Episodes
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It’s been a minute ya’ll! The winds of change are blowing. There is a lot to reflect on right now, and Anna is here to be your mirror. In this ep, she gives us a tarot reading to check in on where we are at and how to get to where we are going as we drop into a new year. But before that, Anna is going to take some time to tell us where SHE is going, where she has been and what we can expect from her as she taps deeper into creativity and transformation herself.
Over the last few years, we’ve all been digging around, tilling soil and trying to plant new things. Have you been feeling like it’s time to turn a new page? We have! With so much going on in the world, it can be hard to get real with yourself about what you want, what is working or even what your motivations are for the things you dedicate your time to. Let’s take a minute to sort ourselves out and see what the next chapter looks like.
Resources :
Write or Die
Kate Devine
Sarah McColl
Tell Me Why You Love It Submissions
Channeling the Magician A Creative Cohort with Anna
Book a Session with Anna
Follow How to Be Human on Instagram
Follow How to Be Human on Substack
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We know you know that you should probably start meditating again. But what many of us don’t know is exactly what it really is or if we are doing it right. There are different types, different reasons to try it, and many excuses for not ; so we asked Vanessa the Aquarean to talk to us all about it.
Vanessa is a psychic, tarot reader, medium, occult enthusiast and astrologer. Her podcast, The Aquarean, deep dives all these themes and more with a grounded yet magical point of view. She knows what’s up and is down to experiment with the unknown. On this episode, she shares what meditating can feel like for folks with trauma or mental health issues, why it is important to quiet the mind, and other very fun takes about our intuition overall.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode + Where to Find us
The Aquarean
The Aquarean on Instagram
The Aquarean Podcast
Discount Code for The Aquarean 30 Day Meditation Journey - THEAQUAREAN25
Book a Session with Anna
Find Anna on Instagram
To Suggest a Topic Email - [email protected]
Follow How to Be Human on Instagram
Follow How to Be Human on Substack
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave Podcasting
HTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting
HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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Missing episodes?
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It’s Halloween people, and boy are things a little scary. The veils are thin, but the vibes are heavy. This time of year is always both a reality check and a point of surrender, but this go round is especially penetrating.
Scorpio season is deep fall. It refuses to look away. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed right now, you are not alone. One of our favorite tools to walk us out of a stuck point is our bestie, the tarot. In this mini episode, Anna gives us a reading on grief that holds us and helps us take a breath and get clearer on what the best way to be engaged during this spooky, spooky season.
Book a Session with Anna
Find Anna on Instagram
To Suggest a Topic Email - [email protected]
Follow How to Be Human on Instagram
Follow How to Be Human on Substack
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave Podcasting
HTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting
HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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As much as we fight it, social media has become a marketplace for us all. We are constantly on our devices, our algorithms telling us what to eat and buy and our parasocial relationships edging closer and closer to replacing our real ones.
Lee Tilghman was at the height of her influencer game when she had a sharp realization that the cost of living under a lens was higher than the checks her sponsored content was bringing in. After building Lee from America, her online wellness persona that garnered over 300k followers, she realized that she had been housing her own pain in the identity she crafted. This life changing revelation rocked her finances and her life in Los Angeles. She talks to Anna about how she came to realize she was in over her head and how she found her authentic voice once she set the Lee from America brand down.
Where to find us:
Lee's Website
Lee on Substack
Lee in the New York Times
Book a Session with Anna
Find Anna on Instagram
To Suggest a Topic Email - [email protected]
Follow How to Be Human on Instagram
Follow How to Be Human on Substack
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave Podcasting
HTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting
HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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We all have a story. We are born into family legacies, we develop personalities, we meet people and see ourselves in each other. Who we are finds its way into both the mundane and the expansive throughout our lives, usually in a variety of modalities or forms of expression.
Sarah McColl is a writer who shares her curiosities and her point of view in a beautiful way. Her honest and tender memoir, Joy Enough, chronicles her mother’s death and the divorce Sarah went through concurrently. It left us stunned. Anna and Sarah go deep on all of the things that come up in every stage of clarifying your own story, the ebb and flow of creativity and productivity, and tons more food for thought about living life and feeling feels.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Beth Pickens - Make Your Art No Matter What
Off the Grid Podcast
Making a Life As An Artist - Andrew Simonet
Marlee Grace
Where to find us:
Learn more about Sarah McColl Subscribe to Lost Art Read Sarah's Book Joy Enough How to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaTo suggest a guest/topic, or just get in contact [email protected]Episode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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Connection is one of the most essential, yet sometimes precarious of human needs. We have never been more connected or more isolated, and over the last few years boundary discourse has loomed large online. It seems everyone is working on theirs, or at least reading about them, and sometimes it feels like we are getting it wrong.
