Shows
Stories Cafe PodcastThere Is No SpoonChild: Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead only try to realize the truth.Neo: What truth?Child: There is no spoon.Neo: There is no spoon?Child: Then you'll see that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself.—The MatrixThis episode marks the end of Season 1 of the Stories Cafe Podcast. We will be taking a break through August but will return in September with the new elevated Season 2. I will tell you more very soon.In this episode we reflect on the powerful ph...
2025-07-2307 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Art of Making Meaningful ChoicesMay you always do for others And let others do for you—Bob Dylan: “Forever Young”In this episode, Annette explores how the choices we make—both everyday choices and bigger existential choices—are determined by the stories we tell ourselves and the philosophies we live by.Inspired by Thoreau’s Walden and Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken, this episode blends literature, lifestyle philosophy, and cinematic moments to guide us through some of life’s most meaningful questions.This episode is an invitation for you to pause, reflect, and consider the sto...
2025-07-1011 min
Stories Cafe PodcastLiving on Practically NothingIn this soulful and sensuous episode, Annette invites you to the heart of the French Riviera—where beauty doesn’t have to be expensive, and where simplicity can feel like luxury.Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1924 article How to Live on Practically Nothing, Annette reflects on how a life lived slowly—filled with good produce, healthy cooking, salty air, and the pastel glow of the twilight—can be intensely healing.You’ll get:* How to find richness in small things: a perfect sandwich, a museum overlooking the sea, or the shifting pastels of a Mediter...
2025-06-2510 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Freedom to ChooseIn this episode, Annette reflects on what it really means to live a deliberate life—and how that concept plays out in both everyday decisions and larger lifestyle choices. Speaking about her upcoming work trip to Nice, she shares how intentional living isn’t about freedom to do anything that comes to your mind, but freedom to truly choose what you want your life to be. She muses on the unique magic of Nice—and why she returns year after year—and the exploration of Nice will be going through all content in Stories Cafe in June, so be sure to...
2025-06-1108 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Healing Heart BeneathIn this episode, we continue our exploration of the masculine archetypal principle and how it can guide us through healing, courage, and transformation. I examine the responses you gave me to the prompt in the previous episode: What are the three words you associate with the masculine principle?Drawing from myth, cinema, and literature, we consider how masculine archetypes like the warrior, the protector, and the provider can offer strength in challenging times.You can listen to all the Episodes in the Series hereResources Mentioned:* Gangs of New...
2025-05-2810 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Inner Compass: Archetypes in Stories and in LifeIn this episode, we continue our exploration of the masculine archetypal principle—not in terms of gender, but as one of the primary archetypal forces present in all of us. This is not a discussion about gender identity, but about engaging with deeper symbolic structures that shape our inner world and outward life.You'll be invited to reflect on your personal associations with the masculine principle and consider how it shows up in stories, films, and in your own life. The summer haft of the year —the "yang" half—is the season of outward movement, action, and expres...
2025-05-1408 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Animus: Archetypes in Stories and in LifeThis month in the Stories Cafe Podcast, we will be exploring masculine archetypes as deep inner figures that can help us heal, energize, and live in tune with the seasons of both the year and our own lives.Annette introduces the concept of seasonal living (not about vegetables!) and explains why spring and summer are the “yang season” (outward, active, masculine in energy), making this the ideal time to work with the archetypes of the Animus. We touch on Jungian psychology, ancient myth, song lyrics, and the universal story of the hostile brothers.You can list...
2025-05-0708 min
Stories Cafe PodcastPlace Furstemberg & the Art of Non-ConformityThis is the final episode in our Paris series. To get the full benefit, you can go back and listen to the previous episodes.In this episode, we visit the evocative Place Furstemberg on the 6th arrondisement of Paris—a setting rich with symbolic resonance and proximity to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area that we talked about in previous episode. We explore why Martin Scorsese chose this quiet, almost hidden square for the final scene of his adaptation of The Age of Innocence and how it perfectly reflects the Countess Olenska.Resources Mentioned...
