Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell

Navigating the Shift

EP #335 - Navigating the Shift - An interview with Philip Young, a Spiritual Guide and Astrologer

Do you feel like you're in a strange "in-between" right now? Not where you were and not quite where you want to be?  Well you are not alone.

You are in for quite a ride, so buckle in and get ready for this Empowering Chat with my guest, Philip Young, a spiritual advisor and astrologer. We have an eye-opening, and at times overwhelming (in a good way), conversation about liminal space and this transitory time we are living through.

Philip describes liminal space as that “in-between” place where we are no longer where we were, but not yet where we are supposed to be. It’s a time of waiting, of transition . . . and there’s no shortcut through it. The work is in learning how to stay grounded, present and mindful as we navigate it.

Philip goes on to share that 2025 and 2026 will be especially challenging. His advice: ground yourself, release what no longer serves you, and get clear on your finances. This is a time for simplifying and strengthening your foundation.

We may not see stability until 2028. Right now, we’re living through the liminal space—and feeling it. Multiple timelines, competing realities… it’s a lot. And that sense of overwhelm? It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means you’re awake to what’s happening.

If you’re wondering, Where do I fit into all of this?, you’re not alone. And if you’re not the one making policy, then chances are you’re the one being affected by it. The key is awareness—staying present, informed, and grounded in your daily life.

But this isn’t about doom and gloom. It’s about awareness. The most powerful thing you can do right now is take care of yourself and those you love. Find joy where you can. This is a transitory time—but it is temporary. Stay in the now. Trust the unwinding.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of everything happening in the world—and wondering how to stay steady—this conversation is for you.

To learn more about the work Philip Young does visit his website: BlackUnykorn.com

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

Transmuting Pain, Embracing Light

EP #334 - Transmuting Pain, Embracing Light - An interview with return guest, Caroline Oceana Ryan

My guest for this episode of Empowering Chats is Caroline Oceana Ryan. She’s a visionary, an author and a channeler.

This is Caroline’s second visit to Empowering Chats this year. Her earlier interview—linked in the show notes below—focused on creating a world that works for everyone. In this episode, we dive a bit deeper into our personal world, exploring how we’re affected by time.

I begin this interview by asking, Why does it feel like everything is falling apart and time is accelerating?

Caroline explains that this acceleration—and the chaos we’re witnessing—is happening because many of us are transmuting.

She shares, “I’m hearing what many are saying: ‘Can’t we just go back to the way things were?’ But when things change, the brain has to learn new ways of doing things. The brain prefers what’s familiar, what feels safe. But the truth is—there’s no going back.”

According to Caroline, the universe is evolving. A wave of light is moving through the cosmos, affecting every planet, every star system—including Earth.

Old pain may resurface as a way to move us to a higher realm. When this happens, she suggests calling the pain forward and noticing what image or information arises. Whatever shows up—whether it's past pain or feelings of neglect—is still within us, still affecting our spirit. This is a form of blockage. But the more we’re able to dialogue with that pain and release it, the more peace we’ll experience.

She also notes that amplifying trauma—whether from this life or a past life—doesn’t mean we have to relive it. But we do need to acknowledge it so we can release it.

Caroline encourages us to focus on the beauty, on the joy. Be outside in nature. Know that many light beings are blanketing the planet. A tremendous amount of light is pouring into the Earth right now.

We are all constantly becoming. Take pleasure in the beauty of the present moment. Remind yourself of the Divine Light that’s enveloping everything. Be kind to yourself.

Caroline says we are here to be joyful and to be our true selves—and I wholeheartedly believe that.

To learn more about Caroline visit: AscensionTimes.com

To access my previous interview with Caroline, from May 2025 visit: EmpoweringChatsWithSusanBurrell.podbean.com/Caroline-Oceana-Ryan

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

Clearing the Ancestral Path

EP #333 - Clearing the Ancestral Path - A Solo Show with your host, Susan Burrell

In this solo episode, which originally ran earlier this year, I explore how we inherit more than just physical traits from our family.

I believe we also carry  family stories, patterns, wounds and traumas that are passed down through generations. Those emotional imprints can shape our beliefs, behaviors and even block personal growth.

Fear, anger and feeling devalued are often handed down for generations until it is a part of our behaviors and beliefs that also can become part of the collective consciousness.  It is often why sustainable change is a challenge because we are unaware that we have become our ancestors.

In this solo podcast I explore ancestral lineage and how behaviors and norms are passed down from generation to generation in a way that it becomes the fabric of our existence and our family story.

