Turn Into by Gina Baruch

In the first interview of Season Two, I interviewed myself to define the inevitable necessity of creation and explore the literary and musical inspirations that shape my collections, and open the door to my personal philosophy. Discover the three-part cycle—Experience, Isolation, Creation—and the essential tools that every artist needs to defeat fear and surrender to the creative impulse.

Season Two kicks off with the beautiful mistake that dissolved Gina's meticulously planned future. She recounts the devastating heartbreak and loss she faced after moving to Kauai, revealing how that immense pain became the fierce, necessary fuel that ignited her artistic destiny. This powerful story of turning personal suffering into creative power serves as the launchpad for a season dedicated t...

So, what is coming up in the second season? That’s the current challenge—or perhaps I’ve already figured it out but haven’t found the courage to speak it out loud yet. My personal thesis for the next season is this: I believe Art is the expression of God, and the ability to create is not restricted to talent, classes, or privileged people. This natural skill is inside of all of us. I want to share...

After months of being pushed out of my comfort zone, my journey to find a new home led me to Chiapas, Mexico—a land of rich indigenous culture and political rebellion. There, I began a new chapter, finding solace in a vibrant community and a draining new job. But when the daily grind became too much to bear, a single conversation with a friend planted a new idea: a seasonal job that could free up...

After my travels, I returned home to a newfound calm, dedicating my time to weaving and caring for rescued animals. This period of quiet led to a surprising spiritual journey, during which I had to confront my own judgments and sense of superiority. A pivotal figure in this transformation appeared, a wise and enigmatic older man. Despite his troubled past, he taught me profound lessons on toleranc...

Embarking on a solo journey to Delhi, I'm forced to confront my fears and a sense of superiority as I navigate the city's chaotic energy and meet a diverse cast of characters. From a humble Muslim woman on a train to a wise shopkeeper, each encounter becomes a lesson in surrender and acceptance. The trip culminates in a profound realization at the airport. This journey marks the end of a chapter a...

My life changed after a powerful spiritual awakening led me to travel solo to India. My journey began chaotically; I had a jarring arrival and my trek to a famous guru's ashram. My original plans quickly fell apart, and I instead found myself on an unplanned adventure. I met incredible people and had amazing experiences, which taught me that the most profound teachers are often ordinary people.

In this episode, I share my journey of self-discovery after finding a meditation group called the Laboratory. The experience led to a deep emotional and physical detox, pushing me to shed old relationships and find a new home with a group of loving nuns. It all culminates in a pivotal moment at a spiritual seminar in Dallas and an unexpected event that served as a powerful wake-up call, completely...

In this episode we time traveled to 2009, when I arrived in Mexico City with a head full of dreams. I quickly learned this vibrant, chaotic city was a stage for both raw humanity and profound contradiction. I was living in a converted chicken coop, navigating family pressure, and struggling to find work. Then, a powerful encounter followed by a mysterious group, began to unlock a deeper understand...

Amidst the chaotic blur of my university social life, my world is unexpectedly illuminated by a charismatic German character. Our connection transcends the typical fleeting romance. In a brief but profound encounter, he teaches me the true meaning of love, respect, and self-worth. With graduation looming, my planned future unravels after I read a single book. Forcing me to question: what do you do...

In the shadow of two ancient volcanoes, I became a scholarship student, filled with excitement and fear. While I walked in contradiction: a bookworm who parties like a rockstar, a humanitarian who struggles with self-worth, and a young woman searching for her identity in a world of social and cultural expectations. My journey was a wild blur of "unstoppable intensity" as I navigated friendships, a...

In this episode, I reflected on my time in Tucson, Arizona, a self-discovery journey where I navigated a new culture and my own identity. I shared my family's "American Dream" and my tight-knit friendship with my cousin and her friends, while I was introduced to high school subcultures and punk rock. The episode also touches on my sexual awakening, which was my inspiration to create one of my Art...

In this episode, I journey back to the pivotal moment of my transition from childhood to womanhood—a path unexpectedly rerouted to my maternal roots in the vibrant landscapes of Sonora. Through the stories and deeply held beliefs of my family, I began to unravel and question the judgmental views on ethnicity and the rigid roles assigned to women. My own youthful rebellion, a direct result of exces...

The "Turn Into" podcast chronicles my personal journey into backstrap weaving, guided by Angela, a master weaver. Despite immense personal loss, Angela fosters a supportive environment where women share profoundly. My perspective shifted dramatically after reading Charles Fernyhough's book, which redefined my understanding of my inner voices. This awakening, coupled with the surprising appearance...

My latest episode took me home to Jaltipan, Mexico, a place where history and culture beautifully intertwine. This episode, we'll delve into the town's remarkable heritage, shaped by the convergence of Indigenous roots, Spanish influence, and the vital contributions of African enslaved people who arrived in Veracruz. It's a story told through Jaltipan's distinctive traditions, rhythmic music, and...

Today I recount my transformative journey that began with a planned short trip to my birthplace, Jaltipan, Veracruz, which quickly extended as I reconnected with my roots and decided to learn the ancient craft of Backstrap weaving. Despite initial struggles, I committed to the art, delving into the intricate details of weaving, highlighting its historical significance and deep connection to nature...

Welcome back to "Turn Into," where the Mushroom Lady continues her compelling story. In this episode, delve into the unexpected ways Western visitors impacted María Sabina's life and explore the profound, often challenging, legacy she left in the world. You'll also discover how Gina's role in her relationship shifted dramatically, transforming her into a character straight out of a 1950s sitcom, a...

This "Turn Into" podcast episode intertwines the life of Maria Sabina Magdalena García, a Mazatec healer whose sacred mushroom ceremonies were exposed to the West, with host Gina's own profound spiritual awakening. After a chance encounter introduces Gina to the world of sacred mushrooms, she embarks on a transformative journey that heightens her senses, leading to intense empathy, spiritual encou...

Join me on "Turn Into"! In this Episode I share the personal story behind my inspiration to create a piece of art centered on Medusa, delving into the historical and mythological elements that shaped my unique artistic vision. Beyond the myths, we explore how every woman carries an inner Medusa—a force of pure love and truth. This episode uncovers how early conditioning can hide this vital energy...

Join me in this episode as we step back in time to my childhood, a world shaped by the powerful presence of four extraordinary women. Discover how their unique strengths, passions, and perspectives didn't just influence my personality, but profoundly steered me towards a future as an artist. From the vibrant hues of my home life to the foundational lessons learned at my knees, we'll explore the in...

Welcome, listeners, to the very first episode of Turn Into. I'm thrilled you're here, and today, I want to take you behind the scenes, back to the moments that truly sparked this entire project. Every journey has a beginning, and for me, it wasn't a sudden flash of genius, but rather a series of experiences that converged, nudging me towards this microphone.