Mold isn’t just unsightly, it’s a silent disruptor of health, energy, and living spaces.
In this episode of The Aligned Interior, I’m joined by environmental quality specialist and author John C. Banta to explore the hidden ways mold impacts our homes and health.
We cover how mold develops, why it can be so stubborn to remove, and the steps John takes for effective, non-chemical remediation. He shares decades of insight into how moisture and building materials contribute to mold growth, common mistakes in construction and remodeling, and practical strategies for preventing mold in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and beyond.
John also discusses how environmental exposures, including mold, can contribute to ongoing health issues, like allergy-like symptoms, migraines, fatigue, and asthma, and why early detection and proper remediation are essential. For renters, homebuyers, and designers, he explains what to look for to minimize hidden risks.
We also touch on how John works with medical professionals, and highlight key insights from his books Prescriptions For A Healthy House and his latest, Mold Controlled, A Guide to Finding, Fixing, Preventing and Getting Help with Mold Problems.
Whether you’ve encountered mold firsthand or simply want to understand how our built environments shape our well-being, this episode offers actionable insights for creating healthier homes.
🌀 John Banta is the mold expert, an environmental quality specialist and author whose work bridges environmental health, remediation, and practical solutions for homeowners and professionals alike.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction.
(2:05) John’s background & how he started in indoor air quality and mold.
(5:20) What sets his approach apart from others in the field.
(7:48) How common are mold issues in homes and buildings.
(11:28) Under-appreciated health impacts of mold.
(14:30) Collaborating with doctors.
(17:23) Construction and remodeling mistakes that encourage mold.
(22:01) “Building better” to prevent mold in practice.
(25:40) Linking hidden mold exposure to chronic symptoms.
(30:24) Most common causes of mold in homes.
(33:00) How material choices affect mold vulnerability.
(42:00) What renters and buyers should look for to spot mold risks.
(48:07) Steps for effective mold cleaning.
(01:05:20) Practical home precautions to prevent mold.
(01:11:40) Key chapters or sections to focus on in the book.
(01:14:17) Ideal changes in building design or regulation.
(01:15:36) One shift listeners should make about their homes and health.
(01:16:25) Closing thoughts & outro.
📚 Resources
🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™ | Link
🛑 Disclaimer
Sound isn’t just something we hear, it’s something that shapes our physiology, influencing our thoughts, feelings, actions… and even our capacity to heal
In his second appearance on The Aligned Interior, renowned sound expert and author Julian Treasure returns to explore the profound role sound plays in shaping our environments, our bodies, and our lives.
We explore how sound, vibration, and frequency shape our well-being, from the rooms we design to the cities and bodies we inhabit. Together, we examine how sound affects us socially, our learning, focus, nervous system regulation, healing and so much more.
This expansive dialogue bridges the history of sound, interior design, vibrational medicine, plant communication and planetary frequencies. Reminding us that sound connects us all, and that it’s a powerful tool for facilitating harmony in our bodies, lives, and environments.
🌀 Julian Treasure is a leading voice in sound, communication, and acoustic design. He’s the author of Sound Business and How to Be Heard, and his newest book, Sound Affects: How Sound Shapes Our Lives, Our Well-Being, and Our Planet. With TED Talks reaching over 150 million views, Julian’s work continues to shape how we design for, and with, the ears.
📚 Resources:
🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™ | Link
🛑 Disclaimer:
How do our spaces help us balance, not just emotionally, but neurologically? In Part 2 of my conversation with world-renowned neuroaesthetics expert Dr. Oshin Vartanian, we explore how interior design can support emotional processing, facilitate creativity, and foster well-being and meaning.
Together, we unpack how subtle design choices, from natural elements to multisensory design, can engage the brain in ways that often operate beneath conscious awareness. We touch on topics like exposure therapy through design, brain homeostasis, and why the environments we choose might be more connected to our nervous system than we realize.
Whether you’re a designer, therapist, creative, or simply curious about how the brain responds to interior space, this episode offers a grounded and eye-opening look into the intersection of neuroaesthetics and environmental psychology.
