Episodes

  • 148 - Want Is NOT a Dirty Word!

    148 - Want Is NOT a Dirty Word!
    Aug 28 2026
    In this episode, we explore the role of desire and wanting in the Alchemy journey. While some spiritual traditions teach desirelessness, Alchemy actually begins with igniting your passion and understanding what you truly want from life. This episode clarifies why wanting isn't something to transcend—it's the fuel that powers transformation. We discuss the Nine Stages of Alchemy, the concept of "un-peopling" for clarity, and why the Alchemists in the caves knew that the real work starts with ordinary human nature, not transcendent experiences. Key Themes: Desire as fuel, not the enemyWhy Alchemy doesn't ask you to kill your passionBeyond the "spiritual bypass"The Alchemist caves and retreating from distractionsBeginner's mindThe Nine Stages of Alchemy as a roadmapStage one: Is your life flowing or is it hard?Stage two: What are you guarding against?Stage three: What did you inherit?Why the fast track doesn't work (and why that's good news)The role of Wood energy in forward momentumWhat "un-peopling" means and why Alchemists needed it Free Meditation — Start Here What Do I Really Want? (20-minute guided meditation) Access: AlchemyLearningCenter.com/wantHow to use: Do this meditation 2-3 times if nothing comes up the first time. There's no pass or fail. You're just slowing down and opening to what your heart truly wants. Homework for Listeners #1: Notice How You Reach Catch yourself trying to skip aheadAre you looking for shortcuts or the fast track?Are you trying to bypass steps?No judgment—just observe #2: Name Something You're Still Guarding Against Reflect on what you're protecting againstYou might think you already dealt with it (through therapy, meditation, etc.), but notice if you're still triggeredDon't try to fix it; just admit it's thereThis observation is often the most important part of the work #3: Free Meditation What Do I Really Want? (20 minutes, guided)Give yourself permission to want whatever you actually wantIf nothing comes up the first time, do it againThere's no pass or fail—you're just slowing downAccess: AlchemyLearningCenter.com/want Resources & Links Learning Programs & Courses From Seeker to Alchemist (Self-Paced Online Program) A self-paced online program for anyone new to or deepening their alchemy practiceIncludes: Nine Stages of Alchemy, modules, and exercises you can do at home at your own paceStatus: Almost complete (launching soon)Link: AlchemyLearningCenter.com/courses/from-seeker-to-alchemist Alchemy Life Strategy Sessions 1-on-1 sessions with JayeFocus: Applying the Nine Stages to your life, building momentum, and discovering easeLearn more: AlchemyLearningCenter.com Alchemy Learning Center Full catalog of courses, workshops, and resourcesWebsite: AlchemyLearningCenter.com Books Cultivating the Thirteen Ghost Points (by Leta Herman & Jaye McElroy) Available: Soft cover edition (newly released for wider accessibility)Where to buy: Amazon and other major retailersSpecial campaign: Leave a review and receive Inspired Action Alchemy or Alchemy Learning Center swag (T-shirts, hats, mugs, including the limited edition "Gui Are People Too" tee)How to participate: Send review screenshot to leta@inspiredactionpodcast.com or jaye@inspiredactionpodcast.com Connecting Your Circle (by Leta Herman & Jaye McElroy) — FREE What it covers: How to balance all Five Elements and become flexible and fluid in any situationAccess: AlchemyLearningCenter.com/connecting-your-circleAlso available: In soft cover on Amazon Other books by Jaye McElroy & Leta Herman: Through the Mystery GateThe Energy of LoveThe Big Little Gua Sha Book Previous Episodes Referenced Episode 147: Plant Spirit Alchemy with Brittany Chowning Topics: Connecting with plant spirits, natural world wisdom, multidimensional travel, shamanic journeysWorkshop: 3-hour live workshop on using artemisia (mugwort) and plant spirits to enhance alchemical journeysPre-Order in the Alchemy Learning Center Episodes 140 & 141: Alchemy Stone Medicine with Mikhael Oskarrson Topics: Connecting with stone spirits, Alchemy Stone Medicine, natural world wisdom, multidimensional travelFREE Alchemy Stone Medicine Workshop: AlchemyLearningCenter.com Upcoming Episodes Episode 149: Rebellious Qi — What Happens When You Declare What You Want Teaser: The moment you identify what you really want, your mind builds a case against it (I can't do it, I don't have enough money/time, etc.). This is called "rebellious qi" in Chinese medicine—and it's not a metaphor, it's a real physical phenomenon you can work with. Episode 150: The Wu Wei State Teaser: A major milestone episode diving deep into Wu Wei (inspired action) and pure presence—the state Jaye and Leta work toward in their Alchemy practice. Quotes & Memorable Moments "The passion or the wanting isn't the challenge here. The passion is the fuel. It's what we do with it that gets interesting." "There is only now. That's all we have—every day of our lives, all we have is now."...
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    35 mins
  • 147 - Plant Spirit Connection: The Magic of Mugwort and Multi-Dimensional Travel

    147 - Plant Spirit Connection: The Magic of Mugwort and Multi-Dimensional Travel
    Jul 21 2026

    In this episode, Jaye and Leta are joined by acupuncturists and plant spirit practitioner Brittney Chowning for a deep dive into Alchemy Plant Spirit Connection: the magic of plant spirit, moxibustion and Alchemical treatments featuring Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort).

    Brittney shares her journey from acupuncture school into Plant Spirit Medicine, tracing her lineage back to Eliot Cowan's Plant Spirit Medicine work and her studies with practitioner Suzanne Burnell. Leta, who began studying with Eliot Cowan in 1999, connects their shared roots in the tradition. Together, the three explore what Plant Spirit Connection actually is, how indigenous traditions have long communicated directly with plant spirits, and how this practice fits within the Daoist Alchemy framework of seven dimensions.

    The conversation covers:

    • What Plant Spirit Connection means, and how it differs from conventional herbalsm
    • Multidimensional travel: drumming, meditation, and altered states as ways to access plant, stone, and spirit worlds
    • Daoist Alchemy's seven dimensions and where humans, plants, and immortals fit within them
    • Personal stories of direct communication with plant spirits, include Leta's roadside encounter with a plant that "waved her down" before a treatment
    • Why Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) is considered a uniquely generous, universally healing plant
    • How plant spirit moxibustion offers an alternative for practitioners who can't burn moxa in their clinic (due to smell sensitivies, shared office space, or building restrictions)

    Links:

    • Episode 146 (Part 2 of the Firehorse Year discussion) - the context of 2026's Firehorse Year.
    • Eliot Cowan's Plant Spirit Medicine book (the foundational text/lineage for both Leta and Brittney)

    Upcoming Workshop: Alchemy Plant Spirit Connection - The Magic of Plant Spirit Moxibustion in Alchemical Treatments, featuring Artemisia Vulgaris

    Date: Friday, July 25, 2026, Noon - 4:00 PM

    Includes: Journey work, meditation, drumming, a guided meeting with the spirit of Artemisia Vulgaris, and practical guidance on incorporating more Plant Spirit Connection into clinical practice

    Promo code for listeners: Moxa99

    Register / replay after July 25: AlchemyLearningCenter.com
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    32 mins
  • 146 - Double Fire, Double Intensity, Double Fun: Navigating the Fire Horse Year (2026) Through the Five Elements

    146 - Double Fire, Double Intensity, Double Fun: Navigating the Fire Horse Year (2026) Through the Five Elements
    Jul 13 2026

    The Fire Horse is at a full gallop as we are halfway through 2026. The question is: are you enjoying the ride, or letting go of the reins?

    The Fire Horse year in the Chinese calendar is associated with Double Fire... that's a lot of Fire even for the people who have a Fire Element energetic stack-up. It's no wonder things have felt fast, intense, and sometimes overwhelming. In episode 146, Jaye and Leta break down what the Fire Horse year actually means energetically, why the same year can feel like a gift to one person and an assault to another, and how your Five Element nature shapes your personal experience of it.

    Leta explains how each Element is likely to experience this year, from Fire people running hot at the starting gate to Earth people being quietly nourished, Wood people feeling pulled in every direction, Water people finding unexpected steadiness, and Metal people being asked to yield to something bigger than themselves. Then Jaye and Leta get into the method they use to help ease the overwhelm of the Fire Horse year: the Daoist concept of Xuan Fu, the mysterious openings throughout the body that determine whether Cosmic Qi flows freely through you or whether you're running on your own limited reserves.

    Plus an update on the newly launched 2026 Summer Alchemy Lab Workshop Series, a preview of the upcoming Alchemy Plant Spirit Connection workshop featuring Artemisia Vulgaris with Brittney Chowning on July 25th, and a tease for next episode's interview all about multidimensional healing with plant spirit connection. What is multidimensional healing? Join us next time to find out!

    Summary of this episode:

    • What makes 2026 a Fire Horse year, and why that combination amplifies everything Fire represents, including joy, passion, and forward momentum.

    • The difference between controlling your outer world and creating from your inner center, and why the heart is called the supreme controller in Chinese medicine.

    • How each of the Five Elements, Fire, Earth, Wood, Water, and Metal, is likely to experience the Fire Horse year differently.

    • The Daoist concept of Xuan Fu, the body's energetic openings, and how closed doors leave you running on your own reserves while open doors connect you to Da Qi, or unlimited Cosmic Qi.

    • Why the free Open Your Doors Meditation can support you through this year's energy.

    Links:

    Alchemy Learning Center: https://alchemylearningcenter.com

    Open Your Doors Meditation (free): available inside Your First Alchemical Meditations

    Alchemy Plant Spirit Connection Workshop, July 25th, 12:00–4:00 PM ET

    Alchemy Healing Center: https://alchemyhealingcenter.com

    Inspired Action Alchemy Facebook Group

    Instagram: @inspiredaction

    Email us your questions or suggestions: leta@inspiredactionpodcast.com and jaye@inspiredactionpodcast.com
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    27 mins
  • 145 - We're back (and we brought the Alchemy with us!)

    145 - We're back (and we brought the Alchemy with us!)
    Jun 21 2026

    After almost a year of wandering the world, we're back! And honestly? We were teaching, traveling, deepening our own Alchemy practice — and somewhere in the middle of all of it, we realized: we really missed you! We missed these conversations and the deeper dives, not to mention all the nerding out together!

    So in this episode, we're easing everyone back in to the Inspired Action world. We share where we've been, what shifted for us, and why Season 10 feels different. We also get into:

    • Why Daoist alchemy is not spiritual bypass — and why that distinction actually matters
    • The two most important questions in Stage 1 of the Nine Stages of Alchemy
    • What it means to become a Zhen Ren — a fully realized, authentically yourself human being
    • Why this Year of the Fire Horse is asking something specific of all of us
    • A teaser of what's coming in Episode 146 (including a Daoist meditation on opening your doors)

    If you've been listening since the beginning, welcome home! If you just found us — perfect timing. We're so excited that you're here.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Episode 142: How to Navigate This Fast-Changing World Based on Your Elemental Nature
    • June 27 Workshop: From Seeker to Alchemist (Alchemy Lab Workshop Series) → alchemylearningcenter.com

    Reach us:

    • leta@inspiredactionpodcast.com
    • jay@inspiredactionpodcast.com

    If this episode lands with you, please leave a review — it truly helps other seekers find their way here.
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    23 mins
  • 144 - The Inspired Art of Living - Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao Part II

