In this deeply personal solo episode of Mermaid Musings, host Tara Coyote reflects on the 10-year death anniversary of her beloved best friend, Deb Hubsmith, a visionary bicycle and pedestrian activist who passed away at just 46 years old from Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Tara shares raw and heartfelt reflections on grief, loss, and the strange passage of time - how Deb remains forever 45 in her memory. She opens up about the importance of naming and expressing grief in a culture that often avoids it, and how grief can coexist with gratitude and healing.

Drawing from her own experiences of losing friends to cancer, facing her own Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, and grieving her parents while also embracing new gifts of life, Tara offers hope, honesty, and comfort to anyone navigating loss.

This episode is a reminder that grief is not something to suppress - it’s something to honor, express, and transform.

To learn more about Deb Hubsmith’s inspiring life, check out the book written by her husband Andy Peri and friend Amity Hotchkiss: “The Wind at Her Back: The Life of Transportation Visionary Deb A. Hubsmith”

Learn more about Tara’s journey healing from Stage 4 cancer in ‘Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver's Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses’ - a portion of the sale of each book will be donated to The Wild Beauty Foundation, an organization that works to raise awareness for the wild horses of North America.

Want to watch the full video interview? Check it out at: https://youtu.be/rGxJrywdezg

Listen now and be sure to subscribe to Mermaid Musings and join Tara’s email list to be the first to hear new episodes and soulful stories of resilience and transformation.

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Browse my books at http://amazon.com/author/taracoyote (*I make a small commission when you order from the links in this description!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of Mermaid Musings, Tara Coyote sits down with Stina Herberg, one of the visionary leaders at the Richmond Vale Academy ecolodge in St. Vincent, Caribbean. Together, they explore how communities can create real solutions to global warming through renewable energy, organic farming, and healthy, sustainable living.

Stina shares her journey of training a herd of wild horses, the healing power of equine therapy, and how reconnecting with nature can transform both people and the planet.

This video was published in March 2018, and during this time period, Tara was healing cancer naturally. A lot occurred between the release of this video and the present moment in her particular health journey, and in the spring of 2019, Tara embraced conventional healing methods in order to save her life. It feels important to clarify this to avoid any confusion.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Practical steps toward sustainability & resource conservation
• How organic gardening and community living support a healthier planet
• The role of horses in healing & personal growth
• Stina’s mission to educate future leaders in environmental health

If you’re passionate about climate change solutions, sustainable living, and the bond between humans and animals, this episode will leave you deeply inspired!

Want to watch the full video interview? Check it out at: https://youtu.be/Z6GDULm3yaY

Listen now and be sure to subscribe to Mermaid Musings and join Tara’s email list to be the first to hear new episodes and soulful stories of resilience and transformation.

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FOLLOW STINA HERBERG:

https://www.gracefulhorses.com/

https://richmondvale.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stina_in_st.vincent/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GracefulHorsesPhotography/

LinkedIn: https://vc.linkedin.com/in/stina-herberg-b2525655

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/stinahumana

FOLLOW TARA COYOTE @taracoyote

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YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/TaraCoyote

Browse my books at http://amazon.com/author/taracoyote (*I make a small commission when you order from these links!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this emotional and deeply personal episode of Mermaid Musings, Tara Coyote opens up about one of the most defining periods of her life - her stage 4 cancer diagnosis - alongside her beloved best friend of 30+ years, Michelle Russi. Originally recorded in February 2020 and released for the first time in June 2024, this raw, unfiltered conversation captures the unwavering bond of friendship, resilience, and love in the face of life-threatening illness.

Michelle was by Tara’s side through her darkest moments: from hospice referrals and painful chemotherapy to the miraculous recovery that followed. With deep gratitude, Tara reflects on Michelle’s six trips to Kaua’i in one year, her presence during the most grueling parts of treatment, and their decades-long journey as friends who met dancing to the Grateful Dead in Santa Cruz, with their young sons by their sides.

This is more than a story of healing - it’s a tribute to the kind of friendship that carries you through your most difficult seasons.

Learn more about Tara’s journey healing from Stage 4 cancer in ‘Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver's Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses’ - a portion of the sale of each book will be donated to The Wild Beauty Foundation, an organization that works to raise awareness for the wild horses of North America (*I make a small commission when you order from this link!).

