Full Spirals
Ours is a storytelling podcast that promotes hope and healing through the arts, and life's little "coincidences" that lead to personal growth. We're all in this together, so take a spin...And join host Stacy Parish for the ride!
Dolly + Gloria
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A very short episode honoring the two feminist icons we've lost--within weeks of eachother--with a poem by Becky Hemsley titled: Talking to the Wild.
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Buy me a coffee HEREJoin the community of "Spinners" on Patreon and contribute to the production of our impactful content HERE!Seasons of Joy (Summer 2026)
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Welcome to another episode of Seasons of Joy--A quarterly series produced with the help of Stacy's friend and kindred, mindfulness coach Joy Jordan. Â
Seasons of Joy was born out of their shared love of nature, the seasons, and their belief that each season holds its own wisdom.
This year Stacy and Joy are stripping things down. When the ladies sit down they'll be focusing on authentic answers to the question "How are you?" by asking instead "How are you, really?" No...
It's time to Push Back (Project I'm Speaking: Author Tonya Lester)
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Join Stacy as she welcomes psychotherapist, writer, and Psychology Today columnist Tonya Lester to discuss her new book, Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself.
In this conversation, they explore:
Why women are often taught to prioritize harmony over honesty.What it really means to be "difficult" in healthy, productive ways.How to set boundaries without guilt or apology.Why conflict isn't something to avoid—but a tool for stronger relationships.How to navigate pushback from partners, family me...The Peace I Want to Fold
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A progress report from the 1000 cranes project turns into a meditation on imperfection, introversion, grief, aging, and the quiet power of small gestures.
The meaning of 1000 paper cranes
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Help Support Full Spirals and give the Arts a Voice!
Buy me a coffee HEREJoin the community of "Spinners" on Patreon and contribute to the production of our impactful content HERE!Seasons of JOY (Spring 2026)
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Welcome to another episode of Seasons of Joy--A quarterly series produced with the help of Stacy's friend and kindred, mindfulness coach Joy Jordan.  Seasons of Joy was born out of their shared love of nature, the seasons, and their belief that each season holds its own wisdom.
This year Stacy and Joy are stripping things down. When the ladies sit down they'll be focusing on authentic answers to the question "How are you?" by asking instead "How are you, really?" No, really.
...Family at 30,000 Feet
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What happens when strangers become family—even just for a moment? In this episode of Full Spirals, we explore the magic of connection and a chance airplane encounter that became a lesson in empathy, tenderness, and shared humanity. Listen in and be reminded: we belong to each other long before we even meet.Â
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Buy me a coffee HEREJoin the community of "Spinners" on Patreon and contribute to the pro...March Lessons of Hope
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In this encore episode of Full Spirals, Stacy reflects on revisiting old lessons—some that fade and others that quietly shape us for a lifetime. With honesty and hope, she shares a powerful story touching on childhood abuse, healing, and the enduring strength found in “mom stuff.” A trigger warning is included, but so is a reminder: even life’s fiercest lessons can lead us toward growth and hope.
Link to photos from this episode
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Folding Time: Lessons on Aging, Attention, and Letting Go
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Approaching her final year in her fifties, Stacy reflects on time, aging, and what nature teaches us about patience, acceptance, and release. Instead of rushing or self-correcting, she chooses to pay attention—marking the year by folding one thousand paper cranes. A quiet meditation on slowing down, letting go of old timelines, and fully inhabiting the year that’s here.
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Buy me a coffee HEREJoin...Seasons of JOY (Winter 2026)
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Welcome to another episode of Seasons of Joy--A quarterly series produced with the help of Stacy's friend and kindred, mindfulness coach Joy Jordan. Â
The series was born out of their shared love of nature, the seasons, and their belief that each season holds its own wisdom--and today we celebrate ONE YEAR TOGETHER with our Winter 2026 episode!!Â
This year we're stripping things down. When the ladies sit down they'll be focusing on authentic answers to the question "How are you?" by asking instead "How...
An Angel Gets Its Wings: Actor Karolyn Grimes (Encore)
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In this encore episode Stacy sits down with It's a Wonderful Life actor, Karolyn Grimes.
In this touching and revealing interview you'll hear behind the scenes stories, anecdotes and be reminded why this film is the heartwarming classic it is!
During these divisive times it's more important than ever to remember the messages and themes of this beloved film!
