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Eri Guajardo Johnson

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Evidence Based Birth®Evidence Based Birth®EBB 293 - Decolonial Approaches to Birth and Supporting Survivors with Eri Guajardo Johnson of Birth Bruja In this episode, I'm welcoming Eri Guajardo Johnson, the founder of Birth Bruja, a platform dedicated to decolonial approaches to healing and reproductive care. Eri, a queer, biracial, Latinx birth worker, specializes in supporting survivors of sexual violence and marginalized populations. We discuss the importance of centering Black and Indigenous wisdom, breaking down oppressive systems, and creating alternatives in the realm of birth work. Eri also shares insights on self-compassion and the practice of intimacy in their work. Join us for an enlightening conversation on how to navigate decolonial approaches to birth and healing.   Content Warning: supporting survivors of sexual as...2023-12-0652 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 29 | Navigating Reproductive Care as a Survivor: Part 1Spoiler alert! These are two success stories! Our host Eri, dedicates this episode to fellow survivors. "Recently, Rachel & I realized we've both had similar experiences of navigating reproductive care as survivors of sexual assault. It can be powerfully healing to see yourself reflected in someone else's story. We knew, as survivors and community educators, that this is a conversation we wanted to share with others. Join us for a two part, vulnerable deep-dive into what it can look like to navigate reproductive care as a survivor. In part 1, Rachel speaks to her experience in somatic therapy, strategies utilized prior to...2022-10-1246 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 28 | Let's Talk Gender: Navigating Critique While Connecting Across DifferencesFor those dedicated to healing & justice, to unlearning harmful ways of being… Let’s explore the colonial concept of the gender binary & toxic gendering. Our guest, Khye Tyson guides us through examples of how toxic gendering perpetuates systemic violence, particularly inside the US, as well as in the birthroom. We’ll talk about the complexity - especially for those of us who identify as BIPOC - of maintaining connection with our communities & families, while simultaneously challenging the gender binary within these beloved circles. We’ll take a look at gender & power dynamics in labor, media, and daily life, and explore how to c...2022-09-1644 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 27 | Decolonized Approaches To Facilitation: Reproductive Care EducationAfter the second series of their workshop Decolonized Approaches to Facilitation, Eri sits down (virtually) with co-facilitator king yaa and participant & birthworker Josie Rodriguez-Bouchier to explore lessons learned, challenges experienced, and growing edges still to come in decolonizing their approach to facilitating reproductive care education, and… their lives. MEET OUR GUESTS king yaa (always lowercase, thank you!), pronouns are they/them/king! king yaa is a genderqueer person of trans masculine experience and their sexuality is queer AF. Their Blackness is their superpower! king is an intersectional feminist and their work centers queer, trans, and non-binary folx well-being through full sp...2022-08-3045 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp 26 | We Walk in Abundance: The Bridge Directory's Story of BIPOC Serving BIPOCThis episode is a love & inspiration fest. You've been warned! Eri is joined by Emilie Rodriguez and Guramrit LeBron of The Bridge Directory (www.thebridgedirectory.com). Em & G share their journey as Black and Brown birthworkers who answered the needs of their community through building The Bridge Directory- a direct response to addressing the Black maternal mortality rate in NY and a community that is spreading across the US. We talk about building a business & community that is based in activism, mentorship, and connection. They share experiences & strategies that range from how to build community through social media, building accountability...2022-05-2458 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp 25 | The Transformative Power of Baby Wearing with Angelique "Omi" GeehanIn this episode we are joined by Angelique "Omi" Geehan (any pronoun); a baby wearing consultant focused on transformative justice, cultural competency and diversity. We discuss the ways in which baby wearing has helped Omi heal through reparenting, parenting their own children, their journey to becoming a baby wearing consultant; and ways in which birthworkers and people alike can advocate, and help ensure baby wearing remains accessible to everybody that wants to baby wear. MEET ANGELIQUE Angelique works as a coach, consultant, editor, and facilitator to support and repair the connections people have to themselves and their families, communities, and...2022-05-061h 14Birth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 24 | Decolonize Birth: A Traditional Birthworker's Story with Mickey McHenryEp. 