Enter Dr. Josh Mirmelli, Licensed Psychotherapist and round two How to Be Human guest. He is back with us to answer our questions about all of that and more. There are many common misconceptions about what a healthy boundary is and how to communicate them safely. Dr. Josh will walk Anna through some possible ways we misinterpret them, and give us tips on how to set some that work.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
“Is Therapy Peak Making Us Selfish” Bustle April 2023
Jessica Lanyadoo
Ghost of a Podcast 234 ‘How to Have Boundaries with Family”
Ghost of a Podcast 260 “Boundaries for Introverts
Where to find us:
Learn more about Dr. JoshFollow Dr. Josh on Instagram How to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaTo suggest a guest/topic, or just get in contact [email protected]Episode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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We’re back! It is fall! Part of us is raring to go commune with leaves and pumpkins, part of us wants to crack books and learn something new, and then there is the (not so) secret third thing of the season that involves magic, spirituality, grieving and self inquiry before the winter ahead.
One of the best ways to come back to yourself and the magic inside is with tarot! Anna gives us a fantastic reading of the energies that lie ahead that is validating, yet not sugar coated. We are taking responsibility for our lives through strengthening our intuition and being real with ourselves and others. Whatever is coming up, we can handle. Feel it all and keep it moving, night awaits.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Ryan Marquardt Astrology
Clairannoyance with Ryan Marquardt + Megan Lund
WTF is Tarot and How Do I Do It - Book - Bakara Wintner
Bakara’s New Class - WTF is Tarot Intensive
Where to find us:
How to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaTo suggest a guest/topic, or just get in contact [email protected]Episode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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Vanessa Hardy is back for a little astrology jam! Venus is already halfway through her retrograde #venusday, and now Mercury is getting ready to park it for a retrograde that begins August 23rd. This has been a summer of many astrological shifts, and we talk a lot about how to honor the changes while also keeping our own good sense intact.
We also answered some listener questions! We cover creativity and pregnancy, a listener with a natal Venus retrograde who deserves more than a fairweather lover, Sabian Symbols, and memorable blows to our ego. We close this episode out with some thoughts about addiction, and if you are struggling we encourage you to stay the course and use some of our resources below for help.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements Stephen Arroyo
Sabian Symbols
Visionary Activist Astrology
https://dopeisdeath.com/ Podcast and Film on the use of Acupuncture in Harm Reduction
https://harmreduction.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alanon
SLAA
Codependents Anonymous
Where to find us:
Book a session with Vanessa Subscribe to View of an Hour Vanessa's Substack Find How to be Human on IGFind Anna on IG Book a session with AnnaTo suggest a guest/topic, or just get in contact [email protected]Episode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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Empathy has exploded in mentions in the past few years but do we actually get it? Anna's asking questions and curious about are we nailing empathy or have we gone somewhere else?
Anna and astrologer Vanessa are also working on a cosmic advice episode! Plz submit your questions about Venus retrograde, Mercury retrograde, your own chart, running a spiritual business, tarot, whatever you plz and we'll take a stab at answering using are most magical of skills. You can submit your question via email, IG or the speakpipe.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Brene Brown empathy video
Where to find us:
How to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaTo suggest a guest/topic, or just get in contact [email protected]Episode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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If you are a fan of this podcast, there is a good chance you are someone who deserves to take up more space. But listener, we will bet that your own self awareness, compassion and perhaps even naivete has led you to confuse confidence in others with arrogance. We all want to find the right mix of proudly being who you are and knowing when you are the expert in the room, but the fear that we are being rude or selfish often makes doing that very difficult for folks who care about other people.
In this mini episode, Anna jumps in to share her experience with clocking arrogance in people, and she shares some great musings from the How to Be Human community. Pro tip here, if you are concerned with sounding arrogant, you are likely on the right side of the coin and deserve a little brag sesh. It’s Leo season!
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Nimity Online
The Subtle Difference Between Arrogance and Confidence
This American Life Episode
Where to find us:
How to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaEpisode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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This week an episode of the The Compulsive Storyteller as a treat.
Cancer is the sign associated with the mother, and today we are swapping podcasts with The Compulsive Storyteller to tell the story of a remarkable Mom. As the one of the first female pilots in the US Airforce, Betty LeFevre traveled around the country as one of ten applicants selected to take part in the Womens’ Air Force Service Pilots, aka the WASPS.
Betty was a remarkable woman, talented and dynamic. Despite her courage and strength; she dealt with sexism and exploitation as she served. In this podcast, host Gregg LeFevre shares his perspective on her life both as a WASP and the years that followed once the war concluded.
https://www.thecompulsivestoryteller.com/
National Women’s History Museum-WASPS
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Splish, splash- it’s Cancer Season ya’ll. The Moon’s in charge now, and so are the feels. But, while summer famously tempts us all to check out, Cancer season is also about slowly starting to make moves. In this episode, Anna breaks out the cards to give us a collective vibe check on where we are at now, and where our hearts may lead us.
