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The Alchemist and the Academic

The Alchemist and the Academic

by Becca Fanali and Kurt Braddock

Spirituality Science

Season 2

Episode 201: We're Back; Blessed Be!

Our alchemist and academic are back from a serious run of life events to get back on the mic and ready for Series 2! Join Becca and Kurt as they discuss what they've been up to, go over their favorite episodes of the first season, and preview the episodes coming for the second series! The Alchemist and the Academic return... and their drinks are full!

Season 1

Episode 108: Mediumship (Part 1), The Medium and the Interference

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!

Episode 107: Acupuncture (Part 2), The Experience

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!

Episode 106: Gods, Goddesses, and Deities

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!

Episode 105: Witchcraft (Part 2), The Ritual

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.

Episode 104: Witchcraft (Part 1), the Witch

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

Episode 103: Acupuncture (Part 1), The Background

On this episode, Becca dives into her profession of acupuncture! An ancient form of healing that developed in East Asia, and has been viewed as a placebo effect by the Western medical community. This is only part 1 due to a lot of great questions from Kurt, and, let's be honest, Becca could talk about acupuncture for hours on end. Becca covers the credentials and licensing process of what it takes to become an acupuncturist, and discusses different lenses of diagnosis. Kurt talks about his experience with acupuncture, and will be receiving a treatment on part 2! So grab your drink and join us for another fun discussion! Links for this episode! Becca's acupuncture practice website can be found here! Becca's professional email for any questions pertaining to acupuncture: rfanaliacu@gmail.com

Episode 102: Tarot

Have you ever wondered what tarot cards are? Or what a tarot reading consists of? Maybe you've thought tarot was dark magic or brought in negative spirits? Becca goes into the origins of tarot, misconceptions about the cards, and how she practices this form of divination! Kurt brings a lot of great questions, along with several different theories of social science. At the end of the episode, you will hear Becca give Kurt his first ever tarot reading in real time! We even have Brooke, Kurt's wife, on as a special guest to talk about her experiences of tarot and what she thinks of Kurt's reading. So grab your favorite beverage and listen to another great discussion from our Alchemist and Academic! The deck used in this episode is the Guided Tarot Deck by Stefani Caponi. For her personal readings, Becca uses the Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle and Vita Ayala. To see Kurt's tarot card draw and layout, click here.

Episode 101: Yule

Have you ever thought about why we put gifts for loved ones under a pine tree? Have you ever thought about why we bring a pine tree into our houses? Have you ever thought about why a jolly, white-bearded man who lives in nature gives us those gifts? Our Academic has. And our Alchemist has answers. Join us as Becca explains how our Christmas traditions have emerged, and why they are more ingrained in us than we even know. On this episode, Becca teaches Kurt about the Pagan holiday of Yule, and how it relates to its Christian descendant, Christmas.

Episode 100: Meet Your Alchemist and Academic

This episode is an introduction to your Alchemist, Rebecca Fanali, and your academic, Kurt Braddock. We don't start arguing quiiiiiiite yet, but that's coming soon. Here, just meet us as your trust co-hosts, and how we come to understand the things around us. Yes, we have drinks for the intro as well.

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