Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire: Recent Episodes
Dr. Deborah Adamy, PhD., LMSW, LMT
Dr. Deborah Adamy has conversations with everyday people who inspire, uplift and who are living their lives with vitality and joy. She admires people who can weather adversity and hardship without becoming cynical and bitter; who actually choose to learn, grow and find meaning and purpose in what they have experienced. There are countless ordinary people living pretty extraordinary lives and Deborah wants to shine light on them! Enlighten: Uplift and Inspire includes conversations with a wide variety of people: activists, musicians, shiatsu therapists, circus arts performers, playwrights, directors, psychotherapists, dancers, film makers, yoga teachers, educators, actors and photographers, just to name a few. May you feel inspired and uplifted listening to this podcast. Visit www.enlighten.nyc for more. Enjoy!!
On this week's episode, I share how invigorated I was after 6 days of hiking in Yosemite National Park. I've had Yosemite hiking on my bucket list for 50 years and am delighted I finally experienced a section of it's profound peace and awesome beauty. I felt healthy, strong and empowered walking in the high altitudes, through shaded forests, over sunny granite, and up and down rocky switchbacks. I was so uplifted and inspired by the mountains, meadows and lakes and trust that this intimate communion with nature will live in me forever.
May you find refreshment this summer in lakes, rivers, pools and/or oceans. May you let nature's peace flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, I describe my appreciation for evening strolls. In addition to the physical benefits of walking after dinner, evening strolls provide an opportunity to process our day, enjoy our surroundings and nurture an easeful, gentle unwinding of the day.
When my kids were young, we took evening strolls, that later turned into adventure walks but it has been about 25 years so I am happy to return to this simple practice. I am grateful that my husband and I are carving out time 4-5 days per week to add evening strolls to our self care routine. May you try out an evening stroll or an adventure walk and delight in what unfolds for you. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, having just returned from 12 glorious days in Greece, I am filled with gratitude. A week-long yoga retreat, plus 4 additional days on a nearby island were a fabulous way to kick off my retirement. My beloved God-daughter, Aliya runs the retreat and is a gifted, inspiring leader, who creates a very special experience for women from around the world.
I am still absorbing all the magic of Greece: sparkling waters, dolphin sightings, delicious food, playful energy, hearty laughter and soul sister connections. How grateful I am to return to Greece after 45 years, to soak up all the beauty and wonder, while being so fully nourished in body, mind and spirit. May you be feeling gratitude for whatever summer experiences you are having. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Barry Danielian. Barry is an extraordinary musician, playing trumpet while touring with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, and Bruce Springsteen, to name a few. Barry is also a Licensed Acupuncturist and Board Certified Herbalist. Barry is currently a doctoral candidate at the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts and he plans to complete his doctorate this December. Barry describes his affinity to eastern philosophy, his martial arts and his ability to express and integrate Eastern and Western concepts. Barry is jazzed when he can help people cross the bridge from skepticism to openness, from suffering to being pain-free, from compartmentalizing to dynamic holism. Barry's thirst for knowledge, keen insight, warmth and integrity give rise to this gifted musician, compassionate healer and visionary writer. Whether you want to be uplifted by Barry's music, elevated by his acupuncture and herbal remedies or inspired by his thoughtful writing on his Substack newsletter, please reach out to Barry. Check out the Show notes for links to Barry's websites barrydanielian.net and findingbalanceclinic.com and more. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.barrydanielian.net www.findingbalanceclinic.com Substack Barry's IG Email Barry - bdeep@me.com
My guest today is Jocelyn Jane Cox. Jocelyn is a former competitive figure skater, coach and current writer. I was very moved by her recent book "Motion Dazzle: A Memoir of Motherhood, Loss and Skating on Thin Ice", which was described as "a tribute to her mother, a love letter to her son and a testament to resilience as a caregiver." Jocelyn's beautifully written memoir captures her vulnerability, humor and relate-ability. We discuss how the book came about, her focus on one day that embodied both suffering and celebration, as well as the lessons learned when we take a leap of faith. The title motion dazzle, symbolizes a zebra's survival mechanism, a metaphor woven throughout the book, that represents Jocelyn's coping skills as a skater, mother and caregiver to her Mom. She acknowledges how our fanciness or frivolity can actually save us. I loved her book and was delighted to shine light on this gifted writer, who is also a gracious, inspiring woman. Check out the Show Notes for links to Jocelyn's website, and social media accounts along with her NPR interview. Add "Motion Dazzle" to your summer reading list, and please leave a glowing review for this wonderful book! Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.jocelynjanecox.com Motion Dazzle: A Memoir of Motherhood, Loss, and Skating on Thin Ice(9/2025, Vine Leaves Press) Subscribe to Jocelyn's newsletter Instagram Facebook Threads NPR interview
On this week's episode, I acknowledge my retirement from 47 years of my professional career. I've had various roles, responsibilities and titles. It has been an honor to work with children, teens, adults, policy makers, teachers, parents, researchers and social workers from all backgrounds. As I bring my private practice to a close, I am humbled from all that I have learned. I am filled with gratitude as my clients process a wide range of emotions and co-create a healthy, intentional goodbye. I embrace all the ways I will evolve in this next chapter of my life. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Enlighten.NYC
My guest today is Cait Conley. Cait is running for Congress in NY District 17, determined to stop Donald Trump and cowards like Mike Lawler who enable him. Cait was born and raised in the Hudson Valley, graduated at the top of her class at West Point, served 16 years as an Army officer, and broke barriers as one of the first and only women in Special Operations leadership and was awarded three Bronze Stars. Cait's career as a public servant continued at home, protecting security and democracy while serving as Director of Counter-Terrorism on the National Security Council at the White House. She later helped safeguard our critical infrastructure and election systems at CISA, defending our democracy by standing up directly to Trump's big lie that the 2020 election was stolen. Cait is dedicated to bringing dignity and courage back to Congress. She is fighting to lower costs, clean up corruption, reign in ICE, address climate change as a national security crisis, protect our elections and stop Trumps' unlawful and authoritarian agenda. I am impressed with her strength, courage and proven leadership and have been motivated to have as many people as possible hear from Cait directly, so they can make an informed decision when voting in the primary. Early voting started June 13th and the primary is Tuesday, June 23rd. This is a critical election, so please spread the word and get out and vote! Check out the Show Notes for Cait's conversation with Ali Velshi on MSNOW as well as Cait's website. There you will find links to donate, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Cait Conley's Website Ali Velshi-MSNOW
My guest today is Andrew Kravatz. Andrew recently completed his junior year at Fordham University, majoring in Political Science. Andrew is an intern for Cait Conley who is running to win the Democratic primary for Congress to flip NY District 17. With so many people complaining that young people are not politically involved, I was impressed with Andrew's passion to be the change he wants to see. He describes his confidence in Cait's background, service to our country, as well as the values and policies that she stands for. Andrew appreciates the loving examples from his parents and extended family who he describes as kind, selfless people, whose driving principle in life is to care for others. Caring for the whole person is foundational to his Jesuit education and Andrew was experientially embodied during his powerful high school service trips. Check out the show notes for links to Jay Forbes' letter to the editor in The Hudson Independent, the man responsible for introducing me to Andrew, an article Andrew wrote for Fordham's Political Review, as well as Cait Conley's website. Do Andrew proud, vote for Cait in the primary on June 23rd so we chose the best candidate to beat Mike Lawler in the fall. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Jay Forbes Andrew's article Cait Conley
On this week's episode, I share my giddiness in the birth of Alma (a dear friend's baby) as her arrival coincides with the blossoming of our first peony. As these magnificent buds blossom and expand, I offer blessings to sweet Alma as she expands the hearts of all who are in her life.
Welcome to the world, sweet Alma! You are in good company with the blossoming of the peonies! May we all be blessed by your presence. May we honor your beauty, your vibrancy and your healing energy. May we celebrate all of the known and to-be-discovered ways you make this world a better place.
Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Jean Wine. Jean is a thoughtful, engaged, inspiring women, who at age 97, happens to be the oldest guest I have had on my podcast! Jean grew up in Worcester, MA, attended college in Maine, where she met her husband, Buddy, before settling in Westchester County, NY. Jean combined her gifts in art, education and enriching lives with her career at American Field Service (AFS). She cultivated lasting friendships with people around the world and traveled extensively. Jean is proud of her beloved children, Linda, Buzzy and Judith, their partners, her four grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She reflects on what she's done to age gracefully and the importance of making new friends and staying active. Although we recorded this conversation on a snowy day in January, I waited for this rainy day in May to release this episode. Today, May 25th, is Jean's third child, Judith's birthday. Happy Birthday, Jude, thanks for our 55 year friendship and heartfelt thanks for sharing your wonderful Mom with me and Paul! We treasure Jean as our "Bonus Mom"!! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, in this season of college graduations, I highlight something that struck me at my niece's graduation from Skidmore College. In addition to the love and pride I feel toward my niece, and the inspiring speeches given, I was deeply moved by hugs. Not just the typical hugs after the graduation ceremony, offered from proud parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings. Those hugs are magnificent!
I melted when I watched student after student embrace their college president. Without words these hugs from countless students, spoke volumes of the values, worthiness, gratitude and loving support generated on this campus! May this be a tender reminder to give and receive some genuine, nourishing, warm, bear hugs this week! Enjoy the podcast!
My guest to today is Jay Nachowitz. Jay began his career as a professional trumpet player, then integrated his business skills as an entertainment agent and later became a financial manager. Jay's passion for music and his genuine respect for musicians has allowed him to be both a music manager and financial manager, sometimes both for the same people. Jay has always earned his own income and has been driven by integrity and being a help to others, in a variety of ways. We discussed his positive attitude even in the face of adversity, and what it took for him to get out of his own way, to achieve something on his bucket list. Check out the show notes for links to Jay's website and his album Modern Retro. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Jay's website Modern Retro on Bandcamp
On this week's episode, I highlight what love does. Whether we pay attention with love, interact with love or infuse love into ourselves, into our plants, pets, people or the planet, love makes a positive impact. Using the simple examples of plants, I marvel at what love does to my relationship to these sentient beings. What love does!! Love reminds us that we have more love in us than we realize. Love stretches and expands our hearts. Love stimulates the giving and receiving partnership. Love generates more love. What love does is nourish us, heal us and helps us grow. May we all pour more love into our world and watch it blossom and transform us! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, I share my experience of being present to two friends in hospice. Being present slows me down, drops me into a quieting center that allows me to align with the Divine. It is a deep honor to be invited into the dying process. I take that invitation very seriously and am grateful for the richness and blessings that unfold. I share two of the meditations that I say silently and aloud when gently massaging the feet of each of my friends. May we all allow ourselves to be a conduit of light, compassion, comfort and love. May we all know the power of being present. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Lynda Baldauf, co-founder of the Swedish dishcloth Three Bluebirds. With mindfulness, humility and an open heart, Lynda and her Finland-born husband Lasse, started their company in 2013. Their Eco-friendly cleaning cloth replaces paper towels, rags and sponges, absorbs 20 times its weight and lasts 6-9 months. The cloth is made in the US with sustainable wood pulp, certified organic cotton and water-based inks so they are 100% compost-able with zero waste. You never know what a chance meeting will offer. I'm grateful that the stars aligned for me to meet Lynda in a crowded NYC holiday market; it was a gift to be in her kind presence and resonate with her positive energy. In addition to being inspired by Lynda's conscientious dish cloth, I was inspired by Lynda, as I learned about her life, her choices, her adventures and the grace and integrity infused in all she has experienced. I was delighted to meet this lovely woman, as well as incorporate a tangible product like Three Bluebirds Swedish dishcloth. Check out the Show Notes for a link to her website and join me in doing our part to protect and care for our planet. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.threebluebirds.com
On this week's episode, I share a simple story that reminds us how much kindness matters. There is a powerful ripple effect in one small act of kindness. Genuine kindness aligns us with our true nature. It feels good to be both the giver and receiver of kindness. May this episode remind you that even in the midst of our chaotic current events, the simple act of kindness can move us to tears, water our souls, and help us be more fully present to what truly matters. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, we celebrate our 400th episode. I acknowledge the key role as producer that my husband Paul plays. I am so grateful for all he does to help me develop, support and sustain this podcast dream of mine. I also celebrate the growing grassroots movement that rallied over 8 million people to show up for No Kings 3 Protest on March 28th.
I share some of the lyrics sung in the singing resistance groups all across the land. The words capture what shores me up in these troubling times. As we celebrate 400 episodes, may we all find small and large ways to stand in solidarity with neighbors, friends, strangers… to lead with love, nurture compassion, protect each other, rise up, march for freedom, sing resistance and fight for justice. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Sheri Reuveni-Ulrich. Sheri had been a speech therapist for nearly 25 years with special needs individuals, primarily on the autism spectrum. She also had a love for baking and often incorporated baking as an experiential activity for her students. Her "ah ha" moment occurred when she stepped back from the kitchen and witnessed her non-verbal students humming, laughing and finding their voices, while baking cookies. That ignited her desire to create a bakery, where she could provide meaningful employment to individuals on the spectrum. Rising Above Bakery, started in Sheri's home, is now a hidden gem in Nyack and Sheri hopes to expand to locations in Bergen County, NJ. Become a customer, a volunteer or open an account to supply their delicious, high quality, baked goods in your deli, grocery, restaurant or coffee shop. Sheri is also demonstrating that individuals on the spectrum can be reliable, engaged employers. Help the bakers, Sheri and their dreams rise above their challenges. Check out the Show Notes for links to Rising Above Bakery and Sheri's email. She is looking for supporters in variety of ways. Enjoy then podcast! Links: www.risingabovebakery.org IG: risingabovebakery FB: Rising Above Bakery Email Sheri
On this week's episode, I explain the importance of Saturday March 28th's No Kings 3 Protest. Research says that if 3.5% of the population actively participate in sustained peaceful protest, the people can topple an authoritarian regime. And we have an authoritarian regime that desperately needs to be toppled! 3.5% of our country's population would be 12 million people. Let's show up and peacefully take to the streets and encourage everyone we know to come be a part of the 12 million people, gathering in solidarity to unite, resist, and restore our democracy. Check out the Show Notes for links to NoKings.org to find an event near you as well as links to Robert Reich's IG clip that I transcribed and key grassroots groups Indivisible, HandsOff, MoveOn, Womens March and 50501, all helping to organize our inspiring resistance movement. Enjoy the podcast! Links: No Kings 3 Website IG: @rbreich indivisible.org/ indivisiblerockland.org/ www.handsoffnyc.com front.moveon.org/ www.fiftyfifty.one/ womensmarch.com/
On this week's episode, I build on the poem I shared last week titled Because by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. The poem is about opening our hearts, even when the world around us temps us to close it or protect ourselves from all the anguish and pain. The poem encourages us to make love matter even when it is easy to fall into despair. I've let that poem seep into me and it inspired me to look up more pieces on heart centering and tenderness. May we sit at the altar of our heart. May we breathe deeply, listen compassionately. May we embrace the tenderness that tunes us into our truth, the tenderness that frees us, the tenderness that blesses our aliveness. Check out the show notes for links to Wendy Heckert's Heart Space: A Meditation Poem as well as Mark Nepo's short essay This Tenderness. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Heart Space by Wendy Heckert This Tenderness by Mark Nepo
I share a deeply inspiring poem on this week's episode. My niece shared the poem with me and her great-uncle shared it with her and he claims that the poem so beautifully captures his beloved wife who died last year. So this poem is charged with loving hands, open hearts and wisdom from this world and beyond. May we take love seriously. May we give love wildly. May we be gentle with our insufficiency. May we stay open in the face of indifference, anger, cruelty and fear. May we love as if love matters, as if the world depends on it. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Meet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
On this week's episode, I describe how soothed I was by the shades of turquoise in the Bahamas. For twelve days on a small island in the Bahamas, these gorgeous colors evoked mystery, boldness, vibrancy and calm. I can't explain why, but turquoise nourished and healed my body, mind and spirit.
May we hold onto to colors, images and words that calm our nervous system, quiet our minds and drop us more fully into the present moment. May we envision life as joy. May we see that life is service. May we behold that service is joy. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Arianna Injeian. And what an honor to shine light on Arianna, who is shining light on so many others; what an inspiring woman! Her background in Medical Anthropology, Sociology, and Public Health allows her to look at systemic health, particularly in the area of women's reproductive care. In undergraduate school, she started off with a dual major in anthropology and biology. Her love for travel and learning about other people and cultures, brought her to a masters program at the University of Amsterdam, where she had another dual major: medical anthropology and public health. She is currently at the University of Alabama in yet another dual degree program, for a Masters in Public Health (which she recently completed) and a Ph.D. in Bio-Cultural Medical Anthropology. Her dissertation is a comparative analysis of reproductive health and fertility care in both Alabama and Argentina. Arianna has completed her course work, along with her research in Alabama and is now spending 6 months in Argentina. I learned so much from Arianna, her dedication to honor the lived experiences of women, her advocacy of reproductive justice, her determination to explore what can be done despite many obstacles, and her commitment to collaborative care. I finished our conversation deeply moved by Arianna, the wisdom and passion she brings to her meaningful work; I literally felt grateful that Arianna exists on the planet at this time! Check out the Show Notes for links to Arianna's proposal that won her a NSF grant to continue her dissertation research, the book I referenced "No Woman Left Behind" by Kate Grant and Kate's organization the Fistula Foundation. Enjoy the podcast! Links: National Science Foundation NFS Award Details Fistula Foundation "No Woman Left Behind" by Kate Grant
My guest today is LoraKim Joyner, a passionate protector of parrots, who knows that the health of one is interconnected to the health of all beings. LoraKim received her B.S in Avian Sciences, her Doctorate in Veterinarian Medicine, a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, which led to meaningful work in bird conservation throughout Central and South America. Years later she saw the need to address human well-being and obtained her Masters in Divinity and was ordained a Unitarian Universalist minister and became certified in NonViolent Communication. LoraKim's expansive experience covers, bird education, research and conservation, parish ministry, co-founder of the non-profit organization One Earth Conservation and leading transformational projects in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guyana, Suriname and Paraguay. Her mission and motto is "Unconditional Solidarity" with the acronym U.S., which reflects that it takes all of us to protect parrots, protect people and protect our planet! Get a literal and figurative bird's eye view of LoraKim's multi-species ministry, community collaborations, and nurturing nature approach where she honors the inherent worth, dignity and needs of all individuals, while she spends the months of March and April in Honduras. There she will be supporting the efforts of the local people who are trying to save their forests and birds from poaching and abuses. Support her inspiring efforts to protect their natural resources by holding the government accountable. Check out the Show Notes for links to One Earth Conservation where you can donate, follow the live-steam, and share on social media to spread the word of Joyner's heart and mind opening work. While exploring additional ways to get involved, on the site of One Earth Conservation, also check out the list of books written by Joyner. Enjoy the podcast!! Links:
GoFundMe Solidarity Campaign www.oneearthconservation.org/ amoloros@gmail.com
My guest today is Pascale Jean-Gilles. Pascale and I bumped into each other last week at two local events: a high school student-led protest in solidarity with Minneapolis in our town and at the County Legislature Building with hundreds of people showing up to support the "Safety and Dignity for All ACT", a bill to ensure guardrails with ICE agents in our county. Having known Pascale since she was 2 years old, it was a pure delight to reconnect with her and learn about who she is as a thoughtful, compassionate, dedicated young woman. Pascale is Chief of Staff for NY State Representative, Mary Jane Shimsky, District 92, as well as an elected Trustee and Deputy Mayor for the Village of Nyack. She is invested in local politics, personal growth and cares deeply about meeting the needs of her community. I loved hearing what influenced Pascale to go to law school, the lessons she learned about her NJ clerkship in criminal court, her experience as communications director, campaign manager and director of outreach for an assemblywomen and a state senator. It's refreshing to meet a trustworthy young person who see politics as a tool to advocate for basic human rights for all people. Check out the Show Notes for links to Indivisible Rockland and Pascale's email. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.Indivisiblerockland.org pjeangilles@nyack.gov
On this week's episode, I propose that mea culpa is a good place to start as we honor Black History Month. The Latin phrase mea culpa is an exclamation of apology or remorse, admitting that one has caused harm. For true racial healing to happen in this country, I long for us to own up to the threats, controls and discrimination embedded in our country's systems. I am relieved to notice more white people expressing their own forms of mea culpa, as they are dedicated to learning, open to admitting harm, and willing to take responsibility. That feels like a meaningful way to celebrate Black History Month. Check out the Show Notes for links to Marianne Williamson's proposal for reparations as well as an insightful IG account from Kellie Snider, an older white woman, who reminds white people to remain curious and disciplined in our current political climate. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Marianne Williamson talks about reparations IG: @kelliesnider.art
My guest today is Beth Ellen Adubato. I met Beth last month and was so impressed with her background and dedication to making a positive impact in the world. From her own personal experience of being sexually assaulted in college, Beth has championed women's issues for decades and created an organization that supports women of domestic violence. She has been a journalist, researcher and professor of criminal justice, at both Saint Peter's University and Rutgers University, training her students to be critical thinkers, who care for others with empathy. Beth now feels compelled to serve her state on a larger scale and is running for Congress in New Jersey District 7. Her run for Congress reflects her values, determination and strength, embodying what it means to be a courageous leader who speaks the truth and stands up to injustice. I am so grateful that someone with Beth's experience wants to throw her hat in the political ring. If you live in NJ-7 or know people who do, please share Beth's info and let's support someone with this rich experience and integrity to be voted into Congress. Check out the Show Notes for links to Beth's website, her L.I.N.D.A. Organization and her email. Perhaps you want to host a meet and greet and/or encourage others to do so. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.beth4nj.com www.wearelinda.org badubato@saintpeters.edu badubato@scj.rutgers.edu
On this week's episode I honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and celebrate this inspiring civil rights leader and his work for racial equality and social justice. I feel it's imperative to be reminded who Martin Luther King, Jr. was and what he fought for, particularly amidst our current toxic atmosphere of erasure. I highlight 10 significant facts about Dr. King, and play an audio clip of what Dr. King had the audacity to believe. It moved me deeply, as a child, to hear Dr. King speak and now 60 years later, I marvel at how poignantly his words resonate for us at this moment in time. May we reflect today on King's legacy. May Dr. King's sacred activism, motivate us to stand up for justice. May we carry on his inspiring work to invest in treating Black Americans, Native Americans and all our immigrant brothers and sisters with equity and dignity. Happy MLK Day!!! Enjoy the podcast! Links:The King Center 10 Facts About Martin Luther King
On this week's episode, I describe the word Justice that I've chosen for 2026. I want this word to be integrated into my thoughts, words and actions this year. I want justice to guide me, inspire me, and empower me to advocate for fairness, accountability, and restorative relationships. Yes, I will start with myself, but, oh how I want to live in a world where justice is upheld and can radiate throughout this country. May 2026 be a year where injustices are no longer tolerated and people are held accountable for their dehumanizing behavior. May we work in solidarity to cultivate social justice, racial justice, economic justice, criminal justice and climate justice! What word have you chosen to for guidance and growth? May your 2026 word enlighten, uplift and inspire you. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, I mark the beginning of our podcast's 9th year and reflect on the 5 people I honored and the 45 stories I shared from 2025. It was a very challenging year personally and politically, yet I trust that there are spiritual lessons and opportunities for learning and healing. May we all practice restoring humanity, dignity, compassion and justice. Blessings for a healing, engaged, empowering year. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to help us evolve, help us to live more authentically, more joyfully. Blessings for the courage, grace and wisdom needed for 2026.
In addition to the wide range of emotions, this past week, I've also felt humbled. Humbled by my friend, Wayne who is living with the brutal disease ALS. Paul and I spent 4 days and 4 overnights with Wayne, while his wife was out of town. I am humbled by the human spirit that can still nurture a positive attitude, despite being so physically limited. Humbled by resilience, the choice to remain grateful and generous. Humbled by the aides who make personal sacrifices to show up with kindness, patience, and professionalism. Humbled by what this brings out in my husband, in me, as we expand the best of us. Humbled by the wisdom in this quote by Arnaud Desjardins: "By feeling gratitude towards life, I move towards light, wholeness, universal energy, love. I move beyond the bounds of my own life and discover that I am an expression or form of universal life, of divine energy." Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, I acknowledge how full the month of December can be. Are you also finding this month to be full with holiday preparations, full with things to do, full with parties and events to attend, and full of emotions? It can be exciting and stressful. Our bodies will partner with us in the overwhelm and help carry the full load for us.
May we be present to the fullness of life, the hurt, pain, tenderness and generosity. May we allow ourselves to feel deeply. May we nurture ourselves in our vulnerability. May we embody love, truth, and justice and allow those words to dwell among us in this very full month. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, I share how my week reflected the snowball effect captured in the humorous children's book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff and brilliantly illustrated by Felicia Bond. One thing leads to another and another and another, and before you know it, a simple gesture set off tasks, projects and investment well beyond what we initially intended. It began with the clearing out of kitchen shelving, then the kitchen pantry, then a new hinge for a cabinet door, which reminded us that the kitchen window needed replacing. Listen to see what unfolds from there! I'm guessing you might be able to relate! Let's keep a sense of humor when the ball gets rolling! Here's to dealing with home improvement projects and knowing that when you give a mouse a cookie, the story is not over! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, I reflect on all the change that happens around us and the wisdom of learning to embrace change. There are the changes in season, temperatures, clothes and food, changes in friendships and activities. I also noticed when organizing my Holiday Card list, how many people changed homes so I needed address updating. I was struck by the number of loved ones who have died this past year. Their absence has an impact on me along with a web of other people, all experiencing changes without these individuals in our lives.
I am comforted by the Buddhist teaching on impermanence, that everything that comes also goes, everything that lives must die, and everything that is created will crumble. Change and self-discovery are intertwined. May change not be feared but a force that propels us forward. There are plenty of changes that I embrace wholeheartedly and plenty that I resist, so may we honor the life long journey we have to practice embracing change. Enjoy the podcast!
As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd highlight the gratitude theory and the 4 A's of gratitude: Awareness, Acknowledgement, Appreciation and Action. This week is an ideal time to be reminded of the power of an attitude of gratitude. A grateful mindset can lighten us, enrich what is in front of us and help us navigate our challenges. A grateful heart shifts our own mood and positively impacts those around us. May we give thanks every day by cultivating a gratitude theory with the 4 A's. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode I honor Jude Vasquez, a beloved soul who shockingly died at the age of 34 from a heart condition. My son, Wil considered Jude not only one of his closest friends, but his bonus sister. Wil took this stunning photo of Jude, his Silver Queen. I describe the unexpected blessings I received when I attended a Celebration of Life gathering for Jude at the Bushwick Flea Market.
As Rumi says: "Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don't claim them. Feel the artistry moving through, and be silent." Listen to the podcast to hear of all the small wonders I observed. Thank you, Jude, for reminding Wil that it is in feeding the hungry, comforting the sick and working for justice that we see the face of God. May we each observe the wonders that occur around us, even in unexpected places. May we feel the artistry moving through and be silent. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, there were two things that ignited hope for me this past week. One was the championing of ordinary people by the new mayor of NYC, Zohran Mamdani. Witnessing a leader with compassion, courage and integrity stirred in me some much needed hope.The other was how powerfully the black voters came through, once again, to ensure most of the blue wins across the country. As Kieth Boykin points out "Black voters show up for policies that help every body: affordable housing, lower utility bills, jobs, justice and democracy itself!"
Hope is ignited in me when we speak up against hatred, violence and corruption! When we take a stand for decency, respect and honoring the constitution. May we unite in justice, in truth, and in joy. May we come together to empower the marginalized. May we continue to ignite hope. And may we find creative ways to keep that hope alive! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, as we are in the heart of the Autumn season, I describe what it means that the veil is thinner. The boundary between the physical world and the spiritual world is more permeable, therefore the veil is thinner. This thinner veil allows for greater, more direct communication with our spirit guides, our deceased loved ones and ancestors.
So in this period of the veil being thinner between the physical and spiritual realms, may we acknowledge and honor the dead. May we remember them, tell stories of them, carry on their interests, values and light. May we let go and embrace change. May we welcome the clarity, guidance and support of the spirits. May we expand our consciousness, to trust that we are spiritual beings housed in physical bodies. May we have a better sense of our own eternity. Happy Thinner Veil Season! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week's episode, I highlight Leigh McGowan, also known as Politics Girl, who tells it like it is. Her honest, courageous posts inspire me to speak my truth, particularly these days when speaking truth is ignored or punished by this administration. @iampoliticsgirl helped me process the profound, invigorating and joyful experience of the NO Kings protest we attended in NYC on October 18th. And despite 8.2 million people showing up in every state in this country, along with incredible global support from over a dozen countries around the world, Trump and JD Vance attempted to vilify and negate the marches. May we be critical thinkers, during these volatile days, and be informed by those we respect, trust and rely on to tell it like it is. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @iampoliticsgirl YouTube: Politics Girl
On this week's episode, I highlight the No Kings 2.0 protest that happened this past weekend and the importance of this event. In addition to it being one of the largest protests in American history, and the solidarity and invigorating energy it filled me with, the protest is one of many necessary actions we need to take to stand up to Trump's unconstitutional violations. I share a clip from Keith Boykin, who describes the coup that is in progress from this administration. Our democracy is at stake and we must join together to stop the political corruption, military force and horrific injustices. May we express our concerns, our values and our vision for a world of justice, equity, integrity and compassion. May human dignity, respect and justice be restored. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG @keithboykin NoKingsNYC.com
On this week's episode, I highlight the second word in the title of my podcast: UPLIFT. Even in the midst of hatred, violence and negativity, we can focus our attention on what lifts us up and how we might lift up others. I reference Hafiz' poem about Joy, particularly the line that says "we were created to smile, to love, to be lifted up and lift others up".
May we honor what we were created for - let yourself be lifted up and enjoy lifting up those around you. Let the kindness, thoughtfulness, and gratitude naturally flow with ease. Happy lifting! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I honor Dr. Jane Goodall, for her groundbreaking work as a naturalist, scientist, conservationist and dedicated activist. Even up to her death last week, at the age of 91, Jane Goodall embodied her mission to create a world where we can live in harmony with nature. I share some of her quotes that perhaps will encourage you to carry on her legacy. Check out the show notes for links to her obituary, website, TED Talks and National Geographic documentaries. She lives on in our hearts and hopefully in our actions. May we allow her beacon of light to keep shining. Enjoy the podcast! Links: NYT Obituary Jane Goodall Quotes TED Talk Jane Goodall Institute Website JANE - A Film by Brett Morgen Jane Goodall: The Hope National Geographic Special
On this week’s episode, I share how full and grateful I am to be celebrating another year around the sun. I felt blessed on my birthday, plus the days before and after, soaking in nature, people, wonder, connection and so much love! James Taylor’s song “Shower the People” was my internal soundtrack all week.
May you feel surrounded by blessings and remind yourself that even in the midst of outrageous and despairing political news, we can focus on the love, connection, wonder and joy that is also accessible to us. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the Fall Equinox, when the length of the day and night are equal. Can you feel the promise of new beginnings in the fresh, crisp air of Autumn? I am partial to the symbolism of the Fall Equinox, since my birthday is September 23rd. The Fall Equinox and the Libra qualities of balance, justice and equanimity course through my veins.
May we all take time this Fall to reflect on what we stand for, what brings us meaning, what makes us a valuable person and how we can make this world a better place for all. My birthday wish is that we stop those who are trying to dominate others, we bring an end to those taking power away from the marginalized. May we empower ourselves and each other, as we strengthen the principles of democracy. Let us celebrate the Fall Equinox with clarity, gratitude, courage and decisive action for our greatest good. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I explain the triple nine portal of last Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The number nine invites us to close old cycles and prepare for a fresh start. Triple nine energy equals Release, Align, Rise. It’s not too late for you to focus on what you what to release, how you can forgive yourself and others with compassion and rise into a higher vibration.
Reflect on what no longer serves you. Envision how you can show up more consciously and confidently for yourself, your relationships, your work and the proactive work needed in our country now. Let these three words be your guide: RELEASE, ALIGN, RISE! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s podcast I remember my mother, Sylvia Sinclair Carr Berking, whose birthday was less than 2 weeks ago, on August 28th. It would have been Mom’s 96th birthday. She was 86 and a half when she died on February 7th, 2015. It’s nearly 11 years since my mom died and I think of my Mom on a regular basis. I am so grateful for my mother’s generosity, humor and her spiritual curiosity.
In the last two years of her life, Mom articulated what she was living for and trusted that the Universe would help manifest that desire. Being confined to a wheel chair after her left leg was amputated, didn’t stop Mom from being on the dance floor of her granddaughter’s wedding!! May we be inspired to articulate our dreams and make room in our minds and hearts for them to happen. Enjoy the podcast!
On this Labor Day, as the summer comes to a close and you (hopefully) enjoy a day off, time with family and friends, before the school year starts, let’s not forget all those who have risked so much to protect our work force. May we advocate for even better working conditions that reflect social justice, decent work and the safety and health of all workers. Happy Labor Day! Enjoy the podcast. Links: AFL-CIO The Dark History of Labor Day (YouTube)
On this week’s episode, I share my recent encounter with a hawk feather and all that brought up for me. What words, images and spiritual wisdom do you associate with a hawk feather? May the qualities of gentleness, softness, light, spirit, gliding and expansion bless you this week. May you feel the presence of the spiritual realm guiding you, watching over you and protecting you. May the hawk feather remind you that you have the strength to conquer any challenges that come your way. May you see things from a higher vantage point, sharpen your vision and have the clarity to make decisions with confidence. May you embody being as light as a feather. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I acknowledge how helpful it is to remember and reignite some of the meaningful experiences we’ve had, even if life tends to tuck them away on a shelf. Being with my cousin and her husband last week, and their genuine interest in my June trip to Vietnam, I remembered and reignited a deeply moving experience I had. My visit to the Tu Hieu Temple where Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh was ordained at the age of 16 and where he returned to for the last 8 years of his life, was recalled and honored. I am so grateful to remember and reignite how important that visit to the temple was, what it felt like to be in the energetic presence of an Enlightened One. May you remember and reignite some of your meaningful experiences and delight in their richness. Checkout the links below for Thich Nhat Hanh’s website, his obituary and a list of his best-known books. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Blue Cliff Monastery NY Times Obit Best Known Books: Being Peace Peace Is Every Step The Miracle of Mindfulness The Art of Power True Love Anger
On this week’s episode, I share my vision of what heaven entails and the magnificent glimpse of heaven I experienced at my niece’s wedding last week. The couple’s radiance of love, compassion, mindfulness and integrity raised the vibration for us all to break down the illusion of separation and show up with our best selves. This incredible couple, how they live their lives and their inspiring circle of friends, truly enlightened me. My soul was refreshed and nourished and I was infused with more hope than I have felt in a long time. I hope you, too, are enjoying some glimpses of heaven. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I revisit the power of humility. I had chosen the word HUMILITY for my word of 2025 and as we enter the 8th month of the year, it continues to be exactly the word I needed. Humility can be applied in any situation - casual interactions and intense interactions. Humility can be used for our own self talk or the way we approach people and situations.
It’s humbling to recognize that I am only in charge of my own life. Humility helps me be honest about my strengths and weaknesses. Humility gives me the patience to listen to others, admit my mistakes, demonstrate empathy, remain curious and be of benefit to others. What a wise, important teacher humility is! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I honor Joanna Macy, PH.D, author, teacher, a scholar of Buddhism, systems thinking and deep ecology. Joanna died last week at the age of 96, and I trust that her respected voice in movements for peace, justice and ecology will live on in my heart and in the world. Whether you know her rich contribution to our consciousness or she is new to you, I invite you to learn about Joanna Macy. See how she might touch your heart and inspire you to awaken, stretch, and live more fully. Check out the show notes for links to her website, interviews and books. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Joanna's Website Vimeo Interview NY Times On Being Old Dog Documentaries Enlighten Podcast with Anne Macksoud
On this week’s episode, the word that stands out from my 3 weeks away is KINDNESS. There were so many random acts of kindness that I experienced while traveling in Vietnam and Bali, from people I know and cherish, as well as from strangers. So today I pause, reflect and absorb how powerful it is to receive and give kindness.
Our small acts of kindness are often returned with humility, gratitude and graciousness. Kindness generates more kindness. May you offer kindness to anyone you come in contact with. May you receive the gift of kindness, even from unexpected places. May the kindness we exchange be like the concentric circles when a pebble drops into the water, rippling out wider and wider into the world. May kindness prevail. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, as I travel from Vietnam to Bali, I offer John O’Donohue’s blessing “For Presence”. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, may you take a moment to pause and tune into being present. Be present to your surroundings, to your body, to your thoughts, to your feelings. What a gift to pay attention, to open up to appreciation, gratitude and compassion. May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention. May you be present to the mystery of being alive. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share another John O’Donohue blessing, called “For The Senses”. My senses have been sweetly awakened and nourished on my travels. Wherever you might be this summer, I hope you are noticing the gift of your senses. May your senses breathe in all the wonder and beauty around you. May your senses illuminate sensations that stimulate and nourish you. May you be uplifted and inspired by nature, people, food, travels, experiences and all that enlightens you. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I offer a blessing for those who may be traveling this summer. I feel blessed and deeply grateful to be spending 3 weeks in Asia this summer. I’ll first be in Vietnam for 10 days and then traveling to Bali to visit my son, Wil, who moved to Indonesia in December of 2023. I recorded some short offerings before I left, so my listeners can still receive their weekly episodes. Wherever you might be this summer, I hope you are able to listen and continue to be uplifted and inspired by nature, people, travels, experiences and all that enlightens you. May John O’Donohue’s blessing “For the Traveler” provide images and wisdom that nourishes your soul and blesses your travels. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Nandini Austin. Nandini, a British Indo-Mauritian, now living in the Hudson Valley, is a performer, workshop facilitator and certified Holistic Ayurveda Coach. Nandini masterfully blends ancient wisdom with her modern spirit of wellness in a workshop called “Temple Goddess: Global Dance and Ayurveda Retreat”. Temple Goddess will be at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY starting Friday evening July 4th through Sunday afternoon July 6th. From Chaka Kahn’s “I’m Every Woman” to Fleetwood Mac’s “A Woman of a Thousand Years”, two songs that reflect Nandini’s essence, you will experience the vitality, wisdom and joy that Nandini embodies and infuses into everything she does!! Whether she is facilitating a retreat, teaching a dance class, hosting a culinary workshop, or guiding personal self care sessions, Nandini presents healing modalities in a creative, fun, engaging way. What an honor to be introduced to this wonderful person! Check out the show notes for links to Nandini’s website, IG account and the flyer for the Temple Goddess Retreat at Omega in July. Even though I will be out of town for her retreat, I am hoping many of my listeners go and experience Nandini’s magic! Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.nandiniaustin.com IG: @nandiniaustin
On this week’s episode, I describe the uplifting event I attended in my community to honor and celebrate Tom Chapin’s 80th Birthday. Tom, his family, his music, the special guests, the stories and the social justice woven throughout the evening, were magnificent. I didn’t realize how much I needed to experience something so joyful and inspiring. As Tom’s step-daughter, Jessica Craven so beautifully articulated: “I was reminded once again…of the profound power of the arts, community and family to heal and uplift. It’s never been more important to make sure we’re immersing ourselves in one or all of them, and often!” May you surround yourself with people who share your values, so we can hold our ground together. Check out the show notes for links to Arts Rock, Tom Chapin, The Chapin Sisters, “Abigail Rose and Lily Too”, Jessica Craven’s newsletter “Chop Wood, Carry Water” and a video of Tom, with two of his daughters, Abigail and Lily singing a powerful song that is carrying me through the days. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Arts Rock Tom Chapin The Chapin Sisters Abigail Rose Store Jessica Craven Substack Hold Our Ground Forever: Tom Chapin & The Chapin Sisters
On this week’s episode, I honor someone special in my life, Jenn M, whose birthday is Tuesday May 20th. I describe some of the qualities I admire in Jenn and give a shout out to her 8th grader, E, who typically listens to my podcast on the drive to school. Thanks E, for being my youngest listener.
As I celebrate Jenn and the dreams that are stirring in her heart, I share John O’Donohue’s blessing “For Longing”. May it resonate for the birthday gal as well as all of my listeners. May we each honor the longings in our heart and trust that our longings are aligned with our soul. May we have the courage to discover the path our longing wants us to take. May we understand our longing as divine urgency! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I describe and honor Beltane, the Celtic festival of spring. Beltane is rich with magic as we celebrate the fertility of the land, the potential for new life and the abundance of nature. With the following weeks of May, into June, I encourage you to find your own way to honor Beltane. We are invited to be intentional about what we are planting inside of us for future growth. Delight in the late afternoon sun rays, the stunning cloudbursts and rainbows of this season. It’s no coincidence that we celebrate mother’s day around the same time we thank our Mother Earth for enriching our planet with abundance and magic. Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Beltane! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I talk about my love for the word wonder. Wonder slows me down, drops me into curiosity, and then opens the rich doors to gratitude. Even as a senior citizen, I consider myself a child of wonder. Let the magnificent gifts of Spring re-ignite your sense of wonder. Check out the show notes for links to hear the poignant words of Dot, a 96 year old woman who strives to live in awe and to the timeless wisdom of Rachel Carson’s The Sense Of Wonder. May we embrace what it means to be a child of wonder. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @endwellproject Rachel Carson: The Sense of Wonder
On this week’s episode I explore the African proverb Ubuntu, which means ‘I am because we are.’ The phrase came to me in meditation last week and has stayed with me everyday. How do we honor our universal bond that connects all humanity? In the midst of hatred, divisiveness and injustice, how do we deepen our compassion, find forgiveness and treat others with respect?
Nelson Mandela’s commitment to Ubuntu reminds me that we are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility to care for one another. ‘I am because we are’ is a phrase and philosophy I am inspired by. I aspire to live by Ubuntu’s principles of Survival, Solidarity, Compassion, Respect and Dignity. You are not alone. I am because we are. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, I talk about what it means to bless the earth. From cleaning up trash in our local parks to cultivating more awareness and responsibility to care for our planet, we can bless the earth. I share the earth blessing meditation that organically came to me and through me years ago, that is a part of my daily spiritual practice.
May we bless the sky, the land and the waters. May we all bless our precious planet earth. May everyday be Earth Day. Happy Earth Day! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I provide a guided meditation to help ground us in these tumultuous times. Carve out a few minutes for silence, stillness and slow, steady, replenishing, deep breaths. You are not alone. I hold you, my dear listeners in loving-kindness and compassion. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share my invigorating experience of attending the NYC “HANDS OFF” Protest this past Saturday April 5th. I was energized and grateful to take a stand against Trump’s lies, corruption, and destructive chaos. Our collective power to show up, organize and have our voices heard across the country is inspiring! I appreciated the art work, the shared values, the chants and the singing that created a powerful sense of solidarity. Participating in this protest gave me a renewed vision of actually creating a real democracy - of, by, and for the people!! Let’s not sit on the sidelines. Let’s continue to have our voices heard. Let’s sustain a progressive vision for our future. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Indivisible Move On 50/50/1
On this week’s episode, I share some insights of what is reflected in the planets that help explain the tumultuous time we are now experiencing. Some astrology basics have not only helped me feel connected to the cosmos, to mystery and that which is bigger than us, but also has provided some much needed HOPE! Now is the time to align with our values, with our communities and with the wisdom of the planets! Let’s take a stand for what we care most about and move this country closer to this dream of democracy. Let’s create the healing transformation our country needs. Check out the Show Notes for links to my astrologer, Kitty Hatcher and all the readings, workshops and courses she skillfully offers. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Kitty Hatcher Website Email Kitty Kitty Hatcher episode on Enlighten Margaret Dulaney episode on Enlighten IG: @listenwell.margaret
On this week’s episode I share a recent “start” to my day that startled me and had a startling impact on others. Thankfully everyone is safe & sound and an outpouring of love was felt in the process. I hope you are getting the rest you need. I hope Mercury Retrograde hasn’t thrown you off. And if you have been thrown off, that you can find the laughter and the gifts infused within.
And most of all I hope you have a tribe, a circle of loving support that has your back. May you lift up and be lifted up by those you love. May we embrace the start of each day with gratitude and grace. Enjoy the podcast!
The title of this week’s podcast “All Is Not Well” isn’t my typical "uplift and inspire” focus. However, I want to acknowledge that I unintentionally hurt someone in an episode I released at the end of December titled “All Is Well”. I am deeply sorry for the pain that particular episode caused and have taken it down so it can no longer be accessed. When all is not well, I care about being honest and humbled. I want to take responsibility and hold myself accountable. I offer this public apology with humility, seeking grace. Thank you for bearing with me when I make a mistake. I am invested in learning from this and doing what I can to grow and heal. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I explore the use of the word “village” as a noun and a verb. From the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” to why we, as a country in crisis, need to “village”. We need social connectedness, safe circles, groups and villages, where we can be held and hold others. In our village and as we village, we need to create and use ‘“alternative economies”, based on mutuality and the common good. I also explain how strong communities and living with joy are forms of resistance. May we village with one another, strengthen our communities and truly nurture ourselves and the world. May we unify, collaborate, organize, and village in resistance. Check out the show notes for links to Melina Rudman’s Substack post, Heather Cox Richardson’s IG and the economic blackouts and boycotts. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Melina Rudman Substack IG: Heather Cox Richardson IG: The One Called Jai IG: The People's Union USA
On this week’s episode, I share a personal experience of the uplifting “Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” mindset exercise. This simple phrase is a powerful bridge to move our thoughts from what we don’t what to what we do want. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” helps align our thoughts with what is in our highest interest, so the Universe has a better chance of helping us manifest what serves our highest good. When my friend Cynthia and I brainstormed and implemented the ““Wouldn’t It Be Nice If…” possibilities, it shifted our thoughts, our feelings and empowered us to advocate for what was truly best for her. It allowed us to be open, vulnerable and humbled by how the Divine/Source/The Universe is there to support us. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could live from love and trust? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could align our thoughts, words and actions with our open heart? Wouldn’t it be nice if this exercise could restore our humanity? Wouldn’t it be nice...... Enjoy the podcast! Links: Cynthia Bardwell podcast episode
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the informative, inspiring Black History posts from Kimberly Jones and all I continue to learn from her. We fill the month of February honoring the Black innovators, pioneers, and trailblazers that have shaped our country. We can end the month in solidarity by joining millions of people to boycott the corruption and greed of corporations. On the last day of this month, Friday February 28th, join me in participating in the Economic Black Out refusing to shop at any major corporation: NO Walmart, NO Amazon, NO McDonalds!! Check out the show notes for links to Kimberly’s Instagram account as well as the grassroots movement The People’s Union USA, organizing the Economic Blackout on Friday February 28th. Let’s unify, unite and make our voices heard. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Kimberly Jones Podcast Episode IG: @kimberlylatricejones IG: @theonecalledjai IG:@thepeoplesunionusa
On this week’s episode, I continue the theme of “Listen and Learn” for Black History Month. I was so grateful for the ‘moment of resistance” that Keith Boykin illuminates in his commentary of Kendrick Lamar’s incredible half time show at the Super Bowl last week. I’ve transcribed Boykin’s commentary in hopes that my listeners will further understand the symbolism, history and meaningful context of Lamar’s powerful performance. Check out the show notes for Keith Boykin’s IG account so you can regularly take in more opportunities for listening and learning. May we honor moments of resistance. May we celebrate Blackness! May we deepen our understanding and compassion for all who have been and are being oppressed. May our resistance unite us in our humanity. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: Keith Boykin
On this week’s episode, as we kick off the month of February and Black History Month, I share Nikole Hannah-Jones’ poignant explanation of why people want to ban Black History. They want Black people to believe there is something wrong with them, rather than there is something wrong with our country. They don’t want people to be educated and empowered to reveal the lie of our country. With our current political chaos, I know we have to sift through a lot of lies. We are all learning how to limit how much news we take in and be intentional about the sources we trust. In this racially divisive climate, honoring Black History Month feels more important than ever. May we seek to listen and learn from the experience and wisdom of our Black brothers and sisters. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: DL Hughley IG: Block Store IG: Nikole Hannah-Jones
I saved 3 quotes this past month that struck me. Without realizing it at the time, each quote lines up with my word for the year: humility. I’m grateful that humility is seeping into my consciousness and unconsciousness.
Are you finding synchronicities and signs that remind you of the word you chose for the year? May you notice the ways your word of the year is showing up for you. May your word of the year seep in…so it can guide you and inspire you. Enjoy the podcast!
Have you ever chosen a word to guide you through the year? This was the first time I’ve tried it. An inner voice popped the word HUMILITY into my mind. I’ve been thinking about humility, feeling into humility and on this week’s episode, I share some of my early reflections on the word humility.
What word comes to mind for you? What word does your inner voice whisper to you for guidance and growth? Whatever your 2025 word might be, may it enlighten, uplift and inspire you. Enjoy the podcast!
As we remember and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, I want to continue to learn about MLK and discover ways to continue his legacy in my daily life. I am struck by how much MLK had in common with Jimmy Carter. They were only four years apart in age, and even though the late President Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King, Jr. never met each other, their philosophies were in alignment. It feels incongruent to honor MLK on the same day as Trump’s inauguration, but hold onto MLK’s words that ring truer today than ever before! “We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity but in love with humanity.” Check out the show notes for links to today's Nyack NAACP service at Pilgrim Baptist Church and suggestions for meaningful ways to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Rockland News: Nyack’s NAACP Service 7 Ways To Celebrate
On this week’s episode, I share the familiar Native American parable of the Two Wolves. You probably know the common version of a Cherokee grandfather acknowledging to his grandson that there is a battle of two wolves inside all of us, one dark and one light. The grandson asked which wolf wins and the grandfather replies “The one we feed.” As much as this version is a gentle reminder that we have a choice, we can choose to feed just the light wolf, I discovered another version of the Two Wolves story. Listen to the podcast to hear the new version, where the grandfather tells his grandson to feed both the dark and the light wolf. Rather than starving the dark wolf, this version offers more of a balance between the two so you can guide the wolves to serve you. As we reflect on the internal fights within us, may we listen to the voices of deeper knowing. May we release the battle within and align with peace. Enjoy the podcast!
As we start off 2025, I’d like to take a moment today to acknowledge our 7 year milestone and reflect on this past year. We launched the podcast in January 2018, so here’s to completing 7 years of Enlighten! January 2025 marks the beginning of our 8th year of the podcast. Wow!
In 2024, I continued to cultivate my intimacy with nature, and took great pleasure in the everyday miracles that surround us. I delight in subtle and blatant glimmers of resilience, growth and transformation both individually and collectively. Thank you, 2024 for another year of inspiring guests, personal reflections and stories. May we all practice restoring humanity, dignity, compassion, and justice. Blessings for a healing, engaged, empowering year. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to help us evolve, help us to live more authentically, more joyfully. Blessings for the courage, grace and wisdom needed for 2025. Enjoy the podcast!
Even though I initially thought I would skip an episode this week, I changed my mind and wanted to share two simple rituals from previous guests Shawna Emerick and Laura Pensiero. May these rituals help us take a moment to pause, reflect and envision what we want to manifest for the New Year. May we set intentions that help us live more fully, more authentically and more joyfully. May we manifest 2025 to be a creative, connected, easeful, and prosperous year. Check out the show notes for links to Shawna and Laura’s websites, they both offer such wonderful soul-nourishing gifts. Happy New Year! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Shawna's Website Laura's Website
The chaos of our political landscape, the stressors of the holidays and tensions in our relationships can convince us that all is not well. In this week’s episode I share a personal struggle I’ve had with someone in my life and how de-railed I felt by fear and frustration. I asked for help and my spirit guides provided gems of wisdom that realigned me with understanding, acceptance and surrender. Louise Hay’s affirmation is a transformative mantra for me “All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. And out of this situation, this so called problem, only good will come. And I am safe.” This truth put a smile on my face and expanded my heart in a profound way. May we be humbled to ask for help when fear, hurt and struggle take over. May we reset the swirl of pain and remember that shifting our thoughts, shifts our vibration. May we trust that all is truly well so we can show up to whatever we face with clarity, calm and empowerment. I'll be back in 2 weeks with another episode. Happy holidays! Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: Mel Robbins
On this week’s episode, I honor the legendary poet, author, educator, activist, Nikki Giovanni who died this past week on December 9th at the age of 81. Her rich biography, prolific work that includes writings, essays, conversations, poetry, children’s books, records, tapes, CDs and film, as well as her awards, honors and multiple honorary degrees is expansive and impressive. Thank you Nikki, for all that you embodied and modeled. Thank you for shining your truth through decades of our collective darkness. Thank you for caring about children and the quality of books they read. Thank you for your wisdom, grace and compassion and finding what binds us even in the face of tragedy. Rest in peace, rest in power and may we continue to be enlightened, uplifted and inspired by you. Check out the show notes for links to Nikki’s website, NY Times obituary and Wikipedia page. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Nikki's Website NY Times Obituary Wikipedia
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the spark of light that is ignited at this time of year. As the sun is setting by 4:30pm, shortening our days and expanding our nights, the tradition of lighting up our homes, is a wonderful reminder to honor the light in the midst of darkness. May we be a spark of light. May we connect with your own community, honor silence, light a candle, and feel the energetic hands of our sacred circle of humanity, join together to breath a new vision forward. May our vision spark a new kind of light. Check out the show notes to learn about the global ritual that Beth Livingston, has been facilitating for 20 years that honors our collective dive into the darkness of winter. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Beth Owls Daughter
On this week’s episode I re-release my conversation form April 19, 2021 with my beloved Aunt Hilly. This spectacular human, Hilary Carr Jones just died on Friday November 15th, so I wanted her voice and spirit honored. Before my conversation with her starts, I share the mystical connection I felt with Aunt Hil as she was transitioning from the physical realm into the spiritual realm, as the Super Full Moon was rising. May you open your heart and mind to how Source is calling you into the mystical, magical moments of your life. Grateful for the gathering in Camden, Maine this past weekend with a service on Sunday November 24th, to celebrate the life and light and radiating love of Hilary Carr Jones. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Links: Hilary Carr Jones obit Super Full Moon
I am thrilled to feature Clyde and Gracie Lawrence as my guests today. This gifted, brother and sister team, enriched by their 6 talented musician friends make up the electrifying soul-pop band “Lawrence”. Their music is phenomenal, the synergy and creativity of their band is a blast to witness and they are kind, thoughtful human beings living the challenging life of artists with integrity, humility and grace. When I saw Lawrence the band perform to a sold out Radio City Music Hall show in September, I was blown away by the music, the production, the pure fun everyone was having on that stage and moved to tears by their dedicated fans of all ages and backgrounds. Clyde and Gracie have created something unique and refreshing, I want all my listeners to experience their magic. It wasn’t until we ended the conversation that I realized I forgot to ask the one question I use to wrap up all my podcast conversations: “What inspires you?” But hopefully you’ll learn what their answer might have been by how they approach life, cultivate a family and community with their band, crew and fans, have the courage to call out the unfairness in the music industry, and infuse integrity in everything they do. Check out the links below to their website to see their tour schedule (catch the remaining shows of their Family Business tour), how to stream their incredible music, and buy some merch. Also follow the link for their fascinating You Tube docuseries, which offers an authentic behind the scenes look at their Hotel TV tour. Follow the band and Clyde and Gracie’s IG accounts to tap into the magic. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Lawrence the Band: Website IG: Band IG: Clyde IG: Gracie Lawrence on The Tonight Show YouTube Channel YouTube Docuseries
On this week’s episode, as I process the devastating election results, I know we are to hold onto love. In addition to the trauma, disappointment, sadness and fear, there is love. Surround yourself with loving, kindred souls. Let yourself be held in love and hold others in love. I know we are all trying to make sense of this, figure out how to navigate a way forward. As a country, we must wrestle with how deeply ingrained racism and misogyny is. We are in for more darkness and now more than ever, we need to be present and connected with love. Be gentle with yourself, take time to rest and regroup. We need each other, we need to shore up our circles of support. Hold onto love. Hold each other in love. I am holding you, my listeners in love. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, with the election tomorrow, I invite you to see your vote as a prayer, a prayer reflecting the depths of your heart. It is important to stay grounded in an atmosphere of fear. May you release the grip fear has on you. May your heart be aligned with trust, with compassion, with a connection to all the caring people, working for equity, justice and peace. Remember that your spiritual heart belongs to a collective spiritual heart. There are so many caring people bringing comfort and healing to others, to their communities and wanting to make this world a better place. Tap into that energy of our collective love. Let your vote be a prayer to protect our imperfect democracy, a prayer to protect the most vulnerable, a prayer to heal the divides, a prayer for our earth and all living beings. Check out the show notes for links to Tara Brach’s website where you’ll find her newsletter, courses and guided meditations. I’ve also included a link she shared for additional resources and organizations. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Tara Brach Mind Our Democracy
On this week’s episode I acknowledge the heightened sense of fear, anxiety and worry, with 8 days before the Presidential Election. I share wisdom from the spiritual teacher, Tara Brach that our despairing feelings are a reflection of our small Self, which is limited, isolated, and consumed with divisiveness and the illusion of separateness. Our small Self forgets who we are. For when we remember who we are, our true nature, we understand our interdependence and deep connection to each other. We tap into a pure sense of belonging, awaken to our oneness and align our actions with our heart. My sister-in-law Abby demonstrates, in a moving letter, what it looks like to align her heart with action. What is your heart aligned action? May we awaken to our True Nature. May we think, act and live from compassion. May we align our action with our open heart. And while we are at it, may we create a joyful blue wave! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Tara Brach IG: Abby Carr
On this week’s episode we belatedly honor Indigenous People’s Day. I share an example from my cousin, of how we can acknowledge the dark history of oppression while remaining open to learning, healing and reconciliation.
May we all be inspired to reflect, learn and better understand the history and legacy of Indigenous People. Reconciliation is not just a moment, but an on-going process. May we each seek opportunities throughout the year to learn and engage with Indigenous voices and stories. May we contribute to the healing of past, present and future generations of Indigenous People. Enjoy the podcast!
As we honor Indigenous People’s Day, may we acknowledge and honor the native people on who’s land we live. May we honor the spiritual wisdom and respectful partnership that indigenous people, all around the world, brought to their relationship with our planet earth, allowing them to live in harmony, reciprocity and balance with all of creation. I’ll share more about Indigenous People’s Day next week, because my guest today has timely information that I want my listeners to have the option to act on this week and next! My guest today is the inspiring Diana Bianco. Diana has social justice running through her veins. Founder of Artemis Consulting, Diana is passionate about better health for all and helps a range of clients navigate the dynamics of health care environments. Her professional advocacy for equitable and responsible policies and programs also drives her volunteer work for political activism at Flip the Vote. Please join one of the October Flip the Vote events, as a participant or a co-host; it’s an empowering way to help create a blue wave for this year’s elections. Check out the links below to Diana’s website and Flip the Vote’s website, particularly the October events. Time is of the essence!! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Artemis Consulting Flip The Vote
My guest today is Lila Carr. Lila is a junior at Skidmore College, majoring in Social Work, with a minor in Studio Art. Lila also happens to be one of my beloved nieces, genuinely curious, compassionate and open-hearted. She believes we all are longing to be seen, known and loved and is inspired to carve out a career that centers on seeing, knowing and loving people. She shares her round-about journey that landed her at Skidmore, from leaning into ‘NO!’ and listening to the wisdom of her body. Lila describes the healing power of art, as a companion, an avenue for self care and expression. As a first time voter, we discussed the upcoming presidential election and how empowered Lila feels to be voting and is actively engaged in making voting accessible to all. Check out the links below to follow Lila on Instagram. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @lila.carr IG: @lilas.crafts
On this week’s episode, I focus on hope, and how my hope has inspired action. I share my experience of the Flip the Vote Birthday Zoom I hosted last week and how the gathering of people I love, focused on our desire to create a blue wave, expanded even more hope. Hope is a discipline. How are you nurturing hope in your life? What actions are you taking to keep hope alive? May our hope help us see that there is light despite all the darkness. May our hope give us a destination and the energy to get started! Check out the show notes for links to learn more about Flip the Vote. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Flip The Vote
On this week’s episode, I celebrate my birthday and invite my listeners to attend a Flip the Vote event tomorrow night. The most meaningful birthday gift possible for me, is to ignite people to rally in solidarity for human rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, health care, education, advocacy for the health of our planet and social justice. May the Autumn Equinox bring us in better balance. May my Libra birthday inspire us to harmoniously work together for justice and the collective good of our country. Check out the show notes for links to Flip the Vote’s rationale, the impact they had on the 2022 election, how to donate and RSVP to attend my Flip the Vote Birthday Zoom tomorrow Tuesday September 24th, 5:30pm (PT)/8:30pm (ET). Enjoy the podcast! Links: RSVP for Tuesday 9/24 Flip the Vote Strategy Rationale Flip the Vote Impact in 2022 Donations to Flip The Vote
In this heightened political season, we are all inundated with countless emails and texts asking for donations; it’s hard to sift through where and how to invest our time and money. On this week’s episode, I offer a grassroots organization that I have recently learned about that feels worthy of highlighting. It’s called Flip The Vote. They educate and engage concerned people to make the most out of their political investments. They make strategic recommendations based on careful research about where and how to invest in winning critical elections. Attending a Flip The Vote Zoom party, inspired me to then attend an Orientation so I am now jazzed about hosting my own virtual Flip The Vote party. I want to host this as a Birthday celebration, so it will be the week of my birthday, either 9/24, 25 or 28. Stay tuned, I’d love for my listeners to join me! Check out the show notes for the link to Flip The Vote website. Enjoy the podcast! Links:Flip The Vote Postcards To Voters Activate America Postcards: Take back the House and Hold the Senate
On this week’s episode, I share my experience of taking Michelle Obama’s words: “Do Something!” to heart. The ‘somethings’ we do, can be spontaneous, planned, casual or organized. Writing postcards to encourage people to vote and spelling out what is at stake with our upcoming election is a tangible way to do something. Would you be interested in hosting a postcard party? If so, check out the show notes for links to sites that help you get started. I’m jazzed looking for tangible, meaningful ways to DO SOMETHING, do many things that help move our country forward with integrity, hope and JOY. What else are you doing to help elect Harris and Walz? Feel free to share the somethings that you are doing. I’d love to hear form you. Let’s inspire one another. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Postcards To Voters Activate America Postcards: Take back the House and Hold the Senate
My guest today is Nancy Brenner. A graduate of NYU’s School of Social Work, Nancy is the Care Services Coordinator for ALS United - Greater New York. If you or anyone you love has or had a debilitating disease, you know having an earth angel to guide you through the journey is priceless. And that is who Nancy is: an earth angel - kindly, compassionately present to patients with ALS and their families, providing support, education, guidance and resources. After recording our conversation, Nancy wanted to clarify the proper pronunciation for ALS is A-My-O-Trophic Lateral Sclerosis and in addition to her explanation of ALS, add that this disease effects the motor neurons, which weakens the muscles in the body. In the darkness of the body’s betrayal, it’s a soothing balm to experience Nancy’s integrity and dedication to her ALS patients. Please check out the links below to connect with Nancy and the incredible work of ALS United. Enjoy the podcast! Links: ALS-NY Nancy's Email
I used this week’s episode to channel my frustration when one of my weekly groups came to a close. Trust was violated and the facilitator violating trust didn’t acknowledge or own up to his behavior. I marveled at how uncomfortable people can be with conflict, myself included. Do I name the elephant in the room? Do I remove myself from this game of pretending? It takes courage to deal with conflicts honestly. Most people opt to sweep problems under the rug, clinging to the concept of being the ideal family or the ideal group. They choose dishonest harmony rather than honest conflict. It’s a delicate balance speaking up when everyone else is invested in dishonest harmony. Here’s to not sweeping problems under the rug. Here’s to learning the skills of addressing conflicts constructively. Here’s to the courage and authenticity to live into your truth. Here’s to discerning how and when to address conflict honestly. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I share a recent experience of my beloved hiking trails being trashed with trash! My initial reaction of anger and needing someone to blame eventually morphed into sadness. I watched the strong feelings course through me, appreciated the kindness and support from fellow hikers who helped me reframe my irritation. I took the simple action of picking up the trash to redirect me.
If only we could live by John Muir’s advice while enjoying nature “Take only photographs, leave only footprints”! Yes, I will do my part to care for my surroundings. And in the meantime, please pick up your trash! Enjoy the podcast!
This week’s episode contains Guided Meditations found at the end of Thich Nhat Hahn’s book “How To Sit”. I’ve spent the past three episodes reading aloud portions from this book, a third of the book at a time. Even if you have read this book, I hope my readings have allowed you to absorb the wisdom more fully. Many people have asked me for more guided meditations. Why not offer a few from the master of mindful meditation? May these guided meditations help you integrate meditation more readily. May these guided meditations build your mindfulness skills, inspire and nourish you. Happy meditating! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation
On this week’s episode, I continue to read some practical wisdom from the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Two weeks ago I started reading and covered the first third of his book “How To Sit”. Last week I read the middle portion of that book, so this episode includes the reading of the third and final portion of the book. Whether you are new to mindfulness and meditation or a seasoned veteran, may this help you cultivate your inner peace. May this guide you to breathe mindfully and encourage you to be a gardener that tends to your inner garden. Come home to yourself, experience the richness of being present, calm and at peace. Happy sitting! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation
This week I continue to read some practical wisdom from the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Last week I read the first third of his book “How To Sit”, so this episode includes the reading of the second third of the book. Whether you are new to mindfulness and meditation or a seasoned veteran, may this help you cultivate your inner peace. May this remind us to breathe mindfully. May we drop into the present moment and experience that the present moment contains the whole of life. Happy sitting! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation
On this week’s episode, in a desire to cultivate inner peace, for myself and my listeners, I offer some wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, who has made mindfulness accessible and relatable for millions of people. So whether you are new to mindfulness and meditation or have a seasoned practice, let this serve as an inspiration to deepen your journey. Starting this week, I will read the first third of his book “How To Sit” and hope that it will help you continue to cultivate your inner peace, knowing that your calm, clear centeredness will positively impact you, all those around you and our world. Happy sitting! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge all the amplified political chaos that may be upsetting us, triggering outrage and fear. As concerning as Joe Biden’s debate performance was, it doesn’t come close to the continued danger and destruction to our country and democracy that Donald Trump threatens. I outline the clinical criteria of a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Despite all these disturbing situations, I choose to stay informed, while investing more energy in my inner peace. Cultivating my inner peace, gives me energy to show up for others with kindness, compassion and more integrity. May you invest your thought energy in what calms you. May you know a deeper truth beneath the noise and chaos. May you prioritize cultivating your inner peace. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: DL Hughley Agenda 47 Project 2025
On this week’s episode I highlight a few examples of the sweetness of water. Water is such a healing energy; water refreshes us, reminds us to be playful, hydrates us and sustains life!
When was the last time you walked, ran or danced through a sprinkler? May we respect the healing power of water. Let water hydrate you. Let water refresh you. Let water quench your thirst. And may you create playfulness and joy with water. May we honor the sweetness of water. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share an inspiring excerpt from Mark Nepo’s The Book of Awakening, titled “Precious Human Birth”. Nepo explains how blessed we are - in this time, in this place, to be human beings alive in rare ways we often take for granted. This rareness, preciousness, ushers us into grateful living. I offer three prompts from Nepo’s piece for journaling or reflection. Check out the show notes for a link to Mark Nepo’s book and the Maya Angelou clip I referenced. May we be mindful of how rare it is to be human. May we have a deep appreciation for how blessed we are. May we be ushered into grateful living. May we be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. We are blessed to be human! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Mark Nepo IG: @mark_nepo IG: @femalequotient IG: @mayaangelouquotes
On this week’s podcast, as busy as the month of June is, I focus on fathers. From the origins of Father’s Day to the fathers who have parented us and partnered with us and all those doing their best to do right by their children, I honor the important role that fathers play in our lives. Check out the show notes (and share with any fathers) for the IG link that I mentioned: “Jimmy on Relationships”, for tangible guidance on cultivating empathy, building trust, healthy ways to resolve conflict and ways to deepen your emotional maturity. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @jimmy_on_relationships
On this week’s episode, I center on center and being centered and centering ourselves. The word center can be a noun, a verb and an adjective. When I feel centered, I feel connected to the core of my being - my soul, my heart, my consciousness. And of course that then connects me with all beings and Divine Source. Being centered, feeling connected, is calming, quieting and also expansive and mystical.
I lead a simple centering practice, so take a minute to pause and find your center. May you know the peace and serenity of being relaxed and centered. May feeling centered bring you home to the center of your being and let you rest in a depth of love that knows no bounds. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Brian Cockerham. Brian is a gifted bass player, most notably laying down the soulful low notes for the incredible Shayna Steele and multi-Grammy Award winning artist, song-writer and producer, PJ Morton. In fact, Brian has been playing with PJ for almost 20 years, acknowledging that their musical collaboration has helped shape him. Brian describes the incredibly profound impact a drummer named Larry had on him, certainly as a musician, but more importantly as a human being. Brian embodies positivity, kindness, and one of the most generous hearts I know. Check out the show notes for links to connect with Brian on social media and see Brian perform live with PJ Morton at the Beacon Theater in NYC on Saturday August 3rd. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @bcockerham81 IG: @pjmorton IG: @reallouiscato IG: @shaynasteele
Today is Monday May 27th, Memorial Day. As important as it is to remember those who have died while serving in the military, I also like to imagine a world without war. We humans seem wired for war, but I want to remember that peace is also a possibility.
The possibility of peace includes inner peace, peace in our dynamics with others and a vision for world peace. Can we soften that which is rigid in our hearts? Can we have the strength to forgive those who have hurt us? Can we let go of grudges, animosity, stubbornness, defensiveness, and the need to be right? On this Memorial Day, may we also remember that peace is a possibility and it starts with our own hearts. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I look at the power of rituals. All known human societies create rituals. Rituals mark time, create time, and help define beginnings and ends of life’s phases and transitions. Two weeks ago, Paul and I hosted a birthday party for my Dad’s 94th birthday! My father, Stephen Kerry Carr, turned 94 on April 30 and it was pure joy to host a party for him the following Sunday. Gathering a circle of loving relatives into our home reminded me that these rituals actually do help make life worth living.
Whether you are creating your own rituals for your daily spiritual practices, for your weekly circles/meetings/classes, time with friends and family or attending a wedding, graduation or funeral, see the ritual as a loving punctuation mark for the people being honored, celebrated or memorialized. A celebratory punctuation mark to emphasize that rituals help us celebrate life!! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge all the gratitude and love that I feel from Mother’s Day, both connecting with my own children and expressing appreciation to the women in my life who have been mother-mentors for me. And I emphasize how important it is to be sensitive on Mother’s Day, knowing how emotionally charged, for a variety of reasons, this day can be.
I share a poignant poem, representing Birth Mothers who had to give up their children, written by Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh called “Breaking the Silence”. Please listen and allow this poem to deepen your sensitivity and compassion for those who had been silent about their motherhood for years. May we open our hearts, in solidarity with these Birth Mothers, to bring about collective healing on Mother’s Day. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Anne (or Annie) Carpenter. Anne is a singer, photographer and I would add a beautiful writer, plus a new kindred spirit! I’ve heard Anne sing and was moved deeply. Although she grew up in a family of singers, was immersed in a choral mindset from middle school through college, I was surprised to learn that it’s only been about ten years since Annie stepped into singing professionally. Her honesty about the career choices that didn’t line up, her gratitude for all the people who lifted her up and encouraged her to trust both herself and her voice more fully, comes through in our conversation. It’s an honor to shine light on this humble, gracious, woman of wonder, curiosity and compassion. Check out the show notes for a link to Anne’s beautiful website, IG and FB accounts to see where she is performing next. I’ve also included a link for a Living Music Event at the Westchester Collaborative Theater in Ossining, NY this month, fusing theater and music, where Anne will be the featured vocal artist. Even though we didn’t discuss that in our conversation, I’d love to help promote this unique event. We just got our tickets for opening night on May 10th and hope to see you there! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Anne's Website IG: @anneoranniecarpenter FB: AnneorAnnieCarpenter IG: @langhorneslim Living Music Event at the WCT
This week’s episode serves as a BLOOM ALERT! I share my appreciation of the cherry blossoms that are now blooming in the New York area. These vibrant pink blossoms make me smile and apparently shift the mood in others, making us a little lighter, happier and cheerier! Check out the show notes for a link to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden so you can experience their incredible Cherry Walk in full bloom. Otherwise, look for the cherry blossoms in your neighborhood. Soak in the fragrance, smile as you immerse yourself in the awesomeness of those vibrant pink blossoms. Allow yourself to be uplifted and inspired by this awesome gift from nature. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @brooklynbotanic
On this week’s episode, I describe how moved I was by the people of Bali. The warmth, kindness, and humility of the Balinese people we met and interacted with was so striking. From casual greetings to exuding compassion in an interaction that could have incited annoyance and impatience, the people from Bali taught me a meaningful lesson.
Am I letting my words, gestures and responses reflect and radiate compassion? The Balinese people embodied such a sincere compassion, it was if they were vibrating on a higher frequency. May the light embodied in the Balinese people penetrate the light in me, the light in all of us, to absorb their patience, kindness and wisdom. Blessings to the wise people of Bali.
Enjoy the podcast!
Today marks our 300th episode! I am so happy to celebrate this milestone with you! We started this podcast in January of 2018 and have released an episode almost every week for over 6 years. I am deeply grateful for the 160 guests and 140 stories that capture my own personal reflections and observations, that help me evolve spiritually. Even in the midst of political unrest, personal and collective trauma, chaos, hatred, violence and war, I marvel at the human spirit: the ability of people to find ways to live from compassion, forgiveness, connection and gratitude.
So thanks for listening, for supporting my desire to focus on people and stories that uplift and inspire. Thanks for joining me in focusing our energy on that which heals and sustains us on our life journeys. Honored to partner with you as we each radiate love and light out into the world. Enjoy the podcast!
When I wrote this week’s episode, my husband Paul and I were Bali Bound. We are visiting our son Wil and his girlfriend Shannon, who have been in Bali for the past 3 months. We are thrilled to experience first hand all the beauty, spirituality, creativity and magic they have felt there. There will NO episode next week April 8th, but feel free to scroll through previous episodes and catch up on episodes you’ve missed. My next episode will be released on April 15th, which marks our 300th episode! Please tune in to celebrate 300 episodes of Enlighten: Uplift and Inspire! Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @misterwil IG: @soulflowwithshannon
As we close out the month of March, Women’s History Month, I want to honor a few more women. Some include women who have died before I launched this podcast and some who are still alive but they're uncomfortable being a guest, so I couldn’t shine light on them here. And one is a woman I do not know personally but my respect and gratitude for her is immense. New York State Attorney General Letitia James is not only protecting the vulnerable, she is effectively holding Donald Trump accountable for his deceit, fraud and years of cheating lenders, insurers, the government and the public. She stands by her principle that “No one is above the law!” There are certainly more women to acknowledge and honor, but start with one or two. Who has uplifted you, inspired you, given you hope? In this last week of Women’s History Month, take a moment to express directly or indirectly your gratitude to a woman you admire. Enjoy the podcast! Links: ag.ny.gov annualreport.ag.ny IG: @letitiajamesforny
March is Women’s Month so on this week’s episode, I honor the women in my life who have believed in me, supported me, challenged me and continue to make such profound impacts on me. I share the back story of how International Women’s Day came to be and eventually grew into a month-long celebration called Women’s History Month. There are so many women who have been trailblazers, who have shattered barriers, defied expectations, and paved the way for future generations! I honor my relatives, the women whose shoulders I stand on and the women I stand beside and hold hands with, including a number of sacred circles of soul sisters. May we continue to strive for progress and equality for all. May we lift each other up throughout the month of March and beyond. Enjoy the podcast! Links: womenshistory.org internationalwomensday.com nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org unwomen.org womenshistorymonth.gov people.com
My guest today is Dr. Geraldine Anello. Geraldine is a pianist, conductor, music director and author. She just recently launched her book The Pulse of the Musician: Connecting Sound, Soul and Stories: Navigating a Successful Music Career. We discuss what motivated her to write this insightful, illuminating book, her hopes that it becomes a required text book in music education, and the calling, passion, identity and sacrifice embedded in a musician’s path. I also inquired about Geraldine’s own passionate journey as a successful musician, her strategies of risk-taking, networking, discipline and creative visualization. Raised in France and on Reunion Island, before her fated move to the US at age 20, Geraldine embodies her multicultural, multi-ethnic origins, as she is a natural collaborator and harmonizer of multiple music genres. It is truly uplifting to be in the presence of such a warm, compassionate, wise woman. Check out the links below to Geraldine’s website and book. Enjoy the podcast! Links: FB: Geraldine Anello IG: @geraldinebcl www.thepulseofthemusician.com Email Geraldine
On this week’s episode, I share a cathartic experience of some winter cleaning. I know we typically wait for the springtime for these kinds of cleanings, but I am here to say, winter cleaning was just as satisfying!
What cabinets, closets, dressers, shelves of yours might need some de-cluttering? I encourage you to give yourself the gift of a cleaning - at any season of the year. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the freedom of lightening your load. Happy Winter Cleaning. Enjoy the podcast!
As we come to the end of the month, I highlight the concept and philosophy of Black Futures Month. In addition to honoring people and movements that enrich Black History Month, the emphasis on Black Futures is “a visionary, forward-looking spin on celebrations of Blackness in February; a time to consider and celebrate our radical Black history and to dream and imagine a world in which all Black people are free.” May we all understand and respect that our past directly impacts the present and future. May we all educate ourselves on the compelling stories from Black people, learn about the struggles and sacrifices, the aspirations and achievements. May we imagine a revolutionary transformation of the beliefs, norms, and systems that reject anyone’s humanity. May we embrace the abolitionist’s vision that our future can be grounded in trust, collective care, that prioritizes the dignity and empowerment of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and therefore the dignity and empowerment of all of us! Happy Black Futures Month! Enjoy the podcast! Links: The Movement for Black Lives Black Lives Matter: Celebrating Black Futures Month
As we continue to honor Black History Month, I encourage you to see the movie "Rustin”. I was so deeply moved by the movie, this man Bayard Rustin and the instrumental role he played in creating and implementing the March on Washington. In addition, the brilliant performance of Colman Domingo embodying Rustin was electrifying. The movie, produced by Michelle and Barack Obama, sheds light on an important man and a critical time in our history. May we be well-informed about our history, grounded in our present and inspired to contribute to a more just, compassionate future. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @RustinMovie IG: @HigherGroundMedia IG: @KingoBingo IG: @michelleobama
On this week’s episode, I highlight and honor the Greensboro Four: Jibreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain and David Richmond. Sixty-four years ago these four African American college freshman sat down at a place where African Americans were not allowed to sit. Their act of non-violent protest and the publicity they received ignited a national sit-in movement, that initiated desegregation actions and laws. I wanted to learn the names of the Greensboro Four and learn how their lives had unfolded since their 1960 college days. Thank you Jibreel, Joseph, Franklin and David. I am glad to know you by name. I am sorry for the hatred and discrimination you experienced, leading up to your protest and in the years that followed. I honor you, respect you and express my sincere gratitude for your courageous, inspiring legacy. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: Bakari Sellers
On this week’s episode, at the beginning of February, as we honor Black History Month, I focus on the man behind the origins of this important month. I am embarrassed to admit I did not know the name Carter G. Woodson nor that it was initially celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926. Thanks to Bakari Sellers, who mentioned Woodson’s name in his conversation with Trevor Noah, which ignited my curiosity. I’m grateful to learn more and want to share with you the wisdom, vision and determination of Carter G. Woodson to educate us all. Check out the links below to Bakari Sellers, the Daily Show, and the origins of Black History Month. We must recognize both the pain and triumph of what it means to be Black in America. We each have a part to play to keep Woodson’s legacy alive. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Carter G. Woodson: The Man Behind Black History Month NAACP.org Wikipedia NPS.gov Univ. of VA IG: Bakari Sellers IG: The Daily Show
My guest today is Aliya Sorgen. Aliya is Head of Global Partnerships and Mobility at University of the Arts in London, a Transformational Coach and innovative yoga retreat facilitator. And Aliya happens to be my beloved God-daughter, a bond that allows us to share a special soul connection. Aliya articulates keen insight into her experience of working with artists, how alive she feels when traveling and her openness to learning and growth. She is inspired by the courage it takes to jump into the unknown and surprise ourselves with big changes. Check out the links below for Aliya’s website and learn more about her Coaching practice and Yoga Retreat in Italy this summer. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Aliya Sorgen's website University of the Arts London IG: @aliyasorgen Aliya on Facebook Email Aliya
On this week’s episode, I focus on awareness and how important awareness is to help us be present, conscious and responsible. Awareness is the first step in the process of healing. Inspired by a quote from the world renowned yoga instructor, Sarah Powers, I’ve now infused her quote as a prayer to add to my daily practice. May this statement inspire you as well: “I vow now to awaken to awareness, for the benefit of all beings. I recognize its immeasurable value, knowing that it is possible, regardless of circumstances.” May we all awaken to awareness! Check out the links below for my previous episode with Laura Rodgers as well as the website of Sarah Powers. Enjoy the podcast. Links: Podcast Episode with Laura Rodgers Sarah & Ty Powers Website
Last week I hosted a Ceramics Open House for Josh Yanko, the son of my dear friend, Lisa Green. This Open House opened my heart to Josh, his beautiful pottery, the strong love Lisa has for her son, and the community that showed up to support him. It also opened my heart to the way loved ones who die are orchestrating loving support from their spiritual realm. What an honor to open my home and my heart to the giving and receiving of such warmth and affection. I trust that this is an event we will do again and hope that you can join me, we’ll open our hearts at the next open house! Check out the links below to Josh’s YouTube channel and his IG. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Josh Yanko Creative YouTube Channel Josh on IG
On this week’s episode, as we start off 2024, I acknowledge our 6 year milestone and reflect on this past year. We launched the podcast in January 2018, so here’s to completing 6 years of Enlighten! January 2024 marks the beginning of our podcast’s 7th year!
Thank you, 2023 for another year of 9 inspiring guests, a tribute to a local hero who died the past summer and 38 personal reflections and stories. Hoping that my guests and stories this past year have helped to uplift and inspire you along your journey. Blessings for a healing, engaged, empowering year. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to help us evolve and step more fully into our potential in 2024. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I focus on the wisdom of changing things up, shifting our perspective and/or routines to open to new possibilities. I share a simple example of a change I made to one of my daily routines that provided a fresh, expansive experience for me. I was surprised by the energy and fun it provided!
Change the way you see something and that something changes. May you take one of your daily routines and change it up! Have fun expanding your perspective and seeing things anew! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s podcast, I share some sparkly synchronicities that delighted me this week. From a Hafiz poem, that reminds us that we are created for Joy, to a yoga community’s dharma talk, to a friend in Maine being inspired to dance, to my Jazz Funk Dance Sistahs keeping joy alive, to a store owner’s sparkly red boots. May we pause and notice the synchronicities, the sparkles, the joy. After all, we were created for joy! Check out the show notes to find links for previous episodes with 4 of the women mentioned here. And for beautiful, creative shopping, please go support Maria Luisa’s boutique filled with fair trade gifts from around the world. Enjoy the podcast ! Links: Hafiz “The Sacred Dance of Life” Mary Oliver: "Don’t Hesitate” Karen Siff, Podcast Episode #82 Terese Dana, Podcast Episode #12 Maria Luisa, Podcast Episode #86 Lisa Green, Podcast Episode #107 Shawna Emerick: JTTP Journey To The Peak Maria Luisa Boutique
As the light shifts with shorter days and longer nights, we experience more physical and emotional darkness. On this week’s episode, I share a poem that has been a beautiful reminder for me that the light does come, even when the darkness enfolds us. May we trust that the light will come. May we know that the light is seeking us. May we lift our faces to let the light find us. Follow the links below for the poem, to Jan Richardson and Shawna Emerick. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Poem: How the Light Comes by Jan Richardson Jan Richardson's Web Site IG: Jan Richardson Studio IG: Shawna Emerick Shawna's Web Site
For the past decade I’ve tried to incorporate into our Thanksgiving gathering, a simple ritual that honors Indigenous People. On this week’s podcast, I share the ritual I tried this year. The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address calls forth gratitude for the people, the earth mother, the waters, the fish, the plants, the food plants, the medicinal herbs, the animals, the trees, the birds and the four winds, for all they do to sustain, nourish and strengthen us. May we find ways to gather in community to create ritual that honors all Indigenous People, to bring our minds as one, as we honor all of creation. I hope you found meaning and nourishment in body, mind and spirit this past Thanksgiving. May we all experiment with thoughts and actions that help us live in more equitable relationship with ourselves, others, and our planet. Click the link below for the Haudenosuanee Prayer. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Haudenosuanee Prayer
Thanksgiving invites us to tap into the power of gratitude. Even in the midst of all the suffering in our broken world, paying attention to what we are grateful for, can bring us back to center. Having just returned from an incredible trip to Australia and New Zealand, I share some of the things about travel that fills me up with deep gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for, on so many levels. You don’t need to travel to generate gratitude. Simply turn to your 5 senses and notice what stimulates and inspires you. What sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches nourished you today? When you focus on how your senses were stimulated, it inevitably brings you back to gratitude…for all you saw, heard, smelled, tasted and touched. Let your five senses cultivate your attitude of gratitude. And may we honor our Indigenous People this Thanksgiving! Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: Julia Adamy
On this week’s episode, I tell how I discovered that I have a new nickname: The Meditation Lady! From an unsuspecting group of people I don’t personally know, it turns out that I’ve been referred to as this nickname for a few years. It wasn’t until we recorded this episode, that my husband learned of my new nickname. He got a kick out of it and I hope you do, too.
Hopefully this will get you thinking of how you might be perceived by others. Would their observations of you spur a nickname? If so, what might yours be? Feel free to share with me your nicknames! I’d love to hear them!! Enjoy the podcast.
