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In this heartfelt episode of Conversations with Cacao, artist and intuitive healer Shaunda Gabink shares her transformative journey through Long COVID, exploring how cacao ceremonies, creative expression, and ancestral wisdom have been pivotal in her healing process.

We delve into:

• The role of cacao in emotional and physical healing

• Navigating the challenges of Long COVID with compassion

• Embracing creativity and intuition as tools for recovery

• Insights from Mayan cosmology and lucid dreaming

• The importance of community and storytelling in healing

Whether you're seeking solace, inspiration, or understanding, this episode offers a profound exploration of healing through connection and creativity.

⏳ Chapters 00:00 – Grounding into Presence 09:16 – Cacao Blessing and Intentions 12:54 – Journey with Cacao 18:40 – Creativity and Intuition 22:56 – The Artist of Life 30:48 – Mayan Cosmology and Cacao 33:15 – Tattoo Apprenticeship and Intuition 36:44 – Navigating Grief and Creativity 41:54 – The Cycles of Creativity 44:40 – Understanding Emotions and Healing 51:17 – The Journey Through Long COVID 58:47 – Finding Balance and Healing 01:01:44 – Intentional Creativity and Cacao Rituals 01:04:36 – Claiming Your Healing Journey 01:17:01 – Reprogramming the Body and Mind 01:20:32 – The Journey of Self-Compassion 01:22:17 – Meditation and Emotional Awareness 01:25:23 – The Power of Breath and Emotion 01:27:00 – Creativity and Intuition Unfolding 01:30:11 – Mythology and Personal Transformation 01:36:26 – The Healing Power of Dreams 01:48:13 – Connection and Community Through Cacao

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🧠 Jill Bolte Taylor – My Stroke of Insight (TED Talk) https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_my_stroke_of_insight?language=en

📜 Dresden Codex & Mayan Wisdom https://www.wayeb.org/download/resources/dresden01.pdf https://chocolateclass.wordpress.com/tag/dresden-codex/

📚 Maya Culture & Spirituality https://oxomedia.net/ https://thefourpillars.net/ https://www.mayaukux.com/

🧘 Pema Chödrön Foundation https://pemachodronfoundation.org/

🎙️ Long COVID Podcast https://www.longcovidpodcast.com/

🌙 Charlie Morley – Lucid Dreaming https://www.charliemorley.com

📚 Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson Series 📖 Richard Adams – Watership Down

📬 Connect with Shaunda: kayroseshop@gmail.com

#cacaoceremony #creativityandhealing #longcovidrecovery #griefandcreativity #luciddreaming #mayancosmology #tattooapprenticeship #plantmedicinepodcast #artistoflife #emotionalhealing #intentionalcreativity #conversationswithcacao

🎧 Listen now: https://conversationswithcacao.com/cacao-pod-cast 🛍️ Shop Sacred Sips: sacredsipscacao.com/shop 💸 15% off with code: sacredleadership ☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/conversationswithcacao 📲 Follow Steph: @sacredsipscacao

Steph shares her journey with cacao, the birth of Sacred Sips, and how this heart-opening plant has helped her—and so many others—heal, soften, and remember the sacred.

💗 Sisterhood 🌹 Divine Feminine & Mary Magdalene 🌿 Safe spaces for healing & connection 🔥 The joy of being human

Drop a 💖 in the comments if you’re tuning in.

