Leaving Religion & Finding Spirit: Ancestors, Plant Medicine & Queer Healing w/ Chantelle of Black.Bird.Rising | Beats & Balance Podcast

Leaving Religion & Finding Spirit: Ancestors, Plant Medicine & Queer Healing w/ Chantelle of Black.Bird.Rising | Beats & Balance Podcast

In this episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, Tinora sits down with Chantelle (aka Mar8gold)—a queer artist, healer, and founder of Black.Bird.Rising, a sanctuary space centered on the healing and creative flourishing of Black, queer, and trans communities. Chantelle shares their journey from a religious upbringing and religious trauma toward building a deeper relationship with spirit, ancestors, and creative expression. The conversation explores plant medicine, psychedelics, grief, identity, and the role of art and community in healing. Together, they reflect on what it means to live authentically, challenge capitalist definitions of success, and create spaces where marginalized communities can rest, heal, and transform. About the Guest Chantelle (Mar8gold) (they/them) is a Black Afro-Caribbean/Latine queer artist, contemplative, and care worker. They are a certified movement chaplain, liberation Reiki practitioner, racial justice and equity practitioner, and QTPOC psychedelic journey facilitator. They are the founder of Black.Bird.Rising, a healing and artist sanctuary centering the flourishing of Black/POC and Queer/LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Chantelle also serves on the steering committee of the Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project (BLMP) and works with the Philadelphia Abortion Liberation Fund. Connect with Black.Bird.Rising www.blackbirdrisinghealing.com [http://www.blackbirdrisinghealing.com] 5838 Germantown Ave, Suite 100 Instagram: @black.bird_rising

Between Worlds: Hannah Marc on Art, AI, Identity, and Creative Healing | Beats & Balance Podcast

In this episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, host Tinora sits down with artist and illustrator Hannah Marc, founder of Draw Me Close Illustrations, for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, ancestry, and the role of art in healing and survival. Born in Uganda and raised in Europe, Hannah grew up navigating multiple cultural worlds. Carrying the middle name Nyangoma — “carrier of the drum”, her artistic practice reflects a deep connection to ancestry, memory, and the rhythms that shape identity across continents. Now based in the south of France, Hannah shares how her life experiences — including migration, motherhood, and living between cultures — have shaped her creative practice. Together, Tinora and Hannah explore how art can function as a spiritual practice, a healing tool, and a way to stay grounded during times of grief and uncertainty. Hannah also reflects on the importance of rest in the creative process, the influence of African and African American cultural traditions on her work, and the future of art in an AI-driven world. The conversation closes with a look at her upcoming project exploring color meditation as a pathway to presence, healing, and creative connection. This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with creativity as a living practice. About the Guest Hannah Marc is an artist, illustrator, and designer behind Draw Me Close Illustrations. Born in Uganda in 1988 and raised in Europe, Hannah grew up between cultures and creative languages. Her work explores the space between absence and presence, using color, texture, and material as collaborators in storytelling. Her artistic practice spans traditional painting, digital illustration, teaching, and a return to oil painting, where color becomes a tactile and spiritual dialogue. Now based in the south of France, Hannah lives and works as a single mother while creating art that listens, holds, and remembers the drum—even when it plays softly. Her work explores identity, memory, cultural duality, grief, and the healing power of creativity. Follow Hannah Instagram @drawmeclose_illustrations Portfolio https://drawmeclose.my.canva.site/portfolio-dmc [https://drawmeclose.my.canva.site/portfolio-dmc] Shop Prints & Products https://drawmeclose-illustrations.printify.me [https://drawmeclose-illustrations.printify.me] Follow & Support the Podcast Subscribe to Beats & Balance for conversations at the intersection of art, healing, spirituality, and culture. Linktr.ee/beatsnbalance

Empowering Voices: Jessica Sinclair on Networking, Self-Development, and Wellness

