“There really is enlightenment and awakening in the intersection between trauma and spirituality—if you go into it and don’t push it away.” — Kristina Amelong In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike sits down with Kristina Amelong—artist, healer, founder of Optimal Health Network, and author of the memoir What My Brother Knew. Kristina opens up about the profound loss of her brother, who eerily foresaw his own death, and the ripple effects this tragedy had on her life. Through writing, research, and deep spiritual exploration, Kristina found healing and meaning in places of grief, addiction, and transformation. Their conversation touches on mystical experiences, end-of-life insights, and the role writing plays in processing trauma and opening ourselves to the mystery of consciousness. Key Takeaways: From crisis to creativity: A near-death encounter in Guatemala led Kristina to contemplative writing, sparking the process that became her memoir. The uncanny story of her brother: At just 12 years old, her brother predicted his own death in chilling detail—an event that shaped her life and inspired her book. Healing through writing: Memoir became a vehicle not only for personal processing but also for connecting with others who were touched by her brother’s life. Addiction and transformation: Kristina’s journey from addiction to holistic healing reflects the resilience of choosing wellness and self-discovery. The intersection of trauma and spirituality: She embraces the paradox that deep pain can also lead to profound spiritual awakening. The ripple effect of storytelling: Sharing her memoir reconnected her with people from her past, showing how one story can spark collective healing. Life beyond the physical: Kristina’s work with near-death experiencers and hospice has deepened her belief in the continuity of consciousness. Buy What My Brother Knew Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nEqWUc Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647429089   Connect with Kristina Website: https://www.kristinaamelong.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.amelong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimalhealthnetwork/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KrisOHC Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #KristinaAmelong #Memoir #GriefJourney #HealingThroughWriting #SpiritualAwakening #WhatMyBrotherKnew #HolisticHealing #NearDeathExperience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices