Radiant Rest Podcast with Tracee Stanley

Please note that this is a conversation about death; tend to yourself. As a death Doula, the New York Times bestselling author of Being Perfectly Human, and the founder of Going with Grace, Alua's work is the medicine and the healing that we need for these times. "Few things cut through to the heart of the matter more than death," Alua says. "When we talk about death and dying, it cuts straight to our humanity, what we're up to here, love and compassion, and everything." In this episode, Alua and host Tracee Stanley discuss the lessons about death that the pandemic brought to light, what it means to be a death doula, and how planning for death is a key component to living a meaningful life. They also get vulnerable, and share about the experiences that shifted their perspectives about death. This episode will invite you to learn the tools to consider what death can look like with more presence, agency, and authenticity. About our guest Alua Arthur is the most visible death doula in the world today. A New York Times bestselling author, TIME100 Health honoree, and the founder of Going with Grace, Alua and her team have trained almost 3000 death doulas in 58 countries, helped thousands of healthy folks learn from their mortality, and supported families as they plan the exit of a beloved member. A self proclaimed recovering attorney, she's become the go-to death educator, having been featured on Disney's docu-series Limitless featuring Chris Hemsworth, CBS Mornings, ABC News, and in The New York Times, the LA Times and Vogue among countless other publications. Her TED Talk entitled "Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life," has been viewed millions of times sparking global conversations about dying well, and her NYT bestselling debut book, BRIEFLY PERFECTLY HUMAN: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End, earned spots on multiple "best of lists" and the ultimate blessing in her mom's eyes: a "Gayle Recommends" seal from Oprah's Book Club. With heart, humor, and a likely innocent question in casual conversation or from the stage which will make you live with more intention, Alua is on a mission to make death less feared, more talked about—and maybe even a little inspiring. Connect with Alua: Order her book, Being Perfectly Human https://www.harpercollins.com/products/briefly-perfectly-human-alua-arthur?variant=41083803697186 Website https://goingwithgrace.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/going_with_grace/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/goingwgrace Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjHD7_XAXc2RWVND0RUTnw Twitter/X https://x.com/goinggracefully Connect with host Tracee Stanley: Preorder Tracee's new book, Living Ritual, and join the FREE 16-day ritual with your preorder https://www.traceestanley.com/livingritual Website https://www.traceestanley.com Newsletter https://www.traceestanley.com/#newsletter Radiance Subscription Online Community—try it for a month FREE! https://www.empoweredlifecircle.com/join-today/ Instagram http://instagram.com/tracee_stanley Radiant Rest book https://www.traceestanley.com/radiant-rest The Luminous Self book https://www.traceestanley.com/luminous-self Podcast https://www.traceestanley.com/podcast

The practice of turning toward the pain and joy that we carry, with care and reverence, might be one of the most meaningful gifts we can give ourselves—and the collective. Lisa Olivera is a psychotherapist, mother, creator of the Human Stuff newsletter, and author of the upcoming new book, When the Ache Remains: Lessons on Tending to the Unfixable and Finding Beauty Anyway. She joins Radiant Rest Podcast host Tracee for a deep conversation about: relationship building in the age of consumption, convenience, distraction, and urgency; the power of experiencing a felt sense, what it means to be courageous; reclaiming our attention; kindling our devotion; the healing connection with nature; and much more! About our guest: Lisa Olivera is an author, psychotherapist, mother, and creator of the Human Stuff newsletter. She has worked in schools, community-based mental health, and currently has a private practice, all of which inform her lens of the world. Lisa's work has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Good Morning America, and The Guardian. Her debut book, Already Enough, was published in 2022; her forthcoming book, When the Ache Remains, will be released in April of 2026. She lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two cats. Connect with Lisa: https://lisaolivera.com/ Her new book, When the Ache Remains: Lessons on Tending to the Unfixable and Finding Beauty Anyway: https://lisaolivera.com/when-the-ache-remains Connect with host Tracee Stanley: Website: https://www.traceestanley.com Newsletter: https://www.traceestanley.com/#newsletter Radiance Subscription Online Community—try it for a month FREE!: https://www.empoweredlifecircle.com/join-today/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/tracee_stanley Radiant Rest book: https://www.traceestanley.com/radiant-rest The Luminous Self book: https://www.traceestanley.com/luminous-self Podcast: https://www.traceestanley.com/podcast