24 | Decolonize Birth: A Traditional Birthworker's Story with Mickey McHenry Mickey McHenry (she/her/ella) is a Traditional Birthworker and the Operations Manager at Birth Bruja! She shares her journey of being raised with ancestral knowledge of birth & postpartum care, navigating the pressures for certification to be a "legitimate" birthworker, how she has woven social justice/political consciousness into her birthwork, and more. Visit www.BirthBruja.com for episode transcripts. MEET MICKEY Micaela "Mickey" McHenry (she/her/ella) has been a full spectrum doula for over a decade. Mickey's work is rooted in her ancestral traditions; Lakota/Apache/Mexika, and...2022-03-0736 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 23 | Running an Anti-Capitalist Doula Business with Khye TysonEp. 23 | Running an Anti Capitalist Doula Business with Khye Tyson We are joined by Khye Tyson (they/them) to discuss the foundation of building an anti-capitalist doula business. We answer the following questions & more: *Why is having a critique of capitalism, let alone a strategy for anti-capitalism, something that we should be considering when we are shaping our business plans? *What did the process of evaluating their relationship with giving & receiving look like and how did they use this information to inform their business structure? *What are some examples of reciprocity outside of monetary exchange? *What can it look like...2022-02-041h 01Doula StoriesDoula StoriesSeason Finale(Recorded in the fall of 2021, released in Jan 2022) Ajira and Keelia wrap up the season by sharing what they've been up to, and recommending their favorite birth/reproductive justice-related podcasts and resources. If you want to follow along on Ajira's or Keelia's personal journeys or learn more about their offerings, you can find Ajira @ajira on IG or on their website (www.ajiradarch.com), and Keelia is @doulakeelia on IG and their website is doulakeelia.com Ajira & Keelia's favorite podcasts (in no particular order): - Birthright, hosted by Kimberley Seals Allers: birthrightpodcast.com2022-01-0547 minThe Intersectional Fertility PodcastThe Intersectional Fertility PodcastEri Guajardo Johnson: Decolonizing Fertility and the Impact of Sexual ViolenceEri Guajardo Johnson (she/they) views fertility as a deeply vulnerable and nuanced spiritual matter. This conversation, which weaves together themes of power, decolonizing practices, and reproductive loss amongst sexual assault survivors, will have you considering just how deep and profound this conversation of fertility truly is.Eri Guajardo Johnson is a trained birth doula. They specialize in supporting survivors of sexual violence through and around the birth experience.CW: Intimate partner violence and miscarriage.Visit her website here, like them on Facebook, and follow her on Instagram here.Visit the...2021-12-071h 08Doula StoriesDoula StoriesWhen Your Client Is a Survivor of Sexual AssaultEri Guajardo Johnson (she/they) and Micaela McHenry (or Mickey, she/her/ella) share the inspiring story of what it was like for them to support a fellow Indigenous person through their empowering birth experience. With Eri as birth consultant for survivors of trauma, and Micaela in the doula role, the two worked together and witnessed the healing power of birth and community for their client. Eri Guajardo Johnson is a queer, bi-racial birthworker, rape crisis peer counselor, holistic wellness coach, community organizer, and host of the Birth Bruja Podcast. They are based on unceded Anishinaabe and...2021-10-201h 27Badass Breastfeeding PodcastBadass Breastfeeding PodcastConflicting InformationSubmit your question and we’ll answer it in a future episode!Have you ever received conflicting breastfeeding information?If you answered YES, where did it come from?We are talking about conflicting information, and what you can do about it.  Don’t miss out.If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leaving us a review on itunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and comments to badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.comWE HAVE TRANSCRIPTS!!  