What happens when two magical friends follow the call of New Orleans and find freedom in the shadows? In this soulful episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell and her lifelong friend Sarah reflect on their mystical pilgrimage to the Anne Rice Celebration of Life and the Endless Nights Vampire Ball. Between laughter, tears, and gothic glamour, they share powerful insights about friendship, authenticity, and reclaiming your magic - no edits, no apologies. You’ll hear stories of synchronicity, spiritual awakening, and the legacy of Anne Rice, whose work continues to inspire those living between the worlds of light and shadow. This episode is a celebration of showing up as your truest self, honoring community, and remembering that your weird, wonderful magic is exactly what the world needs. So light a candle, sip something dark and delicious, and let’s dance through the French Quarter - where friendship meets freedom and the night feels alive. Key Moments: 04:19 "Friendship and Work in Entomology" 07:24 "First Novel: Pandora's Vampiric Tale" 12:25 "Honoring Anne Rice's Legacy" 14:46 "Creating Light from Darkness" 18:36 "True New Orleans Experience" 21:00 "Finding Beauty in Darkness" 24:48 "Uniqueness of Individual Gifts" 26:55 Power and Allure of Vampirism 32:24 Traveling Builds Connection and Belonging 33:30 "Finding Connection and Belonging" 36:30 Goodbye to a Beloved Inspiration 41:40 Moms Prioritizing Themselves and Dreams 45:12 "Anne Rice Journey Begins" 46:44 "Embracing Authentic Freedom" Meet Ashleigh Bodell - your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast. By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist - because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown. Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers, inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy. Connect Ashleigh : https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you! Please message me with any questions or comments. bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com