2025-05-0107 min
Stories Cafe PodcastWalking with Hemingway – A Parisian Literary PilgrimageI would stand and look out over the roofs of Paris and think, ‘Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.’ So finally I would write one true sentence, and then go on from there. It was easy then because there was always one true sentence that I knew or had seen or had heard someone say.–Ernest Heminway: A Moveable FeastThis episode takes you on a wander through the Rue Mouffetard area o...
2025-04-2311 min
Stories Cafe PodcastSaint-Germain-des-Prés: Rebels and BohemiansIn this episode, we travel to the Left Bank of Paris—to the atmospheric, history-rich streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Join me as we explore the origins and symbolism of this iconic quartier from its early days as a religious center in the 6th century to its transformation into a bohemian hub for writers, artists, and philosophers. This episode uncovers how Saint-Germain-des-Prés shaped—and was shaped by—centuries of cultural rebellion and intellectual pursuit.Be sure to check out all my other Paris Stories this month by clicking here.Resources MentionedSai...
2025-04-1607 min
Stories Cafe PodcastJames Joyce at the Brasserie LippWhy can a simple mention of James Joyce eating sauerkraut and frankfurters at Brasserie Lipp on the Left Bank of Paris feel like a revelation? In this episode, Annette explores the iconic brasserie, its connection to literary giants, and how a seemingly trivial anecdote from Midnight in Paris captures an entire worldview.📚 About James JoyceJames Joyce (1882–1941) was an Irish novelist and modernist literary icon, best known for his groundbreaking books Ulysses, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and Dubliners. He spent much of his life in continental Europe, including Paris, where he wa...
2025-04-0906 min
Stories Cafe PodcastSainte Geneviève: The Woman Who Saved ParisJoin me on this little journey to Paris where we uncover the remarkable story of Sainte Geneviève, and how she came to be the city’s patron saint. This is a tale of faith, resilience, and an unshakable spirit, and the legacy of Sainte Geneviève still echoes through the streets of Paris to this day.Resources Mentioned* Bois de Boulogne – The forested park outside Paris where the people wanted to flee.* Montagne Sainte-Geneviève – The historic hill where Sainte Geneviève lived and where the Panthéon now stands.* Fluctuat Ne...
2025-04-0206 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Ancient Wisdom of the Mentor ArchetypeIn this episode, we will conclude our exploration of the wisdom contained in Paulo Coelho’s book The Alchemist, focusing on the eponymous character himself.Listen to all the Episodes in the Series Here:* Episode 1: The Personal Legend* Episode 2: The Keepers of Wisdom* Episode 3: The Fear of Pursuing Our Deepest Dream* Episode 4: The Ancient Wisdom of the AlchemistResources Mentioned* The Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoShow Links:If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of stories and id...
2025-03-2810 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Fear of Pursuing Our Deepest DreamIn this episode, we continue exploring The Alchemist, focusing on the Crystal Merchant, a reluctant mentor who teaches the boy the hidden costs of fear and inaction. While the boy seeks to fulfill his personal legend, the Crystal Merchant clings to the dream of Mecca, fearing that achieving it will leave him with nothing. This powerful contrast highlights the courage required to pursue one’s dreams versus the comfort of merely dreaming.Resources Mentioned* The Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoShow Links:If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of st...
2025-03-1905 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Keepers of WisdomIn this episode, we continue our exploration of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, focusing on some of the key characters the boy meets on his journey. Each of these characters serves as a guide, mentor, or challenge, shaping his understanding of the world and his personal legend. We discuss how these figures align with the Hero’s Journey and the wisdom they impart.Key Takeaways* The Old Woman as the Herald – She delivers the call to adventure by interpreting the boy’s dream and setting him on his journey. She introduces the idea of the “language...
2025-03-1410 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Personal LegendAll through March, we will analyze different aspects of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In this episode, Annette explores the Hero’s Journey that Santiago has to go through. She delves into the book’s symbolic depth, the concept of the Personal Legend, and the transformative path of Santiago, the young shepherd who follows his dreams across the desert in search of a treasure. This discussion uncovers how The Alchemist serves as both a literal adventure and a metaphor for self-discovery and deliberate living.Key Takeaways* The Hero’s Journey is Universal – Santiago’s path follows th...
2025-03-0510 min
Stories Cafe PodcastWhat's Your True North?In this episode of the Stories Cafe podcast, Annette delves into the power of aligning your goals with how you want to feel, rather than solely focusing on external achievements. She explores the concept of living deliberately, using personal and professional mindset shifts to craft a life that reflects your deeper aspirations.Key Takeaways:* Feelings Over Achievements: Focus on how you want to feel rather than just what you want to achieve. This mindset shift increases the likelihood of happiness once you reach your goals.* True North: Having a guiding compass, or a...
2025-02-2606 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Power of Stories in Life and BusinessIn this episode, we explore the profound impact of stories on both our personal lives and businesses. Stories communicate directly with our subconscious, shaping our perceptions and decisions in ways we may not even realize. Annette delves into how understanding and consciously engaging with stories can help us reclaim lost parts of ourselves and — for small business owners — create compelling brand narratives that resonate with ideal clients.Key Takeaways* The Subconscious Power of Stories: Stories bypass the logical mind and speak directly to our subconscious, helping us process emotions and ideas on a deep level.
2025-02-1909 min
Stories Cafe PodcastPicasso, Matisse, and the Côte d'AzurIn the third and final episode in the series on embracing your role as the author, writer, director, and editor of your own life, I share my personal reflections on the artists who lived and worked in Nice and the South of France — such as Picasso and Matisse — and how their lives and art can inspire us to take control of our own stories. Through my travel stories and insights into the creative process, I invite you to remember that it’s never too late to dream new dreams and start writing our own life narratives.Key Takeaw...
2025-02-0509 min
Stories Cafe PodcastDaring to Dream AgainEpisode SummaryIn this second part of The Author of Your Life series, I share my personal journey of reclaiming creative control over my life in the midst of the challenges of recent years. I reflect on rediscovering my deepest dreams, the power of decision-making, and how taking deliberate action can reignite passion and purpose and set things in motion. Through my own experiences of living in different cities, I illustrate the importance of writing down your dreams—even those that feel impossible right now—and taking steps to bring them to life.Key Takeaways
2025-01-2907 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Author of Your LifeThis episode is the first of a special three-part series where you are invited to step into the role of the author, director, and hero of your own life story. Recorded in the south of France during this paradigm shift of personal and global transition, this episode reflects on the profound idea that we are not passive participants in life but rather creators of and responsible for our own narrative.Key Takeaways* Stories shape not only the way we perceive the world but also how we live our lives.* It’s crucial that we...
2025-01-2205 min
Stories Cafe PodcastHow Archetypes Can Help YouHappiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.―J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanOver the past years, the world has felt like a heavy and uncertain place. With numerous global challenges, it’s as if we’re collectively navigating a dark and difficult chapter—one that could be compared to the Hero’s Journey’s Inmost Cave, where everything seems dark and threatening, but where real transformation is possible.In this episode Annette discusses the concept of archetypes...
2025-01-1510 min
Stories Cafe PodcastWhy Fairy Tales Can Tranform Your LifeIn this episode of the Stories Café podcast, we explores the deeply transformative potential of fairy tales in our lives, both as children and adults. Using the beloved characters of Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella, we delve into the deeper meanings of these stories and their impact on our personal growth, relationships, and emotional development.Key Takeaways* Fairy Tales Reflect Deep Psychological Themes: Bettelheim highlights how fairy tales address universal emotional struggles, providing symbolic pathways for overcoming them.* Cultural Relevance of Fairy Tales: These stories continue to resonate because they s...