You can also add your email to our...2021-05-0337 minFemmSouthFemmSouthEP 19 Part II Women Healers With Eri Guajardo JohnsonOur special guest is Eri Guajardo Johnson (she/they), a queer, bi-racial birth worker, community educator, birth consultant for trauma survivors, and founder of Birth Bruja, which is an online educational platform devoted to intersectional, liberational & decolonial approaches to birthwork, healing, and life. Eri's experience working with sexual assault victims and her study of indigenous Mexican and Indian healing modalities informs her approach to birth work. She also has a master's degree in Women, Gender, Spirituality & Social Justice from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and is an online community educator. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to...2021-03-041h 17KPFA - We RiseKPFA - We RiseStories for Our Grand Mothers, Ep. 23With an invitation from First Voice Media producer Kendall Crakow, Birth Bruja creator & host Eri Guajardo Johnson and We Rise co-creator & co-host Cat Petru sat down to weave stories about their mothers and grandmothers. As the two state in their dialogue, there are so many stories left untold. The ones that surfaced reflect the personal & political, pain & revelation. They are prayers, memories, and offerings. What is your relationship with mothers & mothering? How has it been defined and by whom? What might reclaiming this relationship feel like? And who or what might be available for support on this journey? Hear more f...2021-01-0623 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp.22 | Decolonizing Strategies: Consciousness Rooting Gatherings with We RiseThis is Part 1 of the We Rise Series- a series dedicated to showcasing soulful decolonizing strategies. This episode is for all of those who are wanting to move from theory to action. TO SIGN UP FOR THE GATHERINGS: Consciousness Rooting in the Heart of Autumn Inspired by the legacy of Consciousness Raising circles from 1960s & 70s freedom movements, Consciousness Rooting is about: grounding & deepening ~ reflecting on our origins, our ancestors’ lineages & histories ~ storytelling & remembering as a form of resistance, to begin to heal and to help us navigate these tumultuous & transformational times… This work aims to inspire deep reflections, help us c...2020-10-1336 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp 21 | Identity, Spirit & Movement Building: Becoming a Queer, Black Student MidwifeThis is Part 2 of the Black Diamonds Series: Journey of a Queer, Black Student Midwife. Rafeal joins us 1 month into her student midwifery journey and has a powerful & juicy report back! She speaks to navigating an education that centers the cis, white experience while grounding herself in her practice of self nourishment. We speak to the themes of healing & justice, Dharma and spiritual practice, the need to uplift our youth and our elders, how to have a sex life amidst a student midwife life, and SO MUCH MORE! Be a part of Rafeal's journey! Support their work by donating and...2020-10-0757 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp 20 | Werk Bitch: Becoming a Queer, Black Student MidwifeThis is part 1 of the Black Diamonds Series: Becoming a Queer Black Student Midwife with Rafeal Newport. This 12 month diary will document the first year of Rafeal's student midwifery journey. In today's episode, we will meet Rafeal and dive into the how and why she found this work. We talk about ancestors, community, universal calling, the DIRE NEED for queer & trans black femmes to be doing this work and much more. Be a part of Rafeal's journey! Support their work by donating and including #BlackDiamondsSeries in the notes 2020-09-2653 minfeel better naked radiofeel better naked radioFBN Ep 15: PART 2 Reclaiming/Healing Your Sexuality & Intimacy w/ Eri Guajardo JohnsonFollow Eri @birthbruja (https://www.instagram.com/birthbruja/) Follow Us @feelbetternaked.co (https://www.instagram.com/feelbetternaked.co/)2020-09-0900 minfeel better naked radiofeel better naked radioFBN Ep 14: Reclaiming/Healing Your Sexuality & Intimacy w/ Eri Guajardo JohnsonFollow Eri @birthbruja (https://www.instagram.com/birthbruja/) Follow Us @feelbetternaked.co (https://www.instagram.com/feelbetternaked.co/)2020-09-0200 minGloves Off: A Legal PodcastGloves Off: A Legal PodcastEp. 5 | MI Governmental Immunity: What the F**kVen was joined by our former client Lexi Pew, Ven Johnson Law Chief Appellate Attorney Chris Desmond, and Gloves Off Producer Eri Guajardo Johnson. Lexi spoke of her case that resulted from falling out of a defective 6th story window in a residence hall at Michigan State University and the literal death defying recovery from the resulting injuries. Despite Ven Johnson Law trying every possible avenue, this case was repeatedly thrown out by every Michigan court due to Michigan Governmental Immunity Laws. Unless the legislature says otherwise, those laws provide that the state of Michigan is generally immune...2020-05-141h 15Gloves Off: A Legal PodcastGloves Off: A Legal PodcastEp. 