The Expanding Soul

Ep. 13 | Do Crystals Actually Work? | Science, Spirituality & Psychology Explained

Hello complex and gorgeous human, For thousands of years, humans across completely different civilizations have believed crystals hold power. But why? In this episode of The Expanding Soul, we explore the science, psychology, history, spirituality, and mystery behind crystals. From Ancient Egypt and the chakra system to quartz energy and the placebo effect, we take a balanced look at one of the most controversial spiritual topics in the modern world. Do crystals actually heal people? Are they simply psychological tools? Or is there something deeper happening? This episode explores: * The history of crystals across ancient civilizations * How crystals actually form * The psychology of belief and ritual * The placebo effect and neuroscience * Chakras, energy, and metaphysical traditions * Why humans are naturally drawn to symbols and meaning * The commercialization of spirituality * How to stay open-minded without abandoning critical thinking Whether you’re deeply spiritual, highly skeptical, or somewhere in between, this conversation is designed to explore both sides honestly. Because maybe the real power was never fully in the crystal… Maybe part of it has always been in human consciousness itself. Love, Kristen References: Gemological Institute of America. “Lapis Lazuli Description.” GIA, https://www.gia.edu/lapis-lazuli-description-v1 [https://www.gia.edu/lapis-lazuli-description-v1]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Museum of Fine Arts Budapest. “Lapis Lazuli.” Museum of Fine Arts Budapest, https://www.mfab.hu/lapis-lazuli/ [https://www.mfab.hu/lapis-lazuli/]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Gemological Institute of America. “Amethyst History and Lore.” GIA, https://www.gia.edu/amethyst-history-lore [https://www.gia.edu/amethyst-history-lore]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Gemological Institute of America. “Amethyst.” GIA, https://www.gia.edu/amethyst [https://www.gia.edu/amethyst]. Accessed 22 May 2026. National Palace Museum. “Chinese Jades.” National Palace Museum, https://www.npm.edu.tw/exh99/chinese_jades/en/page-6.html [https://www.npm.edu.tw/exh99/chinese_jades/en/page-6.html]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Smith College Museum of Art. “Chinese Jades Newly Reinstalled in Ancient World Gallery.” Smith College Museum of Art, https://scma.smith.edu/blog/chinese-jades-newly-reinstalled-ancient-world-gallery [https://scma.smith.edu/blog/chinese-jades-newly-reinstalled-ancient-world-gallery]. Accessed 22 May 2026. University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Museum. “Quartz.” University of Waterloo, https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/resources/detailed-rocks-and-minerals-articles/quartz [https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/resources/detailed-rocks-and-minerals-articles/quartz]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Kistler Group. “Piezoelectric Effect.” Kistler, https://www.kistler.com/GB/en/piezoelectric-effect/C00000136 [https://www.kistler.com/GB/en/piezoelectric-effect/C00000136]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Woodford, Chris. “Piezoelectricity.” Explain That Stuff, https://www.explainthatstuff.com/piezoelectricity.html [https://www.explainthatstuff.com/piezoelectricity.html]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Rodenburg, Eric. “Piezoelectricity.” HyperPhysics, Georgia State University, http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Solids/piezo.html [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Solids/piezo.html]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Stone Age Shops. “The History of Crystals: How Ancient Civilizations Used Healing Stones.” Stone Age Shops, https://stoneageshops.com/blogs/articles/the-history-of-crystals-how-ancient-civilizations-used-healing-stones?srsltid=AfmBOorGNrGDta1ipzwh1cSMWL-fUpkoQINcdlxXLdG2-0qpAjsY1ZpW [https://stoneageshops.com/blogs/articles/the-history-of-crystals-how-ancient-civilizations-used-healing-stones?srsltid=AfmBOorGNrGDta1ipzwh1cSMWL-fUpkoQINcdlxXLdG2-0qpAjsY1ZpW]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Jack Weir & Sons. “The History of Healing Stone Jewelry: Ancient Beliefs and Modern Practices.” Jack Weir & Sons, https://jackweirandsons.com/blogs/news/the-history-of-healing-stone-jewelry-ancient-beliefs-and-modern-practices?srsltid=AfmBOoo09v_h7GlBkqNaL8cdYsEsugC2JZDWjNH7FWbxsDGVqYQGBqAZ [https://jackweirandsons.com/blogs/news/the-history-of-healing-stone-jewelry-ancient-beliefs-and-modern-practices?srsltid=AfmBOoo09v_h7GlBkqNaL8cdYsEsugC2JZDWjNH7FWbxsDGVqYQGBqAZ]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Mindful Souls. “Crystal Meanings Guide.” Mindful Souls, https://mindfulsouls.com/pages/crystals-meanings-guide [https://mindfulsouls.com/pages/crystals-meanings-guide]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Contempo Crystals. “Crystals by Color.” Contempo Crystals, https://contempocrystals.com/pages/crystals-by-color [https://contempocrystals.com/pages/crystals-by-color]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Harvard Health Publishing. “The Power of the Placebo Effect.” Harvard Medical School, https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-power-of-the-placebo-effect [https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-power-of-the-placebo-effect]. Accessed 22 May 2026. Live Science. “Crystal Healing: Stone-Cold Facts About Gemstone Treatments.” Live Science, https://www.livescience.com/40347-crystal-healing.html [https://www.livescience.com/40347-crystal-healing.html]. Accessed 22 May 2026.