If you are a tarot newbie, she’s got you covered. Anna touches on the Major and Minor Arcana, Suits and Elements, and we get to go on a side quest with Lilith, the original baddest bitch. Anna has some gentle suggestions on how we can juggle the desire to become beach bums, the buzz of overactive minds, and how to handle the boxes we have to check on the way to our big goals.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Spirit Speak Apparition Deck
Black Moon Lilith in Leo, Explained-NYLON
Where to find us:
How to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaEpisode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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**Trigger/Content Warning discussions of medical procedures, dieting, weight loss**
Anna is a Southern gal who will never stop being polite, but she is getting very real in this solo ep. Join Anna as she clues us in on her weight loss surgery, and her medical journey leading up to making that decision. She covers hard facts and logistics, dealing with pandemic related fat phobia, Ozempic, Metformin and helps us apply a more nuanced perspective on body positivity and health.
If you are working on your relationship with your body at any weight, Anna’s candor will offer you space to examine your motivations and perhaps open a door to some new ways of moving forward. If you want to be a better, more inclusive human, this episode is the one to listen to.
Resources Mentioned in the episode:
Anna speaks on Ozempic in The Cut- November 2022
Emily McCombs - "I Gained 70 Pounds During COVID. Here's What Happened On My First Day Back In The Office"
Lily Feeds You - Nutrition and Holistic Health Practitioner
NYU Weight Management Center
Where to find us:
How to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaEpisode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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Money. We need it. You know it, we know it, but many of us have a hard time facing it. When we get into healing, we hear a lot about scarcity and gratitude, but those are big picture concepts that unfortunately just don’t cut it when the bills are due.
Underneath those ideas are many other complicated feelings and traumas that need to be named and integrated in order for us to build a secure money foundation. Money is a part of life, death and everything in between and the financial decisions we make can cause a ripple of impact. It is a topic that must be embraced with care.
In this episode, Stella Gold, of My Gold Standard, talks to us about how to address the emotional side of money while being realistic about it. Stella is a certified Trauma of Money facilitator with over 7 years in fintech and wealth advocacy under their belt. In this grounded, informative episode, they share their personal story around financial literacy, ancestral healing, and gently walks us through a validating wake up call to the necessary facts about money management.
Resources Mentioned:
The Law of Divine Compensation - Marianne Wiliamson
Trauma of Money Method
Where to find us:
Stella's Website My Gold Standard Stella's Instagram Sign up to be first to know of MGS's next offering, The Wealth Activism Collective. Launching August 2023How to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaEpisode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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Big business on the docket for this astrology episode with Vanessa Hardy. Q3 has arrived and it is time to talk about Venus, Mars, the Nodes and how the personal and political intersect. It’s a summer of love- but that doesn’t just mean romance, it’s deeper than that. It’s the juice, the joy, and the reason why we fight for better worlds. Leo is not only the drama, but the generous Queen who is happiest when everyone is pleased.
Anna and Vanessa both reflect on the last time Venus went retrograde in Leo, summer 2015. They also touch on Nodal shifts, the Nodal return that occurs around age 36, and ride a few astrologically inspired tangents. Get ready to wing it a little this summer, it’s going to be a hot one.
Resources Mentioned
Alice Sparkly Kat
Well and Good - Discover Your North Node To Learn Your Cosmic Destiny and True Calling
The Nap Ministry Rest Deck
Refinery 29 Is Therapy Speak Ruining Our Relationships
Decolonizing Non Violent Communication
Where to find us:
Book a Summer of Venus Reading with VanessaSummer of Venus Mini WorkshopLeave a message on SpeakpipeHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaEpisode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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I mentioned in the last episode I've got some health stuff going on which is making my schedule a little bonkers. It's made recording and getting to the podcast a bit difficult. Today I feel like is a clever solve, rather then leave you hanging I asked Ryan if he would share the episode of Clairannoyance I was on to share with ya'll. Thanks to Ryan and Megan being true gems they were down so please enjoy the episode. Below are the original show notes from the episode because they didn't do all that work for me NOT to share them :)
n our first (of many!) guest interview episodes, co-hosts Megan Lund and Ryan Marquardt sit down with one of the most multifaceted, wildly talented and unendingly knowledgable spiritual badasses in the game: Anna Toonk.
Anna guides us into the world of tarot, dancing between topics including the history of tarot, why it's appealing to clients, the importance of understanding the traditional meaning of the cards, finding your own interpretative style as a reader, whether astrology and tarot should be as interconnected as they've become, and much more. We discuss some of our annoyances about tarot and the larger spiritual community as well, from receiving requests for free readings to the horrors of dating as a spiritual professional.