🧠 Dr. Vartanian is a leading voice in the neuroaesthetics field. He is a Professor at the University of Toronto and President of the International Association of Empirical Aesthetics (IAEA). His research bridges psychology, neuroscience, and aesthetics, and has shaped how we understand the power of space on human cognition and emotion.
🎧 Tap play to discover:
👇 If something resonates, share it with a fellow design-lover, and follow the show for future episodes.
⏱️ Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(2:22) What mental and emotional health benefits can we gain by incorporating nature into our interior environments?
(6:53) Neuroaesthetics vs. environmental psychology: what’s the difference?
(10:27) Neurological mechanisms that foster connection, belonging, and unity through natural elements
(15:45) Cathedrals, multisensory design, and how sacred spaces affect the brain
(17:22) What’s the sweet spot for multisensory design load on the brain and nervous system?
(24:07) Design elements that support creativity + Dr. Vartanian’s personal story of rediscovering focus in a nostalgic space
(26:34) Pleasure versus joy in neuroaesthetics
(30:00) Portable EEGs, VR, and studying real-time brain response to space
(32:17) How design supports emotional processing and homeostasis
(35:12) Therapeutic spaces, fear rooms, and emotional alchemy
(39:35) Meaning-making in art, design and aesthetics
(41:24) Interior environments and personal development
(42:28) Common design mistakes & understanding the end user
(45:48) Flexible design features: ceiling height and cognition
(47:39) The future of neuroaesthetic research and unanswered questions
(49:52) How reward systems process beauty and space
(51:15) Where to learn more: IAEA, APA Division 10, and ANFA. See resources below for direct links!
(54:12) Closing and outro
Resources:
🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™ Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story
🛑 Disclaimer:
Why do some spaces instantly feel calming, focused, or inspiring, while others leave us anxious, uneasy, or drained? The answer lies in the science of neuroaesthetics and the often subconscious influence of space: how our brains respond to beauty, form, and function in the environments we inhabit, often without us even realizing it.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Oshin Vartanian, one of the world’s foremost experts in neuroaesthetics and the psychology of architecture and design. We explore how your primal brain processes, and instinctively reacts to, elements like curves, ceiling height, natural materials, sacred spaces, and more.
Dr. Vartanian is a Professor at the University of Toronto, where he explores the cognitive and neural foundations of creativity and aesthetics. He received his PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Maine and currently serves as President of the International Association of Empirical Aesthetics (IAEA). He is the former editor of Empirical Studies of the Arts and Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, and has co-edited several landmark volumes on the neuroscience of aesthetics, creativity, and decision making. All linked below in the Resources section.
🧠 Dr. Vartanian’s research is foundational to understanding how interior environments influence the way we think, feel, and act. Shaping our behavior, supporting health, well-being and evoking emotional and awe-related responses often associated with sacred or contemplative spaces.
Links to all these resources are available below.
💭 Whether you're a designer, architect, wellness professional, holistic health enthusiast, or simply curious about the hidden power of your surroundings — this conversation will change how you see the world around you.
🎧 Tap play to explore:
👇 Drop a comment if something resonates, share this episode with someone who loves great design, and follow the show to catch Part 2 — coming soon!
⏱️ Timestamps
🔗 Resources
🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™
Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story
🛑 Disclaimer
In this episode, we explore the healing power of sound with Sara Auster — world-renowned sound therapist, meditation teacher, and creator of the PAUSE app.
We break down the basics of sound bathing and sound therapy, uncovering how these powerful practices can be used to reduce stress, deepen self-awareness, and support emotional healing. Sara shares insights from her work and introduces her signature approach, the Auster Sound Method.
Whether you're new to sound healing or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation will inspire you to listen more deeply — to your environment, your inner world, and the spaces in between.
🎧 In this episode:
— What sound bathing and sound therapy really are
— How sound impacts your nervous system and mental state
— Using sound for self-inquiry and personal transformation
— Healing through frequency and listening
Tune in, take a breath, and pause.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction.
