What happens after a story opens something tender inside us — and there’s nowhere to land? In this deeply human conversation, filmmaker and somatic therapist Merissa Turner shares how cinematherapy, nervous system safety, and community support turn insight into real healing. Together, Jennifer and Merissa explore why healing was never meant to happen alone — and how Thrive.one is re-imagining a modern “village” where people are held, not just inspired.
In this episode, we explore:
- Merissa’s path through attachment work (Gordon Neufeld), transpersonal psychology, somatic experiencing, and inherited trauma work
- The moment Thrive was born: realizing that inspiring a film is powerful—but people need somewhere to land afterwards
- What cinematherapy is, and what happens in the body when we see our truth reflected on screen
- Why authenticity and vulnerability feel like relief in a productivity-driven world
- The “digital village” idea: healing together, across time zones, with real practices and real people
- The magic in the muck: how painful chapters become the very source of service and leadership
Closing reflection prompt:
Where in your life are you craving more authenticity—and what is one small way you could step out of “production mode” this week and into real connection?
Resources + links mentioned:
- www.thrive.one — create a free account to access events and community
- Tip: verification emails may land in junk mail—check there for your code
- Films available on Thrive.one: Skids and Real (free)
- Real companion resources: a masterclass series + workbook for deeper personal reflection and relationship patterns
Featured Guest: Merissa Turner
Merissa Turner is a therapist, filmmaker, and the co-founder of Thrive.one, a digital village devoted to healing, belonging, and the restoration of community. Her work is rooted in the understanding that healing happens through relationship — with ourselves, with each other, and with the living world. For more than five years, Merissa has been honoured to serve as part of the Sacred Circle Indigenous Wellness Mental Health team, working alongside community leaders to help shape a new model of healing grounded in culture, spirit, and collective care. Through this relationship, she has been welcomed into learning the ways, beliefs, and laws that guide and protect First Nations peoples — teachings that continue to inform her practice and deepen her commitment to community-led healing. Merissa’s path has also carried her into relationships with Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, Africa, Peru, and Indonesia, where she has learned about reciprocity, kinship, and the sacred responsibilities we hold toward one another. She has walked beside residential school survivors and their families, witnessing the strength, truth, and tenderness that emerge when stories are held with care. As a filmmaker, Merissa explores the landscapes where psychology, spirit, and culture meet. Her upcoming documentary, created in collaboration with Dr. Gabor Maté and Dr. Gordon Neufeld, examines the relational roots of resilience and the deep human need for attachment and connection. Through Thrive, she is dedicated to building accessible pathways to healing and uplifting the teachers, wisdom keepers, and mentors who are shaping a more relational world.
Meet the Host: Jennifer Nagel
Jennifer Nagel is a soul-centered counsellor, international facilitator, and best-selling author who has spent over two decades helping people navigate chaos, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and create meaningful, authentic lives. Deeply rooted in the Satir Model and experiential approaches to transformation, Jennifer brings a grounded presence, sharp insight, and a deep trust in the resources of the human spirit.
Her work spans continents and cultures — she has led programs and trainings in Canada, China, Kenya, Thailand, and Mexico, and currently serves as Director of Trainer Development with the Satir Institute of the Pacific. She is also senior faculty with the Banmen Satir China Management Centre.
Jennifer is the author of Magic in the Muck: Finding Grace in Chaos, co-author of Virginia Satir’s Evolving Legacy, and founder and co-author of the collaborative books Therapists Are Human Too and The Healing Journey to Authenticity, created through book-writing retreats she co-facilitated in Mexico.
Connect with the Host:
Website: www.jennifernagelcounselling.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifernagel1/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.nagel.566
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernagelcounselling/
If you’re longing for a place to connect with others on a soul-aligned journey of healing, growth, and transformation — come join us in the Magic in the Muck: A Soul’s Compass Community, our private Facebook group. It’s a welcoming space to explore the themes from the podcast, share your own magic-in-the-mess moments, and receive inspiration to navigate life’s changes with grace and soul.
💫 Click here to join the community https://www.facebook.com/groups/magicinthemuck
And if you’d like to receive occasional updates about new podcast episodes, upcoming retreats, and other soulful offerings, you can sign up for the Magic in the Muck email list here:
📬 Sign up to stay connected (subscribepage.io/REMTuN)
Magic in the Muck: A Soul’s Compass for Change is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network. Check out Jennifer’s Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts
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