Education

The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist

The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a storytelling podcast rooted in the sacred traditions of Black Southern spirituality. Hosted by Chelsea VonChaz—doula, philanthropist, and Southern-born truth-teller—this series blends testimony, conjure, ancestral wisdom, and church girl grit.

“This podcast is a living, spoken reflection of my spiritual path — an inheritance of Hoodoo passed down from my great-grandmothers who worked the roots in silence. These recordings reflect my practice, which lives at the intersection of healing, storytelling, and honoring those who came before me. This isn’t instruction. It’s remembrance. It’s testimony. This is my practice.”

www.chelseavonchaz.com

Latest Episodes:

Different Altars, Same Gods: A Conjured Convo with Juju Bae Oct 31, 2026

Show notes

Same Gods, Different Altars.
A conversation with Juju Bae

What if the sacred was never as far away from our ancestors as we were taught to believe?

In this episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with spiritual educator and storyteller Juju Bae to explore Black spiritual inheritance, ancestral reconnection, and the relationships between Christianity and Hoodoo.

Through the lens of this episode, we talk about the traditions our ancestors carried, the spiritual knowledge we inherited or were separated from, and what it means to find our way toward these practices with curiosity, discernment, and respect.

In an age when ancestral spirituality is increasingly discussed online, how do we distinguish meaningful learning from fleeting trends? How do we honor the communities and lineages that have preserved these traditions? And what might we discover when we approach our spiritual inheritance with humility rather than fear?

This conversation invites us to sit with the questions, challenge the assumptions, and remember that our relationship with the sacred is shaped by histories far older than the stories we were told.

Listen to The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist through Menärchē on Substack, and watch the conversation on YouTube.

Takeaways

Emphasis on ancestral wisdom
Importance of community connections Support women in film
Authenticity in spiritual practices Cultural appropriation in hoodoo
Ancestral connections and teachings

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hoodoo and Spirituality
02:17 The Impact of A Little Juju Podcast
04:40 Exploring New Generations of Hoodoo
06:14 Storytelling as a Cultural Practice
07:22 The Nature of Controversy in Spiritual Practices
10:48 The Journey to Creating A Little Juju Podcast
17:46 Introducing Same Gods: A New Docuseries
25:06 Fundraising and Future Aspirations
28:22 Empowering Women in Film
29:14 The Role of Platforms in Representation
31:07 Exploring Black Spirituality
37:22 Navigating Cultural Appropriation
38:12 Teaching Hoodoo: Who is it For?
42:05 The Ethics of Spiritual Practices
51:00 Cultural Gatekeeping in Hoodoo
52:34 Ancestral Wisdom and Lineage
54:49 The Role of White Practitioners
58:29 The Importance of Intent in Practice
01:01:30 The Gift of Sight and Spiritual Inheritance

Community Building w/ the Churchy Mystic Jade T. Perry Oct 17, 2026

Show notes

This conversation explores the intersection of spirituality, community, and personal identity through the lens of hoodoo practices and the experiences of Jade T. Perry and Chelsea VonChaz.

They discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities and the significance of ancestral wisdom in shaping their identities as churchy mystics. They also conversation get into the deep-rooted connections between personal identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage, particularly within the African American community. Exploring the complexities of deconstructing religious beliefs while honoring ancestral traditions and the importance of curiosity in personal growth.

They also tap into the intersection of nonprofit work, spirituality, and community service, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in these sectors, particularly regarding boundaries, compensation, and the importance of community support. Both speakers share personal experiences and insights on navigating their roles as activists and spiritual guides while maintaining their well-being. Hear more about the evolving landscape of Hoodoo spirituality, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, particularly Black queer and disabled individuals. The ending highlights the potential for new Hoodoo societies and spiritual homes to emerge, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Takeaways

Emphasis on community building
Importance of ancestral wisdom Cultural heritage shapes identity
Curiosity aids in spiritual exploration Navigating nonprofit complexities
Importance of community support Hoodoo spirituality is evolving
Inclusivity is vital for community

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting with Ancestral Roots
05:30 The Birth of the Chicago Hoodoo Society
10:09 Community Engagement and Activities
16:10 Understanding Churchy Mysticism
24:18 Honoring Ancestral Legacies
27:31 Cultural Roots and Spiritual Heritage
30:11 Navigating Fear in Spiritual Exploration
33:21 The Journey of Deconstruction
37:13 Honoring Fear and Embracing Curiosity
39:01 Ancestral Connections and Genealogy
43:26 Community and Shared Experiences
46:53 Bravery in Spiritual Exploration
50:02 Navigating Nonprofit Complexities
54:01 The Importance of Community Support
01:00:06 Redefining Service and Boundaries
01:09:55 Spiritual Education and Accessibility
01:14:50 Exploring Spiritual Work and Community Engagement
01:17:18 The Future of Hoodoo Spaces
01:21:25 The Role of Black Women in Hoodoo
01:25:31 The Intersection of Disability and Spirituality
01:30:27 Optimism for Future Generations

Hide to Seek w/ The Hungry Medium Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

A special guest returns! Kat Niambi aka The Hungry Medium returns to do a light catch up.