(1:44) I’d love it if we started off with you telling us a little bit about yourself and what led you to becoming a world renown sound therapist and mediation teacher.
(4:16) How would you describe a sound bath?
(5:00) When you are accessing the mind, what role does psychoacoustics play in sound bathing?
(6:36) What are some wellbeing benefits (mind, body & spirit) of sound bathing?
(7:45) Would you walk us through one of your sound bathing sessions?
(17:00) Do you have any recommendations on how people can incorporate the healing benefits of the sound bathing in their home?
(18:53) A discussion on using the sounds around your home as a self development tool.
(27:00) How would you describe using sound bathing and sound therapy as a self development practice?
(30:00) Animals instinctually release traumatic or stressful experiences through tremors or shaking. Is there a link here to sound healing? For example a deer shaking after shock or the vibration of a cat’s purr.
(33:00) Where would you like to see people invest more research around the healing benefits of sound?
(39:10) What role does sound healing play with intuition?
(45:10) I’d love it if you can share a little about your app PAUSE.
(47:30) I’d love it if you could speak to the sounds of singing bowls and what makes them so healing as well as what advice you have for people who are looking to buy singing bowls?
(49:47) Is there a connection between the sounds produced with signing bowls and layers of consciousness?
(51:18) Do you think that sound healing happens at a cellular level?
(52:47) Closing thoughts and outro
Resources:
Auster Sound (https://saraauster.com/)
About Sarah Auster (https://saraauster.com/about)
PAUSE App (https://saraauster.com/pause-app)
Sounds Of Healing by Mitchell L. Gaynor MD
Disclaimer:
In this episode we explore design practices, recommendations and resources for the healthiest products (materials, finishes, appliances, etc) to consider to improve the health of your home.
Our special guests today are Paula Baker-Laporte and Andrea Allen Sis of EcoNest Architecture. Paula is the founder of EcoNest, an architect, building biologist, author and educator. Following a first-hand experience with multiple chemical sensitivities in the 1980’s, Paula has dedicated her career to finding healthier ways to construct based on the principles of Building Biology. Now in its 4th edition, Paula co-authored the industry staple “Prescriptions of a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders and Homeowners."
Andrea is an architect, educator and partner at EcoNest, where she also serves as a materials research specialist and develops protocols for finding, vetting and maintaining a database for healthy building materials. Andrea believes healthy, nurturing spaces should be accessible to everyone and consciously focuses her career on creating healthy and sustainable homes while bringing the practice of building without harmful substances into mainstream design and construction.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(2:25) What led you both to becoming leading experts and advocates for leading healthy homes?
(7:26) How would you define a healthy home?
(8:43) Why should people be concerned about their indoor environmental quality?
(11:01) What are some health conditions you have seen and know of that arise from being in indoor environments that have health hazards?
(13:50) From a standpoint of designing and building for health, what are your recommended DOs for remodeling?
(15:35) What would be the lowest hanging fruit that someone can do to improve the health of their home? So that after this podcast is over they have a takeaway to gain some health benefits from?
(16:54) In terms of air quality (ventilation, filtration, etc) how would you typically approach that for someone’s existing home?
(21:29) How much more will it cost to build a healthy home?
(27:00) What are the healthiest materials and finishes for the interior of a home?
(31:35) What are you seeing in the industry and environments around moving towards healthier spaces?
(34:57) What advice do you have for people when selecting furnishings and accessories?
(36:16) A lot of people are living mobile lives right now (airbnbs, etc). Is there anything that we can do when we are dwelling in spaces that are not our home to safeguard ourselves against health hazards?
(38:00) What are some things you recommend to people to keep in mind when they are purchasing home appliances?
(43:00) What is electromagnetic radiation and how do you recommend designing your home from that standpoint for better health?
(45:47) In terms of water supply. How do you recommend someone approach evaluating and designing their water system to ensure they are getting healthy water?