Want to watch the full video interview? Check it out at: https://youtu.be/_vjTsyY2YvY

Listen now and be sure to subscribe to Mermaid Musings and join Tara’s email list to be the first to hear new episodes and soulful stories of resilience and transformation.

Sign Up For The Newsletter:

https://www.taracoyote.com

FOLLOW MICHELLE RUSSI:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.russi.75/

Instagram (Her Beautiful Candle Business): https://www.instagram.com/laughingcandles/

FOLLOW TARA COYOTE @taracoyote

Instagram: https://instagram.com/taracoyote

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoyote

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@taracoyote

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/TaraCoyote

Browse my books at http://amazon.com/author/taracoyote (*I make a small commission when you order from these links!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this emotional and deeply personal episode of Mermaid Musings, Tara Coyote opens up about one of the most defining periods of her life - her stage 4 cancer diagnosis - alongside her beloved best friend of 30+ years, Michelle Russi. Originally recorded in February 2020 and released for the first time in June 2024, this raw, unfiltered conversation captures the unwavering bond of friendship, resilience, and love in the face of life-threatening illness.

Michelle was by Tara’s side through her darkest moments: from hospice referrals and painful chemotherapy to the miraculous recovery that followed. With deep gratitude, Tara reflects on Michelle’s six trips to Kaua’i in one year, her presence during the most grueling parts of treatment, and their decades-long journey as friends who met dancing to the Grateful Dead in Santa Cruz, with their young sons by their sides.

This is more than a story of healing - it’s a tribute to the kind of friendship that carries you through your most difficult seasons.

Learn more about Tara’s journey healing from Stage 4 cancer in ‘Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver's Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses’ - a portion of the sale of each book will be donated to The Wild Beauty Foundation, an organization that works to raise awareness for the wild horses of North America (*I make a small commission when you order from this link!).

Want to watch the full video interview? Check it out at: https://youtu.be/_vjTsyY2YvY

Listen now and be sure to subscribe to Mermaid Musings and join Tara’s email list to be the first to hear new episodes and soulful stories of resilience and transformation.

Sign Up For The Newsletter:

https://www.taracoyote.com

FOLLOW MICHELLE RUSSI:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.russi.75/

Instagram (Her Beautiful Candle Business): https://www.instagram.com/laughingcandles/

FOLLOW TARA COYOTE @taracoyote

Instagram: https://instagram.com/taracoyote

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoyote

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@taracoyote

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/TaraCoyote

Browse my books at http://amazon.com/author/taracoyote (*I make a small commission when you order from these links!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Mermaid Musings, host Tara Coyote reconnects with fellow Stage 4 cancer thriver and beloved friend Willow Star (formerly known as Keri Vaca). Recorded in May 2020 during the early days of the pandemic, this Zoom conversation was originally part of Tara’s vision for a documentary titled Cancer Thriver Film - spotlighting late-stage cancer patients who continue to defy the odds.

Fast forward to today: both Tara and Willow are still here, thriving, and shining as living proof that miracles exist.

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Tara and Willow explore:

• What inspired Willow to share her cancer journey so openly online
• The emotional toll of losing friends and community members to cancer
• How we can all benefit from listening to our fear and exploring what it’s asking us to heal… even if we aren’t facing illness

Their raw and honest conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating illness, seeking alternative healing, or simply in need of hope. Hit play to witness the courage and compassion between two women redefining what it means to live with Stage 4 cancer.

Want to watch the full video interview? Check it out at: https://youtu.be/nt6O9Hpqb8w

Listen now and be sure to subscribe to Mermaid Musings and join Tara’s email list to be the first to hear new episodes and soulful stories of resilience and transformation.

Sign Up For The Newsletter:

https://www.taracoyote.com

FOLLOW WILLOW STAR:

https://www.meetwillowstar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetwillowstar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetwillowstar

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meetwillowstar

FOLLOW TARA COYOTE @taracoyote

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoyote

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@taracoyote

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/TaraCoyote

Browse my books at http://amazon.com/author/taracoyote (*I make a small commission when you order from these links!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Mermaid Musings, host Tara Coyote reconnects with fellow Stage 4 cancer thriver and beloved friend Willow Star (formerly known as Keri Vaca). Recorded in May 2020 during the early days of the pandemic, this Zoom conversation was originally part of Tara’s vision for a documentary titled Cancer Thriver Film - spotlighting late-stage cancer patients who continue to defy the odds.