3 | United States v. Ven Johnson: A 2008 Criminal Trial Pt. 2This is part 2 of a 2 part series where we dive into a 2008 Criminal Trial where Ven Johnson and his then, Law partner, Geoffrey Fieger, were indicted by the FBI for illegal campaign contributions. The trial ended with both Ven and Geoffrey being acquitted of all charges- but not before a wild legal showdown.In part 2, we speak with Ven’s defense attorney Steve Fishman- a Detroit based criminal attorney- along with our show’s producer (who happens to be Ven’s daughter) Eri Guajardo Johnson.As with many folks across metro Detroit right now, some of us wer...2020-04-231h 15Gloves Off: A Legal PodcastGloves Off: A Legal PodcastEp. 1 | Looking Ahead & The Legal Impact of COVID19Legal experts Ven Johnson and Charlie Langton speak with Eri Guajardo Johnson- social justice advocate, birthworker, and community educator via BirthBruja.com- about some of the ways in which COVID-19 is shifting the legal world currently and in the future.2020-04-1341 minrise up! good witch podcastrise up! good witch podcastep47: eri guajardo johnson talks birth work as decolonial liberationto book a discounted tarot reading or check out the apothecary: http://www.riseupgoodwitch.com help sustain this work: http://www.patreon.com/riseupgoodwitch TAROT READINGS DISCOUNTED THRU END OF MARCH! https://riseupgoodwitchtarot.as.me/ $40 for 30 minutes $70 for 60 minutes $100 for 90 minutes Mentioned Orgs & More: Sister Song: Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective Sistersong.net | @SisterSong_woc Black Women Birthing Justice www.blackwomenbirthingjustice.org | @BirthingJustice Black Birthworkers To Follow: Kai Ayo Z. Shatteen @KindredSoulKai Barbara Verneus @TinyAndBrave Sumayyah Monet @SumisTouch Juju Angeles @RadicalChildBirth Racha Tahani Lawler @Crimson_Fig Link to Stories: Serena Williams: https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/20/opinions/protect-mother-pregnancy-williams-opinion/index.html ...2020-03-201h 17Birth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp 19: A Survivor’s Story: Hospital Birth, Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series, Pt 4You are listening to episode 19, part 4 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors. In this episode, we speak with birthworker, single mother, and sexual assault survivor advocate Melissa Lucchesi, for powerful story telling of her hospital birth experience as a survivor of sexual assault. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to stop this episode and listen to the first two parts of this series so that you can listen with a strengthened ability to recognize the as...2019-12-0438 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp 18: A Survivor’s Story: Home Birth & Birth Center, Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series, Pt 3You are listening to episode 18, part 3 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors. In this episode, we once again speak with somatic coach, rape crisis counselor, and birthing person, Tabitha Thomas, for candid story telling of her two birth experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual assault. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to stop this episode and listen to the first two parts of this series so that you can listen to this story with a...2019-12-041h 03Birth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 17: A Step-by-Step Birthworker's Guide, Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series, Pt. 2You are listening to episode 17, part 2 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors. As some of you may know, I am a rape crisis peer counselor and a birthworker that specializes in supporting survivors through the birth experience. In this episode, I offer a step-by-step breakdown of some of the primary ways in which I offer support to birthing survivors. This is a sneak peak into my upcoming training through Cornerstone Doula Trainings in December 2019 called Supporting Survivors...2019-12-0349 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp 16: Understanding Sexual Violence 101, Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series, Pt 1You are listening to episode 16, part 1 of the Supporting Survivors Who Birth Series- A dive into the intersections of sexual violence and birthwork and what we can do to best be of support for survivors. In this episode, we speak with social justice advocate, somatic coach, & rape crisis counselor, Tabitha Thomas, for an indepth exploration into the prevelence of sexual violence, common barriers survivors may face in in reporting & seeking support, what healing