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Join the...Seasons of JOY (Autumn)
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Welcome to another episode of Seasons of Joy--A quarterly series produced with the help of Stacy's friend and kindred, mindfulness coach Joy Jordan. The series was born out of their shared love of nature, the seasons, and their belief that each season holds its own wisdom. Â
When Stacy and Joy get together to record each episode, they chat about the challenges and juicy bits each season holds, as well as sharing examples with YOU on how to each get through the challenging moments each season holds.
...
Music, Moonlight and Milestones
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Full Spirals turns 4 this month!
After a summer hiatus, Stacy shares stories from a summer trip to Colorado—hikes in Boulder, a magical Brandi Carlile concert at Red Rocks, and the deep lessons of the Abert’s squirrel.Â
This episode is all about homecoming, balance, and the beauty of returning to yourself.
"Returning To Myself" (Brandi Carlile at Red Rocks, 9/6/2025)
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Seasons of JOY (Summer)
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Welcome to another episode of Seasons of Joy--A quarterly series produced with the help of Stacy's friend and kindred, mindfulness coach Joy Jordan. The series was born out of their shared love of nature, the seasons, and their belief that each season holds its own wisdom. Â
When Stacy and Joy get together to record each episode, they chat about the challenges and juicy bits each season holds, as well as sharing examples with YOU on how to each get through the challenging moments each season holds.
...
Trusting the Dark (A Solstice Special)
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“Trusting the Dark” (A Solstice Special)
In this intimate solstice reflection, host Stacy Parish shares her struggle with burnout, inspiration, and the beauty of change. Through the metaphor of shifting light, she explores the power of darkness to reveal clarity, foster transformation, and call us into rest and reconnection. A moving meditation on letting go, seeking support, and the sacredness of slowing down.
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Buy me a coffee HEREJo...Reclaiming Medusa
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In this episode Stacy reflects on some recent emotional heaviness, a surprising moment of peace by the river, and the power of reclaiming our own stories.
We revisit Medusa—not as a monster, but as a survivor and symbol of protection.
 It's about healing, rage, and the quiet signs that remind us we’re on the right path.Â
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Buy me a coffee HEREJoin the community of "Spinne...Seasons of JOY (Spring)
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Welcome to another episode of Seasons of Joy--A quarterly series produced with the help of Stacy's friend and kindred, mindfulness coach Joy Jordan. The series was born out of their shared love of nature, the seasons, and their belief that each season holds its own wisdom. Â
When Stacy and Joy get together to record each episode, they chat about the challenges and juicy bits each season holds, as well as sharing examples with YOU on how to each get through the challenging moments each season holds.
...
We ARE Resilient with Meredith Heller
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How do we find resilience in this most tumultuous time?
Meredith Heller is a poet, author, singer/songwriter, nature lover, and educator. We were first introduced to her last spring when I was approached by her publicist to help celebrate her new book, Writing By Heart.
Since that time, I’ve hopped aboard and joined her women’s poetry circles.
The more we get to know one another the more clear our connection becomes.
In this jam packed episode we c...
Kisses, Courage + Creative Leaps: How Art Heals
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In this deeply personal episode, Stacy shares the journey of how the creative process and the act of performing can be incredibly healing. What started as a simple story about “kisses” turned into a powerful reflection on love, self-discovery, and the unexpected ways art has shaped her life.Â
From childhood memories of feeling disconnected in the realm of romance to the surprising healing she's found while performing on stage, this episode explores the vulnerability and courage that art offers when you least expect it.Â
Join Stacy as she reflects on how...
Seasons of JOY (Winter)
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Welcome to a very special "Seasons of JOY" episode of full spirals. This series got its name from a couple of places. One is that my partner in these episodes is my friend Joy Jordan. The other is our shared belief in paying attention to the seasons–and how they effect our lives. And dropping in—paying attention—is the key to a richer, more fulfilling life.
Episode Links:
Joy Jordan's Website
The "Hygge" (Hoo-gah) Practice
The Little Book of Hygge
The Lunar Abundance...
The Demon Has No Clothes
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This episode is about how Stacy is using a blogging practice on Substack to heal herself in these uncertain times.
Led by Elizabeth Gilberts revolutionary "Letters from Love" practice, Stacy shares a recent blog where she confronts three of her demons.
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Help Support Full Spirals and give the Arts a Voice!
Buy me a coffee HEREJoin the community of "Spinners" on Patreon and contribute to the production of our impactful content HERE!The Seasons of Our Lives
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Today’s episode is about the seasons of our lives. Â
The phrase "seasons in life" is a metaphor that compares the different stages of a person's life to the changing seasons of the year. Each season has its own characteristics, and so do the different periods of life, which can include times of growth, change, and dormancy.
