Inspired Action Alchemy

After almost a year of wandering the world, we're back! And honestly? We were teaching, traveling, deepening our own Alchemy practice — and somewhere in the middle of all of it, we realized: we really missed you! We missed these conversations and the deeper dives, not to mention all the nerding out together!

So in this episode, we're easing everyone back in to the Inspired Action world. We share where we've been, what shifted for us, and why Season 10 feels different. We also get into:

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5"> Continuing the Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao

Guest: Deng Ming-Dao (Daoist philosopher, author, and artist)

In this powerful continuation of Episode 143, hosts Jaye McElroy and Leta Herman dive deeper into their transformative conversation with renowned Daoist philosopher and artist Deng Ming-Dao. This episode explores the intersection of creativity, healing, and daily practice, offering profound insights for artists, healers, and anyone seeking to live more authentically.

This episode is essential listening for artists, healers, and anyone interested in living a more creative, authentic life. The conversation bridges ancient Daoist wisdom with practical modern...

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5"> Art as Self-Cultivation: A Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao

Guest: Deng Ming-Dao (Daoist philosopher, author, and artist)

In this episode, Deng Ming-Dao, esteemed author of the Wandering Taoist and several other Daoist-based books—(including our favs Spiritual Warrior and 365 Tao), joins Leta and Jaye as they have an inspiring conversation together. This episode explores the concept of how art isn't separate from self-cultivation—it is self-cultivation. Ming-Dao dives into what it means to self-cultivate and how creating art, practicing Tai Chi, or even making mistakes can be the fire that transforms us.

From...

In this episode, Jaye and Leta invite you to take a little time out — not in a punishment sort of way, but in a take-a-step-back-and-breathe kind of way. We're kicking off a brand-new five-part series on the Alchemy, Five Elements & Overwhelm, starting with Wood — the Element of Hope, Renewal, and of Inspired Action.

What We Talk About:

Why overwhelm is sometimes the new normal — and why is/isn't it OK 

What ancient Daoist Alchemists did during times of political chaos (hint: it involves retreats, mountains, and silence)

Why wind represents change in Chine...

Could ancient stones be the missing link in your modern-day transformation?

In this episode, Jaye and Leta explore the mysterious—yet surprisingly practical—world of Alchemy Stone Medicine. We're talking crystals, gemstones, and minerals, and how these ancient Earth allies can support healing, self-cultivation, and real energetic change.

From Five Element colors to sacred shapes to the way stones are formed deep within the Earth, you'll discover that stones have personalities—just like humans. This episode is all about building relationships with stones as transformational partners, not just keeping them around as pretty shelf candy.

Stone Medicine is an ancient healing modality rooted in Chinese medicine. In this conversation with Stone Medicine practitioner, Mikhael Oskarsson, we delve into the methods and philosophies of Stone Medicine, emphasizing its transformational potential and how it can enhance self-cultivation practices.

Practical Applications of Stone Medicine

Stone medicine isn't just theoretical—it's incredibly practical. In this conversation, Jaye, Mikhael and Leta explore various ways to incorporate stone medicine into daily life:

Grids and El...

In our final episode on the Thirteen Ghost Points, we discuss how they serve as metaphors for past traumas, events, or aspects of ourselves that haunt us. The journey through these themes is all about confronting these ghosts and working through them to cultivate a deeper sense of self.

This episode addresses your ability to guide your own destiny and connect with your higher self. It's about asking yourself the tough questions: Are you living by your own rules? Are you fulfilling your true purpose?

Exploring Ghost Official and Ghost Seal

In this...

In this episode, we discuss the next Ghost Points themes surrounding intimacy with yourself and the safest people in your life as well as releasing the guilt and shame you may be carrying. 

Ghost Hall: Embracing Intimacy with Yourself and Others

Intimacy, whether with yourself or others, often involves vulnerability and trust. When we've been betrayed or taught to doubt ourselves, we often feel uncomfortable and afraid to expose our inner selves. Cultivating intimacy starts with introspection and building trust within yourself first.

Ghost Hall, is a metaphor for a private sanctuary within yo...

In this episode, we consider the realm of fields of energy in our healing journeys. This interview Keith Parker from Field Dynamics is a fascinating journey through the realms of energy fields, healing, and the intricate connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Keith elaborates on how energy fields are often described in various cultures and spiritual traditions as chi, prana, or aura, encapsulating electromagnetic, bioelectrical, and informational domains. 

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation and uncover the intricate pathways that lead to a deeper connection with our inner healing potential. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner o...

This episode focuses on two themes: Ghost Market and Ghost Cave.