from sexual violence can look like, and what we can do to best be of support when someone discloses their survivorship. This series is near and dear...2019-12-031h 05Birth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 15: Black American Midwifery and Liberation Struggle, Bookworm Series, Pt. 3You are listening to episode 15, part 3 of the Bookworm Series: Where we are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte. In this episode, we explore “Birthing Freedom: Black American Midwifery and Liberation Struggles” written by Ruth Hays. This powerful chapter traces the history of black midwives in slavery, after emancipation, and during contemporary times. Hays explains that by reviving these community-building practices, black birthing women can benefit in a myriad of ways. There are SO MANY incredible chapters in this book! I struggled deciding which chapters to feature in this seri...2019-08-2235 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 14: Birthing Sexual Freedom and Healing: A Survivor Mother's Birth Story, Bookworm Series, Pt. 2You are listening to episode 14, part 2 of the Bookworm Series: Where we are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte. In this episode, we cover two chapters- the first is” Birthing Sexual Freedom and Healing: A Survivor Mother’s Birth Story” written by Biany Perez and the second is “A Love Letter to my Daughter: Love as a Political Act” Written by Haile Eshe Cole. One of the reasons why I love this book is because it includes various writing styles and perspectives that center the subject of placing black women’s vo...2019-08-2237 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 13: Black Women and the Struggle for Birth Justice, Bookworm Series, Pt 1You are listening to episode 13, part 1 of the Bookworm Series. We are reading chapters from Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy & Childbirth. Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah & Alicia D. Bonaparte. This book is a collection of articles that place black women’s voices at the center of the conversation around what should be done to fix the violent maternity system of this country. By placing black women’s agency at the foreground of the emerging birth justice movement, we are best able to identify the ways in which systemic oppression contribute to the modern birth experience within the US and what we c...2019-08-211h 03We RiseWe RiseStories for Our Grand Mothers, Ep. 23With an invitation from First Voice Media producer Kendall Crakow, Birth Bruja creator & host Eri Guajardo Johnson and We Rise co-creator & co-host Cat Petru sat down to weave stories about their mothers and grandmothers. As the two state in their dialogue, there are so many stories left untold. The ones that surfaced reflect the personal & political, pain & revelation. They are prayers, memories, and offerings.What is your relationship with mothers & mothering? How has it been defined and by whom? What might reclaiming this relationship feel like? And who or what might be available for support on this journey?2019-05-1223 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 12, Money, Privilege & Birthwork, Heart on Sleeve Series, Pt. 2Guests: Birthworkers Daniella Morales, Keelia Alder, & Brooke Patmor This is part 2 of a 2 part series where we dive into vulnerable conversations about identity and birthwork. In this episode, we continue exposing our proverbial underbelly by diving into the conversation around money, privilege and birthwork. Guest Bios & Contact Info: Daniella Morales | DaniellaMorales.com Daniella was born and raised in SF and I now lives in Berkeley. Her ancestry is rooted through indigenous peoples from central america specifically Nicaragua. Family is the base of everything she does. She has a wonderful son who’s birth was the most enlightening experience she’s ever...2018-12-1159 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 11, Am I Enough?, Heart on Sleeve Series, Pt 1Guests: Birthworkers Daniella Morales, Keelia Alder, & Brooke Patmor This is part 1 of a 2 part series where we dive into vulnerable conversations about identity and birthwork. In this episode, I sit with three friends and colleagues and dive into that ugly voice that tells us that we aren’t enough. That we aren’t professional enough. That we aren’t brown enough. That we aren’t white enough. That we aren’t femme enough. That we aren’t educated enough. That we aren’t enough... We aren’t enough... We aren’t enough... We touch upon themes such as racism, homophobia, classism and more...2018-12-111h 10We RiseWe RiseWomen's History Month edition: Birthwork as Healing & Justice, Ep. 11Cat Petru (We Rise) and Theresa Adams (Full Circle) guest host a special edition of KPFA's Women’s Magazine in honor of Women’s History Month. Cat speaks with doulas, Megan Chadwick and Eri Guajardo Johnson*, about birthwork as a site of healing, transformation, and justice. Theresa and Cat simultaneously celebrate this month by illuminating women’s legacies and labor – from the newsroom to the birthroom – and challenge the pretense that women are centered merely one month out of the year.