Unravel Your Days Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kati + Alycia
Welcome to the Unravel Your Days podcast! We're your hosts: Kati Overmier and Alycia Buenger. And we bring you thoughtful conversations about "unraveling" your soul-self inside everyday life. We'll take a critical look at the "self-development" industry, and explore simple, powerful practices you can actually incorporate into your days. We'll define by example our framework for unraveling to help you envision your soul desires, embody your experience, and enlighten your next steps. Join us right here every week as we question whole-body wellness and explore our daily experience of unraveling who we are and who we choose to be.
Welcome back to UNRAVEL your journey: a podcast where we explore what it means to build life outside the confines of conventional work and motherhood.
In our FIRST episode of Season 2, we're speaking with Jocelyn Mathewes, a mixed-media, interdisciplinary artist + mother of three living with chronic illness in rural Appalachia.
Together we discuss Jocelyn's contribution to the book Entwined: An Anthology of Creativity and Motherhood.
We also explore -
- the challenges of balancing art, motherhood, and chronic illness
- the value in finding joy within sorrow + humor in tragedy
- how Jocelyn built an artist community + curated exhibit from her home in rural Tennessee
ARTIST BIO :: Jocelyn Mathewes is a mixed-media interdisciplinary artist, living with her family in rural Appalachia in East Tennessee, USA. She earned a B.A. in Studio Art and English Literature from Messiah College. Her work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and community spaces all over the United States. She has participated in residencies with the Artist Residency in Motherhood (ARiM), Makers Circle, and Stay Home Gallery. In 2020, she founded EAT/ART space, an alternative pop-up gallery, where she curates exhibits. She also organizes artist meet-ups in the southern highlands to foster regional growth, collaboration, and innovation.
ARTIST STATEMENT :: "My work documents the psychology and embodied experience of the unrepeatable moment."
Connect with Jocelyn via her website (https://www.jocelynmathewes.com/) and Substack newsletter (https://jocelynmathewes.substack.com/).
SUPPORT ENTWINED :: Jocelyn is part of a crowd-funded project curated by artist-mother Sarah Shotts.
- Entwined is an anthology that weaves together stories of creativity and motherhood by painters, writers, potters, visual artists, musicians, poets, and multi-passionates from around the globe.
- Ember is an art journal companion.
Preorder your copy here (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/entwined-an-anthology-of-creativity-motherhood#/).
Take a peek inside the book here (https://substack.com/@sarahshotts/p-148368958).
Read the 5-year origin story of the project here (https://sarahshotts.substack.com/p/preorder-entwined-creativity-and?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web).
Connect with Sarah via her website (https://www.sarahshotts.com/) and Substack newsletter (https://sarahshotts.substack.com/).
SUBSCRIBE to the UNRAVEL your journey podcast on Substack. Available for free (or for $5 per month).
We pull apart the structure of The Element by Sir Ken Robinson (what we liked and didn't like) and dive into a conversation about accessibility, whether passion projects can / should be monetized, and the experience of finding creative flow v. allowing for interruptions.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/36
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
Let’s talk about how to engage with the seasons of the creative process. This is BOTH a science and an art-form, because it’s not always “cyclical” (and sometimes feels more like ping-pong).
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/35
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
We interview Claire Venus, a Creative Producer and Mentor who invites creative work into her experience of motherhood (and vice versa). We talk about how to embrace presence inside motherhood (through creative practice!), what it means to make creative spaces more accessible, and the intentional practice of balancing boundaries with flexibility.
Find Claire Venus on her website (www.creativelyconscious.co.uk), on instagram, and through her Substack newsletter (of the same name).
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/34
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
Maintaining consistent (or regular) practice can be deeply challenging. In this episode we work through our individual challenges together.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/32
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/30
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we talk to Rachel Hubbard (a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Houston, Texas) about somatic experiencing and how it relates to the unravel framework. She defines somatic experiencing and explains why bodywork matters for mental health therapy. We talk about how to identify “what the body wants” in a mind-focused culture (with “body standards,” particularly for women) and how somatic experiencing might pave the way for deeper inner-work.
Content Warning: Mention of eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, body image.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/28
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we review Strange Situation by Bethany Saltman. We define the theory of attachment, why it matters, and how we might reframe our personal stories of attachment (for ourselves and our kids!)
We apologize: The audio-quality in this episode is NOT ideal. We ask for your patience as we transition to a new recording platform!
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/27
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/25
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/24
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we speak with three kids of different ages about their experience of social media and general technology. Then we dive into a conversation about how our relationship with technology affects our kids, how we set technology limits for kids (and grown-ups!), and how to keep this conversation going!
Please Note: You’ll hear some background noises in the first part of this episode
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/23
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we talk about why the Summer Solstice holds sacred energy and how you might celebrate or ritualize the annual experience. We also share our childhood experiences of summertime (and how those have changed in adulthood, particularly with young kids).
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/21
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode, we take you through a 15-minute practice in envisioning your “ideal day” to help you identify unconscious desires (and maybe some imbalances with what you want and your current reality). We talk about why this practice is important and how we experience it differently.
PLEASE NOTE: We’ve retired the tiered structure of our podcast community (mentioned in the beginning of this episode).
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/22
JOIN THIS CONVERSATION IN OUR PODCAST COMMUNITY. Available for free on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we talk about why the Summer Solstice holds sacred energy and how you might celebrate or ritualize the annual experience. We also share our childhood experiences of summertime (and how those have changed in adulthood, particularly with young kids).
