Chats With Susan Burrell

EP #336 - Eclipse Season & Self-Care - An interview with Kate Rose, Astrologer and Author I’m so grateful to welcome Kate Rose back to Empowering Chats! I'm thrilled she said yes to a return interview. Kate is an astrologer and author, and she’s celebrating the 1-year anniversary of her book, Written in the Stars—such a beautiful milestone. In this conversation, we explore Eclipse Season and how we can stay centered amidst all the shifts happening in the world. Kate and I both agree on the power of quiet time—no technology, just stillness—to really tune into what we’re feeling in our bodies. When we’re disconnected from ourselves, we can become numb, and our vibration lowers. Kate emphasizes that taking intentional quiet time to realign is one of the most powerful ways to create positive change—for ourselves and for the collective. Whatever you focus on most is what grows. So it’s worth asking: “What brings me joy?” What can I focus on that feels good? The more peace and joy we bring into our lives, the m

EP #335 - Navigating the Shift - An interview with Philip Young, a Spiritual Guide and Astrologer Do you feel like you're in a strange "in-between" right now? Not where you were and not quite where you want to be?  Well you are not alone. You are in for quite a ride, so buckle in and get ready for this Empowering Chat with my guest, Philip Young, a spiritual advisor and astrologer. We have an eye-opening, and at times overwhelming (in a good way), conversation about liminal space and this transitory time we are living through. Philip describes liminal space as that “in-between” place where we are no longer where we were, but not yet where we are supposed to be. It’s a time of waiting, of transition . . . and there’s no shortcut through it. The work is in learning how to stay grounded, present and mindful as we navigate it. Philip goes on to share that 2025 and 2026 will be especially challenging. His advice: ground yourself, release what no longer serves you, and get clear on your finances. This is a time for

EP #334 - Transmuting Pain, Embracing Light - An interview with return guest, Caroline Oceana Ryan My guest for this episode of Empowering Chats is Caroline Oceana Ryan. She’s a visionary, an author and a channeler. This is Caroline’s second visit to Empowering Chats this year. Her earlier interview—linked in the show notes below—focused on creating a world that works for everyone. In this episode, we dive a bit deeper into our personal world, exploring how we’re affected by time. I begin this interview by asking, Why does it feel like everything is falling apart and time is accelerating? Caroline explains that this acceleration—and the chaos we’re witnessing—is happening because many of us are transmuting. She shares, “I’m hearing what many are saying: ‘Can’t we just go back to the way things were?’ But when things change, the brain has to learn new ways of doing things. The brain prefers what’s familiar, what feels safe. But the truth is—there’s no going back.” According to Caroline, the universe is evolvin

EP #333 - Clearing the Ancestral Path - A Solo Show with your host, Susan Burrell In this solo episode, which originally ran earlier this year, I explore how we inherit more than just physical traits from our family. I believe we also carry  family stories, patterns, wounds and traumas that are passed down through generations. Those emotional imprints can shape our beliefs, behaviors and even block personal growth. Fear, anger and feeling devalued are often handed down for generations until it is a part of our behaviors and beliefs that also can become part of the collective consciousness.  It is often why sustainable change is a challenge because we are unaware that we have become our ancestors. In this solo podcast I explore ancestral lineage and how behaviors and norms are passed down from generation to generation in a way that it becomes the fabric of our existence and our family story. When those wounds and beliefs are cleared it makes room for your inner gifts and allows for the release of what no longe

EP #332 - Beyond the Hot Flash! An interview with Holistic Nutritional Coach, Diahana Barnes I’m honored to welcome Diahana Barnes, a Holistic Nutritional Coach and a very dear friend, to Empowering Chats. Diahana is launching a virtual summit on August 4th entitled Beyond the Hot Flash: Real Talk, Real Solutions. In this conversation, Diahana shares why she felt called to create this summit. She talks about being divinely guided—literally feeling the message drop into her heart—that this was something she had to do for women. One of Diahana’s many gifts is bringing people together to create meaningful, impactful events. She did this while working in the corporate field, and now she brings that same talent to her private coaching practice. Her heart kept saying, “I want to create something beyond the hot flash” That’s where the title came from—but the summit is about so much more than just what’s happening in our bodies. Diahana shares that it could be about becoming an empty nester, dreaming of travel, or ju

