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The estyubuntu podcast: The Unlocking Series

Exploring Intuitive Living & Stories through 4 pillars

Unlocking CREATIVITY, LOVE, Magic, and Wellness

Welcome to the EstyUbuntu Podcast, a space dedicated to supporting people on their healing journeys.

Join me as we delve into the transformative world where intuition becomes the guiding force in nurturing ourselves and those around us.

Established in 2020

UNLOCKING Wellness

Wellness is a relationship.

A relationship with your body.
With your
boundaries.
With your
truth.
With the way your
express yourself fully.

In our recent podcast episode, Unlocking Wellness Through the Lens of Self-Love, I sat down with the women behind Samui Island Retreats, alongside my friend Jess Nasser, who attended the July 2025 women’s retreat with me, to explore what self-love actually looks like when we look beyond its surface definition.

Samui Island Retreats is one of my Aligned Partnerships: Learn more about these here.

Use the Code: ESTY to receive a 1 hour wellness treatment when you sign up for one of their upcoming weeklong retreats.

Season 3: Unlocking Wellness

  • Welcome to our first podcast Unlocking Wellness Series with Maeve Downey episode! We're thrilled to have Maeve Downey as our special guest.

    Maeve’s mission is to anchor you fully into the present moment and help you access the incredible healing power of your mind-body connection. As a certified breathwork facilitator, somatic experiencing guide, and yoga instructor, Maeve brings a wealth of knowledge and deep compassion to her work.

    In this episode, Maeve shares insights into the transformative practices that guide her work, how breathwork and somatic healing can release stored trauma, and how reconnecting with your body can unlock greater peace, clarity, and resilience. Whether you're new to these practices or already on your healing journey, Maeve offers wisdom and practical tools to support your path.

    Join her on her upcoming Wellness Retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand ⁠https://www.samuiislandretreats.com/ ⁠Discount Code: ESTY for 1 hour wellness treatment with purchase of a week-long retreat

    Enjoy listening!

    Esty - The Neurospicy Oracle

    Connect with Maeve:

    Maeve's Group Breathwork, Trainings, or 1-1 Experiences:

    https://linktr.ee/maevemdowney

    Maeve's Instagram: Invara Somatics

  • Unlocking Wellness Series | EstyUbuntu Podcast Guest: Irene Underwood

    Welcome to this episode of the Unlocking Wellness Series on the EstyUbuntu Podcast!

    We're thrilled to be joined by the amazing Irene Underwood.

    After earning her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Psychology, Irene’s passion for travel and adventure led her to Thailand in 2017, where she fell in love with the culture and built a career centered around travel, education, and human connection. She now runs her own Travel and Experiences company on Koh Samui, curating magical moments for clients from around the world. Known for her bespoke approach, she crafts one-of-a-kind experiences that immerse travelers in the beauty, culture, and spirit of Thailand.

    Driven by her belief that human connection is the key to an amazing travel experience, Irene infuses every journey she creates with authenticity,

    ✨ Tune in for an inspiring conversation on travel, connection, wellness, and the beauty of living with intention.

    Join her on her upcoming Wellness Retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand ⁠https://www.samuiislandretreats.com/ ⁠Discount Code: ESTY for 1 hour wellness treatment with purchase of a week-long retreat

    Irene 's Instagram: ⁠ireneunderwood

    Enjoy this heartfelt episode!

    With love,

    Esty – The Neurospicy Oracle

  • In this inspiring episode of the Unlocking Wellness Series on the EstyUbuntu Podcast, we welcome the radiant soul and passionate wellness seeker, Natalie. Born and raised in California to a French father and an American mother, Natalie was immersed in a rich blend of cultures that sparked a deep curiosity about the world from an early age.

    Nine years ago, she began applying the teachings of the Medical Medium, embarking on a transformative healing journey that led to her recovery from 11 chronic health conditions. This path not only restored her physical well-being but also profoundly deepened her connection with the Divine.

    ⁠Medical Medium Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie ⁠

    ⁠Medical Medium Morning Cleanse ⁠

    ⁠Medical Medium Critical Clean Carbohydrates ⁠

    Thanks for listening!