2025-01-0811 min
Stories Cafe PodcastGive Yourself a BreakIn this episode we explore the theme of New Year’s resolutions, but with a refreshing twist. As we embark on the new year, I encourages you to embrace a softer, more deliberate approach, focusing not on external pressures, but on creating the space for growth and reflection from the inside out. While many embrace the traditional idea of setting resolutions and striving for personal improvement in January, I prefer to honour the stillness of winter and instead focus on the possibility of writing a new story, one rooted in kindness, self-respect, and alignment with deeper longings and not ju...
2025-01-0110 min
Stories Cafe PodcastAll Alone on ChristmasIn this episode, we examine the powerful archetype The Orphan as seen through the lens of the beloved holiday films Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Join us to explore how these classic stories of a young boy’s hero’s journey reflect the universal themes of abandonment, self-reliance, and the journey toward resilience, all set against the backdrop of Christmas.Key Takeaways* Kevin is in inspirational example of how to protect our inner Orphan Archetype, the part of us that is feeling abandoned, alone, and scared of being forced to fend for...
2024-12-2510 min
Stories Cafe PodcastEmbracing the DarknessIn this episode we explore the four magical transitions of the year when the seasons change, focusing on the Winter Solstice which this year falls on the 21st of December. We reflect on how we can honor the natural rhythm and perpetual dance and shifting power of the light and darkness, as well as the significance of the four key dates of the year—Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice. Annette shares how these moments offer us a precious opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the cyclical nature of life and the powers of the un...
2024-12-1808 min
Stories Cafe PodcastArchetypal SymbolsIn this episode, we explore some fascinating archetypal symbols that govern the year. We dive into how the cycles of the sun, moon, and seasons have shaped humanity's connection to time, focusing on the profound significance of the numbers 12, 4, and 3 in our lives and storytelling.Key Takeaways* The full moon has always been a source of wonder, its cycles providing a natural way to mark time, anchoring our understanding of the seasons and their rhythms.* The year’s structure consists of 12 full moons and 4 seasonal shifts. These numbers resonate archetypally in our human es...
2024-12-1105 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Woods Are Lovely, Dark and DeepIn this episode, we explore Robert Frost's iconic poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. We focus on the deeper meanings behind the poem’s deceptively simple imagery, themes of nature vs civilization, obligations, and the tension between individual desire and societal expectations. Through a close reading, we uncover the philosophical layers of Frost’s work, from the mystical allure of the woods to the repeated final line hinting at more profound meanings. Join us for a reflective espresso break filled with literary insights and thought-provoking interpretations.Key Takeaways* The Allure of the Woods: The...
2024-12-0412 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Difficult Path to IndividuationIn this episode, we explore into the fourth and final life lesson from John Keating: the eternal tension between living our own individual lives at the same time that we need the acceptance of the group we belong to. We look at powerful examples from literature and film, and consider how our personal identity can often be challenged by the desire for belonging—and the complexities of staying true to ourselves amid societal pressures.You can read the post about Dead Poets Society here if you want.Key Takeaways* The difficulty of maintaining ou...
2024-11-2710 min
Stories Cafe PodcastSeeing Things with New EyesIn this episode of Stories Cafe podcast, we reflect on another life lesson from John Keating in the film Dead Poets Society (1989), having to do with seeing life from a new perspective. Through Keating’s iconic lesson of standing on the desk, we examine themes of courage, shifting perspectives, and the quiet desperation that can accompany an unfulfilled life. We draws inspiration from literature, music, and film to emphasize the importance of daring to view and live life differently.You can read the post about Dead Poets Society here if you want.Key Takeaways...
