Return Episode Creativity in Hard Times

Down to the Bones: Grief and the Bonewoman

Night Letters Podcast — Grief & the Bone Woman In this episode, Iris and Ellen dive deep into grief — the personal, the collective, and the ancestral — and explore what it means to sit with sorrow rather than run from it. In this episode: How grief is showing up personally and collectively right now — and why that's actually a source of hope The feral, untamed nature of grief and why it resists being "polished" or rushed Why fully feeling loss is inseparable from feeling fully alive The pressure modern healing culture puts on "moving through" grief quickly — and why that's worth questioning Ancestral grief: carrying the weight of generations and finding meaning in it Practical ways Iris and Ellen have been moving with grief: crying, movement, writing, breathwork, animals, and community The Myth of La Loba (Bone Woman) Drawn from Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés' Women Who Run With Wolves, the story of La Loba — the wise elder who collects wolf bones in the desert and sings them back to life — serves as the mythic backdrop for this conversation. What bones in yourself are waiting to be gathered and sung back into wholeness? Themes explored: Grief as transformation and death/rebirth cycles The sacred nature of dark, uncomfortable emotional spaces Storytelling and song as acts of rebellion and hope Breathing new life into the bones — rebuilding identity after profound loss References mentioned: WOMEN WHO RUN WITH WOLVES BY DR. CLARISSA PINKOLA ESTÉS MARIA SOUZA (MYTHOLOGIST ON INSTAGRAM) — YEAR OF MYTHS COURSE BEATLE THE BARD (BARDCORE/MEDIEVAL HIP HOP ON SOCIAL MEDIA) BELTANE & THE THINNING OF THE VEIL Night Letters drops every other Wednesday at 10:00 PM on all major platforms.

Return Episode Creativity in Hard Times

Night Letters — Return Episode Creativity in Hard Times Episode Title: We're Back (And We're Not the Same) Show: Night Letters Hosts: Ellen & Iris Episode Summary: After a much-needed break, Ellen and Iris return to Night Letters for a candid, unfiltered check-in. They catch up on what's been keeping them busy, and get honest about how the current state of the world has been affecting their creativity, emotional lives, and sense of self. This episode is a warm, rambling, deeply felt re-entry into the Night Letters space. In This Episode: The return: Why they stepped away and what it feels like to be back Ellen's updates: A busy tattooing season, a return to brand design, and a solo guest spot in Seattle that pushed her out of her comfort zone Iris's updates: New tattoo mentorship offerings, one-on-one handpoke teaching, and moving her art studio back home Creativity in hard times: How both are navigating making art, selling art, and showing up online when the world feels heavy and why they believe creating is an act of rebellion The authenticity illusion: A conversation about the collapse of performative "realness" on social media and what genuine expression actually feels like Grief, devotion, and surrender: Iris opens up about a heartbroken season and how art has been her sanctuary; Ellen reflects on staying whole rather than striving for regulated wellness Small joys: Pulling weeds as rage therapy, throwback music, sending each other dumb reels at midnight, and planning travel What's coming up: Ellen teases two major summer offerings — an 8-month online group program and an in-person backpacking trip Connect with Iris: DM her on Instagram for tattoo bookings, one-on-one mentorship, handpoke teaching, and tattoo business coaching. Connect with Ellen: Booking tattoos through April & May, monthly flash days, upcoming travel dates to Carmel and Joshua Tree, and two exciting summer offerings coming soon. Follow her main page for announcements.