    144 - The Inspired Art of Living - Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao Part II
    Jun 19 2025
    Continuing the Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao Guest: Deng Ming-Dao (Daoist philosopher, author, and artist) Episode Overview In this powerful continuation of Episode 143, hosts Jaye McElroy and Leta Herman dive deeper into their transformative conversation with renowned Daoist philosopher and artist Deng Ming-Dao. This episode explores the intersection of creativity, healing, and daily practice, offering profound insights for artists, healers, and anyone seeking to live more authentically. This episode is essential listening for artists, healers, and anyone interested in living a more creative, authentic life. The conversation bridges ancient Daoist wisdom with practical modern applications for reclaiming creativity and attention in our distracted world. Key Topics Discussed The Art of Listening to Inner Voices Distinguishing between inspiration and other internal chatterThe importance of waiting and discernment in creative and healing processesHow meditation creates space to reassess and clarify authentic inspiration Trusting Your Inner Compass Why external validation (money, success) cannot replace inner knowingThe courage to follow your heart despite societal pressuresSelf-cultivation as the ultimate measure of success Reclaiming Your Attention How society has co-opted our natural capacity for attentionThe difference between being told what to focus on versus choosing your focusPractical steps to redirect attention from consumption to creation Everyone is an Artist Why 99% of people have had their natural creativity "beaten out of them"The myth of talent versus the reality of daily practiceStarting small: simple tools like pencil and paper, humming, or describing experiences The Progression of Practice Why beginners should expect and embrace being "no good" initiallyThe power of daily practice and incremental improvementUsing constraints and limitations to stimulate creativity Art as Healing How both artist and audience are transformed through creative expressionThe gift of art as a form of healing exchangeCreating "messages in bottles" for future generations The Spiritual Dimension of Art Art as a response to the world and inner experienceThe importance of not pandering to audiencesHow authentic expression naturally carries spiritual essence Memorable Quotes On Trusting Your Heart: "If you trust your heart, if your heart tells you this is where you need to go, then that's what you need to follow. Because no external rewards and no external rejection is going to be a guide for what you need to do in life." On Getting Started: "It's as simple as picking up a pencil and a piece of paper. It's as simple as humming something. It's as simple as saying, this just happened to me. How do I describe it?" On Attention: "We are completely capable of attention, but attention has been co-opted by our society. We have not been allowed to say we deserve attention for our own purposes." On Defining Art: "Art is a response to the world. And from that, other people can see that shape [and] think about how they might want to respond to the world." Practical Takeaways Start a Daily Practice: Get a sketchbook and write or draw in it every day, even if it's "crap"Examine Your Screen Time: Notice how much attention you give to others' content versus your own creative expressionEmbrace Beginner's Mind: Allow yourself to be "no good" initially and focus on the process, not the outcomeSet Constraints: Use limitations to spark creativity (small canvases, limited time, simple materials)Create Space for Reflection: Spend time looking at and contemplating your work, not just producing it Resources Mentioned AlchemyLearningCenter.com - Hosts' website with courses and resourcesNew Book: "Cultivating the Thirteen Ghost Points" by the hostsThe intersection of Daoist philosophy and creative practiceThe concept of the Nine Palaces and the Creativity/Children Palace About the Guest Deng Ming-Dao is an author, artist, and teacher. He is the author of: 365 Tao; Chronicles of Tao; Scholar Warrior; Everyday Tao; The Lunar Tao; The Living I Ching; Zen: The Art of Modern Eastern Cooking; and The Wisdom of the Tao, Every Journey Begins With a Single Step, and The Way of Heart and Beauty. His books have been translated into a variety of European and Asian languages. Deng Ming-Dao has trained in Chinese martial arts since 1975. His teachers have come from Beijing, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and two Taoist mountains, Huashan and Wudangshan. He has been most involved with the internal systems of Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, and Taijiquan, and he has given many workshops to introduce Chinese martial arts and Taoist wellness techniques. Episode Themes Creativity as Spiritual PracticeHealing Through ArtAttention as Sacred ResourceDaily Practice as TransformationAuthentic Expression vs. Commercial Art
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    51 mins
  • 143 - Art and Self-Cultivation – A Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao, Artist and Author

    143 - Art and Self-Cultivation – A Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao, Artist and Author
    Jun 13 2025
    Art as Self-Cultivation: A Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao Guest: Deng Ming-Dao (Daoist philosopher, author, and artist) Episode Overview In this episode, Deng Ming-Dao, esteemed author of the Wandering Taoist and several other Daoist-based books—(including our favs Spiritual Warrior and 365 Tao), joins Leta and Jaye as they have an inspiring conversation together. This episode explores the concept of how art isn't separate from self-cultivation—it is self-cultivation. Ming-Dao dives into what it means to self-cultivate and how creating art, practicing Tai Chi, or even making mistakes can be the fire that transforms us. From poetry to Tai Chi to painting—everything becomes part of the Alchemical process of becoming our authentic selves. If you've ever wondered whether your creative life is as important as a spiritual practice—this podcast is for you. Key Topics Discussed Self-Cultivation as Repair The Chinese concept of self-cultivation literally means "repair"How life and socialization tear us down and obscure our natural selfWhy Daoists believe our natural self is already perfectThe parallel between health in Chinese Medicine and spiritual wellness Art as Personal Transformation Why every piece of art changes the artist who creates itThe continuous process of learning through creatingHow mistakes in the studio become opportunities for growthThe discipline and perseverance required for artistic practice Qi and Artistic Expression The ancient Chinese concept of "lively movement and qi resonance" in artHow an artist's qi becomes visible in their work (especially calligraphy)The difference between original energy and reproduced formsArt as alignment with the energy of the universe Tai Chi as Art Form How Tai Chi transforms martial violence into self-cultivationThe role of qi circulation in both Tai Chi and artistic practiceWhy practitioners from the same school look different (personal infusion)The connection between movement, medicine, and creativity Expression as Human Nature Why every human being gives testament to their experience on earthThe role of creative expression in reconciling individuality with the collectiveCave paintings as evidence of humanity's innate creative impulseHow great artists help us put overwhelming feelings into form The Challenge of Daily Practice Why significant achievement requires daily commitmentBreaking free from society's consumer mentalityThe difference between external motivation and internal necessityUnderstanding practice as the ultimate gift to yourself Authentic Inspiration and Inner Voices How to distinguish between authentic inspiration and other mental chatterThe reality of multiple "voices" within ourselvesWhy inspiration is just the beginning, not the endThe role of problem-solving and technical skill in bringing ideas to form Memorable Quotes On Self-Cultivation: "Self-cultivation is about recovering from those problems and getting back to your natural self. The Daoists feel that your natural self is perfect." On Daily Practice: "You're not doing this for a job, you are not doing this for a certificate. You're not doing this to be famous. You are doing this for yourself, and until you understand that, it's always going to be difficult." On Consumer Culture: "We have been so warped by our society that our only role is to be a customer... We need to get away from this kind of materialism and return to ourselves." On Artistic Inspiration: "Just because you get inspired is not the end of it. It's just the start of it... The voice is an idea. It's not a form. Your job as an artist is to make it form." On Expression: "Every human being has to work to live... But is that all you have to do? Everybody gives testament to their experience on this planet." Practical Takeaways Understand Art as Repair: View creative practice as healing and recovery of your natural selfCommit to Daily Practice: Recognize that significant growth requires consistent daily commitmentPractice for Yourself: Do creative work for your own development, not external validationEmbrace Qi in Your Work: Align your creative practice with life energy and universal flowLearn to Distinguish Voices: Develop the ability to recognize authentic inspiration through experienceAccept the Problem-Solving Process: Understand that turning inspiration into form requires technical skill and perseverance Resources Mentioned AlchemyLearningCenter.com - Hosts' website with courses and resourcesNew Book: "Cultivating the Thirteen Ghost Points" by the hosts 365 Tao: Daily Meditations - Ming-Dao's daily practice bookThe Wandering Taoist - Available as audiobookScholar Warrior - Currently being read by the hostsHua Shan and Wudang Shan - Traditional Daoist mountain lineages About the Guest Deng Ming-Dao is a Chinese American author, artist, philosopher, teacher and martial artist. He is the author of eight books, including 365 Tao, Everyday Tao, Scholar Warrior, and Chronicles of Tao. His books have ...
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    32 mins
  • 142 - Being the Wood Opti-Mystic of Alchemy When You're Overwhelmed 🌴🌳🌲