My guest today is Daniel Ralph Mfaya, also known as Dani. Dani is an extraordinary dancer, model and creative director. Dani grew up in France & currently resides in the United States, but is traveling the world as a dancer on the Sam Smith Gloria Tour. Because my daughter, Julia is the bass player in Sam’s band, I’ve had the pleasure and honor of meeting Dani, the other dancers, background vocalists and band members. Dani is a seasoned dancer, having performed and choreographed with Beyoncé, danced with Sidi Larbi’s Belgium Dance Company & Royal Ballet of Flanders. Dani shared the video of an extraordinary dance called Mea Culpa that moved me to tears and gave me a sacred window into Dani’s heart and soul. We recorded this conversation at the end of September when the Sam Smith tour had a break between the North American tour and the Asian tour. By now the tour is in Australia, where I will see, in person, my daughter, Dani and all the other performers for their last shows of 2023. Check out the links below to follow Dani and the incredible artistry he embodies. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Facebook Instagram IG: Sidi Larbi
On this week’s episode, I share a moving spiritual practice called Letter from Love, inspired and launched by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the book Eat, Pray, Love. I read examples from Elizabeth and Suleika Jaouad as well as, one I wrote. May these examples and this podcast encourage you to write a letter to yourself from Love. Whether you write one or you integrate this as another tool in your spiritual practices on a regular basis, I hope you can tap into what Love wants to say to you and let that love comfort and hold you on your journey. These letters from Love bring solace, comfort, and peace - something we all need now more than ever. Check out the links below to learn more about Elizabeth Gilbert’s project and the inspiring writings of Suleika Jaouad. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Elizabeth Gilbert Suleika Jaouad IG: Suleika Jaouad
It is easy to lose sight of our humanity when so many in the world are suffering. Yet it is exactly our humanity that I don’t want to lose sight of as the frightening conflict in Israel and Gaza intensifies. On this week’s episode, I share some heartfelt quotes that have helped me align with love, as if we were seen in the eyes of the Divine, help me align with our innate goodness, with peace, with oneness and our humanity. Check out the links below for quotes referenced and the book “See No Stranger" by Sikh activist, Valarie Kaur. Particularly during trying times, may we chose love, may we hold onto our humanity. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Valarie Kaur Ted Talk Maha Rose Thomas Merton Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander
My guest today is Andrea Maxine Frade. Andrea is a Transformational Coach, Healer, Bodyworker and Somatic Practitioner. Having been a podcast guest in January 2019, I am delighted to reconnect with Andrea and learn about all the meaningful changes in her personal life, spiritual life and professional work, in the past 5 years. Andrea is tuned into her own personal process of growth and evolution which she often sees reflected in the healing process of so many of her clients. Andrea focuses on the purpose behind her work, encouraging women not to forget who they are and why they are here. Andrea honors transitions, the in between space that holds the potential for the ALMOST! Check out the links below to contact Andrea and sign up for an online workshop she is co-facilitating tomorrow Tuesday October 17th with Abi Keene (also a previous podcast guest) called “Who Am I Now: How to Create the Change You Long for That is Aligned with Who You are NOW.” Enjoy the podcast! Links: Andrea's Web Site Abi Keene's Web Site
On this week’s episode, I share some of the history and facts about Indigenous Peoples Day and our efforts as a country to move in the direction of healing and justice. What might seem to some like a simple name change can lead to real social progress for Indigenous Americans. Today is an opportunity for reflection, recognition, celebration and education. May we honestly admit our dark history of the brutal treatment of Indigenous Peoples. May we address the current state of discrimination and its ripple effect toward Indigenous Peoples. May we honor the rich cultures, histories and invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited the Americas for thousands of years. May we humbly learn from Indigenous Peoples’ spiritual wisdom and respectful partnership with our planet, its elements, creatures and resources. May we contribute to the healing of past, present, and future generations of Indigenous People. Check out the links below to learn more about Indigenous Peoples. Enjoy the podcast! Links: worldbank.org IPD Facts whitehouse.gov What Is Indigenous Peoples Day?
My guest this week is Jesse AlFord. Jesse is a Circus Coach and Lighting Designer, who stayed in our guest bedroom for a few days at the request of our dear friends and previous podcast guests, Carlo Pellegrini and Hilary Sweeney. Carlo and Hilary are producing The Legend Cirque - an immersive expression of the gripping tale of the Headless Horseman, narrated by Washington Irving, with world class aerialists and acrobats in a circus tent in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Jesse drove up from Louisville, KY to design the lighting for the show, but as a freelancer, he also designs the lighting for ballet, opera and theater. I thought it fitting to shine some light on the guy who lights up artists and venues. I appreciate Jesse’s curiosity, warmth and thoughtfulness in not only how he collaborates with artists but how he lives his life. Check out the links below to follow Jesse, as well as the link for The Legend, which runs now through 10/29. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Jesse's Web Site IG: Jesse IG: Westchester Circus Arts The Legend
Today marks the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Even though I am not Jewish, I’ve always appreciated the intention and meaning behind this day of reflection, a day to atone for the ways we have harmed others or ourselves.
I share once again the Buddhist Prayer of Forgiveness, an appropriate prayer to help us atone and cultivate at - one - ness. May you be at one with yourself, at one with your family and friends, at one with our planet and at one with the Divine. Forgiveness is key! Enjoy the podcast.
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the layers in people, situations, causes and choices. It is easy to fall into the trap that any one or any thing is one dimensional. When we get stuck, in that limited view, it’s helpful to be reminded of different perspectives. Thankfully a devoted listener helped me peel back layers of my perspective about Amazon and Jeff Bezos. When we peel back layers, we deepen our understanding and our capacity for compassion expands. There is even room for the layer of forgiveness.
May we avoid reducing people into one dimensional aspects. May we notice that as we peel back layers, there is beauty, humility, vulnerability and precious nuances. May we practice the power of forgiveness for ourselves and others.
Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I reflect on the history and meaning of Labor Day, and the labor of love it takes to live by our values. I try to stay mindful of the companies that take advantage of their employees and avoid doing business with them. It’s challenging to always take that stand, knowing these companies lure us in with cheaper prices and convenient shipping, but at what cost? Sometimes it is a labor of love to stay true to our values. As much as I can, I want to live by my values, knowing that it can be a labor of love to honor those values. So belated Happy Labor Day and may we all invest in the labor of love that honors ourselves and all beings. Enjoy the podcast! Links: History of Labor Day
On this week’s episode, I honor Bert Hughes, a kind, generous, inspirational man who died on August 16th, touching those of us living in Nyack and well beyond. Bert lived a full, meaningful life, leaving a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people, through music, social justice and his gracious heart.
Please check out the links below to two organizations that Bert cared so deeply about: Helping Hands of Rockland, an interfaith volunteer organization that provides support for people who are homeless and Midnight Run, a volunteer organization dedicated to finding common ground between the housed and the homeless. Let’s honor Bert and help keep his large heart alive in our hearts by making a donation in Bert Hughes' memory to either or both organizations. Thank you so much! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Bert's Obituary
Helping Hands
Midnight Run
My guest today is Lynn Sinclair. Lynn is my aunt, married to my mom’s younger brother, a mother of 3, grandmother of 6 and great grandmother of 2. Even though we rarely see each other, Lynn listens to my podcast and emails me notes of acknowledgement, support or thanks. It’s a meaningful way to stay connected despite the 3,000 miles between us. Now it’s my turn to shine some light on this kind, gracious elder, who has given me so much. At the age of 88, and dealing with her fourth cancer diagnosis, Lynn, reflects on what is most meaningful to her and the anchors to windward that steer and steady her. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share a recent experience of being struck by the power of the sun’s brilliant rays of light. Those rays of light, illuminated the woods, penetrating everything around me and reminded me to honor the title of my podcast. I recall the origins of my podcast and how ENLIGTHEN came to be.
May this episode remind you to claim your light. May you honor the light within you, even when it is not visible. May you radiate your light today and enjoy shining your light on the light of others. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.enlighten.nyc
IG: @indiaarie
IG: @asoulcalledjoel
On this week’s episode, a man named Jim offers me gems every time I see him. These gems come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Sometimes we exchange words, sometimes gestures of kind acknowledgment, sometimes I simply watch Jim from a far and witness his slow, peaceful, meditative presence. Jim’s essence exudes humility and light and I walk away from an interaction with Jim feeling soothed, calmer and more aligned.
Even though Jim has declined my invitation to have him as a guest on my podcast, I feel drawn to express how grateful I am for Jim and the many gems he offers, simply by being himself. You may have someone in your life that offers gems like Jim. Feel the gratitude course through you. Find your own way to thank them. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I talk about that feeling, as a parent, of bursting with pride when your kids are doing what they love, aligned with their gifts and thriving. I share why I am currently kvelling about my daughter, Julia, who is on a world tour with Sam Smith.
Next week, on August 8th and 9th, she will be performing with Sam Smith at NYC’s Madison Square Garden. The outpouring of love from so many of her friends, our friends and family who have bought tickets to see her in their cities, all across the country, truly humbles me.
Check out the links below for Sam’s tour schedule & more. Thanks for letting this proud mama kvell!!! Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
Sam Smith Tour
Julia w Sam Smith TV Appearance
SS Instagram
SS YouTube Channel
Julia's IG
On this week’s episode, I talk about my natural tendency to be a “human enthusiast”. You’ll know a “human enthusiast” when you see one - they are eager to interact with strangers, friends and family, they look for the best in others, are outgoing and comfortable initiating connections.
Ironically, the day after recording this episode I found myself in a group situation that had me feeling the exact opposite. In honoring my intuition, I pulled away from the socializing and noticed my need to turn inward. So as much as my natural tendency is to be a “human enthusiast”, I honor the settings, where withdrawal and solitude are aligned with my inner truth. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I describe what my daily walks in the woods mean to me. Of course I am entertained and engaged with the creatures and elements, but when I commune with nature, I return home to myself and feel connected to the sacred.
With the intensified fires, flooding and record-breaking heat this summer, making its way more directly into our lives, my walks in the woods allow me to deepen my respect and reverence for the planet. It’s important for me to show up and build a healthy, loving relationship with nature. May you be inspired to find your own ways of communing with nature. May we all contribute to restoring the health and vitality of our planet.
Enjoy the podcast!
My guests today are Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer, an inspiring couple who have collaborated in choreography and performance since 1978. As co-directors of their own dance company, Art and Myrna embody the depth and breadth of collaboration, curiosity and creativity. I’ve witnessed their performances for 40 years and marvel at their tenacity and innovation as true dance artists.
I trust their stories will fascinate you, motivate you to see Art and Myrna perform, be one of their students, or collaborators, maybe even be moved to produce or connect them with a producer to help get their recent piece “Ghost Factory” presented around the country.
Check out the links below for Art and Myrna’s website to see their touring schedule and watch a few videos of their captivating work. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Art & Myrna's Website
Instagram
Vimeo
Twitter
YouTube Channel
FaceBook
With last month’s new advisory from the surgeon general about the effects of social media on the mental health of youth, I raise the issue of what adults might be modeling for children. As addictive as social media is for young people, I encourage all of us, to look at our own relationship with social media.
Here is a gentle reminder to be mindful of the time and energy you spend with social media. Like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s song “Teach Your Children”, let’s teach our children well. Put down the phone and be present. Create and model a limited, healthy relationship with social media. Enjoy the podcast!
I am struck by the fullness of the month of June. Between the school year winding down, proms and graduations, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, packing for camp, starting summer travel, and acknowledging Juneteenth, this is an extra full month!
So I am offering a short, simple episode to counter-balance the fullness of June. Take a moment, in the midst of your busy month and pause. Empty your agenda, even for just a moment, to be present to your breath, your body, your thoughts. In these quiet moments, there is so much wisdom in stillness and silence. Stillness. Silence. Emptiness. Wisdom. May taking a moment to pause help you appreciate and enjoy more fully the remaining fullness of June. Enjoy the podcast!
ALS Links:
ALS Association of Greater NY - Donation Link
Wayne’s Enlighten Podcast episode
Vaneese’s Enlighten Podcast episode
When an issue hits us personally, we are more likely to get behind it and do what we can to raise awareness and rally others to get on board. Well, that’s what I am doing today, because our dear friend Wayne Warnecke has been diagnosed with ALS. I want everyone to understand what ALS is and do what we can to fund more research, expand access to care and contribute to the possibility of a cure.
Please consider making a donation, of any amount to ALS. See the link below to do so and make the donation under Wayne Warnecke’s name and indicate you are an “Enlighten” listener. Heartfelt thanks for caring about something that has hit me personally and for bringing hope to those living with this disease. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
ALS Association of Greater NY - Donation Link
ALS News Today
Mayo Clinic
Ice Bucket Challenge
Wayne’s Enlighten Podcast episode
Vaneese’s Enlighten Podcast episode
My guest today is Brandon McNulty. Brandon is a Personal Coach & Meditation Teacher, living in Arizona. Twelve years ago Brandon was one of 15 teenagers in the independent youth group I directed, called TMAD (Teens Making A Difference). It was a treat to reconnect with him and discover what Brandon has experienced in this past decade, from college, to the corporate world of finance, to solo expeditions, mentorship, to a deep desire for self realization and service. Brandon has been on a conscious spiritual journey, immersed in yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Brandon enthusiastically shares his desire to help people reconnect to their authentic power and rediscover a purposeful path forward. Check out the links below for Brandon’s website www.flowstate-coaching.com and social media accounts. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Brandon's Web Site: Flowstate-Coaching Email: brandon@flowstate-coaching.com IG: @bmcnults TT: @bmcnultyflow
For today’s holiday, we are taking the week off from recording a new episode. Instead, I decided to re-release episode #175 “Called to Dance”, that came out in August of 2021. May you hear Hafiz’ call to dance and be reminded of your deeper truth, your radiant light. Check out the the links below for Hafiz’s poetry, to Barbara Holmes, and the Center for Action and Contemplation. Enjoy the podcast! ------------------------------- Hafiz's poem reminds me that we are called to dance. I’ve used this beautiful poem as oxygen, especially when I was feeling the darkness and uncertainty of life creep back in. I hear so many people bracing themselves that things are going to be getting worse, before they get better. I don’t want to get sucked into the darkness of hopelessness. This poem pulls me away from the despair, shifts my mood, brings me back to a deeper truth, a radiant light that I know lies within us. May we heed the call to dance, see life itself as a beautifully choreographed dance. We were created for joy, to smile, to love and be lifted up and to lift others up. Yes, and may our dancing be contagious! Links: The Gift: Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master Barbara Holmes Center For Action and Contemplation
On this week’s episode, I pay attention to the little things in life that move me. May we be nourished by the little things that happen everyday. May we contribute to the exchange of little things for ourselves, with others and with all living creatures. May the little things comfort and connect us to all that is bigger than us. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I emphasize the importance of taking time to reflect on our experiences. We have a better chance of learning from our experiences when we take the time to reflect on what we just saw, heard, said and felt. There are not only lessons to be learned but growth and even transformation to be had. Apply 4 simple questions to specific areas of life: friendships, relationships, jobs, career, health and life.
What’s working for you? What would you like shifted? What would you like to see that is not happening? What would you like to see more of that is happening and you really love?
Here’s to manifesting that which helps us heal, flourish and thrive in body, mind and spirit. Start with taking time to reflect. Enjoy the podcast!
On today’s episode, I share an unexpected encounter in Dublin, Ireland that I’m calling An Irish Blessing. It occurred on the Grattan Bridge, one of the few bridges over the River Liffey that had benches. I had just finished reading Michelle Obama’s book “The Light We Carry” when a man kindly asked if he could sit on the end of my bench. Unintentionally, we both participated in a social experiment, which broke the ice for him to share his life story. I was blessed by his humility, vulnerability and gratitude. I blessed him with my interest and compassion. We carried our light, shared our light and helped shine light into the world. May you be open to your version of An Irish Blessing. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Grattan Bridge The Light We Carry - NYT Review
On this week’s episode I describe how I am experiencing Poetry in Motion. Thanks to Upper Nyack’s River Hook Preserve, and their Arbor Day celebration, we now have poems displayed at the preserve from a dozen local poets. You can read each poem as you meander through the grounds of the Preserve. I share five of the poems that were on display. May you experience poetry in motion, literally and metaphorically. May we see the organic poetry of nature. May we live our lives poetically, in graceful, intentional motion. Check out links below to learn more about Nyack’s Arbor Day Celebration. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Arbor Day at River Hook Preserve Friends of River Hook/facebook
With the celebration of Earth Day a couple of days ago on April 22, I offer an idea that you can practice on any day throughout the year. This practice is a shift in mindset and will not only help you honor the earth, but more profoundly heal the earth. Inspired by Victoria Loorz’s book “Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred” try conversing with nature. Conversing with nature, is a reciprocal act, enriching our relationship with our beloved planet earth and allowing the earth to enrich us. Give it a try. Begin with a sense of wonder. A conversation includes both speaking and listening. Converse with the leaves, the budding Spring blossoms, the wind, the rocks and the butterflies. Add this to your spiritual practices. Develop a language of intimate connectedness with other beings and elements. May our conversations with nature awaken a sense of kindred belonging as we restore our planet and our own souls. Check out the link below for “Church of the Wild”. Enjoy the podcast! Links: “Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred” by Victoria Loorz
My guest today is Pete Dominick. Pete is a stand-up comic, news commentator, and journo-activist. After 12 years of hosting a 3 hour live radio show on Sirius XM, reporting for CNN, a panelist with Bill Maher and being the warm-up comic for Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and currently John Oliver, Pete has created, produced and now hosts his own podcast: “Stand Up with Pete Dominick”. He describes his show now as ‘NPR with personality’, for Pete likes to make people laugh and think at the same time. At the time of this recording Pete was considering running for our local Town Council, but recently decided against it. Pete is well qualified for politics, but he felt he didn’t want that responsibility to jeopardize his new podcast, work community or family. Check out the show notes for links to Pete’s website and podcast, Enjoy the podcast! Links: standupwithpete.com Pete's Podcast: Stand Up With Pete Pete on Twitter
The Tennessee 3, surprisingly provided me a profound Spiritual experience this past week. You don’t need to be religious or practice Judaism or Christianity to find liberation and resurrection in how the two Justins conducted themselves, in order to rise above the racism and authoritarianism from the Tennessee House of Representatives. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones proudly represented the people whose children had just been murdered, represented the marginalized, gave voice to the voiceless. The two Justins gave me hope, invigorated me with new life, with a promising vision forward. Check out the show notes for links to follow Justin Pearson and Justin Jones. Please join me in supporting the inspiring work of Justins for Justice! Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @justinjpearson IG: @brotherjones IG: @gloriajohnson Twitter: Justin Jones Twitter: Justin Pearson Twitter: Gloria Johnson Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition Equity Alliance Memphis for All
On this week’s episode, just after April Fools Day, we PLAY with the power of PLAY! From definitions, childhood memories and numerous researched benefits of PLAY, I spell out why play is so important. Let play lighten your day, infuse you with curiosity, spontaneity, creativity and joy.
As George Bernard Shaw said: “We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” May this podcast remind you how good it feels to play, no mater your age and encourage you to find time to play! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share how struck I was by a few teams of migrating geese that stopped me in my tracks. Amazed and curious, I learned some interesting facts about geese. Geese have a lot to teach us about conserving energy and working collaboratively together, with rotating leadership. May you let nature and its creatures inspire you and offer important life lessons. May we trust that the world calls us like the wild geese, harsh and exciting - over and over announcing our place in the family of things. Check out the link below for Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese”. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Mary Oliver's Poem
On this week’s episode, I share a recent experience of how humbled I was by Mother Nature. New York’s one and only snow storm (so far) this winter caught me off guard and frightened me. Thankfully, I reached out for help, admitted my vulnerability and did my best to deal with the challenge before me. Even when we bump up against disturbing emotions and experiences, we can look at how we treat ourselves. May we be respectful of the unpredictable power of Mother Nature. May we allow these experiences to humble us, be gentle with ourselves, ask for help and teach us lessons of love. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Julie Sherry. Julie is a physical therapist, body whisperer and first time author of her new e-book The Attached Buddha. I was delighted to get to know Julie, her warmth, thoughtfulness and positive, compassionate energy. I am eager to read her book, where she shares her personal and professional journey of integrating mind/body and soul, in her holistic approach to healing. It promises to be a rich gift to all who read it! Check out the links below to Julie and her e-book, and I’m excited to announce that the audio book is now available on Audible, iTunes and Amazon. We’ve also included links for many of the books Julie referenced, that inspired and shaped her. Enjoy the podcast! Links: The Attached Buddha, Kindle Edition Email Julie Additional books referenced: Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron Why God Won’t Go Away by Andrew Newberg Non Violent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg Myofacial Release by John Barnes CranioSacral Therapy by John Upledger Meditating on A Raisin and Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn How to Be Well by Frank Lipman When The Body Says No by Gabor Mate When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley
Despite good physical vision, we don’t always see clearly. Bias, worry and fear can blind us from seeing things as they really are. Sometimes we miss what is right in front of us and sometimes we fabricate what is not there. William James, the 19th century American psychologist and philosopher, highlights how little we access the fullness of our seeing, perceiving, and being. We end up living restrictively instead of expansively.
Here’s to breaking free from our restricted vision. Here’s to seeing more clearly the fullness of our potential. May we expand our dreams as we reach for exciting heights and meaningful depths. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, to close out the month of February honoring Black History Month, I focus on Black Joy. Black Joy can be anything that inspires, supports and uplifts Black culture and people. Black Joy strengthens Black identity, leads to liberation and freedom of expression, can be an act of resistance, as it contrasts the rigidity and control of oppressive structures in non-violent ways. Black Joy is an emotional celebration that honors and values the inherent beauty in Black existence. May we nourish and celebrate our senses with Black Joy. May we all invest in the joy of growth, for ourselves and others. Let’s celebrate anything that inspires, supports, and uplifts Black culture. May we all do our part to keep Black Joy alive!! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Endless Night - A Celebration of Black Joy UK Black History Month: What Does Black Joy Mean To You?
On this week’s episode I acknowledge the intense pain Black Americans have endured for centuries, as we continue to honor Black History Month. And although tremendous progress has been made, the institutional racism in this country is pervasive, persistent and very painful. I feel it is my responsibility and the responsibility of White Americans to not only admit to this troubling history of pain, but to look this pain in the eye. So many of the deaths of young Black people that have occurred in the past few months, are so layered in trauma. The vicious combination of tragic, shocking violence is infused in these racially horrific deaths. I am thinking of the pain and suffering for those beaten, tortured and murdered as well as the unspeakable suffering for their surviving loved ones. And I say to myself: Don’t look away. Don’t look down. Don’t pretend not to see hurt. Look people in the eye. Even when their pain is overwhelming. May we have the courage to look pain in the eye, to show up with compassion and humility and tenderly hold one another. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Brené Brown Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
We continue honoring BHM this week, focusing on this year’s BHM theme: BLACK RESISTANCE. What does resistance mean? Why is resistance appropriate and necessary? What acts of resistance feel true to you? While I marvel at the tenacity, devotion and inspiration of Black resistance, I continue to challenge myself, as a white woman, as a compassionate human being, to do my part in this noble resistance. I share a simple, concrete action that helped me feel unified with Black Resistance. It also served to honor, Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney and activist I deeply respect, while contributing to a secure home for 2 boys who lost their mother. May our resistance align us with one another, with healing and love. Check out the links below to make a donation or spread the word about buying a house for Ashley Carr and her 2 nephews Zion and Zayden. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @leemerrittesq Lee Merritt on Twitter Lee Merritt's Web Site Go Fund Me
On this week’s episode, I honor Black History Month as well as the visionary, forward-looking spin on celebrations of Blackness in February, called Black Future Month. We need to do both: look back in history, while dream forward into the future, nurturing the on-going movement for racial justice. And we must face the suffering and trauma of the present moment. I resonate with the quote: “No one is free when others are oppressed”, because it captures that it is not only the oppressed who suffer but the oppressor who suffers for they have been disconnected from their humanity. I share an excerpt from Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom” that crystalizes this truth. Mandela also highlights how critical it is to look back at history, be mindful of the present and intentionally live into a future that respects and enhances the freedom of others. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG of Lee Merritt @leemerrittesq Lee Merritt on Twitter IG of Patrice Cullors @osopepatrisse Nelson Mandela “A Long Walk to Freedom”
This week I feature my new best friend, who takes slowing down to a whole new level. While visiting our dear friends Hilary and Carlo in their Massachusetts cabin in the woods, I bonded with their sweet pet bird, Nugget. Nugget, is an orange breasted wax bill, a tiny, precious bird in the finch family. Nugget is teeny, weighs 7 grams and is just over 2 inches long. This adorable 2 inch finch reminds me that there is nothing more important than the present moment. And when Nugget rests on my finger or wrist, I can’t help but drop into full presence. These winter days are a great opportunity to slow down, rest, and honor the hibernation that the season calls us into. What winter rituals help you slow down? What Nugget-like reminders calms and quiets you? May we let the wonders of little nuggets offer us unexpected gifts to bring us into a deeper presence. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Hilary Sweeney’s podcast episode Carlo Pellegrini’s podcast episode
On this week’s episode, I reflect on some of those helpful reminders to slow down. The narrow spout of my electric tea kettle provides an opportunity to slow down, even when I don’t think I need to. As the water slowly, gently pours from this thinly curved neck, I relax and smile. Be present…breathe…slow is good…focus on gratitude… all is well. May we honor the internal and external reminders to slow down. May we be nourished and replenished as we slow down. May slowing down help us delight in being more present, more tuned in to ourselves and all the richness of life around us. In the words of Simon and Garfunkel: “Slow down, you're moving too fast. You got to make the morning last.” Enjoy the podcast! Links: Simon & Garfunkel: The 59th Street Bridge Song
Today marks the national holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr., a day to acknowledge and honor MLK’s birthday and legacy. The mottos for MLK day are: “Remember, Celebrate and Act” and “A Day On, Not a Day Off”. I care about living into those mottos. How am I not only remembering and celebrating MLK, but taking action that honors him? How do I not simply treat this day as a day off, but a day on, where l focus on King’s wisdom, courage and inspiration? How do I integrate what King stood for, not just today, but throughout my life? So whether you are attending a MLK celebration, watching programs that honor him, listening to his powerful speeches, or reading and reflecting on his inspiring vision, let’s make sure to make this a day to “Remember, Celebrate, Act” and “A Day On, Not a Day Off!” Let’s do what we can throughout the year to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and the truth, values, ethics and vision he stood for. May we contribute to freedom, justice, equality and peace for all beings. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.democracynow.org
On this week’s episode I offer two prompts that help us reflect on last year and tune into the coming year. They are more heart-centered than the typical setting of resolutions and goals. It’s a mindful way to start off the new year in these early weeks of January. I invite you to reflect on what you were proud of in 2022 and then explore what you are yearning for in 2023. After focusing on the these two prompts, I saw an IG post from Suleika Jaouad who authored these prompts plus 3 additional questions that might be helpful to reflect on as well. Whether you ponder the answers, journal them or share them with a loved one, I’m guessing this heart-centered inquiry will be enlightening for you too. I do believe we are more likely to manifest and sustain that which comes from our heart. May you be filled with pride and gratitude for how you handled the challenges of 2022. May you enjoy naming your heart yearnings for 2023. Enjoy the podcast. Links: IG: @suleikajaouad
On this week’s episode, as we start off 2023, I acknowledge our 5 year milestone and reflect on this past year. We launched the podcast in January 2018, so here’s to completing 5 years of Enlighten! January 2023 marks the beginning of our Podcast’s 6th year! We had a total of 9 guests in 2022, 3 re-released previous guests, paid tribute to 2 people who died last winter, and shared over 30 brief personal stories or guided meditations.
I know many of my listeners join me in seeking to be spiritually connected, grounded and centered, in the face of life’s challenges. The desire to see the silver linings, find the gratitude, let go of illusions, be present to what is, guides us on the enlightened path. Hoping that my guests and stories this past year have helped to uplift and inspire you along your journey.
Thank you 2022 for another year of inspiring guests, personal reflections, stories and meditations. May we all practice restoring humanity, dignity, compassion, and justice. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to help us step more fully into our potential in 2023. Happy New Year! Enjoy the podcast.
On this week’s episode, I reflect on GRACE - the word, it’s multiple meanings and the energy of GRACE. The concept of Divine Grace means that we are loved for who we are, as we are, not from our actions or efforts to prove ourselves worthy. Whether we are describing the fluidity, flow and effortlessness grace of a dancer, or the pause to give thanks, or the courteous goodwill of taking responsibility for one’s behavior or granting special favor by extending a grace period, or the ultimate gift of unconditional love, grace is thankfully woven into our lives.
May we be graced by kindness, graced by forgiveness, graced by rich opportunities, graced by love. May your holidays be graced by GRACE!
On this week’s episode I share my fascination with owls, a recent up close and personal experience with owls and highlights of what owls can teach us. Owls ground me, quiet me, remind me to slow down, be still and listen to the my own inner wisdom. According to Ted Andrews, "Owls represent the Mystery of Magic, Omens, Silent Wisdom, and Vision in the Night. No bird has as much myth and mystery surrounding it than the owl. The owl is the symbol of the feminine, the moon, and the night. It has been believed to have great healing powers both in North America and on other continents. The owl is the bird of magic and darkness of prophecy and wisdom.” My intimate encounter with Jules, the screech owl, mesmerized and humbled me. Check out the show notes for links to the book and resort center I referenced. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Jen Leahey - Animal Connections Specialist at Miraval Miraval Specialist Spotlight-YouTube Miraval Berkshires “Animal Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small” by Ted Andrews
My guest today is Myles Aronowitz. Myles is an extraordinary photographer, filmmaker, animator and artist. From his unusual childhood surrounded by music legends, to making movies in NYC’s East Village at age 11, to a successful career as a photographer for film and television, Myles respectfully allows whoever and whatever he is filming to reveal its true nature. He has honed the gracious skill of being a ‘fly on the wall’ to capture the wonderment in humanity and nature. He tells visual stories that invoke transformation in the story and the viewer. Myles treasures collaboration, his artistic community and everyday miracles. Check out the links below to Myles’ website and some of the deeply moving films we referenced. Enjoy the podcast! Links: MylesAronowitz.com Myles' Vimeo Channel Lush Photography Storytellers: Beverly Little Thunder Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation Animation Intro Eagles Nest Ice Storm Tropic of Cancer The Cove
Fitting for the week following Thanksgiving, this week’s episode is a conversation about gratitude. In whatever way you celebrated Thanksgiving, I hope you can tap into a list of what you are grateful for on a regular basis. I am part of a wonderful yoga community called Journey to the Peak (we use the initials JTTP). The co-founders of JTTP, Shawna Emerick and Patrick Heffernan, both have been guests on my podcast and are treasured friends. They recently started recording conversations with members from our JTTP community focusing on the theme for the month. I was delighted to be invited to have a conversation with Patrick on gratitude.
What are you feeling grateful for? What gratitude practices have you implemented? May this episode inspire you to be more intentional to integrate gratitude into your life.
Check out the links below for other conversations with Shawna and Patrick, all the benefits of becoming a JTTP member and the gracious offerings Shawna and Patrick make to welcome people into our JTTP community. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Video Conversation
Patrick's Web Site
Journey to the Peak
Shawna's Web Site
Podcast Episode with Patrick
Podcast Episode with Shawna
My guest today is Lydia Ignacio, a holistic therapist and coach, who is on a mission to awaken, heal and inspire humanity to reach higher heights. She integrates intuitive, energetic healing modalities and cares deeply about the health and vitality of her community. Lydia calls herself a transformational ascension coach. The concept of ascension, is both personal and metaphorical, with Lydia’s roots in the northern tip of Manhattan - Washington Heights. It’s fitting that the name of Lydia’s business is “Reaching Heights, LLC” helping people reach higher heights and bringing her community together to soar.
Taking therapy and the human experience to new heights, Lydia’s enthusiasm and wholehearted approach to life is uplifting! Check out the links below for Lydia’s website and her social media platforms. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Reaching Heights LLC Web Site
FB: @ReachingHeightsLLC8
IG: @Reaching_Heights
Twitter: @Reaching_Height
On this week’s episode, I share a visceral experience that refueled my hope in humanity. On Sunday November 6th, two days before Election Day, I witnessed NYC’s biggest block party: the NYC Marathon. My inspiring son-in-law, Ross Pederson, ran the 26.2 miles and it was exhilarating being there to cheer him on and witness this spectacular event. I was moved to tears by so many inspiring runners, reflecting a wide range of ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and abilities.
What a representation not just of diversity on so many levels, but of care, support, encouragement, fear, despair, frustration, tenacity, and achievement! We are capable of so much more than we imagine, light years beyond our limiting beliefs. And we are also capable of being present to each other with more love and tenderness than I’ve experienced collectively in a long time. I felt like I was peering into a world I want to live in. A world of challenges and support. A world of generosity and patience, of enthusiasm and empathy, of overcoming obstacles and crossing a finish line with exuberance, of being stretched and held. A world of individual achievement and collective joy. May we cultivate our hope in the human spirit, hope in humanity. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share a visceral experience that refueled my hope in humanity. On Sunday November 6th, two days before Election Day, I witnessed NYC’s biggest block party: the NYC Marathon. My inspiring son-in-law, Ross Pederson, ran the 26.2 miles and it was exhilarating being there to cheer him on and witness this spectacular event. I was moved to tears by so many inspiring runners, reflecting a wide range of ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and abilities.
What a representation not just of diversity on so many levels, but of care, support, encouragement, fear, despair, frustration, tenacity, and achievement! We are capable of so much more than we imagine, light years beyond our limiting beliefs. And we are also capable of being present to each other with more love and tenderness than I’ve experienced collectively in a long time. I felt like I was peering into a world I want to live in. A world of challenges and support. A world of generosity and patience, of enthusiasm and empathy, of overcoming obstacles and crossing a finish line with exuberance, of being stretched and held. A world of individual achievement and collective joy. May we cultivate our hope in the human spirit, hope in humanity. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the political waves before us, with tomorrow November 8th being election day for the mid-terms. I reflect on the waves of paranoia, waves of activism, waves of fear, and waves of spiritual centeredness. With these waves comes a wide range of emotions from fear, anxiety and panic to denial, apathy and avoidance. My dear friend Bette who expressed how troubling the political climate is, articulated her desire beautifully: “I want to intentionally choose how to ride the wave.”
How are you riding this political wave so that your inner wisdom is heard, your intuition is honored, your need for silence and stillness is cultivated, your energy for action and involvement is empowering and positively impactful? May we find peace in the eye of this storm. May our voices be heard to herald hope and sanity and deep peace.
PLEASE VOTE and encourage others to VOTE! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the political waves before us, with tomorrow November 8th being election day for the mid-terms. I reflect on the waves of paranoia, waves of activism, waves of fear, and waves of spiritual centeredness. With these waves comes a wide range of emotions from fear, anxiety and panic to denial, apathy and avoidance. My dear friend Bette who expressed how troubling the political climate is, articulated her desire beautifully: “I want to intentionally choose how to ride the wave.”
How are you riding this political wave so that your inner wisdom is heard, your intuition is honored, your need for silence and stillness is cultivated, your energy for action and involvement is empowering and positively impactful? May we find peace in the eye of this storm. May our voices be heard to herald hope and sanity and deep peace.
PLEASE VOTE and encourage others to VOTE! Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Patty Murray - just to be clear, that is ‘Patty Murray, the sister’ - not ‘Patty Murray the senator!’ Patty is a musician, songwriter and mental health advocate extraordinaire. Even though Patty doesn’t have a social work license, she has the heart and soul of social worker, having compassionately championed her sister’s medical and mental health care for nearly 40 years.
As a free lance musician, Patty has brought her music and joyful spirit to clubs, recording studios, and facilities for those we deem ‘marginalized’. She cares deeply about valuing the worth and dignity of everyone she meets. Patty knows intimately how vital it is to change our perception, resources, access to resources, treatment, research, policy, culture and legislation, regarding mental health. I am honored to call this compassionate, courageous, joyful human my friend.
Check out the links below for Patty’s website and her social media platforms as well as her 4 part web series “Special Kind of Wrong”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
FB: @pattymurraymusic
IG: @pattymurraynyc
Twitter: @pattymurraynyc
www.pattymurrayband.com
www.specialkindofwrong.com
Ad for Charles Booker of Kentucky
National Alliance on Mental Health - NAMI
My guest today is Patty Murray - just to be clear, that is ‘Patty Murray, the sister’ - not ‘Patty Murray the senator!’ Patty is a musician, songwriter and mental health advocate extraordinaire. Even though Patty doesn’t have a social work license, she has the heart and soul of social worker, having compassionately championed her sister’s medical and mental health care for nearly 40 years.
As a free lance musician, Patty has brought her music and joyful spirit to clubs, recording studios, and facilities for those we deem ‘marginalized’. She cares deeply about valuing the worth and dignity of everyone she meets. Patty knows intimately how vital it is to change our perception, resources, access to resources, treatment, research, policy, culture and legislation, regarding mental health. I am honored to call this compassionate, courageous, joyful human my friend.
Check out the links below for Patty’s website and her social media platforms as well as her 4 part web series “Special Kind of Wrong”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
FB: @pattymurraymusic
IG: @pattymurraynyc
Twitter: @pattymurraynyc
www.pattymurrayband.com
www.specialkindofwrong.com
Ad for Charles Booker of Kentucky
National Alliance on Mental Health - NAMI
On this week’s episode, I talk about timing - is it everything? And when our timing is off how do we cut ourselves slack and be open to the lessons there for us to learn. Timing does matter and I care about being as intentional as I can be to align my podcast episodes with current holidays or events, but am learning to cut myself slack when my timing misses the mark.
Whether your timing is off or spot on, may you be gentle with yourself, dare to speak your truth, listen to others’ feedback, and encourage authentic conversations, that illuminate, heal, transform. May you respect the importance of your timing and trust that spiritual wisdom is timeless. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I talk about timing - is it everything? And when our timing is off how do we cut ourselves slack and be open to the lessons there for us to learn. Timing does matter and I care about being as intentional as I can be to align my podcast episodes with current holidays or events, but am learning to cut myself slack when my timing misses the mark.
Whether your timing is off or spot on, may you be gentle with yourself, dare to speak your truth, listen to others’ feedback, and encourage authentic conversations, that illuminate, heal, transform. May you respect the importance of your timing and trust that spiritual wisdom is timeless. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Perry Gartner, a C.I. Consultant who jumps into a phone booth to become a drummer, card counter, and writer. Oh and yes, his nearly 2 year employment with Space X. You decide if he is a spy. Perry has a thirst for knowledge, a curiosity for deeper understanding and childlike enthusiasm for life’s simple pleasures. Let us now praise Perry for launching a fascinating newsletter that illuminates passionate details about the Beatles, Charlie Chaplin, and soon to be included: Babe Ruth and Buddy Rich.
Check out the links below to read the well-researched blogs on Perry’s substack platform. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
perrygartner.substack.com
Twitter: Perry B Gartner
Twitter: Beatles Praise
Twitter: Chaplin Praise
Nine Men’s Morris
Segue Records
Wayne’s podcast episode
Vaneese’s podcast episode
My guest today is Perry Gartner, a C.I. Consultant who jumps into a phone booth to become a drummer, card counter, and writer. Oh and yes, his nearly 2 year employment with Space X. You decide if he is a spy. Perry has a thirst for knowledge, a curiosity for deeper understanding and childlike enthusiasm for life’s simple pleasures. Let us now praise Perry for launching a fascinating newsletter that illuminates passionate details about the Beatles, Charlie Chaplin, and soon to be included: Babe Ruth and Buddy Rich.
Check out the links below to read the well-researched blogs on Perry’s substack platform. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
perrygartner.substack.com
Twitter: Perry B Gartner
Twitter: Beatles Praise
Twitter: Chaplin Praise
Nine Men’s Morris
Segue Records
Wayne’s podcast episode
Vaneese’s podcast episode
On this week’s episode, I reference the recent Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement” which, if you shift the first two syllables, can also be thought of as “At-One-Ment”. Regardless of your religious or non-religious affiliation, it is wise to reflect, forgive and cleanse that which blocks us from being at one.
From Judaism to Catholicism, to a Buddhist joke, to whatever spiritual practices speak to you, I encourage you to drop into At-One-Ment. May you find a gentle, compassionate inner voice that helps you acknowledge and reconcile with yourself, with others, with your personification of Divine Love.
May you be at one with everything! :)
Check out the links to hear the Dalai Lama pizza shop joke and Hafiz’ book of poetry. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
The Gift: Poems By Hafiz, The Great Sufi Master
Dalai Lama pizza shop joke
On this week’s episode, I reference the recent Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement” which, if you shift the first two syllables, can also be thought of as “At-One-Ment”. Regardless of your religious or non-religious affiliation, it is wise to reflect, forgive and cleanse that which blocks us from being at one.
From Judaism to Catholicism, to a Buddhist joke, to whatever spiritual practices speak to you, I encourage you to drop into At-One-Ment. May you find a gentle, compassionate inner voice that helps you acknowledge and reconcile with yourself, with others, with your personification of Divine Love.
May you be at one with everything! :)
Check out the links to hear the Dalai Lama pizza shop joke and Hafiz’ book of poetry. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
The Gift: Poems By Hafiz, The Great Sufi Master
Dalai Lama pizza shop joke
On this week’s episode, I reflect on birthdays, honoring the aging process, embracing life and how we give and receive love on birthdays. How do you enjoy celebrating birthdays for the people you love? How do you prefer to be celebrated on your birthday? Young or old, birthdays are great chance to let the love flow! Birthdays are a chance to pause and absorb how deeply loved we truly are.
Blessed, Happy Birthday to all my fellow Libras out there!!!
Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge all the responses I’ve been hearing from listeners who are connecting and reconnecting with their angels. With an increase in the employment of angels, I have a sense that the angels are rejoicing with jubilant dancing!
I also share a story where the calming wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh showed up in an unexpected place, and his presence continues to reveal sweet synchronicities. His simple, yet profound teachings remind me to be still, breathe, and embrace the gift of being present. How many seemingly insignificant coincidences have you experienced this week? Take a moment to reflect, acknowledge and delight in the mystery, wonder, synchronicity and sweetness that infuse your days.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Thich Nhat Hanh’s Mindfulness Essentials series:
How To Sit
How to Walk
How to Eat
How to Relax
How to See
How to Fight
How to Connect
How to Love
On this week’s episode, I report feedback from last week’s episode “Asking for Signs” that highlight the synchronicity and comfort that listeners experienced. Asking and receiving signs demonstrates the relational aspect of communication with the spiritual world. Whether it is in our relationship with humans or angels/spirit guides, it is important to express what we want and need. Direct, clear, assertive communication builds healthy relationships.
The Irish author and mystic, Lorna Byrne, sees angels as clearly as we all see people. Lorna claims that every human being, has been assigned a personal guardian angel, the gatekeeper of our soul, but most of us don’t access their help. Lorna sadly announces that there are so many unemployed angels, waiting for us to employ them, invite them to be of help to us. As you continue asking for signs, please also consciously employ your angels. And then delight in how they work wonders for you.
Check out the links below for last week’s episode, and how to learn more about Margaret Dulaney and Lorna Bryne. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Asking for Signs Episode
Margaret Dulaney/Listen Well
Lorna Byrne
Angels in My Hair
Stairways to Heaven
Asking for signs from the spiritual realm is pretty automatic for me. Sometimes I ask the heavens, God, Mother/Father Source Energy, Divine Love, the angels, my spirit guides, or the spirits of my relatives and friends who have passed. Regardless of who I ask, I have a deep trust that the spirit world wants to be in communication with me, with us, and is happy to cooperate. I sense that the spiritual realm delights in our connection, eagerly awaits our openness and receptivity, so therefore joyfully offers us tangible signs to support us, reassure us, surprise us and comfort us. Our role is to simply ask.
Feathers are a sign from my mother who died 7 1/2 years ago. As I was communing with my mom on what would have been her 93rd birthday, these beautiful feathers appeared. I invite you ask for signs in order to open the doors of communication with the spirit world. May you delight in the joy, comfort and synchronicity that these spiritual signs provide.
Check out the links below for Cynthia Bardwell’s and Margaret Dulaney’s episodes. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @listenwell
Link for Margaret’s episode
Link for Cynthia’s episode
Asking for signs from the spiritual realm is pretty automatic for me. Sometimes I ask the heavens, God, Mother/Father Source Energy, Divine Love, the angels, my spirit guides, or the spirits of my relatives and friends who have passed. Regardless of who I ask, I have a deep trust that the spirit world wants to be in communication with me, with us, and is happy to cooperate. I sense that the spiritual realm delights in our connection, eagerly awaits our openness and receptivity, so therefore joyfully offers us tangible signs to support us, reassure us, surprise us and comfort us. Our role is to simply ask.
Feathers are a sign from my mother who died 7 1/2 years ago. As I was communing with my mom on what would have been her 93rd birthday, these beautiful feathers appeared. I invite you ask for signs in order to open the doors of communication with the spirit world. May you delight in the joy, comfort and synchronicity that these spiritual signs provide.
Check out the links below for Cynthia Bardwell’s and Margaret Dulaney’s episodes. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @listenwell
Link for Margaret’s episode
Link for Cynthia’s episode
On this week’s episode I encourage us to continue to soar in the midst of the mundane. I read Alessandra Biaggi’s letter to her supporters after losing in this week’s NY Democratic Primary. Whatever spiritual practices Biaggi uses to rise above the ugly assaults, the frustration and disappointment, she continues to impress me.
What challenges or barriers have you faced this week? How have you learned from them? How have you risen above them? What spiritual practices are you utilizing or wanting to cultivate to help you remain centered, grounded, able to see the panoramic view, spread your wings and soar? May we find ways to continue to soar in the midst of the mundane.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @biaggi4ny
www.alessandrabiaggi.com
On this week’s episode I invite us to soar in the midst of the mundane. Daily stressors, challenges and difficult circumstances can easily de-rail us and throw us off our center. Let the image of this exquisite soaring bird remind us to be in the physical world, while also being able to step back and rise above.
May you cultivate spiritual practices that center you and remind you of your true nature. May you trust that you can rise above the challenges, the ugliness and spread your wings to get the aerial view. May you find ways to soar in the midst of the mundane.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @journeytothepeakpose
IG: @shawnaemerick
IG: @heff_patrick
IG: @biaggi4ny
www.alessandrabiaggi.com
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the stories we tell ourselves. You know those narratives we create that can be so convincing, we actually believe it wholeheartedly. Well, I have to laugh at myself for the narrative I recently created. I’m calling this one “Big Fish!”
Think of all the narratives we create in our minds, assumptions we make, stories we tell ourselves that then stir up emotions, that then direct our behavior. Note to self: check in with the story! Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it helpful? Does it generate angst or inner peace? It certainly takes mindfulness and intention and discipline to catch ourselves when we’ve created a dramatic narrative, to hold ourselves accountable to the stories we tell ourselves. May this silly story be a reminder to be present to what is, with acceptance, to invest in positive, playful possibilities. Here’s to being patient with uncertainty, to not needing to know all the details. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I talk about random acts of kindness, the unexpected acts that don’t take much effort but reap sweet rewards. Thoughtfulness and kindness can simultaneously surprise us and nourish us. It is both in the giving and receiving of random acts of kindness that we tap into a better version of ourselves. We pop our bubbles of cynicism, despair, bitterness, alienation when we extend kindness to others, or others extend kindness to us.
It’s easier to be kind to the people we know and care about, therefore I marvel at the kindness of strangers. I share a story when six strangers offered multiple layers of kindness that held me, comforted me, supported me when I was vulnerable. These 6 strangers, felt more like my earth angels and I was blown away. May you let in the random acts of kindness surrounding you. May you notice the earth angels who show up in your life. May you be inspired to offer random acts of kindness to others. May we tap into better versions of ourselves as we give and receive random acts of kindness more frequently.
Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share a simple ritual that I’ve added to my daily meditation practice. After sitting in silence on the top of Hook Mountain, I stand and facing the morning sun, I do 3 half sun salutations: the first honoring my body, the second honoring my mind and the third honoring my spirit/soul. These simple physical gestures, are coordinated with deep inhales and exhales. The graceful movement of expanding, contracting, stretching, releasing, bowing in reverence, standing in strength focus me. So simple, yet charged with imagery and metaphors.
I then end by gently resting my hands in prayer position, first to my forehead, then my lips and finally at my heart, as I say: “Mother/Father/Source Energy, Infuse my thoughts, my words and all my interactions with your Divine love and light." Closing my morning ritual with these sun salutations nourishes my body, mind and spirit and centers me. May you find the rituals, the gestures, the words that express the depth of your heart. May you nurture and care for your body, your mind and your Spirit in ways that resonate for you. Sending love and light to each of you. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
enlighten.nyc/SpiritualPractices
Episode #181 Earth Blessing
Episode #184 Healing Energy
Episode #203 Phowa Meditation
On this week’s episode, I reflect on the profound images, emotions and precious memories from our incredible 3-week African adventure. From Johannesburg and Capetown we learned of the history and culture of South Africa, both the heartache and the hope, as this country reverberates from the impact of apartheid. We then spent 2 weeks immersed in the land, in the magnificent creatures and in the gracious people of Botswana. What strikes me most about our time in Botswana, was my experience of being humbled everyday. Humbled in so many ways.
Humbled by being in the animals territory, where we respectfully witnessed zebras, hippos, elephants, giraffe, antelopes, water buffalo, lions, leopards, wildebeest, warthogs, baboons, hyenas, jackals, and monkeys, all in their natural environment. Humbled by surprise, daily wonders, and awe. Humbled by the birds, that sang to us, soared for us and wowed us. Humbled by the expansive African sunrises and sunsets. Humbled because we practiced how to be present, be quiet, be patient, be still. Humbled by the stripping away of expectations and agendas, grateful to be a gracious guest in each game preserve and national park. Humbled to be a visitor in the wild animals’ land, to watch them roam, sleep, play, roar, saunter and stalk.
May I bring that African humility to my daily life here at home. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.uthandosa.org
www.southerndestinations.com
IG: SouthernDestinations
I am re-releasing my 2018 conversation with Anna Msowoya Keys, to highlight Anna and the incredible work she continues to do through Maloto, the non-profit, community based program to feed, educate and empower the children and women of Malawi, Africa. The community of Mzuzu, in particular, was devastated by the AIDS epidemic in the early 2000s, when Anna was first compelled to respond to the hunger of orphaned children. I volunteered with Maloto for 2 weeks in 2013 with 4 friends and we experienced, first-hand Anna’s powerful dedication and the widespread positive impact she has made. All the incredible people Anna has gathered to support her keeps expanding, so more and more lives are enriched.
I was delighted to recently bump into Anna and her husband, John Keys just after Maloto’s annual NYC Gala last month, which inspired me to once again shine light on her important, meaningful work. I marvel at all the ways Maloto continues to develop and grow. In fact, my cousin, Josh Finn, who was also a guest on my podcast, and the master artisan who has designed and built exquisite furniture all over our home, is in Malawi now, overseeing the woodworking vocational program he started for the teens and young adults. Here’s to honoring Anna and her dream team!
Check out the links below for Maloto’s website and Josh’s project. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.maloto.org
www.joshfinn.com
Josh Finn's Trade School in Malawi
Woodworking tools for Mzuzu Academy
I’m enjoying re-releasing episodes from 2018, our first year of the podcast, particularly with people who, 4 1/2 years later, are warranting attention and recognition. Today, I am shining some more light on Margaret Balitsaris (professionally known as Margaret Dulaney) because her new book, “Spend Some Love: And Other Tips on Incarnation” has just been released this summer. Yippee!
Even if you heard this conversation when it first came out, I invite you to listen again, to be reminded of Margaret’s insights and inspiration. You’ll get a sense of this wise, open-hearted human who finds synchronicity in everyday occurrences, humor in life’s journey and divinity all around us. Please tune into her monthly “Listen Well” podcast to hear readings of her open-faith essays, with an emphasis on hope, progress and the inevitable awakening of our souls. And then do yourself a favor and read any or all of her soul-nourishing books. Check out the links below to her three books, which all can be ordered through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and bookshop.org. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Listen Well, A Spoken Word Website
Spend Some Love
“To Hear the Forest Sing”
“Parables of Sunlight”
IG: Margaret Dulaney
Facebook: Listen Well
My guest today is Cynthia Bardwell, a dear friend I met over 30 years ago. Cynthia had a successful career as a buyer in the fashion industry and, after her 3 sons were all school age, switched careers and became an elementary school teacher and later a principal. And although we drifted apart for 20 years, I am delighted to have her back in my life.
Cynthia has invited me into her current journey of accepting and facing the insidious spread of cancer throughout her body. Cynthia sees she has a choice everyday on how to view her circumstances. Her honesty, vulnerability, gratitude, laughter, and humility are refreshing. It is a joy to be in Cynthia’s presence; I am moved and deeply appreciative for all that Cynthia is teaching me about living with intention and integrity, while gracing the dying process with gratitude and dignity.
Check out the links below for the books we discussed. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
“Beginners Guide to the End” by BJ Miller & Shoshana Berger
“To Bless the Space Between Us” by John O’Donohoe
“The Threshold Between Loss and Revelation” by Frances Weller
“The Beauty That Still Remains” by Steve Leder
“The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying” by Sogyal Rinpoche
I decided to re-release an episode that originally came out on January 29th, 2018, our 6th episode, with my dear friend, David Holcenberg. Today calls for an encore performance, 4 1/2 years after its original release. You see, David is nominated for a Tony Award for Best Orchestrations and Arrangements for MJ The Musical. With the Tony Awards this Sunday June 12th, we wanted to celebrate Dave and encourage you to get to know this hard-working, talented man who we are so very proud of.
Dave graciously invited Paul and me to the Opening Night of MJ The Musical - it was MAGICAL! Despite my own hesitancy to see a show that might glorify Michael Jackson, I was blown away and deeply moved by the entire production. Jackson was portrayed accurately as both troubled and a genius, more flawed and nuanced than any one- dimensional character. The music was phenomenal and I have never seen better dancing on a Broadway stage. I even went to see this spectacular show a second time and no doubt will go again. We had dinner with David recently and he spoke so sincerely about the honor of being Tony-nominated. He felt deeply touched by the outpouring of well wishes and congratulatory notes he has already received from so many people, that he is savoring all the loving support, right here, right now. Even if you heard my conversation with Dave back in 2018, listen again. And by all means, join me in cheering for David Holcenberg at the Tony’s. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Tony Awards
IG: David
IG: Michael Heitzman
IG: MJ The Musical
My guest today is Dr. Andy Krikun. Andy is a professor at Bergen Community College’s Music Department. He teaches songwriting, world music and music business, while collaborating with his colleagues to develop and implement innovative, creative arts programs. Andy shares his journey from folk singer/songwriter to punk rock band leader to lab technician, to web developer, to world music researcher and music educator. Andy earned his Masters in Ethnomusicology at UCLA and his Ph.D. in Music Education at NYU and has been devoted to educating and advocating for the diverse students on the community college level.
Honoring the many mentors he had along the way and having learned where he doesn’t fit in, Andy is honored to be a mentor to those who society deems misfits. Check out the show notes for links to Andy’s work and BCC programs. May we all value the the heart, humility and integrity of Andy and other dedicated Community College professors. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Andy Krikun/BCC
Bergen Community College
IG: Andy & The Rattlesnakes
Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nahesi Coates
IG: Vaneese Thomas
Eddie Brigati
After seeing last week’s episode summary that acknowledged the strange timing of women’s reproductive health being threatened on the same week we celebrate Mother’s Day, a friend shared Heather Cox Richardson’s newsletter written on the eve of Mother’s Day. I felt compelled to share the history of the original Mothers’ Day and Julia Ward Howe’s conviction that women must make their voices heard.
May we all continue to promote women’s right to have a say in American government. May we honor Howe’s strong belief that women, as mothers, have a special role to perform in the world. May the mothers of mankind have the courage to interfere in the madness. May I, and all mothers, continue to teach our children charity, mercy, and patience. May I and all mothers, be too tender of those of another country to allow our children to be trained to injure people from another country. May Mama Bears throughout the world be inspired by Julia Ward Howe’s devotion to creating the next great development in human history, a lasting Women’s Peace Movement! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Heather Cox Richardson/Substack
Letters From An American/May 7, 2022
Wikipedia/HCR
HCR on Twitter
On this week’s episode, I admit that my Mama Bear instincts have been ignited. That maternal instinct of wanting to protect my cubs from any threat of danger. Whether the threat of danger concerns my own adult children, concerns women if the Supreme Court Justices overturn Roe v. Wade, or the threat impacts all marginalized people. It’s striking that this assault on women, their bodies and their choices regarding reproductive health, occurs the same week as Mother’s Day. May we truly honor mothers.
My Mama Bear feels outraged, yet learning patience, trust and a focus on love. I share excerpts of Annie Lamott’s Ted Talk, highlighting that need to refrain from rescuing others, to look within for serenity and peace of mind. Lamott describes radical self care as quantum. For years, I’ve been teaching the Mama Bear in me to refrain from fixing, saving and rescuing. My Mama Bear is learning to pause even in the threat of danger. I am working on trusting that we as a country will find our own way. May we all practice radical self care. May our radical self care be a gift to the world. Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy the podcast.
RBG quote: “The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being and dignity. It is a decision she must make for herself. When government controls that decision for her, she is being treated less than a fully adult human responsible for her own choices.”
Links:
Anne Lamott's Ted Talk
My guest today is Jim Buehler. Jim, who claims that he is just a “regular guy” recently returned from a 10 day trip helping Ukrainian refugees cross the border into Poland. Jim’s open-heart surgery a year ago metaphysically opened his heart to care deeply about the Ukrainian refugees, enough so to feel compelled to take action. Jim and his college roommate, friend of 50 years, Lorne Adrian, helped the incoming, weary Ukrainian women, children and elderly find warmth, food, shelter, and safe passage to wherever their new upended lives would take them.
Networking with local contacts, Jim and Lorne efficiently and effectively transported families from border crossings to refugee centers and train stations. They bought urgently requested supplies, in particular 5 large generators for bombed out buildings and hospitals.
Check out the show notes for links to the organizations that Jim trusts, as well as some articles written about his heart-driven experience. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Folkowisko Foundation
Kosciuszko Foundation
Norwescap
Ukraine.Welcome.US
Sean Penn Clip from Lawrence O’Donnell
CORE Response
URI Alumni News Article
Boston Globe Article
Sean Penn on ET/Canada
On this week’s episode, I share my joy and gratitude for last week’s Earth Day, while reminding us to care for our magnificent planet everyday. From sunrises, illuminating moon light, budding and blooming Spring flowers and trees, to the melodic chorus of birdsong, and a special encounter with a deer, nature is full of wonder.
I don’t tire of my surroundings. Each day I walk the Hook Mountain trail. Each day I say some version of a gratitude Mother Earth prayer and I marvel at how the same path, the same prayer can nourish me so deeply. I am truly at peace in nature, and feel she is my daily teacher. Every day, over and over and over again, I hear nature’s wisdom, am comforted by her metaphors and soothed by her healing energy. Certainly honor our planet and give special gratitude for the abundance of Mother Earth, on Earth Day and everyday. Let the gratitude flow freely. We can build that intimate partnership, all year long with nature. She needs our attention, care and advocacy. And believe me what the sky, land, waters and all their miraculous wonders offers us in return, is priceless.
Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I reminisce on the vision of Bob Fox, a radical Catholic priest, who was instrumental in shaping the roots of my early faith. Ignited by my brother Dan, who organized a family Zoom last week, with my siblings and our almost 92 year old Dad, we discussed the impact Bob Fox, our close family friend, had on our lives. Bob’s legacy of love, creativity, compassion and courage certainly left a lasting impact on each of us.
In the 1960s Bob Fox created 2 innovative, inclusive projects: Summer in the City and Thing in the Spring, bringing together artists, musicians, dancers, people of different races, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds to re-vitalize some of New York’s burnt out inner city neighborhoods. I gave it a different twist this year and although we didn’t organize a collective clean-up, nor do we celebrate Easter religiously, I knew I wanted to gather with my adult children and their partners to share a meal and delight in the vibrancy of Spring. So in honor of Bob, I called our picnic in the park hang, Thing in the Spring!
What does your version of Thing in the Spring look like? Mother Earth is ignited with inspiration. Be inspired! Inspire others! May your version of Thing in the Spring be a joy and delight to you and those around you. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
“Fox Sight” compiled and edited by Bea McMahon
My guest today is Anne Macksoud. Anne is an educator, documentary filmmaker and by my accounts, an inspiring activist. My Aunt Hilly (Hilary Carr Jones), who was thrilled to recently reconnect with her high school friend, Anne, after 62 years, knew I would also feel a kindred spirit connection with Anne and her meaningful work. Saddened by the suffering they saw around them, Anne and her business partner, John Ankele created a film production company in 1985 called ‘Old Dog Documentaries’, which is still thriving. “Their films are about the subtleties of the human experience and the complexities of our collective challenges.” Woven through education and activism, Anne and John’s documentaries cover social justice, climate change, spirituality and aging.
Check out the show notes to find links to Anne’s website, films, and trailers. I am confident you too, will resonate with Anne’s vitality, humility, wisdom and her compassionate, courageous heart so clearly infused in all her films. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Old Dog Documentaries
Link to an 8 minute film Anne made about a BLM vigil in her hometown of Woodstock, VT
Link to trailer “Grow Old Along With Me”
Joanna Macy: Climate Crisis Video
Joanna Macy, "The Work That Reconnects"
@AniPemaChodron (IG)
One of the first flowers of Spring is the crocus. I get so excited when I spot the first one of the season. Amazing how these small, delicate white (sometimes purple) flowers can bring me so much joy at the promise of Spring. With all the colorful splashes of crocuses around me and inspired by a poem by Jo Sorley called “Crocus-Minded”, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be crocus-minded. Being crocus-minded is a sweet reminder to be courageous, take a stand, address issues that need to be addressed. The poem reminds me to respond pro-actively, to persevere, and take necessary risks.
May we find the courage to be crocus-minded, to stick our neck out, care enough to think through and work through hard ground. May we believe in the new life and hope of Spring and have the courage to address the wrongs, injustices and inequities, trusting that we can say what needs to be said. May we dare to be crocus-minded in big and small ways. Happy Spring! Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode I explain the phowa meditation, typically done at the bedside of a dying person. In these past 15 years, I have said the phowa for loved ones as they were dying, I’ve said it for myself everyday as part of my spiritual practice and I have said the phowa meditation numerous times from a distance, for my mom, for friends, for friends’ family members, for people in the dying process, for people soon after they have died, to help their peaceful transition.
For some reason, in the past 2 weeks, the phowa meditation was in high demand. In addition to saying it for people in Ukraine who are witnessing and experiencing horrific deaths, people close to me are requesting the meditation for loved ones who are dying or struggling to let go, or who have recently died. So I felt drawn to share it with you, my listeners. Say it for yourself, say it for your loved ones, say it for your loved ones that have already died, say it for the refugees, the marginalized, the oppressed and most vulnerable. May the phowa meditation wrap you in compassion, facilitate forgiveness and deepen a true peace within you. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
“The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying” by Sogyal Rinpoche
On this week’s episode, my guest Bob Levy, entrepreneur and consultant, takes time to reflect and envision a new chapter in his life. How do we actually make the golden years golden? Crediting his mother, Bob has had the courage to embrace change throughout his life, be it change in careers, relationships, homes and communities. Averse to the finality in the word retirement, Bob prefers the words re-imagining and re-engaging for this new chapter. He is eager to take his life and work experiences, his skills and passions and find a fun, satisfying way to give back.
Bob’s non-traditional approach to life, his intellectual curiosity, meaningful connections with his wife, sons and grandchildren, and his search for new ways to contribute to important causes, may inspire you to contemplate your own legacy. Check out the show notes for links to Bob’s email and website. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Bob's Web Site
Bob's Email
NYT: Trump Place Sign Comes Down
On this week’s episode, as nature transitions from winter to spring, I share some wonder and wisdom I discovered in watching the natural world thaw. When I paused and paid attention to the sights and sounds of snow and ice melting, I was inspired to look at what needs to soften within me. There are certainly concepts, emotions and behaviors that need to melt in our world. How can we transform our internal fog into mist and mystery, hope and healing?
May we be guided by nature’s lead to melt anger and blame, dissolve disconnection and cutting ourselves off, soften our overwhelm. Engaged spirituality during times of suffering invites us to thaw, melt, soften that which is rigid in our hearts. Thaw duality, thaw harsh judgement, thaw perceptions of enemies, thaw closed mindedness, thaw hatred, thaw war. Melt into compassion, forgiveness, and healing as we align with a vision of love and transformative possibility. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
YouTube: Ukrainian girl singing “Let It Go” in bomb shelter
IG: Ani Pema Chodron
IG: Tara Brach
Today marks the 200th episode of our podcast! We launched our podcast in January 2018, just over 4 years ago. Looking back over these 4 years, I am deeply grateful for this podcast, all my guest and all my listeners.
It began as my heart’s desire to shine light on everyday people who inspire me. We’ve had a wide range of guests: musicians, social justice activists, artists, yoga teachers, educators, actors, dancers, writers, photographers, filmmakers, researchers, students, formerly incarcerated people, politicians, entrepreneurs and humanitarians. These 150 guests had a quality, a life story, or an experience that inspired me. Be it creativity, courage, humor, overcoming adversity, learning spiritual lessons from difficult challenges, perseverance, resilience, gratitude, grace and humility.
Thank you for celebrating our 200th episode with me! May each episode moving forward enrich your journey of living a little more mindfully, a little more authentically, a little more joyfully. Honored to partner with you as we each radiate love and light on our enlightened path and out into the world.
On this week’s episode, we look at cluttered drawers, how they become dumping grounds for random odds and ends and how they call us to action! Every once in a while, our cluttered drawers need our attention, need us to empty, sort and organize. Not always easy to acknowledge, but important to address.
I think of a cluttered drawer as metaphor for life. How much personal clutter do we ignore, let build up until it shouts at us to attend it? How much collective clutter do we dismiss, in hopes it will go away… if we simply forget about it? As we end the month of February, “Black History Month”, “Black Futures Month”, how much racism clutter remains in our personal and collective drawers? How can we individually and as a country, steeped in systemic racism, unpack our clutter, sort through the items we prefer to ignore, minimize or pretend don’t exist?
Hoping this inspires you to take the time to empty out your cluttered drawers, physically and metaphysically, personally and collectively. May we have awareness of what lies under the surface. May we take responsibility for the wounds that get ignored, buried and dismissed. May we be inspired to take action that clears the clutter and promotes healing. Enjoy the podcast!
On this week’s episode, I share some wisdom I learned from Yin Yoga that can easily be applied off the yoga mat. The philosophical foundation of Yin Yoga is to practice having awareness of what is, with acceptance. That so resonates with all of life. Awareness of what is with acceptance, in my body, in my mental state, my emotional state, would only enrich my spiritual state of being. Three principals of Yin Yoga are: 1. Meet your edge; 2. Stay in stillness; and 3. Hold it for time.
So in a Yin Yoga class, we get into a posture, meet the edge of discomfort (not pain), stay in that posture in stillness and hold it for time. We can stay in a posture for 3-7 minutes. In Yin Yoga, we are targeting the Yin tissues of the body: the fascia, joints and ligaments. In Yin Yoga we move slowly, gently, staying present to what is, with acceptance. Yin invites us to let go of any doing, to yield, to receive.
We all have both sides, both Yin and Yang. In our fast paced world of productivity, competition, and over-doing, may you be open to balance your life with more Yin energy. May you invite a slower, gentler approach that allows you to meet your edge, stay in stillness and hold it for time. May you be nourished and pleasantly surprised by the gifts that await you as you bring awareness to what is, with acceptance. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: Shawna Emerick
IG: Patrick Heffernan
IG: Journey To The Peak
Shawna Emerick's Web Site
On this week’s episode, I explore my desire to acknowledge, honor and celebrate Black History Month in a meaningful way. An inspiring article from Shaun King’s newsletter “The North Star”, written by Kendi, a student at NYU, introduced me to a new term “Black Futures Month” which integrates past, present and a hopeful future.
May we, as Kendi states: “reflect on the tumultuous journey of Black people in America and the community’s triumphs against all odds.” Let’s celebrate and support today’s activists, authors, and freedom fighters, while embracing a Black Futures Month that highlights progress, active activism and an investment into a better Black future, that only ensures a healthier future for all of us. I am also excited about a future that reflects what white people have examined themselves, their guilt, their silence, their courage and vulnerability. What am I doing as a privileged white woman to combat racism, change the world and become a good ancestor? What are you doing? May this month: “Black History Month”, “Black Futures Month’ inspire each of us to invest in a healthier future for all of us. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: Shaun King
IG: The North Star
IG: Layla Saad
IG: Good Ancestor
IG: Toni Morrison
The North Star Web Site
Email Kendi
On this week’s episode I honor the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist, author and spiritual leader, Thich Nhat Hanh, who recently died at age 95. He was the embodiment of his inspiring values: engaged Buddhism, peace activism and mindful living. My own meditation and spiritual practices have been enriched by this gentle, wise soul for 4 decades. Since his death, I’ve immersed myself in reading more about Thich Nhat Hanh’s extraordinary life. What a tremendous supply we can access of videos, audios and articles along with over 100 published books written by Thich Nhat Hanh that include his memoirs, journals, children’s books and poetry.
I read aloud an article posted on Fellowship of Reconciliation's (FOR) online magazine that illuminated for me a comprehensive, broad stroke of Thich Nhat Hanh’s life. May you also fill your senses, thoughts and hearts with the inspiring wisdom and compassion of Thich Nhat Hanh, for I believe he was and will continue to be one of the most influential spiritual leaders that has graced our world. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Plum Village-Key Books
FOR
Brothers in the Beloved Community: The Friendship of Thich Nhat Hanh and Martin Luther King Jr.
On this week’s episode I reflect on the legacy of Sidney Poitier and Martin Luther King, Jr. The gifted actor, director and activist, Sidney Poitier died on January 6th, 2022. The following week we honored MLK Day, a hard-fought national holiday to pay tribute to the leader of the Civil Rights Movement.
Both these men had such a significant impact on me, from early childhood, through my formative years in the 60s and 70s. These 2 incredible men of courage and leadership each found their unique way to access their gifts, live in integrity, and challenge the humiliating, oppressive ways Black people in the United States are treated. Both these men were articulate, dignified and implemented mindful ways to reach into the heart and conscience of Americans, particularly white Americans. It is no surprise that they knew each other, supported each other and had a great respect for one another.
The motto of MLK Day is “Remember, Celebrate, Act” and “A Day On, Not a Day Off!”
Let’s do what we can throughout the year to honor these men and the truth they stood for. Don’t let someone pull you so low as to hate them. Stand into your values in times of challenge. Acknowledge how easy it would be to react in bitterness, yet seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. Channel your anger to positive. Forgive. Keep loving. Live into the redemptive power of love. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Democracy Now - 1/17/2005
A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Loving Your Enemies” - MLK Sermon
Sidney Poitier - IMDB
On this week’s episode I explore some of the ripple effects of Covid-19. Seems like everyone has been directly or indirectly impacted by the recent Covid surge! The virus has spread exponentially. And whether you’ve had the virus or someone in your close circle has had it, most of us have been up close and personal with Covid. With our personal Covid stories, the ripple effect of Covid continues.
I humbly acknowledge the devastating loss and grief that Covid has created for hundreds of thousands of people. Covid, like life, entails both devastation, heartache and loss alongside gratitude, heart connection and blessings. And as I sit with the ripple effects I have experienced with Covid, my soul is nourished by the tender gifts, the heart openings, the ah-ha moments of what came into focus for me.
My big epiphany is that the most important ripple effect of Covid has been LOVE. LOVE for ourselves, LOVE for one another, LOVE for those hurting, struggling, suffering, forgiving, grieving, helping, supporting. LOVE heals us, binds us and transforms us. Whatever your personal Covid story is, may you let the ripple effect of LOVE course its way around you, through you and from you. May the ripple effect of Covid-19 and this global pandemic be a reminder for all of us to LOVE a little more genuinely, graciously and richly. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Along Came Abby
Last week, for the first episode of 2022, I shared my personal experience with Covid. On this week’s episode, I reflect on this past year, thanking my guests from 2021 and acknowledging that 2022 marks the beginning of our 5th year of the podcast.
In the year 2021, we had a total of 19 guests, plus 2 tributes to dear friends, previous guests who died this year: re-releasing my conversations with Peter Fish and Tony Falco. We recorded 12 of our 19 guests via Zoom, with only 7 being able to be here in person. This past year, I shared 24 stories or guided meditations. I told personal stories, reflected on “whiteness”, communed with angels, and deepened my reverence for mystics and mystery. I became more curious to actively learn more about the Native people of where I live - the Lenni Lenape people. I dropped into more intimacy with nature and welcomed the everyday miracles that surround us.
I hope that my guests and stories this past year have helped to uplift and inspire you along your journey. Thank you, 2021 for another year of inspiring guests, personal reflections, stories and meditations. May we all practice restoring humanity, dignity, compassion, and justice. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to support us in 2022. Enjoy the podcast.
I typically begin the new year by reflecting on the past year and expressing gratitude for all my podcast guests. Instead however, on this week’s episode I’m going to bring Covid up close and personal, because in fact, Covid has been up close and personal for me this past week. My husband Paul and I had scratchy throats on the day after Christmas that quickly developed into all the Covid symptoms: sore throat, cough, chills, congestion, low-grade fever, headaches, and sure enough 3 days later we both tested positive for Covid.
As our symptoms intensified in the middle of the week, I was brought to tears a few times by the thoughtfulness and kindness of others. My tears would flow each time a friend went out of their way to leave, on our door step, a test kit, a bag of groceries, Chinese herbs and cough syrup. I was challenged to receive the love, take it in, absorb it and let the power of love be as medicinal as the Chinese herbs were. Covid, up close and personal, reminded me of what it feels to tap into wholeheartedness. WHOLEHEARTED people live with courage, compassion, connection, and the willingness to be vulnerable. So many of our family, friends and neighbors were the courageous, compassionate ones helping Paul and me feel connected through our Covid isolation; I was the vulnerable one learning how to receive their love.
Here’s to 2022 being a year we all practice living WHOLEHEARTEDLY!
Be healthy, be gentle, be kind, be courageous, compassionate, connected and vulnerable.
Links:
IG: @tworiversacupuncture
IG: @drlaurendulberg
IG: @brenebrown
Two Rivers Acupuncture & Wellness
My guest today is Alison Heller. Alison is a lawyer who left her law practice to become a writer. Alison has published 3 books, and her most recent novel “The Neighbor’s Secret” just came out this year. We discuss her book, her writing practice, what it took for her to leave her 14-year NYC law career, and how we treat ourselves in the process of writing, working and living. I am just as fascinated with the relevant themes she weaves into her novel, as I am with Alison as a person. Alison’s gracious, honest, open, curious exuberance will inspire you to read her books, too.
Check out the Show Notes for links to Alison’s website, Instagram & Twitter, along with links to the comedian Gary Gulman, and Jon Kabat-Zinn, the author we reference. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Alison's Web Site
Alison/IG
Alison/Twitter
Gary Gulman/IG
“Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Video clip of State Abbreviations - Gary Gulman
The Great Depresh - HBO
Madeleine L’Engle
On this week’s podcast, I acknowledge how noisy our world and own minds can be. I invite us to explore ways that we can stop the noise and drop into quiet and stillness. Whether it is through meditation or journaling or other avenues, may we open up opportunities to stop the noise and dive deep into our inner sanctuary.
I read from the wise soul, poet and philosopher, Mark Nepo who has provided such intimate companionship on my journey. I highly recommend his book “Things That Join the Sea and the Sky: Field Notes on Living” to inspire you to stop the noise. May you explore, play with, be nourished by the different ways that you stop the noise, that you create silence in your world. May you trust that stopping the noise, from time to time, helps you not retreat from the world, but helps you to live more fully in it.
As Rumi said “When I am silent, I fall into the place where everything is music.” What do you hear, learn, experience when you stop the noise of your mind?
Links:
Mark Nepo
IG: Mark Nepo
IG: Joel Cross
On this week’s episode, I share a simple ritual we created this Thanksgiving, inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants”. My desire was to honor the Lenni Lenape people who’s land we live on, to honor Mother Earth and to acknowledge what Debra Beal, my guest from last week uncovered for me about the origins of Thanksgiving from the indigenous perspective. She said that the original Thanksgiving feast was a celebration by the colonizers once they had massacred a substantial number of Indians. I wanted to take that information and incorporate it into the way my family celebrates Thanksgiving. I think it is critical to be aware and conscious of our history and do what I can to weave it into how we celebrate this holiday.
The 12 of us gathered in my home, took turns reading the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address. This translation of the Mohawk version of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address was developed and published in 1993, and provided courtesy of Six Nations Indian Museum and the Tracking Project.
May we bring this depth of gratitude for the natural world not just once a year on Thanksgiving, but every day as we cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Blessings, love and deep gratitude.
Links:
How To Live On Purpose
Haudenosaunee Guide For Educators
Podcast 188 with Debra Beal
My guest today is Debra Beal. Debra was one of the women featured in Lisa Levart’s photography exhibit “Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation”. Debra shares her own assimilation experience of how her parents initially downplayed their Native American culture when she was a child, only to pursue and embrace a relationship with her Lenape tribe when she was a young teenager. As her father’s bumper sticker read “I was Indian before it was cool to be Indian”.
Debra has recently retired from her 33 year career in NY State’s Office of Mental Health and is exploring the ongoing delicate balance to integrate the fullness of who she truly is. Her Indian name “Walela” translates as Hummingbird, which symbolizes Debra’s desire to create harmony in the world, by building genuine, compassionate relationships, helping people and being a conduit for healing.
Check out the show notes for links to see Debra featured in Lisa’s photography exhibit at Bergen Community College, opened through November 24th, as well as in Myles Aronowitz's documentary. I hope this inspires you to learn of the Native people of your land; let’s make Thanksgiving more meaningful, by educating ourselves and our extended family of our true history with American Indians. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation
Bergen Community College Gallery Exhibit
IG: @goddessonearth
IG: @debra.powell.7587
My guest today is Liz Moyer Benferhat. Liz is a Change-Maker, Facilitator, and Coach who has taken her experience in social impact/sustainable development and international development to a new level. As the founder of We Heal For All, Liz facilitates Circles, Circle Training, and One-on-One Coaching, acknowledging that we are in a great transition, politically, culturally and environmentally. We Heal For All programs focus on co-creating what it means to collectively heal in the 21st century. We live in complex times and Liz explores healing as both a tool to thrive and an opportunity to impact deeper culture and consciousness shifts. Through meditation, storytelling and resonance practice, Liz addresses the interconnectedness of climate justice, social justice, sustainability, and mental health.
Liz’s holistic approach, understanding of how our internal world reflects our external world, respect for the ancestors, and her courage to shake up whole paradigm systems definitely excites me. Liz is manifesting visions and concepts my soul has longed to see come to fruition. Thank you Liz, for bringing my dreams into reality. Check out the Show Notes for links to Liz’s website, We Heal For All, to see which of her programs speak to you. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
We Heal For All
Instagram
YouTube
With a heavy heart and tears in his eyes, my husband, Paul informed me last week that our dear friend, Tony Falco had died. We knew Tony had been struggling with complications with Covid-19 for the past 6 months, but the news of Tony’s passing hit us hard. We, among countless others, are heartbroken over the news of Tony’s passing. We have been deeply touched by Tony and the generous, humble integrity he lived by.
Tony created and ran the incredible music venue “The Falcon”, in Marlboro, NY and for the past 10 years, Paul has been playing there regularly with the Ed Palermo Big Band. It was only fitting that Tony’s wife, Julie and their children: Julian, Lana, Adrianne and Lee hosted a Memorial Celebration for Tony at “The Falcon” this past weekend. A long, diverse list of musicians performed throughout the weekend on the outside deck, with the gorgeous waterfall flowing behind them. Hundreds of people showed up on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the music, connect with his family and celebrate Tony’s extraordinary life.
Today, we are re-releasing my July 2019 conversation with Tony as a remembrance and tribute to him. So whether you heard it when it was first released or hearing it for the first time, we invite you to get a glimpse of Tony’s heart, vision and profound impact he had on musicians, artists and the wide Falcon fan-base. We are so grateful to have this recording which allows us to hear his voice once again. We thank you, Tony, we will miss you terribly. Rest easy, dear friend, rest in deep peace.
Links:
Tony's Obituary
Ed Palermo Big Band Tribute to Tony
Instagram:
Live at The Falcon
Ed Palermo Big Band
Becca Stevens
My guest today is Reda Rackley. Reda is a Diviner, Storyteller and Mythologist. I personally was deeply impacted by a Divination session I recently had with Reda and am so excited to have my listeners learn about the magical, mystical gifts that Reda offers. Learn the difference between the term ‘shaman’ and ‘diviner’, the healing power of ritual and the significance of connecting with our ancestral line.
Reda was initiated into the indigenous medicine of the Dagara tribe in Burkina Faso, West Africa and teaches ancient shamanic traditions through storytelling, ritual, art and divination. Her women’s retreats and courses integrate mythology, depth psychology and spirituality. Reda is also a certified expressive artist and wisely infuses painting, sculpture, dance, music and writing in her transformative work.
Check out the Show Notes for links to Reda’s website, and her social media platforms as well as links to her Master Diviner, African Elder, Malidoma Somé and her inspiring art teacher, Chris Zydel (Creative Juices Arts). Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Reda's Web Site
Facebook
Instagram
Bonewoman Outsider Art
Reda on Spotify
Malidoma
Creative Juices Arts
John O'Donohue
On this week’s episode, I offer a simple meditation to remind us of the healing energy that flows through our bodies. Find a comfortable position to relax so you can breathe in the vibration of healing energy coursing through every organ, joint and cell of your body. Say it for yourself and say it for those who are struggling physically, emotionally or spiritually. May healing energy flow through all of us.
My guest today is the innovative Lisa Levart. As a photographer, Lisa has devoted the past 20 years to witnessing, evoking and capturing the essence of everyday women, their goddess archetypes, stories and myths, as she admits “I am a photographer on a mission!” Her gorgeous coffee table book “Goddess on Earth: Portraits of the Divine Feminine”eloquently reflects Lisa’s passion and gifts. She has also published a beautiful “Goddess on Earth Oracle Deck” with 45 portraits structured around the five elements. Both of these are fabulous, meaningful gifts for the holidays! I encourage you to go see and be moved by her current exhibit at Bergen Community College, in Paramus, NJ “The Ramapough Lunaape Nation: Excavating Identity”, there through November 24th.
On October 25th, my husband and I plan to attend the screening of Lisa’s husband, Miles Aronowitz’s documentary “Women of the Lenape Nation”. I hope you’ll join us. Check out the show notes for links to all of these books, exhibits and events. Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
Lisa's Photography Exhibit at BCC
Goddess On Earth
Lush Photography
Myles Aronowitz's Documentary Film
In honor of Indigenous People Day, I share a synchronistic story that unfolded for me this past week. From the invitation of a wonderful shaman, Reda Rackley, I looked up the Native People of the land where I live. How wonderful to know the name Lenni Lenape, the peace-keeping “ancient ones”, the diplomats and mediators, who lived throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and southern New York.
I highly recommend photographer, Lisa Levart’s stunning exhibit at Bergen Community College, called “Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation”. I am deeply moved by what Lisa created: a visual, visceral, soulful way to be in the presence of these inspiring Lenape people. Lisa’s portraits and her husband Myles Aronowitz’s video footage capturing Lisa in her creative process with the Lenape women is exquisite!
I am so grateful to bring consciousness to the Lenape, the name of the people who lived, worked, played and partnered with this land before me. I invite you to discover and connect with the Native People of the area where you live. Know them by name as we honor all the sacrifices, wisdom, and gifts our indigenous people have to offer us.
Check out the show notes for links to learn more about the Lenape, see the details of Lisa’s stunning exhibit at Bergen Community College, which will be there through November 24th. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Iconic Portraits by Lisa Levart
The Bowery Boys, NYC History
Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation
Lenape Tribe Facts
Lisa's Photography Exhibit at BCC
Myles' Documentary
This week’s episode is a simple prayer to bless the earth. I share a free form meditation that I say when walking in nature, that focuses on my gratitude for the beauty and wonder of the land, waters and sky. May this accompany you as you walk through the woods, along the river, up the mountain, or through a field of wildflowers. May we pay attention to how mother earth nourishes, nurtures, inspires and sustains us. May we cultivate care, reverence and advocacy for the health and well-bring of our planet. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Lauren Mahana. Lauren is a Birth Doula, Intuitive Healer, and Author. Lauren’s rich energetic healing practice, incorporates coaching, pregnancy mentorship, tarot and oracle cards, crystals, and channeling guidance. As a birth worker, she is passionate about supporting the pregnancy journey as well as facilitating a sacred space during birth.
Alexandria Moran and Lauren co-authored, the book “Labor Like a Goddess: A Fearless Guide to Preparing for the 7 Gates of Transformation in Pregnancy and Birth”. In addition, Lauren recently launched her own Podcast, called “Magic on the Patio”, a conversational interview show that celebrates the magical and mystical that lives betwixt and between the mundane world.
Check out the Show Notes for links to Lauren’s website, where you can explore all the magical, healing services she offers. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Lauren's Web Site
Podcast: “Magic on the Patio”
Book: “Labor Like a Goddess”
Lauren's Instagram
Shawna's Instagram
This week’s episode is a special, unique treat! “A Prayer for B” is an exquisite piece of writing written and read by my treasured friend, Anam Cara, Winged Woman sister, Melanie Suchet. The synchronicity here is that Mel recorded this piece on Sunday August 29th, and 4 days later, in the early morning hours of Thursday September 2nd, just as we began to assess the impact of Hurricane Ida here in NY, Melanie’s beloved mother, Bella died. Mel told me many important family events have occurred in big storms. I offer you the gift of Melanie, her open heart, her sacred letters and words, her courage to call upon the earth and the ancestors, to help usher her mother tenderly, peacefully home. I also offer this as a gift to Melanie, whose birthday was yesterday, 9/12. Happy Birthday, Soul Sister, may we continue to help each other align with the Divine!!
Check out the Show Notes for links to Melanie’s Spiritual Director, Melina Rudman and her Shaman, Reda Rackley.
Links:
Melanie Suchet, PhD.
Melina Rudman
Her Story
Reda Rackley
Many listeners commented on how grateful they were for last week’s focus of serendipities and synchronicities. Perhaps there is a collective shifting, expanding consciousness, a relief that we can talk openly and boldly about the mystical, the spiritual, magical ways we are personally touched by serendipity and synchronicity. In this week’s episode, I share 2 more serendipitous exchanges that highlight the magic of nature, the timing of chance encounters, the gratitude, and the forces bigger than me. So much serendipity and synchronicity weaving in and through our lives, holding us up and gifting us with these gems. Souls touching souls, souls supporting souls, souls inspiring souls…these small miracles are the sweetness of life. As Albert Einstein said: “A coincidence is a small miracle when God chooses to remain anonymous.”
I’m convinced these small miracles are happening all the time. May you pause, pay attention, and delight in the coincidences, serendipities, synchronicities and small miracles sparkling through your life. May you smile and embrace all the mystical ways the universe is conspiring to support you.
Enjoy the podcast!
Today’s focus is on the profound power of serendipity and synchronicity. I’ve noticed that the more I tune in, acknowledge the presence of forces bigger than me, open my heart to everyday mini miracles, welcome in my angels and spirit guides for support, comfort, direction and guidance, the more they seem delighted to make magic happen. And the fun part of this is that the serendipity and synchronicity occurs in ways I wouldn’t have expected and from people I didn’t know could be a conduit of light.
My recent experience while my Dad was in the hospital was packed with serendipity and synchronicity that felt orchestrated from the heavens. I felt the sweet presence of angels all around us, particularly in the dark moments! May you open your thoughts and heart to make room for serendipity and synchronicity to tickle, touch and surround you with joy. May you dare to call in your angels. I know they are waiting for your invitation. May your angels sprinkle the magic of serendipity and synchronicity into your life.
Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Dawn Adrienne-Saliba. A Performance Scholar, Theater Artist, and Eco-Activist, Dawn has studied drama and ancient temples. Dawn lives in Malta - okay, fess up, do you know where Malta is?!? I encourage you to look up Malta, just to have a vision of this unique, small island in the middle of the Mediterranean. This is where Dawn honors the integration of science and spirituality, archeology and ritual in her exploration of the magical hypogeum Hal Saflieni. Traveling from Malta, to Brooklyn, to Nyack, before she heads back to Malta, Dawn and I had a chance meeting on a mountain trail, where we discovered we spoke a similar language of integration.
Dawn describes how she ended up in Malta, her research of the performative spaces in ancient temples, the evidence of the Divine Feminine, and the healing power of mother earth.
Check out the Show Notes for links to the music, poems, books, and documentaries mentioned in my conversation with Dawn. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Dawn's Facebook Page
Malta-Arch
Hal Saflieni
Malta's Ancient Neolithic Performance Space: The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni
CD: Returning Jennifer Berezan
Renzo Spateri - Maltese percussion
Healing Journey Ireland
Mary Oliver “Sleeping in the Forest”
Documentary: “The Year the Earth Changed”
Wolves return to Yellowstone
My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor
"Proof of Heaven" by Eben Alexander
Hafiz's poem reminds me that we are called to dance. I’ve used this beautiful poem as oxygen, especially when I was feeling the darkness and uncertainty of life creep back in. I hear so many people bracing themselves that things are going to be getting worse, before they get better. I don’t want to get sucked into the darkness of hopelessness. This poem pulls me away from the despair, shifts my mood, brings me back to a deeper truth, a radiant light that I know lies within us.