00:00 – Centering Into Presence and Breath 08:22 – A Heart-Opening Blessing with Mama Cacao 19:29 – Unconditional Love and the Practice of Self-Compassion 31:16 – Identity, Shadow, and the Journey of Personal Transformation 38:52 – Cacao as a Catalyst for Spiritual Awakening 42:50 – Sacred Sips: Building a Community of Healing Through Cacao 45:32 – Cacao and the Feminine: A Journey into Embodiment and Connection 48:59 – Personal Transformation Through Daily Cacao Ritual 52:28 – Bringing Cacao to New Audiences and Healing New Communities 55:46 – How to Create Safe, Inclusive Spaces for Ceremony 01:00:09 – Balancing the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine 01:05:01 – Disrupting Old Patterns and Living the New Earth Frequency 01:09:33 – Mary Magdalene, Devotion, and Feminine Awakening 01:17:56 – Sisterhood and the Collective Healing of the Sister Wound 01:23:48 – Breaking the Cycle: Healing Generational Feminine Wounds 01:26:46 – Empowering Young Women and Educating Young Men 01:30:08 – Awakening the Divine Masculine Within 01:34:19 – Trusting the Healing Process and Letting Go of Control 01:38:59 – The Power of the Heart and Embodied Leadership 01:44:35 – Cacao’s Mission on Earth and Humanity’s Role 01:46:02 – Remembering the Joy of Being Fully Human 01:52:55 – Closing Cacao Blessings and Integration Practices 01:59:52 – The Heart Behind Sacred Sips Cacao 02:00:30 – Offerings, Community, and Continuing the Journey

#cacaoceremony #sisterhoodhealing #femininewisdom #spiritualpodcast #cacaopodcast #sacredleadership #marymagdalene #sacredsips #conversationswithcacao #plantmedicinepodcast

Catalina's Gift! https://bloodmysteries.pages.ontraport.net/optin

As a gift, I offer you a step by step menstrual rite and invitation to join me in offering our moon-blood (or transfigured wine) to the Earth from the comfort of home. Just click here https://bloodmysteries.pages.ontraport.net/optin to download your pdf guide and also receive how to collect and store your moon-blood, an offering song and other resources to support your reclamation of your womb & blood as sacred, powerful and wise.

In this rich and soul-stirring episode of Conversations with Cacao, host Alexandra Gabrielle Schooley-Marks welcomes Catalina Rivera-Dois—ceremonialist, healer, and guide of feminine flow—for a profound dialogue on the medicine of cacao and the reclamation of sacred feminine wisdom.

Together, Alex and Catalina explore cacao as a powerful plant ally that opens the heart, connects us to nature, and invites us into deeper ceremony, gratitude, and presence. Catalina shares her personal journey with cacao, the beauty of moon blood rituals, and the transformative power of honoring the earth through offerings and embodied reverence.

This episode moves through the essence of surrender, the balance between divine feminine and masculine energies, and the historical and spiritual weight of the witch wound. Catalina offers reflections on how healing begins with humility, trust, and cultivating deep relationships with the land and plant medicine.

Whether you’re a practitioner of ritual, curious about the feminine mysteries, or longing to feel more grounded and empowered in your spiritual path, this conversation invites you to slow down, listen to the land, and remember your own magic.

🎧 Listen in for:

The sacred power of cacao as heart medicine

Moon blood as a source of feminine strength and wisdom

Healing the witch wound and reclaiming our gifts

Embodied connection to nature through ritual and offering

Navigating cultural respect in plant medicine work

Awakening the land through ceremony and sacred feminine presence

The role of surrender in spiritual transformation

Becoming indigenous to place through devotion and relationship

✨ Key Takeaways:

Cacao creates space for healing, heart connection, and community

Ritual is a portal to reclaim the sacred feminine

Offering moon blood to the earth deepens our bond with nature

The witch wound still shapes how women express their spiritual gifts

Honoring the land and indigenous wisdom is a collective responsibility

Life becomes magical when we live in reverence and reciprocity

🔖 Chapters: 00:00 Setting the Space for Connection 07:45 The Blessing of Cacao 16:49 Catalina's Journey with Cacao 24:57 Connection to the Earth and Nature 30:27 Reclaiming the Power of Moon Blood 38:53 The Divine Feminine and Masculine Balance 44:00 Connecting with Nature's Frequencies 48:01 The Power of Surrender 57:58 Understanding the Witch Wound 01:09:59 Building Relationships with Plant Medicine 01:26:49 Awakening to Nature's Magic 01:29:29 The Power of Offerings 01:30:50 Reconnecting with the Land 01:32:42 The Role of Sacred Women 01:35:00 Cacao as Heart Medicine 01:40:14 Cultural Appropriation and Respect 01:47:40 Becoming Indigenous to the Land 01:55:43 Celebrating Humanity's Connection to Nature

