Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Podcast

Does it genuinely make you happy when your partner is enjoying themselves on a trip with their other lover? Or perhaps you’ve felt a sense of elation when a friend or colleague receives a well-deserved promotion or prestigious award? If you’ve ever been uplifted by someone else’s positive experience, even when it doesn’t directly involve you, then you’ve encountered "compersion".In today’s episode, Usha Rose delves into the intriguing concept of compersion with guest Dr. Marie Thouin, the author of What is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships, the first comprehensive scholarly work on this topic.While compersion is often associated with non-monogamous relationships, it’s clear that anyone can benefit from understanding and embracing this experience.You might be wondering:Is compersion an innate trait, or can it be cultivated?Can you feel jealousy and compersion simultaneously?Is compersion a requirement in non-monogamous relationships?We address these questions and explore:The six factors that enhance compersionHow compersion manifests differently across contexts and situations, and strategies for navigating these variationsCommon barriers to experiencing compersion and techniques for overcoming themHow compersion can serve as a guiding principle in relationships, fostering growth, connection, and intimacyYou can learn more about Dr Marie Thouin on her website: https://mariethouin.com/Or follow her on IG: @drmariethouinTo learn more about ISTA visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

The tales of old tell us about the cruels of fate and great heroes following their destiny. Often, overcoming our fate is exactly how a fictional hero is made. But, as ISTA facilitator Robbie Griffin explains, these are not just myths to be left in fantasy worlds. Fate and destiny are lodged in the DNA of human experience and reflecting on them helps us understand our very human lives. Fate refers to the cards we are dealt in life, both good and bad. It encompasses our family make-up, our upbringing, the culture we’re from, and the opportunities we’ve had. Destiny is both what we choose to do with those cards, and how we go about doing it. As Robbie explains, it's important to take care of those parts of ourselves that feel hurt by fate. Likewise, we can connect to our destiny and find our genius, that inner spirit which is uniquely our own. Through a beautifully spontaneous conversation, Robbie and Simon Marvell explore the tender feelings and vulnerable experiences that we often need to integrate in order to tap into our greatest potential, whatever that may look like. We hope it brings inspiration and insight you can apply to your own journey.  Robbie Griffin is a founding member and facilitator of Emergence Brotherhood, the founder of Temple of Alchemy London, and supports people 1-on-1 to embrace their unique gifts. https://www.robbiegriffin.life@robbiegriffinalchemy  To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.lifeOr follow us on Instagram: @ista.community

You may have experienced a time in your life when you felt part of some great oneness. Not easy to explain to another person, right? Mystics have grappled with these experiences for as long as there have been mystics, coming up with many poetic ways of referring to them.  In this episode, Simon Marvell speaks with ISTA facilitator and psychologist, Laura Deva, about a similar, poetic idea that has become prominent in recent years: it's called "the dark." As Laura explains, "the dark" doesn't refer to shadowy parts of our unconscious, nor to evil. Rather, the dark is, precisely, a difficult-to-explain state of existence. It can be distinguished from the personality and the soul in that it is what exists beyond their limits. And yet, the dark can be felt in them. Indeed, we can feel the dark in our daily lives, to our great benefit!While this might seem like an abstract topic, Laura brings it right down to earth for us, while still offering a taste of how the dark can be felt. To learn more about Laura, visit her links: Upcoming retreat: Living from the Mystery, 20-24 November 2025, Germany. Laura's Tandava online course6-month online mentorship with LauraLaura on InstagramIf you loved this episode, please rate it and share it with your friends!And to learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

In this episode, Simon Marvell speaks with ISTA Facilitator Aaron Mandelbaum about the importance of integration after transformational experiences. Going to a retreat for spiritual growth or personal development can be like shaking a snow globe. It can send flurries of emotions, thoughts, and experiences wildly into the air. At some point you need to let the snow settle into its new place. Only then can sustainable shifts in how you live your life begin to establish themselves.Aaron reveals the different ways that ISTA teachers suggest people integrate and explains why each of them are so supportive. He and Simon also discuss Aaron's unique approach to facilitation, his transition from the business world to spiritual work, and the significance of community and connection in personal growth. They address the challenges that may arise after intense experiences, especially when shamanic practices are involved, and the power of navigating these emotions alongside other people.They also discuss: How Aaron is like a cross between George Carlin and Mr RogersHow patience, presence, and process infuses all he doesThe perils of being a “shamasochist”What your loved ones might be experiencing when you’re awayThe ISTA Integration portal for graduatesThe global online groups accessible to graduatesTo connect with Aaron, visit his website: https://aaronmandelbaum.com/ISTA offerings many trainings each month, all around the world. To learn more, visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

In this episode, Usha Rose sits down with her longtime friend and colleague Kay’aleya Hunnybee, a clinical herbalist and integrative health coach, to explore the true power of herbs as aphrodisiacs, not just for boosting libido, but for supporting whole-body vitality, nourishing the nervous system, and enhancing pleasure from the inside out.Rather than offering a generic list of aphrodisiac herbs, Kay’aleya guides us through a holistic, nuanced approach to understanding our sensuality and sexual well-being. Together, we dive into how herbs work, why not all aphrodisiacs are the same, and how to choose the right plants for your unique body, lifestyle, and needs.Kay’aleya shares 5 core areas for enhancing pleasure from an herbal perspective, along with practical insights and examples of herbs that support each one. You’ll also learn how to develop an intimate relationship with herbs and plants as allies for long-term sexual vitality, not just quick fixes.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why aphrodisiac is an oversimplified term and what actually mattersThe importance of understanding your individual needs5 key areas for using herbs to enhance pleasure and arousalExamples of herbs in each of those categoriesCreative, unexpected ways to work with herbs for sexual well-beingIf you’ve ever wondered which herbs might actually help you feel more alive, nourished, and sensually vibrant, this episode will give you a rich foundation to start your own herbal pleasure journey.About Kay’aleya Hunnybee Kay’aleya is a clinical herbalist, bodyworker, and integrative health coach specializing in menstrual, hormonal, and sexual health. Her work supports everything from menstrual cycle care and breast health to postpartum healing and navigating menopause. She teaches an online Natural Contraception program, offers pelvic and abdominal bodywork & herbal care in midcoast Maine, and hosts the Herbal Womb Wisdom podcast. Her greatest wish is for others to experience the healing potential of their bodies and cultivate deep kinship with the earth and its plants.Learn more at: https://www.herbalwomb.com/To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/