Fast forward to today: both Tara and Willow are still here, thriving, and shining as living proof that miracles exist.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Tara and Willow explore:

• The power of integrative healing
• How a cancer diagnosis became a transformational force in Willow’s life
• Why it’s essential to acknowledge fear before letting it go
• What it really looks like to live fully with a serious diagnosis

Their raw and honest conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating illness, seeking alternative healing, or simply in need of hope. Hit play to witness the courage and compassion between two women redefining what it means to live with Stage 4 cancer.

Want to watch the full video interview? Check it out at: https://youtu.be/nt6O9Hpqb8w

Listen now and be sure to subscribe to Mermaid Musings and join Tara’s email list to be the first to hear new episodes and soulful stories of resilience and transformation.

Sign Up For The Newsletter:

https://www.taracoyote.com

FOLLOW WILLOW STAR:

https://www.meetwillowstar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetwillowstar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetwillowstar

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meetwillowstar

FOLLOW TARA COYOTE @taracoyote

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoyote

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@taracoyote

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/TaraCoyote

Browse my books at http://amazon.com/author/taracoyote (*I make a small commission when you order from these links!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt and spontaneous episode of Mermaid Musings, Tara Coyote shares an unexpected yet powerful conversation with renowned mind-body medicine expert, Dr. Dean Shrock. Originally not intended for public release, this vibrant exchange became too meaningful not to share. The result? A deeply authentic, informal, and inspiring talk that feels more like a soul-to-soul connection than a traditional interview.

Dr. Dean Shrock served as the Director of Mind-Body Medicine for a physician group overseeing 40 cancer centers. His groundbreaking wellness programs demonstrated improved survival rates for cancer patients, anchored in the healing power of love, purpose, and inner peace. He is the bestselling author of “Doctor’s Orders: Go Fishing, Why Love Heals, and Living and Thriving.”

In this episode, Dr. Shrock and Tara explore:

• How love and connection influence healing and longevity
• The importance of purpose and emotional expression in cancer recovery
• Mind-body-spirit medicine and its growing role in integrative oncology
• Why living fully is one of the most powerful medicines we have

Whether you're navigating illness, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking deeper wellness, this conversation will leave you feeling uplifted and empowered.

Want to watch the full video interview? Check it out at: https://youtu.be/BjFXmuW8z-Q

Listen now and be sure to subscribe to Mermaid Musings and join Tara’s email list to be the first to hear new episodes and soulful stories of resilience and transformation.

Sign Up For The Newsletter:

https://www.taracoyote.com

FOLLOW DR. DEAN SHROCK:

https://deanshrock.com/

Why Love Heals book: https://amzn.to/47g4rx3

Doctor's Orders: Go Fishing: https://amzn.to/3srtj65

Integrative Oncology: https://amzn.to/3MP9CvJ

The Power of the Heart: https://amzn.to/40BWe3X

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-shrock-0351b015

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeanShrockPhD

FOLLOW TARA COYOTE @taracoyote

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YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/TaraCoyote

Browse my books at http://amazon.com/author/taracoyote (*I make a small commission when you order from these links!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara Coyote dives deep into the world of sharks with Nick “Hex” Van Sicklen - a former nuclear engineer turned shark whisperer, dive guide, and passionate ocean advocate.

Nick shares his incredible journey of traveling the globe in pursuit of shark encounters and his current career leading ocean expeditions in the Bahamas with legendary conservationist Jim Abernethy (who I’ve previously interviewed on the podcast, if you want to learn more about the incredible work he is doing!).

Together, Tara and Hex unpack why sharks are so deeply misunderstood, how media-fueled fear impacts conservation, and why these apex predators are critical to a thriving ocean ecosystem!

Want to watch the full video interview? Check it out at: https://youtu.be/y8WxLa5X4mI

Listen now and be sure to subscribe to Mermaid Musings and join Tara’s email list to be the first to hear new episodes and soulful stories of resilience and transformation.

Sign Up For The Newsletter:

https://www.taracoyote.com

FOLLOW NICK "HEX" VAN SICKLEN:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hex_diver/

FOLLOW TARA COYOTE @taracoyote

Instagram: https://instagram.com/taracoyote

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcoyote

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@taracoyote

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/TaraCoyote

Browse my books at http://amazon.com/author/taracoyote (*I make a small commission when you order from these links!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.