In this conversation Ms. Kat and I explore personal growth, the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of oral traditions in the context of family and spirituality. We also discuss the impact of astrology on our lives, the significance of human connection, and the need for grace in understanding the imperfections of elders.

Chapters

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions
03:02 Reflections on Summer and Fall
06:05 Navigating Life's Ups and Downs
08:54 Caregiving and Family Dynamics
12:02 The Importance of Oral Traditions
14:59 Spirituality and Online Presence
18:07 The Dangers of Blanket Advice
20:59 Personal Guidance and Individual Paths
23:59 Connecting Through Pets and Personal Stories

We didn't get a chance to discuss our love for Erykah Badu's new album with The Alchemist, "Before the World Blows." This conversation is definitely aligned contextually with that album. I highly recommend listening to it after watching or listening to our conversation.

Reading the Cards, Listening to Spirit: A Practitioner's Work of Knowing Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with Tatianna Tarot, diviner, intuitive tarot therapist, and Iyalorisa priestess, for a grounded and expansive conversation on what it really means to trust your intuition.

The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, spiritual empowerment, and the significance of divination tools in reclaiming intuition. It also explores the impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection and the importance of ancestral veneration and rites of passage.

Takeaways:

Ancestral wisdom and spiritual empowerment
Reclaiming intuition through divination tools
The impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection Discernment in spiritual education
The power of abundance mindset and inner work
The impact of Afrofuturism on personal and collective growth

Chapters:

00:00 Honoring Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Empowerment
11:04 The Impact of Colonialism on Spiritual Disconnection
46:22 The Transformational Power of Abundance Mindset and Inner Work
53:40 Reparations and Afrofuturism

Ethics in Hoodoo w/ Brooke "Bee" Sanders Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a grounding conversation about ethics, discernment, and the responsibility that comes with spiritual work. I’m joined by Brooke “Bee” Sanders, founder of Amethyst Corner, a spiritual community rooted in ancestral connection, real healing, and practical tools for those walking their path with intention.

The conversation delves into the importance of ancestral wisdom and ethical practice within the context of hoodoo and spiritual work. It explores the significance of honoring ancestral traditions and the need for ethical discernment in spiritual practices.

We also get into the importance of community and sisterhood in spiritual practices, emphasizing the role of support, accountability, and cultural awakening. Further exploring the significance of ancestral wisdom, the power of tradition, and the non-performative nature of spiritual practices. Additionally, this episode highlights the magic of sisterhood, the importance of nurturing Black maternal health, and the value of intentional rest and self-care.

Takeaways

Importance of ancestral wisdom
Ethical practice and discernment Community is key in spiritual practices
Sisterhood and support are essential in the spiritual journey

Chapters

00:00 The Practice of Hoodoo and Ethical Discernment
51:31 Embracing Sisterhood and Womb Magic

Remembering & Returning to Earth Medicine w/ Charlotte James Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is about that kind of remembering.

I’m joined by Charlotte Duerr James—educator, therapeutic coach, and initiated Medicine Woman—for a conversation that moves slowly, intentionally, and with reverence.

The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom, the use of psychedelics and earth medicines, early psychedelic experiences, Charlotte's personal psychedelic journey, and the ceremonial use of plant medicine. We go into the intersection of ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and collective healing, highlighting the impact of colonial influence, societal stigma, and the importance of internal work and intention. Charlotte also emphasizes the need for more trained facilitators in the field of decolonized healing practices.

Takeaways

Ancestral wisdom and root work are central to the conversation
Psychedelics and earth medicines play a significant role in personal and collective healing Ancestral wisdom and plant medicine offer a path to healing and ancestral reclamation.
Colonial influence has led to societal stigma and misinformation about healing practices.
Internal work and intention are key to the journey of healing and decolonization.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ancestral Wisdom
10:07 Early Psychedelic Experiences
20:25 Charlotte's Psychedelic Journey
32:22 Ceremonial Use of Plant Medicine
38:54 Ancestral Wisdom and Plant Medicine
55:39 Colonial Influence and Healing
01:05:38 Internal Work and Intention
01:11:06 Closing Remarks

Embody Your Magic: The Power Within You w/ Aycee Brown Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom and spiritual practices, highlighting the integration of these elements into personal journeys. It also addresses the challenges of navigating spiritual communities and the process of healing, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-trust.