(48:25) In terms of your own homes, what are your absolutes for designing and keeping it healthy? And what are some examples of healthy materials and finishes that you have chosen for your homes?
(1:01:13) If you could snap your fingers and instantly get rid of one home healthy hazard globally what would it be?
(1:04:25) Closing thoughts
Resources:
EcoNest Architecture, Healthy Home Design & Consulting (https://www.econestarchitecture.com/)
Books (https://www.econestarchitecture.com/shop)
Paula Baker-Laporte & Andrea Allen Sis (https://www.econestarchitecture.com/about-us)
Disclaimer:
This episode is part two of a two part series on Forest Bathing (translated from Japanese term shinrin-yoku). In part two we explore the science behind the health and well-being benefits of forest bathing, forest therapy and time in nature while providing recommendations on how to incorporate these lessons into your home design.
Our special guest is Dr. Susan Abookire, BSEE, MD, MPH, FACP, an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and a senior executive with 22 years’ experience leading healthcare organizations. She has served as Chief Medical Officer, System Chief Quality Officer, and Department Chair of the Department of Quality and Patient Safety at Mount Auburn, a Harvard hospital, where she founded and led the award-winning quality and patient safety program. Dr. Abookire began her professional career as an electrical engineer in aviation systems design and brings a keen understanding of systems thinking and design to her work improving healthcare for everyone.
A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Abookire trained at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and practices Internal Medicine. She received a master’s degree from the Harvard School of Public Health and teaches nationally and internationally. Certified as a Forest Therapy Guide, Dr. Abookire offers nature-inspired individual coaching, group coaching, leadership development, training and retreats to healthcare professionals. Her programs help professionals and patients by delivery tools for lifelong physical, mental and cognitive wellbeing.
Dr. Abookire has also developed a curriculum for Harvard Medical School residents that incorporates Forest Therapy into learning about healthcare systems and leadership. Her rich background and experience in systems design influences all her work, including supporting healthcare organizations looking for cultural transformation.
Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction
(2:00) What is your background and what let you to becoming a forest therapy guide and spearheading the integration of this form of therapy into the medical system?
(6:17) Could you speak to some of the health benefits of forest bathing from a medical perspective?
(8:50) Discussion around the nervous system states.
(12:45) The restoration benefits of time in nature.
(18:38) Can you walk us through one of your forest bathing sessions that you offer?
(26:26) Where do you offer your forest therapy sessions? (30:40) How you can use forest bathing to open up and receive guidance.
(34:30) Why is it important for women to be mindful of cortisol levels when it comes to hormone fluctuations (monthly perimenopause, menopause, etc)?
(38:25) How do you as a doctor and forest therapy guide think someone can use their home to induce similar benefits of forest bathing?
(44:00) What do you do in your home that connects you to the forest?
(51:56) How do you introduce someone who is new to forest bathing?
(58:10) How often do you recommend people spend time in nature to for health and wellbeing benefits?
(1:00:04) A discussion on the immune system benefits of time in nature
(1:05:39) If you could snap your fingers and imbue everyone with one piece of knowledge or understanding about forest therapy and/or trees, what would it be?
Resources:
Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (https://anft.earth/) (https://anft.earth/team/dr-susan-abookire/)
Dr. Susan Abookire, Harvard Medical School (https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/susan-abookire-bsee-md-mph-facp) Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-storyDisclaimer:
This episode is part one of a two part series on Forest Bathing (translated from Japanese term shinrin-yoku). In part one we explore forest bathing and how forest bathing is an effective practice for personal development, better health, wellbeing and spirituality. Our special guest is Amos Clifford the founder and CEO of the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT). Amos is a psychotherapist and leading global advocate for ForestTherapy, he teaches that forest therapy is an effective practice for personal development. Bringing together a multinational group of talented trainers, Amos and his team have now led over 2500 Forest Therapy Guides in 66 countries. He is the author of “Your Guide to Forest Bathing.” Amos teaches that “the forest is the therapist, the guide opens the doors.”