EP #331 - From Trauma to Triumph, an interview with podcaster, Caroline Rena So here I am, ready to dive into another fascinating conversation. I am excited to welcome my guest, Caroline Rena. In this chat Caroline, host of the podcast Awakening Soul Divinity, has an extraordinary story to share. It's a journey of transformation—from who she thought she was, or who she pretended to be, to the empowered woman she is today. In this empowering conversation, Caroline opens up about her past, including her time in the military, and how she eventually tapped into her divine gifts, which are now at the heart of her life’s work. Here’s a powerful excerpt from what Caroline shares in the episode: "For me, I’ve come to recognize that, on some level, I chose this journey—and the military is part of that story. So is my childhood. I joined the military to make my father proud. I never saw combat, but my trauma came from working in the medical field within the military. That’s where I experienced military sexual trauma a

EP #330 - Not an Ending, A Beginning, an interview with author and spiritual practitioner, Nancy MacMillian I know I say this every time—and yes, I’m probably being redundant—but I say it because it’s true. I get to welcome and have chats with so many incredible guests. And this guest, Nancy MacMillian is no exception. She has written an amazing book, and I’m so excited to introduce her. Nancy MacMillian is a gifted storyteller and someone who guides others through one of life’s most profound transitions: Dying. I’m honored to welcome her to Empowering Chats. Nancy’s work focuses on death and dying, and her book, Call to the Far Side, explores how we can approach death with awareness and support our loved ones as they enter this unknown—and often miraculous—part of life. She speaks truths that need to be heard, especially in the Western world, where death is often handled in sterile, clinical settings like ICUs, far from family and loved ones. We talk about the use of medication in the dying process—recognizi

EP #329 - The Egoless Revolution, an interview with visionary author, Cynthia Rivard I’m truly grateful to welcome visionary author Cynthia Rivard to Empowering Chats. Her latest book, Hope for a New Era – Turning the Tide: Love & Leadership through Turbulent Times, is both timely and transformational. She has a powerful quote at the beginning of her book that reads: “When we discover the beauty of new perspectives, our world opens up—we develop more compassion and experience more peace and love.” Cynthia defines hope as faith in action. She emphasizes the importance of trusting deeply—and then taking meaningful steps. Through action, we create both hope and empowerment. She speaks of spiritual awakening as the intentional development of inner knowing—allowing yourself to be guided by the divinity within. She reminds us: Now is our time. We must co-create a better world, act as responsible stewards of the planet, and rise to the moment with courage. Cynthia acknowledges how overwhelming it can feel—ther

EP #328 - Recognizing Divine Intervention, an interview with Spiritual Teacher and Author, Karoleen Fober  In this Empowering Chat episode, I'm joined by Karoleen Fober — a spiritual teacher and author of the book Opening to Divine Intervention. The title of Karoleen’s book immediately caught my attention, especially the phrase Divine Intervention. For me, that’s the whisper, the message I’ve learned to listen for — and in this conversation, we dive into what that really means. Karoleen shares her personal understanding of Divine Intervention, describing it as something hard to explain, yet undeniably real. To make sense of it, she’s broken it down into 15 different types, some of those include: miracles, divine pivotal moments, premonitions, dreams and manifestations. We also explore the signs that often show up at major turning points in our lives — those “mini-miracles” that can’t easily be explained, but seem to arrive just when we need them most. These moments remind us we’re being divinely guided, supp

EP #327 - Re-Writing Your Soul Contract - A Solo Show with your Host, Susan Burrell In this solo show, I begin by asking: How are we growing our soul? I think it's time for us to recognize how deeply our ancestors have informed us—how, for generations, beliefs and patterns have been passed down through our family heritage. And maybe we’re still behaving in ways that no longer serve us. I know we each carry a spark of divinity within and when we begin to align with the truth of who we are is when we begin to recognize opportunities that are meant for our highest good—opportunities that support our soul’s growth. It’s important to stay aware. To check in with yourself. Are you truly satisfied with your life? Or is something asking to shift or change? This is about soul growth—tuning in, being honest, and acknowledging where old spiritual vows or contracts may no longer serve us. For me, many of those old agreements have shifted. They no longer serve who I am today or who I am becoming. As part of my own soul g

