The Void Project
What if our possessions are actually a distraction, covering up things we'd rather not see? And what happens when we let go of much of that stuff?The Void Project shares personal stories about real journeys of discovery. We talk with people who pared down. They share their experiences, the lessons they learned, and some of the wonders that resulted. Without glossing over the bumpy bits. Ten lives. Ten conversations. Ten people who did if for themselves or for others.
S1 E11 · Sat, July 29, 2023
#TheVoidProject Bonus Edition: A good death w/Wenndi Freer
A special bonus edition Must death be such a taboo topic in western culture? To the curious, the exploration of death can inspire a spirit of discovery and wonder. Instead of experiencing emptiness, there’s a possibility of feeling incomparable fullness. And, perceived from a certain angle, it can reveal something of a spiritual nature to those transitioning and those they leave behind. About my guest Wenndi Freer is never satisfied with the superficial; her curiosity compels her to search for what’s underneath or behind initial appearances. When she was growing up in Connecticut she lost friends and family to early death, which led her to a number of questions about, and inquiry into death and dying. That unfeigned exploration propelled her onto a deeply personal spiritual path. As a space clearer, Wenndi leverages the energy of people’s homes and offices to remove internal obstacles, loosen personal limitations, and position her clients to expand into an experience of the life that they truly want to live. More about Wenndi Website LinkedIn Profile Resources Elizabeth Kubler Ross, Death and Dying Raymond Moody, Life After Life Brian Weiss, Many Lives, Many Masters Atul Gwande, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters In the End Sushila Blackman, Graceful Exits Hospice Foundation of America Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, podcast interview with Jane Fonda Main Topics 3:03how I demystified death 6:11my first theories 7:29it became personal 10:45fullness and perception 12:35if you can move past thinking it’s only about loss 15:02something gets forced open in a good way 16:26death plan 19:09the gift Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E10 · Fri, June 30, 2023
#TheVoidProject 10: Tangibles and intangibles w/Wenndi Freer
After we’ve dealt with the tangibles and plumbed the intangibles, what we are left with might be surprising. Through a ritual called Space Clearing, we can infuse our home with our intentions, and gain greater awareness of our presence. About my guest Wenndi Freer is never satisfied with the superficial; her curiosity compels her to search for what’s underneath or behind initial appearances. When she was growing up in Connecticut she lost friends and family to early death, which led her to a number of questions about, and inquiry into death and dying. That unfeigned exploration propelled her onto a deeply personal spiritual path. As a space clearer, Wenndi leverages the energy of people’s homes and offices to remove internal obstacles, loosen personal limitations, and position her clients to expand into an experience of the life that they truly want to live. More about Wenndi https://wenndifreer.com/ Main Topics 2:48when the tangibles have fallen away, what’s left? 4:17something reveals itself 9:28move intangibles out of the way 12:33how to know the change stuck 15:21the intention people put in their space 18:04engaging a spiritual path Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E9 · Tue, June 20, 2023
#TheVoidProject 09: Family agreements w/Susan Walter
When someone values experiences over possessions, it’s acceptable to have less stuff. Even preferable. It can become a delicate matter, however, when older generations are ready to pass down their favorite belongings. Summary With each move from one home to the next, choices await. About what to keep, what to acquire and what to let go of. These transitions can be opportunities to, "look at a new way of living." And clear organizing principles, with mutual understanding among all involved, pave the way for decision making to be relatively simple and straightforward. About my guest Susan Walter is an educator at heart. She’s also an author with a memoir in development -- telling the story of her existential crisis and how it let to becoming a badass advocate. She’s currently moving between states and between careers and in both cases Susan knows where she’ll land. In Philadelphia, working with families and loved ones of people with disabilities, to do future life planning that incorporates the associated legal, financial and tax matters. More about Susan https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-walter-5476319/ Resources and references Refugee resources Below are the nine national agencies that hold federal agreements to resettle refugees as of 2022. Many communities also have local resources. Church World Service, Ethiopian Community Development Council, Episcopal Migration Ministries, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, International Rescue Committee, US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and World Relief Corporation. Capsule wardrobe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_wardrobe Main Topics 1:38I said yes to everything 2:53canoeing in the Boundary Waters 5:59furnish the way the space needed to be used 6:13we looked at a new way of living 8:46choosing to donate to a refugee settlement program 10:20conversation with mom 13:59pod lady living out of suitcases 17:19capsule wardrobe 18:44care taking for an adult child with disabilities Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E8 · Sat, June 10, 2023