"You never know what will wake you up and bring you back into the awakened state that you were born in." —Osho Zenju Earthlyn Osho Zenju Earthlyn, a poet, author, ordained Zen priest, and medicine woman of the drum, has written the manuals for our time. Years ago, after reading two of her books—Opening To Darkness and The Shamanic Bones of Zen—it was clear to me that she understands the medicine that would be deeply needed now. I was excited for our conversation, and it offered profound gems of wisdom for these times. We talked about how she arrived on the Zen Buddhism path, how she considers it a path of liberation to live a full life, exploring the layers of meaning of darkness, extraction that takes place in spiritual circles, rituals and ceremony, and so much more. Connect with Zenju at zenju.org and find her upcoming events here Books Opening To Darkness: Eight Gateways for Being with the Absence of Light in Unsettling Times The Shamanic Bones of Zen: Revealing the Ancestral Spirit and Mystical Heart of a Sacred Tradition Full list of Osho Zenju Earthlyn's books Article in Tricycle Meditation Is Not Required About Our Guest Osho Zenju Earthlyn Marselean Manuel, poet, author, ordained Zen priest, and medicine woman of the drum, was born in Los Angeles, California. She is the middle daughter of Lawrence Manuel Jr. and Alvesta Pierre Manuel, who both migrated from rural Louisiana. Zenju Osho was raised in Los Angeles, with her older and younger sisters. As a child, she was referred to by the name her mother gave her, Earthlyn, her middle name Marselean (Marceline) was her grandmother's name. Zenju is a dharma name. Osho is a title meaning Zen teacher. She is the dharma heir of Buddha and the late Zenkei Blanche Hartman in the Shunryu Suzuki Roshi lineage through the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC). She was Shuso (head Student) with Kiku Christina Lehnherr Roshi and her Dharma Transmission was completed by Osho Shosan Victoria Austin. Prior to enter Zen Buddhism, Zenju practiced in the Nichiren/Soka Gakkai tradition for 15 years. She entered Zen in 2001 and began again as a beginner on the path. Zenju's practice is influenced by Native American and African indigenous traditions. She participated in ceremony with Ifá diviners from Dahomey, Africa and briefly studied Yoruba. She was raised in the Church of Christ where she was an avid reader of the Bible and adored the true mystic teachings on Christ's path well into adulthood. She holds a Ph.D. and formally worked for decades as a social science researcher, development director for non-profit organizations and those serving women and girls, cultural arts, and mental health. Photo Credit: photo by Anna Cummings Connect with host Tracee Stanley: Radiance Subscription Online Community—try it for a month FREE!: https://www.empoweredlifecircle.com/join-today/ Website: https://www.traceestanley.com Newsletter: https://www.traceestanley.com/#newsletter Instagram: http://instagram.com/tracee_stanley Radiant Rest book: https://www.traceestanley.com/radiant-rest The Luminous Self book: https://www.traceestanley.com/luminous-self Podcast: https://www.traceestanley.com/podcast