🔍 Keywords: Cacao, Feminine Flow, Moon Blood, Plant Medicine, Ceremony, Connection to Nature, Divine Feminine, Divine Masculine, Healing, Spirituality, Witch Wound, Cacao Ceremonies, Indigenous Wisdom, Offerings, Sacred Women, Heart Medicine, Cultural Respect, Spiritual Journey, Surrender, Nature Connection, Empowerment

⚡ Important Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I am not a medical professional, and this content should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, health practices, or wellness routines.

#CacaoBenefits #CeremonialCacao #PlantMedicine #HolisticHealth #SpiritualAwakening #FunctionalNutrition #WellnessJourney #HeartHealing #BrainHealth #MoodBoost #Magnesium #Antioxidants #Superfoods #MindBodySpirit #ConversationsWithCacao

00:00 The Magic of Cacao: An Introduction 19:48 Understanding Antioxidants and Their Role 33:24 Theobromine: Cacao's Energizing Compound 38:42 Theobromine: A Key Component of Cacao 47:22 The Role of Magnesium in Cacao 53:45 Neurotransmitters: The Connection to Cacao 01:01:32 Oxytocin: The Love Hormone and Cacao 01:10:58 Anandamide: The Bliss Molecule 01:17:32 The Importance of Sourcing Cacao

References: 1. Serotonin, Tryptophan, and Cacao: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728667/ (Serotonin and brain function overview) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25680698/ (The role of dietary tryptophan in serotonin production) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613902/ (Tryptophan, mood, and foods like cacao)

2. Anandamide and Cacao: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9394165/ (Anandamide presence in cacao) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2241751/ (Endocannabinoid system explained)

3. Dopamine, Tyrosine, and Phenylethylamine (PEA) in Cacao: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6422465/ (Dopamine synthesis and tyrosine's role) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8437713/ (PEA in chocolate and its psychoactive effects)

4. Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Cacao: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168569/nutrients (USDA database entry for cacao nutrition facts — including vitamin A, E, K) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56068/ (Overview of fat-soluble vitamins and their absorption)

5. Minerals in Cacao (Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, etc.): https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ (Magnesium — NIH fact sheet) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/ (Iron — NIH fact sheet) https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168569/nutrients (USDA cacao mineral content) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7142705/ (Comprehensive review: minerals and health effects in cacao)

6. General Overviews of Cacao's Biochemistry: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465250/ (Cocoa bioactive compounds and health) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28753942/ (Chemistry and bioactivity of cacao polyphenols)

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to keep spreading the magic of cacao!

Join our mailing list here! https://skilled-pioneer-1255.kit.com/b2ffacc267 Check out our website here: https://conversationswithcacao.com/

🎧 Listen now and reconnect with the sacred, one cup at a time.

🔗 Explore Embue Cacao at: https://www.embuecacao.com 🌀 Visit the podcast home at: https://www.conversationswithcacao.com

—

#CeremonialCacao #CacaoPodcast #EmbueCacao #CacaoCeremony #CacaoMedicine #SacredPlants #ConsciousLiving #PlantMedicine #CacaoHealing #SustainableSourcing #SpiritualPodcast #ConversationsWithCacao #ParentingWithCacao #DailyRituals #MosesEmbue #CacaoWayOfLife #CacaoCulture

