Begin with Shaolin

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Ocean Pleasant — a certified astrologer, Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, and cosmic translator for the modern age.With a gift for turning celestial insights into grounded tools for life, love, and business, Ocean’s work has reached over 400 clients, sparked a viral TikTok community of 170,000+, and even led to a collaboration with Target.In this episode, we dive into the meaning and impact of your Saturn return, explore the surprising data and science behind astrology, and bust some of the biggest myths around the craft. Whether you're astro-curious or deep in your chart, this conversation will shift your perspective.Follow Ocean PleasantInstagram: https://instagram.com/witchykidFollow Begin with ShaolinInstagram: https://instagram.com/beginwithshaolinListen to more:

Today on the podcast, I sit down with Sara Ackerman, a Hawai'i-born, bestselling author known for her historical and contemporary novels set in the islands. With her books praised as "unforgettable" by Apple Books and “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, Sara has carved out a space for her captivating stories. Her work has earned recognition from New York Times bestselling authors and was even selected as a best book of the month by Amazon.Raised on O'ahu, Sara grew up hearing stories of her grandparents’ experiences during the war in Hawai'i. These memories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things inspire her novels, which often feature animals, nature, and strong, resilient characters. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking, snorkeling, or seeking inspiration from the mountains and ocean.Sara’s journey to writing began in 2012, when she sat down on her porch with no clear plan but a passion to write. Since then, she’s embraced the challenges of the craft, believing that stories write themselves—she’s simply there to help guide them. Her dedication to storytelling, along with her love for nature and history, continues to drive her to create unforgettable novels.

Hello, season three! We are so excited for you. While we won't be on a schedule for this season, all of our guests will be people we are so excited to chat with, learn from and share perspectives. We are so glad you're here. Thanks for tuning in!

That's a wrap! Thank you to everyone who has listened and supported this podcast - I can't believe we did 36 episodes in 10 months! Thank you to all our incredible guests, you made this experience everything I could've hope for and more. While we are currently on a break, we are excited to come back when the timing aligns. I hope you're all having an amazing year and chat soon xx

As someone who can't handle anything remotely scary, I have no idea what compelled me to have Jared, the creator of the Ghost Lore of Hawaii Paranormal Podcast on this weeks episode, but I'm so glad I did. We had so much fun chatting and even though I feel slightly traumatized and terrified, I loved listening to his spine-tingling tales, journey into podcasting, and his own personal encounters with the paranormal. It’s a fascinating and eerie episode that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Follow Jared: Instagram:   / ghostlore.of.hawaii  https://www.ghostloreofhawaii.com Follow Begin with Shaolin: Instagram: @beginwithshaolin Youtube: @beginwithshaolin Tiktok: @beginwithshaolin https://www.beginwithshaolin.com/ Follow Shaolin: Instagram: @studioshaolin Youtube: @studioshaolin Tiktok: @studio.shaolin https://www.studioshaolin.com/

This week, we had on Christy Werner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings warmth, empathy, and expertise to her work helping others heal from trauma. With a holistic approach, Christy specializes in counseling for mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, and more, using a blend of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic, and Relational Psychotherapy. In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between friendship and therapy, the journey of truly knowing yourself, setting and respecting boundaries, and breaking cycles of generational trauma. Christy’s insights offer a compassionate perspective on navigating life’s complexities and healing through connection. Follow Christy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christykkw/ Follow Begin with Shaolin: Instagram: @beginwithshaolin Youtube: @beginwithshaolin Tiktok: @beginwithshaolin https://www.beginwithshaolin.com/ Follow Shaolin: Instagram: @studioshaolin Youtube: @studioshaolin Tiktok: @studio.shaolin https://www.studioshaolin.com/