In this episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, Tinora sits down with Jessica Sinclair — communication strategist, educator, entrepreneur, and CEO of Sinclair Master of Ceremonies Inc. — to talk about the power of authentic self-expression, strategic networking, and prioritizing wellness while building a fulfilling career. Jessica shares her journey from entertainment and healthcare into community building and professional development, revealing the mindset shift that moved her from stability to passion-driven impact. With her signature program Network Like You Mean It, she has empowered students, professionals, parents, and entrepreneurs to articulate their value with confidence and clarity. This conversation explores how communication, resilience, and intentional self-care can unlock doors personally and professionally. About Our Guest Jessica is an author, award-winning host, and certified MWBE business owner who energizes corporate, nonprofit, and community events with empathy, strategy, and presence. Her elevator pitch coaching has helped individuals secure funding, land opportunities, and confidently advocate for themselves in high-stakes spaces. Connect with Jessica: * www.itsjessicasinclair.com [http://www.itsjessicasinclair.com] * Instagram: @ItsJessicaSinclair * Network Like You Mean It Course: https://tinyurl.com/jessica-sinclair-course [https://tinyurl.com/jessica-sinclair-course] Upcoming Events: Network Like You Mean It – Online Course 18 self-paced videos covering: * Speak with Confidence * Connect with Purpose * Lead with Authenticity * Grow with Resilience Flutterflies Women’s Expo Thursday, March 5 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Brentwood Public Library Meet local women entrepreneurs and organizations. Open to all – FREE. Listen now and subscribe to Beats & Balance for more conversations that elevate your voice and your vision. For more visit us at www.beatsandbalancellc.com

The Hoochie Priestess: Ancestry, Creativity, and Rooted Healing with Emmé de la Sol | Beats & Balance

In this episode of the Beats & Balance Podcast, Tinora sits down with Emmé de la Sol (Emmé White) — artist, spirit-worker, and self-proclaimed Hoochie Priestess from Red Hook, Brooklyn. A fifth-generation Black American, Emmé’s work is deeply rooted in African-American culture, ancestral reverence, and intuitive healing. Through divination, well-woman offerings, workshops, and spiritual counsel, she supports people in uncovering the root causes of physical and energetic stress — guiding them back to themselves with love, honesty, and cultural grounding. In this conversation, we explore: * The story and significance behind her name * How ancestry shapes her healing practice * The intersection of spirituality and religion * Reclaiming sensuality and sacredness through the “Hoochie Priestess” * Creativity as a spiritual practice * The importance of community in collective healing Beyond her spiritual work, Emmé is also a poet, visual artist, singer-songwriter, actress, baker, and writer + editor of MINKA Brooklyn’s newsletter. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Service Management & Urban Policy and has additional training in yoga instruction, culturally inclusive birthwork + postpartum care, and early childhood education. She has several projects launching in the next few months, be sure to follow her on IG @emmedelasol [https://www.instagram.com/emmedelasol?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] This episode is layered, grounded, and expansive — a reminder that healing can be embodied, creative, ancestral, and joyful all at once. Listen now on all podcast platforms or watch the full episode on YouTube. If this conversation resonates, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs it.

Breaking Cycles: Vulnerability, Healing, and Generational Trauma with Lyssa Bastet | Beats & Balance

In today’s episode of the Beats and Balance Podcast, host Tinora Locke- Terrefe sits down with Lyssa Bastet — a queer mother, poet, spiritualist, and community organizer — for a deeply moving conversation about mental health, generational trauma, and the power of emotional vulnerability. Lyssa shares her journey growing up in Atlantic City, navigating homelessness, institutionalization, and mental health challenges, and how those lived experiences shaped her path toward healing and spiritual practice. Together, they explore the realities of surviving social service systems, the long shadow of generational trauma, and what it takes to interrupt cycles of harm for ourselves and future generations. This episode is a powerful reflection on storytelling as medicine, vulnerability as strength, and healing as a communal act — not a solitary one. Lyssa speaks candidly about motherhood, spirituality, and the responsibility of creating safer, more honest spaces for marginalized people to exist fully and authentically. About the guest: Lyssa Bastet is a queer mother, poet, spiritualist, and active community member. She uses her lived experience with homelessness, mental illness, and systemic barriers to create spaces where others can draw power from vulnerability. Through spoken word, tarot readings, and community organizing, Lyssa works toward a world where marginalized beings can be their complete selves. Support Lyssa’s work and follow her journey: linktr.ee/LyssaBastet [http://linktr.ee/LyssaBastet] If this conversation resonates, consider supporting Lyssa on Patreon and subscribing to her YouTube channel to help sustain her healing-centered work. More from Beats & Balance: linktr.ee/beatsnbalance