Aycee Brown is a psychic medium, astrologer, and spiritual guide known for telling folks what they need to hear — not just what they want to hear. With over 15 years of experience blending astrology, Human Design, mediumship, and trauma-informed healing, she helps people strip away conditioning, reclaim intuition, and live from deep self-trust instead of spiritual performance. She hosts the podcast Is My Aura On Straight? and is the author of the forthcoming Embody Your Magic (HarperOne, Feb 2026), a guide to embodying your power and truth.

We also get into the struggle of embracing independence and freedom, as well as the power of truth and healing. Lastly, our conversation explores the challenges faced in navigating personal freedom and the impact of emotional maturity on individual growth and healing.

Takeaways

Ancestral Wisdom
Integration of Spiritual Practices Embracing independence and freedom
The power of truth and healing

Chapters

00:00 Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Journey
26:45 Navigating Spiritual Communities and Healing
37:23 The Struggle of Independence and Freedom

Black Women Taught Us: Abolition, Love, and the Politics of Survival Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, black feminism, and the intimate history of black feminism. It explores personal experiences, intellectual connections, and the impact of ancestral teachings on identity and community. The discussion also touches on the significance of grief and emotional/spiritual practices in the context of social movement work and abolitionism. The conversation delves into the spiritual and emotional connection to activism, emphasizing the role of spirituality and ancestral connection in the work. It also explores the influence of radical socialization and community roots on activism, highlighting the importance of community and genealogy in movement work. Additionally, it addresses the intersection of academia and activism, the importance of citational ethics, and the need for movement leadership to be rooted in the genealogy of Black Panther women. The conversation also discusses the problem of radical individualism and performative activism, emphasizing the need for community-based and strategic activism. The conversation delves into the legacy of the Black Panther Party, the evolution of movements, intersectionality, misinformation, the poverty cycle, teaching Black history, plagiarism, marginalization of Black women's voices, normalization of harm, telling the truth to ourselves, wisdom from Black women's histories, and upcoming books and projects.

Takeaways

Ancestral wisdom and teachings
Black feminism and political theory
Intimate history of black feminism Spirituality and emotional connection to the work
The importance of community and genealogy in movement work Intersectional activism
Challenging social norms

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
06:21 Fluidity and Identity
11:27 Black Women as Teachers and Architects
17:34 Title of the Book and Intimate History
22:40 Grief and Emotional/Spiritual Practice
36:08 Academia and Activism
46:23 Citational Ethics and Movement Leadership
53:36 Radical Individualism and Performative Activism
58:37 Misinformation and Disinformation
01:05:23 Normalization of Harm
01:14:21 Wisdom from Black Women's Histories
01:20:01 Upcoming Books and Projects

Anti-Blackness & The Church w/ Pastuh D. Danyelle Thomas Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

The conversation delves into the intersection of religion, spirituality, and liberation, highlighting the impact of capitalism and supremacy on religious and spiritual practices.

It also explores the implications of AI and technology, the environmental impact of data storage, challenges in nonprofit funding, the role of churches in communities, and the impact of surveillance and technology on personal privacy and health. Plus it highlights the struggle for funding, the high cost of maintaining a church, and the need for communal investment in spiritual gatherings and events. The conversation delves into the intersection of spirituality and Blackness, highlighting the importance of community, identity, and personal growth. It also explores the impact and significance of writing, storytelling, and the power of words in shaping narratives and creating connections.

Takeaways

Religion and spirituality as tools of liberation
The impact of capitalism and supremacy on religious and spiritual practices Environmental racism
Impact of data centers on communities Impact of capitalism on church funding
Challenges of sustaining a church
Community support and investment in spiritual spaces Spirituality and Blackness
The Power of Writing

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest
08:45 The Black Church and Its State
19:11 Boycotts and Corporate Influence
28:35 Environmental Racism and Data Centers
36:40 Church and Community Impact
42:08 Surveillance and Technology
53:04 Impact of Capitalism on Church Funding
01:15:42 Spirituality and Blackness
01:35:15 The Power of Writing

Season 2 Premiere: Giving Thanks Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

The episode begins with an introduction to Season Two, followed by a dedication to the awakening of individuals. It then explores the embrace of ancestral traditions, the burden of being the first believer, the importance of embracing solitude and discernment, connecting with practitioners, navigating the journey of faith, planning for Season Two, and concludes with closing remarks and gratitude. The overarching theme revolves around embracing ancestral wisdom, navigating spiritual awakening, and finding community and support in the journey of faith.

Takeaways