Ghost Market: Honoring Your Gifts

How do you present yourself to the world? Are you offering your unique gifts to those who most need them? Or are you hiding them away? Ghost Market is a metaphor for your unique talents. Can you connect with those who need your gifts? What is your "elevator pitch" for your skills and strengths?

Ghost Cave: Journey into the Heart

At the core of the Ghost points lies the Ghost Cave, which represents the heart's...

😴 Look Under The Covers:  Ghost Points for Better Sleep and Deeper Self Awareness 🥱

In this podcast episode, we discuss the mysteries of the Ghost Pillow and Ghost Bed points from Chinese Medicine, guiding you through self cultivational practices to perhaps uncover your unconscious beliefs and obsessive thoughts that can disrupt sleep. This episode is not just a conversation, but an invitation to become aware of your patterns, release what no longer serves you, and step into a life of greater authenticity and peace.

Whether it's through meditation, contemplation, or simply being more vigilant with your thought...

Are you embracing your authenticity—both in our relationships and your life's path? Are you being genuine with loved ones and staying true to your destiny?

Cultivating Heartfelt Connections

Can you free yourself from past heartaches and embrace new connections? Your Heart Protector might tell stories of inadequacy, but recognizing and questioning these beliefs can unlock the door to genuine relationships. Do you have defensive patterns that stop you from opening your heart.

Walking Your True Destiny

Are you aligned with your heart's true path in life? Explore what you believe about the ba...

The next two Ghost Points in our series are about how we receive input from the outer world and how we actually see the world. These insights are invaluable for anyone striving to cultivate greater authenticity in their life.

Ghost Convincing: This theme challenges us to recognize when we're being influenced by external pressures or "gaslighting." It's about trusting our inner truth and being aware of when something feels off.

Ghost Eyes: This theme encourages us to reflect on how past experiences, especially traumas, might cloud our current perceptions. It's about seeing clearly without letting...

  🚪 What does your 'door to the world' look like? How do different Elements like Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water interface with the world? 🌈 Plus, mini-update on the 5 Spirits... 🌿 Tune in and begin your journey to rediscover your true self! 💫   00:28 Diving into the 13 Ghost Points 02:42 Understanding the Five Spirits 09:55 Exploring your Door to the World 18:44 Exploring Your True Self 19:13 Understanding the Five Element types of Doors 20:14 Wood Element: Engaging with the World 22:13 Fire Element: Embracing Social Connections 24:41 Earth Element: Balancing Care and Boundaries 28:29 Metal Element: Integrity and Interaction 31:21 Water Element: Trust and Expression 33:02 Inspired Action: Healing and Authenticity 36:46 Conclusion and Next Steps

...

🌟 Are you ready to unhook your past traumas and free your True Qi? The first step is to become the watcher and find the areas of your life where you have allowed yourself to be your true self. 👀 Can you be truly YOU vs the YOU that is being influenced by past trauma and external pressures? What have you acquired along that way that takes you away from being your true self? ☯️ Listen in as Leta and Jaye share tips on how you can identify your hooks by examining areas where your True Qi may have been distorted.  🚀 Take your first step tow...

In this pod, Jaye and Leta kick off Season 8 of the Inspired Action Podcast with a focus on authenticity and "True Qi." They introduce the concept of the Thirteen Ghost Points from Chinese Medicine and their connection to achieving true authenticity. They explore how each element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) can get "hooks" that interfere with our true selves, and discuss how the IAP Ghost Points series will help release these hooks. Listeners are invited to learn more in the Alchemy Learning Center for more in-depth classes, webinars and exploration and community support.   00:41 Understanding Authenticity and the 13 Ghost Points 02:10 App...

Have you ever wondered how the Yin and Yang energetic aspects within you can shape, fuel, focus, and move you in your life? 🌿🔥 Understanding the interplay between Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water on a deeper level can help you unlock new paths to success and harmony in all areas of your life! ❤️

If you are feeling out of balance within your elemental energy - it could be that your elemental nature is influencing these dynamics more than you realize... Can you imagine how your life could change if you embraced your true elemental type and leveraged its streng...

Waters... you've waited long enough! Are you a slow-moving, contemplative powerhouse or a quick, vigilant master of inventory? It's time to dive deep into the intriguing world of the Water Element with Jaye and Leta as they explore the Yin and Yang aspects of the Water. Listen in while they open the floodgates on the mysteries of the Kidneys and Bladder -- the Powerhouse and the Master of the Waterworks types. Learn how these organs influence not just our physical health, but our emotional and spiritual well-being, and discover the secrets behind the energy, timing, and wisdom they bestow upon...