Stay tuned for part two with special guest Dr. Susan Abookie. We dive deep into the science behind the health and wellbeing benefits of forest bathing and forest therapy while providing recommendations on how to incorporate these lessons into your home design.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:28) What is your background and what lead you to become a leading global advocate for forest bathing?
(7:01) What is forest bathing? And what is its origin?
(13:35) How does forest therapy relate to spirituality?
(22:00) An exploration of the perspective problem
(28:10) An exploration of the sentience of stones
(37:10) If we are mimicking the forest bathing experience in a virtual space, what excites you most about that and are there any guiding principles there that you can apply to your home?
(40:36) If you could snap your fingers and imbue everyone in the world with one piece of knowledge or understanding about forests or forest bathing, what would you want them to know?
Resources:
Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (https://anft.earth/)
Your Guide To Forest Bathing by Amos Clifford found on Amazon + other distributers.
Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story
Disclaimer:
- The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice.
- The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.
In this episode we explore Colour Psychology in Interior Design to facilitate authenticity, alignment and greater well being. Our special guest is Karen Haller FRSA, a global expert in Behavioural Design and Colour Psychology. She helps businesses and design professionals use colour and design to support mental health, enhance wellbeing, and create positive, nature-aligned change. Karen is the author of The Little Book of Colour as well as being an in-demand media commentator, international speaker and awards judge.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:52) You have a unique approach to colour and design. I’d love it if you could share a little about your approach to and what you do?
(4:25) What role does nature play in your approach to color and design?
(8:48) How can we use colour in a home environment to influence positive behaviour and wellbeing?
(13:23) What are the conditions that would make the colour pink have adverse effects?
(19:05) Is there a difference between how our bodies react to the colour in red in paint or light?
(25:48) How would you approach colour design to help facilitate feelings of relaxation, ease and comfort?
(44:55) Discussion on how our colour personality relates to nature and the seasons
(58:00) What key aspects would you recommend for homeowners to keep in mind when they are choosing colours for their home?
(01:06:11) How would you recommend someone approach the amount of colour they use in a space?
(01:08:31) The colour black phase in fashion and what that may mean from a colour psychology perspective
(01:14:09) What are your favorite colours and why?
(01:16:43) If you could snap your fingers and give everyone on earth one fundamental piece of colour knowledge, what would it be?
(01:23:34) Closing thoughts
Resources:
Karen Haller (https://karenhaller.com/)
Free Design Industry E-Book (https://karenhaller.com/free-10-myths-ebook/)
Colour & Design Courses (https://karenhaller.com/courses/)
The Little Book of Colour (https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/)
Free First Chapter of The Little Book of Colour (https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/free-chapter/)
Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story
Disclaimer:
- The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice.
- The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.
In this episode we explore Vedic Gemology and how we can use gemstones to facilitate alignment and greater well being. Our guest is Tiffany April Raines (https://astrologicalgemstones.com/), a Vedic Gemologist, CEO and co-owner of Astrological Gem. She has a nearly 20-year career at Astrological Gem International and has become one of the most popular Vedic Gemologists in the world.
Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:28) How did you got into Gemology? How did you go from a skeptic to a globally recognized gemologist?
(4:10) As part of your personal experimentation with gemstones. Could you share one of these experiments, where you did a trial and error test on a gemstone?
(7:49) If you wanted to work with Saturn in your chart in a benefic way how would you go about choosing the best gemstone based on someone’s natal chart?
(9:26) The importance of testing out a gemstone, trial and error to ensure it is a good fit
(10:18) Why did you choose to do Vedic Astrology over Western and is there a difference between them with Gemology?
(13:50) How would you describe gemstones affect someone’s body and energetic field?
(20:05) Are there any gemstones that are not good for someone, will have detrimental effects and/or not safe?
(23:16) When you look at someone’s chart for an initial gemstone consultation what are the areas of the chart that you look at first?
(26:30) For someone just dabbling in gemstones, what advice would you give them for selecting their starter gemstones?
(29:15) What are the benefits and differences between wearing gemstones and having gemstones in a space?
