On one side of the table, with a vodka soda (extra lemon), sits an acupuncturist, tarot reader, and Wiccan -- alchemist Becca Fanali. On the other side of the table, with a peaty scotch (served neat), sits a college professor, social scientist, and agnostic -- academic Kurt Braddock. Becca and Kurt have been the best of friends for many years. And for many years, Becca and Kurt have shared s ...
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In this episode, we welcome our first official guest -- medium Beth O'Brien! Here, Becca and I explore the gift of mediumship, how mediums come to understand their gifts, and what it means to them as they come to harness those gifts. We also talk to Beth about the practice of mediumship, what it feels like, and what spirits she has seen. Interestingly, this episode was meant to be released in a single file. Meeting Beth and Kurt's mediumship reading were to take place back-to-back. While editing, however, Kurt discovered that during the reading, the file was garbled, and every time Beth spoke, her voice was filtered over with interference. Kurt tried re-recording by himself with no issues. So, this will be the first part of another two-part episode, with the medium reading part dropping in a few weeks. For now, however, meet Beth and discover the gifts of mediumship and how they manifest. Also learn about how if Kurt was a medium, he would be ruthless in his price structures.J Join us!
Join us this week on the Alchemist and the Academic! On this episode, Kurt experiences acupuncture first-hand and reports on his experience. As the alchemist and acupuncturist, Becca interprets Kurt's experiences and explains why he had certain sensations, and how acupuncture could be made part of Kurt's regular healing experiences. Becca and Kurt also talk about combining Eastern and Western medicine traditions, how holistic approaches can be part and parcel of sound mental health, and the spirituality of the acupuncture practice. Kurt also introduces Becca to the Doozers on Fraggle Rock. Big revelations for us both!
As a witch, Becca calls on different deities for her needs. Protection, strength, abundance... Becca draws on the divine to help her with them all. On this episode of the Alchemist and the Academic, Becca tells Kurt all about the deities she invokes during her spellwork, as well as the different resources they provide her. One or more of Becca's familiar deities even showed up to say hello... Kurt gets excited because his minor degree in art history is finally paying off! He also discovers that there is some serious fan art dedicated to Bastet and Anubis. Enjoy our discussion on gods, goddesses, and deities!
On this episode you get to hear the ritual that Becca and Kurt perform! Specifically, Becca shows Kurt how to build an altar with intention, and how all the different parts of the altar come together to build a cohesive thing of spiritual beauty. The altar that Becca and Kurt build in this episode will sit at the center of their recording space and hopefully bring good vibes to them, the podcast, and you lovely listeners. Check out a few pictures of Becca's purification of the water elements and the completed altar.
This episode is all about witchcraft! Becca talks about how she became a witch, how she practices, and what it is like being a witch in today's climate. Kurt drops some knowledge of past wars and origins of religion. Due to the amazing banter and inquisitive minds of both hosts, this episode is split into two parts! Part 2 will be released next week, and will include the ritual that Becca does with Kurt. Links for Becca's favorite witchy shops that she gets her supplies from are listed below! Mystical Blossoms in Marlton, NJ Zen Den on Main in Medford, NJ