Sideways Mullet (or Unpacking the Five Aggregates with Rachael Tanner-Smith & Rev. Mikey Noechel

On this episode I am joined by my friend, Rachel Tanner-Smith, and my friend, teacher, and mentor Mikey Noechel! We talk about their upcoming “Practice Intensive” on Buddhist Psychology and the Five Aggregates happening April 15th at Wildheart Meditation Center in Nashville, TN. We also talk about how the Dharma came into their lives, 90's hip-hop, sideways mullets, and Mikey and Rachael unpacks what the Five Aggregates are and explains how by clinging to them, all of our suffering is created. We basically nerd out on the Dharma, which is one of my favorite things to do! This is one not to be missed and I hope that you enjoy it!

Info for April 15th Practice Intensive @ WHMC

Info for July 6-9 "Interdependence Day" Retreat

Rachael Tanner-Smith is a long time dedicated practitioner in the nashville community and the former co-director of Wild Heart Meditation Center.  Her teaching integrates Buddhist wisdom and Western psychology, with an emphasis on extending practice off the cushion.   

Having practiced across traditions, she weaves somatic, heart centered, and creative practices together to support awakening through body, speech, and mind. Her personal practice is supported by regular retreat and the accountability of working with a meditation mentor.

Rachael is most at ease outside and finds great joy in parenting.

--

Rachael Tanner-Smith, PMHNP, LPC-MHSP

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Professional Counselor

Teaching Council, Wild Heart Meditation Center

https://wildheartmeditationcenter.org/

Founding Partner, Experience Therapy Group

https://www.experiencetherapygroup.com/

Rev. Mikey Noechel, MS is the guiding teacher and co-director of Wild Heart Meditation Center. In 2020, Mikey received lay ordination and empowerment to teach as a Dharmacharya (Dharma Teacher) in both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions through the authorization of Ven. Pannavati Bhikkhuni and Ven. Pannadipa Bhikkhu. Mikey was given the name Rogahari Sokatura which means “healer of the brokenhearted.” Through this empowerment, he is committed to bringing the Buddha’s teachings into nontraditional settings such as addiction treatment centers, jails, and a variety of settings.

Mikey also regularly teaches residential retreats, weekly classes, and workshops. He holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Troy University and has been trained to facilitate meditation groups through Against The Stream Buddhist Meditation Society under the guidance of JoAnna Hardy and Vinny Ferrero. Mikey lives in Nashville, TN, with his wife Cassie, their dog Durt McGurt and their kitty cat Mafia.