    Esty - The Neurospicy Oracle

    Connect with Natalie : Instagram

  • ✨ Unlock Your Inner Glow with Zoe ✨ Welcome to another episode of the Unlocking Wellness Series on the EstyUbuntu Podcast.

    Today, we’re joined by Zoe, a passionate practitioner who creates a nurturing space where healing, beauty, and personal growth come together. With nearly two decades of experience in hair and makeup, bodywork, and holistic practices, Zoe offers a unique blend of services designed to restore balance, awaken your inner glow, and help you reconnect with the essence of who you truly are.

    Her journey has taken her from the vibrant landscapes of Bali to the sacred mountains of Peru, a path of deep transformation, healing, and discovery. From the fast-paced world of beauty to the ancient wisdom of traditional healing, each experience has shaped her integrative approach to wellness.

    Through her own challenges and growth, Zoe has cultivated a profound understanding of the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Her mission is to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel empowered, radiant, and whole.

    Tune in and unlock the glow within you.

    Thanks for listening!

    Esty - The Neurospicy Oracle

    Connect with Zoe : @zoekoritsas

    ⁠https://bio.link/zoekoritsas⁠

  • 🌿 Welcome to another episode of the Unlocking Wellness Series on the EstyUbuntu Podcast! 🌟

    Sarah’s passion for yoga and meditation began as a personal journey of self-discovery, eventually leading her to leave her career job and dedicate herself fully to yoga practices. She later opened her own yoga studio in Koh Samui, Sangha Yoga Studio, where she is committed to building a nurturing, inclusive community that allows people to connect, grow, and thrive both on and off the mat.

    Sarah believes yoga is a holistic practice that unites body, mind, and spirit. At the retreat, she will guide sessions that blend movement, breath, and mindfulness, helping participants explore deeper self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. With a compassionate and intuitive approach, she empowers others to tap into their inner strength, release stress, and cultivate a profound sense of well-being.

    Join her on her upcoming Wellness Retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand ⁠⁠https://www.samuiislandretreats.com/ ⁠⁠Discount Code: ESTY for 1 hour wellness treatment with purchase of a week-long retreat

    Thanks for Listening!

    Esty - The Neurospicy Oracle

    Connect with Sarah : @saraharguijo

  • 🌿 Welcome to another episode of the Unlocking Wellness Series on the EstyUbuntu Podcast! 🌟

    Kamau Abayomi is a mystic, interdisciplinary artist, and founder of Tuluvi Arts. With 30+ years of metaphysical practice, Kamau blends African and Asian sacred traditions, sound, movement, and poetry to awaken remembrance in the soul.

    In this episode, we explore Kamau’s international spiritual journey. from Qigong to ancient Shingon Buddhist fire rituals, becoming the first non-Japanese initiate of a 500-year-old lineage. We talk poetic transmission, the power of sacred rhythm, and how anime serves as a bridge between the mystical and the mundane.

    ✨ Discover what it means to live a mystic life and align your spirit with creative truth.

    Connect with Kamau: ⁠@kamauabayomi

    ⁠https://www.kamauabayomi.com/the-mystic

  • Meet Tasnim: Yoga Teacher, Meditation Guide & Community Wellness Entrepreneur

    Tasnim is a dedicated wellness practitioner rooted in the art of slowing down and reconnecting, with breath, body, and community. Raised in Cleveland and now living in Washington, D.C., she is at the beginning of her formal journey as a certified yoga and meditation teacher, offering gentle yet transformative 1-on-1 sessions and weekly group meditations. Her practice emphasizes presence and accessibility, especially for those navigating busy lives.

    But Tasnim’s commitment to wellness doesn’t stop on the mat. Alongside her partner, she runs The Fresh Mobile, a seasonal frozen limeade stand in Eastern Market that has become a beloved summer community hub in the city. Through fresh juices, friendly conversations, she invites her community to experience nourishment in every sense of the word.

    Her love of travel and time spent abroad have expanded her understanding of rest, ritual, and holistic healing. Inspired by global traditions and committed to honoring cultural roots. She also creates small-batch soaps, salves, and candles, every product infused with intention and care.