Take a magic carpet ride into the realm of Metal! 🌟 Explore the yin & yang aspects of the Metal Element (Lungs to Colon), and the delicate balance of connection and loss. Tune in now! 🎧✨ #InspiredActionPodcast #FiveElements #Metal

Welcome to another deliciously funny episode of the Inspired Action Podcast! In this gut-busting installment, join Jaye and Leta as they unravel the digestive tracts of the Earth element. Learn whether you're more of the Analyzer type or the Philosopher and what exactly are the 5 Tastes and why are they important to your Spleen?

While you're at it, listen in to see if you are too sexy for your Spleen!

In this Episode:

Can you fully be yourself… without apology? This episode dives deep into the Heart (Supreme Controller) and Small Intestine (Supreme Sorter) and how these two factors help all of us sort and understand the world around us and whether things are in alignment with who we really are. Leta and Jaye continue to examine how Fire, unlike the other Elements, manifests in four dynamic types, each embodying distinct yin and yang aspects.

Have you Mastered the Art of the Open Heart? Join Leta and Jaye as they explore the many nuances of the Fire element through the lenses of Chinese Medicine and Chinese Numerology. Discover how Fire, unlike the other Elements, manifests in four dynamic types, each embodying distinct yin and yang aspects. This episode  dives deep into the heart of Fire's complexity with insights into achieving authentic self-expression and balance.  

"When you're feeling more inward, it's not because you've been hurt and you're protecting yourself. It's because you're feeling quiet and connecting more internally. And when you're feeling more outward, we...

Listen in as Leta and Jaye explore the vitality, versatility, and vibrant nature of Wood—revealing a few of its Yin and Yang aspects, and the dynamic roles of the Visionary and the Implementer Wood types. They share some insights from Chinese medicine, humorous anecdotes, and real-world examples, as this episode tries to demystifies the complex characteristics of Wood, offering listeners a fresh perspective on growth, adaptability, and the potential for transformation in their own lives. Spring forth and be Big and Bigger in your Woody life!

01:58 Introducing the Yin Yang Aspects of Each Element
08:18 Ex...

Listen in as Leta has a lively conversation with Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Healer Ann Cecil-Sterman as they delve into a number of intriguing Chinese Medicine topics!

The mystery of life within us is something quite extraordinary! Leta and Ann explore the Eight Extraordinay Vessels of Chinese Medicine and their profound connections to Alchemical Chinese Medicine...and beyond.

Ann is an extraordinary person in her own right! She's also a practitioner who graciously shares her deep wisdom with us. For further insights into Ann's expertise, visit her page here.

In this conversation, we...

Jump into the whimsical and wondrous energtic deep end of the Water Element world with Leta and Jaye. From "move it-move it" to couch potato energy-preservation (a.k.a. doing something when they are doing nothing mode) to superhuman stamina, and from extreme procrastination to excelling in the art of crisis management, the fluid nature of Water does it all!

In this podcast you can learn about Water's need for movement and stillness, their secret longing to matter, their fear of confrontation, and their quest for knowledge and wisdom. Listen in and embrace the majestic and mysterious...

Welcome, fellow Earthlings, to a journey of secrets and wisdom in today's "Sharing is Caring" episode. Discover how Earth promotes harmony in our world and communities, by being the masters of setting boundaries, listening, and communicating with kindness. In this episode, we'll dig deep into the Earth's treasure trove of knowledge and unearth the secrets to fostering unity and balance in our lives. From planting the seeds of harmony to nurturing them into full bloom, we'll explore every nook and cranny of what it takes to cultivate a more connected and compassionate world. 🌍✨

Show Notes

Join us for this blazing episode that will reveal the secrets of Fires (which are not so secret because they love to talk about themselves)! We'll be exploring the magnetic pull that Fires have towards beauty and love, their insatiable drive to be liked and accepted, and the sometimes tricky terrain of people-pleasing. We'll also be dousing the flames of their self-doubt and navigating the choppy waters of their sometimes negative self-perception. Most importantly, we'll talk about Fire authenticity and their open-hearted way of being the love in the world. ❤️ 🔥✨

**The Fire Element Unleashed** - Diving into the vibra...

Listen and discover a few of the hidden secrets within the Wood Elemental nature that Woods only reveal on a need-to-know-basis! Whether you or someone you know is Wood first or second in their energenic stackup... you may learn a little more about the inner workings of this element! Join us as we delve into the mysteries that Wood sometimes keep closely guarded and private.

