In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates interviews astrologer, tarot reader, and author Stefanie Caponi. They discuss Stefanie's transformative journey from being a hairdresser to embracing her spiritual path through tarot and astrology. Stefanie shares her insights on personal development, the importance of intuition, and how tarot can serve as a tool for self-discovery and manifestation. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing creativity and motherhood, the significance of support systems, and the power of letting go of control to allow the universe to guide us.

Stefanie Caponi is an astrologer, tarot reader, illustrator, and author of Guided Tarot, which has sold over 175,000 copies. For over 20 years, her work has centered around exploring shadow work, healing, and creativity using tarot and astrology as a vehicle to access the hidden realms of the self. She established her business as a professional tarot reader after creating her first tarot deck, The Moon Void Tarot. She is a frequent tarot and astrology expert in the media and has appeared in Well+Good, The Everygirl, Refinery29, and Elite Daily, among others. She lives in Florida with her husband Kevin, their daughter, and three cats.

Stefanie can be found on Instagram @moonvoidtarot and on her website www.moonvoidtarot.comHer new book, Tarot for Manifestation, is available for preorder and will be available on July 29th. Get it on Amazonbefore July 1st to get in on the Tarot for Manifestation workshop offered by Stefanie!

You may have heard of Astrocartography, but what is it really?

In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates pulls back the curtain on an astrocartography consultation with guest Shigorika. They delve into Shigorika's birth chart, discussing the influences of various planetary placements on her life, creativity, and emotional well-being. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing personal passions with societal expectations, particularly in the context of Shigorika's writing aspirations. They also explore the significance of different locations, such as Paris and New York, in shaping Shigorika's experiences and future possibilities, including a potential move to Portland. Watch the video to follow along the birth chart and map.

Susan Gates is an astrologer and transformation coach specializing in helping others transform through travel. She offers 1:1 astrocartography consultations and travel planning, and she coaches clients in their integration journey.

Want to see where your map is guiding you? Schedule an astrocartography reading with Susan here: www.avoiding-average.com/travel-astrology

Read more about astrocartography here: www.avoiding-average.com/blog/what-is-astrocartography

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Astrocartography

05:11 Creative Endeavors and Financial Stability

08:50 The Impact of Education on Creative Expression

13:41 Finding Emotional Security Beyond Financial Stability

17:40 Exploring Themes in Writing and Personal Growth

23:45 Astrocartography Insights: Paris and Creative Growth

30:23 The Challenges of Living in New York

37:38 Transformative Energies: Embracing Change and Growth

44:11 Navigating Subconscious Beliefs and Financial Stability

46:39 The Challenge of Self-Discipline

46:40 Understanding Your Birth Chart: Insights and Reflections

47:53 Valuing Learning and Expression

In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates speaks with Amelie Naegelen, a hypnotherapist who transitioned from a corporate career in the luxury jewelry industry to helping others through hypnotherapy. Amelie shares her journey of self-discovery, the misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy, and the science of neuroplasticity. She discusses the benefits of self-hypnosis, the process of hypnotherapy, and how it can lead to personal fulfillment and balance in life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being gentle with oneself and the power of the mind in shaping our experiences.

Amelie can be found at amelienaegelen.com or at @amelie_hypnotherapy on Instagram.

00:00 From Jewelry to Hypnotherapy: A Life Transformation

07:41 Understanding Hypnotherapy: Myths and Realities

14:07 The Science of Hypnosis and Neuroplasticity

17:42 Personal Journey: Overcoming Fears and Embracing Change

19:10 Self-Hypnosis: A Tool for Daily Life

26:36 Finding Balance: The Journey to Fulfillment

In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates speaks with public speaker Tianna Soto about navigating imposter syndrome, self-care, and the power of storytelling. With a background in psychology, journalism, and wellness, Tianna shares her inspiring journey from a mental health internship to a full-time career in public speaking. Learn how she uses tools like astrology and therapy to stay grounded, embrace her multi-passionate identity, and connect authentically with diverse audiences.

Tianna can be found at: www.tiannafaye.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiannafayee/?hl=enChapters

00:00 Introduction to Tiana Soto's Journey

04:21 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Public Speaking

09:40 The Intersection of Psychology and Public Speaking

14:00 Embracing Multi-Passionate Identities

17:18 Key Themes in Tiana's Speaking Engagements

19:32 The Power of Women's Empowerment

23:33 Understanding Audience Dynamics

29:06 Lessons from Audience Reactions

31:50 Connecting Through Stories

34:37 The Journey of Public Speaking

38:33 Navigating Burnout and Self-Care

42:09 Rituals for Preparation

47:14 Tailoring Speeches to Audiences

50:11 Exploring Self-Discovery Tools

55:04 The Importance of Therapy

58:48 Embracing Self-Compassion

Karmic astrologer Vika Bradford shares her journey through her dark night of the soul, the principles of karmic astrology, and the importance of understanding family dynamics and generational patterns on this episode of the Avoiding Average Podcast. She and Susan discuss the role of choice in personal growth, the significance of self-love, and the impact of family expectations. Vika shares insights on navigating relationships with family, the differences between ancestral and karmic astrology, and the ripple effect of choices in breaking generational curses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of living aligned with one's purpose and the healing power of astrology.