(33:45) Are there any other gemstones that you like to use in your personal space?
(37:10) Are there any harmful effects of using a lot of different types of crystals in a space within close proximity?
(40:16) Discussing the symbiotic relationship between plants and crystals.
(41:57) How do you program a stone? Do you have a ritual for bringing a gemstone into a space and / or wearing it?
(44:30) Discussing how gemstones select the buyer just as much as the buyer selects the gemstone.
(47:00) What advice do you have for buyers when purchasing gemstones?
(51:10) Are there certain gemstones you don’t recommend for people?
(54:23) How would you approach recommending a gemstone for a house that someone wants to work on but also has the north node or south node in it?
(57:14) For the people who want to be liberated from the “bad karma”, how do you go about recommending a gemstone for them?
(01:03:37) If you were stranded on a desert island, what one gemstone would you bring with you?
(01:04:33) What are you sun, moon and rising signs in Vedic? (01:06:08) Do you have a favorite fact about gemstones? (01:07:33) Closing
Resources:
Tiffany April Raines (https://astrologicalgemstones.com/meet-tiffany-april-raines/)
Astrological Gemstones (https://astrologicalgemstones.com/)
Vedic Gemology Blog (https://vedicgemology.com/) Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story Disclaimer:
In this episode we explore how we can design our spaces to facilitate health and well being through Asterian Astrology. Using our Astrological Blueprint we can create spaces that reflect more of our essence.
Our guest is Jade Luna (https://asterianastrology.org), a world-renown Asterian Astrologer. Jade is the first westerner to ever reconstruct Hindu Astrology into a Greco-Roman format. He has an extensive resume as an Astrologer, practicing for nearly 30 years and studying with various teachers, Saints and Sadhu's in Asia. Jade offers lectures and workshops worldwide on Asterian Astrology and Ancient Roman-Greco mysticism. He is the author of several books linked below!
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:30) Introducing our guest & show details
(1:51) How does Asterian Astrology differ from Western Astrology?
(5:26) How did you get into Astrology and how did it lead to you practicing Asterian Astrology?
(10:24) How does Astrology come into play with geographic locations?
(12:37) How does Astrology come into play for buildings?
(13:14) Have you had clients that you have provided astrological advice for specific buildings in addition to geographic locations?
(14:08) Do people have auspicious numbers that change based on Astrological weather and do they have auspicious numbers that stay the same based on their birth chart?
(15:13) How can people look up on their own their numbers from their birth chart as well as the current year and use it as guidance when selecting an apartment or home?
(18:16) Would your Astrological number be the same for Western Astrology as well as Vedic Astrology?
(18:44) From an Asterian Astrology perspective what considerations do you make for your own home?
(27:44) In psychology there are personality types. In Asterian Astrology we have an astrological blueprint of our essence. How can we use this blueprint, astrological personality types of sort to create spaces that reflect and support more of our essence?
(39:10) Are there any resources you recommend for people who are looking to learn more about Asterian Astrology?
(40:37) What is the original element of design in ancient time?
(41:42) What is the astrological numerology behind objects?
(44:14) If someone were to buy or be given an object from a company or person that has negative intent or negative energy around it how does that affect you (if at all) from an Astrological perspective?
(48:01) Are there certain Astrological signs that lean more towards certain diets?
(50:58) What sign would be very important to consider when designing your home from an Asterian Astrology perspective?
(52:04) How do Gods and Goddesses play a role in terms of you astrological essence and how can you implement that information into your spaces to reflect both you as well as honor those deities?
(57:40) Closing thoughts
Resources:
Jade Sol Luna (https://asterianastrology.org)
Asterian Astrology The Lost System of Alexander the Great VOL. 1 by Jade Sol Luna
27 Stars: Discovering your True Self with Asterian Astrology by Dr. Michael Santangelo and Jade Sol Luna
Hecate: Death, Transition and Spiritual Mastery by Jade Sol Luna
Hecate II: The Awakening of Hydra by Jade Sol Luna
Songs by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Link: https://ikson.com/tell-your-story
Disclaimer:
- The Best Kind Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice.
