podcast

The Aligned Interior

A Design and Arts podcast

About the show

Expert conversations on how the spaces we live in shape our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. From neuroscience and healthy-home design to the esoteric. Hosted by Sonya Randell, a human-centered interior architect and designer, The Aligned Interior explores how our homes make us well (and unwell), with guests spanning both science and spirit. Whether you're here for the research or the more mystical, every episode offers practical insight and a fresh lens on creating a space, and a life, that reflects who you are. 🔗 @thealignedinterior | thealignedinterior.com

Newest episodes

What Hypnotherapy Is Really Like: Healing Anxiety, Fear & Stuck Patterns With Brian Mahoney

Dec 18, 2025 1 hr 16 min

Hypnotherapist Brian Mahoney explains what hypnotherapy actually is, not the stage-show version, and how working with the deeper, subconscious mind can help with stress, anxiety, fear, habits, and the long-standing patterns that keep people stuck. In this episode we explore the power of hypnotherapy with Brian Mahoney, a Boston-based hypnotherapist and coach with over 22 years of experience and more than 25,000 client hours. Brian's work is practical and solutions oriented, focused on getting to the core of an issue by engaging the deeper parts of the mind so people can create lasting change. He's also my hypnotherapist, so this is a candid, first-person conversation, with real examples of what sessions are actually like, what can surface, and how emotional pain points get worked through in a grounded way. Timestamps: (2:00) You've studied with a lot of leaders in the field and different methods, how do you define hypnotherapy? (5:40) Do you feel hypnotherapy gets to the core of an issue? (8:35 ) Favorite hypnotherapy modalities(11:23) Brian and I describe a first hand experience of a hypnotherapy session (19:40) Apps versus working with a live hypnotherapist(23:47) We chat about what viewing a recording of a hypnotherapy session would look like (27:00) What made me have a physical reaction during my session from a hypnotherapist's perspective? (32:54) Could you explain how sensory input interacts with the subconscious? (35:47) Sensory design and the deeper mind(38:32) Hypnotherapy for everyday life(40:56) Thought patterns, limiting beliefs and your shadow side (42:10) Confronting and integrating shadow self(46:06) I'd love it if you could share one of the most challenging as well as favorite experiences you've had as a hypnotherapist? What a client was navigating and the results they achieved? (49:51) Stress, anxiety, fears, and self-reinforcing trances(53:38) What can everyday listeners learn from how high performers and athletes use mental training? (58:32) Pa...

A Home Designed by the Stars: Asterian Astrology & Designing a Space for Your Soul With Jade Sol Luna

Nov 13, 2025 55 min

Asterian astrology creator Jade Sol Luna returns to step inside his own eccentric home and show how a space can become a living reflection of your true self, your energy, and your spiritual path. This conversation will resonate most with our spiritually-minded listeners, but we invite everyone to listen with an open mind and take what resonates. This is a second conversation with Jade. In Part 1, "Your Home Has a Birth Chart," we covered the foundations of how Asterian astrology informs home design. Here, Asterian astrologer and host Sonya Randell sits down with her teacher to go deeper and more personal. Exploring how your birth chart (or "Karma Report") translates into the layout, lighting, objects, and atmosphere of a home that supports your alignment, well-being, and growth. We talk about Jade's own home in Joshua Tree, an eccentric house full of masks, relics, and meaning, and how it embodies his philosophy of Aghora: that a home should hold the whole of who you are, light and shadow alike. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:26) What makes Asterian Astrology unique?(4:55) How Sun, Moon, and Rising signs shape your energy(11:00) Training others and passing Asterian Astrology forward(13:35) Experiencing the Astrological Home Reading firsthand(15:50) Did you notice any shifts in how you related to your space afterward? (18:08) How matching your home to your inner essence supports alignment (26:10) Jade's personal process when choosing a new home(30:27) Practical ways to connect your home design to your birth chart(37:23) How Jade would like to see people begin integrating Asterian Astrology into their environments(39:48) The connection portal and expression of spirit through your home design. The value of working with an expert to accelerate alignment. (50:30) One change Jade would make about how people interact with astrology In this episode: Inside Jade's eccentric Joshua Tree home, masks, relics, and an altar room.Why he collects the "haunted" objects nobody...