#TheVoidProject 08: Everything in its place w/Craig Constantine
When we begin with a blank slate, it can ignite imagination and clear the way to define and create what we truly want. Summary Sometimes we look around and realize there’s not much rhyme or reason to the things we own. When we pare down to a blank slate, it can ignite imagination and clear the way to define and create what we truly want. About my guest Craig Constantine is the voice behind the “Movers Mindset” podcast. He’s a mountain climber, a sailer and a martial artist. He’s also a world traveler, he leads retreats in astronomy and he loves philosophy. Craig's background is in physics and he’s worked in programming and system administration. Craig's mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. At 40, Craig discovered Parkour and began relearning how to play. Finding himself in countless conversations about movement, he began podcasting in 2017 to share what he was experiencing. He has helped thousands of people learn to create podcasts through coaching and community, has been on dozens of podcasts as a guest, and has published more than 1,000 episodes for his own shows including more than 300 conversations. Learn more about Craig at: Movers Mindset podcast https://moversmindset.com/podcast/ Open + Curious https://www.openandcurious.org/ Resources mentioned Freecycle https://www.freecycle.org/ Greg McKeown, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Main Topics 3:05imagine what each space in the house would be 3:43everything in the house should have a place 5:27a blank canvas to work from 9:17taking a room apart 11:40imagination 15:01freecycle.org 20:55we get to be big kids 22:22making the space together 24:03minimalism and essentialism Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E7 · Mon, May 29, 2023
#TheVoidProject 07: Community w/Judy Dolmatch
When we consider what becomes of the things we once owned, it might give us fresh perspective on our daily planetary impact, as well as what will be left behind when we’re gone. Summary Teddy bears from childhood, life off the grid and organizing our “estate” before we die. In this wide-reaching conversation, Judy Dolmatch reflects on acquisition and disposition, staying connect with her late mother through a shared appreciation of art, and how living in a permaculture community deepened her appreciation for ecological systems. Her interest in cultural attitudes about death led to further reflections on what becomes of possessions when we leave the planet. About my guest Judy Dolmatch is a champion of the creative spirit and the creative process. She co-founded performance troupes in comedy improvisation and playback theater in Ashland, OR. She also originated the Artrageous Community Arts Camps, a collaborative exploration for adults who want to explore creativity and leadership, and currently leads improvisation playshops and facilitates the Death Cafe in Florence, OR. Judy is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in life passages and trauma recovery. Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E6 · Sat, May 20, 2023
#TheVoidProject 06: Right thing, right time w/Laurie Riedman
Sometimes the internal experiences we crave are enhanced by changing our external environment. Summary Change can surprise us. Even when we know it’s in the offing, it can take time to thoroughly unfold. Visions of what we thought we wanted may come to pass, whether or not the details we had in mind completely align with what reality turns out to be. By paying attention to our values as they evolved and refine, we can make choices that lead to the right things at the right time. Including knowing when and how to let things go. About my guest Laurie Riedman is a relationship and life coach at bu coaching. She publishes essays on her Substack blog titled More Than Words and is the author of a soon-to-be-published book, Diamonds in the Dirt: Stories from a Junkyard Girl. Laurie has run her own communications and coaching business for 35 years and earned numerous leadership awards along the way. She lives with her husband in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York. bu Coaching https://bucoach.com/ More Than Words https://laurieriedman.substack.com/ Main Topics 3:00ready for something new 4:40the things I want now are different 5:54letting go was hard 9:28the right things at the right time 15:27how living my values has changed 18:46create space inside by having less things 19:33you can make mistakes 21:59letting go is a muscle; practice little things 23:36use structural tension Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E5 · Wed, May 10, 2023
#TheVoidProject 05: Spirit into matter w/Annette Kurtz