*Check out the Birth Bruja podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, etc ~ also produced by We Rise Cultural Production!2018-10-031h 00Birth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 10 Decolonizing Birth, Roots Of Labor Birth Collective Pt. 3Guests: Linda Jones and Michi Arguedas from the Roots of Labor Birth Collective. This is part 3 of a 3 part series where we dive into the badass organization that is the bay area based, RLBC- aka Roots of Labor Birth Collective. These doulas of color provide full price, sliding scale, and volunteer doula services. In addition to serving private clients, they partner with Santa Rita Jail and Bay Area clinics to serve low-income and communities of color. In this episode, we explore RLBC’s approach to Decolonizing Birth, Our guests reflect upon the significance of Serena WIlliams speaking out about her tr...2018-08-311h 08Birth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 9 Birthing Behind Bars, Roots Of Labor Birth Collective Pt. 2Guests: Ixel Chavez and Rebecca Orozco from the Roots of Labor Birth Collective. This is part 2 of a 3 part series where we dive into the badass organization that is the bay area based, RLBC- aka Roots of Labor Birth Collective. These doulas of color provide full price, sliding scale, and volunteer doula services. In addition to serving private clients, they partner with Santa Rita Jail and Bay Area clinics to serve low-income and communities of color. In this episode, we dive into their full-spectrum doula work within Santa Rita Jail. Discussion Topics: *A basic run through of what it is...2018-08-3153 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 8 Birthwork For Folks Of Color, Roots Of Labor Birth Collective Series, Pt 1Guests: Kai Shatteen and Melissa Reyes from the Roots of Labor Birth Collective. This is part 1 of a 3 part series where we dive into the badass organization that is the bay area based, RLBC- aka Roots of Labor Birth Collective. These doulas of color provide full price, sliding scale, and volunteer doula services. In addition to serving private clients, they partner with Santa Rita Jail and Bay Area clinics to serve low-income and communities of color. In this episode, we explore an an outline of RLBC's work with a special focus on their doula training- taught by people of color...2018-08-3035 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 7, Loss & Grief Series Pt. 3 With Elena AuroraWe begin this episode with a call to action. Nia Wilson's death reminds us, once again, of the urgency that surrounds the need to dismantle oppressive systems in this society. Let our birthwork be an expression of our justice work. Let our birthwork be an embodiment of healing and collective liberation. This episode, we listen to birthworker and co-found of the Roots of Labor Birth Collective, Elena Aurora. We dive even deeper into ways loss and grief can manifest in the birth experience, what we as birthworkers can do to be of support, and how we as birthworkers can best...2018-07-3155 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 6, Loss & Grief Series Pt. 2 with Maureen ButtnerLast episode, we spoke with therapist Shawneshia Hoover and cultural producer Cat Petru of We Rise for a foundational conversation around Loss & Grief. We covered topics such as coping mechanisms, harm reduction, the power of community, the role of professional help, and more. This episode, we listen to birthworker Maureen Buttner as she tells the tale of her mother giving birth to her and her twin, Sydney. Listeners, please take extra care around this episode as this story includes the death of a grandmother in addition to a 2nd trimester miscarriage. Following this heartfelt storytelling, we discuss the dual gates...2018-07-1152 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 5, Loss & Grief Series Pt. 1 With Shawneshia Hoover & Catherine PetruEpisode 5 is part one of a series dedicated to exploring and holding space for loss & grief. As with all of our series, the first conversation aims to create a baseline understanding of the topic. We look at Loss & Grief in its entirety and dive into its impact outside of the birth room. We talk about coping mechanisms, intergenerational trauma, harm reduction, how to best provide support, and more. In today’s episode, we are joined by two steller humans- community worker, artist, and marriage family therapist, Shawneshia Hoover as well as artist, dancer, cultural producer, and producer of the Birth Br...2018-07-0644 minKPFA - We RiseKPFA - We RiseEp. 