Ep. 12 | Nobody Is Coming To Save You

Hi Friend, One day, most people look up and realize they spent years waiting. Waiting to feel ready. Waiting for confidence. Waiting for motivation. Waiting for life to finally begin. In this deeply honest episode, we talk about the fear that keeps people stuck, the comfort zones that slowly become prisons, and the small decisions that quietly shape the direction of our lives. This episode explores the psychology behind procrastination, fear, learned helplessness, healing, self-belief, and how tiny consistent actions can completely transform your future over time. Your life is happening now. And maybe the person you’ve been waiting for… has been you the entire time. Love, Kristen References / Helpful Info: “The Silent Killer of Dreams: Why Comfort Zones Are More Dangerous Than Failure.” Vocal Media [https://vocal.media/humans/the-silent-killer-of-dreams-why-comfort-zones-are-more-dangerous-than-failure?utm_source=chatgpt.com], vocal.media, Accessed 17 May 2026. Kets de Vries, Manfred. “Complacency: How Not to Notice the Iceberg.” Medium [https://medium.com/@manfred.ketsdevries_62226/complacency-how-not-to-notice-the-iceberg-922bbbd0ba7e?utm_source=chatgpt.com], Medium, 16 Apr. 2018, Accessed 17 May 2026. “Stop Waiting on Your Dream: Take Tiny Steps and Make Someday Now.” Tiny Buddha [https://tinybuddha.com/blog/stop-waiting-on-your-dream-take-tiny-steps-make-someday-now/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], Tiny Buddha, Accessed 17 May 2026.

Ep. 11 | How to Stop Bullying Yourself | Trauma, Self-Criticism & Healing

Hello Beautiful Human, In this episode of The Expanding Soul, we dive deep into the psychology of self-criticism, trauma, perfectionism, and the inner voice that constantly tells so many of us we’re not enough. Why are some people so hard on themselves?Why does self-compassion feel uncomfortable — or even unsafe?And why can your own thoughts put your nervous system into survival mode? We explore how childhood experiences, emotional conditioning, shame, perfectionism, and trauma can rewire the way we speak to ourselves internally — turning self-attack into a learned survival mechanism. This episode covers: * The psychology of the inner critic * Trauma and nervous system conditioning * Why perfectionism is often fear disguised as discipline * The difference between accountability and toxic shame * Why self-compassion can feel threatening * How healing begins by changing your relationship with yourself * The spiritual dimension of self-hatred and awareness If you’ve ever felt emotionally exhausted from your own mind…this episode is for you. Love, Kristen References / Helpful Info: Sharon Martin, LCSW. “How I Transformed My Self-Criticism into Self-Love.” Psych Central, 13 Feb. 2020, https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2020/02/how-i-transformed-my-self-criticism-into-self-love#Criticism-stems-from-unrealistic-expectations [https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2020/02/how-i-transformed-my-self-criticism-into-self-love#Criticism-stems-from-unrealistic-expectations] “PMC11916919.” PubMed Central (PMC), National Library of Medicine, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11916919/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11916919/] “Self-Criticism Can Be Psychologically Devastating: How to Overcome It.” U.S. News & World Report, 17 Mar. 2016, https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-03-17/self-criticism-can-be-psychologically-devastating-how-to-overcome-it [https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-03-17/self-criticism-can-be-psychologically-devastating-how-to-overcome-it] “The Psychology Behind Highly Critical and Judgmental Individuals.” LifeWorks AZ, https://www.lifeworksaz.com/counselors-blog/2025/01/the-psychology-behind-highly-critical-and-judgmental-individuals/ [https://www.lifeworksaz.com/counselors-blog/2025/01/the-psychology-behind-highly-critical-and-judgmental-individuals/]