EP #326 - Brave Action - An interview with  author James Twyman Okay everybody you are in for an incredible experience in this episode of  Empowering Chats. I am thrilled and so honored to welcome my guest, author James Twyman. His latest book is called, I Don’t Know, Maybe, I Love You. James is not only an author but also an Episcopal Franciscan priest and a lifelong follower of St. Francis. Here is what he has to say about what he wrote, “This book is meant to be a pause button, an opportunity to hold still and look at the big picture, what we really want in our lives and in the world. Taking a collective deep breath may not solve all the complex problems we face, but it might be a first step toward finding a solution to the dark and elusive issues of our era.” James is calling people to step up, become de-polarizing agents and change the world one conversation at a time. He has a Credo he lives by, that goes something like this; “I don’t care who you voted for –– come and walk with me. I don’t care who you

EP #325 - Honoring Your Shadow Side - An interview with Jungian Therapist and author, Dr. Connie Zweig   Dr. Connie Zweig, Jungian Therapist and author is once again gracing the airwaves here on Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell. I am so honored to once again be in conversation with Connie. This time to discuss shadow work. There is a resurgence of shadow work, but not for Connie, she has been doing this work since the 80s, before it became a “thing.” Both Connie and I find it fascinating. People are struggling and cognitive therapy, for many, is proving to not be enough. People are looking for more and shadow work is becoming the spiritual component that is adding a much-needed layer to the conscious awareness that people are seeking. Connie is excited to share that shadow work is reaching a new generation.  Young people are opening up to the unconscious side of themselves and ready to do the hard work. Connie feels that we need to give permission for people to feel what they are feeling. There is a lot o

EP #324 - Astrology as a Tool for Self-Discovery - An Interview with astrologist and author, Catherine Gerdes As many of you know I have been doing shadow work with clients as well as in my personal life. And my guest for this episode of Empowering Chats captures this same theme in her book, Astrology and Shadow Work. I am excited to welcome author and astrologist, Catherine Gerdes to this powerful chat. When I opened Catherine’s book, I was caught by this aspect of combining shadow work with astrology. According to Catherine we are all born with a cosmic blueprint which when followed or lived allows us to come back home to ourselves and connect to the essence of who we are. In her book, Catherine presents a detailed exploration of the twelve sun signs and their shadow aspects. She guides us, the reader by showing us how to turn our birth chart into a practical road map for self-discovery. Catherine and I have a fascinating chat about how astrology and shadow work can bridge the gap between your astrological

EP #323 - The Radiant Field of Love & Kindness - An Interview with modern mystic, Therese Tucker I am so happy to welcome modern mystic and psychic guide, Therese Tucker to Empowering Chats once again. Therese joined me on Empowering Chats in 2024. I am grateful to have her back for another chat. I am welcoming back several guests this year who have graced my show in the past. With so much movement and transformation occurring in the world right now I am finding a revisit with many past guests to be refreshing as we assess current events. So I started this podcast with Therese with the question: Where are we now in regards to the state of the world? As a mystic and an intuitive guide​ Therese has a lot to share. She is also a creative being who creates artwork and jewelry. She embodies what it means to be creative and how to show up and share your gifts with the world. In this chat Therese and I talk about how time has sped up and how a different energy experience is being felt on a global level and also

EP #322 - A World that Works for Everyone - An Interview with channeler and medium, Caroline Oceana Ryan My guest for this episode of Empowering Chats is with a channeler and medium whom I had the pleasure of interviewing in 2023. I am honored to once again welcome Caroline Oceana Ryan to Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell. I have been following her for a while and I am excited to engage in a chat with her once again. In this chat we explore what is occurring in our country at the present. As a channeler, Caroline is able to go between her guides and what is dropping in for her and what is occurring, and communicate it to us in a way that we can understand. Caroline explains that the old paradigm that states we have to suffer in order to grow spiritually is not true anymore. We can release struggle. We are waking up to the change. And Caroline states that many aware and sensitive people are noticing the toxic and wounded masculinity we have lived under for years is shifting and is ending. And there is no rea