Mold & Your Health: How to Find, Prevent & Safely Remove Mold at Home With John C. Banta

Sep 22, 2025 1 hr 18 min

Indoor environmental quality specialist John C. Banta explains how mold really affects your home and your health. How it grows, why it's so stubborn to remove, and the practical, non-chemical way to find it, prevent it, and clean it safely. This conversation continues a thread from our earlier building-biology episode with architect Paula Baker-Laporte of EcoNest. John co-authored Prescriptions for a Healthy House with Paula, and here he goes deep on the mold and water-damage side of a healthy home. Prefer to listen? You're in the right place. This episode is presented as audio (on YouTube it's shown with images). In this episode we explore mold, water damage, and healthy homes with John C. Banta, an indoor environmental quality specialist with over 35 years in building science, environmental health, and mold remediation. We get into the science of how mold grows, why dead mold is just as much of a problem as live mold, the health conditions linked to exposure, and exactly how to clean and remediate effectively. Plus what renters, buyers, and designers should look for. Timestamps: (2:05) John’s background & how he started in indoor air quality and mold.(5:20) What sets his approach apart from others in the field.(7:48) How common are mold issues in homes and buildings.(11:28) Under-appreciated health impacts of mold.(14:30) Collaborating with doctors. (17:23) Construction and remodeling mistakes that encourage mold.(22:01) “Building better” to prevent mold in practice.(25:40) Linking hidden mold exposure to chronic symptoms.(30:24) Most common causes of mold in homes.(33:00) How material choices affect mold vulnerability.(42:00) What renters and buyers should look for to spot mold risks.(48:07) Steps for effective mold cleaning.(01:05:20) Practical home precautions to prevent mold.(01:11:40) Key chapters or sections to focus on in the book.(01:14:17) Ideal changes in building design or regulation.(01:15:36) One shift listeners should make about their homes and he...

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All episodes

What Hypnotherapy Is Really Like: Healing Anxiety, Fear & Stuck Patterns With Brian Mahoney

Dec 18, 2025 1 hr 16 min

A Home Designed by the Stars: Asterian Astrology & Designing a Space for Your Soul With Jade Sol Luna

Nov 13, 2025 55 min

Mold & Your Health: How to Find, Prevent & Safely Remove Mold at Home With John C. Banta

Sep 22, 2025 1 hr 18 min

Sound Affects: How Sound Shapes Your Body, Mind & Space With Julian Treasure

Jul 24, 2025 1 hr 3 min

Renowned sound expert Julian Treasure explains how sound shapes far more than we realize, our nervous system, our health, our relationships, and our experience of every space we're in, and why we've forgotten how to truly listen. In his second appearance on The Aligned Interior, Julian returns to explore the profound role sound plays in our environments, our bodies, and our lives. Inspired by his new book Sound Affects, we explore how sound, vibration, and frequency shape our well-being. From the rooms we design to the cities and bodies we inhabit, and how sound affects us socially, our learning, focus, nervous system regulation, and healing. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction(2:35) About Julian & His New Book. The inspiration behind Sound Affects(7:10) The History of Sound in Humanity. Speaking, listening & the evolution of noise(17:21) Sound & The Nervous System. Exploring the impact of everyday noise on well-being and how to create spaces that support nervous system regulation (25:15) Sound, Multisensory Design & Superadditivity. How sound design can amplify emotional and sensory impact (37:37) Sound, Vibration & Frequency. From cellular biology to cosmic resonance, we explore how sound shapes life at every scale and the potential it holds for healing and design (49:38) Sound, Plants & Biophilia. Exploring plant communication and how biophilic design fosters greater wellbeing (56:10) Sound in Sacred Spaces, Cultures & Traditions. Wisdom for modern sound design(1:00:42) Julian’s Favorite Sound + Sound Resources (see below for links and free trial info)(1:02:34) Final Reflections & Outro In this episode: Why listening is declining, and what that's costing us socially and emotionally.The wonder of sound: snapping shrimp, singing cells, and the sound of a black hole.How chronic noise raises your risk of heart attack and stroke (and what to do about it)."Move, block, or accept": Julian's practical fix for a noisy environment.That plants make and respond to sound, and wh...