May we heed the call to dance, see life itself as a beautifully choreographed dance. We were created for joy, to smile, to love and be lifted up and to lift others up. Yes, and may our dancing be contagious! Check out the show notes for links to Hafiz’s poetry, to Barbara Holmes, and the Center for Action and Contemplation. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
The Gift: Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master
Barbara Holmes
Center For Action and Contemplation
In this week’s episode I share my recent surprise and delight in being immersed in a Summer Rain. Have you yet enjoyed being in and present to a summer rain? I highly recommend it! Summer rain offers its own version of a spiritual practice. I discovered the calming, playful peace when I embraced the joy of a summer rain. I know for sure that summer rain is a visceral, embodied experience. Try it out for yourself. I encourage you to dare to stand or sit or walk or better yet, dance in the rain this summer. If it helps, have an underpants party - it might be just what your soul is longing for!! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
@juliaadamybass
@cilla.bercovici
In this week’s episode, I explore the importance of knowing something by name. I acknowledge my own experience that knowing an object, plant, tree, bird or person by name, not only demonstrates respect and value, but deepens the connection. Like Juliet, I ask: “What is in a name?” The answer is PLENTY!! I reflect on how much knowing something or someone by name truly matters. I highlight the lines: “We name it to tame it!” “We name it to claim it to our heart!” and “Say Her Name”.
May we write one another in the palm of our hands, honor and hold each other close. May we cherish the names of all those in our lives, both living and dead. May we take the time to learn the names of flora, fauna, and all sentient beings. May we demonstrate our curiosity, wonder and reverence for all beings as we deepen our connections. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @shaneknightgallery
Shane Knight Gallery
My guest today is Shelby Willeitner. Shelby is my third Utah podcast guest, joining the trio of Marla McPherson and Mary McCourt - all inspiring women I recently met in Utah who have their unique ways of embracing wilderness and adventure. From recreation management, adventure guide, to passionate voyager, Shelby opens up the world of canyoneering to me: the descending exploration of deep canyons in the Southwest. A combination of hiking, repelling, sliding, swimming, scrambling, and jumping are used to navigate the obstacles within these magnificent hidden canyon treasures.
Shelby fell in love with canyoneering 10 years ago. She works for Zion Outfitter and is learning the power of presence in canyoneering and mothering. Check out the Show Notes for links to Shelby’s Instagram, the video of my new hero Kenny, experiencing canyoneering for the first time as well as the book we referenced. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Shelby's Instagram
Zion Outfitter
127 Hours trailer
Canyoneering Video with Kenny
The Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle
Elizabeth Van Meter
My guest today is Mary McCourt. Mary is an adventure guide in a Wilderness Therapy Program in Utah. I met Mary a couple of weeks ago in Utah when my dear friend, Elizabeth Van Meter hosted an Awards Night for an inspiring group of outdoor enthusiasts. I was drawn to Mary’s calm, compassionate energy and knew she was the first person I personally met working as a guide in a Wilderness Therapy Program. Her own personal experience with outdoor adventure was so healing for her mental health that she re-directed her path from clinical nutritionist to becoming an adventure guide. A post from her Instagram sums up her work: “I have the wildest, weirdest, hardest, most rewarding job in the world. Feeling grateful for every moment on the trail.”
Check out the show notes for links to the program Mary works for and Mary’s Instagram where you see incredible, breathtaking photos of the adventures she guides people through. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Aspiro Wilderness Therapy Program
Mary's Instagram
This week I reflect on the things we carry, the energy of objects and how we charge our ‘things’ with memories, emotions, stories, both negatively and positively. We all have countless objects that have energy, meaning and rich stories infused with emotional charges.
It’s actually a spiritual practice to learn to be an observer to the meaning and emotional charge we project onto our objects. Questions bubble up for me as I pay attention to the things we carry. Can we honor the meaning we’ve projected onto the object? Can we carry the meaning without being weighed down by the things we carry? Can we honor the objects without being attached to them? How do we hold objects with grace and ease? How do we lighten our loads? How do we release and let go of our objects? May you explore these questions with curiosity and wonder. May you appreciate the things you carry and release them when they become too burdensome. May you find joy in exploring the things that you carry. May you love them, bless them and let them go! Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Marla McPherson. Marla is Conservationist, High School English Teacher, and River Runner. I had the pure pleasure of meeting Marla in Utah a couple of weeks ago when visiting my treasured friend and previous podcast guest, Elizabeth Van Meter (episode #113). Beneath Marla’s current job titles, is an impressive, courageous, wise woman who has built her own house, lived off the grid, helped a friend start her own business: an outdoor wilderness leadership school for kids, discovered innovative ways to blend her love for teaching, adventure and wilderness, from Alaska to Argentina. Marla honors her humble partnership with nature and humanity, while embracing life’s interruptions.
Check out the Show Notes for links to some of the books, documentaries and the river company Marla referenced. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Mild To Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours
DamNation documentary by Patagonia
“Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the teaching of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“Siddharta” by Herman Hesse
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
“The Hero with A Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell
I’m trying something new today! This week’s episode is a recording from a TikTok Live I did over the weekend. I wanted to be more spontaneous and offer a natural live interaction with some of my TikTok followers. I had been asked to explain what I mean when I call myself a psycho-spiritual therapist, so my Healing Angel poster and a snail help me address that here. I also felt led to end with a simple guided meditation. Delighted to join my podcast circle with my TikTok soul family.
Check the show notes for a link to my TikTok account. Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
TikTok : @deborahadamy
While hiking through the ancient, majestic landscape of the southwest last week, we learned that Peter Fish, a dear friend of ours, died of a heart attack. We were shocked, distraught and so very sad. We walked a labyrinth in Peter’s honor, we built cairns to pay tribute to Peter, we held him and his beloved Tracey Anarella in meditation and shared stories of my husband’s 35 year friendship, recalling all the various musical projects with Peter. We are deeply grateful for the positive, healing impact Tracey had on Peter’s life in the past 10 years, softening his intensity, expanding his heart and co-creating a tender, respectful relationship of true love. Which also included the added bonus of inviting Peter into the pride and joy of co-parenting Tracey’s two fabulous kids.
Peter Fish had been a guest on my podcast back in 2018 and holds a very special place in our hearts. Experiencing the death of one of my podcast guests is brand new for us. My husband and I decided to re-release the episode when Peter was my guest as a remembrance and tribute to him. So whether you heard it when it was first released or hearing it now for the first time, we invite all of you to get a glimpse of Peter’s energy, his success as a musician and composer and the light he brought into our lives. We thank you Peter, we will miss you dearly, rest easy, dear friend, rest in deep peace.
Links:
IG: Tracey Anarella
The song “It’s a Whole New World” from the Disney movie Aladdin keeps wiggling its way into my mind these days. My beloved spiritual son, Joel Cross introduced me to TikTok last week and he and TikTok have truly opened me up to a whole new world!!
From one who never opened a Facebook account and keeps her Instagram account at arms length, I have a lukewarm relationship with social media platforms. My account is to specifically promote my weekly podcast episodes. It took a couple of years to build 200 followers on Instagram and now in my 4th year of hosting this podcast, I have a whooping 337 followers! I dreamed of hiring a social media associate who could keep track of all these logistics in a more consistent way. Keeping up with social media can be daunting, discouraging and at times, quite overwhelming. I can’t tell you how many times I toyed with the idea of letting it all go.
Well that all changed last week when Joel came to visit. Joel opened a whole new world to me as he enthusiastically described TikTok as a meaningful forum for connecting, collaborating and co-creating. He re-ignited my TikTok account and within 5 days my followers grew from 2 to 900. Joel went all out to encourage his followers to help me get 1,000 followers, the minimum number needed to be a creator and go live. Joel predicted that I would have 1,000 followers by the time he arrived in NH. Sure enough, I called Joel 3 hours later and announced that I had 1,225 followers! I watched these numbers magically increase: on Monday I had 1,500, on Tuesday 1,800 and as I type this on Wednesday evening I have over 2,000 followers. I don’t fully get it, but it is bizarre and wonderful!
Joel graciously invited me into his soul family and this unique soul family has warmly welcomed me. My first week on TikTok not only has grown my listener ship by leaps and bounds, but I feel soul connected to people from all over the world.
I celebrate this whole new world, this opportunity to cast my net wider to reach thousands of strangers who care about living from Spirit, living with integrity, treating each other with kindness and loving support. Heartfelt thanks to a-soul-called-Joel, his awesome Soul Family and the thousands of people now following me. Enjoy the podcast!
I'll be taking off next Monday, Memorial Day. See you again in 2 weeks.
Links:
Deborah Adamy on TikTok
Joel on TikTok
Social Dilemma
Joel's Enlighten Podcast Interview
My guest today is Joel Cross. Joel was one of my first guests when I launched the podcast in January of 2018 and he also wrote the beautiful theme song for my podcast “Shine Your Light”. You can also find a longer version of the theme song on my website for those of you who want to download it for meditation or your yoga playlist.
Joel is a beloved spiritual soul, who I both treasure and feel deeply grateful to have in my life. I know that his open-heart, self-reflection and clarity will inspire you. I am eager for all my listeners to hear the clear vision Joel has claimed for himself: to be a conduit of grounding, healing and transformation through music, poetry and meditation.
Check out the show notes for links to Joel’s website and his ever-growing TikTok soul family. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Joel on TikTok
Joel on IG
Joel's Web Site
Do you have a lot going on in your life? Do you feel like your schedule is overflowing with life’s ups and downs? Welcome to the full catastrophe of life!
Jon Kabat-Zinn titled his first book “Full Catastrophe of Living.” He says the full catastrophe is “another way to speak of heart-fullness.” Can you be present as you feel your way into your experience from moment to moment: the heartbreaking moments, the tender, sweet moments, the frightening moments and the joyful ones? Kabat-Zinn says that “It’s the nature of the human condition to actually, encounter uncertainty, stress, pain, loss, grief, sadness and also a tremendous potential for joy, connection, love, affiliation. And all of that is the full catastrophe." It’s not just the bad stuff. It’s everything. And the question is, “Can we love it, can we live inside of it in ways that actually enliven us and allow us to be fully human?”
I’ll guide you for a few minutes to sit in silence and stillness. Be present to the full catastrophe in your life, in your week, in your day. Marvel at the richness of your daily experiences, the wonder, the contrast and the vitality. Tap into your genuine gratitude to be fully human. Honor and celebrate The Full Catastrophe of Life!
Follow this link to Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book “Full Catastrophe of Living.” Enjoy the podcast!
I often bring a garbage bag with me on my Hook Mountain walks. I can’t stand to see trash on the trails, so I feel compelled to do my part to clean up the garbage along the way. I unpack some associations and metaphors that come to mind while collecting garbage. Garbage collectors were important to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. Garbage collectors have been critical in nationally exposing and highlighting the abuses, non-unionized, low-paying jobs and dangerous working conditions that too many people have suffered under. MLK brought the garbage collectors’ plight into our consciousness, cared about them being treated with dignity and respect.
Picking up and clearing garbage, has become a spiritual practice for me. It is a minuscule step in what truly needs to be done to address advocacy for our precious earth, but I feel cleansed, renewed and grateful for this simple measure to clean up garbage, outwardly and inwardly! May you be inspired to clean up your surroundings. May you treat nature with awe, reverence and wonder. May we learn multiple ways to be our planet’s fierce advocate.
Check out the show notes to listen and re-listen to the powerful words of Greta Thunberg for the bigger picture task at hand. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Greta Thunberg on YouTube
Greta Thunberg on Instagram
According to the mystics, every human being has been assigned a guardian angel, regardless of your beliefs, culture, ethnicity or geography. That’s right, a personal angel who is the gatekeeper of your soul. And then there are multiple angels who serve unique functions to heal, guide, protect and direct us. Do you allow angels to work with you and for you? Have you ever felt the presence of angels? I hosted 5 Archangels last week and palpably felt the presence of the angels before the Derek Chauvin verdict was announced.
The emotions of this verdict are complex and there is much intense, important work ahead of us. I am so grateful that so many people this year rallied forces seen and unseen, individually and collectively to imagine accountability, to imagine healing, to imagine that one day we might manifest the possibility of restoration and true justice. The angels are present! Invite the angels into your home, your heart, your thoughts. The Archangels and all the angels are here to serve humanity and God knows humanity needs some serious serving!
Check out the show notes for links to “The Weight of Bearing Witness” podcast as well as a link to AOC sharing her initial response after the Chauvin verdict. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
“The Weight of Bearing Witness” podcast
AOC Shares Her Thoughts
My guest today is Hilary Carr, my beloved aunt. Hilary is a Social Worker, Writer and our family Heart-Storian! I left in a minute of pre-show dialogue where I explain this new word I made up for her. I also want to prepare you for our spotty WiFi connection - as Hil says: it’s the impact of living in the woods of Maine. Sometimes Hilary’s word are slowed down, stretched like taffy and then sped up, a tad garbled, so I did my best to edit those awkward moments, trusting that the quality of our conversation will come through.
Raising 5 wonderful children, working as a Social Worker in hospitals, community centers, hospice and in private practice, Hilary’s career as a mental health advocate, resource allocator and counselor has been rich and meaningful. Hil shows up to life with curiosity, compassion and deep connection. It’s an honor to shine light on someone who has had such a profound impact on me and my life. Check out the show notes for a list of the books Hilary referenced as well as her InstaGram page. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Instagram: @hilarycarrjones
“Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson
“How to Be An AntiRacist” by Ibram X Kendi
“My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem”
“The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd
My guest today is Patrick Heffernan. Patrick is a skilled & gifted yoga teacher, actor, dancer and impassioned human. Don’t you love it when someone you love and respect introduces you to someone they love and respect and you immediately understand why they care for each other and feel blessed to join in the love fest! Well that is what I felt when Shawna Emerick introduced Patrick Heffernan into my life. Thank you, Shawna! Celebrating your kindred spirit sibling-hood with Patrick and delighting in the integrity, heart and humor you both infuse into your exceptional yoga classes and into life.
I marvel at how wise someone in their early 30s can be, attributing it to Patrick being an ‘old soul’, but I also know it comes from his devoted study of the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutras. I so appreciate Patrick’s gift in seamlessly integrating this ancient, universal, spiritual wisdom grounded in the union of humanity and divinity in an accessible, relevant way.
Check out the show notes for links to Patrick’s website www.patrickyoga.com and the monthly program he and Shawna offer “Journey to the Peak”, along with his newly launched, year-long program “Journey to You” and the Yoga Sutra app Patrick referenced in our conversation. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.patrickyoga.com
IG: @pat_heffnyc
Twitter: @pat_heffnyc
IG: @shawnaemerick
The Yoga Sutras app
My guest today is Robert “Zulu” Whitaker. Zulu was released from prison in early March after serving 38 years. When my dear friend, Tarik Greene, brought Zulu with him to pick up furniture that my husband and I were donating to a new residency that MADE Transitional Services recently opened, I was so moved by Zulu’s kindness. Within a few minutes of meeting this gentle, respectful man, I invited Zulu to be a podcast guest: I wanted to provide him a forum to tell his story. And despite his nervousness, his shaking knees, Zulu began to unpack his story.
I am not an investigative journalist, nor a court attorney or judge, so I had no need to get to the bottom of anything, no agenda in our conversation. I wanted to be present to what unfolded, so I simply remained curious and compassionate. As I imagined with such a long prison sentence, Zulu was convicted of murder, but wanted him to tell me what he was ready to share.
In subsequent conversations with Zulu since this recording, I have discovered more about his childhood, his parents’ alcoholism, his father being sent to jail for killing his mother, his sister’s determination to keep him and his brothers alive, his year of homelessness and the ways a child and later an adult learns how to survive, in the streets, in the system, in prison. I do know Zulu’s remorse is deep and sincere and that he is searching to find meaning and purpose now that he has been released from prison. Zulu is deeply appreciative of the respect my husband and I have shown him, he has eagerly embraced the chance to be in nature, meditate, take long walks as he sorts out his past and steps humbly into his future. Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
Instagram-
@made-transistions
@tarik_jg
@toneyearljr
MADE Transitions Web Site
I took a break last week and didn’t post an episode. You may not have noticed, and that’s okay. I know how busy life can be, how full many of our lives are and how hard it is to keep up with all that is in front of us. What I did notice was a different energy within myself when taking a break last week. I was kinder, gentler to myself. How lovely! An old energy that I am letting go of is the judgment and rigidity that sounded something like this: “You have to post an episode every week, you need to be consistent, it’s confusing for listeners if you skip a week.” Mmmm, not sure any of those statements are true. I do care about being consistent and I certainly don’t want to confuse my listeners, but I also think it is more important to be honest and authentic and take a break when necessary. So I figured I would mention my break, just in case you wondered why you didn’t receive an email announcing March 22nd’s episode :)
Focusing on the positive meaning of a break, particularly in our capitalistic culture that rewards work-a-holism, busy-ness, and productivity, what is your perception of taking a break?
How do you handle breaks?
Is it easy for you to give yourself a break?
Is it hard for you to give yourself a break?
What makes it possible?
What stops you?
How do you treat your self when taking a break?
How do you treat yourself after taking a break?
Part of the reason I took a break from posting a podcast episode last week, was due to the fact that my husband and I had just returned from having taken a larger break. Thanks to the generosity of our dear friends, Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, we were in the Bahamas for nearly 3 weeks. Believe me that was a deep, glorious, healing break. Let go of the guilt trip and drop into the gifts that a break offers. Whether you need a break from screens, devices, social media, a break from conversation, certain people, a break from unhealthy patterns, from the violence and chaos in our world, please give yourself a break. And while taking a break, check out the show notes for a link to Memphis soul legend Rufus Thomas’ song “Break Down” and let it move you to join the phenomenal dancers in the audience who truly break down! As well as a link to Shaun King’s podcast “The Break Down” to stay present to social justice issues. May we all honor and embrace taking breaks; small breaks, large breaks, daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal breaks - it’s good for the soul! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Rufus Thomas “Break Down”
Shaun King’s podcast “The Break Down”
My guest today is Kate Holby. Kate, together with her sister, Sara, and the appreciated support of their parents, started a small business 12 years ago, called Ajiri Tea Company. The Swahili translation of the word “Ajiri” means ‘to employ’ and that is exactly what the Holby sisters have done. Ajiri sources tea from small-scale farms in Western Kenya and employs 60 women in the Kenyan region to hand make all the packaging, using dried bark from banana trees. Ajiri asked the tea farmers and women where the profits should go, and they all agreed they wanted profits to be invested in education for the orphans in their community. 100% of profits goes directly to Orphan Education. Ajiri then hired two exceptional Kenyan social workers, who identify vulnerable orphans, providing the concrete financial support of school fees and living supplies, while also providing the emotional and psychological support to address their difficult living situations.
Ajiri cares about the quality of their relationships, from their empowering relationship to the farmers and women making packages, to their social workers and Ajiri scholars, to their phenomenal, loyal customer base who believe in the mission of this truly Kenyan company. And to think that the simple act of sipping a cup of Kenyan tea could have such a positive ripple effect on the lives of so many!
Check out the show notes for links to the Ajiri Tea website and their Instagram & Twitter accounts. Explore ways you can help support the inspiring work for this great company. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
ajiritea.com
IG: @ajiritea
Twitter: @AjiriTea
My guest today is Cheryl Seeley. Cheryl is an Early Childhood Educator, Director of an After-School Arts Program and a trained Doula. It’s remarkably touching to hear about the countless children and families over the past 20 years, that she has advocated for and wrapped in her loving embrace.
I admired Cheryl’s courage to step out of her comfort zone and speak up about two terrifying racial assaults. She shares the context behind what pushed her to post a personal statement publicly, regarding these seemingly unrelated attacks on 2 Black men: Christian Cooper and George Floyd. Raised in a family of love, Cheryl truly is a conduit of love, light, compassion and gratitude. Check out the show notes for Cheryl's’ Instagram account to see her powerful words. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Cheryl's Instagram
Liz Carr
Sophia Gennusa
My guest today is Patty Forbes. In addition to being an exceptional psychotherapist, Patty is a dear friend who graciously invited me into the dying process when her beloved husband, Wayne Pedzwater, was struggling with stomach cancer 16 years ago. Wayne was a gifted, respected bass player, incredibly inspiring human being, who taught all of us who knew him, so much about living life fully, and at the all too young age of 48, about dying with dignity.
Patty describes what she calls “The Gift in the Black Box”, all the life lessons that accompanied her deep loss. Patty understands what it truly means to be present, not just to her husband’s dying and death, but to be present to her own grief, to be present to moving on and finding meaning in life. She also learned about the power of choice, and how to up her game. She’s been documenting these lessons and gifts and will eventually capture her story in a book. A book I know will have relevance for all of us.
Skilled psychotherapist, trusted friend, with a great sense of humor, and woman of integrity. Patty speaks of her friends being a bright light in her life, but I am blessed to have Patty Forbes as a treasured bright light in my life. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Email Patty
Two weeks after our 20-inch snow storm, the snow has been walked on, patted down, rained on, thawed and frozen over once again. My snowy path has transformed into an icy, crunchy, crusty, frozen path. Thank goodness for a pair of crampons a friend gave me about a month ago. It reminds me of putting on an old pair of galoshes, those rubber overshoes to protect our feet from rain. My new crampons have a rubber outline that fits over my boots, with spiked iron chains that cover the sole of my boot to prevent me from slipping on ice and snow. How appropriate for this week’s journaling from Layla Saad’s book “Me and White Supremacy” which focused on white apathy, white centering, tokenism, white savior-ism and optical allyship.
The work of anti-racism and these terms can be as precarious as the icy, crunchy, frozen path I traverse. We use excuses of tiredness, procrastination, overwhelm and fear to avoid engaging in anti-racism practices, like we use excuses to avoid walking in these winter conditions. We find ourselves numb from another black person murdered by police brutality, or opting out of doing the inner work because we are overly sensitive. Both the path of anti-racism and this frozen path are tricky and pull us out of our comfort zone, however each offers healing and beauty, we would otherwise miss out on. We can equip ourselves with resources, so please throw on your crampons, and take a winter walk with me! What we first deemed treacherous is now manageable and worth every step of the journey!
I am equipping myself with courage and crampons, for this frozen path has much to teach me. After all, beneath the layers of crusty, snow and ice, lies the promise of spring! Even though the thick layers of winter snow and ice prevent us from seeing all the seeds of spring that lay below the surface, may we trust in a world that will thaw and transform our racism. As the earth begins to warm up and everything begins to grow, may our hearts warm up so we can cultivate racial healing, equity and justice.
Check out the show notes for links to books and movies referenced.
Links:
“Me and White Supremacy” by Layla Saad
Good Ancestor Podcast
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem
How to Be an AntiRascist by Ibram X. Kendi
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
White Rage by Carol Anderson
Make Change by Shaun King
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
One Night in Miami
Judas and the Black Messiah
The 2 Killings of Sam Cooke
Today we enter Week Three of Black History Month. I am moved by all the tributes on television and social media to Black artists, activists, trailblazers and truthsayers. May these tributes be infused in us, not just this month, but throughout the year, throughout our lives. Let us stay aware and awake to the courage and sacrifices made, as we all do our part to contribute to cultivating true racial justice. In honor of Black History Month, I’ve decided to do more inner work on racism in order to face my white privilege and take responsibility on a deeper level to dismantle white supremacy. Author Layla Saad provides a very helpful guide in her book “Me and White Supremacy” as I continue to read and dive into her prompts for meaningful journaling.
Toni Morrison’s powerful words years ago when interviewed by Charlie Rose, took white supremacy to task by emphasizing that racism is a white person’s responsibility to address.“If you can only be tall because somebody is on their knees, then you have a serious problem. And my feeling is white people have a very, very serious problem. And they should start thinking about what they can do about it. Take me out of it.”
Racism is crazy, it is a neurosis, a cancer that will continue to metastasize in this country unless we, white people do our part to face it, be uncomfortable, inconvenienced and take responsibility for dismantling it. We have a serious problem, a very, very serious problem. What are we going to do about it?
One concrete thing I am doing about it is letting the journal prompts from “Me and White Supremacy” take root. Having just completed Week Two in Saad’s book, I was grateful to reflect on the topics of Anti-Blackness, Racial Stereotypes and Cultural Appropriation. This book and these journal prompts call me to go within, to stop making it about other people. Who am I? How do I respond? Can I find meaningful ways to engage with other white people about our race, about our responsibility in creating, sustaining and benefiting from white privilege? Can I stop my mental gymnastics that prevent me from seeing my own race or what my race has done to Black, Indigenous People of Color?
This past year I’ve also added Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), those working for equal justice and prison reform, social justice activists, enlightened political and spiritual leaders, those terrorized by police brutality and white supremacy to my daily Metta meditation. I think of these individuals and groups of people everyday, holding them close to my heart. I typically say these meditations while walking up to the top of Hook Mountain, but if I am not at the mountain, I make sure to say this wherever I am: sitting on my meditation cushion, walking in the woods, by the river, skiing, biking, wherever…
This is a small, humble way I personally take responsibility for my thoughts and beliefs. As Layla Saad says: “Create the change the world needs by creating change within yourself.”I take this very, very serious problem of racism to heart and will continue to create change within myself. May you be inspired to do your inner work.
Check out the links below to hear Toni Morrison’s interview with Charlie Rose and access the book “Me and White Supremacy”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Toni Morrison clip with Charlie Rose
“Me and White Supremacy” by Layla Saad
Good Ancestor Podcast
This is the second week of Black History Month and I am entering Week Two of my reading and journaling of “Me and White Supremacy”. We had nearly two feet of snow this past week and I found my snow walks in the woods to be a helpful place to process some of the thoughts that surfaced for me. I ventured out last Monday after 12 hours of snowfall. Oh how inviting! The snow was magical, quiet, a perfect setting to be present to the peaceful beauty around me, while letting thoughts about white supremacy, my white supremacy emerge.
As I was sorting though these memories, the wooded trail had not yet been walked on and I found myself lifting my knees high toward my chest and then sinking down knee deep into the untouched, powdery snow. What an appropriate metaphor this snowy path is for walking the internal path of white supremacy. As I turned inward to take an honest look at my white privilege, white fragility, tone policing, white silence, white superiority, and white exceptionalism, I realized I was working up a sweat. My high knee lifting and stomping feet provided a good cardio work out as I delved deeper into these concepts/memories/images. I began to think of the ancestors that have literally and figuratively walked before me. You see, I guess we all have a blend of ancestors, those who have addressed and grappled with white supremacy, those who denied or ignored it. I have both ancestors who were active members of the underground railroad and ancestors who were slave owners. They all run through my blood and it is a heavy load. Oh my, the guilt and shame is tangible, like these heavy, laborious steps in this deep snow. It takes energy, perseverance and stamina for me to stay on the path, to not get lost in the woods of my mind, not let the intensity of pain paralyze me on my journey. I whispered to myself: “Stay true, Deb, face the ugly truth and the inspiring truth. Don’t turn away from the disturbing emotions, be with them, learn from them.
As the snow melts around me, may my conditioned white supremacy also melt. May I tell the truth to myself and others with integrity. May I cultivate the courage to speak up and out whenever I witness racist behavior. May I continue to embody more fully anti-racist thoughts, words and actions. May I devote myself to healing and restoring dignity of all Black, Indigenous, People of Color. And…may you also find meaningful ways to honor Black History month.
Check out the links to learn more about Layla Saad, her website, podcast and purchase her book “Me and White Supremacy”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
http://laylafsaad.com/
Good Ancestor Podcast
Since launching this podcast in January 2018, it has been important for me to represent people of color throughout the year. In addition, I have ensured that during Black History month, the entire month of February, featured black guests. This year I thought it would be appropriate to focus on the responsibility white people have in dismantling white supremacy, which is the root of racism. I personally am dedicated to doing as much as possible to stay aware of my white privilege and use that awareness to challenge and check in, if I am, in fact, thinking, speaking or acting in anti-racist ways. This year, for Black History month I’ll be reading Layla Saad’s book “Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor”. The book is designed as a 28 day challenge, so I think it is a perfect way for me, and I invite all my white listeners to join me, to rethink our part in healing and restoring dignity to Black Indigenous People Of Color.
There are so many gems in this book, from the quotes inscribed in the front and back of the book, to the Forward written by Dr. Robin Di Angelo, to Saad’s openness, vulnerability, humility and bold courage, guiding the readers to do the critical inner work.
The quote in the front of the book reads:
“Create the change the world needs by creating change within yourself.”
The quote at the back of the book reads:
“You can not dismantle what you cannot see. You cannot challenge what you do not understand.”
So today is February 1st, the start of the month, the start of Black History Month, and an opportunity for white people to participate differently in Black History Month - a month that only exists because of the glaring racial inequity in this country. For Black History month, I want to start a deeper, pro-active journey in doing the inner work to dismantle white supremacy. How much more energy, courage and trust it takes to feel the feelings, sit with the unbearableness of racism and oppression, re-awaken to our humanity, channel our pain, guilt and shame into action and change. Let’s raise our consciousness and acknowledge how we knowingly and unknowingly benefit from racists policies and systems. I hope you will join me in reflecting, journaling, processing, so we are ready and able to make meaningful, tangible shifts to dismantle white supremacy. The work of anti-racism is not a one time event, or simply accomplished by completing a 28 day challenge. I know it is a life long commitment, but I believe, for this moment, this is a good place to start. May you find a meaningful way to truly honor Black History Month.
Check out the links below to learn more about Layla Saad, her website, podcast and purchase her book “Me and White Supremacy”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
http://laylafsaad.com/
Good Ancestor Podcast
Not sure if you are still feeling the afterglow from the Day of Inauguration on Wednesday, January 20th, when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States, but I certainly am! I can easily access how moved I felt, how inspired, nourished and invigorated I was by the colors, vibrancy, decency, respect and refreshing HOPE that infused the ceremony and celebrations. The afterglow is still alive for me and when it fades, it doesn’t take much effort to re-ignite it. In fact, all I have to do is recall an image, a person, an outfit, an exchange, a gesture, or words expressed and the positive vibes course again through my body.
In today’s episode I highlight our hero, the brave Eugene Goodman, our brilliant ray of light, Amanda Gorman and the endearing, playful tribute to Bernie Sanders, whose memes showed up in every nook and cranny, with people and in places that we truly need him.
I’ve re-listened, re-watched Amanda’s performance of “The Hill We Climb” - I encourage you to let her words shower you with possibility, potential and passion. Here is the last stanza in her poem:
“In every known nook of our nation, in every corner called our country, our people, diverse and beautiful, will emerge, battered and beautiful. When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Remind yourself of how your soul was nourished by poignant prayers, sincere speeches, sweet songs and powerful poetry - stoke the afterglow when you need a little boost. Let the tears flow, goose bumps tingle, cleanse the toxicity. The more I focus on the glow of Inauguration Day, the more it expands, so I encourage you to talk about it, highlight your favorite moments and share those moments in solidarity with your circles. We need to support each other as we face the layers of challenges ahead. May we do so with courage, compassion and a belief in our shared humanity.
Check out the show notes for a variety of links that pay tribute to Eugene Goodman, Amanda Gorman and Bernie Sanders. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Amanda on Instagram
Bernie Sanders on Instagram
"Fury and Faith" by Amanda Gorman
“The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
Amanda at the Library of Congress
Amanda performing at The Moth
Bernie Sanders on Seth Meyers
Ed Palermo Big Band "Amnerika"
Last week I provided the link to hear my friend, Margaret Dulaney’s story “The Age of Atrocity”, where she encourages us to let goodness, kindness, honor and love shine, even in the midst of atrocity. Well, my guest today is someone who embodies such an enlightened perspective. On the day that domestic terrorists stormed the U. S. Capitol, a dear friend of today’s guest lost their home and everything they owned in an electrical fire. Listen to how today’s guest created a relief fund for her friend, and please join me in contributing to the power of kindness and generosity.
My guest today is Thana Alexa. Thana is an extraordinarily creative vocalist, loop artist, composer and producer. Thana’s self-released, debut album “Ona”, which means “She” in her native Croatian language, has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category. Thana credits her empowering experience at the 2017 Women’s March in D.C. as the inspiration for “Ona”. She was moved by the stories of women, the voices of women, particularly the maternal lineage of immigrant women. “Ona” poignantly reflects Thana’s strength and authenticity, while capturing the cross-cultural, cross-generational universal messages that women carry throughout history. This completely grassroots, independent project, with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, paved the way for astounding, surprising, beautiful things to happen.
Thana’s expansive open heart reaches beyond her musical career. Thana infuses her life with compassion, integrity and a deep belief in the human spirit. Check out the links for Thana’s website, listen to her inspiring album “Ona”, watch the beautiful music video, and please help her raise much needed funds for her dear friend with cerebral palsy, CJ Shearn. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Thana's Web Site
Go Fund Me : CJ Shearn Apartment Fire Relief Fundraiser
Official Music Video for GRAMMY® Nominated ONA by Thana Alexa
Instagram:
@thana_alexa
@antoniodrums1
CJ Shearn
Miama James
Downbeat Magazine
Forbes Magazine Feature
Margaret Dulaney's Listen Well: “The Age of Atrocity”
In my meditations this week, the two words that have comforted me, held me and inspired me are truth and hope. Not just as words or concepts, but as felt experiences. This past week has been an intense one, to say the least! We’ve had to process the trauma of the appalling insurrection of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday January 6th. As painful as it is to face the harsh reality of white supremacy in America, I was relieved, dare I say, refreshed by the articulate, direct truth spoken by Brittany Packnett Cunningham. She spoke a piercing truth on MSNBC’s Brian Williams program on Wednesday night. And once again I felt, deep to the core of my being, that truth will set us free! Please listen to hear a truth we all must face. In fact, listen to it a few times to let it sink in. Thank you, Brittany, for speaking such a courageous, direct TRUTH!
I am so grateful to once again be uplifted by the wisdom and compassion of my dear friend Margaret Dulaney. Her recent story called “The Age of Atrocity” from her Listen Wellpodcast, was just what I needed to hear. She provides examples of how these atrocities, thought history and all over the world, have not stopped some people from shining their light. Margaret says that “honor, goodness, love, charity, kindness, shine with spectacular light against the backdrop of atrocity. The hero’s light often emerges when humanity’s light goes dim.” Please listen to “The Age of Atrocity”, to see if it might inspire the hero within you to emerge. Let Margaret’s insights and wisdom center you, inspire you to be kind, choose love and creativity, over fear and paralysis, precisely in the midst of these dark, despairing days. May kindness and light carry you through, help you spark your own hope for yourself and our future. Thank you, Margaret, for cultivating HOPE in humanity! Enjoy the podcast!
As we step into the New Year, it is common for us to take a moment to reflect on this past year. I wanted to start off the year, and the beginning of our fourth year of the podcast, by thanking my guests from 2020. In the year 2020, we had a total of 28 guests; 13 guests came to my home office to record our conversation, and 15 guests were recorded via Zoom.
This past year, I shared 21 stories or guided meditations, some as short as 5 minutes, but mostly 10-20 minutes long. I told personal stories, processed currents events, focusing on the uncertainty, struggles and loss so many experienced due to Covid-19, reflected on the courageous, much needed racial justice movement, social justice advocates and grassroots efforts throughout our country. I vented about the appalling politicians that stubbornly attempted to dismantle our democracy with a blatant lack of decency, respect and empathy - particularly oppressing the marginalized and most vulnerable. Many of us are still longing for humanity to be restored, and know that will be a long road ahead. But through all the difficulties of 2020, I sought to deepen my compassion, expand my gratitude and find the spiritual lessons, the opportunities for learning and growth. The desire to see the silver linings, find the gratitude, let go of illusions, be present to what is, in fact guides us on the enlightened path. Hoping that my guests and stories this past year helped to uplift and inspire you along the way. HEARTFELT THANKS to my 2020 guests!
May we all deepen our compassion for ourselves and each other, strengthen our commitment to racial and social justice, stay safe and healthy and live more confidently into the fullness of our potential. Blessings for a refreshing, empowering, healing New Year! Enjoy the podcast!
We launched a fundraiser in late 2020! Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album in November 2019, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney’s program. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people.
We’re happy to announce that along with the digital downloads that are available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com, MADE Transitions is offering physical CDs for purchase. The CDs contain 3 additional bonus tracks not available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com. Please check out my YouTube channel to watch videos of the musicians in Matt Balitsaris’ recording studio. Thanks for your continued support.
The MADE Project/GLOW album:
themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads)
GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel
M.A.D.E. Transitions (Glow CD orders)
My guest today is Louis Cato. Louis is beyond talented; he is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer. In fact, the time we set aside to record this conversation was cut short because he had last minute television recording demands. Louis was gracious enough to squeeze in 20 minutes to talk with me, amidst his extremely busy schedule and I am so grateful he did. Louis is a member of Jon Batiste and Stay Human, the house band for“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on CBS, has recorded with Beyonce, Q-Tip, John Legend, Mariah Carey and toured with Bobby McFerrin, Snarky Puppy, Marcus Miller, and David Sanborn, to name a few.
As impressive as his internationally acclaimed status is in the music world is, there is more that inspires me about Louis Cato. I am inspired by Louis’ large heart, his generosity, authenticity, kindness and his humility truly floors me. Even in 20 minutes you will hear the purity of his spirit shining through. Follow Louis on Instagram to receive weekly soul-nourishment from his Cato Covers.
Check out the links below for Louis’ website and to follow this creative genius on Instagram. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.louiscato.com
IG: @reallouiscato
My guest today is Gail Hovey. Gail is an inspiring author, editor, and activist who I recently met when she was invited to my book group. We had just read her newly published memoir: “She Said God Blessed Us: A Life Marked by Childhood Sexual Abuse in the Church” and we were thrilled to get to know the author. What a beautifully written memoir that sheds light on a largely invisible issue of sexual abuse by women.
Georgia, a seminary-trained Christian Education Director was brilliant, charismatic and used the language of faith to seduce 16 year-old Gail and other teenage girls in the church. Nearly a 40 year process, Gail found the language to understand what happened to her, the courage to express her experience and finally put in writing the impact her relationship with Georgia had over her.
Gail understands the importance of truth telling not just through her personal memoir, but what a crucial time it is in our country, in the world, for us to be telling the truth, facing the truth and taking responsibility for the truth, individually and collectively. Gail’s story poignantly embodies the more accurate, complicated, nuanced layers of life, of trauma, of sexuality, of love. She breaks through the false narratives of dichotomous thinking, demonstrating that our experiences are not one-dimensional: either/or; gay/straight; male/female; right/wrong. Gail’s life provides a rich history, from the 1950’s of the perceptions around religion, sexuality, feminism, activism, race, culture, the healing power of therapy and writing.
Check out these links for Gail’s website www.hoveygail.com and to order her book online, if you are not able to purchase it at your local, independent bookstore. Enjoy the podcast and I encourage you to read her book!
Have you heard? We launched a fundraiser! Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album last year, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney’s program. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people.
We’re happy to announce that along with the digital downloads that are available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com, MADE Transitions is offering physical CDs for purchase. The CDs contain 3 additional bonus tracks not available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com. Thanks for your continued support.
Links:
Gail's web site
Indie Bound Books
The MADE Project/GLOW album:
themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads)
GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel
M.A.D.E. Transitions (Glow CD orders)
In today’s episode I pay tribute to Alvin Ailey’s iconic masterpiece “Revelations”, celebrating its 60th anniversary. I reminisce about the 50 years this dance has been in my life: as an audience member since I was 12, a teen dancer that learned excerpts of the choreography, a passionate facilitator to introduce “Revelations” to newbies, an enthusiast who delighted in sharing these performances with many friends and family, to the proud wife of the bass player in Ailey’s wonderful band that accompanies a glorious gospel choir. I miss seeing the live performance this year and particularly miss the extended family of all involved in this production.
As we mourn the loss of people, places and performances that can’t be experienced in person, I am focused on the hope, inspiration and joy captured in “Revelations”. I appreciate all that the magnificent Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater stands for and embodies. I am deeply grateful for the warm, inclusive, loving embrace I experience when in the presence of Ailey’s band, spirited choir and exquisite dancers. I’ll let that sustain me till we meet again in person.
Checkout the links below to watch the Opening Night Virtual Benefit and links to my previous podcast guests representing a musician, 2 choir members and a dancer/Associate Artistic director of the company. Enjoy the podcast!
Thanks to everyone who supported and donated to the MADE fundraiser we launched last week. Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people.
Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album last year, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney’s program.
We’re happy to announce that along with the digital downloads that are available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com, MADE-transitions.org is offering physical CDs for purchase. The CDs contain 3 additional bonus tracks not available at bandcamp.com. Thanks for your continued support.
Links:
Alvin Ailey Opening Night Virtual Benefit
Enlighten Podcast Episodes featuring:
Gary Fritz (Ailey percussionist)
Roosevelt Credit (choir member)
Gail Blache-Gill (choir member)
Matthew Rushing (Alvin Ailey Associate Artistic Director)
The MADE Project/GLOW album:
themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads)
GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel
M.A.D.E. Transitions (Glow CD orders)
We are launching a fundraiser this week for MADE Transitional Services. Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people.
Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album last year, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney’s program.
Check out the links below to hear their music, purchase the album and view my YouTube channel which features 5 songs filmed by our son, Wil Adamy, during the recording of the album. Special note: Bandcamp.com waives their commission the first Friday of every month, so if you purchase their music this Friday December 4th, 100% of the proceeds will go to MADE Transitions. Thank you so much for your support!
In this week’s episode, Deborah takes about 6 minutes to share the power of expressing ourselves in 6 words. From Hemingway, to Larry Smith to the NY Times, with friends and family, see how six-word stories are capturing our hearts and imagination. Six words: succinct, poignant, igniting imagery, emotion & heart. I highly recommend giving this a try. Explore a wide range of topics to play around with this 6 word writing exercise: from your memoir, to what you are thankful for, to what you long for in your personal life, your career, the world, to a walk in the woods, to summarizing your day. “Keeping this episode short, sweet simple.”
Check out the link below to the NY Times article and learn more about all the ways Larry Smith has expanded this six word project. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
NY Times: The Morning
themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads)
GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel
Six Word Memoirs
M.A.D.E. Transitions
Most of us can agree that 2020 has been a very difficult year. I am finally feeling some positive energy within reach, thanks to the election win of Biden/Harris. Where were you when you learned that Biden/Harris had finally been declared President and Vice-President of the United States? What feelings surfaced for you? I bet you have a story to tell.
So many stories have been shared formally and informally of where people were and how they found out the joyous news. The Biden/Harris win ignited tremendous joy throughout the country and around the world. Countless celebrations erupted from big cities to small towns, infused with an outpouring of spirited, enthusiastic banner-waving, singing, dancing, live musicians, DJs and solidarity. Saturday November 7th, 2020 provided a day of release, relief, hope and joy!
Even with that day of joy and celebration, I know there is a tremendous amount of work before us, individually and collectively. I pray that the Biden administration follows through on advocating for equal justice, prison reform, justice for all the families who have lost a loved one to police brutality and white supremacy.
Trump is still having his temper tantrums, refusing to accept the results and doing as much damage while he can. Regardless of Trump’s irresponsible, narcissistic, disrespectful antics, we get to watch ourselves respond. What do you notice in yourself? Do you get pulled into the drama? Do the external circumstances throw you off your center? How do you practice ways to stay grounded? How do care for yourself in the midst of the chaos? What thoughts or spiritual practices calm you?
What are you reaching for? What feels within reach for you?
May positive energy, joy, justice, healing, balance, order, decency and democracy be within our reach.
Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
“Thomas Merton: A Book of Hours” edited by Kathleen Deignan
IG: @annemariesiefert
We recorded this podcast just yesterday and did what was necessary to release it within 24 hours because our guest has 2 exciting projects that are happening this week and we wanted to get the word out to everyone as soon as possible. One workshop takes place this coming Sunday November 22nd, the first in a series, called “Manifest Monthly” of monthly yoga workshops to deepen your physical practice while supporting grassroots organizations. The other is a 4 month program, called “Hibernation for Healing” that begins this Wednesday November 18th. Hopefully you will be able to participate in at least one, if not both of these meaningful offerings.