- The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.
In this episode we explore how we can design our spaces to facilitate health and well being through frequency rebalancing. Our guest is Dr. Ondre Seltzer (https://www.ondre.com), a world-renowned energy healer, intuitive, and empowerment coach. As the founder of Frequency Energy Medicine (FEM), a technique that rebalances bio-frequencies to promote natural healing. Ondre travels internationally to consult, lecture, and lead workshops for industry leading organizations and individuals. Dr. Ondre currently serves as the Soho House West Hollywood Healer, and has partnered with leading wellness brands such as Ipsy Beauty, Lululemon, and Alo Yoga Wellness HQ.
Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (0:30) Introducing our guest & show details (1:46) How would you describe to listeners what you do? (2:25) How do you rebalance frequencies in spaces? And can you share how that started? (3:48) When you walk into a new space, what do you sense or feel? How do you experience spaces differently than other people? (8:03) We explore why you feel healthier when you are in love and surrounded by high frequency energy. (9:59) What objects and/or things that you recommend for people to increase the frequency of their spaces? (17:41) What do you feel or see in space in terms of what frequencies are in balance or off balance? (21:18) How would you recommend someone go about clearing out a space where they had negative feelings or experiences? (23:52) What would you recommend to clear spaces that for people with pets? (26:30) How do you experience plants as a frequency rebalancer? And how do you feel about them being in spaces? (30:00) Do plants have auras like people? What do you see and feel with them? (33:15) We explore the idea of plants choosing us, rather than us choosing them. (37:59) In terms of a home of an individual that is healing say from sadness from a divorce or where children have problems. From a frequency rebalancer perspective how would you approach adjusting their space? (40:28) Do you ever collaborate and/or consult with designers? (46:10) Closing thoughts
Resources: Dr. Ondre Seltzer (https://www.ondre.com)
Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson
Disclaimer: - The Best Kind Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice. - The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. - The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.
In this episode we explore how we can design our spaces to facilitate health and well being through Environmental Psychology. Our guest is Dr. Sally Augustin, an Environmental / Design Psychologist and Principal at Design With Science. She has extensive experience integrating science-based insights to develop recommendations for the design of places, objects, and services that support desired cognitive, emotional, and physical experiences. Dr. Augustin has been discussed in many publications, is an author of several books (linked in resources below) as well as an international keynote speaker.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:44) Could you share a little about what you do and what type of clients you have?
(2:27) How can we use Environmental Psychology in design to facilitate better health and wellbeing?
(3:40) If you were to walk into a potential residential client’s home, what are the key things you look for as an Environmental Psychologist?
(4:38) In your book Designology you discuss PlaceTypes. Can you give a teaser of what PlaceTypes are and how knowing your PlaceType can help with designing a home that is more suited to your needs/personality?
(6:43) If budgets are limited, what aspects of a space would you recommend people prioritize for design for maximum impact from an Environmental Psychologist standpoint?
(10:35) In terms of visual complexity. What effect does clutter have on the brain? And the opposite, what effect does a stark environment have on the brain?
(12:26) In the U.S. it is estimated that approximately 30% of the population will have an anxiety related disorder at some point in their life. From an Environmental Psychologist perspective how would you recommend creating environments that are stress reducing?
(18:30) How would you approach designing a space to facilitate a better mood?
(31:56) Are there any other natural materials, other than wood grain, that have positive mental and emotional effects on us? Such as reduced cortisol, a better mood, etc?
(37:50) In terms of the future of Environmental Psychology and Design, where do you see the industry going?
(40:04) Are there any resources that you recommend for people who would like to learn more about Environmental Psychology and Design?
(41:10) What are some differences between men and women and how they experience spaces?
(45:29) If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about how people approach the design of spaces globally, what would that be?
(49:48) Closing thoughts
Resources:
Dr. Sally Augustin (click here)
Research Design Connections (click here)
Designology, How to Find Your PlaceType & Align Your Life with Design (click here)
Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture (click here)
The Designer’s Guide to Doing Research: Applying Knowledge to Inform Design (click here)
Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson
Disclaimer:
- The Best Kind Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice.