Your Brain on Design, Part 2: Neuroaesthetics & How Spaces Shape Emotion With Dr. Oshin Vartanian

Jul 3, 2025 55 min

Neuroaesthetics expert Dr. Oshin Vartanian explains how interior design shapes your brain, supporting emotional processing, creativity, and well-being, often beneath conscious awareness. This is Part 2 of a two-part series on neuroaesthetics. In Part 1, Dr. Vartanian explained how our brains respond to design elements like curves, contrast, and high ceilings, and why those preferences are rooted in neuroscience and evolution. Here in Part 2, we go deeper into the nervous system, creativity, and emotional regulation. Together we unpack how subtle design choices, from natural elements to multisensory design, engage the brain in ways most people never notice: exposure therapy through design, brain homeostasis, and why the spaces we choose may be more connected to our nervous system than we realize. ⏱️ Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:22) What mental and emotional health benefits can we gain by incorporating nature into our interior environments? (6:53) Neuroaesthetics vs. environmental psychology: what’s the difference?(10:27) Neurological mechanisms that foster connection, belonging, and unity through natural elements(15:45) Cathedrals, multisensory design, and how sacred spaces affect the brain(17:22) What’s the sweet spot for multisensory design load on the brain and nervous system?(24:07) Design elements that support creativity + Dr. Vartanian’s personal story of rediscovering focus in a nostalgic space(26:34) Pleasure versus joy in neuroaesthetics (30:00) Portable EEGs, VR, and studying real-time brain response to space (32:17) How design supports emotional processing and homeostasis (35:12) Therapeutic spaces, fear rooms, and emotional alchemy(39:35) Meaning-making in art, design and aesthetics (41:24) Interior environments and personal development (42:28) Common design mistakes & understanding the end user (45:48) Flexible design features: ceiling height and cognition (47:39) The future of neuroaesthetic research and unanswered questions (49:52) How reward...

Your Brain on Design, Part 1: The Neuroscience of How Spaces Make You Feel With Dr. Oshin Vartanian

Jun 12, 2025 57 min

Neuroaesthetics expert Dr. Oshin Vartanian explains how your brain responds to the spaces around you, why curves feel safe, why high ceilings free your thinking, and why so much of your reaction to a room is happening in the oldest, most primal parts of your brain. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on neuroaesthetics. Here we cover the foundations - the primal brain, evolution, and the design features your brain reacts to before you're even aware of it. In Part 2, Dr. Vartanian goes deeper into the nervous system, creativity, emotional regulation, and therapeutic design. In this episode we explore the neuroscience of the built environment with Dr. Oshin Vartanian. We get into how the brain computes beauty, why our preferences are rooted in survival, and what that means for designing homes that genuinely support how we think and feel. ⏱️ Timestamps (0:00) Introduction(2:06) What is neuroaesthetics, and what led you to becoming a leading voice in the field?(3:50) Primal brain reactions to the built environment(6:37) Evolution, instinct, and space design(09:17) Why our brains prefer curvature(11:22) Spaces that lower stress and cortisol(25:58) Designing for transcendence: height and scale(30:05) What makes sacred spaces feel meaningful?(33:36) Creating flow and creative cognition through space(41:30) Nature and neuroaesthetic health benefits(48:48) Hierarchy of needs and interior design(53:08) Age, preferences, and designing public spaces In this episode: Why your preference for a beautiful space is driven by the brain's ancient reward circuitry."Prospect and refuge": why we're drawn to spaces that let us see out while feeling protected.Why even newborns and great apes prefer curves, and why angles can read as threat.The study showing the same talk raises cortisol more in an enclosed room than an open one.How high ceilings invite mind-wandering and more abstract, creative thought.Why natural contrast and complexity register in your brain before you consciously notic...

Sound Baths & the Healing Power of Sound: How Sound Calms Your Nervous System With Sara Auster

Apr 25, 2025 53 min

Sound therapist Sara Auster explains how sound baths and the simple act of deep listening can calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and bring you into the present, and how to bring a little of that practice into your own home. This conversation will resonate most with our spiritually-minded listeners, but we invite everyone to listen with an open mind and take what resonates. In this episode we explore the healing power of sound with Sara Auster, a world-renowned sound therapist, meditation teacher, and creator of the Pause app. We break down the basics of sound bathing and sound therapy, how these practices can reduce stress, deepen self-awareness, and support emotional healing, and Sara shares her signature approach, the Auster Sound Method. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction. (1:44) I’d love it if we started off with you telling us a little bit about yourself and what led you to becoming a world renown sound therapist and mediation teacher. (4:16) How would you describe a sound bath? (5:00) When you are accessing the mind, what role does psychoacoustics play in sound bathing? (6:36) What are some wellbeing benefits (mind, body & spirit) of sound bathing? (7:45) Would you walk us through one of your sound bathing sessions? (17:00) Do you have any recommendations on how people can incorporate the healing benefits of the sound bathing in their home? (18:53) A discussion on using the sounds around your home as a self development tool.(27:00) How would you describe using sound bathing and sound therapy as a self development practice? (30:00) Animals instinctually release traumatic or stressful experiences through tremors or shaking. Is there a link here to sound healing? For example a deer shaking after shock or the vibration of a cat’s purr. (33:00) Where would you like to see people invest more research around the healing benefits of sound? (39:10) What role does sound healing play with intuition? (45:10) I’d love it if you can share a little about your app PAUSE.(...

What Makes a Home Healthy: Building Biology & Healthy Materials With Paula Baker-Laporte And Andrea Allen Sis

Apr 5, 2025 1 hr 6 min

Architect and building biologist Paula Baker-Laporte and architect Andrea Allen Sis of EcoNest explain what actually makes a home healthy, from the materials and finishes you choose to indoor air quality, and the simple changes that make the biggest difference. In this episode we explore healthy homes and building biology with Paula Baker-Laporte and Andrea Allen Sis of EcoNest Architecture. Paula is an architect and building biologist and the author of Prescriptions for a Healthy House, now in its fourth edition. Andrea is an architect and partner at EcoNest specializing in healthy building materials. In this episode we explore design practices, recommendations and resources for the healthiest products (materials, finishes, appliances, etc) to consider to improve the health of your home. Timestamps: (2:25) What led you both to becoming leading experts and advocates for healthy homes? (7:26) How would you define a healthy home? (8:43) Why should people be concerned about their indoor environmental quality? (11:01) What are some health conditions that arise from being in indoor environments that have health hazards? (13:50) What are your recommended DOs for remodeling? (15:35) What are some easy ways someone can improve the health of their home?(16:54) How do you design air quality for an existing home? (21:29) How much more will it cost to build a healthy home?(27:00) What are the healthiest materials and finishes for home? (31:35) What are you seeing in the industry with healthier spaces? (34:57) What advice do you have for people when selecting furnishings? (36:16) Is there anything that we can do when we are dwelling in spaces that we are temporarily renting to safeguard ourselves against health hazards? (38:00) What are some things you recommend to people to keep in mind for home appliances? (43:00) What is electromagnetic radiation and how do you recommend designing your home with it in mind? (45:47) How do you recommend someone approach evaluating and design...

Forest Bathing, Part 2: The Science of Nature & How to Bring It Home With Dr. Susan Abookire