Here are some examples of the seasons of life and their characteristics:
Spring: A time of new beginnings and youthSummer: A time of passion, growth, and you...Stories and Humor CAN Heal Us
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This month here in the US, we’ll be celebrating, among other things, Thanksgiving. Maybe you look forward to this time with your family–or maybe you DON’T. Maybe you celebrate Friendsgiving–as a way to gather and celebrate with your family-of-choice.
According to the national days calendar, we are set to celebrate “Better Conversations Week” the week of Thanksgiving.
This makes sense to me–and as a storyteller I know THAT STORIES HAVE THE POWER TO UNITE US and in this episode the kind of story that i thi...
Project: "I'm Speaking" ENCORE (with Melissa Walker)
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Project: I'm Speaking, featuring MELISSA WALKER
Melissa Walker is a bass player/ singer songwriter from British Columbia, Canada. As a supporting musician she has toured extensively throughout Canada, US, Germany, and Australia, and she bravely shares both her story and her voice in this delightful episode!Â
During the pandemic Melissa took up songwriting and is currently in the process of releasing her first full length solo record. She’s also a carpenter and enjoys woodworking, spending time with her dog Ella, and sharing a life with her...
National Day of Forgiveness
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Family bonds aren’t always the strongest bonds we experience in our lifetimes. Sometimes the love of a good friend will fill a void we never realized existed. This is a story about my friend Marilyn and the full spiral moments that happened along the way.
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Help Support Full Spirals and give the Arts a Voice!
Buy me a coffee HEREJoin the community of "Spinners" on Patreon and contribute to the production of our impa...Spiral Notebook Moment: Hairdos and HairDONTS
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Unearthing Stories from the Spiral: A Journey of Reflection
These "Spiral Notebook Moment" episodes are a treasure trove of introspection and storytelling, where we crack open the pages of my year-long spiral notebook project. Brace yourselves for a deep dive into moments, musings, and reflections that sprang forth from the time I committed to filling an entire notebook each month.
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Buy me a coffee HEREMusic Matters! (with Helen Avakian)
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Its been a little over a year since I first interviewed recording artist Helen Avakian–the artist behind much of the music here on Full Spirals.
(Including the tune Paige’s Jig, which Helen played live last time she was here.)
And the anniversary aside, I really like to checking in with Helen because, well because I love her, but also because…she effects so many lives in such rich and unique ways. Â
She’s an inspiration–especially to folks who maybe have never really given themselves p...
ENCORE: The Mystery of Creative Flow
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An Award-winning songstress and International Fingerstyle Champion Helen Avakian has moved audiences for decades with her haunting voice and versatile guitar playing.
Speaking with Helen and hearing her incredible stories—was so enriching that we spent a lot of time just sort of talking and meandering through her life–which by the way is punctuated with these FANTASTIC Full Spiral moments!
Lauded a number one “Favorite Acoustic Act” four times by Rhythm and News magazine and winner of eight first prizes from the NewSongs...
Christmas In July with "Zuzu Bailey" from It's a Wonderful Life
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What better way to celebrate Christmas in July than with a re-airing of this episode with It's a Wonderful Life actor, Karolyn Grimes.
In this touching and revealing interview you'll hear behind the scenes stories, anecdotes and be reminded why this film is the heartwarming classic it is!
During these divisive times it's more important than ever to remember the messages and themes of this beloved film!
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A Creative Act IS Medicine
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Unearthing Stories from the Spiral: A Journey of Reflection
These "Spiral Notebook Moment" episodes are a treasure trove of introspection and storytelling, where we crack open the pages of my year-long spiral notebook project as well as recent writing endeavors!
Today's episode is about a poetry piece I wrote while taking a 5 week women's writing workshop with poet, author and songwriter Meredith Heller.
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Sages Series: Story Circle Network's Len Leatherwood
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Len Leatherwood is an award-winning writing coach who has worked with students of all ages for the past 24 years. She’s the past-President for the Story Circle Network–an organization who’s mission and mandate is to have ALL women tell their stories.
She’s an award winning, published author, the online class coordinator for the Story Circle Network, and her novel Hope in the Time of Dying, will be published this September.
This conversation was so inspiring as we discussing the creative process, finding communit...
Working with YOUR Superpower!