Ep. 10 | Emotional Intelligence: The Skill That Changes Everything

Hello Fellow Expanding Soul, Why do we overreact sometimes… even when we know better? In this episode of The Expanding Soul, we’re diving deep into emotional intelligence, nervous system responses, emotional triggers, self-awareness, emotional regulation, healing, and why so many of our reactions happen automatically. This episode explores: * What emotional intelligence really is * Why your nervous system reacts before you think * Emotional triggers and subconscious patterns * How to stop reacting on autopilot * Self-awareness and emotional regulation * How childhood experiences shape emotional responses * The difference between suppression and regulation * Practical ways to improve emotional intelligence * Healing emotional patterns and building healthier relationships If you’ve ever wondered:“Why do I react this way?”“Why do small things feel overwhelming?”“Why do I shut down, overthink, or get defensive?”This conversation is for you. This is a grounded, compassionate look at emotional intelligence through psychology, self-growth, nervous system awareness, and healing. I'm so glad you're here. Love, Kristen References: “Emotional Intelligence.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, Psychology Today – Emotional Intelligence [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/emotional-intelligence?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Accessed 8 May 2026. Gilar-Corbi, Raquel, et al. “Can Emotional Competence Be Taught in Higher Education? A Randomized Experimental Study of an Emotional Intelligence Training Program Using a Multimethodological Approach.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 9, 2018, PMC Article – Emotional Intelligence Training Study [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5981239/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Accessed 8 May 2026. “What Are the Components of Emotional Intelligence?” Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Harvard University, Harvard DCE – Emotional Intelligence Components [https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-improve-your-emotional-intelligence/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#What-Are-the-Components-of-Emotional-Intelligence]. Accessed 8 May 2026.

Ep. 9 | Why Time Feels Faster As You Get Older | Science, Psychology & The Universe Explained

Hi Friend, What is time… really? Why does childhood feel endless… while adulthood seems to disappear in the blink of an eye? Why do joyful moments pass so quickly, while painful ones seem to last forever? And is time actually as fixed as we think it is? In this episode of The Expanding Soul, I'm exploring the science of time, Einstein’s theory of relativity, spacetime, memory, perception, and the psychology behind why life feels faster as we get older. We talk about: • The science of time and spacetime • How gravity and speed affect time • Why time is relative • Why childhood feels longer than adulthood • How your brain experiences time • Why routines make life feel faster • The connection between memory, emotion, and perception • How to create a life that feels fuller and more meaningful This episode blends science, psychology, philosophy, and spirituality into a grounded conversation about what it really means to experience time as a human being. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast… this episode is for you. If you enjoy conversations about healing, growth, consciousness, science, spirituality, emotional intelligence, and the mysteries of the universe — make sure to follow The Expanding Soul for new episodes every week. Love, Kristen References: Einstein Online. “Does Time Pass at the Same Rate for Everyone?” Stanford University, https://einstein.stanford.edu/content/relativity/q411.html [https://einstein.stanford.edu/content/relativity/q411.html]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Department of Energy Office of Science. “DOE Explains... Relativity.” U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsrelativity [https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsrelativity]. Accessed 7 May 2026. University of California, Berkeley. “Why Are Tatooine Planets Rare? Blame General Relativity.” UC Berkeley News, 30 Jan. 2026, https://news.berkeley.edu/2026/01/30/why-are-tatooine-planets-rare-blame-general-relativity/#:~:text=Based%20on%20dynamic%20modeling%2C%20general,by%20one%20of%20the%20stars [https://news.berkeley.edu/2026/01/30/why-are-tatooine-planets-rare-blame-general-relativity/#:~:text=Based%20on%20dynamic%20modeling%2C%20general,by%20one%20of%20the%20stars]. Accessed 7 May 2026. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. “What Happens When Something Gets Too Close to a Black Hole?” NASA Science, https://science.nasa.gov/universe/what-happens-when-something-gets-too-close-to-a-black-hole/ [https://science.nasa.gov/universe/what-happens-when-something-gets-too-close-to-a-black-hole/]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Wang, Jing, et al. “Time Perception and the Human Brain.” National Library of Medicine, PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11336052/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11336052/]. Accessed 7 May 2026. McGovern Institute for Brain Research. “Tracking Time in the Brain.” Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Sept. 2021, https://mcgovern.mit.edu/2021/09/15/tracking-time-in-the-brain/ [https://mcgovern.mit.edu/2021/09/15/tracking-time-in-the-brain/]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Wittmann, Marc. “The Inner Experience of Time.” National Library of Medicine, PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4830363/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4830363/]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Burkeman, Oliver. “How to Alter the Passage of Time to Feel Fast or Slow.” Psyche, https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-alter-the-passage-of-time-to-feel-fast-or-slow [https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-alter-the-passage-of-time-to-feel-fast-or-slow]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Greater Good Magazine. “How to Feel Like You Have More Time.” Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_feel_like_you_have_more_time [https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_feel_like_you_have_more_time]. Accessed 7 May 2026.