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/21
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/20
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/19
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we begin our discussion of Michaeleen Doucleff’s book Hunt, Gather, Parent (published in 2020).
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/16
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we take you through the “value sorting” practice we used to identify our guideposts within the business (it’s also a practice you’ll find within the STUDIO!) We also discuss the importance of bringing what you value into conscious awareness, what “desire” has to do with “values,” and several other practices to help you determine your own “value sort.”
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/15
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we talk about the purpose and intention of social media platforms (originally and now), what we love about social media, and the challenges of social media for personal and professional use. We also share a few things that have helped redefine our personal relationships with technology in general and how we’re choosing to use social media for business (or not).
CW: mention of miscarriage
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/14
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we dive into one of the core pieces of the Unravel Your Days framework called ENVISION. We explain the precarious balance between forward-thinking and presence, consider where desire plays a role, and dissect several barriers to the practice of “envisioning” (including personal stories from experience). We also briefly explain the different processes of releasing and embracing Big Visions.
CW: anxiety and anxiety-inducing
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/13
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we dive into a conversation about anxiety (and why that matters when we talk about happiness!) We discuss the importance of exposure to unpleasant feelings, the difference between emotions and feelings, and the multifaceted debate about whether and how much circumstances matter to happiness.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/12
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we talk about HAPPINESS: how everybody wants it, why it’s elusive, and helpful tips for reframing happiness as a feeling to help you enjoy it when it shows up and let it go when the time comes.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/11
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we explain spring as a metaphor for getting started and planting the seeds of new ideas (particularly after a long winter season). We talk about the variable energy of this transition season, explain how this relates to the menstrual cycle, and offer our personal practices to celebrate and invite the energy of springtime.
CW: mention of the experience of miscarriage
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/10
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we begin to redefine our relationship to time with a conversation about our cultural experience with productivity. We discuss the nature of forever-renewable tasks and question the narrative around using time as currency to build a life filled with “productivity hacks.” (NOTE: We come to this conversation as womxn / mothers who work-from-home. We talk about our experiences balancing work, partnership, self-caretaking, and homeschooling within day-to-day living.)
please note: there are slight technical difficulties within this episode.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/9
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
This episode offers a thoughtful, critical review of Glennon Doyle’s most recent memoir, Untamed. We offer a brief summary of the book before diving into some of the ways we relate (and don’t relate) to Glennon’s experience. Then we ask some critical questions about the book, paying particular attention to some of the broad generalizations (around gender and gender roles) and the “steps” to rewilding the self that Glennon lays out in the book.
TW: mention of eating disorders, miscarriage, addiction, self-harm
Whether or not you’ve read this book, please keep in mind that we discuss specific stories from within the text, noting page numbers for reference.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/8
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we’re differentiating “real” self-care from the industry that sells a one-size-fits-all definition. We talk about productivity and accessibility, separate self-care from self-pleasure and rest, and explore the role of collective-care. Plus, we share how our self-care practices have shifted lately (and why that’s a good thing).
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/7
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
This episode is a conversation about whether affirmations “work” and why. We offer our personal experience (with money- and body-affirmations specifically), question the cultural significance of affirmations, and offer some alternative practices that might work better.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/6
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
What’s the difference between rituals and habits? Can they be “good” or “bad” (or helpful or unhelpful)? Is consistency of practice required or optional? Is “going through the motions” beneficial… or not?
In this episode we explain our early experiences with and current practices of habits and rituals. We consider whether “consistency” is really necessary, what makes ritual practice meaningful, and whether there’s really any advice we can offer to people creating rituals for the first time.
please note: the audio quality within this episode is less than future episodes.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/5
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we explain winter as a metaphor for the “non-productive, empty, slow and restful” phase of life. We dive into some childhood memories about winter, plus the paradox between necessary periods of rest + the cultural value of “consistent” and forever-productivity. We’ll also share our favorite wintertime rituals to honor this season.
please note: the audio quality within this episode is less than future episodes.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/4
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
PRESENCE in mind/body/soul is the purpose of Unravel Your Days: to Enlighten what’s happened + to Envision what you’d like to happen next allows you to Embody your present experience. But what does presence feel like? And is it really possible?
In this episode, we talk through our “definition” for presence + various practices for how to experience it; we also describe our personal “presencing practices” and how these have changed over time.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/3
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
In this episode we’re detailing the origin story of this business and the general framework for Unravel Your Days. You’ll hear about the seedling idea for the membership program, the many false-starts, how the framework actually manifests itself now, and what to expect from this podcast moving forward.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/2
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co
Welcome to the Unravel Your Days podcast! In this first episode, Kati and Alycia talk about how they met in high school, what it’s like to become a parent before you’re “ready,” and why mental and emotional health remains a priority within their work together.
Kati Overmier is a licensed therapist and social worker who lives in Houston, Texas, with her partner and son. She loves Broadway musicals, all things Harry Potter, and geeking out about science-related breakthroughs in the field of mental and emotional well-being.
Alycia Buenger is a writer, writing coach, and movement + meditation teacher who lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband and two kids. She’s passionate about self-led education + deschooling and cycle syncing daily life with mind/body/spirit health.
For complete show notes and a detailed description of this episode visit - www.unravelyourdays.com/podcast/1
THIS IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. You can support our work and further the conversations within these episodes by joining our PODCAST COMMUNITY on Mighty Networks - www.unravelyourdays.mn.co