Rebel Clinicians Podcast
The Rebel Clinicians Podcast is your home for daring conversations and innovative insights designed to transform the world of mental health and holistic healing. Hosted by seasoned therapists and healers who refuse to be confined by the traditional therapy model, each episode explores the intersection of spirituality, ancient wisdom, and modern therapy. Whether you’re a therapist, social worker, energy healer, or simply someone seeking deeper healing and personal growth, we’re here to inspire, challenge, and guide you on your path.
In each episode, we dive into powerful topics like integrating psychedelics and indigenous wisdom, breaking free from the constraints of “the couch,” financial freedom, and building an authentic practice that reflects your unique magic. We’ll share stories of clinicians who are thriving by being true to themselves, and we’ll reveal practical tools for expanding your practice beyond boundaries while nurturing your soul. From financial strategies and marketing tips to shamanic practices and spiritual journeys, this podcast brings together everything you need to become an empowered and revolutionary healer.
Join us in our mission to disrupt the field, heal deeply, and redefine what it means to be a clinician—one episode at a time. Welcome to the tribe.
Rebel Clinicians Podcast
S2E14: “The North: Eldership, Integration, and the Wisdom of Winter”
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
S2E14: “The North: Eldership, Integration, and the Wisdom of Winter”
Hosts: Alex Runolfson & John Cottrell
Alex and John complete the Sacred Directions series with the North--the direction of eldership, integration, stillness, and mature wisdom.
The North isn't simply "getting older." It's becoming an elder: someone who embodies what they've learned, holds steady in the wind, and lives with discernment, boundaries, and ethical power. Through vivid archetypes--Gandalf in the snow and the buffalo standing unshaken on the plains--this episode explores the quiet strength that comes from walking the full wheel: East (beginnings), South (activation), West (transformation), and North (integration).
You'll hear how the buffalo symbolizes abundance and gratitude, and why "enough" is a spiritual practice--taking only what you need, honoring what sustains you, and recognizing the many forms of abundance beyond money: breath, creativity, love, friendship, and support.
Alex and John also bring in cross-cultural perspectives on the North:
- Norse/Germanic teachings on winter endurance and the dual nature of ice (preserving and shaping)
- Celtic wisdom that frames winter as gestation--the womb-space where the next beginning is quietly formed
- Andean/Peruvian medicine, including the role of the teacher-healer and the North's call to service beyond ego
Clinically, the North becomes a powerful map for therapy and healing: after connection, skill-building, and trauma processing, what comes next is the integration phase--learning how to live without the old burden. Alex shares how he helps clients move from "I'm not controlled by this anymore" to "Now what do I do with my life?"--including real-world practices that build embodiment, independence, and purpose.
New listeners: subscribe--new episodes drop every Monday.
And don't forget to download the audio episode on Spotify.
Want more content and behind-the-scenes support for your healing work? Join our Patreon for as little as $5/month.