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Unearthing Stories from the Spiral: A Journey of Reflection
These "Spiral Notebook Moment" episodes are a treasure trove of introspection and storytelling, where we crack open the pages of Stacy's notebooks and share about a writing adventure she's had.
This episode centers on an assignment from the work of Meredith Heller and her empowering Women's Writing Workshops. It shines a light on the literary device of "personification" and how YOU can use it to pay homage to what makes you so...
Spiral Notebook Moment: Mothers and May
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Unearthing Stories from the Spiral: A Journey of Reflection
These "Spiral Notebook Moment" episodes are a treasure trove of introspection and storytelling, where we crack open the pages of my year-long spiral notebook project. Brace yourselves for a deep dive into moments, musings, and reflections that sprang forth from the time I committed to filling an entire notebook each month.
Support the show
Help Support Full Spirals and give the Arts a Voice!
Buy me a coffee HERESpiral Notebook Moment: A Divine Purpose
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Unearthing Stories from the Spiral: A Journey of Reflection
These "Spiral Notebook Moment" episodes are a treasure trove of introspection and storytelling, where we crack open the pages of my year-long spiral notebook project. Brace yourselves for a deep dive into moments, musings, and reflections that sprang forth from the time I committed to filling an entire notebook each month.
“Spiral Notebook Moments”
Series Highlights:
Sages Series with author Meredith Heller
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April is National Poetry Month and we can’t think of a better person to interview for this month’s episode than our guest today, Poet, singer, songwriter, author and Kindred Spirit, Meredith Heller.
Both of Meredith’s books (Writing by Heart, andWrite a Poem, Save Your Life) lead readers through a method of writing that turns something mechanical into a practice of presence. Meredith regularly leads women and girls through this practice and her life's work is to help them heal and gro...
Women's History Month Encore: Storyteller, Jen Munro
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I can't think of a better way to celebrate Women's History Month than to bring back our our conversation with storyteller, Jennifer Munro.
Born in the heart of the industrial midlands in England, Jennifer Munro is a natural born storyteller. Since moving to the USA, she’s been working as a professional storyteller for more than twenty-five years, garnering numerous awards:
National Storytelling Network’s prestigious Circle of Excellence Award, winner in Storytelling World Magazine for her three recordings and short story collection, Aunty Lily...
Spiral Notebook Moment: Willow
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Unearthing Stories from the Spiral: A Journey of Reflection
These "Spiral Notebook Moment" episodes are a treasure trove of introspection and storytelling, where we crack open the pages of my year-long spiral notebook project. Brace yourselves for a deep dive into moments, musings, and reflections that sprang forth from the time I committed to filling an entire notebook each month.
“Spiral Notebook Moments”
Series Highlights:
Artist Spotlight: Beth Kille
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What if knowing WHY you want to write songs is just as important as HOW you do it? This is the question posed by my guest today, Beth Kille in her new book "Embrace Your Authentic Songwriter: How & Why to Play Your Own Tune"
You may remember Beth as a guest here when she was the inaugural guest on our Project: I’m Speaking series in 2022. And if you haven’t heard her story, I highly recommend you go back and check out her episode titl...
Sages Series: Stories from the Circle
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This episode is the culmination of over a decade’s worth of work.
It features the ladies who take part in a Women's Story Circle Stacy founded and began facilitating at a local senior center last year. Watching this community grow and thrive is such a pleasure and I’m reminded each week of what important work it is.
The women who gather at the circle each week come from a wide variety of backgrounds and each week they gather in community, share about their lives and offer s...
ENCORE: Healing All of Your Parts (from all of the things...) with Breanne Smith
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Breanne Smith is a "lesson-seeking, plant-hoarding, baby-loving, silver lining kind of woman"--and what we love about her is her ability keep on growing!
A survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault AND society's expectations, Breanne is breath of fresh air in a climate that's clouded with toxic positivity and "good vibes only".
Her Root and Rise blog and podcast were founded with the intention of offering women a place to be gentle with themselves while they learn and grow.
Enjoy this encore conversation about self...
Story: The True Power of Persuasion with Kim Weitkamp
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Kim Weitkamp grew up in Amish Country as the middle child of exhausted parents. Labeled by teachers as high-spirited and too talkative, Kim took those comments and channeled them into a lifetime of high-energy, heartfelt and hilarious artistry and we are better for it!!
She is an award-winning storyteller, speaker, singer-songwriter and humorist. After using applied storytelling in her work with adjudicated and at-risk youth for 12 years, Kim took a turn onto a different avenue that led her down the path of full-time touring for the last 17 years where...