- The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.
In this episode we explore how we can design our spaces to facilitate health and well being through our sense of sight.
Our guest is Steven Lockley. Dr. Steven Lockley is a Neuroscientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is also the Co-founder and chief scientist of Timeshifter. With nearly 30 years of research experience, he is considered an international authority on circadian rhythms and sleep. Dr. Lockley works with clients such as NASA and Formula 1's elite on managing peak performance, shift work, and jet lag.
Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:38) What are the differences between the visual system and the non visual system?
(4:35) I'd love to hear more about your research and how we know the effects of lighting on the non visual system to be true.
(9:00) How would you recommend lighting for our eyes' non visual system for our home environment to help facilitate health and wellbeing
(10:47) What are some simple things that you could recommend for someone to do in their home to have the most immediate impact to redesign their lighting to be more effective for the non visual system?
(15:39) Does daylight have an effect on the non visual system that is beneficial for health and wellbeing?
(18:20) Is there a recommended amount of time that you shut off all lights & devices before bed?
(23:11) What are some of the studies done that proves that blue short wave length, 5000K or higher temperature lighting has an alerting effect on the body?
(25:45) Could you speak to the mood aspect of the effects of this type of light?
(27:47) Has anyone done any brain scans on natural light to see if there's anything different that shows up?
(29:07) If someone were to go to their local hardware store to purchase bulbs for their home to have more healthy lighting for their home (visual and non visual system) what would you recommend they look for?
(31:54) Is there such as thing of making the body too alert with light?
(34:41) What colors do and don't support the lighting design for the non visual system?
(41:19) Does a 5000K, short blue wave length light make your space look blue?
(46:57) Are there any lighting design tools you recommend for designers or lighting design enthusiasts?
(49:48) Is it possible that the sun may offer additional benefits to the human system that is yet to be discovered?
(51:34) If you could snap your finger and you could change one fundamental thing about lighting design globally what would it be?
(52:43) Closing thoughts
Resources:
ALFA by Solemma (click here)
Timeshifter (click here)
Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™
Disclaimer:
- The Best Kind Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice.
- The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.
In this episode we explore how we can design our spaces to facilitate health and well being through our sense of hearing. Our guest is Julian Treasure, a sound expert, author and international keynote speaker whose mission is to help people and organizations create healthier and more effective sound. He has 5 Ted Talks with over 150 million views. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (0:30) How's the sound where you are today? (1:02) Was there a mundane sound you enjoyed most recently? (3:02) How would you describe a healthy indoor sound environment? (6:40) What are the specific chemical reactions that happen in the body when a person is exposed to nature sounds? Are there specific hormones released? What is going on there exactly? (13:40) In terms of people creating an ideal sound environment. What would be the steps that you would recommend for them to achieve that? (25:15) How important is silence when designing sound for an environment? (33:57) How does having noise in your environment (for example schools or offices) impact your focus and productivity? (41:44) Are there any sounds or frequencies that we are not able to hear that affects our body's? (44:44) Are there any specific sounds that support the circadian system and healthier sleep? (48:46) How would you recommend someone go about designing their home or space so that it is tailored for their individual ears? (52:39) Could you share a success story from Moodsonic? (55:49) What would be your favorite sound in the world? (56:27) Closing thoughts Resources: Mynoise Moodsonic
Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Disclaimer: - The Best Kind Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice. - The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. - The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk.
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In this episode we explore scent with the lovely, Yasmine ElGhamrawy, an Aromatherapist and founder of Yatlina. Take a listen to gain a better understanding of how we can design our spaces to facilitate health and well being through our sense of smell.
Timestamps:
Show Highlights:
Guest: Yasmine ElGhamrawy is an Aromatherapist and founder of Yatlina, an Aromatherapy Trade Council-approved company.
Music by: @iksontellyourstory
Links:
Disclaimer:
