Episode 1 - Who died and made us experts

Death is not the end. In Mexico, it's a homecoming. While Ainslie MacLeod's Scottish upbringing approached death with bluntness and dark humor, Bryan Grijalva's Mexican roots celebrate Día de Muertos, welcoming loved ones back through altars, food, and remembrance. In this episode of Psychics Not Saints, Ainslie and Bryan explore cultural differences in grief, Ainslie's loss of his daughter, and signs from spirits. Their message: there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Honor those you've lost and remember that you get to live now for the both of you. Key Takeaways Grief doesn’t shrink over time; you grow and expand the container around it.

What if your illness isn't something you have, but something you're working through? In this thought-provoking episode of Psychics Not Saints, Bryan Grijalva and Ainslie MacLeod explore the deep spiritual and psychological ties between identity and illness. They challenge the common tendency to define ourselves by our ailments, whether it's cancer, asthma, or chronic pain, and invite listeners to reconsider how they speak about their own health. Ainslie shares a powerful story of a wheelchair-bound patient whose real issue wasn't physical, but a soul-level challenge of self-destruction rooted in a past life. Bryan recounts his own experiences with clients whose bodies have become so accustomed to their limitations that healing feels threatening, including a woman who, after a sudden physical breakthrough, reacted not with gratitude, but with anger. The episode also tackles the "phobia of sickness," a past-life fear that can cause the soul to overreact to physical symptoms, and clarifies the misconception that illness is punishment for past-life wrongs. As Ainslie explains, karma isn't about retribution; it's about memory, pattern, and choice. Ultimately, the message is one of empowerment: you are not your illness. You are a soul navigating a human experience. And sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is simply shift the language from "I am sick" to "I am working through this." A must-listen for anyone ready to reframe their relationship with their body, their past, and their potential. Key Takeaways Identifying with illness reinforces it; say "working through X," not "my X."

In this episode of Psychics Not Saints, Ainslie MacLeod and Bryan Grijalva dig into the old idea that being spiritual means denying yourself life's pleasures, including alcohol, sex, food, glamour, and all of it. Ainslie kicks things off with a story from over 20 years ago, when a client caught him with a martini and asked, "Should you be doing that?" It's the origin of his running joke that this is why they call them spirits. From there, the conversation moves through religion, ritual, and the ascetic idea that suffering brings you closer to God, including celibacy, vows of poverty, and coaches telling athletes to abstain before competition. Bryan and Ainslie push back on all of it, making the case that pleasure, in moderation, is part of being human, and that denying it doesn't make anyone holier, just more frustrated. They also get into fasting versus cleansing, the risks of extreme practices like breatharianism, and why discernment matters so much on the spiritual path. Along the way, Bryan explains how the sacral chakra ties sexuality to identity, and why getting out of your comfort zone, even by ordering a dish you've never tried, teaches you something real about yourself. And yes, ranch dressing comes up. Key Takeaways Spirituality doesn't require denying earthly pleasures.

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't failure, but the fear of what other people might think? In this episode of Psychics Not Saints, Ainslie MacLeod and Bryan Grijalva explore the hidden power of shame through an unforgettable moment on an Italian beach. While Bryan casually enjoys a daytime cocktail, a local friend reluctantly accepts a drink only to hide it against his chest, worried about being seen. That seemingly ordinary encounter sparks a fascinating conversation about conformity, judgment, and the invisible rules that shape our lives. Ainslie reflects on leaving a secure career to become a freelance illustrator and, ultimately, a psychic, despite strong resistance from family and friends. Together, they examine how cultural expectations, family conditioning, and even soul-level patterns can keep us trapped in careers, relationships, and identities that no longer fit who we truly are. Rather than viewing shame as proof that something is wrong, Ainslie offers a powerful perspective: shame can be an "authenticity light" a signal that you're living according to someone else's expectations instead of your own. If you've ever hesitated to pursue your dreams, express your true self, or make a life-changing decision, this episode will inspire you to stop seeking permission and start living authentically. Key Takeaways Shame is often learned from society rather than carried by the soul.

What if getting lost in a Costco parking lot is actually a sign you're doing your spiritual work, right? In this episode of Psychics Not Saints, Ainslie MacLeod and Bryan Grijalva turn a twenty-minute search for their car into a conversation about living between the physical and spiritual planes—and why psychics can sometimes seem "flighty" or "away with the fairies." They explore Bryan's yin-and-yang metaphor for finding balance between spirituality and staying grounded. The conversation also dives into the connection between psychics and artists, how creativity and intuition overlap, and why tools like tarot cards, crystal balls, tea leaves, and even clouds can help us interpret information that isn't immediately obvious. Plus, they introduce a new segment, "Grounded or Garbage," where Bryan makes the case for traditional psychic tools. Key Takeaways Being spiritually attuned can sometimes make it harder to stay grounded in the physical world.