    142 - Being the Wood Opti-Mystic of Alchemy When You're Overwhelmed 🌴🌳🌲
    Jun 2 2025

    In this episode, Jaye and Leta invite you to take a little time out — not in a punishment sort of way, but in a take-a-step-back-and-breathe kind of way. We're kicking off a brand-new five-part series on the Alchemy, Five Elements & Overwhelm, starting with Wood — the Element of Hope, Renewal, and of Inspired Action.

    What We Talk About:

    • Why overwhelm is sometimes the new normal — and why is/isn't it OK

    • What ancient Daoist Alchemists did during times of political chaos (hint: it involves retreats, mountains, and silence)

    • Why wind represents change in Chinese Medicine — and how to work with it instead of being blown away

    • Wood Element traits under pressure: survival mode, strategy overload, and full-on gorilla mode

    • The concept of "Opti-mystic" — embracing the mystic and the optimistic during chaotic times

    • Practical advice for Wood types (and everyone with Wood in their chart, which is… everyone) on how to re-center, breathe, and find meaning in challenge

    • A sneak peek into how the other elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) handle overwhelm — next up: Fire and the fear of losing love

    00:25 Dealing with Overwhelm in Today's World 04:31 Embracing Change and Technological Advances 12:48 Navigating Overwhelm with Elemental Energies 13:13 Understanding Yourself in Chaotic Times 13:53 The Essence of Wood Energy 14:27 Survival Mode and Wood People 15:52 Strategies for Wood People 18:59 Embracing Challenges Positively
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    27 mins
  • 141 - Alchemy Rocks… Literally: The Real Magic Behind Stone Medicine

    141 - Alchemy Rocks… Literally: The Real Magic Behind Stone Medicine
    Apr 25 2025

    Could ancient stones be the missing link in your modern-day transformation?

    In this episode, Jaye and Leta explore the mysterious—yet surprisingly practical—world of Alchemy Stone Medicine. We're talking crystals, gemstones, and minerals, and how these ancient Earth allies can support healing, self-cultivation, and real energetic change.

    From Five Element colors to sacred shapes to the way stones are formed deep within the Earth, you'll discover that stones have personalities—just like humans. This episode is all about building relationships with stones as transformational partners, not just keeping them around as pretty shelf candy.

    Whether you're brand new to stone medicine or already knee-deep in crystal clusters, you'll leave with fresh insights, a few laughs, and maybe a new favorite rock to carry in your pocket.
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    33 mins