Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen

The podcast kicks off with a refreshing take on New Year’s resolutions, emphasizing what to let go instead of what to gain. Elise reflects on personal growth and midlife shifts, advocating for freedom over obligation. She explores joy as a guiding principle for decision-making and critiques the anxiety that comes from social media algorithms. Embracing introversion, she highlights the value of deep relationships over superficial connections. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to leave behind what's limiting and prioritize joy and authenticity in the coming year.

Join Nora McInerny, a witty author and podcast host, as she shares her delightful holiday traditions and the four-gift rule for kids that helps cut down on shopping stress. From quirky Christmas outfits that evoke holiday magic to a New Year's awards ceremony for family accomplishments, Nora brings laughter in abundance. They also dive into the fascinating world of dirty sodas, dissect reality TV through a sociological lens, and explore the charm of cozy family rituals—all while embracing the joy of the season.

Anna Malaika Tubbs, a social scientist and bestselling author, dives into the hidden histories of influential mothers who shaped great men like MLK and Malcolm X. She explores how patriarchal narratives erase vital contributions of women, and shares her unique research on figures like Louise Little. Tubbs highlights the stark contrast between pre-colonial egalitarian practices and imposed hierarchies, plus the impact of biology and nutrition on historical gender roles. She also discusses her current projects, including adapting her book into a film.

Carissa Schumacher, a gifted psychic medium and channel for Yeshua, shares her profound insights on the tumultuous shifts expected through 2026 and beyond. She discusses the importance of simplicity and the integration of masculine and feminine energies in the new era. Carissa forecasts 2026 as a time for emotional cleansing and processing grief, while emphasizing the need for personal integrity and accountability. She offers valuable guidance on navigating these changes, like avoiding fear-driven choices and honoring individual journeys.

In a captivating conversation, Richard Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems, and Thomas Hübl, an expert in collective healing, delve into the powerful themes of trauma and collective shadow. They discuss the interplay of ancestral burdens and victim-perpetrator dynamics, revealing how individual healing can ripple out to transform communities. Listeners will learn about the importance of self-leadership and the role of collective witnessing in healing, as well as practical tools to navigate internal and external conflicts.

Join psychologist Lisa Miller, an expert on spirituality and mental health, as she explores the powerful intersection of the two. She reveals how spirituality can offer unparalleled protection against suffering and discusses the three major phases of spiritual development: emerging adulthood, midlife, and elderhood. Listeners will learn about her three-step synchronicity practice, the importance of relational spirituality, and how parents can cultivate spiritual resilience in children. Miller's insights challenge conventional views on mental health and highlight the nurturing role of spirituality.

Join Julia Louis-Dreyfus as she sits down with Roz Chast, the beloved New Yorker cartoonist known for her witty reflections on life and family. They explore Roz's blend of humor and anxiety, discussing her childhood fears and the complexities of raising kids while caring for aging parents. Roz shares insights on the tough world of cartooning and the true emotions behind her award-winning memoir. Don't miss their heartfelt and humorous take on family dynamics, aging, and the joys (and chaos) of life.

Explore the enlightening perspective of the Trickster archetype and its relevance in today’s chaotic political landscape. Discover how suffering may drive personal and societal evolution, while the absurdity of life acts as a catalyst for change. Delve into the concept of spirituality as a protective force and how developing discernment can help navigate cultural dramas. Be inspired by synchronicities and a discussion on the impact of Dan Brown's latest novel, revealing ties between consciousness and creativity.

James Kimmel, Jr., PhD, an assistant professor at Yale and author of The Science of Revenge, dives into the psychology of revenge as an addiction. He discusses how pursuing revenge activates the brain's reward pathways, leading to a temporary high followed by deeper emotional pain. Kimmel connects grievances to violent behavior, exploring the role of forgiveness and a 'non-justice system' for managing these feelings. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching youth to handle grievances to prevent radicalization, making vital connections to political polarization and personal relationships.

Laura Lynne Jackson, a renowned psychic medium and bestselling author, dives into the power of intuition and connecting with our 'teams of light.' She emphasizes that everyone has the ability to tap into this guidance to enhance their lives. Laura shares fascinating stories of synchronicity and magic that illustrate how signs can transform our perspectives. She also discusses the importance of small acts of kindness as a way to become a lightworker and encourages listeners to reflect on their choices, asking whether they stem from love or fear.