Mar 15, 2025 1 hr 7 min

Harvard physician and forest therapy guide Dr. Susan Abookire explains the science of why time in nature heals us, from cortisol and the nervous system to immune health, and simple ways to bring those benefits into your home. This is Part 2 of a two-part series on forest bathing. In Part 1, forest therapy pioneer Amos Clifford explores what the practice is and how it reconnects us with the natural world. In this episode we explore the health science of time in nature with Dr. Susan Abookire, a physician and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and a certified forest therapy guide who brings the benefits of nature into clinical medicine. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:00) What is your background and what let you to becoming a forest therapy guide and spearheading the integration of this form of therapy into the medical system? (6:17) Could you speak to some of the health benefits of forest bathing from a medical perspective? (8:50) Discussion around the nervous system states.(12:45) The restoration benefits of time in nature.(18:38) Can you walk us through one of your forest bathing sessions that you offer? (26:26) Where do you offer your forest therapy sessions? (30:40) How you can use forest bathing to open up and receive guidance. (34:30) Why is it important for women to be mindful of cortisol levels when it comes to hormone fluctuations (monthly perimenopause, menopause, etc)? (38:25) How do you as a doctor and forest therapy guide think someone can use their home to induce similar benefits of forest bathing? (44:00) What do you do in your home that connects you to the forest? (51:56) How do you introduce someone who is new to forest bathing? (58:10) How often do you recommend people spend time in nature to for health and wellbeing benefits? (1:00:04) A discussion on the immune system benefits of time in nature(1:05:39) If you could snap your fingers and imbue everyone with one piece of knowledge or understanding about forest therapy and/or trees, w...

Forest Bathing, Part 1: How Forest Therapy Reconnects Us With Nature With Amos Clifford

Feb 20, 2025 42 min

Forest therapy pioneer Amos Clifford explains what forest bathing really is, how a simple, slow walk in nature can reconnect us with the living world, and why the forest itself can be a kind of therapist. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on forest bathing. In Part 2, Harvard physician Dr. Susan Abookire explores the medical science of time in nature and how to bring its benefits into your home. In this episode we explore forest bathing and our relationship with nature with Amos Clifford, founder and CEO of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and author of Your Guide to Forest Bathing. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:28) What is your background and what lead you to become a leading global advocate for forest bathing? (7:01) What is forest bathing? And what is its origin? (13:35) How does forest therapy relate to spirituality? (22:00) An exploration of the perspective problem(28:10) An exploration of the sentience of stones (37:10) If we are mimicking the forest bathing experience in a virtual space, what excites you most about that and are there any guiding principles there that you can apply to your home? (40:36) If you could snap your fingers and imbue everyone in the world with one piece of knowledge or understanding about forests or forest bathing, what would you want them to know? In this episode: Why forest bathing is "more about being here than getting there".The "standard sequence" and the simple practice of a sit spot.How a slow walk opens a relational, sensory connection to nature.Why the forest, not the guide, does the healing.The origins of shinrin-yoku in 1980s Japan.Guest: Amos Clifford is the founder and CEO of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and the author of Your Guide to Forest Bathing. Drawing on a varied career as a psychotherapist, wilderness guide, and Zen practitioner, he has trained over 2,500 forest therapy guides across 66 countries. Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinterior. Reso...

The Psychology of Colour: How Colour Shapes Mood, Behaviour & Wellbeing at Home With Karen Haller

Jan 29, 2025 1 hr 24 min

Colour psychology expert Karen Haller explains how the colours in your home shape how you think, feel, and behave, and how to choose a palette that supports your wellbeing, rooted in nature rather than trends. In this episode we explore colour psychology and behavioural design with Karen Haller, a global expert in behavioural design and colour psychology and the author of The Little Book of Colour. We get into how colour affects mood and behaviour, why nature is the truest guide to a harmonious palette, and how to use colour to create a home that reflects who you really are. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:52) You have a unique approach to colour and design. I’d love it if you could share a little about your approach to and what you do?(4:25) What role does nature play in your approach to color and design? (8:48) How can we use colour in a home environment to influence positive behaviour and wellbeing? (13:23) What are the conditions that would make the colour pink have adverse effects? (19:05) Is there a difference between how our bodies react to the colour in red in paint or light? (25:48) How would you approach colour design to help facilitate feelings of relaxation, ease and comfort? (44:55) Discussion on how our colour personality relates to nature and the seasons (58:00) What key aspects would you recommend for homeowners to keep in mind when they are choosing colours for their home? (01:06:11) How would you recommend someone approach the amount of colour they use in a space? (01:08:31) The colour black phase in fashion and what that may mean from a colour psychology perspective(01:14:09) What are your favorite colours and why? (01:16:43) If you could snap your fingers and give everyone on earth one fundamental piece of colour knowledge, what would it be? (01:23:34) Closing thoughts In this episode: Why colour affects how you think, feel, and behave, whether you notice it or not.The difference between liking a colour and its psychological effect (the pink...