"The moment of our death, all we have is our breath. The moment of our life, all we have is our breath," says Elena Brower. "So why not clue in with it now, get really relaxed around it, and learn who I am in this quiet." In Elena's upcoming new book, Hold Nothing: An Invitation to Let Go and Come Home to Yourself, she shares how the Zen Buddhism practice of silence and stillness has landed in her heart and her life, bringing with it profound teachings. Enjoy a cup of tea with this deep and inspiring conversation: In this episode, we discuss how this path of practice requires bravery, the deep-seated grief we experience on a daily basis, altars as beautiful thresholds, lessons from Elena's service work in hospice centers, and what it really means to practice letting go. Preorder Hold Nothing, Receive a Free Virtual Workshop: Altar of Your Heart), & Discover More Gifts at this link: https://elenabrower.com/holdnothing/ About Elena Brower Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and host of the Practice You Podcast, Elena Brower is a celebrated international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices since 1999. Her debut book, Art of Attention: A Yoga Practice Workbook for Movement as Meditation, was published in 2012 and has since been translated into seven languages. Her bestselling journals Practice You and Being You, her collection of poetry Softening Time, along with her courses, classes, and talks, explore stages of studentship, practice, life, and listening. Her next book, Hold Nothing, will be published by Shambhala Publications on November 18, 2025. Her column on Substack supports girls and women, through On The Inside, Girls on Fire Leaders, Women for Women, and Free Food Kitchen. She hosts the acclaimed podcast Practice You, a series of deep, compassionate conversations with teachers, artists, and thinkers, designed to support you through life's transitions, encouraging presence, care, and openness. Offering two new virtual weekly classes on Glo, Elena weaves body, breath, art, and contemplative mindfulness into practice. Bridging ancient yogic precision with creative depth and emotional intelligence, she serves individuals in cultivating resilience and inner alignment. In 2023, she received Jukai (lay Buddhist vows) from Roshi Joan Jiko Halifax at Upaya Zen Center, and is a student in Upaya's Chaplaincy Training. As part of her service, she volunteers in hospice and penitentiary settings, bringing yoga, meditation, and compassionate presence, aligning with Upaya's commitment to local service and community support. Connect with host Tracee Stanley: Radiance Subscription Online Community—try it for a month FREE!: https://www.empoweredlifecircle.com/join-today/ Website: https://www.traceestanley.com Newsletter: https://www.traceestanley.com/#newsletter Instagram: http://instagram.com/tracee_stanley Radiant Rest book: https://www.traceestanley.com/radiant-rest The Luminous Self book: https://www.traceestanley.com/luminous-self Podcast: https://www.traceestanley.com/podcast

Welcome to a bonus episode of Radiant Rest Podcast! Recently I was honored to host author and teacher Anjali Rao for a workshop detailing a feminist lens in yoga history. Here on the podcast, I had to share our brief introductory conversation in which we discussed the patriarchy in yoga, the guru-student relationship, and more. I hope you enjoy the brilliance in this 10-minute episode! Resources: Want to tune in to Anjalil's full workshop? You'll find it in my online community, Radiance Subscription. Try a 30-day free trial—cancel anytime: https://www.empoweredlifecircle.com/join-today/ Anjali's book, Yoga As Embodied Resistance: A Feminist Lens in Caste, Gender And Sacred Resilience in Yoga History, comes out Tuesday, October 14! Get your copy here: https://www.yoganjali.me/book Join her upcoming reading circle: https://www.yoganjali.me/reading-circle About Our Guest Anjali Rao brings an intersectional and decolonial feminist lens to the study of philosophy and yoga history integrating storytelling, art and poetry. Emphasizing an embodied approach, her work interrogates the link between religions, politics and yoga. She is on the faculty of multiple yoga teacher training programs. She is the host of The Love of Yoga podcast bridging scholarship, activism and yoga. She has served as the President of the Board of Directors of Accessible Yoga Association, a non profit dedicated to ensuring accessibility and equity in yoga spaces to people of all backgrounds. She is currently pursuing a PhD student in Philosophy and Religion in California Institute of Integral Studies.Her book, Yoga As Embodied Resistance: A Feminist Lens in Caste, Gender And Sacred Resilience in Yoga History (North Atlantic Books, October 14, 2025 is available for preorder. Connect with Anjali on http://www.Instagram.com/yoganjali and at yoganjali.me Connect with host Tracee Stanley Website: https://www.traceestanley.com Newsletter: https://www.traceestanley.com/#newsletter Instagram: http://instagram.com/tracee_stanley Radiant Rest book: https://www.traceestanley.com/radiant-rest The Luminous Self book: https://www.traceestanley.com/luminous-self Podcast: https://www.traceestanley.com/podcast