2024-11-2005 min
Stories Cafe PodcastWhat Will Be Your Verse?In this episode of Stories Cafe podcast, we continue our examination of the powerful life lessons in the film Dead Poets Society (1989) and explore the concept of contributing a "verse" to the world. We take as our point of departure Walt Whitman’s poem O Me! O Life! and its resonant themes which offer an inspiring meditation on purpose and identity. I invite you to ponder the value of literature, art, and self-expression, considering what unique "verse" you may contribute to the ongoing powerful play of life. You can read the post about Dead Poets Society here if...
2024-11-1308 min
Stories Cafe PodcastCarpe Diem: Living as Fully as PossibleIn this episode of the Stories Cafe podcast, we examine the profound life lessons offered by Peter Weir’s 1989 film Dead Poets Society. We delve into themes of living deliberately, the significance of seizing the day, and how the character John Keating's revolutionary teaching style challenges the traditional values of his students' strict environment. You will be guided through an essential message of the film, reminding us to live fully and embrace the fleeting nature of life.* Living Deliberately: Inspired by John Keating’s teachings, this episode emphasizes the importance of living with intention and seizing the day...
2024-11-0610 min
Stories Cafe PodcastFrom Heathcliff to SnapeIn this episode of the Stories Cafe podcast, we discuss the classic elements of Gothic literature and explore the enigmatic figure of the Byronic hero. The Gothic motifs—faraway castles, hidden hallways, and dark brooding characters—reflect the innermost labyrinths and mysterious aspects of the human mind. Through iconic works like Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein, and The Harry Potter saga, Gothic fiction continues to resonate with us today.Key Takeaways* Gothic Motifs: Haunted castles, hidden rooms, staircases, and supernatural occurrences are key to Gothic storytelling, reflecting the fear of the unknown.* The Byronic Hero: Dark...
2024-10-3015 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Gothic TraditionIn this episode of the Stories Cafe podcast, we explore the Gothic tradition, from its origins in architecture to its influence on literature and cinema. Join us for anenriching look at how the Gothic principle reflects the darkness within us and the mysteries of the subconscious.* Gothic Architecture: How the term Gothic was first used to describe architecture associated with cathedrals and medieval structures.* Gothic Literature: How Gothic literature reflects the unconscious and the darker aspects of human nature, long before Freud mapped out the human mind.* Gothic Cinema: How cinema, as a...
2024-10-2310 min
Stories Cafe PodcastThe Dance of ShadowsEach podcast episode of the Stores Cafe Podcast takes just 5 to 10 minutes, the length of a quick espresso, yet is packed with instant inspiration for all story lovers. Each episode features self-contained snippets from my exclusive masterclasses, providing a taste of the deeper discussions you’ll find inside the Stories Cafe.In this very first episode, we dive into the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, the roots of Halloween, and the interplay between the living and the dead. Join us for a brief yet enriching espresso break where we explore how these traditions inform our understanding of da...
2024-10-1706 min
From the HoneycombEp. 142 - Aligning with Authenticity A Journey into Reiki, Coaching, and Seasonal Transformation with transformational coach Alyssa HatchardIn this enlightening episode, Katerina is joined by Alyssa Hatchard, a Reiki Master Teacher and Transformational Coach, as she shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Alyssa opens up about her path to becoming a healer and coach, revealing how her personal experiences have shaped her mission to help others live authentically and fulfill their true potential.
Alyssa shares the transformative power of Reiki, explaining how this ancient healing practice can help individuals connect with their energy, heal past wounds, and align with their true purpose. She also dives into her coaching approach, emphasizing the importance...
2024-09-0639 minFrom the HoneycombEp. 90 - Intentionally living with the rhythm of the seasons with Annette WernbladIn this enchanting episode, join Katerina and special guest Annette Wernblad as they discuss embracing the seasons, rather than resisting them so you can unlock a new level of harmony and fulfillment in your life.
Annette shares how she has crafted a life that allows her to call multiple cities “home” and how living deliberately has enriched her life. By following in Annette’s footsteps, we can learn how to become the author of our own narrative, dance with the seasons and uncover the teachings of life’s stories.
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2023-08-2540 min