Chapters

00:00 Setting the Space for Connection 06:19 Moses' Journey with Cacao 10:14 The Evolution of Cacao Ceremonies 15:22 Cacao's Mission and Its Impact 16:35 The Science of Cacao 19:21 Cacao's Cultural Roots and Modern Practices 23:18 Navigating Cacao Ceremony Traditions 27:19 Reverence for Cacao and Global Connections 32:10 Cacao Ceremonies and Cultural Appropriation 34:42 The Global Impact of Cacao Sourcing 36:24 Defining Ceremonial Cacao 40:23 Sourcing Practices and Quality Control 45:09 The Need for Standards in Ceremonial Cacao 46:59 Current Sourcing Challenges and Market Dynamics 50:55 Raising Awareness Through Price Increases 53:04 The Subtle Energies of Different Cacao Origins 56:44 Cacao as a Plant Medicine for Self-Reflection 01:01:04 Integration and Daily Practices with Cacao 01:05:38 Empowerment Through Cacao Rituals 01:08:04 Family Connections and Daily Rituals 01:09:57 Finding Purpose and Belonging 01:10:11 Staying Grounded Amidst Chaos 01:14:17 Vision and Mission of IMBU 01:16:15 Curiosity in Cacao Genetics and History 01:23:41 The Challenge of Being Human 01:31:00 Embracing Cacao in Daily Life

Summary

In this conversation, Moses, co-founder of Embue Cacao, shares his profound journey with cacao, exploring its ceremonial roots, the evolution of cacao ceremonies, and the science behind this beloved plant. He discusses the cultural significance of cacao, its role in personal growth, and the importance of sourcing high-quality cacao. The conversation delves into the modern interpretations of cacao ceremonies, parenting with cacao, and the future of the cacao industry, emphasizing the need for reverence and connection in our daily lives. Moses highlights the magic of cacao as a tool for inner work and community building, leaving listeners inspired to explore their own relationship with this powerful plant medicine.

💻 Explore more at: https://www.consciouscacao.co.uk 🎁 Get 15% off your cacao with code: Conversations15 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the podcast and this sacred movement.

#ConsciousCacao #CacaoHealing #PlantMedicine #Dreamwork #PlantDieta #SpiritualPodcast #CacaoCeremony #HeartMedicine #LucidDreaming #IntuitiveLiving #SacredPlants #PodcastEpisode #ConversationsWithCacao #HealingJourney #CacaoLove Chapters

00:00 Setting the Space for Connection 07:41 The Blessing of Cacao 09:50 Personal Journeys with Cacao 22:00 The Role of Intuition and Trust 33:41 Understanding Plant Dieta and Connection 39:05 Embodying the Energy of Cacao 43:07 Unique Connections with Plant Spirits 46:36 Manifestation and Meditation Practices 51:22 Sourcing Cacao: Ethical and Sustainable Practices 53:51 The Ashaninka Tribe and Their Relationship with Cacao 01:02:25 Dreams as a Gateway to Healing 01:05:53 Lucid Dreaming and Its Transformative Power 01:08:32 The Journey of Self-Discovery through Dreams 01:12:22 Interpreting Dreams: A Personal Approach 01:16:59 The Healing Power of Nature and Personal Journeys 01:34:06 Embracing Nature's Seasons 01:38:31 Healing Family Wounds 01:41:02 Navigating Thoughts and Emotions 01:46:40 Self-Awareness as a Superpower 01:47:32 The Beauty of Being Human 01:55:17 Closing Reflections and Blessings 01:59:05 Introduction to Conscious Cacao 01:59:06 The Journey of Love and Spirit in Cacao

This conversation explores the deep connections between humanity, nature, and the spiritual realm through the lens of cacao. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing our hearts, integrating our experiences, and expressing gratitude to the elements and ancestors that guide us.

Katie Ruffino – Health & Life Coach Instagram: @byCatherineRuffino Website: https://sunnysidekt.com/ Pure Pathways Detox Program: https://sunnysidekt.com/ Conversations with Cacao: https://conversationswithcacao.com/

If you reach out to Katie about the Pure Pathways Detox Program, be sure to let her know you found her through Conversations with Cacao – we’d love to hear about your journey!

