The Gathering Room Podcast

This week on the Gathering Room, Martha takes on embarrassment, which ensues when we reveal truths the ego would rather hide. We can react by hiding more (increasing shame) or watching our embarrassment calmly. Try the second option, and you’ll see your ego burning up in real time, leaving you freer. (Originally aired, February 6, 2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s Gathering Room, Martha talks about a concept that seems paradoxical in the context of our speed-obsessed culture. Look at that thing you think you need to do. Look at the time you’re estimating it will take you. Now double that time. What happens? (Originally aired, January 30, 2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martha had an unexpected encounter with a wild animal this past week, and it gave her some insight about what to do when you’re freaking out. Listen in to learn the significance of “pulling over,” the role of co-regulation in dealing with fear and trauma, and the answers to listeners’ questions. (Originally aired, January 23, 2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martha is joined this week by Rowan Mangan (https://www.instagram.com/rowan_mangan/) to talk about Ro’s concept of “Wild Inventures,” the idea of reframing our lives according to what is true within us instead of borrowing dreams from the culture. Have a laugh and learn some new skills with Martha and Ro as they talk past adventures, Ro’s passion for kidney beans, and the stillness that comes once you’ve peeled back all the layers of your identity. (Originally aired, January 16, 2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear a lot about flow and ease, and these things are WONDERFUL. Yet part of what makes our human experience worth having is grit. Doing whatever we can to achieve something that our soul craves. Enter GRIT MAGIC. Start it when you don’t feel ready. Send your work in before you feel it’s complete. Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor. Learn how to harness your own grit magic today! (Originally aired, January 9, 2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, Martha talks about living life the way an improv comedian works on stage. There is no set script, just as there is no set of absolute conditions that we’ll encounter through the coming year. Instead, we can follow the basic rules of comedy. Watch to find out how! (Originally aired, January 2, 2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this time of year, some of us feel joy… while others are mostly feeling dread. If you’re in the second group, watch this week’s Gathering Room. Martha helps you make the worst of the holidays into the best. You can find a link to Dysfunctional Family Bingo in the show notes. (Originally aired, December 5, 2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stories. They have more power over us than we might think. But we can choose (yes, CHOOSE) to retell stories in ways that can re-train our brains! Join Martha for this week’s Gathering Room and learn how to teach the fear triggers of the brain to chill out. Just in time for the holidays! (Originally aired, November 28, 2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Gathering Room, Martha goes into the light. She talks about the shift from a bleak and difficult worldview to an experience of life that feels joyful and safe. She calls this the light at the end of the tunnel—but reminds us that the tunnel is one we have to dig ourselves. (Originally aired, November 14, 2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Gathering Room, Martha talks about the fear that can affect us without our conscious minds ever knowing why. A sight, smell or sound associated with negative experiences in the past can put us into fear or anger without a single verbal thought entering our minds. She explains how to remove the triggers that cause these deep and difficult fears. (Originally aired, November 8, 2021)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.