    Whether she’s guiding a meditation, preparing a healing blend, or simply holding space, Tasnim’s approach is grounded, gentle, and deeply community-focused. She believes healing should feel like home, and she’s here to remind us that wellness can begin with a sip, a stretch, or a single conscious breath.

    Thanks for listening!

    Esty - The Neurospicy Oracle

    Connect with Tasnim : @tasnimkristy

  • Welcome back to the Unlocking Wellness series,Kayla Harley is the founder of The Beebodi Marketplace, a wellness brand rooted in breath, movement, and intuitive care.

    Once a professional dancer and teaching artist, Kayla has transformed her lifelong relationship with movement into a multidimensional healing practice. She is an award-winning practionor As a Certified GYROKINESISⓇ Instructor, Optimal Life Breath Pathologist, and Energy Healer, she now helps athletes, artists, new mothers, elders, and everyday movers, reclaim their body’s wisdom, increase mobility, and prevent injury.

    Her approach is more than technique. It’s guided by the ancients, angels, ascendant master teachers, herbalists, and ancestral breath, and supported by the science of somatics, naturopathy, and energetic alignment.

    Thanks for listening!

    Esty - The Neurospicy Oracle

    Connect with Kayla :

    IG @beebodi

    Blog: The Beebodi Marketplace

  • Welcome back to the Unlocking Wellness series, where we dive into what it really means to return to wholeness, one breath, one choice, one breakthrough at a time.

    In today’s episode, I have the deep honor of sitting down with someone I’ve not only worked alongside but deeply admire, Nicola Unite.

    Nicola and I once co-led the Middle School at Green School Bali, and even back then, her intuitive ability to hold space, guide with compassion, and ask just the right question stood out.

    Now, she’s taken that same grounded presence into her work as a qualified psychotherapist, breathwork facilitator, and the founder of The Unite Space.

    Through a unique blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, and Conscious Connected Breathwork, Nicola offers a powerful healing container for young people, adults, and families navigating transitions, trauma, and self-discovery.

    In this conversation, we explore how Nicola weaves mind, body, and spirit into every session, how breath can be a gateway to deep release, and how schools and families can better support emotional resilience. Whether you're a parent, a healer, or simply on your own journey of reconnection, this episode will remind you of what becomes possible when we pause… and breathe.

    So take a moment to ground yourself , and let’s unlock wellness, together.

    Enjoy listening, souls!

    Esty - The Neurospicy Oracle

    Connect with Nicole:

    IG: ⁠The Unite Space⁠

    Book her Services:⁠ https://nicolaunite.com/⁠

  • Unlocking Wellness Through the Lens of Self-Love: Discussion Panel Co-hosted by Esther Milanzi & Jessica Nasser interviewing the founders of ⁠Samui Island Retreats⁠: Irene Underwood, Maeve Downey, & Sarah Arguijo

    In this heart-opening conversation, I’m joined by the women behind Samui Island Retreats, alongside my co-host Jess, a fellow retreat participant, to explore what it truly means to unlock wellness through self-love.

    Together, we unpack self-love beyond its use as a buzzword. We talk about it self-love as a lived practice through four foundational pillars:

    🌿 Self-Worth: remembering you are already enough

    🌸 Self-Honoring: setting boundaries as devotion

    💫 Self-Trust: rebuilding inner safety

    🦋 Self-Expression: allowing yourself to be seen

    Each woman shares her personal journey, the moments that challenged her worth, the leaps that required honoring herself, the risks that demanded trust, and the courage it took to express her unique medicine in the world.

    We also reflect on our own experience attending the July 2025 women’s retreat on Koh Samui and the shifts we’ve noticed since then in how we show up in love, in business, and in our bodies.

    Use code: ESTY to get a free 1-hour spa treatment when you sign up for the upcoming July 2026 women's retreat.

Season 3:

〰️

Unlocking Wellness

Season 3: 〰️ Unlocking Wellness

Season 2: Unlocking Creativity

  • Welcome to Season 2!   