Chapters: 00:00 - Creating Space for Connection 12:14 - Intentions and Heart Connection 14:59 - Katie's Journey and Connection with Cacao 30:07 - Navigating Mind, Body, and Spirit 33:08 - The Power of Food and Cacao 34:27 - Nourishing the Mind and Body 36:16 - Redefining Conventional Standards 39:19 - Awareness and Self-Talk 43:23 - Aligning Values and Actions 45:18 - Living with Intention 50:54 - Breaking Habits and Creating Change 54:51 - The Power of Belief and Identity 01:05:52 - Exploring Resistance and Identity 01:08:55 - The Power of Manifestation 01:13:03 - Mental Rehearsal and Visualization 01:17:02 - Surrendering to the Process 01:20:44 - The Journey of Surrender 01:25:34 - Finding Peace in Surrender 01:29:53 - The Surrender Experiment and Clarity 01:39:46 - The Healing Power of Cacao 01:44:29 - Cacao as a Spiritual Tool 01:47:38 - Nutritional Benefits of Cacao 01:53:27 - Environmental Considerations and Cacao 01:54:38 - Embracing the Human Experience 02:00:48 - Blessings and Closing Thoughts

In this insightful conversation with Katie Ruffino, a Health & Life Coach and creator of the Pure Pathways Detox Program, we explore the transformative power of authentic self-expression, community connection, and personal growth. Katie shares her journey into holistic health, including her connection to cacao and how it plays a key role in her healing practices. We discuss the importance of nourishing the mind, body, and spirit, the power of belief, and how embracing one’s true essence can inspire both personal and collective transformation.

Katie also offers practical advice on nutrition, self-talk, intentions, and living with purpose. Join us as we dive deep into surrender, manifestation, and how you can align your actions with your highest values to create lasting change.

Learn more about Katie’s Pure Pathways Detox Program at https://sunnysidekt.com/ and connect with her on Instagram @byCatherineRuffino.

If you reach out to Katie about the Pure Pathways Detox Program, be sure to let her know you found her through Conversations with Cacao – we’d love to hear about your journey!

For more conversations around cacao, healing, and personal empowerment, check out Conversations with Cacao.

Keywords: #AuthenticSelfExpression #HealthCoach #LifeCoach #DetoxProgram #CacaoHealing #MindBodySpirit #SelfTalk #PersonalGrowth #WellnessJourney #Manifestation #HealingPowerOfCacao #SurrenderAndTransformation #NutritionalBenefitsOfCacao #LivingWithIntention #Cacao #Manifestation #Detox #HolisticHealth

#CacaoWisdom #Breathwork #Consciousness #PlantMedicine #HealingJourney #SpiritualAwakening #Inspiration #DivineBreath #SelfDiscovery #EnergyHealing #CacaoRitual #MindfulLiving #AwakenYourSoul #IndigenousWisdom #SacredCacao

In this episode of Conversations with Cacao, we explore the profound connection between cacao, presence, breath, and self-exploration. Join Alexandra as she delves into the interconnectedness of all beings, the role of plant medicine in healing, and the wisdom cacao offers. Through personal stories and deep reflections, this conversation highlights the power of embodiment, creativity, and community. The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on inspiration as the divine breath of life—an invitation to release old dreams and embrace new beginnings.

Chapters & Topics Covered 00:00 – Introduction to Cacao & Presence 02:44 – The Power of Breath & Relaxation 05:34 – Exploring Tension & Release 08:25 – The Cycle of Breath & Co-Creation 11:32 – The Journey of Giving & Receiving 14:19 – Personal Journey with Cacao 17:28 – Consciousness & Existence 20:22 – Nature as a Teacher 23:15 – Connecting with Cacao 25:03 – Personal Stories & Synchronicities 28:44 – The Essence of Cacao & Plant Consciousness 45:22 – Exploring the Plant Kingdom & Indigenous Wisdom 47:30 – Embodiment & The Power of Natural Childbirth 49:25 – Consciousness Exploration & The Role of Cacao 51:46 – Creating Safe Spaces for Healing & Creativity 54:53 – The Journey of Self-Discovery & Inner Child 57:28 – Inspiration: The Breath of Life & Divine Connection 01:14:54 – Letting Go of Old Dreams & Embracing New Visions

Tune in now for a deep dive into cacao, breathwork, and the transformative power of inspiration.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and your favorite platforms.

What inspires you the most? How does cacao support your journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below.