When those wounds and beliefs are cleared it makes room for your inner gifts and allows for the release of what no longer serves you. 

"Ancestral Clearing" is gaining recognition and traction because I believe we as individuals, and as a collective, are ready to break the cycles that keep us small. We are ready to transform, to heal and to live a more empowered life.

Interested in diving deeper? Join me for a virtual Ancestral Clearing Workshop on Zoom:

September 16^th and November 4^th

6:00 – 7:30 PM PST

To Register and for more information visit:
SusanBurrell.com/ancestral-healing-workshop

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

Beyond the Hot Flash!

EP #332 - Beyond the Hot Flash! An interview with Holistic Nutritional Coach, Diahana Barnes

I’m honored to welcome Diahana Barnes, a Holistic Nutritional Coach and a very dear friend, to Empowering Chats. Diahana is launching a virtual summit on August 4th entitled Beyond the Hot Flash: Real Talk, Real Solutions.

In this conversation, Diahana shares why she felt called to create this summit. She talks about being divinely guided—literally feeling the message drop into her heart—that this was something she had to do for women.

One of Diahana’s many gifts is bringing people together to create meaningful, impactful events. She did this while working in the corporate field, and now she brings that same talent to her private coaching practice.

Her heart kept saying, “I want to create something beyond the hot flash” That’s where the title came from—but the summit is about so much more than just what’s happening in our bodies. Diahana shares that it could be about becoming an empty nester, dreaming of travel, or just being sick of cooking and needing new inspiration.

That’s what sparked the idea for this virtual summit.

She also shared the need to talk about the physical changes and about hormones, nutrition and wellness, and that’s not where it ends. It was important to Diahana to also bring together experts that offer real insights and have honest, heart-to-heart conversations about what we as women are going through. It’s important to find real solutions to help us on this journey.

I am thrilled to share that I will be one of the experts offering advice and guidance on Diahana’s virtual summit.

I asked Diahana if there were one or two “a-ha” moments that stood out for her—anything new she learned in the process.

She said one was the message of “just go—just do it.”

Too often, she says, we come up with excuses for why we can’t do the thing our heart is calling us to do. Herself included.

The second a-ha she received was about the power of taking a daily sabbatical. It can be a 5, 10, or 30 minute pause—whatever works for you—but it’s important to take a moment for yourself it can be transformative. This intentional pause inspired her to start building those moments into her own life. As she put it, “Little micro-habits and indulgences can truly change your life for the better.”

For more details and information on how to register for Diahana’s Virtual Summit, Beyond the Hot Flash: Real Talk, Real Solutions visit:
BeyondTheHotFlashSummit.com

To learn more about Diahana visit: DiahanaBarnes.com

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

From Trauma to Triumph

EP #331 - From Trauma to Triumph, an interview with podcaster, Caroline Rena

So here I am, ready to dive into another fascinating conversation. I am excited to welcome my guest, Caroline Rena.

In this chat Caroline, host of the podcast Awakening Soul Divinity, has an extraordinary story to share. It's a journey of transformation—from who she thought she was, or who she pretended to be, to the empowered woman she is today.

In this empowering conversation, Caroline opens up about her past, including her time in the military, and how she eventually tapped into her divine gifts, which are now at the heart of her life’s work.

Here’s a powerful excerpt from what Caroline shares in the episode:

"For me, I’ve come to recognize that, on some level, I chose this journey—and the military is part of that story. So is my childhood. I joined the military to make my father proud. I never saw combat, but my trauma came from working in the medical field within the military. That’s where I experienced military sexual trauma and harassment. My boss, my commander—they were part of that trauma. At the time, I didn’t have the self-confidence or self-esteem to stand up for myself."

She goes on to share how that trauma seeped into her personal life. And she also shares her story of the toxic relationship she had with her first husband, who turned out to be a narcissist.

Caroline emphasizes that healing isn’t just emotional—it’s physical too. She had to learn to reconnect with her body through practices like somatic healing in order to truly begin her recovery.

We also explored an important topic: what happens when we feel called to heal others. Caroline reminds us that the real work begins with healing ourselves. In fact, the only person you can truly heal is yourself. That healing has to start within. Only then can you begin to fully accept and love the people in your life.

To take a listen to Caroline Rena's Podcast visit: AwakeningSoulDivinity.com

To visit Caroline's website visit: CarolineRena.com

To learn more about Somatic Healing I invite you to listen to a podcast I did with Somatic Healer, Scott Clover: EmpoweringChatsWithSusanBurrell.podbean.com/e/revealing-the-hidden-layers/

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

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