia Rivard to Empowering Chats.

Her latest book, Hope for a New Era – Turning the Tide: Love & Leadership through Turbulent Times, is both timely and transformational. She has a powerful quote at the beginning of her book that reads:

“When we discover the beauty of new perspectives, our world opens up—we develop more compassion and experience more peace and love.”

Cynthia defines hope as faith in action. She emphasizes the importance of trusting deeply—and then taking meaningful steps. Through action, we create both hope and empowerment.

She speaks of spiritual awakening as the intentional development of inner knowing—allowing yourself to be guided by the divinity within.

She reminds us: Now is our time. We must co-create a better world, act as responsible stewards of the planet, and rise to the moment with courage.

Cynthia acknowledges how overwhelming it can feel—there’s so much that needs rebuilding, and it’s easy to get stuck. Her advice:

Tap into your divine wisdom and take one step at a time.
She goes on to say, "Your impact doesn’t have to be global—what matters is what you can do within your sphere of influence . . . acts rooted in love and joy ripple outward."

She calls for unity of purpose, asking us to set aside ego and judgment to create real solutions. True progress, she says, requires diverse perspectives.

“If we all think alike, we stay stuck. Change is constant, but we must guide it—not passively let it happen to us.”

We both agree that understanding builds compassion—and compassion is what moves the world forward.

To learn more about Cynthia Rivard visit: CynthiaRivard.com

To purchase her book, Hope for a New Era, on Amazon: Amazon.com/Hope-for-a-New-Era

To learn more about her non-profit organization Global Rising Tide visit: GlobalRisingTide.org

To learn more about me and how I show up in the world visit: SusanBurrell.com

Recognizing Divine Intervention

EP #328 - Recognizing Divine Intervention, an interview with Spiritual Teacher and Author, Karoleen Fober 

In this Empowering Chat episode, I'm joined by Karoleen Fober — a spiritual teacher and author of the book Opening to Divine Intervention.

The title of Karoleen’s book immediately caught my attention, especially the phrase Divine Intervention. For me, that’s the whisper, the message I’ve learned to listen for — and in this conversation, we dive into what that really means.

Karoleen shares her personal understanding of Divine Intervention, describing it as something hard to explain, yet undeniably real. To make sense of it, she’s broken it down into 15 different types, some of those include: miracles, divine pivotal moments, premonitions, dreams and manifestations.

We also explore the signs that often show up at major turning points in our lives — those “mini-miracles” that can’t easily be explained, but seem to arrive just when we need them most. These moments remind us we’re being divinely guided, supported by a force greater than ourselves.

Karoleen believes spiritual communication is our original language, and I share in her belief that it's time we embrace who we truly are: spiritual beings having a human experience. By accepting the Divine Spark within each of us, we open the door to greater peace, harmony, and balance — both individually and collectively.

This episode is an invitation to shift into a new system of living — one that’s open to infinite possibilities, deep guidance, and divine connection.

For more on Karoleen Fober visit: KaroleenFober.com

To purchase her book visit: Opening-To-Divine-Intervention-Book

To learn more about me and how I show up in the world visit: SusanBurrell.com

 

Re-Writing Your Soul Contract

EP #327 - Re-Writing Your Soul Contract - A Solo Show with your Host, Susan Burrell

In this solo show, I begin by asking: How are we growing our soul?

I think it's time for us to recognize how deeply our ancestors have informed us—how, for generations, beliefs and patterns have been passed down through our family heritage. And maybe we’re still behaving in ways that no longer serve us.

I know we each carry a spark of divinity within and when we begin to align with the truth of who we are is when we begin to recognize opportunities that are meant for our highest good—opportunities that support our soul’s growth.

It’s important to stay aware. To check in with yourself. Are you truly satisfied with your life? Or is something asking to shift or change?

This is about soul growth—tuning in, being honest, and acknowledging where old spiritual vows or contracts may no longer serve us. For me, many of those old agreements have shifted. They no longer serve who I am today or who I am becoming.

As part of my own soul growth—and to support yours—I’ve started offering Ancestral Clearing Workshops. These short, guided sessions take place on Zoom, where I walk you through simple steps to help you identify and release inherited patterns or traditions that no longer serve you.

That’s why I’m exploring the idea of rewriting the contract—with your higher self.

As a bonus, I end this episode with a guided meditation called “Rewriting Your Soul Contract.” If you usually listen to my podcast while driving, I encourage you to set aside some quiet time or take a walk in nature to experience the meditation fully.

For more information about my Ancestral Workshops please visit:
SusanBurrell.com/ancestral-healing-workshop

To learn more about me and how I show up in the world visit:
SusanBurrell.com

 

 

Brave Action

EP #326 - Brave Action - An interview with  author
James Twyman

Okay everybody you are in for an incredible experience in this episode of  Empowering Chats. I am thrilled and so honored to welcome my guest, author James Twyman. His latest book is called, I Don’t Know, Maybe, I Love You.