Astrological Gemstones: How Vedic Gems Work With Your Birth Chart With Tiffany April Raines

Jan 9, 2025 1 hr 8 min

Vedic gemologist Tiffany April Raines explains how astrological gemstones work with your birth chart to support alignment, wellbeing, and your space, and how to choose, test, and place them in your home. In this episode we explore gemstones, crystals, and interior design with Tiffany April Raines, a Vedic gemologist and the CEO and co-founder of Astrological Gem Stones, and one of the world's most sought-after Vedic gemologists. We get into how gemstones channel planetary influences, how to choose the right stone for your chart, and how gems and crystals can shape the energy of a space. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:28) How did you get into Gemology? (4:10) Could you share one of your personal experiments with gemstones?(7:49) If you wanted to work with Saturn in your chart in a benefic way how would you go about choosing the best gemstone based on someone’s natal chart? (9:26) The importance of testing out a gemstone to ensure it is a good fit(10:18) Why did you choose to do Vedic Astrology over Western and is there a difference between them with Gemology? (13:50) How would you describe gemstones affect someone’s body and energetic field? (20:05) Are there any gemstones that will have detrimental effects and/or not safe? (23:16) When you look at someone’s chart for an initial gemstone consultation what are the areas of the chart that you look at first? (26:30) What advice would you give them for selecting their starter gemstones? (29:15) What are the differences between wearing gemstones and having them in a space? (33:45) Are there any other gemstones that you like to use in your home? (37:10) Are there any harmful effects of using a lot of different types of crystals within close proximity? (40:16) The relationship between plants and crystals.(41:57) Do you have a ritual when getting a new gemstone?(44:30) Gemstones select the buyer(47:00) What advice do you have when buying gemstones? (51:10) Are there gemstones you don’t recommend for people? (54:23) How...

Heal Through Astrology: Asterian Astrology & Interior Design with Jade Sol Luna

Jul 4, 2024 58 min

Asterian astrology creator Jade Sol Luna explains how your birth chart can inform the design of your home, turning your space into a reflection of who you truly are. This conversation will resonate most with our spiritually-minded listeners, but we invite everyone to listen with an open mind and take what resonates. This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior. In this episode we explore Asterian astrology and interior design with Jade Sol Luna, creator of Asterian Astrology and the first Westerner to reconstruct ancient Hindu astrology within a Greco-Roman framework. We cover the foundations of how your birth chart maps onto your home, and how to design a space aligned with your nature. Timestamps: (⁠0:00⁠) Introduction (⁠1:51⁠) How does Asterian Astrology differ from Western Astrology? (⁠5:26⁠) How did you get into Astrology and how did it lead to you practicing Asterian Astrology? (⁠10:24⁠) How does Astrology come into play with geographic locations? (⁠12:37⁠) How does Astrology come into play for buildings? (⁠13:14⁠) Have you had clients that you have provided astrological advice for specific buildings in addition to geographic locations? (⁠14:08⁠) Do people have auspicious numbers that change based on Astrological weather?(⁠15:13⁠) How can people look up on their own their numbers from their birth chart as well as the current year and use it as guidance when selecting an apartment or home? (⁠18:16⁠) Would your Astrological number be the same for Western and Vedic Astrology? (⁠18:44⁠) From an Asterian Astrology perspective what considerations do you make for your own home? (⁠27:44⁠) In psychology there are personality types. In Asterian Astrology we have an astrological blueprint of our essence. How can we use this blueprint, astrological personality types of sort to create spaces that reflect and support more of our essence? (⁠39:10⁠) Do you recommend an Asterian Astrology resources?(⁠⁠40:37⁠⁠) What i...