So my guest today is Shawna Emerick. Shawna was a guest 2 years ago and is a gifted Yoga Teacher, Thai Bodywork Therapist, Life Coach and Spiritual Activist. Shawna brings such heart and integrity to everything she does and it is truly a joy to shine light on Shawna once again. Yes, I encourage everyone to take a yoga class, workshop or retreat from Shawna or experience her balancing Thai massage healing touch, or receive the insightful guidance from Shawna’s life coaching. And I want everyone to support either directly or indirectly her “Manifest Monthly” series - it means so much to me that Shawna chose MADE Transitions as the first organization in her series. Shawna also describes her “Hibernation for Healing” program that she is co-facilitating and co-creating with Liz Moyer. She’ll describe both and more in today’s conversation.
Please check out the show notes for links to Shawna’s email, website, and how to follow her on social media. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.shawnashakti.com
email: shawnalight@gmail.com
M.A.D.E. Manifest
Hibernation for Healing
IG: @shawnaemerick
IG: Liz Moyer, @we_heal_for_all
FaceBook
The Monday before election day, a friend had posted this quote:
“Shout out to anyone doing their part to spread love and raise the vibration of the planet. I know this lingo can sound a little weird to some people, but seriously, if you’re out here uplifting people and spreading love, I appreciate you so damn much.”
Well, I’m out here trying to uplift people and spreading love as I know most of you are. I recorded this podcast on Wednesday 11/4, the day after Election Day, when we were still waiting for every vote to be counted. Who do I want to be if Biden wins our election? Who ought I be if Trump wins? I want to show up with integrity and love, to every moment of life. I want to show up with gratitude and appreciation of all the progress we’ve made as well as a determination to keep fighting for equality, justice and advocating for the dignity of every human being. I want to show up with an inner sense of peace, knowing that no one is free if others are oppressed.
By the time this airs, on Monday 11/9, we hopefully will learn that Joe Biden has won the popular and electoral votes and is now the next President of the United States. We, therefore are taking a collective sigh of relief knowing that we can now begin the challenging work ahead to restore our country, our democracy and most of all to heal humanity. As Eckhart Tolle says: “Your unhappiness ultimately arises not from the circumstances of your life but from the conditioning of your mind.” So let’s look at the conditioning of our minds. We have been well-conditioned by worry, anxiety and fear. So even in these stressful days of waiting for justice to prevail, we can practice noticing our thoughts, notice what thoughts calm us and what thoughts unsettle us. We can master our minds when we dare to be present to what is. And for most of us, what is, is a lot of uncertainty. Be present to the uncertainty, be present to the unknown. Or as Ram Das said: “Be Here Now!”
In this waiting period, like any waiting period throughout our lives, we are being challenged to not fuel the worry and nervousness, but to let the anxiety dissolve naturally. Focus your thoughts on the change we wish to see. As John Lewis said, “Change requires patient, persistent action.”
Regardless of the outcome of this election, we have a lot of important work ahead of us. It’s as critical that we undo our fear-driven mental conditioning and do the inner work of raising consciousness and cultivating mindfulness. May we dissolve our anxiety, focus on the love, stay devoted to the dignity of every human being, act from oneness, drop into silence and stillness and embrace compassion.
Let’s all do our part to uplift others, raise the vibration of the planet, keep spreading the love. Enjoy the podcast!
Love is in the air, do you feel it?!? I do and if you pay attention, you will see it, hear it, and feel it, too! Love is in the air; love is all around us! There's an outpouring of love: in lawn signs, in mindsets, in the kindness from strangers, in celebrations of anniversaries, birthdays, in protestors, in a record turn out of determined voters, in joyful dancers, in community volunteers and in song. Who have you showered with love lately?
Watch the amazing video Black Eyed Peas released with Jennifer Hudson of their song “Where is the Love?” I’ve always loved that song, but it now means so much more to me, these days as we all find creative ways to find the love, show up to the challenges with more love. Where is the love? The love is inside each one of us, focus on love, let’s keep generating the healing power of love! What we focus on increases, so let's grow this love!
As Stevie Wonder sings in “Love's in Need of Love”
*What I’m about to say could mean the world’s disaster.
Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain.
It’s that love’s in need of love today.
Don’t delay send yours in right away.
Hate's going around breaking many hearts,
Stop it please before its gone too far.
The force of evil plans to make you its possession
and it will if we let it destroy everybody
We all must take precautionary measures,
If love and peace you treasure, then you’ll hear me when I say,
That love’s in need of love today.
Don’t delay send yours in right away.*
May we abide in love as we enter this next chapter of our democracy.
Check out the show notes to find links to Margaret Dulaney's Listen Well podcast as well as my playlist of Love Songs. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Listen Well October Offering: “Try This”
John Lewis, “Across That Bridge”
People Are Obsessed With This Video Of Voters In Philadelphia Doing The "Cha Cha Slide"
Songs: (YouTube)
James Taylor, “Shower the People”
Al Green, “Love is a Beautiful Thing”
Black Eyed Peas, “Where is the Love?”
Stevie Wonder, “Love's in Need of Love”
My guest today is Kristin Richardson Jordan, also known, simply as her initials: KRJ. Kristin is a teacher, poet, social justice activist and spiritual warrior, who is currently running for New York City Council in District 9, Central Harlem. She is in no manner a typical politician, in fact KRJ’s refreshing platform is radical love! She explains that love is the base for meaningful change, for action, for organizing; love is the foundation for making the world a better place. If elected, Kristin would be the youngest ever, first openly LGBTQ person to hold this office in this district.
KRJ is a 3rd generation Harlemite, who cares deeply about her community, particularly investing time, energy and resources in what nourishes and uplifts the community, not what destroys and divides it. Kristin is a graduate from Brown University where she double majored in Literary Arts and Afrikana Studies and as fitting with the Black Radical Tradition, has infused her passions into creative, imaginative ways to address the political challenges that face Harlem.
As eager as I was to have my conversation with KRJ released before election day, I learned that voting for city council is not this November, but in June of 2021. So you have plenty of time to learn about KRJ and join me in following her progress and supporting KRJ’s vision of transformative love.
Check out the links below to Kristin’s website KristinForHarlem.com, her social media accounts, the 2 books she has published and the some of the resources she mentioned. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
KristinForHarlem.com
FB: Kristin4Harlem
IG: @Kristin4Harlem
Twitter: Kristin4Harlem
ANSWER: Act Now to Stop War and End Racism
Sister’s Uptown Bookstore
Books:
“Mules Fight Back: 40 Activist Poems and Stories”
“Water and Light: Choose Love Now”
This week I share a short, simple exercise called the “Compassion Beads”. The premise is that compassion is part of our DNA and can be nourished and cultivated with intention and mindfulness. Biologically, compassion decreases levels of stress, boosts our immune system and helps us feel calm.
Using a simple alphabetical mnemonic device, which provides a memory tool, the compassion beads, start with the letter C, and end with the letter L, or think of it this way: the beads start with COMPASSION and end with LOVE. The beads take you through 10 words, in alphabetical order that cultivate a calming, inner state of mind. Each bead represents one of the following words: Compassion, Dignity, Equanimity, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Humility, Integrity, Justice, Kindness and Love. Dr. James Doty, a neurosurgeon who has dedicated over 15 years to studying compassion, altruism and empathy, calls these 10 words the alphabet of the heart. A golden bead added at the end of the 10 words is a reminder of the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.
Even without physical beads to hold onto, you can feel the effects of this exercise. I lead a brief meditation to demonstrate how to use the compassion beads.
Check out the links to the San Antonio Peace Center and to CCARE: Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Feel free to make your own beads. You can easily carry them in your pocket or purse, a tangible reminder that compassion and peace are within reach and at your fingertips. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
The Center for Compassion And Altruism Research And Education
CCARE Videos
Dr. Doty's Alphabet of the Heart
San Antonio Peace Center
In the midst of more racial atrocities, pandemic chaos, political head-spinning, urgent climate concerns, and violent acts of domestic terrorism, I know we are all doing the best we can to get through our days. Hopefully we are focusing on what sustains our souls, as I’ve mentioned in the past 3 episodes. Getting through the day, includes simple tasks, routines, chores, as well as little and big decisions. I also know that the daily experiences of living, mundane and insignificant as it can seem, can momentarily draw us out from under the weight of the world. Sometimes, if we are lucky, getting through the day can hold moments of laughter. It can be as small as something that makes you smile, or ignites a subtle giggle or as cathartic as a big doubled over, belly laugh. I sure appreciate the release of laughter and realize that laughter itself, is a great soul sustainer.
To access the joyous relief of laughter, it helps not to take ourselves too seriously. That actually feels like a conscious, mindful choice on our life journey - to not take ourselves too seriously. Learning to laugh at ourselves, even when there has been a misunderstanding or when we’ve made a big mistake, is as important as any other tool we incorporate into our spiritual practice.
On this week's podcast, I share 2 personal stories that remind me how important laughter is. What has made you laugh recently? May you find the healing release of laughter this week. Let laughter usher in some playfulness and joy. Let us add laughter to our important threads that sustains our souls. Enjoy the podcast.
I heard wonderful feedback about the last 2 episodes from listeners who really enjoyed hearing shorter, personal stories. Thank you! So today will be another offering from me.
Whoa, what a week we just weathered!! From Trump’s disgraceful, abusive behavior during the first presidential debate to learning this past Friday that he and Melania tested positive for the Covid-19. Like many of us, I walk a very fine line between wanting to be informed yet not wanting to be sucked into the chaos that Trump propogates. I tune into current events incrementally and from as many grounded sources that avoid the hype and fear-mongering drama. Even the program title of Jessica Yellin’s Instagram: “News Not Noise” is my style of being informed.
So even though there was nothing surprising about the way Trump conducted himself during Tuesday night’s debate, after all he was in character; he blatantly assaulted everyone of us. Trump’s disrespectful, demeaning, loud, rude, bullying, name-calling, manipulative attacks targeted first at Joe Biden, then the moderator, Chris Wallace, and then clearly at every one of us tuning in.
When the 90 minute debate was finally over, I found myself trying to shake off the energetic slime before going to bed that night. Wriggling my hands, flailing my arms, even karate kicking my legs into the air to release all the negativity. And then I thought how do I shake free from the hostile images of Trump spewing, interrupting, lying, diverting? In addition to my body that was needing to release the slime, I wanted to clear my mind. Otherwise, I was bound to have nightmares!! I was relieved to have readily available my recent podcast offering of a guided meditation. I lay down, turned on the episode and immediately began to breathe slower and deeper. Perfect for moments like these, and I actually fell asleep quickly and slept through the night peacefully.
We are being asked to flex our resilience muscles, through the pandemic over these past 6 months, through the debacle of this last debate and as we approach more political and pandemic uncertainty ahead. Many of us keep rebounding from all this adversity, learning how to resiliently withstand and expand, in the face of despair. It takes a toll on our hearts. Since our hearts have been recently stressed, pulled and yanked so intensely, I felt drawn to offer you another guided meditation. This one is for our hearts. May it help build heart resiliency and tenderness. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Jessica Yellin- News Not Noise
Guided Meditation, Episode 127
This week I build on last week’s theme of focusing on what sustains our soul by sharing a recent magical moment that I am calling “Swan-Delight”. When we pause, pay attention and share these soul sustaining moments, it helps to absorb more fully, their deeper meaning. Just as there is a universal law of gravity, there is a universal law that what we focus on increases. Most of us are conditioned to focus on what we are afraid of, what we are worried about, actually what we don’t want. I encourage you to focus on your soul sustaining moments, interactions and experiences. When I invest my thought energy on what sustains my soul, the moments themselves deepen and sweeten and it opens me to more soul sustaining experiences. The little, simple daily delights come into focus. As I give these delights my attention, they increase and expand, nourishing me with wonder, joy and gratitude.
May my Swan-Delight story remind you to pay attention to the threads that sustain your soul. Enjoy the podcast!
A couple of days ago, Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away. What a tragic loss for our country, for our democracy and the soul of our nation! I am heartbroken and join millions of Americans in honoring her impressive legacy; she was a true American hero, relentlessly fighting for equal justice under the law. RBG championed women’s rights as well as protecting the constitutional rights of every American. Rest in peace RBG. May we stand on your shoulders and do all we can to keep your values, tenacity, and fight for justice alive!
This week I pose the questions: What sustains your soul as we enter the fall season, with all its challenges? What is the thread that you hold onto through tragedies, hurt, suffering and loss? I share some of my answers to these questions: authenticity, addressing racial injustices, vulnerability, connection to nature, and meditation. Now more than ever, we need to bring consciousness to our inner wisdom, a deeper truth that can ground us and cultivate intentional practices that keep us shored up. May these thoughts invite you to reflect on your own threads that sustain your soul. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Sharon Charde. Sharon is a poet, teacher and author, who recently published a heartfelt, beautifully written book “I Am Not A Juvenile Delinquent: How Poetry Changed a Group of At Risk Young Women”. For over a decade Sharon volunteered as a poetry teacher at a residential treatment facility for delinquent girls. Her initial intention was to reach out to these young women and have them tell their stories, but what happened was that Sharon fell in love with the girls, and as we know about true love… love takes us places we don’t expect to go! This book is a testament that love heals, expands, empowers and transforms us.
Sharon compassionately weaves the story of her personal grief and suffering, seamlessly into the stories of the girls’ grief and suffering. She facilitated and witnessed the girls pull the dark shadows from the corner of their souls, bring them into the light, transforming pain and suffering into poetry. Sharon’s authentic dedication to the girls, their lives, along with her tenacity to have their stories heard is priceless. The girls’ courage and realness and the profound power of poetry taught Sharon how to carry her own grief differently, making room for more love than pain.
Check out the show notes for links to Sharon’s website, a promotional video highlighting the voices of these young women, resources she mentioned, along with 2 independent book stores that carry her book.
With the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I encourage you to watch a 12 minute video on YouTube called "Boatlift". My previous podcast guest Rick Velleu co-directed this short film with his business partner Eddie Rosenstein. It's a poignant, inspiring account of resilience and the human spirit. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.sharoncharde.com
Oblong Books
Partners Village Store
Teen Voices Magazine
Ellen Bass
Hotchkiss
"I Am Not A Juvenile Delinquent" - video by Jon Baskin
Oh what an emotional week this has been! How my heart aches for Jacob Blake, the black man who was brutally shot 7 times in the back by police officers, with his young children witnessing such racial violence as they sat in their car. The outpouring outcry in the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, pleading for justice. The appalling, intentional hatred by a 17 year old white supremacist who illegally crossed state lines with an AR-15 to terrorize and murder protesters. The racist policies that allow such terrorism to exist, with people and policies not being held accountable. Then as if the emotions weren’t intense enough, we learned on Friday that Chadwick Boseman, beloved actor, role model, humanitarian, died of colon cancer. He was a symbol of compassion, strength and black power! Rest in peace, inspiring one.
My guest today is Douglass DeCandia. Doug is an agricultural abolitionist, poet, and truthsayer. Doug had been my guest 2 years ago and I felt compelled to invite him back because he continues to inspire me, particularly during this critical period of racial reckoning in our country, for he has his finger on the pulse of the earth and of humanity. He and his partner, g. adabelle, co-authored a chapter that will be published in a handbook for international abolition. Doug sees the intimately correlated relationship of land with abolitionist work, experiencing the healing aspect of agriculture as it easily flows into activism and social justice work. He acknowledges that 4 centuries of white supremacy has left this country in utter turmoil, economically, socially and morally. Think of it, we haven’t ever seen a just food system in this country.
Doug encourages white people to call each other in and call each other out, to listen to the land, listen to the elders, listen to the black movement leaders. Doug, humbly urges all white people to do the work within ourselves and with each other, to not only dismantle racism, but to envision a more just and equitable society. Check out the show notes for links to contact Doug, access his poetry and learn of the abolitionist groups and people he references.
I invite you to follow me on Instagram, where for the first time, last week, I posted 4 short video clips of my conversation with Vonetta Taylor. I’ll also be posting some clips of my conversation with Doug. Let me know what you think. Comments can be posted on Instagram, below each video. We are also thinking of offering complete videos of my weekly podcast conversations on YouTube and would love your feedback. Thanks so much for your support. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Email Doug
Center For Humans & Nature
Doug's Poetry
Soul Fire Farm
North Star Fund - Victory Bus Project
"Grandmother’s Hands" by Resmaa Menakem
Enlighten Podcast on Instagram
My guest today is Vonetta Taylor. Vonetta is a mystic, spiritual guide, entrepreneur, and Emmy award winning designer. Initially excelling in math and physics, Vonetta went to Cornell University, majoring in engineering, but then switched to Cultural Anthropology, which spoke more to her heart. Post-graduate research of magic, myth and education, brought Vonetta to Africa, but it was the people in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, not the academic world, that burst open a feeling in Vonetta of what is means to be truly human. After a 15 year career as a creative director and designer, Vonetta was called to leading groups and guiding individuals into a deeper, spiritual path. She is the founder of a mystery school named “Crowned and Throned” and offers healing workshops, moon circles, retreats and year long courses in service of the earth and the Divine.
What an amazing journey of self-realization, from being a self-proclaimed atheist at 16 years old, committing herself to only believe and trust her own personal experiences, to now integrating the universal truths of meditation, astrology, yoga, dance, shamanism and the wisdom of indigenous elders. Vonetta embodies the depth of the phrase “Thou and I are one”, which makes me feel the vibration of pure joy in her presence!
Check out the show notes for links to Vonetta’s website, find her social media platforms, as well as her newly launched conscious beverage company, “UNITY”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.crownedandthroned.com
Instagram
www.drinkunity.com
Twitter
Email Vonetta
Manual For Ascension
Saged App
I am happy to announce that my recent guided chakra meditation is now available on my website. Listen here.
As we continue to delve into important layers of racial oppression, white supremacy, racial justice and what it truly means to dismantle racism, I am grateful to have this platform to share some of what I have been processing.
Black people have acknowledged how difficult it is to give honest feedback to a white person about an interchange where they felt hurt, insulted or offended by a racist remark. Black people admit it rarely goes well. In fact when a black person dares to point out hurtful, blatant or implicit biases to a white person, they receive hostile reactions from white people. Dr. Robin DiAngelo asked the black participants of her workshops ‘what would that be like for you to have a white person acknowledge their racist remark, own up to it, apologize for it?’ One black person said to Robin, that would be revolutionary! Imagine that - revolutionary to be heard, acknowledged, received, understood with compassion. Wow! Revolutionary! Well, I want to be a part of that revolution!
Remember racism was created by white people and it is white people, now more than ever, who must awaken, rise up and be pro-active in dismantling racism. I believe this revolutionary response is integral to dismantling racism, one person at a time, one friendship at a time, until all black people are heard, honored and treated with dignity. I want to create and live in a world where BLACK LIVES more than MATTER. I want to create a world where BLACK LIVES are recognized, valued, and celebrated. Help me create a world where BLACK LIVES THRIVE and FLOURISH!! Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
1 Million Truths
"The Fight" (Movie Trailer)
Guided Chakra Meditation
This past week, the strong winds and heavy rains of Hurricane Isaias moved up through the east coast, uprooting thousands of trees. Mother Nature is reflecting what many of us are experiencing personally and collectively, the aftermath of not just the physical storm, but of the pandemic and racial injustices that continue to challenge and shake us. The force of the storm captured in the verbs: uprooting, toppling, crushing, crashing, knocking out, blocking, snapped, dangling and scattered are not so foreign to our own state of mental health these days. In this episode I focus on the concept of white guilt, which can manifest in different ways; reflecting on childhood memories, early awareness of injustice, and a drive to have my white guilt lead to action. I also humbly admit that white guilt got the better of me in a recent interaction with a podcast guest. Staying honest, vulnerable and committed to learning. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
"Deconstructing White Privilege", with Robin DiAngelo
"Teaching Tolerance Interviews Robin DiAngelo: White Fragility in the Classroom"
"Stay Black and Die", The Daily (NY Times Podcast)
"How Can I Cure My White Guilt", NY Times
I lead a 20-30 minute meditation with a small group of friends every Friday morning and this past week, one of my friends asked if I could record the meditation. I was moved that she would like to hear my meditation again, that she found my free-form guidance helpful in giving her a centering peace. So here it is for my friends and all my podcast listeners: a 20 minute spontaneous, organic guided meditation. May it help ground you in the midst of all the uncertainty, heartache, racial oppression and political turmoil going on in our country right now. I know my daily spiritual practices provide an anchor for me in the stormy seas of the pandemic, police brutality, systemic racism, and a deep cry for justice, as well as whatever personal challenges I face. May this offering help quiet your mind, provide calm and clarity to hear the wisdom of your body and enhance your own practices of peace.
This comes from my heart, may it be received by your heart.
My guest today is Kitty Hatcher. Kitty is a gifted astrologist and tarot reader, who reads astrological charts and teaches beginning, intermediate and advanced classes on astrology. I first met Kitty in 1993 and every reading from her since has helped me distinguish and live more confidently into, what Kitty describes as, who I truly am, as opposed to who I am programmed to be. With what has been exposed and unleashed with the pandemic and racial oppression, we also have the opportunity to think about who we truly are as a country, as opposed to who we’ve been programmed to be. I'm delighted to shine light on someone who can help us step back, and understand the bigger picture from a planetary perspective. I am moved by Kitty’s insights, generous heart, gratitude for beauty and loving spirit.
Check out the show notes for links to contact Kitty for your own astrological chart reading, to take one of her classes or to subscribe to her insightful newsletter. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
FB: Kitty Hatcher Awareness Through Astrology
Email: kittyhatcher@comcast.net
Cell: 443-610-6437
Ephemeris
Tarot: Toth Deck
http://www.angelesarrien.com/
John Lewis: Good Trouble (Trailer)
Howard Thurman documentary
AOC speech July 23, 2020
Instead of a guest today, I’d like to humbly do my part in honoring the life and legacy of John Lewis. Representative John Lewis died on Friday July 17 at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer. You will find beautiful tributes to Mr. Lewis, in the recent New York Times article, on a NPR special and throughout social media platforms. Please take the time to learn more about this courageous, devoted man of integrity. I look forward to watching the documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble”.
In addition to John Lewis’ life, which embodied his values and steadfast fight for equality and justice, is the profound impact he had on so many people. Throughout this past weekend, I was so inspired by the countless posts I read on Instagram, from activists and everyday people I truly admire. Some included memories of meeting John Lewis in person, others paid tribute to what John Lewis endured and stood for. In case you don’t follow the same people I follow or if you do and need to hear their words again, I’ll share a few of these posts that touched me.
Check out the show notes for links to the documentary about John Lewis, the New York Times article, and all the Instagram accounts of the people I quoted.
Links:
New York Times, 7/17/20
John Lewis, Good Trouble
Instagram:
@npr
@shaunking
@danaigurira
@justiceforgeorgenyc
@kimberlylatricejones
@leemerrittesq
@reallouiscato
@thana_alexa
@jonbatiste
My guest today is Horace Turnbull. Horace has spent his life devoted to positively shaping kids lives and uplifting community, through the value and power of the arts. Horace grew up in segregated Greenville, MS, in high school he helped farm families find housing, formed recreational activity program for young people, majored in sociology and psychology at Tougaloo College, before moving to New York. He began his career in a child welfare agency as a child care worker, and for the last 3 years of his career, before retiring 4 years ago, was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for St. Christopher’s, a residential treatment center and school for children with emotional disabilities and special needs.
In the decades in between, Horace was involved with the the world-renowned Boys Choir of Harlem (BCH), that his brother Walter founded in 1968. Horace was an incorporating officer of BCH and helped partner with NYC in creating a coeducational Choir Academy of Harlem. BCH instilled values of self worth, discipline and respect, teaching the choir that they were citizens of the world. Whether they sang classical, rock, jazz, blues, hip-hop or spirituals they were expected to sing every genre with the same fervor, enthusiasm, and quality. Horace was elected the president of the African American Male Collaboration, inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Bobby Austin. Horace is also an elder at Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church in Nyack, NY and cares deeply about educating people about the roots, ingenuity and dignity of the Negro Spirituals.
Check out the show notes for links to a recent article on Horace and background on Dr. Bobby Austin, who Horace mentioned when speaking of the African American Male Collaboration.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Email Horace
The Journal News/LoHud
Bobby William Austin/Wikipedia
My guest today is Frances Pratt. In my Nyack, NY community, Frances, at age 86, is a beloved, living legend. Frances is a registered nurse, who had a 53 year career at Nyack Hospital, which included being head nurse of ER and later a health administrator. The hospital named a waiting room after Frances, a scholarship in her name, as well as a positive-image rose garden. Frances is also a “licensed family care” provider and for 48 years housed up to 6 mentally challenged women in her home, at a time. The National Association for the Advanced of Colored People (NAACP) was formed in 1909 and is celebrating its 111th anniversary, continuing their commitment to social justice and equity. Frances has served as president of the NAACP Nyack chapter since 1981.
In addition to her long history of making a positive difference in countless lives, Frances has wowed her colleagues, congregants, audiences and community members with her colorful, large, striking hats. She explains the origins of such vibrant accessories as a way for black women to boost their self esteem, give themselves respect after their exhausting hours of demeaning, dehumanizing work. I was honored to peak at a partial collection in her bedroom, where 100 of her hats resided! Frances’s strong faith, altruistic values and deep care for humanity are embedded in her frequent southern sayings and memorized bible verses. Check out the show notes for links to the NAACP website and articles featuring Frances. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Nyack NAACP
"The Many Hats of Frances Pratt" - Patch
Nyack News & Views
My guest today is Julia Adamy Pederson. Although Julia is an outstanding professional bass player, today’s conversation is not about what a marvelous bass player she is, or her vibrant music career. Julia, my wholehearted, yet humble daughter, is uncomfortable talking about herself. True to the instrument she plays, her personality matches the function of the bass player: to be a supportive role, or as she describes it “I’d rather be felt, than heard”. She agreed to be my guest, stretching herself beyond her comfort zone, only because she feels compelled to speak about what she is learning and experiencing in our country’s current racial equality movement. In fact, she said it feels worse not to says something.
Julia acknowledges that the pandemic has provided the opportunity for her to pay attention more closely and feel more deeply, while affording her the chance to directly take action. She shares impactful books and movies that have opened her eyes and expanded her mind. Julia and her husband (Ross Pederson, Episode 26) are learning to take solidarity to the next level. Julia describes the power of protest, the call to action and her hope for lasting change. As her proud mother, I know Julia is teaching me so much about white privilege and racism; I trust that many of us can relate to and be inspired by Julia’s insights, vulnerability and desire to learn. Check out the show notes for links to Julia’s website, Instagram account, as well as links to the resources she mentions. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.JuliaAdamy.com
Instagram: @JuliaAdamyBass
www.RobinDiAngelo.com White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
When They See Us (Netflix)
Director Ava DuVernay
13th
Instagram: @justiceforgeorgenyc
My guest today is Kimberly Latrice Jones. Kimberly is an activist, writer, and director. It was Kimberly’s recent impassioned video that powerfully moved me and inspired me to reach out to her. Both Trevor Noah and John Oliver highlighted Kim’s video, where she provides a poignant history lesson (all too often left out of our formal education), outlines the broken social contracts between whites and blacks in this country, and pleads for people to not superficially focus on the WHAT (looting and rioting), but dig into the WHY. Kim challenges us to look at the causes of the issues, the conditions that create outrage, desperation and violence. Kim shares the context in how this viral video came to be and why the world needs to hear her message now. Kim acknowledges that the root of the problem is economics so in order to make this movement sustainable, we need to invest in black communities. Or simply said: “white allies have black receipts”.
Kimberly is a published Young Adult author, director of film and web series, but her primary focus now is being ‘boots on the ground’ for all that is happening in the racial equality movement. I’m grateful that while keeping boots on the ground, Kim’s inspiring, empowering, truth-speaking voice is rising!
Check out the show notes for links to Kim’s viral speech as well as her website, kimjoneswrites.com. Please follow and support the initiatives she rolls out, buy her book “I’m Not Dying With You Tonight” (co-authored with Gilly Segal), and purchase her great merch. I love her tee shirts: “Equality Not Revenge” & “Hood Girls Can Be Heroes, Too”. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.kimjoneswrites.com
Kim's Video
Kim's Book
IG: @kimberlylatricejones
IG: @really.gilly (Gilly Segal)
Trevor Noah/The Daily Show
John Oliver/Last Week Tonight
I want to acknowledge and address the traumatic, heartbreaking reality of our country’s anti-black socialization, systemic racism and the internalized racist worldview that is ingrained in being white. I am reaching out, retreating, asking others, asking myself, learning, unlearning, doing, undoing, reflecting, listening, making mistakes, and striving for growth. I truly want to be as present to the discomfort, awkwardness and pain as I can be, of the racial inequality of our shared American history. I’ve been so moved by the younger generation, particularly my adult children, nieces and nephews as they continue to challenge, stimulate and expand my understanding of racial injustice and what it means to be white.
My guests today are 2 of my nieces, Siri Carr and Kirsti Carr. Siri is a teacher of 8th grade writing in a Boston charter school. She cares deeply about making the world a better place, trusting that with love, we are capable of so much more. Kirsti is an environmental biologist, who has studied raptors in California and Nevada and is currently working on a red-headed woodpecker project in Minnesota. She is uplifted by the collective action that is happening across the country and around the world, hundreds of thousands of people standing together, demanding equal justice.
Both Siri and Kirsti invited our extended family into a family Zoom meeting to discuss white privilege. So even though the family Zoom hasn’t yet occurred, I wanted to highlight the initiative they took. As I hear so many white people ask what can I do, I hope Siri and Kirsti’s efforts might be a tangible thing you could try with your own families.
Siri and Kirsti help challenge me to think about how we can openly practice anti-racism in our lives. I know there is a lot of individual and collective work before us and I hope we can inspire each other on the journey. Check out the show notes for links to resources we discuss. Enjoy the podcast!
Programming Note:
Next Monday, June 22, my guest will be author, director & activist Kimberly Jones. You may have seen her viral video that Joel Cross, Trevor Noah, and others have shared. I'm eager to shine light on Kimberly and the truth she speaks.
Links:
Teens In Print
Storyteller Carolyn Finney
"Black Faces in White Places" by Randal Pinkett
"America, This is Your Chance" by Michelle Alexander, NY Times
My guest today is Jamie Surya. Jamie is a yoga instructor, owner of her own yoga studio and a revered community builder. Jamie was drawn to yoga at a very vulnerable time in her life, when she was struggling with anxiety and depression. Yoga shifted and profoundly transformed Jamie’s life so she is devoted to sharing the practice with others. Rooted in a reverence for the ancient philosophy and practice of yoga, Jamie adds her modern twist. After completing her yoga teacher training in 2011, Jamie channeled a fearless determination she didn’t know she had. A year later, at the age of 20, Jamie opened her own yoga studio, with the loving support of her family and the new family she created in the community.
Jamie advocates for human rights, animal rights, and takes a stand against injustice in many forms. Her passion, purity and purpose penetrate through her being; you can feel her love for teaching yoga in her presence and in the stories she shares. Please check out the show notes for links to Jamie’s website: www.jamiesuryayoga.com and social media presence, as well as the organizations she partners with and supports. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
jamie surya yoga studio
Love Your Brain Foundation
Center For Safety & Change
Rockland County Pride Center
Hi-Tor Animal Shelter
Instagram
I didn’t plan for, nor expect the flood of tears that came over me, and in between my sobs, I realized it took a pandemic for me to feel the raw emotions of our country’s intensified racism. It took a pandemic for me to weep in a new way for all the people of color who have been terrorized by police brutality and white supremacy. It took a pandemic for me to feel simultaneously outraged and helpless at the violent hatred Trump has unleashed, while feeling inspired and deeply grateful for the tireless work of Shaun King and Lee Merritt. It took a pandemic for me to know that my tsunami of tears needed to be released, my unspeakable sadness and rage needed to be felt. I was grateful that my family held space for me, my tears, my overwhelm. There was nothing to apologize for, simply the courage to be present to the rawness, be present to the anguish, be present to the longing to be engaged in a meaningful, healing way.
And my tears keep flowing:
Ahmaud Arbery
Breonna Taylor
George Floyd and countless others I don’t yet know by name.
I am disgusted, heartbroken, enraged and searching for ways to feel the fullness of these raw emotions, while wanting to respond in a constructive, spiritually grounded way. I understand the overwhelm, I understand the despair, I understand the eruption of outrage, I understand the induction into violence, and yet, I trust that we as individuals and a country will be changed. I need to look within. White people need to look within, take a moral inventory, speak out, take a stand, hold other white people accountable! We must take responsibility in small and large ways to help dismantle racism. We must learn from this, heal from this, transform from this. Join me in repeating over and over in your heart and mind the Ho’oponopono prayer for healing:
I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
With this intention, it helps tremendously to take action.
Follow Shaun King on Instagram
Follow Lee Merritt on Instagram
Sign petitions and call 612-324-4499
Shaun King will walk you through what to say.
Instagram Links:
@shaunking
@leemerritesq
@grassrootsLaw
@keedronbryant #IJustWantToLive
@vonettaetaylor
@maharosenyc
My guest today is Suzanne. Suzanne had been a TV Producer, Videographer and Film Director, before her near fatal injury 3 1/2 years ago that created an opportunity for Suzanne to reset everything in her life. Suzanne has slowed down tremendously and is now living a more natural life, more in touch with the earth, animals, and people. She even says that her long road to recovery served as a warm up, preparing her well to face the Covid-19 pandemic. All our variations of lock down, quarantine, and shelter-at-home have collectively caught up to what Suzanne has been experiencing for 3 plus years.
Before her brain injury, Suzanne acknowledges that she had a rich, full life: loved her job, her friends, her home, and she even loved dating. After the injury, Suzanne initially geared her herself up to return to her previous life, but as her recovery took so long, Suzanne had an epiphany that there was no need to go back. She embraces this second chance of life and optimistically provides wisdom that stretches beyond her specific circumstances. Wisdom for all of us as we rethink not just what is essential to get through this pandemic, but what might be released from our lives, so we can embrace clarity of meaning and purpose when we come out on the other side.
Honoring Suzanne’s request to be identified by just her first name, we joked that she was in good company with Cher, Prince, Sting, and Madonna! Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Jason Tomlinson. Jason is a career skills advocate, community builder, and master barber. Jason’s official title at Rockland Community College (RCC) is “Confidential Assistant to the President”, which entails (other than being able to keep a good secret), coordinating scheduling and logistics for the president; representing the college in the community by building/collaborating/maintaining purposeful community relationships; and thirdly, addressing student challenges as a liaison for the president. Jason proudly captures RCC’s motto “Are we ready for you?” as opposed to what most colleges ask students “are you college ready?” RCC adapts and develops programs to meet the needs of a wide range of prospective students.
Experience Jason’s authenticity, compassion and visionary energy, for he sees endless possibilities in people, situations, and in life! He acknowledges that he knows what failure is like, while also knowing the profound power of loving support and feeling believed in by others, reminding him that so much of this life journey is bigger than any one of us. Check out the links below for Jason and all the programs at RCC. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
RCC
Email Jason
Career Skills Academy
Spring Valley Collaborative
Point in Time Count
Guided Pathways at RCC
@princethebarber1 on Instagram
In the past 2 months, during our shelter-at-home precautions for the coronavirus, I’ve done three separate 1,000 piece puzzles. So it won’t come as a surprise that I’ve been reflecting on puzzles, the metaphors they hold, and what it means to me to be puzzling through this pandemic. So instead of a guest today, I want to share with you some of my puzzle thoughts and the insights they have provided me.
I know I’m not alone in puzzling through this pandemic. Those of you who are fellow puzzlers, those of you who are lukewarm about doing puzzles and even those brand new to puzzles, have opened a box and at least attempted to sort through those little fragmented puzzle pieces. Now more than ever, I have been struck with the metaphors of doing a puzzle. Like the coronavirus, a puzzle causes us to feel confusion, as we try to understand and make sense out of it. By definition a “puzzle is a game, toy or problem designed to test our ingenuity and knowledge.” Certainly Covid-19 has tested our ingenuity and knowledge. And in the face of this puzzling virus, that confuses us and throws us off from relying on what we once knew, we’ve had to tap into our ingenuity, as well as the ingenuity of health professionals, scientists, researchers, political leaders, and humanitarians. We’ve also been invited to delve beyond factual knowledge and explore spiritual wisdom to make sense of this pandemic.
Blessings for all the forms of puzzles you intentionally and unintentionally engage in. By all means enjoy the activity of doing some puzzles. And know that your own actions can serve as an important jigsaw piece to the mystery of solving some of life’s unfinished puzzles. Let’s trust that resilience, going out of our way for others, hope and a belief in the power of goodness will be important puzzles pieces that will continue to guide us through this pandemic. Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Dr. Lauren Dulberg. Lauren is a doctor of Chinese Medicine, an acupuncturist and devotee of ancient traditions. Having studied anthropology and ethno-botany, Lauren developed a reverence for southwest plant medicine. She then studied and personally experienced the ancient wisdom and effectiveness of Chinese medicine, with its healing powers in herbal formulas. She became motivated to teach others that they have the power and ability to advocate for their health. Lauren is especially passionate about women’s health, for too often, women are not listened to and she feels it is her mission to empower women around their health.
Chinese Medicine has been around for 5,000 years, so these ancient teachings incorporate what is helpful for epidemics and pandemics. Honoring that history, Lauren is treating patients who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms and shares some practical wisdom to boost our immune system. As heartbreaking as it is now to suspend seeing patients from her dream practice, Dr. Dulberg is determined to be available to her patients through phone and Zoom consultations. She is also exploring how to offer free consults to the front line medical workers. Lauren’s beloved husband, Marcelo Sturgeon, is a healer in his own right and his connection to Spirit deeply inspires her, along with the insights and joy embodied in her 2 sons.
Check out the show notes for links to Dr. Lauren Dulberg’s website, tworiversacupuncture.com as well as her email, Facebook and Instagram accounts. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
tworiversacupuncture.com
FaceBook
Instagram
Email
Even though the precautions we need to take as we do whatever we can to flatten the curve of Covid-19, prevent us from meeting in person, I am grateful that Zoom allows me to record conversations with guests near and far. My guest today is Elizabeth Van Meter. Elizabeth is an actor, filmmaker and devoted humanitarian and one of the most authentic, inspiring humans I know! From her one-woman show, called The Purpose Project, to her deeply moving, award-winning documentary film, Thao’s Library, to her advocacy work with special needs orphans, to her production company called Filmmaking with Heart, to her courageous travels that led her to Mount Everest, Elizabeth lives life with passion and purpose.
Fighting a crippling depression after the tragic death of her younger sister, Vicki in 2008, a simple black and white photograph of Thao, a Vietnamese woman, in a wheelchair, sparked a choice in Elizabeth. She realized that she could choose to see the world, her trauma, and pain in a different way. Elizabeth chose not to let her pain destroy her, but instead to transform her. She admits that her sister’s death broke her heart AND broke her heart wide open! Her friendship with Thao ignited Elizabeth’s emotional, financial, professional, and spiritual investment in meaningful projects, that not only reflect her genuine care and commitment to humanity, Elizabeth’s work inspires people into action.
Check out the show notes to see links to contacting Elizabeth directly and her websites: thaoslibrary.com & filmmakingwithheart.com. I truly would love to get a DVD of Thao’s Library into the hands of everyone of my listeners and perhaps you have ideas of how we can share it on a larger scale!! Please email me at deb@enlighten.nyc so we can make arrangements to send you a DVD! Enjoy the podcast!!
Links:
Thao's Library
Filmmaking With Heart
St. George (Utah) News
EVM on Facebook
Thao's Library on Facebook
Helping Orphans Worldwide
I truly hope this finds you healthy and safe, taking the necessary precautions we all need to be taking during this Covid-19 pandemic. And if you or anyone you love is ill or on the front line, please know that there is a circle of compassionate light beings holding you and those you care about in their loving embrace. I personally hold each of you in my daily meditations and want you to remember how dear you are to me, you are part of my extended energetic family.
I’ve noticed, and perhaps you have too, that as the external world we have known has dramatically shifted, there has been a surge of online activity. I have been feeling a bit inundated with all these offerings. And just as we need to discern what news to watch or read, we need to screen how much of that online world we want to get pulled into. I do believe that part of our spiritual lesson in this pandemic is to not simply recreate the frenzied external world into our frenzied internal world within our home.
We are now being asked, instead, to be still, be silent, dare to drop into the deeper internal world of our mind, our heart and our soul. I read a clever anonymous poem, suggesting that perhaps the coronavirus is challenging us to “unlearn everything that capitalism has taught us: that we are nothing if not productive, that consumption equals happiness, that the most important unit is the single self, that you are at your best when you resemble an efficient machine.” Wow!!! Wouldn’t that be incredible to unlearn! Let’s explore who we are and how we treat ourselves when we are not productive, consuming, self-absorbed, or an efficient machine. Can we resist the internal judgment, inadequacy and shame if we are less productive, if we switch from doing into being?
Many of my friends, clients and podcast listeners have asked me to share some meditations that will help guide them in stillness, silence and peace, so that they can be more present to their the depth of emotions, to compassion, healing and to their own inner divinity.
In this episode, I will guide you in some meditations that are a part of my daily practice. I invite you to return to your inner wisdom, rest in the Spirit that lives within you as we honor the power of silence and stillness. You can listen to these all at once or listen in sections. Please make this work for YOU! Enjoy the Podcast!
Instead of a guest today, I would like to share some of my own reflections in the midst of this pandemic and only hope that it may resonate and provide a heart connection for you. I know we are at a loss, so much of our lives, as we’ve known it have shifted, if not fully turned upside down. We will, if we haven’t already, experience heart-breaking loss: loss of job stability, loss of reliable income, loss of housing, loss of healthcare, as well as loss of our own health, loss of friends, family and neighbors. And whether you feel it directly or indirectly, there is widespread fear all around us. I don’t have any profound answers to all the questions that are swirling in our midst, it truly is uncertain isn’t it? I do have a desire though to hold all my podcast guests and listeners in loving-kindness. And so, I am here, dropping into the rawness of uncertainty, wanting to be connected from my heart to your heart. I want you to know that I now add you to my list of people I hold in meditation every day. Many of you I know personally, some of you I may not know personally, or may not have the opportunity to ever meet in person and yet if you are listening, I feel an energetic connection to you. Not only am I grateful that you are listening and supporting my desire to shine light on stories and people who inspire me, but I now consider you part of my extended energetic family. Covid-19 has me focusing on what and who is precious to me and you, dear listeners are precious to me and deeply valued.
I would also like to encourage you to scroll through previous episodes and take the time to listen to my guests that you may have missed when they were initially aired. We either have a guest every week or I share a personal story or read from spiritual teachers, and I know it’s hard to listen to them all. So if you are needing some inspiration, or simply a distraction in these troubling times, there are many to choose from; we’ve had so many people from all walks of life overcoming adversity, tapping into inner strength, embracing creativity and living more fully into their light. I trust that their personal stories will uplift you.
Links:
www.jackkornfield.com
www.tarabrach.com
My guest today is Mother Suzanne Toro, one who embodies a compassionate and peaceful heart. In keeping with the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we recorded my conversation with Suzanne via Zoom. Suzanne is an Episcopal Priest, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cornwall, NY and although life has slowed down for many people, Suzanne admits that she has never worked harder since the outbreak of the coronavirus here in NY. Regardless of your religious/spiritual beliefs or non-beliefs, Mother Toro shares universal insights about connection, grace, courage, responsibility, growth and opportunity. She acknowledges that we are meaning-making-machines, seeking to make sense of life, yet in these strange times, when our lives have been turned up side down, we are immersed in so much uncertainty. Suzanne doesn’t pretend to know answers or how to make sense of this pandemic, but she knows that we are in this together; and sees how it is bringing us back to ourselves, and a deeper connection with one another for healing. May Suzanne’s open mind and warm heart provide comfort for all who are listening. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.jackkornfield.com
www.tarabrach.com
St John's Episcopal Church
Instead of a guest today, I would like to share some spiritual wisdom for these difficult times. Addressing and responding to COVID-19 marks an unprecedented moment in our history. Not just for some of us, but for all of us. Because this virus does not discriminate based on geography, culture, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic level, we are all impacted! Again not just in our neighborhood, our town, our city, our community, our county, our country, but all across the globe. Many of us have expressed, that in a strange way, COVID-19 has unified us, and we are all going through this at the same time, together. This is not to dismiss the seriousness of this virus and the devastating, even potentially deadly impact of this virus. That is there, too.