Conscientious clutter clearing and Feng Shui can release congestion in a home and invite more flow, while space clearing goes further to usher spirit into matter. Summary Moving is often a conscious choice. It can also be a necessity, as in the aftermath of an earthquake. Either way, some level of upheaval is to be expected. Uprooting needn’t destabilize, however, at least not for long. And all new beginnings can spark curiosity and enthusiasm. Conscientious clutter clearing and Feng Shui can release congestion in a home and invite more flow, while space clearing goes further to usher spirit into matter. About my guest Annette Kurtz and I met in 2010, which is when I began admiring her precise nature, her zest for life and her extraordinary sensory ability to read rooms and people. She’s a life long learner who achieves mastery in every subject she decides to study seriously. Early in her career Annette was a finance executive, working for DaimlerChrysler, Bayerische Landesbank and Shinsei Bank. After she began meditating and studying Feng Shui, she stepped off the corporate ladder to start her own business. Since 2011, Annette has been consulting for private and business clients on clearing and revitalizing energies in their homes and offices — sharing her expertise in space clearing, clutter clearing and Feng Shui for truly transformative effects. In 2021, Annette authored her first book, Harmonize Your Home , which became an instant best-seller. Learn more about Annette and gain access to free materials at her website. https://annettekurtz.com/ Main Topics 1:57living through the Fukushima earthquake in 2011 9:55over 30 moves 10:11re-opening storage storage units 11:38moving is a big hurdle 12:34things I appreciate (and keep) 14:05 clutter clearing and space clearing, defined 16:10bringing spirit into matter 18:04traumatic imprints in homes 18:51space clearing results, what makes it stick 23:50new beginnings — a reading from Annette’s bestseller Additional Resources Space Clearing Consultants Annette Kurtz https://annettekurtz.com/ Linda Freya http://www.lindafreya.com/ Books and newsletters Harmonize Your Home, a book by Annette Kurtz Magic of New Beginnings , an article by Annette Kurtz Space Clearing , a book by Karen Kingston<
S1 E4 · Mon, May 01, 2023
#TheVoidProject 04: Valuing constraints w/Lisa Donoughe
How can limitations actually spur creativity? Summary How might the intentional choice to live abroad influence one’s relationship to their possessions? Along with opportunities come constraints — which can spark entirely new approaches. For example, sorting through what we own and deciding what to do with it needn’t be burdensome; it can be big fun. About my guest Lisa Donoughe is a brand expert and entrepreneur, a visionary, a communicator, and a true woman of the world dividing her time between homes in Berlin, New York City, and Portland, Oregon. She's a creator and a curator and a champion of fine food, art and culture. As one of Lisa’s clients describes it, “Lisa has her methods. Some of them are unconventional. She has a way of seeing the world in a different way.” More on Lisa at https://www.lisadonoughe.com/ Main topics 1:21living in Berlin started as an experiment 2:35I love constraints 6:38three cities, three homes, three styles 9:00how Berlin’s apartments are different from those in the U.S. 13:20worst nightmare: brown moths 16:11fun re-evaluating everything in the house during pandemic lockdown 19:21new relationship to appliances and possessions Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E3 · Fri, April 21, 2023
#TheVoidProject 03: Client Readiness w/Amy Baskerville
What makes a person ready to sort and organize their things with the help of someone else? Summary Readiness can look different for different people. A possible measure is the willingness to have one’s things ruffled through and shaken loose. Another is their receptivity to new organizing principles. Whatever gets it going, the sorting and reorganizing process can illicit insight for the client and the consultant alike. About my guest Amy Baskerville is a true world citizen. Born in Nebraska, raised in Japan during much of her childhood, she also lived in Singapore, Hong Kong and several places on both coasts of the US, and traveled to India, Norway, Mali, Iran and Russia. Her curiosity and zest for life are fed by ever-evolving professional roles across myriad industries including culinary, real estate, travel and education. Main topics 2:00 when people are ready to change or transform 5:24 everybody has their sweet spot 6:09 what makes a client ready? 12:30 gentle softening 13:52 starting point for setting up my own home 16:39 a function for storage 19:16 dismantle a home 20:13 traveling light abroad 23:03 shaking things loose 23:33 readiness project Additional Resources For travel, Amy recommends packing a lightweight shawl. It can add versatility to fashion as a wrap, and to comfort as an extra layer. Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E2 · Sun, April 09, 2023
#TheVoidProject 02: Living Freely w/Danielle Heckmeck