Cryptids + Fantastical Beasts

Night Letters Podcast - Episode 10: Cryptids and Fantastic Beasts Release Date: First episode of 2026 Hosts: Iris & Ellen Episode Length: ~64 minutes Release Schedule: Every other Wednesday at 10:00 PM on all major platforms Episode Summary In this magical first episode of the year, Iris and Ellen dive deep into the world of cryptids and fantastic beasts, exploring why these mysterious creatures continue to captivate us from childhood into adulthood. They discuss the difference between cryptids (beings whose existence is debated, like Bigfoot and Mothman) and fantastic beasts (purely legendary creatures from myth and folklore, like dragons and unicorns), and why these beings remain culturally significant. Key Topics Discussed Defining Cryptids vs. Fantastic Beasts Personal Connections to Fantasy Iris's lifelong obsession with Bigfoot and childhood experiences in Big Sur Ellen's childhood love of unicorns, fairies, and illustrated guidebooks How fantasy provided escape and connection to magic during difficult childhoods The role of climbing trees, wild spaces, and imagination in childhood development The Dark Watchers of Big Sur: Iris shares her favorite local cryptid, The Dark Watchers. Tall, thin, dark silhouettes seen on ridge lines wearing wide-brimmed hats and cloaks. Stories span from indigenous peoples (Esselen, Chumash) through Spanish settlers to modern times. Referenced by poet Robinson Jeffers (Such Counsels You Gave Me) and John Steinbeck wrote of the Watchers.Steinbecks son, Thomas and Benjamin Brode wrote "In Search of the Dark Watchers", an illustrated book of paintings of Big Sur/the Los Padres with hidden watchers. Viewed as benevolent guardians and threshold watchers of liminal spaces. Cultural Significance: Why we exile fantasy as we "mature" in Western culture (vs. other cultures that maintain myth) How cryptids often appear during times of cultural upheaval or natural disasters The connection between land-based cryptids and our relationship with nature Cryptids as balancing forces and protectors of the natural world Shadow Work and Trauma: Ellen shares a vulnerable story about childhood shame around fantasy play with unicorns How banishing fantasy sends it to "shadow territory" rather than eliminating it The grief around losing healthy fantasy connections from childhood to adulthood Why we've sanitized language (replacing "monster" with "cryptid") Archetypes and Co-Creation: How our associations with mythical creatures reveal more about us than the creatures themselves The concept of collective consciousness creating entities (like Mothman) Using cryptids and fantastic beasts for personal shadow work and self-discovery The power of myth to represent complex feelings and abstract concepts Quantum Possibilities: Discussion of multi-dimensional existence and why we might not see these creatures The fish-in-water analogy: beings existing in dimensions we can't perceive How quantum physics is validating concepts once dismissed as fantasy Reflection Prompts: Find a fantastic beast or cryptid that delights you and one that scares you—write down your associations with each Create your own personal cryptid/fantastic beast combining your shadow and light elements Consider what childhood fantasies you've exiled and whether they're calling to be reclaimed Unexpected Recommendation: My Little Pony series (for restoring childhood fantasy faith) Connect with the Hosts Both Iris and Ellen are artists who incorporate mythical creatures and cryptids into their tattoo work and art. Follow their Instagram stories for cryptid art shares and consider commissioning your own personal cryptid or fantastic beast tattoo design. Iris: @wildiris.tattoo and @hey.irisbrooke Ellen: @wayfinder_ink and @ellenwalker___ Next Episode: Two weeks Listen at: 10:00 PM for the full Night Letters experience

Omen Days

Show Notes: Night Letters – Episode 9: Omen Days & Embracing the In-Between Summary: Ellen and Iris close out the year with a cozy, reflective episode exploring the tradition of "omen days"—the 12 days between Christmas and January 6th. They discuss personal rituals, the importance of slowing down, and how nature-based divination can offer guidance for the year ahead. Topics Covered: Setting the scene: cozy winter vibes, cats, and catching up Reflections on the end of the year and the significance of episode nine in a "nine year" (numerology) The meaning and history of "omen days" (Dec 26–Jan 6) and its Celtic roots How omen days are used for nature-based divination and personal reflection The value of the liminal time between Christmas and New Year’s Letting go of pressure to set resolutions or be productive in the traditional sense Personal stories about winter rituals, hibernation, and embracing stillness The importance of receiving, not just creating, as a spiritual practice Dreamwork, journaling, and other forms of divination (cards, signs from nature) The challenge and value of unproductive time and learning to receive without earning A special "night letter" from Ellen about surrender and belonging Key Quotes: “Omen days is a practice with Celtic roots, known as the time outside of time.” “It’s about receiving—opening yourself to signs, getting still to listen.” “Productivity shouldn’t be the measure; some of the most valuable things are unproductive.” “We always have enough. We always have what we need.” Resources Mentioned: Book: "Wintering" (on embracing the season and its lessons) Oracle cards, nature walks, and dream journaling as tools for reflection Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram for updates and to join in on the omen days practice Share your own rituals or reflections with us! Next Episode: Look for our next episode in early January. Thank you for listening and happy omen hunting!

The Hermit

Night Letters Podcast – Episode 8: The Hermit Welcome to another late-night conversation with Iris and Ellen! In this episode, our hosts dive deep into the “hermit” archetype—what it means, how it shows up in their lives, and why embracing solitude can be both challenging and transformative. In this episode: Iris and Ellen share personal stories about recent “hermit” phases, including the life changes that led them to seek solitude. Discussion of the hermit as an archetype in tarot, mythology, and everyday life. The difference between healthy solitude and unhealthy isolation, and how to recognize the signs. How winter and nighttime naturally invite us to go inward, reflect, and recharge. The importance of self-trust, setting boundaries, and learning to listen to your own needs. Insights on mental health, creativity, and the value of stepping away from external noise. Reflections on how to know when it’s time to re-emerge from hermit mode and reconnect with the world. Key Quotes: “Hermiting has been very liberating… it’s really helped me to just really find my way, again, back to myself.” – Iris “The hermit can show up in so many ways, and sometimes it’s about simplifying life and focusing on what truly matters.” – Ellen Stay Connected: New episodes every other Wednesday at 10:00 PM on all major platforms. Like, subscribe, and share with a friend if you enjoyed this episode! Next up: A possible bonus episode from Monterey, and a future deep dive into “omen days.” Thank you for joining us in the quiet! We hope this episode inspires you to honor your own seasons of solitude. ---------------------------------------- This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm [https://wwww.zencast.fm]