However, despite the the isolation felt from social distancing, there are innovative ways people are feeling connected. Have you seen the videos of quarantined neighborhoods in Italy and Spain, with people standing on their balconies, playing a musical instrument, which inspires another person to bring out their instrument, and before you know it, musicians and spectators are all standing on their balconies creating a spontaneous, uplifting moment of intimacy and community. These creative, courageous people are allowing music and song to transcend the experience of alienation.
I encourage you to check out the web sites of Brother Richard Hendrick, Thich Nhat Hahn and Jack Kornfield, so much wisdom and compassion to tap into!! Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
Brother Richard Hendrick's Web Site
Thich Nhat Hahn's Web Site
Jack Kornfield's Web Site
The Wisdom Of Not Knowing
I know that we are living in an uncertain and scary time with COVID-19. Businesses and schools have closed, many are struggling to make ends meet and I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my podcast. We will eventually return to a sense of normalcy. In the meantime, I hope these conversations serve to connect us and uplift us.
This episode was recorded before the coronavirus outbreak, but I plan to offer readings and word of encouragement over the next weeks. I want to be with you in this, as we go through this together.
My guest today is Maria Lugo. Maria is an executive life coach, home school educator, justice consultant and host of a local public access television show. From doing the personal work to discover her soul purpose, to knowing that growth happens outside of our comfort zones, to being a believer in learning from our experiences and a deeply spiritual person, Maria brings energy and passion to her personal and professional life. She finds creative ways to relate to people from all walks of life, inspiring them to step more confidently into their potential.
Maria is the consummate advocate for the gifts and destinies of her two sons. Both of Maria’s sons: Emmanuel Lewis and Gabriel Lewis have been guests on my podcast. I invite you to listen to these episodes to get a sense of how impressively Maria parented these outstanding young men. How greatly I treasure Maria’s insights, devotion and leadership, not to mention her newly discovered passion for tango dancing! I trust you, too, will be inspired by Maria’s zest for life! Check out the show notes for links to Maria’s sons’ conversations with me and links to Maria’s projects and contact information. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
M3L.Lifevision@gmail.com
M.A.D.E. Transitions
HNE Network
Enlighten Podcast Episodes:
Gabriel Lewis
Emanuel Lewis
My guest today is Lisa Green. Lisa shifted from being a professional singer, actor, and producer, to being a writer, and innovative realtor with a flare for interior design. Lisa is from Australia and moved to the states over 30 years ago. She also happens to be one of the most courageous spiritual warriors I know.
Lisa understands grief intimately and as devastated as she was when her 16 year old son Jesse died, 7 years ago, she knows that grief will never outweigh the love. Writing has been a healing outlet for Lisa, not only for processing her emotions, but trusting that she can provide compassionate companionship for others who have lost a loved one. She reads a deeply moving excerpt from her writings “My Impossible” that poignantly captures both heartache and hope. Lisa continues to model for me and our community how to show up with dignity and humility to some of life’s biggest challenges. Check out the show notes for links to connect with Lisa. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Wright Bros. Real Estate
My guest today is Rick Velleu. Rick is a scenic artist, filmmaker, design creator, and consummate storyteller! Rick’s innovative career reflects his many creative talents including: making stage props, a scenic artist for theatrical backdrops, a draftsman for an Egyptologist, using his many gifts on Jim Henson’s creative team, the character designer of “Dora the Explorer”, co-creating his own documentary film production company and to landing his current job as Director of Marketing and Content for the Environmental Defense Fund. The thread that connects all these experiences is Rick’s passion to make things, be it paper maché cows, murals, drawings, community theater productions, films, do-it-yourself weddings or meaningful stories that help save the planet.
Rick is inspired by the blank page and that process of making art, acknowledging that it is both supremely infinite and terrifying!! Check out the show notes for links to Rick’s projects and the Environmental Defense Fund, particularly a site that offers a one-stop shop to search for sustainable solutions. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
EDF
School Play (Amazon Prime)
Eyepop Productions
BoatLift, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience (YouTube)
Supply Chain Solutions Center
Made In Ghent
My guest today is Gail Blache-Gill. Gail is a professional choral singer, conductor, pianist, educator, and minister of music. Born and raised in Trinidad, Gail moved to NYC when she was 17 years old. She first attended Lehman College in the Bronx majoring in math, then joined the choir at Brooklyn College, before moving to Princeton, NJ to complete her studies at Westminster Choir College. Gail toured with “Porgy and Bess” for 9 years, taught music in Brooklyn, Hawaii, Harlem and New Jersey, sings with the Alvin Ailey Gospel Choir, conducts the Haitian gospel choir, The Spirituals, based in Brooklyn, NY, and is currently the Minister of Music at The Church of St. Paul and the Incarnation in Jersey City, NJ.
Authentic, vulnerable and compassionate; Gail has learned to be a deep listener: to the past, to young people, to the numerous doors that open before us; a sign, she believes, of the universe’s loving support. Gail believes the only reason we are here on this earth is to love; help each other and be kind to each other. Music has been a natural vehicle for Gail to be an instrument of God’s peace. She claims that singing is her passion and music is her ministry. Join me on March 12th at the NY Historical Society’s program ‘Black Women and the 19th Amendment’ to hear Gail and her gifted friends sing. See links to this event in the show notes. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Brent Staples
NY Historical Society March 12 Program
The Church of St. Paul and the Incarnation Jersey City, NJ
Alvin Ailey Gospel Choir
My guest today is Everett Bradley. Everett is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and actor, who honors his mother’s courage and tenacity to have advocated for her son’s musical passion. He describes the turning point in his career from performing in the production STOMP!, to the Broadway show “Swing”, to singing and playing percussion with Hall & Oates, Bruce Springsteen, and Jon Bon Jovi.
Nearly 15 years ago, Everett created a soulful holiday show called Holidelic, that is by far one of the most uplifting, funk-filled, dynamic shows, I have ever experienced, driven by Everett’s motto “GIVE LOVE!! Everett gives his love everywhere he goes and has been involved with the organization SAY, that creates an artistic home for youth who stutter.
Everett, aka “Rev Ev”, is also a Universal Life Church minister and has officiated 14 weddings, bringing his enthusiasm for life and love to yet another setting. He acknowledges the richness in replenishing himself in nature, with silence, solitude, and space; it is there he can honor his inner wisdom and nurture his creativity. Being in his presence, I am nourished and inspired by Everett’s honesty, humanity, authenticity, and integrity.
Check out the show notes for links to Everett’s beautiful website, look for his tour with Bon Jovi 2020 and please join me next December to see Everett perform his magical Holidelic show. You’ll also find the link for the transformative work of SAY. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.everettbradley.com
www.bonjovi.com
www.brucespringsteen.net/
www.say.org
My guest today is Vaneese Thomas. Born in Memphis, TN and immersed into the music royalty family of Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas and Marvell Thomas, Vaneese is an incredible soul/blues/R&B singer/songwriter and producer. She has produced recordings and written songs for Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, Bob James, Larry Coryell, Melba Moore and Diana Ross. In addition to concerts and recordings, Vaneese has worked in film and television: she was the voice for Grace the Bass for PBS’ Shining Time Station, Clio the Muse in Disney’s Hercules and for nearly 20 years, sang on countless jingles.
Vaneese feels blessed to have a rich career as both solo performer of her own music and the amazing opportunities to be a background vocalist for legends like: Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Eric Clapton as well as to be one of Aretha Franklin’s background vocalists for ten years. You can see Vaneese singing background vocals in Bruce Springsteen’s recent movie “Western Stars”.
Vaneese shares memories from her time at Swarthmore College, what prompted her to move to New York, the people and bands that welcomed her and the gracious doors that have opened for her. I am so grateful for our 38 year friendship; our spiritual explorations; and how we have shown up for each other along this journey of life. Check out the show notes for links to Vaneese’s website - purchase her music and come hear her live! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Vaneese's web site
Peaceful Waters Music
"Down Yonder" on Spotify
"Ebony Man" - YouTube video
In honor of Black History Month, I am excited to announce our 3 fabulous guests starting next week: Vaneese Thomas, Everett Bradley and Gail Blache-Gill. But for today, I want to start off Black History Month by reading a children’s story. This story resonates with my longing to do what I can to dismantle white supremacy. The book is called “Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness”, written and illustrated by Anastasia Higginbotham.
Check the show notes for links to Anastasia’s website. Whether you purchase this book or find your own creative ways to address the scary, uncomfortable ways we avoid these issues, please join me in doing what we can to dismantle racism. As the book says, we can be white without signing onto Whiteness! Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
www.anastasiahigginbotham.com
Not My Idea
Rev. angel Kyoda williams
www.enlighten.nyc
Enlighten on Instagram
My guest today is Wayne Warnecke. Wayne is an accomplished audio engineer, producer and co-owner of Peaceful Waters Recording. As a young child, Wayne loved the drums and owned his first snare drum and hi-hat at age 9. He played guitar with his high school band, “Friction”, but primarily played drums and percussion for the rest of his performing gigs. Wayne was about 14 years old when we stepped inside his first recording studio and knew immediately that he had to do this with his life. He studied audio engineering at the Institute of Audio Research in NYC and after 6 years of working at Minot Studios in White Plains, NY, he opened his own studio, producing records with his future wife, Vaneese Thomas and high school friend, Ernie Poccia.
Wayne’s sense of humor, that pokes fun at himself, reminds me to not take life too seriously. He appreciated his father-in-law’s infectious sense of humor, the late great, R&B singer from Memphis, TN, Rufus Thomas. In addition to music, Wayne has a passion for tennis; I worked tirelessly to be able to return his powerful serve. Wayne stepped up to the plate with such integrity as his mother aged; I admired how beautifully Wayne helped his sweet Mom die with dignity and respect. Check out the show notes for links to Wayne’s studio and record label websites. Enjoy the podcast!!
Links:
Peaceful Waters Music
Segue Records
Today marks the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. He was born in Atlanta, GA on January 15th, 1929 - if still alive, he would now be 91 years old. I’d like to honor his commitment to the cause of equality for African-Americans, by remembering some of Dr. King’s inspiring words. In searching for his quotes, I found less familiar ones, yet wise statements that truly moved me. Here are a few:
*“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others”?
“We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.”
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
“He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.”
“”It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace
and sacrifice for it.”
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”*
Powerful, right? Let’s live into any one of these deep truths!! Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!!! After the podcast, join me in honoring MLK’s spirit by listening, dancing and singing along to Steve Wonder’s song “Happy Birthday” - it will definitely uplift you!!
Today our podcast Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire is also celebrating an anniversary: our 100th episode! My guest today is me! Seriously, my dear friend, Karen Siff-Exkorn had the idea of interviewing me for this milestone. She even sat in my chair and had me sit in the guest chair. It was a little strange at first, but within minutes, Karen put me at ease and guided me through a heartfelt conversation. If you want to look up some of the things Karen references or want to learn more about me, please visit my website. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.enlighten.nyc
Enlighten on Instagram
Deb interviews Karen, Episode 82
My guest today is Sammy Merendino. Sammy is a drummer, percussionist, and producer. In fact, Sammy is one of NYC’s top drummers, having recorded and/or performed with Cameo, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Foreigner, Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Ziggy Marley, Hall & Oats, The Beach Boys, and Pat Metheny, to name a few. Raised in Ohio, one of 11 children, Sammy appreciated the loving support of his parents, particularly his father’s ability to find the good in every situation. Driven to be a drummer since he was a child, Sammy tells stories of confidently asserting himself to walk through new doors, make connections, learn from the jobs he didn’t get, while staying motivated and disciplined to keep practicing and growing. My husband loved working with Sammy on the Broadway Show “Kinky Boots”.
Sammy and I share a special bond, both being asked to speak at our dear friend Wayne Pedzwater’s memorial service, nearly 15 years ago. I believe Wayne continues to orchestrate ways for his friends to connect; he lives on in our hearts.
Check out the show notes for a link to Sammy’s comprehensive website. In addition to his credits, you’ll find information about his studio Harlem Parlour Recording. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.sammymerendino.com
Happy 2020! I’d like to welcome you to the new year and share a personal story. Despite the ongoing appalling behavior of our president, that intensified in this first week of this new year, I am inspired by the wisdom, dedication and impactful activism of Shaun King. Look up Shaun to discover his impressive platforms: founder of the Action PAC; Flip the Senate; The North Star 2019; host of the podcast “the breakdown with shaun king”, and author of the book Make Change. His Instagram posts alone, educate me, uplift me and motivate me to get involved in tangible ways. I trust his work will inspire you during this important election year.
I also respect the courageous work of Michael Moore - I have seen every movie he has made, read his book “Here Comes Trouble”, enjoyed his Broadway show, and am now grateful that instead of making a movie this year, he has invested his efforts in creating a podcast called Rumble with Michael Moore. Please listen to his illuminating conversations, in particular, with Daniel Ellsberg, Alex Press, and Anand Giridharadas - each one, articulating many of my inner thoughts, values and longings for this country, each one stretching and enlightening me. So even in the political unrest that Trump continues to ignite, I encourage you to be informed, involved and inspired by these courageous visionary activists! I know it will help me approach 2020 with a bit more clarity, hope, and confidence.
I also share a personal story about how things don’t always turn out the way I plan, regardless of how great my goal appears to be! I appreciate all the humbling lessons I learn when I let go of my well-intentioned expectations and be open to letting the Universe take me in a different direction.
Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
www.enlighten.nyc
Instead of having a guest today, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2019. My beloved husband, Paul and I launched this podcast nearly 2 years ago, on January 8th, 2018. Since then, we released every Monday, a new conversation with a guest, totaling 93 guests, plus a couple of reflections from me and a guided chakra meditation! It has been a joy to shine light on everyday people, who inspire me. My guests represent a variety of backgrounds and careers: activists, yoga teachers, therapists, healers, musicians, composers, actors, directors, writers, sculptors, filmmakers, circus artists, educators, entrepreneurs, farmers, philanthropists, corporate workers, librarian archivists, painters, furniture makers, puppeteers, club owners, college students, financial advisors, formerly incarcerated people, shop owners, poets, photographers, political representatives, advocates, consultants and spiritual leaders. In addition to their fascinating careers and passions, I appreciate the authenticity and open-heartedness of my guests, their ability to be vulnerable, to find meaning in challenges, compassion in suffering, and often a renewed sense of purpose as they learn and grow from whatever they experience in life.
I encourage you to listen to these wonderful inspiring conversations, to look up the websites of these amazing guests, hear and see them perform, take a class or a retreat from them, read their books, their blogs, listen to their music, see their films or art exhibits, receive a healing session, attend a workshop - in other words, I’d love for you to experience their magic and support their endeavors, in any way you can. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.enlighten.nyc
My guest today is Tim Young. Tim is a singer/songwriter, actor, musical director and dancer. I met Tim last month at Tahira Clayton and Addison Frei’s wedding (both former guests on my podcast - episode #58 and #43) and was immediately drawn to his enthusiasm, humor and authenticity. Tim grew up in Long Island, NY, immersed in a 2,500-member evangelical, fundamentalist Christian church, whose beliefs were reinforced at home and in his Christian school. Tim was indoctrinated to see the world in a dichotomous mindset: right or wrong, good or evil, believers or non-believers.
As painful a process as it has been, Tim shares his journey of what it took for him to release the either/or thinking and open his mind and heart to endless possibilities. Tim’s early life was so influenced by people he wanted to impress and seek approval from; a dogma that manipulated him to fall in line, deny himself and create illusions of exclusion. Tim is grateful to now trust his inner wisdom and create a spirituality grounded in wonder, beauty, presence and compassion, a spirituality where he is coming home to the fullness of who he is.
Check out the show notes to find links to Tim’s website and social media contacts, as well as the YouTube animation Tim referenced, “The Egg”. Please join me on Friday December 20, 2019 to watch Tim and Tahira perform in the cabaret called “Mary” at Club Cumming in NYC’s East Village. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.soundsliketimyoung.com
YouTube: soundsliketimyoung
Instagram: @soundsliketimyoung
Twitter: @soundsliketim
Friday 12/20 The Mary Show -
Holiday Show at Club Cumming, East Village, NYC
YouTube: The Egg
My guest today is Nicki Denner. Nicki is a passionate pianist, composer, educator and musical director, oh and lest I forget, a tap dancer! Raised in Wisconsin, without examples of what a professional musician looked like, Nicki attended college at University of Minnesota, negating her passion for music and initially majoring in French and Political Science; majors she thought would lead to practical careers. However, the universe conspired to support her to reconnect with her love of music, through the underground tunnels connecting the music building to her dorm.
Switching her major to music education, Nicki appreciates the unique skills she learned from conducting and the sensitivity she has for all instruments, both have served her well as a composer and musical director. Nicki tells synchronistic stories of musical doors that opened for her; her determination to nurture her skills and gifts at piano, dedication to learn jazz and eagerness to say yes to all sorts of music experiences. Nicki marvels at how naturally Latin music resonates for her and the awesome opportunity to co-create Cocomama, the vibrant, all-female band that plays their own version of World Latin Music.
Check out the show notes to find Nicki’s website, Cocomama’s website and the current Kickstarter campaign Cocomama is launching. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.nickidenner.com
www.cocomamamusic.com
Cocomamma Kickstarter Campaign
My guest today is Dwayne Cooper. Dwayne is an outstanding singer, songwriter, actor, dancer - and in my opinion, one of the most generous performers I’ve ever witnessed! From his childhood dream of being a TV game show host, Dwayne has found creative avenues to thoroughly entertain his audiences, from choreography and performances in drag clubs, to being a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, to creating his own edgy band, to national tours of Broadway shows, as well as performing numerous roles on Broadway.
Dwayne is one of the co-founders of The Doo Wop Project, where his powers as a shapeshifter enthusiastically spring into action! Being a shapeshifter on stage is often in direct contrast to how dis-empowered Dwayne can feel off stage, particularly as a gay, black male. Recognizing the daunting impact of racism, sexism and classism, Dwayne strives to be the bigger person and finds healing in speaking his truth. He speaks passionately about the profound, transformative practice of re-emergence/re-evaluation counseling that has helped him acknowledge and face past traumas, deepen his compassion and integrate the practices of forgiveness.
Check out the links below for Dwayne’s performances and projects, as well as his social media contact. I hope you get a chance to see Dwayne perform live - it will thoroughly uplift you!! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @itsdwaynecooper
IG: @thedoowopproject
The Doo Wop Project (Web Site)
My guest today is Georgia Pangle. Georgia had been a dancer, before redirecting herself into the financial world. I met Georgia through her husband, the awesome, well-respected drummer/musician Sammy Merendino. (Look for Sammy as my guest in a future episode). For 30 years, Georgia has worked with smart, impressive colleagues who started their own firm, advising their clients with integrity and technical excellence. As she transitions into working less, Georgia is honest about what she is learning about herself, in the midst of our culture that rewards over-work. Georgia names a longing she has for something more that will stimulate her creativity, passion, intellectual curiosity, perhaps some kind of volunteer work, but is daring to sit with uncertainty, learning what it means to be in a state of receptivity.
Georgia speaks courageously about her history of alcoholism and her process of sobriety. She lists the treasured gifts she appreciates from participating in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program: fellowship, spirituality, intensity, laughter, relief, and healing. Having experienced her parents’ divorce, Georgia approached becoming a step-mother with sensitivity and humility. I am touched by Georgia’s vulnerability, intuition, independence, and sweet sense of humor. And don’t let me forget her spectacular passion for shoes!! Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Ryan Fielding Garrett. Ryan is a respected musical director, conductor, arranger and musician. Ryan grew up in San Antonio, Texas, went to Baldwin Wallace University, in Berea, Ohio, and the the day after graduation, moved to NYC, where he quickly broke into the Broadway scene. With the production of Kinky Boots, Ryan began subbing on keyboard on Broadway, was promoted to musical director with the touring company, lived in Japan for 2 months to conduct the show there, and returned to Broadway as associate musical director for the last 14 months of the show. Ryan was proud to be a part of Kinky Boots’ message of acceptance and transformation, which moved audiences around the world. Ryan has worked on the development of a new show called Becoming Nancy, that captures a similar message of acceptance.
In addition to his success at a young age as a musician, Ryan is warm, wise, open-hearted, and dedicated to finding common ground, even in people who have different values and beliefs. Ryan has a reverence for nature and exploration. He asks thoughtful questions about his own learning and growth, trusting that his curiosities lead him to living more fully. Check out the show notes for links to find out more about Ryan. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Ryan's web site
IG: @ryanfieldinggarrett
YouTube - Ryan Sings!
My guest today is Miranda Joan Di Perno. Canadian born and raised, Miranda is a soulful singer/songwriter and a connector of humanity, with a heartfelt reverence for the earth. Miranda has lived in Brooklyn, NY for the past 11 years and both her gifted voice and radiant light have lit up countless venues. From a young age, Miranda naturally kept journals, at home with writing out her experiences, her feelings, and appreciating this precious form of self expression. Journal entries flowed into lyrics, evolving into her gift at songwriting. Miranda describes music as a means of healing not only for herself, but thankfully for others.
Miranda is so grateful for her NYC music community, a circle of people deeply devoted to the craft of making music, appreciating how they support and inspire each other. Miranda, along with Melissa McMillan (who was a guest on my podcast, episode #8), Camille Trust, and Alita Moses created and organize a monthly Femme Jam at C’mon Everybody in Brooklyn, that has grown to be both a refreshing place to shine light on female musicians, a vibrant community builder and definitely a thoroughly joyful experience! Miranda’s reflective search for meaning, respect for the environment, love of sports and outdoor adventures all enrich the fullness of this woman of vitality.
Check out the links to Miranda’s website mirandajoanmusic.com, download her music and see her performance schedule. Do yourself a favor and come experience the magic of Miranda at Femme Jam - every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
mirandajoanmusic.com
FB: mirandajoanmusic
IG: @mirandajoanmusic
T: @mirandajoan_
TheHypeMagazine.com
Eartha Kitt (YouTube)
Happy to Have You (YouTube)
Femme Jam on Instagram
C'mon Everybody
My guest today is Joel Rosenblatt. Joel is a highly respected drummer, producer, and audio engineer. Joel’s versatility is reflected in the wide range of musicians he has played drums with, including Pure Prairie League, Michel Camilo, Paquito D’Rivera, Eliane Elias, Steve Kahn, Spyro Gryra, and Bill Evans. Joel has created his own recording studio Cliff Sound Productions, where he enjoys cultivating new artists. Joel has played drums on the Broadway shows: In the Heights, Mamma Mia, and Hamilton, while also finding time to offer master classes and drum clinics.
In addition to all of Joel’s musical accomplishments, I appreciate Joel’s honesty, vulnerability and authenticity. He describes the artist’s plight, where you are somebody’s favorite, until you are not, and how common it is for an artist to vacillate from inspiration to depression. Joel brings mindfulness to his life journey, honoring his desire to keep growing, not just musically, but also personally, exploring interests outside of music, clarifying his priorities and learning to simplify.
Check out the show notes for a links to Joel’s website and YouTube channel, you’ll see his performance schedule, Joel’s video tutorials, and info about his recording studio. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.joelrosenblatt.com
YouTube Channel
Cliff Sound Productions
My guest today is Enid Weishaus. Enid is an innovative social worker, who has utilized her skills in the medical, philanthropic and politic arenas. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, began her career as an infant stimulation teacher, then when she moved to NYC, she became director of the philanthropic program at American Express, before becoming a Regional Director for Lower Hudson Valley for Hillary Clinton during Clinton’s tenure as U.S. Senator from NY.
Enid attributes her social consciousness that is infused in everything she does, to her parents who were Holocaust survivors and immigrants. In fact, the trauma and plight of humanity that Enid’s ancestors endured has made it natural for Enid to be so invested in humanity, taking responsibility for our history of cruelty, and being an advocate for social justice.
Enid has reverence for nature, a joy for dancing and a passion for advocating for Women’s Issues.. A few years back, Enid developed a one-day forum for women called “Smarter, Bolder, Older: Redefining Life after 50”. Enid inspires women to own their wisdom, their life experience, ask themselves who they are and who they want to become. She is applying these questions to the aging process, bringing consciousness to the insights of a fairly new term: “elderhood”.
Her husband, Bob Stien, was also a guest on my podcast, episode #85. Hear how these 2 inspiring people enrich my life. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
You Tube: Smarter, Bolder, Older
My guest today is Bob Lanzetti. Bob is a gifted guitarist and composer. Bob has been a member of the 3-time Grammy award winning group Snarky Puppy since the band formed in 2004. In addition to traveling the world with Snarky Puppy, Bob also performs with the West African influenced band Bokante, as well as his own band performing his original compositions. When not on the road, Bob has a monthly residency at Rockwood Music Hall, in NYC where he invites different special guests to collaborate with his band.
Bob started a meditation practice in 2014 when he had a desire to be better at music, more creative and productive, less living inside his head. His practice has grown to offer more than he first intended, tapping into a state of contentment, even a humility and gratitude for pure existence and consciousness. Speaking of consciousness, Bob talks about a video he watched on You Tube, that that moved him deeply, called “How Wolves Change Rivers”.
Check the links below for the wolf story and Bob’s website to see details of Bob’s 2 week tour with his band from October 16 - November 1. He’ll be at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC on 10/28 and his final show on 11/1 is at the Riverwalk Cafe in NH. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
boblanzetti.com
Facebook
Instagram
snarkypuppy.com
bokante.com
YouTube: How Wolves Change Rivers
My guest today is Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti. Jo-Ann is a Dominican Sister of Hope, who recently retired as Art and Spirituality Coordinator at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in Litchfield, CT. Fifty years ago, Sr. Jo- Ann was my 8th grade teacher and is the only educator I have remained in contact with; she saw, heard, and understood me in a deep, spiritual way that helped me trust my intuition and honor my essence. Jo-Ann shares what drew her to becoming a nun, the meaning of the vows she took, her full career including ministries as educator, associate director of vocation, director of religious education, script writer for radio and television, poet, reporter, photographer, all while embracing the rich inter-relationship between art and spirituality.
Sr. Jo-Ann provides background on the Trappist Monk, Thomas Merton, whose wise, compassionate writings have touched generations of spiritual seekers. Jo-Ann has a particular passion for Julian of Norwich and lectures frequently on this 14th century mystic. The first book written by a woman in English, was written by Julian, “The Revelations of Divine Love”. In fact, join me on Saturday October 26th at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining, NY to hear Sr. Jo-Ann’s Julian of Norwich program “The Woman, Her World and Her Book”. Go to mariandale.org to register (registration closes midnight October 24). Check out the links below for Sr. Jo-Ann’s upcoming workshop, plus links to Jo-Ann’s affiliated organizations. I hope you will hear why I love this inspiring woman so deeply. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
The Center at Mariandale
Wisdom House
Dominican Sisters of Hope
Dominican Institute for the Arts
My guest today is Maria Luisa Whittingham. Maria Luisa is a business owner, community builder and advocate for social justice. Born in the Bronx, NY, Maria’s family moved back to Puerto Rico for Maria’s early formative years, then back to NYC when Maria when 10. Maria studied fashion design at Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in NYC and worked in the garment industry for a couple of designers before opening her own shop “Maria Luisa Boutique” in Nyack, NY. She has thoughtfully grown her vibrant Nyack business over the past 32 years and has expanded to 2 stores where she provides unique fair trade, Eco-friendly and handmade items (clothing, footwear, bags, wallets, books and gifts).
Maria Luisa has known the wisdom behind collaborating with her fellow merchants in town. She created a scholarship fund for graduating female high school seniors, supports a variety of local non-profit organizations and has been recognized as a ‘woman of vision’ for the Rockland Women Leaders Hall of Fame, as well as “Rockland County Entrepreneur and Community Activist of the Year” at Social Justice Day.
She shares her involvement, thanks to her son, with NAACP, her repeated participation in “Undoing Racism” workshops and her dedication to being a “gatekeeper” for people of color. Check out the show notes for a link to Maria Luisa Boutique and help me support this inspiring woman, who has been an instrumental support to so many!! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Maria Luisa Boutique
My guest today is Bob Stien. Bob has a reverence for nature, raises consciousness and support for men, and is a social justice activist. Bob’s passion for nature has been channeled through his years of leading hikes in the woods, melting children’s fear, and igniting an appreciation of the outdoors. Bob has worked tirelessly to help preserve a nearby 40 acre property. Bob’s abundant supply of wood has served numerous people and projects, giving him the nickname in my family as “Bob of the Wood”.
Bob is a member of 2 monthly Men’s Groups, has run countless workshops for fathers, is involved in local and national men’s leadership organizations, and honors the transformative work of Ted Bunch & Tony Porter’s “A Call to Men”, whose tag line is “Working to create a world where men are loving and respectful and all women are valued and safe.”
Check out the show notes for links to the organizations Bob has referenced, see where you might invigorate your own care for our earth, raise consciousness and take positive action for that which troubles you. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain
Marydell Faith and Life Center
The Outdoor Science Alliance
The Trust for Public Land
Palisades Interstate Parkway Commission
NYNJ Trail Conference: Long Distance Trail Crew
The Nature Place
A Call to Men, Tony Porter Ted Talk
Men’s Leadership Alliance
Tom Kelly - online groups for men
Commission on the Status of Women every March at the United Nations
My guest today is Lisa Litman. Lisa is a local business owner, music enthusiast, and innovative personal assistant. After the recent death of her husband, and the closing of her 30 year-old shop, Sign of the Times, Lisa has learned how to re-invent herself, creating a new word-of-mouth business that responds to various needs of friends and neighbors. Lisa is grateful that she and her son Harry, were intimately present to the daily care-giving for her husband’s dying process, knowing that not everyone can afford such time and flexibility. Her dear friend, who is an end-of-life doula, provided the greatest gift of all, supporting Lisa to advocate and care for her husband in his final days.
Music is what held and pulled Lisa through; music is her passion! Just as Lisa’s shop brought her Nyack, NY community together, music is now providing a renewed sense of meaningful community for Lisa. Lisa has woken up to the preciousness of life, the rich experiences of music, sacred spaces, new foods, new neighborhoods, travel and freedom.
Check out the links below for Lisa’s FaceBook contact. She may be the reliable, trustworthy person you are looking for to help you or a family member out. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
FB: Lisa Litman
www.levonhelm.com
My guest today is Everest Cruz. Everest is a resident at the Fletcher Boykin transitional house for formerly incarcerated men in Spring Valley, NY, run by MADE Transitional Services. Everest has been in and out of prison since he was 13 years old, so since I met him in July, now at the age of 29 years old, Everest has experienced his longest stretch of being out of prison: over 60 days! He grew up in San Diego, CA with his older sister and single mom. His father was not in the picture; in fact, Everest has never met his father. It was unbearable for Everest to watch his mom work so hard yet consistently struggle to put food on the table. Everest provides insights into the pressure he felt to join a gang, while being lured into the false hope that the gang would provide an avenue for him to help his family. I wonder how many of us would have made the same decision given the same desperate circumstances.
Everest keeps it real, speaking openly about his past, which he acknowledges is critical to his healing process. Everest’s driving motivation to turn his life around is his nine year old son, who lives in California. Even though he hasn’t seen his son since his son’s first birthday, Everest is sustained by their Face Time contact. He treasures these connections with his family and is determined to make his son proud. Everest is deeply grateful to the Bronx defenders who have believed in him and are helping him gain legal immigration status. I am in awe of all the unsung heroes, who work tirelessly on behalf of the most vulnerable and marginalized in our society, treating them with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Check out the link below for MADE Transitional Services and their October Gala. Help support their efforts in giving Everest and others a second chance to turn their lives around. Enjoy the Podcast!
Links:
Made Transitions
My guest today is Karen Siff Exkorn. Karen is an Executive Coach, Corporate Consultant, Author, Playwright, Autism Expert and Motivational Speaker. She also happens to be my sweet soul sister! Karen grew up in Worcester, MA and shares her background in dance, her college experience at Brown University where she explored her love of dance, while majoring in psychology. She moved to NYC and immersed herself in the corporate world, which gave her the experience and confidence to start her own corporate consulting firm. She completed her Masters at NYU’s Gallatin School, where she created her own concentration, combining psychology, spirituality, dance and performance.
Karen tells the story of how she met her beloved husband Franklin, and how their world was turned upside down when their two-year old son Jake was diagnosed with autism. Searching for support and guidance, Karen immersed herself in research, determined to understand what this meant and how best to advocate for her son. She ended up writing a comprehensive book for parents, teachers, therapists and doctors that provides critical information on autism. I am so inspired by Karen’s intellect, heart, creativity, spirituality, and sparkly gift of embodying Joy!
Check the show notes below for links to Karen’s website, books, articles and the Emmy award-winning Nightline segment that features her son Jake’s, rare journey of recovery. Please keep an eye out for Karen’s one-woman play “Do This” - it’s heart-warming, poignant, funny and deeply moving! Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
SpeakOn.org
Nightline segment: How This Child With Autism Was Able to Recover with Therapy. Emmy-Award Series following Jake from 4 years old to 18 years old, produced by Karen Zukor and John Donovan
The Autism Sourcebook:
Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment,
Coping and Healing from a Mother Who’s Child Has Recovered
Toni Morrison—My Movie Date
Fifty Two Shades of Blue-ish
My guest today is Emanuel Lewis. Emanuel is a steel pannist and drummer, with clear goals and a vision of where he wants to be in the music industry. Emanuel just graduated from high school, yet for his senior year he was accepted in a local community college’s honors program, which provided a great foundation for learning, inspiration and confidence. Emanuel is heading off to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA this fall with two skills he wants to gain from Berklee: 1) to perform and master his instruments and 2) learn all he can about contemporary writing and production. As my youngest guest to date, Emanuel possesses impressive maturity, insights, and ease; it truly is a joy to be in the presence of such a personable young man.
Emanuel describes the profound impact of his civil rights professor, the deep influence of worship music, his recent, eye-opening trip to Israel, and his unique friendship with his older brother Gabriel (a recent guest on my podcast), that captures true brotherly love. With such a passion about becoming a musician who knows how to authentically evoke emotion, I hope you too, will be inspired to follow Emanuel’s music career. Check out the links below to follow Emanuel on Instagram and Facebook.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @elewis.music
FB: emanuellewis
FB: ekkquinox
Instead of a conversation with a guest, today we are offering a unique episode of guided meditations. Andrea Frade, who was my guest in January 2019, episode #54, recorded here in my studio a series of guided meditations for the 7 chakras, also known as energy centers in the body. Andrea graciously provides a short explanation of the elements, colors, locations and symbolism of each chakra, followed by a simple, yet profound experiential meditation that helps one feel tangibly connected to each chakra. So if you are driving, you may want to save this episode for when you are able to sit at home, close your eyes and be fully present.
Each meditation is approximately 6-7 minutes long, so you are welcome to listen to them one at a time or as a full series. Andrea and I wanted to make this accessible to all my listeners; this is our gift to you for your personal practice, may it deepen your embodied wisdom.
If this was helpful to you or you have questions to further your understanding of the chakras, feel free to contact Andrea directly through her website www.andreafrade.com/connect. I encourage you to explore all the healing courses, workshops and consultations she offers.
Namaste from Mama A!!
My guest today is Gabriel Lewis. Gabriel is a wealth advisor associate for Morgan Stanley, a director of school partnerships with The Mentor Project, as well as a “Big” with Big Brother/Big Sister and a junior board member with the Eagle Academy Foundation. Gabe’s life purpose is “to serve and add value to others in any way he can.” Pretty impressive for a 22 year old!! Gabe is passionate about having people understand and be literate about their finances. He says it’s not about how much money you make, it’s about having a healthy mindset of abundance.
Gabriel is disciplined about lining up his values, energy and desire to serve in the culture of finance. He is deeply grateful to his mother for providing such a rich, stimulating home school experience for him and his brother, which exposed them to so much, while building tremendous confidence. Gabe is fearless in reaching out to anybody he feels drawn to, forge authentic relationships and reciprocal networking. Gabriel’s positive mindset, openness about therapy, dedication to adding value to people’s lives, holding himself accountable to aligning his values with his actions, inspires me to encourage all my listeners to reach out to Gabe for their financial needs! Check out the links below to find Gabriel’s contact info. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
glewis@mentorproject.org
gabriel.lewis@ms.com
Linked in Profile
My guest today is Mayra Casales. Mayra is gifted Cuban percussionist, respected band leader and passionate mentor to young jazz musicians. Mayra was born in Havana, Cuba. Her family fled to Miami when she was about 6 years old. Music was an integral part of her family: her father played guitar, her mother was a singer and Mayra joined her older brothers to form a percussion section. In fact, Mayra says that music helped her family survive when they moved to Miami; serving as both their release and solidarity.
Mayra has played with a variety of jazz and Latin artists, including: Celia Cruz, Machito, Joe Cuba, Miquelito Veldez, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Carmen Lundy, David Amram, Regina Carter, Sophie B. Hawkins, Regina Bell, Dave Stryker, and The O'Jays. In 2008 Mayra helped found the vibrant World Latin music group Cocomama, which she now leads.
Mayra is the Director of the Toni and Ed Fallon Jazz Scholarship to honor the memory of Bill Evans, providing financial support to promising high school graduates with their formal jazz studies. Mayra’s spiritual groundedness and fiery, passionate, lovable spirit infuses both her music and the focus and gratitude that colors her everyday life. Check out the show notes below for links to Mayra’s website, Cocomama’s website and the Rockland Community Foundation. You can hear Mayra with Cocomama at the Hopper House in Nyack, NY on Thursday July 18, from 7:30-9:30. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Mayra on Facebook
www.cocomamamusic.com
Rockland Community Foundation
RCF Grants & Scholarships
Toni & Ed Fallon Jazz Scholarship
My guest today is Tony Falco. Tony is a visionary club owner, community builder, art and music promoter, and a facilitator to support living artists. Tony began hosting house concerts in 2001, in a structure behind the Falco home that was built from all recycled materials. The intimate listening room was a remarkable space with fine acoustics, a grand piano, stage lighting and seating for nearly 100. In a couple of months Tony was providing high level musicians an intimate space to perform for enthusiastic audiences. Using a donation box and potluck meals for contributions, plus Tony, his wife Julie, and their children’s gracious hospitality, musicians felt warmly welcomed, valued and respected.
Bursting at the seams, four years later Tony purchased a 19th century button factory, perched over the Marlboro (NY) Falls once used to power the factory, and converted it into The Falcon, a vibrant music club. Tony’s club has become the “Village Vanguard of the Hudson Valley” with artists on a regular rotation with New York City's most respected venues; a rural Mecca for the finest in multiple genres; including jazz, blues, rock, gospel, world music and contemporary chamber music.
Tony’s humility, philosophy and vision is captured in this Humanist Manifesto declaration written by the Humanist International general assembly:
“Humanism values artistic creativity and imagination and recognizes the transforming power of art. Humanism affirms the importance of literature, music and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfillment.”
Check out the links below for The Falcon to see their rich roster of music events. I encourage you to support Tony’s vision by supporting this incredible venue. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Live at The Falcon
Amsterdam Declaration
NY Times article on The Falcon
My guest today is Judy McLane. Judy is a successful, charismatic singer and actor, animal activist, nature lover and seeker of the mystery in everyday life. Judy performed the role of Tanya in Broadway’s “Mamma Mia” for 7 1/2 years and then played the starring role of Donna for 4 years - hers was the longest run of a principal role in "Mamma Mia" history. Judy has also cultivated a rich symphony career, performing a wide repertoire of music with national and international symphonies. In addition, Judy has enjoyed expanding her acting skills and ventured into theater, television and film.
Judy crystallizes the focus of a NY actor, and I quote: “My job is to audition: be ready to audition; be prepared for auditioning”. Actors do more auditioning than anything else and even though that means facing more no’s than yes’s, Judy has learned to stay positive, change her thoughts and trust in what comes her way. She loves the quote “What’s for you, won’t go by you.” Therefore the jobs she is offered, are the ones she believes are truly meant for her.
Judy’s love for animals propelled her 2 magnificent trips to Africa, visiting animal sanctuaries, feeling deeply connected to the “Big Cats” and returning to devote volunteer hours with the Cheetah Conversation Fund in Cincinnati, developing “Angels of Music” and supporting her friend’s project “Arts for Animals”. Judy shares her profound connection and synchronicity with her own 3 cats, that even non-cat owners would be moved by.
Check out the link for Judy’s website, to discover where she is next performing to experience her magic. You’ll also find the links to two animal projects she supports. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.judymclane.net
Cheetah Conservation Fund
Arts for Animals
My guest today is Lucy Miller-Suchet. I’ve known Lucy since she was in utero and have witnessed her beautiful growth into a kind-hearted, conscientious young woman, dedicated to social justice. As my youngest guest so far, Lucy’s impressive experiences exceed her 21 years. As a 9th grader, Lucy was a trusted, responsible member of my independent youth group which culminated our year together in a two-week service trip to Nicaragua to build one-room cinder block houses for materially poor families. Lucy recently graduated from Brandeis University, having doubled majored in ‘International Global Studies’ and ‘Health, Science, Society and Policy’, with a minor in ‘Economics’.
During a profound summer college internship in San Francisco at a public health, non-profit start-up, Lucy learned invaluable lessons in stretching herself outside of her comfort zone, a deeper understanding of her self, and concrete, healthy self-care skills. Lucy also had an intense Junior semester in Argentina, immersed in Spanish speaking classes, while studying Argentina’s health system. Lucy admits that she likes to throw herself off a cliff and see what happens, knowing that she’ll eventually be able to swim. Lucy was selected to be a fellow with the ‘Princeton in Latin America Fellowship’ and she’ll soon be moving to Ecuador, to work as a liaison with the US-based organization 'Partners for Andean Community Health'. Impressive, right?!? Join me in cheering Lucy on in this next chapter of her inspiring life!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Instagram
https://partnersforandeancommunityhealth.org/
My guest today is Napoleon Murphy Brock. Napoleon, also known as Napi, is a singer, saxophonist and flute player who was Frank Zappa’s front man in the 1970s. Please note that this episode is well over the typical one hour length of my recorded conversations, but Napi is quite the story teller and I didn’t want anyone to miss out on his fascinating experiences. Even when it takes him nearly 30 minutes to tell how he and Frank Zappa met, on August 8th, 1973, and all the tangents he shares help lead up to this fateful meeting.
From his ancestral lineage that captures his full name, to being hit by 2 cars at age 7, the start of hearing music while daydreaming, to being a natural ham in musicals and opera, to working as a janitor and behavior modification counselor, to creating a sought-after R&B influenced cover band in the late 60s, to pioneering multi-tasking as the band’s lead singer, songwriter, arranger and instrumentalist, Napoleon Murphy Brock is a force to be reckoned with!!
Napi is also passionate about health and fitness and shares some of his secrets to live with vitality. Come hear Napoleon with The Ed Palermo Big Band (EPBB) at The Falcon in Marlboro, NY this Saturday June 15th. And for those who happen to be in Germany this July 2019, Napoleon and the EPBB will be featured at the 30th anniversary of the Zappanale Music Festival. Check the links below for details. Enjoy the podcast!!
Links:
Ed Palermo Big Band
Zappanale
Live at The Falcon
YouTube Video #1
YouTube Video #2
My guest today is Tyler Mix. Tyler is a fitness trainer, DJ, and a formerly incarcerated man, dedicated to turning his life around. For the first time in his life, Tyler has chosen to be clean and sober and is grateful for the support from his substance abuse program at Lexington Center in Airmont, NY. Tyler has taken his recovery program seriously which has been both intense and life-changing. Tyler is a resident in a transitional house run by M.A.D.E. Transitional Services, a Rockland County, NY non-profit organization dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated people with housing, re-entry, life skills training and job readiness. Check out my conversations with the two M.A.D.E. founders, Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr.