What does it look like to closely align one’s material possessions with clear personal values and aspirations? Summary What does is look like to closely align one’s material possessions with clear personal values and aspirations? Danielle provides a shining example. Freedom has a very specific meaning to her. She deliberately organizes her life for simplicity, enabling flexibility and freedom for focused spiritual pursuits. She discusses her values, how she views time when making plans for the future, selecting possessions that are versatile, and creating a living space where she can feel herself more than the items in the room. About my guest Danielle Heckmeck is a serious meditator, an avid reader, a hiker and a world traveler who claims Paris as her favorite city. For our conversation, Danielle called in from Australia. She has worked in information technology for over 20 years, most recently as a project manager for a company that developed systems for public health organizations. Main topics 4:20 can I live without this? 6:02 I want to be as free as possible 8:24 living my life in smaller time segments 13:11 what about clothing for multiple climates? 15:30 small-sized travel/camping gear 19:07 clutter 20:29 I want to feel me in it, I don’t want to feel all the stuff that’s in there 24:50 we can get so tied into the things that we own … that we identify with them Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 E1 · Fri, March 31, 2023
#TheVoidProject 01: Don’t Rush w/Sasha Newton
What can a 24-year-old teach us about shoring up our values before we run out and buy more? Summary What can a 25-year-old teach us about shoring up our values before we run out and buy more? In the opening episode of the podcast, we speak with Sasha Newton, a young professional in Northern California. Based on her own life experience, she makes the case that real growth can be found in letting things go, then living in the tension of not yet knowing exactly what we want. Later, when we’re clear about why we want things, we can be economical with our money and our time, while dialing back potential waste and disposal on the planet. On the day we recorded this episode, Sasha had just sorted her closet and let of 60-70%. About my guest Sasha Newton is a young professional currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area. She co-founded Peer Point, a program that supports youth in dispute resolution. Sasha graduated from Pomona College with a double major in Cognitive Science and Asian Studies and she speaks Spanish, Mandarin, Italian and Russian. Sasha also is an avid athlete on land and in water; in high school and college she competed in interscholastic swimming and polo. Main topics 4:26the average woman has 125 articles of clothing 5:45letting go of things from the past feels like growth 6:58acquire a professional wardrobe at no cost 10:55value simplicity, utility and high quality 11:14perfect definition of a gift 13:13the right tool at the right time 14:23China, France, Sweden 15:07Capsule wardrobe Additional resources Fresh Lifelines for Youth (host of the Peer Point program) flyprogram.org How many clothes do I really need? www.nytimes.com/2022/10/10/style/clothes-wardrobe-need.html Capsule wardrobe en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_wardrobe Sasha’s tip for building a wardrobe at no cost Use Facebook local buy/sell/trade groups to post a note about why you are building a wardrobe, the style or purpose you need it for, your size, and your willingness to pick it up wherever the donor would prefers. Say that you’re open to photo-sharing before pick-up to make sure it’s a match with what you want. Book to check out The Year of Less, by Cait Flanders Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Trailer · Sat, December 31, 2022
Trailer
Transcript Hi. How do you feel about podcasts that are … personal ? Because this one gets personal. It’s also about our stuff. What?! Yeah, the stuff you we buy or find or accept as a gift or inherit and it all builds up and up and up over time. Until one day we realize we’re in charge of managing it all. Why do people do that? Okay. I could stop right there. That would make for a pretty good podcast. But that’s not as deep as we could go. Here’s a way more interesting question: Might our belongings be a distraction that hides things we’d rather not see? And then, what do people actually discover when they finally do let go? My name is Kira Higgs. I’m a strategist, structural consultant, meditator and cyclist. I started a personal project a couple of years ago that I labelled, The Void Project . The little tasks I laid out for myself produced insights galore — about our stuff and about how what we keep in our midst can enhance, or detract from, our lives. It wasn’t solely about clearing physical things to make more space in my home and office. It was to leverage the movement of books, papers, tchotchkes, email — all that and more — to stir up concepts that lie below the surface of my conscious awareness. Now, as a podcast, The Void Project shares stories about real journeys of discovery without glossing over the bumpy bits. I talk with people who pared down. They share their experiences, the lessons they learned, and some of the wonders that resulted. Ten lives. Ten conversations. Ten people who did it for themselves or for others. Let’s do this. Let’s get personal. Podcast theme music empty by Tea K Pea freemusicarchive.org/music/tea-k-pea/ To hear more episodes of The Void Project, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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