11 Women’s History Month edition – Birthwork as Healing & JusticeCat Petru (We Rise) and Theresa Adams (graduate of KPFA’s First Voice Apprenticeship program) guest host a special edition of KPFA’s Women’s Magazine in honor of Women’s History Month. Cat speaks with doulas, Megan Chadwick and Eri Guajardo Johnson (Birth Bruja host!), about birthwork as a site of healing, transformation, and justice. Theresa and Cat simultaneously celebrate this month by illuminating women’s legacies and labor – from the newsroom to the birthroom – and challenge the pretense that women are centered merely one month out of the year. This show also aired on KPFA’s Women’s Magazine in March...2018-06-011h 00Birth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 4: Ancestral Medicine, Part 3 with Heaven Celeste ThunderLast episode, we connected with birthworker Jenny Silva to explore more specifically what it looks like to weave ancestral medicine into our lives and birth work. We answered the questions- How can ancestral medicine support our wellness as birth workers? Why is it important to decolonize birth and stay connected to ancestral traditions? What could our birth offerings look like if we were to specifically include our traditions in our offerings? In THIS episode, we speak with Heaven Celeste Thunder, a mother and medicine maker about her journey into ancestral medicine and motherhood. Heaven’s current education in traditional Chinese me...2018-05-151h 00Birth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 3: Ancestral Medicine Series, Part 2 with Jenny SilvaLast episode, we connected with healer, community worker, and Curandera Batul True Heart for an introductory conversation into Ancestral Medicine. We answered the questions- What does ancestral medicine mean? Why is it powerful? How can we begin or deepen the journey of exploring the healing modalities of our ancestors? In this episode, we speak with birthworker Jenny Silva to explore more specifically what it looks like to weave ancestral medicine into our lives and birth work. Jenny Silva is the youngest out of 8 children, whose parents migrated from Mexico. Born in the Los Angeles area, Jenny found a connection with...2018-05-1553 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 2: Ancestral Medicine Series, Part 1 with Batul True HeartStudying and practicing one’s ancestral medicine can be a potent place for healing and wellness. Especially in relation to my practice of birth work, I have found these lessons to be invaluable as they enable me to cultivate wellness in mind, body, heart, and spirit. In this episode, we dive into the subject of ancestral medicine with healer, community worker, and Curandera, Batul True Heart. Batul has dedicated her life to keeping the traditional healing practices of her ancestors alive in order to heal herself, her community, and the earth from the devastating effects of colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy. Wa...2018-05-1549 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 1 Reclamation of la Bruja Feat. May ElawarEpisode 1 of The Birth Bruja PodcastFeaturing: May ElawarHost Eri Guajardo Johnson jumps into the meaning and vision behind The Birth Bruja Podcast. We talk about birth as a powerful place for healing and transformation, the need for intersectional and liberational approaches to birth work, the reason behind using the term "Bruja", and more. Scholar May Elawar joins us to talk about reclamation work, connecting with our mother line, valuing alternative ways of knowing within medical spaces, and beyond.Mentioned Resources:California Institute of Integral Studies- Women's Spirituality Programhttps://www.ciis...2018-04-0653 minBirth Bruja PodcastBirth Bruja PodcastEp. 1 Reclamation of la Bruja Feat. May ElawarEpisode 1 of The Birth Bruja Podcast Featuring: May Elawar Host Eri Guajardo Johnson jumps into the meaning and vision behind The Birth Bruja Podcast. We talk about birth as a powerful place for healing and transformation, the need for intersectional and liberational approaches to birth work, the reason behind using the term "Bruja", and more. Scholar May Elawar joins us to talk about reclamation work, connecting with our mother line, valuing alternative ways of knowing within medical spaces, and beyond. Mentioned Resources: California Institute of Integral Studies- Women's Spirituality Program https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/womens-spirituality "Witches" by Fleassy...2018-04-0653 min