Vika Bradford is a cosmic soul on a mission to empower and catalyze the awakening of radical self-love. As a karmic astrologer, energy healer, and teacher, she works with those ready to heal their karmic wounds, explore past life patterns, and reclaim their power in this life. Through understanding personal and generational karma, she guides souls to liberate from old cycles, align with their authentic selves, and embody their cosmic signature. She can be found at ⁠www.vikabradford.com⁠ and on Instagram at ⁠www.instagram.com/vikabradfordastrology⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Karmic Astrology

01:18 Vika's Journey Through Darkness

03:13 The Awakening: Discovering Spirituality

05:36 Understanding Karmic Astrology

07:30 The Role of Choice in Pain

11:23 The Process of Healing and Acceptance

15:38 Navigating Life's Challenges with Astrology

18:35 House Systems in Astrology

23:30 Finding Your Path: Vika's Calling

30:40 The Journey to Spirituality

33:56 Navigating Expectations and Identity

42:22 The Father Wound and Self-Approval

48:34 Generational Patterns and Ancestral Astrology

55:10 Breaking Generational Cycles

01:01:33 Living Authentically and Embracing Growth

In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates interviews Erika Taylor Beck, founder of Authentic Foundations and host of the Leadership in Real Life & Stumbling Forward podcasts. Erika shares her journey of corporate careers to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges of job loss, identity crisis, and the importance of self-discovery. She emphasizes the significance of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the need for supportive work cultures. Erika also reflects on her spiritual awakening and the lessons learned through her transition to starting her own business, highlighting the importance of community and networking in this journey.

Erika can be found at Authentic.Foundations on Instagram and Threads, on LinkedIn at Erika R. Taylor-Beck, and on her website: www.authenticfoundations.podia.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erica Taylor Beck

01:14 Navigating Job Loss and Identity Crisis

08:45 The Transition to Self-Discovery

10:39 Spiritual Awakening and Self-Worth

21:35 Connecting Spirituality and Leadership

27:14 Developing Future Leaders

29:10 Navigating Communication and Leadership Dynamics

33:02 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

39:09 Lessons Learned from Starting a Business

40:55 The Power of Podcasting and Networking

48:03 Authenticity in Sharing Experiences

In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates interviews Kristy Dudley, a mom, Transformation Coach, and aspiring public speaker who bravely shares for the first time publicly her journey from a toxic and dogmatic Christian upbringing, an abusive relationship, and opiate addiction to a place of self-love, happiness, and spiritual awakening. She shares her vision for the future and helping others recognize their own ability to transform. Kristy also discusses the challenges of parenting, the importance of speaking one's truth, and the power of heart-led living. She emphasizes the significance of self-love in recovery and the need to trust the journey of life. Kristy's story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to overcome adversity or toxic upbringings and find their true selves.

Kristy can be found on Instagram and Substack @inalltheworldonlyone

In this episode of the Avoiding Average podcast, host Susan Gates interviews Isabella Ferrari, a holistic coach and founder of GreenWitchCom. Isabella shares her personal transformation journey from being a high school student to studying and practicing meditation at a Buddhist monastery, where she learned the importance of slow living and deep meditation. She discusses her unique blend of Buddhism and witchcraft, emphasizing the power of herbalism and its benefits for women's health. Isabella also highlights the significance of community building through witchy retreats, navigating spirituality with social media content creation, and chats briefly about the concept of quantum healing, which aligns energy to manifest desires. This conversation is rich with insights on self-discovery, empowerment, and holistic practices.

More about Isabella:Isabella is the founder of greenwitchcom, a women’s coach, author, and content creator whose work centers on somatic healing, spiritual empowerment, and the reclamation of the word “witch.” With nearly three years of training and practice in a Buddhist monastery, her approach is rooted in mindfulness, embodiment, and ancient wisdom traditions. Isabella supports women in reconnecting with their intuition, power, and sacred purpose through her writing, courses, and online community.

If you'd like to hear more from Isabella, she can be found at: Www.pennythewitch.com or on instagram at: https://instagram.com/greenwitchcom/

She offers a Summer Solstice Retreat in Scotland, Samhain Retreat in Italy, and the Witch School, an Online Course.

Thank you Isabella for your time, patience, and grace as we dealt with several technical issues!

00:00 Introduction to Isabella Ferrari

08:13 Journey to the Buddhist Monastery

13:56 Life Lessons from Monastic Living

20:14 The Intersection of Buddhism and Witchcraft

25:50 Understanding Herbalism and Its Benefits

34:06 Herbal Remedies vs. Pharmaceuticals

35:59 Womb Healing and Herbalism

39:13 Creative Uses of Herbs

41:47 Witchcraft and Community Retreats

44:50 Redefining Witchcraft

50:10 Building a Community Online

53:01 Navigating Criticism and Authenticity

57:52 Quantum Healing Explained