Energy Healing & Frequency in Your Space with Dr. Ondre Seltzer

Jun 6, 2024 47 min

Energy healer Dr. Ondre Seltzer explores why some rooms just feel "off", and how energy, intention, and clearing can shift the way a space feels. This conversation will resonate most with our spiritually-minded listeners, but we invite everyone to listen with an open mind and take what resonates. This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior. In this episode we explore the energy of our homes with Dr. Ondre Seltzer, why spaces hold a feeling, how intention shapes a room, and simple ways to clear and reset the energy of your home. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction(0:30) Introducing our guest & show details (1:46) How would you describe to listeners what you do? (2:25) How do you rebalance frequencies in spaces? And can you share how that started?(3:48) When you walk into a new space, what do you sense or feel? How do you experience spaces differently than other people? (8:03) We explore why you feel healthier when you are in love and surrounded by high frequency energy.(9:59) What objects and/or things that you recommend for people to increase the frequency of their spaces? (17:41) What do you feel or see in space in terms of what frequencies are in balance or off balance? (21:18) How would you recommend someone go about clearing out a space where they had negative feelings or experiences? (23:52) What would you recommend to clear spaces that for people with pets? (26:30) How do you experience plants as a frequency rebalancer? And how do you feel about them being in spaces? (30:00) Do plants have auras like people? What do you see and feel with them? (33:15) We explore the idea of plants choosing us, rather than us choosing them. (37:59) In terms of a home of an individual that is healing say from sadness from a divorce or where children have problems. From a frequency rebalancer perspective how would you approach adjusting their space? (40:28) Do you ever collaborate and/or consult with designers?(46:10) Closin...

Environmental Psychology & Design: The Psychology of Your Space with Dr. Sally Augustin

May 16, 2024 50 min

Environmental psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin explains how the spaces around us shape mood, behavior, and wellbeing, and how to use environmental psychology to design a home that genuinely supports you. This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior. In this episode we explore environmental psychology and interior design with Dr. Sally Augustin. We get into how color, light, layout, and nature shape how we think and feel, and how to apply environmental psychology to your own space. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:44) Could you share a little about what you do and what type of clients you have? (2:27) How can we use Environmental Psychology in design to facilitate better health and wellbeing? (3:40) If you were to walk into a potential residential client’s home, what are the key things you look for as an Environmental Psychologist? (4:38) In your book Designology you discuss PlaceTypes. Can you give a teaser of what PlaceTypes are and how knowing your PlaceType can help with designing a home that is more suited to your needs/personality? (6:43) If budgets are limited, what aspects of a space would you recommend people prioritize for design for maximum impact from an Environmental Psychologist standpoint? (10:35) In terms of visual complexity. What effect does clutter have on the brain? And the opposite, what effect does a stark environment have on the brain? (12:26) In the U.S. it is estimated that approximately 30% of the population will have an anxiety related disorder at some point in their life. From an Environmental Psychologist perspective how would you recommend creating environments that are stress reducing? (18:30) How would you approach designing a space to facilitate a better mood? (31:56) Are there any other natural materials, other than wood grain, that have positive mental and emotional effects on us? Such as reduced cortisol, a better mood, etc? (37:50) In terms of the future of Environmental...

Circadian Lighting: Why You're Using the Wrong Light for Sleep & Health with Dr. Steven Lockley (Harvard)

Apr 25, 2024 53 min

Harvard sleep scientist Dr. Steven Lockley explains how the light in your home affects your sleep, energy, and circadian rhythm, and why most of us are using the wrong light at the wrong times. This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior. Prefer to listen? You're in the right place. (On YouTube this episode is presented with images due to a recording issue.) In this episode we explore circadian lighting and health with Dr. Steven Lockley, a Harvard Medical School sleep scientist and co-founder and chief scientist of Timeshifter. We get into how light governs your circadian rhythm, why standard home and office lighting works against you, and how to light your space in sync with your body clock.Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:38) What are the differences between the visual system and the non visual system?(4:35) I'd love to hear more about your research and how we know the effects of lighting on the non visual system to be true.(9:00) How would you recommend lighting for our eyes' non visual system for our home environment to help facilitate health and wellbeing (10:47) What are some simple things that you could recommend for someone to do in their home to have the most immediate impact to redesign their lighting to be more effective for the non visual system? (15:39) Does daylight have an effect on the non visual system that is beneficial for health and wellbeing? (18:20) Is there a recommended amount of time that you shut off all lights & devices before bed? (23:11) What are some of the studies done that proves that blue short wave length, 5000K or higher temperature lighting has an alerting effect on the body? (25:45) Could you speak to the mood aspect of the effects of this type of light? (27:47) Has anyone done any brain scans on natural light to see if there's anything different that shows up? (29:07) If someone were to go to their local hardware store to purchase bulbs for their home to have more he...