James is not only an author but also an Episcopal Franciscan priest and a lifelong follower of St. Francis. Here is what he has to say about what he wrote, “This book is meant to be a pause button, an opportunity to hold still and look at the big picture, what we really want in our lives and in the world. Taking a collective deep breath may not solve all the complex problems we face, but it might be a first step toward finding a solution to the dark and elusive issues of our era.”

James is calling people to step up, become de-polarizing agents and change the world one conversation at a time.

He has a Credo he lives by, that goes something like this; “I don’t care who you voted for –– come and walk with me. I don’t care who you support –– come and serve with me, there is nothing you can say that’s going to change the way I feel about you, so come and love with me.”

James and I both agree that we can be much more effective when we realize we all come from the same place. A place of love with an understanding that we are all human.

The question to ask ourselves, before entering into a divisive conflict or protest is; Are we coming together to be angry and prove our “rightness” or are we coming together peacefully because we want to unite and show we are here to listen and be open to solutions?

James emphasizes the need to de-polarize, hence his motivation to start the “De-Polarizing” movement. His goal is to unite and to come back together so we can focus on a higher goal, one that unites rather than separates.

 

To learn more about James Twyman: WorldPeacePulse.com

If you’d like to purchase his book, “I Don’t Know, Maybe, I Love You,” and learn more about the “De-Polarize Movement”: De-Polarize.com

To learn more about me and how I show up I the world visit: SusanBurrell.com

Honoring Your Shadow Side

EP #325 - Honoring Your Shadow Side - An interview with Jungian Therapist and author, Dr. Connie Zweig

 

Dr. Connie Zweig, Jungian Therapist and author is once again gracing the airwaves here on Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell. I am so honored to once again be in conversation with Connie. This time to discuss shadow work.

There is a resurgence of shadow work, but not for Connie, she has been doing this work since the 80s, before it became a “thing.”

Both Connie and I find it fascinating. People are struggling and cognitive therapy, for many, is proving to not be enough. People are looking for more and shadow work is becoming the spiritual component that is adding a much-needed layer to the conscious awareness that people are seeking.

Connie is excited to share that shadow work is reaching a new generation.  Young people are opening up to the unconscious side of themselves and ready to do the hard work.

Connie feels that we need to give permission for people to feel what they are feeling. There is a lot of rage right now circling our world, and it is showing up in both our personal lives and globally. So we have to ask the questions:

 

How much of that rage is rooted in projection?

In our childhood?

In our othering of others?

And how much of it is authentic anger?

 

Sometimes, the anger is good, because it can fuel action. By practicing shadow awareness, you can learn how to include whatever you have been excluding. Be more inclusive of yourself. Be in receivership. Focus on love and the positive qualities.

By going for the higher stage and choosing love and compassion, we can learn how to hold the differences and also hold the love.

To learn more about Dr. Connie Zweig: ConnieZweig.com

To check out her books and videos: ConnieZweig.com/booksvideos/

To follow her on Substack: Substack.com/@shadowwork1

To listen to her Podcast, Dr. Neil's Spiritual Awakening to Non-Duality,
with her husband, Dr. Neil: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/3336065.rss

To learn more about how I show up in the world visit: SusanBurrell.com

Astrology as a Tool for Self-Discovery

EP #324 - Astrology as a Tool for Self-Discovery - An Interview with astrologist and author, Catherine Gerdes

As many of you know I have been doing shadow work with clients as well as in my personal life. And my guest for this episode of Empowering Chats captures this same theme in her book, Astrology and Shadow Work. I am excited to welcome author and astrologist, Catherine Gerdes to this powerful chat.

When I opened Catherine’s book, I was caught by this aspect of combining shadow work with astrology.

According to Catherine we are all born with a cosmic blueprint which when followed or lived allows us to come back home to ourselves and connect to the essence of who we are.

In her book, Catherine presents a detailed exploration of the twelve sun signs and their shadow aspects. She guides us, the reader by showing us how to turn our birth chart into a practical road map for self-discovery.

Catherine and I have a fascinating chat about how astrology and shadow work can bridge the gap between your astrological wiring and your well-being.

To learn more about Catherine Gerdes visit: Catherine-Gerdes.com

To purchase her book Astrology and Shadow Work visit:
Catherine-gerdes.com/books

To learn more about me and how I show up in the world visit:
SusanBurrell.com

The Radiant Field of Love & Kindness

EP #323 - The Radiant Field of Love & Kindness - An Interview with modern mystic, Therese Tucker

I am so happy to welcome modern mystic and psychic guide, Therese Tucker to Empowering Chats once again. Therese joined me on Empowering Chats in 2024. I am grateful to have her back for another chat. I am welcoming back several guests this year who have graced my show in the past. With so much movement and transformation occurring in the world right now I am finding a revisit with many past guests to be refreshing as we assess current events.