    This is the first episode in the Unlocking Creativity Series, where our host, Esty interviews creative space holders, writers, and creatives and chats with them about their creative journey. 

    The guest for this episode is Ariel Fay Gray.   

    Guest Bio Hello from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA! I am Ariel, your friendly neighborhood Creative Coach. When I am not watching the latest animated flick with my Chicago native partner, 8-year-old little mermaid, and fluffy black cat, I am here inspiring our members to write in the face of fear and opposition. My wish for every writer in our workshops is to see and appreciate their unique writing gifts as well as the writing gifts of others. With our guidance, you will finally become the writer you have always been.  

    Contact Guest 

    IG: ⁠@ariel.fay.gray⁠  

    email: ⁠arielfgray@gmail.com ⁠        

    Access her free masterclass: The Wisdom Lounge

    Access her writing workshops:

    Soulweaver Sanctuary

  • “writing is not about the story… writing is exactly about what any other creative endeavor is about. And that is just tapping in to that higher creative energy. Writing creates a space for you to get there.” 

    In this episode, we discuss the creative flow, practical & approachable ways to navigate the inner critic, and the synchronicities that guide us along our paths as creatives. Join us today as we dive into the creative world of Christine Iversesn. A traveler, artist, writer, cook, and creativity coach.  

    Guest Bio: Christine is a Chicago native whose writing journey has taken her around the world. Her technical background is in science journalism and global health communications, but she is passionate for storytelling in any form. Writing has been a major creative outlet for Christine throughout her life, and in recent years, she has dedicated herself to helping others find their creative voices and establish a regular writing practice. Her key areas of focus are mindfulness and meditation, fiction writing, world building, and content creation. Christine currently resides in New Mexico and enjoys hiking, cooking, and painting in her free time. 

    Access Christine’s Mindful Journals on Amazon here: ⁠Mindful Journals ⁠

    Access her Free Mini-Course: ⁠Christine’s Meditation & Writing Self-Paced Mini-Workshop⁠ 

    Connect with Christine:  

    IG: Lighthavenstudio

    Email: contact@lighthaven.studio 

    Sources of Inspiration: 

    • Peak Life Now- Daniel Diaz 

    • Bird by Bird 

    • Women who run with Wolves 

    • The Life Story of Paulo Cohelo  

    Want access to the Creative Writing Courses & Community

    Soulweaver Sanctuary

  • Welcome to Season 2!   

    This is the third episode in the Unlocking Creativity Series, where our host, Esty interviews creative space holders, writers, and creatives and chats with them about their creative journey. 

    The guest for this episode is Cory Minkah Montalvo.   

    Guest Bio  Born and raised in Colorado, Cory reimagines and designs the learning spaces of the future with his community. His work with students and families is informed by his passions for storytelling, social justice, and the media arts.

    Prior to founding YEBO, Cory was a dean of students and culture, a K-5 teacher and paraprofessional, and a site coordinator for Reading Partners. He has participated in numerous fellowships, including with Camelback Ventures, Moonshot edVentures, the Donnell-Kay Foundation, 4.0 Schools, and High Tech High.

    His career in education spans over a decade and includes time teaching in Colombia, as well as in South Africa, where he traveled in 2014 as a Fulbright Scholar.

    Cory graduated summa cum laude from the University of Colorado Denver with a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing, and a minor in Ethnic Studies.

    He believes children hold magic; they remind him of comets. 

    Learn more about YEBO  https://yebomedia.org

    Follow YEBO on IG: @YEBOPOD

  • In this episode of the Unlocking Creativity Series, the host, Esther Milanzi (estyubuntu) interviews her writing & creativity coach, Amie McNee.

    Get cozy and comfy with a cup of tea as these two creative space holders dive deep into the fear and the inner critic, celebrating ourselves as creatives, the ebbs & flows of validation, daily routines- how winning the morning helps you to win the day, and Amie’s very vulnerable publishing journey. 