Julian Treasure: How to Design Sound for Health, Focus & Calm at Home

Apr 11, 2024 57 min

Sound expert Julian Treasure, speaker of five TED talks with over 150 million views, explains how to design the sound of your home and workspace for better health, focus, and calm. This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior. In this episode we explore how to design our spaces for health and wellbeing through sound with Julian Treasure, a sound expert, author, and international keynote speaker whose mission is to help people and organizations create healthier, more effective sound. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (0:30) How's the sound where you are today? (1:02) Was there a mundane sound you enjoyed most recently? (3:02) How would you describe a healthy indoor sound environment? (6:40) What are the specific chemical reactions that happen in the body when a person is exposed to nature sounds? Are there specific hormones released? What is going on there exactly? (13:40) In terms of people creating an ideal sound environment. What would be the steps that you would recommend for them to achieve that? (25:15) How important is silence when designing sound for an environment?(33:57) How does having noise in your environment (for example schools or offices) impact your focus and productivity? (41:44) Are there any sounds or frequencies that we are not able to hear that affects our body's?(44:44) Are there any specific sounds that support the circadian system and healthier sleep? (48:46) How would you recommend someone go about designing their home or space so that it is tailored for their individual ears? (52:39) Could you share a success story from Moodsonic? (55:49) What would be your favorite sound in the world? (56:27) Closing thoughts In this episode: Why the sound of your home matters as much as how it looks.How nature sounds affect the body.Practical steps to design a calmer, healthier sound environment.How noise harms focus and productivity.Designing sound for your individual ears. Guest: Julian Treasure...

Scentscaping Your Home: The Science of Scent, Calm & Wellbeing with Yasmine ElGhamrawy

Mar 28, 2024 1 hr 51 min

Aromatherapist Yasmine ElGhamrawy explains how to use scent and scentscaping to design a calmer, healthier home, and why more scent isn't better. This episode was originally recorded under our former name, Best Kind Podcast, now The Aligned Interior. In this episode we explore scent, aromatherapy, and scentscaping the home with Yasmine ElGhamrawy, an aromatherapist and founder of Yatlina. We get into how scent shapes mood and wellbeing, how to scentscape a space, and why subtlety matters more than strength. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (0:55) Defining Aromatherapy(9:46) Yasmine's background along with Aromatherapy wisdom nuggets(17:56) Yasmine's approach to Aromatherapy(25:26) A clinic Yasmine provided scentscaping services for and what this entailed (51:28) How to use Aromatherapy for your home to bring a sense of calmness(59:55) Safety recommendations for Aromatherapy(01:09:02) Recommended Aromatherapy tools for your home (01:18:04) How memory and scent are related(01:25:23) Cognitive and emotional effects of various scents and essential oils(01:31:15) Yasmine's top essential oil choice if she was stranded on a desert island (01:34:30) Advice when shopping for essential oils(01:42:29) The one thing that Yasmine would change how people use or understand Aromatherapy globally (01:43:53) How Yasmine incorporates Aromatherapy in her home(01:45:48) Closing thoughts with details on Yasmine's company and offerings In this episode: Why more scent doesn't make a home healthierHow to scentscape a space to feel calmThe physiological and emotional effects of essential oilsRecommended oils and tools, and how to shop for themSafety guidance for using essential oils Guest: Yasmine ElGhamrawy is an aromatherapist and founder of Yatlina, an Aromatherapy Trade Council-approved company. Music by: @iksontellyourstory Resources: Yatlina — https://www.yatlina.comAbout Yasmine — https://www.yatlina.com/aboutme Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinter...

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Podcast details

Created by: podcast
Status: Inactive
Latest episode: Dec 18, 2025
Episodes: 18
Release period: Monthly
Avg. episode length: 1 hr 3 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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