So I started this podcast with Therese with the question: Where are we now in regards to the state of the world? As a mystic and an intuitive guide​ Therese has a lot to share. She is also a creative being who creates artwork and jewelry. She embodies what it means to be creative and how to show up and share your gifts with the world.

In this chat Therese and I talk about how time has sped up and how a different energy experience is being felt on a global level and also on a personal level.

We both recognize that there is a higher timeline at work here. One that is partly determined by our own inner compass of connection or lack of connection.  Therese goes on to define the 2 world-timelines which represent the polarization between love, oneness and service or fear and anger.

Together we explore what it means to express love through the simple and small actions, understanding that sometimes the most loving act you can do ​at any given moment is to offer a smile, a hug​ or encouraging word or two.

It takes little effort to move the needle towards love and kindness. It starts with you and the moment you are in at any given time. Be present to yourself and it will radiate out to those you touch in your life.

Start by checking in with yourself​. Ask yourself​, what can you effect right now? How ​am I doing today? and if there is something that shows up for you then ​have compassion for yourself, particularly if you are the one in need.  Therese says it's always important to start with yourself.

To learn more about Therese Tucker visit: BlytheStarlight.com

For more information about her Karma Cards visit her
YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/blythestarlight

To listen to my previous podcast interview with Therese Tucker:
EmpoweringChatsWithSusanBurrell.podbean.com/e/leading-with-light/

To learn more about me and how I show up in the world visit:
SusanBurrell.com

A World that Works for Everyone

EP #322 - A World that Works for Everyone - An Interview with channeler and medium, Caroline Oceana Ryan

My guest for this episode of Empowering Chats is with a channeler and medium whom I had the pleasure of interviewing in 2023. I am honored to once again welcome Caroline Oceana Ryan to Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell.

I have been following her for a while and I am excited to engage in a chat with her once again. In this chat we explore what is occurring in our country at the present.

As a channeler, Caroline is able to go between her guides and what is dropping in for her and what is occurring, and communicate it to us in a way that we can understand.

Caroline explains that the old paradigm that states we have to suffer in order to grow spiritually is not true anymore. We can release struggle.

We are waking up to the change. And Caroline states that many aware and sensitive people are noticing the toxic and wounded masculinity we have lived under for years is shifting and is ending. And there is no reason for the struggle any longer. We are here to experience joy and peace.

The light pouring into the planet is shining on all that needs to be illuminated so transformation can begin. The age of peace and prosperity is upon us.

What it means, according to Caroline is this: That which no longer serves the whole of humanity and the earth is breaking down. That is why we are seeing all of this chaos and disorder and general madness.

The question we must ask ourselves through this transition is: How can we accept the other, the one(s) we think are perpetrators so that we are not continually fueling division? According to Caroline, everything is becoming more heart based.

To learn more about Caroline and the work she does visit: AscensionTimes.com

To explore her books, including the latest one, The Spirit of The Dragon Times visit: AscensionTimes.com/spirit-of-the-dragon-tribes

To learn more about how I show up in the world please visit: SusanBurrell.com

 

Trust What You Feel

EP #321 - Trust What You Feel - An Interview with author and podcaster, Sherianna Boyle

My guest for this episode of Empowering Chats is an author and fellow podcaster that I have had on my show at least twice. I am thrilled to once again welcome Sherianna Boyle to Empowering Chats.  Sherianna has a new book out called, Just Ask Spirit. 

In the opening pages of her book, she states this, “In the human world depending on our perceptions we experience emotions either as a gain or loss of energy . . . The challenge is that when we lose energy by denying, ignoring or reacting to emotions the memory of who we truly are – a spiritual being in a human body – dissipates, in other words emotional stress prevents us from knowing and connecting to our soul’s purpose.”

According to Sherianna we are all conduits of spirit. Our human experience includes learning to experience emotions on a level that allows those emotions to flow through us. Blocking them is not the answer to growth or spiritual healing.

Sherianna says when life feels frightening or uncertain, just ask Spirit!

In this chat we dive into her book and explore what that might look like. Including the exploration of our own intuitive gifts to discover the relationship between mental health and spirituality and how emotions and Spirit, working together offer infinite resources to higher wisdom clarity, love, our purpose and so much more.

It takes practice and trust. Trusting yourself and listening to your gut.

To learn more about Sherianna and all that she offers, visit her website: SheriannaBoyle.com

To purchase her book, Just Ask Spirit visit: SheriannaBoyle.com/Books

To listen to her podcast "Just Ask Spirit visit: Just-Ask-Spirit-Podcast

To learn more about how I show up in the world please visit: SusanBurrell.com