Link to Show Notes

Year of the Wood Dragon

Wood secret - Wood wants the best - watch - Jay at the...

We're kicking off Season 7 with a new Five Element seires! Embrace the weird, and join us as we revisit and dive deeper into the ever-changing, always-the-same world of the Five Elements! Discover your Elemental type and how understanding the Five Elements can rock your world as we expand into 2024!

Join us for an introspective discussion with Michael Max, the host of Qiological, on different types of change: Bian-type change (slow and incremental) vs. Hua-type change (faster and Alchemical).

In addition to being the inquisitive host of Qiological, Michael Max has had a clinical acpuncture practice for over 20 years. He studied and traveled extensively in China and Taiwan.

NOTE: You can listen to the previous conversation between Leta and Michael on Qiological, episode #329.

In this interview, Leta and Michael talked about:

Jump into the Wu Wei… Mandalorian style. Join Leta and Jaye in a discussion of Baby Grogu, Gandalf, and walking your Wu Wei life. What inspires you? And how can you step into the footsteps of your destiny's pathway that's already there?

Dive into the world of Water music today! 🌊💿 We're revealing the secrets of this diverse Element that ranges from the tranquil dew on grass to the intense power of a tsunami. Join us in exploring the eclectic sounds, rhythmic patterns, and genre-defying nature of Water music. From the timeless Bjork to the captivating Billie Eilish, discover the emotional depth and unpredictability that define this musical element. 🎶💙 #WaterMusic #MusicalJourney #BillieEilish #Bjork

Show Notes:

"All you water listeners who've been waiting patiently for us to reveal the secrets of water music finally get satisfaction."

🎶 Exploring metal music: It's all about duality. Metal has two modes - one's the rule-following, law-abiding, goody-two-shoes, and the other's rebellious, a big middle finger to society's norms. It's all about connection and loss, from funky dance vibes to a wild, head-banging frenzy. It's a fascinating range of music that swings between these extremes. 🎸🤘 #MetalMusic #Duality

Show Notes:

"Metal music is best characterized by its syncopated bass lines, polyrhythms, and the minor key. When metal music isn't getting down and funky, then it's usually evoking feelings of nostalgia, wistfulness, and being forlorn. And that's what the minor...

🌍 Dance like Shakira, Shakira and Experience the Magical Moves of Earth Music! 🎶

Are you passionate about music that carries a meaningful message? Does the rhythm of a sensual groove get you moving and keep you there? Explore the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms of Earth music that will make you dance from your core and set your hips swaying from side to side.

Earth music isn't just about having a blast on the dance floor; it's a genre that weaves together powerful messages, whether they're political or deeply emotional, resonating with all of us.

Join u...

Do you love music that makes you want to jump? Light, lively, happy or sad - Fire music will make you feel... something!

Let the Five Elements set your music appreciation on fire and find your own Sound of Music inside of you!

Join Leta and Jaye as they explain the inspiring, driving music of the Fire Element.

Show Notes:

"Fire music is lighter, it's livelier, it's boppier, it's up and down music. And most Fire music is... happy music... because I'm happy!"

Do you love music with a driving beat? Do you sometimes dance like you're stomping or punching the air? Well, you might be Wood! Or you might just love Wood music.

Let the Five Elements set your music appreciation on fire and find your own Sound of Music inside of you!

Join Leta and Jaye as they explain the inspiring, driving music of the Wood Element.

Show Notes:

"So what is the music of getting the party started? It's like, let's go! Let's go! So we say it's a march. It's...

Have you ever had a song unexpectedly play that touches your soul at just the right moment in time? Are you curious about how music, vibrations, and the Five Elements are interconnected? Do you want to explore the concept of your own personal Divine DJ and how it can enhance your Alchemy?

Join Leta and Jaye as they discuss the vibrational powers and the energetic nature of music and how you can find and access your own Divine DJ, a cosmic force that tunes into the rhythms of your soul.

Whether you're seeking inspiration or...

Are you flowing freely in your life? Or are you frozen in your life, afraid to take your next step? Or are you stubbornly not letting go of the anger you feel? These are just a couple reasons why your heart may not be free if you're the Water Element. Listen and learn how you can face your Water challenges.

For Metals, a Free Heart can mean the difference between flying and falling. How can the Metal Elemental type free their hearts and fly free in life? Can you let the power of the Metal Lungs let go of deep-seated anger and jealousy to fly their magic carpet through life instead of falling and going splat?

"If you can say that you always do this particular thing whenever that particular situation happens, the question is why ... and at the core of this is the idea that those issues probably come from your heart pains, which come from...