    Guest Bio:

    I created in total isolation for a long time. I bought into the stories that Artists can’t make money, that they’re lazy, that they’re avoiding the real world. I spent years working jobs I hated, writing books and in a cycle of depression because I believed my desire to live a creative life made me less than. The work I do now, is in service to my past self. I speak, teach and write love letters to creators, reminding us that the world needs what we have to make, reminding us of our worth, and our importance in this world. I have been called to create supportive, empowered communities for writers and artists. This is a big, beautiful, hard journey, and you don’t need to do it without support. You can find me on youtube, instagram, or on your podcast app.

    Buy Amie’s Book ⁠Rules Upheld by No One here⁠

    Sign up for her community: The Inspired Collective (enrollment opens 2x a year)

    email: hello@amiemcnee.com

    IG: @inspiredtowrite

Disclaimer: During the production of this season, I lost 2 grandparents in the span of 6 months, we were at the height of COVID and I was navigating healing from my accident. Deep gratitude to all of the guests who I interviewed during this season, whose episodes did not make it on to the podcast. My hope is to reconnect with each of you and honor your work in upcoming seasons.

Season 2:

〰️

Unlocking Creativity

Season 2: 〰️ Unlocking Creativity

Season 1: The start

  • A writing prompt called the last text message. There were four to choose from. I choose the one 'Are you alive?' Listen. Enjoy. Write your own piece & share it with me!

    Listen Here

  • The writing prompt was 'something you detest' and then after you wrote that down you had to write an ode to whatever you detest. Here is my ode to the cockroach.

    Listen Here

  • Random musings from one of my morning pages.

    Listen here

  • In this episode I read 3 short flash fiction writing pieces I did over the summer with one of my virtual writing groups. The prompts were: • The reminder of love • The book of summer • I went through the motions (I re-titled it Crtl-alt). Email me with feedback or even better write your own piece to these prompts and send them in! @estyubuntu@gmail.com Also, send me an email if you're interested in joining any of my virtual writing workshop. My last one was in October but I'll be doing another one in December. In my writing groups we set a timer between 7-15 minutes and try not to edit ourselves as these are exercises to strengthen our inner creative and help to quiet the inner critic. Happy listening and happy writing!

    Listen Here

  • A few pieces that look into my inner critic, fear, & shadows.

    Listen here

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    Calling All Intuitive Voices for the EstyUbuntu Podcast!

    I am always on the lookout for captivating guests to join us on our upcoming podcast episodes. We are seeking individuals who are passionately resonant with our values of wellness, magic, love education, intuitive living, creativity, and Ubuntu - the African philosophy of interconnectedness.

    Whether you are an entrepreneur, artist, activist, educator, or game-changer in your field, we want to hear your story, insights, and perspectives. If you are eager to share your journey, inspire others, and contribute to building a more expansive worldview, we invite you to apply to be a guest on the Estyubuntu Podcast. Connect with us through our website or social media platforms to discover more about the application process and become part of our vibrant community of change-makers. We can't wait to hear from you!

    on the podcast

    what to expect

    I firmly believe that intuition is a natural gift we all possess, and by tapping into its power, we can create enriching lives filled with purpose, connection, and growth. Through my work with kids, parents, teachers, and women, I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact that intuitive living and learning can have on personal and collective transformation.
    My podcast is dedicated to unraveling the mysteries and potential of intuitive living and learning. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts, educators, and thought leaders who share their unique perspectives, insights, and experiences. My aim is to equip you, my listeners, with practical tools, strategies, and knowledge that can be applied to your everyday lives.

    “I am, because we are…”

    your go-to resource: to remind you that you are your own oracle

    Whether you are a parent seeking to foster deeper connections with your children, an educator looking to revolutionize your teaching approach, or a woman striving for personal empowerment, you have found the right place. The Estyubuntu Podcast is your go-to resource for insightful discussions, actionable advice, and inspiration to embrace intuitive living and learning.

    Join me on our collective journey as we embark on this transformative quest together. Tune in to the Esty Ubuntu Podcast, where intuition meets potential, and empower yourself to create a life of purpose, connection, and growth.

    Remember, intuition is not a phenomenon reserved for a select few, it's within all of us. Let's dive in and discover the magnificent treasures that lie within our intuition.

    This is an invitation for you to be the architect of your own unlocking journey!