EP #321 - Trust What You Feel - An Interview with author and podcaster, Sherianna Boyle My guest for this episode of Empowering Chats is an author and fellow podcaster that I have had on my show at least twice. I am thrilled to once again welcome Sherianna Boyle to Empowering Chats.  Sherianna has a new book out called, Just Ask Spirit.  In the opening pages of her book, she states this, “In the human world depending on our perceptions we experience emotions either as a gain or loss of energy . . . The challenge is that when we lose energy by denying, ignoring or reacting to emotions the memory of who we truly are – a spiritual being in a human body – dissipates, in other words emotional stress prevents us from knowing and connecting to our soul’s purpose.” According to Sherianna we are all conduits of spirit. Our human experience includes learning to experience emotions on a level that allows those emotions to flow through us. Blocking them is not the answer to growth or spiritual healing. Sherianna says whe

EP #320 - Ancestral Clearing & Shadow Work - A Solo Show with your host, Susan Burrell In this solo episode I am focus​ing on shadow work and what it means to experience an Ancestral Clearing. This is a topic I have been exploring in my personal life for some time and most recently in my podcast with various guests. This process for me has been interesting, fascinating and very powerful. When I first started this journey it was with the intent to clear away the belief that I was not valued or worthy. I am bringing this up now because what is occurring in the world right now is this eruption of hidden aspects. The shadows, if you will, are being illuminated within individuals and societies – we call it the shadow side because it is usually hidden from view. Many of us began to hide aspects of ourselves at a young age. I believe fear, anger, feeling devalued are handed down for generations until it is a part of our behaviors and beliefs that become part of the collective consciousness.  It is often why sust

EP #319 - The Truth of Who We Are - An Interview with spiritual teacher, author and shaman, Jonathan Hammond   This episode with my guest, Jonathan Hammond is so powerful I can’t wait to share it. It is chock full of wisdoms, insights and practical tools for understanding our shadow and the truth of who we are. This is Jonathan’s second visit to Empowering Chats and I am so grateful to once again welcome him back for another amazing chat. He is a spiritual teacher, a Shaman and an author. In this conversation we dive deep into what is occurring globally on Mother Earth and how we as individuals are responding. Many of us are walking in fear and anger and allowing our shadow side to lead us through these unfortunate and scary times. The work Jonathan does and what he shares in this episode illuminates more clearly what the purpose of doing shadow work is and how it can benefit us. He explains that Soul Retrieval is part of this new growth that is occurring now on our planet. As a healer he also shares that sha

EP #318 - Divine Messengers - An Interview with author, Margaret Ann Lembo I am happy and honored to welcome Margaret Ann Lembo to Empowering Chats.  In this interview we discuss Archangels and Saints. And more specifically how the vibe of angels can help us get through life’s challenges. Margaret Ann Lembo is an award-winning author, aromatherapist and the owner of The Crystal Garden. She has also produced 7 Oracle Affirmation Decks. In this powerful chat we dive into her latest book, The Essential Guide to Archangels and Saints. According to Margaret, angels are energy. And archangels specifically are loving forces that are here to assist us in life. Margaret began giving “Angel Talks” in the early 90s and from there evolved into writing about angels and exploring how they interweave into our lives. Her book includes a comprehensive list of more than sixty archangels and saints with detailed profiles to help you easily find the specific spiritual beings that align with your needs. She provides you, the read

EP #317 - The Gift of Shadow Work - An Interview featuring Shaman, Granddaughter Crow   I am honored to welcome Granddaughter Crow to Empowering Chats. Granddaughter Crow is a member of the Navajo Nation and a Shaman. She is also the author of Shamanism and Your Shadow. In this chat we dive into the meaning of symbols, spirit animals and ancient wisdoms. Our main focus and the main theme in her book revolves around shadow work. Granddaughter Crow walks us through the path of using spirit animals as guides to help us get to know our inner selves as well as our shadow side. According to Granddaughter Crow, working with our shadow side is a sacred practice and it does not have to be “scary” or “dark” as it is sometimes portrayed in our culture. It is about recognizing the unseen and hidden aspects of the self. When the shadow is illuminated is when the gifts are also shown. According to Granddaughter Crow working with our shadow is a sacred practice that can help us to re-balance and trust.  She likens it to the