In this very special Pride Month episode, host Ashleigh Bodell is joined by Todd Bass, the brilliantly creative mind behind Toddities Animal Preservation—an LGBTQ-owned business making waves in the world of weird art and oddities. Broadcasting on none other than a Friday the 13th, Ashleigh sets the magical mood and introduces listeners to Madame Lydia, a mystical reptilian creation from Todd’s collection, who has now officially been adopted as the podcast’s own spirit guide!

Dive in as Ashleigh and Todd unravel the fascinating tale of how political organizing led Todd down a wild, transformative path toward crafting whimsical, anthropomorphic dioramas featuring preserved reptiles—think fortune-telling lizards, mystical mob wives, and more.

Whether you’re into crystals, oddities, metaphysics, or just love a good dose of the spooky and the kooky, this episode has something magical for everyone. So light a candle, grab your favorite talisman, and get ready for a conversation that’s as heartwarming as it is hilariously strange!

Key Moments:

07:39 Embracing Taxidermy and Wet Specimens

10:09 Taxidermy: Creative Reptile Displays

15:10 "Madame Lydia: My Spiritual Advisor"

20:20 Letting Go of Beloved Mob Wives

23:43 "Siblings: From Camping to Support"

24:52 Rediscovering Childhood Passions

29:14 "Manifestation Guide: Crystal Clarity Call"

32:50 Gaining Confidence Through Podcasting

36:17 "Witchy Artist's Fascinating Creativity"

38:45 Reassessing Family Taxidermy

41:41 Art Creation Justifies Its Cost

About the Guest :

Todd Bass’s journey into the world of curiosities began in 2020, during a time of uncertainty when he sought new meaning and joy in life. Initially drawn to collecting crystals, his growing fascination with the unusual soon led him to taxidermy and the artful display of bones and skulls alongside his crystals. This passion for the mysterious eventually brought Todd to Bob James Magic and Curiosities in Lombard, Illinois, marking the start of his exploration into the enchanting realm of oddities and collectibles.

How to connect Todd:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/todd.bass.35/

Store : https://www.etsy.com/shop/todditiesap

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

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.instag

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

In this episode of the Big Crystal Energy Podcast, host Ashleigh Bodell takes listeners on a captivating journey into the magic of Icelandic crystals. Brimming with excitement for her own impending adventure to Iceland—a destination that has called to her for most of her life—Ashleigh explores the unique stones, minerals, and folklore that make Iceland a crystal witch's dream.

Throughout the episode, Ashleigh gets into the properties and stories behind iconic Icelandic crystals like Iceland spar (clear calcite), volcanic basalt, obsidian, and zeolites. She shares insights into their spiritual significance, historical uses by Vikings and locals, and the sacred relationship Icelanders have with the land, including important guidelines about ethical collecting and respecting local laws and traditions.

Listeners are also invited to immerse themselves in Icelandic mythology, meeting the huldufolk (hidden people), elves, and the powerful land spirits believed to dwell throughout the island’s dramatic landscapes. Ashleigh weaves together practical travel advice for fellow crystal lovers with tales of magical beings and ancient wisdom, all while encouraging her audience to follow their own callings to the places that beckon their spirits.

Whether you’re a seasoned rockhound, a fan of mystical lore, or simply curious about the spiritual energy of faraway places, this episode promises inspiration, practical tips, and a hefty dose of big crystal energy.

Key Moments:

05:20 "Preparing for a Meaningful Trip"

07:21 Manifesting Travel Dreams

12:10 Iceland Spar: Enhancing Energy & Insight

15:41 Iceland Spar Locations: East Fjords

18:21 "Basalt: Grounding Energy and Transformation"

20:19 Basalt's Mystical Icelandic Significance

24:00 Iceland's Mysterious Huldufolk Legends

26:32 Icelandic Spiritual Geomancy Practices

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

In this spellbinding 50th episode of the Big Crystal Energy Podcast, host Ashleigh Bodell invites listeners to embrace the curious, communicative spirit of Gemini season. With Mercury’s influence bringing wit, change, and intellectual energy, Ashleigh reflects on her podcast’s evolution—from humble beginnings in a closet to a thriving, magical community exploring all things esoteric.

Ashleigh shares her excitement about aligning the show with listener interests in the mystical and occult, hinting at exciting guests and topics on the horizon. She dives into crystal recommendations for Gemini season, highlighting Blue Lace Agate for calming mental chatter, Citrine for confidence and abundance, Moonstone for emotional balance, and Tiger’s Eye for grounding clarity. Personal anecdotes bring these stones to life, while creative altar and ritual ideas offer listeners practical ways to tap into Gemini’s vibrant energy.

To celebrate the milestone 50th episode, Ashleigh announces a special giveaway, inviting the community to join in the festivities. With heartfelt gratitude, she promises even more magical content and spiritual growth in episodes to come. Listeners are encouraged to grab their favorite crystal, sip some tea, and join Ashleigh as she continues her journey through the zodiac and beyond.

Key Moments:

05:16 Embracing Extroversion: A Journey

09:31 Gemini Season Travel Adventures

11:19 Crystals for Gemini Season

14:03 "Crystal Clarity Calling"

19:09 Crystals for Focus and Intentions

21:52 DIY Essential Oil Cauldron Diffuser

25:43 Queer Tarot Ritual Insights

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