This week, we had on Rakai’el, an internationally known Astrologer, Lemurian Sound Alchemist, and dedicated teacher. Rakai’el empowers her clients by creating playful yet deeply transformative experiences that synthesize Astrology, Human Design, and the Gene Keys. Through her work, she offers an online Sound Healing Certification, along with individual sessions and mentorship, to help others tap into their unique potential. As a Projector with the channels of Synthesis & Structuring, Rakai’el has a remarkable gift for seeing hidden potential and guiding others toward unlocking it. She’s passionate about supporting those who are here to develop innovative solutions for the transformational period our planet is experiencing, helping her clients share their gifts in inspiring and sustainable ways. In this episode, we dive into the purpose of Human Design, the power of intuition, and explore why we’re truly here. Follow Rakai’el: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrakaiel/ https://www.rakaiel.com Follow Begin with Shaolin: Instagram: @beginwithshaolin Youtube: @beginwithshaolin Tiktok: @beginwithshaolin https://www.beginwithshaolin.com/ Follow Shaolin: Instagram: @studioshaolin Youtube: @studioshaolin Tiktok: @studio.shaolin https://www.studioshaolin.com/

This week I sat down with Paul Izak, a talented Hawaii-based musician and artist who blends soulful melodies with deep messages about nature, community, and conscious living. In this episode, we dive into his journey of finding his voice as an artist, what it truly means to be a creative, and the future of his music career. Paul also shares about his incredible work with Yogarden, a 3.5-acre organic farm in Waimanalo, where regenerative farming meets community events centered around music, yoga, and sustainable living. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, sustainability, and living in harmony with the earth. Follow Paul: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulizakmusic/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2gsrDFiFvHxKkh8Qh5Zbys?si=xNUdz2PySt2rnLLJIQ0YiA Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/paul-izak/473120843 Follow Begin with Shaolin: Instagram: @beginwithshaolin Youtube: @beginwithshaolin Tiktok: @beginwithshaolin https://www.beginwithshaolin.com/ Follow Shaolin: Instagram: @studioshaolin Youtube: @studioshaolin Tiktok: @studio.shaolin https://www.studioshaolin.com/

This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rae Leslie, a mindfulness and innovative coach behind the transformative practice Ray Leslie based in New York City but serving clients globally. In our conversation, we explored Rae's unique approach to mindfulness and the innovative tools she uses to guide her clients on their journeys of self-discovery.We discussed the importance of finding one’s purpose and how mindfulness can play a crucial role in achieving personal and professional goals. Rae shared practical strategies for incorporating mindfulness into daily life, the impact of intentionality, and the transformative power of self-reflection. If you're looking to enhance your well-being and unlock your potential, this episode is packed with insights that can help.Follow Rae:Instagram: @seeuatnoon https://www.seeuatnoon.comFollow Begin with Shaolin:Instagram: @beginwithshaolinYoutube: @beginwithshaolinTiktok: @beginwithshaolinhttps://www.beginwithshaolin.com/Follow Shaolin:Instagram: @studioshaolinYoutube: @studioshaolinTiktok: @studio.shaolinhttps://www.studioshaolin.com/

In this episode, I chat with my good friend and fellow homeschooling mom Corinne Gold, who shares her experiences raising and educating four children while reflecting on her own homeschool upbringing. We tackle the biggest homeschooling myths, like how kids get socialization, and why being a ‘qualified’ parent is less about credentials and more about intentionality. We explore how teaching responsibility and fostering independence at home can help children thrive in both their education and everyday life. Corinne also dives into her decision to hold off on giving her 13-year-old a smartphone, raising questions about the impact of technology on growing minds. Watch S2E15 now on YouTube or listen on Apple and Spotify, link in bio. Follow Corinne: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hi.golds/ Follow Begin with Shaolin: Instagram: @beginwithshaolin Youtube: @beginwithshaolin Tiktok: @beginwithshaolin https://www.beginwithshaolin.com/ Follow Shaolin: Instagram: @studioshaolin Youtube: @studioshaolin Tiktok: @studio.shaolin https://www.studioshaolin.com/