Based in New York City, Anna has been a professional tarot reader for many years, but her prowess transcends the boundaries of most tarot practitioners. She's an intuitive healer, Akashic records reader, and a resilient entrepreneur. Anna is carving an evolving legacy for herself, currently broadcasting her distinct voce and curious mind via her illustrious podcast, "How to Be Human." (Not Sponsored: Anna legitimately runs one of the best podcasts available right now.) Every week, "How to Be Human" explores the common and often confusing themes of humanness including spirituality, connection, wellness, self-acceptance, and more. Anna uses her humor, honesty and intuition to discuss unanswerable questions we all share. She speaks with many brilliant guests as she searches for clarity in the most human way possible; together.
As our first guest, Anna sets the bar high. Stay tuned for many more guest episodes coming soon with fascinating, well-vetted people who help us shed light on all corners of the spiritual world, from tarot to human design, past lives to the paranormal, and beyond.
Key Takeaways in this Episode
• Meet Anna, who transitioned from a successful 15+ year career in television to spiritual work
• Acquire seasoned advice and insights about what tarot is (and isn't!), how it's used, why it's appealing, plus some tarot tips and tricks
• Hear our unfiltered annoyances, hilarious tangents and overdue vents about tarot and spirituality
Connect with Anna Toonk
• Website: annatoonk.com
• Anna's Instagram: @annatoonk
• "How to Be Human" Instagram: @howtobehumanpod
• "How to Be Human" on Apple Podcasts
• "How to Be Human" on Spotify
• "How to Be Human" Substack
Additional Resources
• Clairannoyance Instagram
• Clairannoyance TikTok...
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Anna is thinking about the future! Specifically the future of the pod, which has been evolving and growing over the years. In this solo episode, she took it to Speakpipe to respond to some listener's takes on advice. The best of it, the worst of it and where it can go awry when unsolicited.
Whenever we are in brainstorming mode, there is more room for what other people have to say about our situation-for better or for worse. Moving through lifes’ mile markers requires clarity, flexibility and support. Advice can be helpful, but it’s an art like anything else. Let’s learn how to craft better guidance.
Resources mentioned:
“Helped, Heard, or Hugged? When someone you love is upset, ask this one question”- NY TIMES “
Where to find us:
Leave a message on SpeakpipeHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaEpisode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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In part two of her story, Casey talks us through so many complex facets of being a human- siblings, mental health, privilege- and she lands the plane on a great story combining a little super sleuthing and unlikely friendships. Casey starts to piece together more clues and finds a new sense of confidence through taking control of her story. Come for the info, stay for the great cast of characters doing their best to find their footing with each other.
Resources mentioned:
The Primal Wound
Seven Cores Issues in Adoption and Permanency
Free Time Media
Free Time Media on IG
Where to find us:
Leave a message on SpeakpipeHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaEpisode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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Casey Kahn spends her time helping people and brands tell their stories as Co Founder of Free Time Media, so it was our pleasure to turn the mic towards her and give her a chance to share hers. In this episode, Casey looks back on her childhood and teen years through the lens of her adoption story, and shares her realizations around how being an adoptee may have impacted her social life in subtle but significant ways. She also covers the very important journey of finding out whether or not she was a Scorpio or a Sagittarius! Crucial info!
According to The Adoption Network, while 2-4% of Americans have adopted, more than ⅓ of Americans have thought about it, so if you’ve been curious this episode might be a great place to start.
Resources mentioned:
The Primal Wound
Seven Cores Issues in Adoption and Permanency
NY Times Article-New York Adoptees Fight for Access to Birth Certificates
Wall Street Journal-Bill Would Grant New York Adoptees Access to Birth Certificates for First Time in Decades
Free Time Media
Free Time Media on IG
Where to find us:
Leave a message on SpeakpipeHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaEpisode credits:
HTBH is Produced by Anna Toonk and The Wave PodcastingHTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting HTBH Show Notes are written by Vanessa Hardy
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I definitely remember being intimidated by Shauna when I first met her. Was it the perfect red lip, the quiet confidence or the smooth voice for meditation? Who can say but thanks to Maha Rose I got to experience her work. I was not only intimidated by Shauna but hypnosis as well and she couldn't be a better ambassador for the process. We discuss how Shauna got into hypnosis, what it actually is versus the cluck like a chicken reputation, whether or not Shauna uses hypnosis to make people bring her snacks and more. We also touch upon Shauna's art and book Wishcraft built off wishing well traditions, and hypnosis for crafting a better world for yourself and the collective. Shauna is a super skilled practitioner and just all around cool person I feel lucky to know and have benefited from her expertise. It's possible this podcast exists because of her work and her help getting me out of my own creative way.
Where to find us:
Shauna's WebsiteShauna's Instagram Get Shauna's Book WishcraftHow to Be Human InstagramAnna's InstagramBook a session with AnnaHTBH is Produced by The Wave Podcasting HTBH is edited by Iva Hristova at The Wave Podcasting
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