Tyler shares what his life had been like before prison, during prison and, now that he is out. He speaks of facing his past, not being proud of who he was or how he lived; about taking responsibility for his behavior and feeling genuine remorse. Tyler was a victim of correctional officers’ brutality, and although the C.O.’s covered up the abuse they inflicted, prevented Tyler from getting medical attention and manipulated the paperwork, Tyler is determined to not become bitter. He is learning the balance of being strong and confident, while making room for humility and vulnerability.
Tyler has found creative outlets in hand-writing a novel, a screen play and drafted some animations, but his consistent solace is in working out and personal fitness. My husband Paul is helping Tyler create a website to launch Tyler's personal training business. It is inspiring to witness Tyler move in such a positive direction to transform his life! Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
www.made-transitions.org
Lexington Center for Recovery
My guest today is David M. Sinclair. David was a Marine Surveyor for 60 years, an avid sailor, and still, at the ripe old age of 91, is a nature enthusiast! David is my oldest guest and my beloved uncle, the eldest member of my extended family! I admired the playful, prankster loving relationship he and my mother closely shared. Raised as a Quaker in Germantown, PA, Dave remembers a teacher at Germantown Friends School igniting his love of bird watching. From that he has cultivated a life-long love for nature and within the past year the Darien Nature Center in Connecticut created a volunteer award in Dave’s name.
Dave describes what the work of a marine surveyor entails, stories that highlight his detective skills, along with the changes he endured to keep his business running into he was in his early 80s. His sailing stories include racing the Ticonderoga in the 1940s, the various boats he and his wife Susan sailed, her Adam’s Cup award in 1962, his role as judge for YRA that earned his Ned Anderson Achievement Award.
The tragic loss of his eldest son, Timmy was heart-wrenching and yet somehow in the midst of his shock and grief, Uncle Dave found the strength to offer forgiveness to the driver who killed his son. Despite the obvious strain such a loss plays on a marriage, Dave and Susan weathered their tough times, focused on their love and pride of their 2 other children, 4 grandchildren and have been married for 63 years. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Darien Nature Center
News 12 CT - Hometown Hero (video)
My guest today is Essence Cohen Fields. Living and working just outside of Philadelphia, PA, Essence is a therapist, specializing in trauma release and boundary setting. Essence is dedicated to helping others heal from traumas, shore up resiliency, and boost confidence to face all that life presents. She skillfully guides her clients through experiences of abuse, anger management issues, work-life balance, self esteem concerns, parent-child relational issues, anxiety, grief and depression.
Essence combines cognitive behavioral and solution focused counseling techniques, with EMDR, (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) and her motivational coaching approach. Essence’s logo is “FLY Counseling” the F-L-Y, stands for First Love Yourself and she cleverly uses fly as in helping people fly and soar into their potential as well as “to be fly”, in all that you do! She believes that to heal and have a positive impact in the world, we fist need to love ourselves. Essence cares deeply about bringing out the best in people and dreams of someday creating a holistic healing center in her community.
Check out the links below to see Essence’s website, where you can find the therapeutic services she offers, a book that she published (a fun and easy read) called "A Lesson On How To F.L.Y", as well as her limited series podcast called “The F.L.Y.”, a podcast focused on developing insight into the importance of self love. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Website: flycounseling.com
FB: firstloveyourselfcounseling
IG: @flycounseling
My guest today is Justin Stanton. Justin is an amazing trumpeter, keyboard player, composer, and producer. Justin primarily performs, records and tours with Snarky Puppy, Huntertones, and Banda Magda. Although you can find him collaborating with his "puppies", Mike “Maz” Maher, Chris Bullock or Robert ‘Sput’ Searight on their original projects.
Justin humbly shares his growth as he built inner confidence and deep gratitude for the challenges inherent in the music business. He has traveled the world, been to every continent, except Antarctica and shares how blown away he was by a recent trip to Morocco. During this festival, Justin experienced a different kind of music collaboration, which meant letting go of preconceived notions and staying open, curious and engaged.
Justin’s long awaited solo debut album “Secret Place” was released on May 3rd, 2019 and the next night Justin had a celebratory live performance of his album at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. I invite you to purchase this creative, soulful record!!! Check out the links below to do so, see a music video of his song “What Do You Want?” as well as a cool partially-animated music video of the song he wrote “Bad Kids to the Back” for Snarky Puppy’s newest album "Immigrance". I encourage you to experience Justin’s awesome talent live!! Enjoy the podcast.
Links:
FB: justinmstanton
IG: @justinstanton
TW: @ _justinstanton
Video: For a song Justin wrote for Snarky Puppy’s newest album "Immigrance" called “Bad Kids in the Back”
Video: "What Do You Want?", featuring Melanie Watson, from Justin's latest album
Snarky Puppy
Ground Up Music
My guest today is Brent Frederick. Brent is a music director, pianist, arranger, and conductor. Brent appreciates and invests in all of his freelance music projects, valuing the need to be versatile, live by the golden rule, while continually evolving. From Busch Gardens, to cruise ships, Broadway national tours, to Broadway shows, cabarets, churches, to concert halls, Brent has brought integrity and humility to his work. He did a beautiful job with the arrangements for his wife, Jacqueline Petroccia’s recent album “Champagne and Moonshine” - Jackie was a recent podcast guest of mine, you can hear her story on episode #61. In between playing piano and/or conducting Broadway shows, Brent enjoys conducting a NYC chorus called Art Mob, that performs in various art galleries. Their next performances are May 17, 18, and 19, 2019.
As a father of a newborn, Brent admits the challenge and responsibility of raising a white son in an environment where we need to destroy patriarchy, misogyny and white supremacy. Brent wants to bring his son into the world with consciousness, sensitivity and compassion for other human beings. He is excited that NYC’s diversity will provide a representative world community for his son, Theo.
Check out the links below for Brent’s website and find out when and where you can hear him perform and/or conduct a concert, along with all the music services he provides. You’ll see links to his wife Jackie’s website, the Art Mob chorus, as well as the Doo Wop Project that he fills in as musical director. In fact, Brent has orchestrated the song “Friends in Low Places” for a 60 piece orchestra that the Doo Wop Project will debut with the Indianapolis Symphony the weekend of May 17, 2019. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
brentfrederickmusic.com
jacquelinepetroccia.com
thedoowopproject.com
artmob.org
My guest today is Michelle Willis. Michelle is a British-born, Canadian-raised, and current American-resident, singer/songwriter/musician. Blending jazz, folk, gospel and blues, Michelle’s voice is truly like an angel. No surprise then, that from a very young age she sang with the Toronto Children’s Chorus, the Canadian Children’s Opera Choir and by age 14 Michelle was a professional singer with an Anglican church choir.
Michelle balances her own music with impressive side-woman projects where she collaborates with musicians who inspire her, such as Mike League, Snarky Puppy, Mike “Maz” Maher, Becca Stevens, and David Crosby. You can hear Michelle on her 2016 debut album “See Us Through”, on Snarky Puppy’s "Family Dinner, Volume 2" album, and on David Crosby’s Lighthouse album “Here If You Listen” where she, Becca Stevens, Mike League and David Crosby co-wrote all the songs. Michelle tours with the Becca Stevens Band, as well as with David Crosby’s Sky Trails Band and Lighthouse Band.
Michelle speaks of the important influencers Caitlin Hanford, Don Rooke, and Hugh Marsh at the start of her music career; the delights and strains of tour life; the discipline it takes to carve out quiet, reflective time; and how dedicated she is to nourish and cultivate her own centeredness and creativity.
Having won a grant from the Canadian Council for the Arts, Michelle’s new record will be released in 2020, with 10 of Michelle’s songs. These songs will be offered in 2 versions: live in concert from Toronto (scheduled for the Fall of 2019), as well as studio-produced tracks that she is currently working on.
Michelle has a NYC residency at Rockwood Music Hall, on the last Monday of every month. In fact, join me on Monday April 29, 2019 to hear Michelle live! Check out the links below to find Michelle’s beautifully formatted, comprehensive website, to see her tour schedule, photos and videos. Oh, and don’t forget to follow Michelle on Instagram. Trust me you will be entertained!!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.michellewillis.ca
IG: @boutwillismusic
www.davidcrosby.com
www.snarkypuppy.com
www.beccastevens.com
www.louiscato.com
www.fabulousfab.com
Mike Maz Maher
My guest today is Spencer Lott. Spencer is a maker, artist, puppeteer and writer. In addition to all of his creative gifts, Spencer is a thought machine, in fact, one of Spencer’s thoughts planted the seed that inspired me to create this podcast. Spencer grew up in Kansas, and as a kindergartner, impressively wrote “I want to be the next Jim Henson.” He truly appreciates how supportive his parents were in helping him fill his artistic toolbox. By age 16, Spencer started his own puppet company. He learned how to sew, paint and sculpt. From his intensive high level training at the Eugene O’Neil National Puppetry Conference (which he attended 8 times!), his theater degree at the University of Kansas, to his years in NYC, Spencer now is a busy free-lancer, working for Sesame Street, Trusty Sidekick Theater Company as well as designing puppets for theater companies, advertising agencies and production companies.
Spencer’s enthusiasm, curiosity and reverence for wonder, clearly generates his flow of new ideas. He was recently hired to rebuild the iconic puppet characters for the new Fred Rodgers film “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” starring Tom Hanks which is scheduled to be released in October 2019. Spencer is currently in pre-production for a show he is co-creating called “9,000 Paper Balloons”. Check out the show notes to see Spencer’s website, which in itself is a beautiful, creative site to explore, along with the non-profit theater company, Trusty Sidekick and an article from the experimental theater HERE, about his play "9,000 Paper Balloons".
This thought machine, innovative maker is a true gem.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.misterlott.com
www.trustysidekick.org
IG: @misterlott
9,000 Paper Balloons
My guest today is Kalia Brooks. Kalia is a curator, exhibition maker, and educator. As an exhibition maker, Kalia is dedicated to bringing people closer to the creative process, while bringing the creative process closer to people. She creates exhibitions that are community engaged, making cultural, social and political statements, that tap the healing power of art.
Kalia has been or is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia University, New York University, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute of Fine Arts, and Cooper Union, integrating art history, sociology, culture, race and art into her courses.
2017 held huge milestones for Kalia: she moved to a new community, completed her dissertation for her PhD. in Aesthetics and Art Theory, planned her wedding, and discovered her mom was diagnosed with cancer. Kalia appreciates all the lessons learned in these transitional years, which helped set in motion all that she is manifesting now. I am so inspired by Kalia’s wisdom, creativity, and dedication to social justice.
Follow the link below for Kalia’s website to explore recent exhibits, exciting upcoming exhibits, and how to sign up for her newsletter. I encourage you to join me for Kalia’s next project in the Fall of 2019, when The Institute for Research in African American Studies at Columbia University will hold a Symposium, commemorating the 400 year anniversary when Africans first landed in Jamestown. It’s fascinating that the early seeds of democracy and the early seeds of slavery happened at the same time.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.kaliabrooksstudio.com
My guest today is Lou Del Bianco. Lou is a storyteller, actor, singer and author. Lou has been an artist-in-residence, he's created after-school programs, developed character education programs, facilitated mutli-cultural programs, and performed at assemblies, theaters, libraries, community centers & senior living facilities. His children’s music album from the early 90s was a favorite in our home when our daughter and son were little. His charismatic, playful energy has won the hearts of audiences of all ages.
In addition to publishing an illustrated children’s book about Abraham Lincoln, Lou has recently published a book about his grandfather,
“Out of the Shadow of Mount Rushmore: The Luigi Del Bianco Story, An Italian Immigrant’s Unsung Role”.
Lou’s grandfather was originally not given credit for the tremendous role he played in creating this national monument. Lou took it upon himself to make sure the world knew Luigi’s story. Finally in 2017, Mount Rushmore acknowledged the unique and critical role his grandfather played in refining the faces of Mount Rushmore; giving them humanity, soul and even a twinkle in their eyes. Lou’s book documents the odyssey that Lou endured to honor his grandfather.
Check the links below for Lou’s website to see his performance schedule, awards, and video clips. You’ll also find a link to to order Lou’s book and learn more about the compelling story of Lou’s once unsung hero grandfather.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Lou's Web Site
luigimountrushmore.com
Through Lincoln's Eyes: A Fight for Luigi Del Bianco's Legacy (video)
My guest today is Josh Finn. Josh is a gifted furniture maker, business owner, and humble advocate for bringing woodworking skills to vulnerable youth. I am proud to be related to Josh, he is my first cousin. We have hired him to build furniture in 3 rooms of our home, each project an artistic masterpiece with the essence of Josh’s soul infused in all his work. Influenced by his father, who had been a sculptor and taken the family to museums and cathedrals, Josh resonated with the elegant simplicity of the Shakers. In his early 20s, Josh worked for a furniture maker in Scotland and a cabinet maker in Brooklyn, NY before opening up his own shop in upstate New York 20 years ago.
Last summer Josh spent 3 weeks in Malawi, Africa helping to create a trade school for Mzuzu International Academy, one of the educational programs sponsored by Maloto, the non-profit organization that feeds, educates, and empowers those affected by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi. This disease had wiped out a generation of caregivers, teachers, and community leaders; and left thousands of children orphaned. (Listen to my episode with Maloto Founder, Anna Msowoya-Keys to hear more about her organization). Josh lay the foundation for a vocational program by teaching woodworking and furniture making skills to 12 engaged youth and plans to return to Malawi this summer for 6 weeks.
Josh honesty speaks of his dyslexia and learning issues; appreciating his beloved wife’s gift as a speech therapist who understands how his brain works. He honors his mother, who was the first to believe in him, as he is very present to her as she ages; describing that it is easy and joyful to have her such a close part of his life.
Check out the show notes below for Josh’s website, email address and be inspired to hire Josh for your furniture needs. You’ll also find links to Josh’s Go Fund Me page, where you can support his transformative efforts with the youth of Malawi.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Go Fund Me: Josh Finn’s Trade School in Malawi
Website: www.joshfinn.com
Email: joshfinnfurniture@gmail.com
IG: @joshfinn1965
Anna Msowoya-Keys on the Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire Podcast
Maloto
My guest today is Jenevieve Louise Pluhowski. Jenevieve has her own skin care business, is a gifted yoga teacher (on the mat and in the hammocks), is a certified doula and fills in when needed with her husband’s catering business. Jenna was 33 weeks pregnant when we recorded this conversation so she is now very close to delivering her son, which she plans to do through a home birth.
Jenna studied to become an esthetician in her high school BOCES program for cosmetology, then later went to the International Dermal Institute, and worked for different spas, before opening up her own business, 8 years ago, specializing in facials.
Jenevieve’s parents both practiced transcendental meditation, so since she was a child, Jenna had a strong meditation practice. Her meditation practice served her well, particularly when she and one of her sisters were arrested in Nebraska for marijauna possession and sentenced to 2 years in prison. Jenevieve openly talks about how this disturbing experience changed her life, opened her eyes into a world that she knew so little of. It was in prison that Jenevieve learned of the transformative work of James Fox, who started bringing yoga into the San Quentin prison 25 years ago. Jenevieve understood the healing power of yoga so once released, she immersed herself in a yoga teacher training, as well as trauma-informed, mindfulness-based yoga.
Check out the show notes below for links to Jenevieve’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, and to sign up for any of your skin care needs. Look for the wonderful yoga and aerial classes she will soon be teaching again at Soul Flyte, here in Nyack, NY. Join me in sending Jenevieve and her husband Julian, blessings for a lovingly supportive home birth delivery of their healthy son!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
FB: Jenevieve Louise LLC, Skincare
IG: @jenbelieve
www.prisonyoga.org - Prison Yoga Project
Soul Flyte - Nyack’s first boutique AntiGravity® yoga and fitness studio
My guest today is Jon Lampley. Jon is an incredibly gifted multi-instrumentalist and one of the most generous musicians I’ve witnessed, enthusiastically giving of his heart and soul every time he is on stage. Jon developed tuba skills in middle and high school ensembles while playing trumpet in church. He majored in Jazz Studies at The Ohio State University, where he met and collaborated with similarly-driven friends, at their college house on Hunter Ave.
In homage to that college house, Jon (trumpet/sousaphone), Dan White (saxophone) and Chris Ott (trombone/beatbox) formed the dynamic band Huntertones. All three wrote music for the band, and recently the compositions have had a more collaborative process. Their soulful rhythm section consists of John Hubble on drums, Adam DeAscentis on bass, Justin Stanton on keys/trumpet, and Josh hill on guitar, blending jazz, hip-hop, R&B, with an infectious New Orleans vibe. Huntertones motto is to have their audience feeling better leaving than when they came in, winning the joyful support of fans around the world.
After graduating from OSU, Huntertones was selected to be travel ambassadors for American Music Abroad, through the U.S. State Department, a cultural exchange program. Their travels to share their original music in Barbados, Ecuador, Togo and Zimbabwe had a profound impact on each musician individually and definitely as a group musically. Jon witnessed in Africa that there was no separation between singing and dancing, they are one in the same! Which explains what delights me in watching Jon perform; he embodies the joy and gracious spirit that resonated with him so deeply, as African musicians taught song, instrument and movement together.
Since he was a junior in college, Jon has been the touring trumpet player for the platinum selling rock band, Of A Revolution (O.A.R.). When Jon is not touring with Huntertones or O.A.R., you can catch him performing with Jon Batiste’s “Stay Human”, the house band on
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Check the show notes for links to all of Jon’s creative projects!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
jonlampley.com
huntertones.com
FB: Jon Lampley
IG: @jonlampleymusic
IG: @Huntertones
My guest today is Jacqueline Petroccia. Jackie is a classically trained vocalist, who enjoys singing opera, musical theater, jazz, and country. I saw Jackie perform her own show, called “Sometimes Patsy Cline” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, a theater in Montgomery, Alabama in September 2018. I was moved by her courage to play herself in an original show of stories and songs that told her own life story, influenced by Patsy Cline, but just as inclusive of the different genres that shaped Jackie. She collaborated with her husband, Brent Frederick, her musical director and arranger, as they created an entertaining, heartfelt show that deeply touched me. When you are playing yourself, Jackie realized how exposed she felt, there was no character to hide behind. It’s risky to stretch the audience’s limited expectations of who they want you to be, and dare to show up as YOURSELF, trusting in your own authenticity.
Jackie tells the story of how she was discovered 14 years ago to play Patsy Cline in a production of “Always Patsy Cline”, which led to her to performing that role over a dozen times in various regional productions throughout the country. Jacqueline is deeply grateful for all that she has learned from Patsy Cline, someone who has inspired Jackie in countless ways. It was a thrill for Jackie to record her double album, “Champagne and Moonshine” in Nashville, Tennessee. A few songs were actually recorded in the same studio where Patsy recorded her music.
Jackie talks about the humbling, exhilarating role of being a new mother as well as her desire to continue performing. She acknowledges that many people make assumptions that she wouldn’t want to work, and she says please don’t make that assumption, call me! She was inspired to find this work/family balance from the online community Broadway Baby Moms and encourages other artists thinking about starting a family to trust that it will all fall into place.
Check out the links below for Jackie’s website, to buy her album, see photos and find her upcoming performances. In fact, Jackie will be performing Patsy in another production of “Always Patsy Cline” in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on March 16th, 2019. I hope to see you there!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Double CD: Champagne and Moonshine
Website
FB: Jacqeline Petroccia
IG:
@jackiepetro
@jeffwhitingnyc
My guest today is Matthew Rushing. Not only has Matthew been an outstanding dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater since 1992, he has also choreographed three pieces for the company and became the Rehearsal Director and Guest Dancer in 2010. Matthew was 12 years old when he first saw the Ailey company perform and remembers being transformed; he saw his life danced in front of him and fell in love with the idea of the company! The clarity that followed was not that he simply wanted to be a professional dancer, but that he specifically wanted to dance in this company! 5 years later, at age 17, Matthew manifested his dream.
Matthew has a huge heart for young people in the arts, so along with all the classes he teaches, he co-founded the ASAP Mentoring Program, pairing Ailey students with Ailey professionals.
As part of the 60th anniversary of the company, a video was made of Matthew dancing “I Wanna Be Ready” (a male solo section from the dance “Revelations”). Matthew danced this piece in Alvin Ailey’s childhood church, in Rogers, Texas, which was both exhilarating and humbling for Matthew. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and Matthew says he couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to thank Mr. Ailey, who changed his life and gave him wings to fly.
Check out the links below for the Alvin Ailey website, where you will find photos, interviews and video footage of Matthew’s magnificent work with the company. There are also YouTube links of excerpts of Matthew’s choreography, and a link to Matthew giving an innovative keynote speech to the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts graduating class of 2015. Do yourself a favor and watch it, watch all the YouTube footage of Mathew dancing - he is exquisite and will uplift, inspire and maybe even move you to tears!!!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Alvin Ailey web site
YouTube videos:
“I Wanna Be Ready”
Keynote speech at Frank Sinatra High School of the Arts
Uptown (2009) Harlem Renaissance
Odetta (2014) tribute to Odetta Holmes
Alvin Ailey: The Making of Matthew Rushing's ODETTA:
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
New York City Dance Alliance
Matthew 28 Collaborative Performance--Gracefarms.org
NYIBC Gala: A Song For You, solo performance
My guest today is Gary Fritz. Gary is a percussionist, drummer, DJ, photographer and one of the pioneers of NYC’s graffiti movement. Gary happily admits he has diverse interests and has been motivated to pursue them all! It’s not just that he expresses himself in different art forms, Gary embraces the variety of culture and genres within one art form. Take music, for example, Gary plays folk, pop, rock, rap, R&B, jazz, fusion, world beat, spoken word, big band, orchestra and gospel!! He has performed with George Benson, Roberta Flack, Brand New Heavies, Magic Lady, Inc. and played drums or percussion with Broadway tours.
I met Gary 13 years years ago when he became the percussionist for the Alvin Ailey band that backs up the gospel choir for their signature piece, Revelations. Gary shared his long history with the company: he played drums for Ailey classes and camp, dated a dancer from the company in 1988 and had meaningful conversations directly with Alvin. His deep connection to the Ailey company continues to lift and enrich his whole life experience.
Sadly, Gary’s 33 year old daughter, Nneka died in a bus accident in Panama 4 years ago, and his stories of mystery, miracles and spiritual connection are very healing. Nneka continues to have a really big impact in the world. Even though I never met her, Nneka’s love is present, palpable and powerful!!
Check out the show notes below for links to Gary’s social media sites, to find out where he is performing next and view his graffiti collection.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
FB: Gary Fritz
IG: @wickedgf
ReverbNation
My guest today is Tahira Clayton. Tahira is a soulful singer, songwriter, music teacher and conductor. Tahira’s name translates as purity of light and that she is! I see, hear and feel light when I am in Tahira’s presence - she is tuned in, gracious, open and compassionate - radiating light both on and off stage!
Growing up in Texas, Tahira explained that her family was one of 3 black families that lived in an otherwise white neighborhood. Tahira didn’t want to stick out, she didn’t want anything that was going to make her seem more different than she already was. She acknowledges the irony that she figured out who she was while denying the biggest part of her. Tahira remembers when that self consciousness of her race dissipated and she finally felt proud to be black, she began to confidently express herself as a strong black woman.
We recorded this conversation with Tahira in the fall of 2018, intentionally waiting to release this podcast so we could promote her album release show. However, in addition to waiting for the album release date, her beloved partner, Addison Frei (featured in Episode #43) pulled off a spectacular, romantic surprise marriage proposal (with her whole family sworn to secrecy) over Thanksgiving 2018. Blessings Tahira and Addison!!
In early December, Tahira came as my guest to see The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform at City Center (NYC), her first time seeing the company! We were both blown away, not only by the company’s signature dance “Revelations", but by the world premiere of Rennie Harris’ "Lazarus I and II", this piece is a MUST SEE!!
Please join me on Thursday February 28th, 2019 at 8pm to celebrate Tahira’s album release show at Nublu, 151 Ave C, New York City.
Check out the links below for the latest events in Tahira’s life, as well as her website where you can hear her music and find out about all her exciting projects. For our UK listeners, Tahira will be traveling to London on March 9th, 2019 to be part of a panel on systemic exclusion of women in jazz at the International Women in Music Leadership Conference. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
tahiraclayton.com
FB: TahiraClaytonMusic
IG: @tee.clay
Twitter: T_ClaytonMusic
“Wait Till Now” album release show:
Thursday February 28th, 2019 at 8pm at
Nublu, 151 Ave C, New York City
For 2019's Black History Month, we are featuring 4 wonderful people, all who have a tie to my absolute favorite dance company in the world: the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Our first guest of the month sings with the Alvin Ailey gospel choir. The second is a young singer who had never seen Ailey live and came with me as my guest this past December, while the company celebrated it's 60th Anniversary - one of my greatest joys is introducing new people to this magnificent dance company. Who knows, perhaps one day she too will sing with Ailey’s gospel choir! Our 3rd guest is the percussionist for Ailey’s live band and finally we feature a spectacular Ailey dancer, who has been with the company for 26 years!
May you be inspired by Roosevelt Credit, Tahira Clayton, Gary Fritz and Matthew Rushing as we honor Black History month and the legacy and profound spirit of Alvin Ailey!
My guest today is Roosevelt Andre Credit. Roosevelt is a gifted singer, performer, conductor, arranger and music educator. Roosevelt is also one of the most enthusiastic, positive humans I have ever encountered! His large heart, deep spiritual conviction and uncanny ability to find the good in just about every person and situation, plus his natural ability to light up a room and get the party started, truly inspires me. Roo grew up in Oakland, CA, studied opera at Oregon State University, and went to Northwestern University for graduate school. Roosevelt has had a rich, varied career from the Tony Award winning Broadway production of “Showboat”, the touring company of “Porgy and Bess”, to singing in professional NYC church choirs, conducting choruses and festivals, singing with the Alvin Ailey gospel choir for the live music performances of Ailey’s signature piece “Revelations”, helping to write the music for the movie “12 Years A Slave” and appearing on John Oliver’s HBO show Last Week Tonight. Roosevelt also has recorded two of his own CDs: “Old Time Religion”and “Get On Board”.
Roo lives from a place of grace and gratitude, enjoys moments of synchronicity and connection, which delightfully appeared during our conversation, and truly is a vessel of love and light! Check out the show notes below for links to Roosevelt’s website www.rooseveltacredit.com, where you can hear his music, purchase his CDs, find a great video of Roosevelt’s hysterical embodiment of Fats Waller, singing “Your Feets Too Big”! I’ve also included links to videos of Roosevelt's appearances with a gospel choir on John Oliver’s show. “Well done good and faithful servant!!!” Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.rooseveltacredit.com
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - YouTube link
“Old Time Religion”
My guest today is Diane Churchill. Diane is a gifted artist, painter, art teacher and community activist. In addition to her formal education studying Art History at Wellesley College and Studio Art at the Brooklyn Museum Art School, Diane describes her transformative informal education at the “University of the Streets” working in NYC’s Lower East Side back in the late 60’s. It was a time of creativity, opportunity, vitality, diversity, tragedy and loss. Without clear direction or guidance, Diane took the time to build meaningful relationships, as she developed some very exciting projects, that blended art, storytelling, writing and grassroots community activism.
Diane is grateful for the sisterhood she found in the feminist art movement, which gave expression to women’s lives and experiences, helping to foster confidence in Diane at a time when everyone else in her world discouraged her from being an artist. Diane taught art in the streets, in public schools, private schools, and recently was an artist-in-resident at the Gowry Art Institute in India. Her rich, vibrant abstract paintings, shown in countless solo and group exhibitions throughout the NY region, reflect her intimate conversations with the canvas, with nature, the elements, color, her inner world and with life itself! She says that painting is central to everything; it has its own life and has changed over the years. She also explains that color is its own subject, color is a force that creates vibrations and possibilities. She has focused on different themes throughout her decades of painting, and now Diane’s current theme s exploring the unknown, the unseen. Her humility, curiosity and ability to be a conduit of creativity and joy, deeply inspires me.
Check out Diane’s website and a current exhibit at the Blue Hill Art and Cultural Center in Pearl River, NY through April 5th, 2019.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.dianechurchill.com
My guest to day is Dan Pugach. Dan is a talented drummer, composer and a recent Grammy-nominated arranger. Dan and his wife Nicole Zuraitis, (who was my guest in December 2018) have been nominated for a Grammy for Best Arrangement with Instruments and Vocals, for their co-arrangement of Dolly Parton’s song Jolene. Dan performs with various artists throughout the NY metropolitan area, but his passion for big band music has been channeled into writing and arranging for his own nonet, a 9 piece ensemble. I just heard Dan and his nonet perform at the 55 Bar in NYC last week and I highly recommend that you hear them for yourself!
As an Israeli, Dan had a lot of musical opportunities, before, during, and after his mandatory 3 year service in the army, but he had his heart set on moving to New York City. He was grateful for the quick completion of his music degree at Berklee College in Boston, which cushioned his landing in NYC. While Dan was at City College (NYC) for his Masters degree, he was reminded of his roots, his passion for big band music and there, his love for arranging was ignited.
He speaks honestly of the struggles, the connections, the challenges and the inspirations that have shaped him, not only as a musician but as a person. Dan takes his career seriously, names the crossroads he faces, looks within for validation, and values integrity in music, in food, in people, and integrity in life.
Check out Dan’s website danpugach.com to hear his music, see videos, find his upcoming gigs and buy his CDs or charts. Let’s all send Dan and Nicole positive energy for a win in this year's Grammys!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.danpugach.com
FB: Dan Pugach Nonet
IG: @danpugach
Dan Pugach Nonet “Plus One”
My guest today is Andrea Maxine Frade. Andrea is yoga and mediation teacher, a Reiki Master and Cranial-Sacral practitioner, as well as a reader of the Akashic Records. After a dark period in her life of being in different forms of abusive relationships, Andrea eventually understood that she had denied her own well-being and self-care. She was so capable, taking caring of her students and clients, yet her personal life was in chaos. The irony was that while she was suffering in a relationship with someone who was suffering, at her core, all she actually wanted was to alleviate suffering. Andrea eventually heard a benevolent, pure voice deep within, that provided the simple life-affirming force she needed; “It is time now for you to go.” Five years ago Andrea moved out of NYC and into my Nyack neighborhood.
Andrea’s own immersion in darkness and suffering has intimately informed her process of rising from the ashes, her rich healing journey. As she became fully present to her inner wisdom, aligning with what was highest in her, Andrea deeply understood the collective process of what it is for a woman to reclaim her power. In addition to her yoga classes, private healing sessions, Andrea facilitates weekly and monthly Women’s Circles, guiding women to get in touch with their divine nature, honor their intuition and embrace transformative action.
Experience Andrea’s wisdom, compassion and truth, through her new training called “From Guidance Within”, its a weekly program starting February 9th, 2019 and going through December 2019. She also offers a 4 week series, called “Walk the Path: Empowerment Series for Women”, exploring our lives through the 4 universal archetypes of transformation. Check out Andrea’s website, andreafrade.com where you can contact her directly for a free discovery session.
Follow Andrea on Instagram @andreamaxinefrade
Every Tuesday, she writes a guiding transmission for the collective.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.andreafrade.com
IG: @andreamaxinefrade
FB: Andrea Maxine Frade
Dr. Deborah Adamy, also known as Mama A, host of the podcast “Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire”, reflects on the past year, thanking her 51 guests of 2018. She enjoys not only the fascinating careers and passions of her guests, Deborah truly appreciates their authenticity and open-heartedness, their ability to be vulnerable, to find meaning in challenges, compassion in suffering and a renewed sense of purpose as they learn and grow from whatever they experience in life.
Deborah tells a personal story of how her internal voice of judgment reared its ugly head and applies some simple, effective tools to quiet the judgment, leaving room for compassion to guide her. She reads the powerful essay of American author, poet, and Jungian therapist, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, called “We Were Made for These Times”, a piece Deborah reads often, particularly when she needs to resist the temptation to feel overwhelmed with all that is unjust in our world. Listen to why this piece uplifts and inspires Mama A to honor her light, radiate her light and shine light on the light of others. All souls on deck for a transformative 2019!
Click here for information on next week’s LRS Benefit Concert in Brooklyn, Monday 1/14/19 from 6-8pm.
If you haven’t yet done so, plan to participate in the 3rd Annual Women’s March on Saturday January 19th, be part of this national and global movement! Go to actionnetwork.org for NYC details or womensmarch.com/2019/ for national details.
My guest today is Diana Bowers-Smith. Diana is the first archivist I’ve had as a guest on my podcast and after my conversation with her, I’d say its about time!! Diana works as an archivist in the Brooklyn Collection, Local History Division at the Brooklyn Public Library. Her recent investigative research settled the debate of the authenticity of the eagle statue that once marked the front entrance of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn’s main newspaper for over 100 years.
Diana graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Art History, eventually moved back to NY and received two Masters from Pratt Institute, one in Art History and the other in Library and Information Science. There are numerous ways one can put a library science degree to work, but what was transformational for Diana was the public service aspect, at the heart of library science. Public service is as the heart of her devotion, as well as her genuine curiosity and refreshing thirst for knowledge. For example, listen to how Diana describes the history, lure and charm of Greenwood Cemetery! I learn something new whenever I am in her presence.
Check out the show notes for links to Diana’s Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) work, her monthly blogs and check the BPL events calendar for the dates that Diana gives monthly tours of the Brooklyn Central Library - a national historic landmark. Last week, I featured guitarist, Perry Smith, Diana’s husband. You’ll hear how they both use their personal and professional platforms to help advance social justice and the causes they care about.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
IG: @brooklyncollection
Twitter: @brooklynology
www.bklynlibrary.org/brooklyncollection
the blog: brooklynology.org
My guest today is Perry Smith, guitarist, activist, and community builder. Perry grew up in California’s San Francisco Bay area, listening to folk music and alternative rock, but tells the story of when he was bitten by the jazz bug at age 11. He loved the complex, sophisticated jazz chords as well as the freedom of improvisation that jazz music offered. Perry went to University of Southern California, to study with jazz legend Joe Diorio. Nine years ago Perry moved to NYC, where he completed his Masters in Music at NYU, and became a leader of his own groups and a busy sideman for local and touring artists.
Perry has a devoted sense of striving, humbled by how much more there is to learn! His knowledge of what's out there, creates a wonderful cycle, that keeps him engaged, growing, and expanding as an artist. Perry honors the origins and history of Jazz music; jazz was born out of oppression and was an essential outlet for the discrimination that the African American culture experienced. As an active player in the NYC jazz scene, Perry hosts a weekly series in Brooklyn called The Nest Session, where he performs with different groups of jazz musicians while building community to create a meaningful social justice forum.
After 4 years of building community, Perry just announced that Wednesday December 19th will be the final show at The Nest. Come out and celebrate all that Perry co-created through this venue. Check out the show notes for links to Perry’s website, to hear his music, buy his CDs, and see all of his upcoming performances. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.perrysmithmusic.com
New West Guitar Group
No Biggity
The Nest Brooklyn
My guest today is Nicole Zuraitis, vocalist, pianist, songwriter and music educator. As one reviewer said: “Nicole is not your average jazz singer, she is a lady powerhouse!” Nicole played soccer as a youth, but since she towered over her peers, she played on the boy’s teams. She even trained with the Olympic Development Team. Nicole admits that she was thrilled to immerse herself in music after a soccer injury ended her involvement with sports.
Nicole learned that she had a big voice and was directed to study classical music. She received her Opera degree from NYU but soon discovered her passion for jazz, pop, soul, and fusion. In addition to her big voice, Nicole has a big heart - she cares deeply for the oppressed and the vulnerable, be they humans or animals. She is a gifted artist who dares to take a stand; writes and performs music that both delights and soothes her audience, as well as courageously challenges injustice. Nicole lights up a stage with her authenticity and limitless enthusiasm!!
Come hear Nicole perform this Thursday 12/6/18 at The Jazz Gallery with the female trio: Sonica, which includes Nicole, Thana Alexa and my daughter, Julia Adamy. All three of their husbands happened to be outstanding drummers, so for the first time, Sonica invited their husbands, Dan Pugach, Antonio Sanchez, and Ross Pederson to be their special guests! I’m eager to hear these stunning, soulful rhythm wives!!
Check out the show notes for Nicole’s website, to hear her music and learn about her upcoming performances with the Birdland Big Band, Dan Pugach Nonet, and others. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.nicolezuraitis.com
Birdland Big Band - Jazz Vocalist
Birdland Theater
Generations of Her
55 Bar
Nonet with Dan Pugach
“No Ban No Wall” (YouTube)
Litchfield Jazz Camp
@Bianca the jazz dog
My guest today is Peter Calo, guitarist, singer/songwriter, film score composer, and truly, a man of HEART! Peter’s parents were refugees from Europe during WWII and spent 2 years in a Siberian prison camp, eventually moving to a small farming community in Alberta Canada. Years later, Peter’s family moved to Boston, where Peter, as a teenager, jump-started his music career. His rich, expansive music career has included performing/recording with such diverse artists as Carly Simon, Dionne Warwick, Queen Latifah, Willie Nelson, and Hall & Oates. In fact, Peter has been playing and writing with Carly Simon since 1990! His range of genres and venues: from classical to soul; opera stage to biker bar; sideman to songwriter; film scores to Broadway; coliseums to intimate jazz cellars, capture Peter’s enthusiasm to find the joy in every gig. He is grateful to be invited to the party of life!
In addition to his music, Peter brings his large heart to lessons learned from his wife, and their 3 daughters. You are in for a special treat: during the recording of the podcast, Peter plays an impromptu performance of his brand new song about Leonardo DaVinci, called “When You Drew A Line”. My husband, Paul Adamy accompanies him on acoustic bass. I trust you, too will be moved by his music and lyrics, they certainly touch my soul!
Check the show notes for video links of a few of his songs as well as a link to Peter’s website to find his CDs and announcements for upcoming shows. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.petercalo.com
Do I Love You Too Much? (YouTube video)
Ida At The Back Door (YouTube video)
Takin’ a Sip (YouTube video)
My guest today is Randi Linick, yogi, educator, addiction counselor and psychotherapist. Randi shares her background: growing up on Long Island, NY, attending Washington University in St. Louis, moving to Atlanta, GA after college, and her fulfilling 10 years as an inner city middle school teacher. Randi speaks of making meaning out of loss, painful experiences that cracked her heart open, the courage to make critical changes in her life, which all ignited her to follow a spiritual path.
Randi admits that she had no intention of working with addicts, yet realized that the universe was opening a valuable opportunity to work as a counselor in a half way house for women in recovery. After 7 years of witnessing devastation, growth and miracles, Randi moved over to The Center for Integrative Psychiatry and Counseling, two days a week, where she is the addiction therapist. Two other days a week, she works as a therapist at The COR Group, while recently finding time to also begin her private practice. Randi speaks lovingly of all that her 2 daughters have taught her, honoring the confidence, maturity, freedom and independence of these 2 powerhouse young women. Randi embodies wisdom and joy, as she lives with humility, humor and authenticity. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
The Center for Integrative Psychiatry & Counseling
The COR Group
My guest today is Will Esposito, wrestler, yoga teacher, and non-profit business owner. After college, 2 friends of Will’s died; one from cancer, the other was shot and killed. Will was searching for healing, for peace, for meaning, he was determined to be engaged in life with purpose and passion.
Will realized the need for high school students to know themselves more fully, explore career options, see and meet people who were doing what they love and how they got there. He has created HYPELITE, a non-profit organization that sheds light on the hype of entrepreneurship. Through HYPELITE, Will has built a network of passionate entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and professionals to act as examples and/or mentors to help students discover their own passions and sense of purpose. HYPELITE creates customized events and programs to inspire and empower teens to take charge of their future.
I’m happy to promote Will’s annual “Giving Tuesday”. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, 11/27, HYPELITE will organize a community wide clothing and toiletries drive. If you are interested in participating in "Giving Tuesday", or interested in bringing HYPELITE to your community or perhaps you would like to join the network of a mentors, check out the website link below.
Thanks for taking a minute to rate and review the podcast.
Enjoy!
Links:
www.hypelite.org
WillEsposito@hypelite.org
FaceBook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
My guest today is Laura Pensiero, actor, compassionate teacher, dedicated healer and business owner. Laura incorporates Reiki and Breathwork in private healing sessions as well as develops curriculum for workshops and long-term courses. I was lucky enough to experience, firsthand one of Laura’s Breathwork workshops and immediately invited her to be my podcast guest.
After graduating from NYU’s Tish School for Acting, Laura moved out to LA to pursue her dream to be an actress. Laura looks back on her 7 years in LA, admitting that she didn’t have the tools at that time to live a healthy life while pursuing her acting career. She acknowledges that she lost her way, gave up on her passion until she returned to NYC and had her first Reiki session. In one profound session, she felt her cells reorganize themselves and actually see herself again! Reiki awakened her path of healing and inspired her to create her new business “Reiki for Actors”. She also got certified in an emotional release modality called Breathwork as well as certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, determined to cleanse and heal her body, mind and spirit.
Laura has been dating my nephew Matt Carr, Jr. and within a week of recording this conversation, Matt proposed to her, so I am delighted to announce that Laura will be part of my family!! I couldn’t be happier for these two warm, loving humans!!
You can experience Laura’s bright energy and loving guidance at her next workshops offered at Maha Rose Healing Center and Heal Haus, both in Brooklyn. Check out the links below for details. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Reiki For Actors
Maha Rose Center For Healing:
11/16/18 Workshop - Breathwork for Recovery
11/30/18 Workshop - Breathwork to Invite Love
Heal Haus:
11/11/18 Workshop - Breathwork to Invite Love
Maggie Flanigan Studio
Anthony Meindl
Happy Cooking Hospitality
My guest today is Shira Turkl-Rubin. Shira is a yoga and AntiGravity® teacher, business owner and entrepreneur. A year and a half ago Shira manifested a long held dream and opened her own boutique yoga studio in Nyack, NY, called Soul Flyte. Her knowledge of yoga, fitness, digestive health, body awareness, meditation and nutrition led her to create Soul Flyte, hire like-minded instructors from various backgrounds and provide the community with a refreshing, exciting fitness approach. Shira has personally rehabilitated her neck and her belly with the AntiGravity® technique. Shira has experienced major relief for her ulcerative colitis by tipping herself upside down - without the pressure on her neck of a headstand and was motivated to teach others how to help themselves.
Soul Flyte was founded on the belief that working out & finding your zen can & should be fun. I leave my Soul Flyte classes feeling taller, stronger, happier, relaxed and energized. They also offer classes for kids, so check out the show notes for links to Soul Flyte and all their wonderful classes and workshops.
Shira is an E-RYT 200 and 500 hour certified yoga instructor with specialties in AntiGravity®, restorative, kids, digestive yoga, vinyasa and hatha. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.soulflyte.com
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
My guest today is Larry Saltzman. Larry is an accomplished guitarist, who has created a viable career as a well respected musician, doing something he loves. Larry is also my husband’s doppelgänger, so I like to think of him as my brother-in-law! Larry believes that the gig of life requires the same ingredients needed for being a successful musician: say yes, show up, be a really good citizen! Larry has recorded or performed with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, Andy Snitzer, Chris Botti, Bette Midler and many more, along with playing in the pit of 9 Broadway shows. Larry humbly shares his journey of grief having lost his beloved wife, Carolyn to cancer a year and half ago. Even though, his instinct is to weather grief by himself not wanting to burden others, Larry has learned to err on the side of sharing.
He is an enigma in the social media world, with no presence on Facebook, Instagram or twitter. Even as I searched ahead of this recording to see if he had a website, I found instead numerous dentists named Larry Saltzman! So, no this Larry doesn’t have a dental day job and you won’t find him on social media, but you can hear him live at 2 upcoming shows. Come hear fabulous music and support a great cause! Enjoy the podcast.
Click on links for more info & tickets:
The Mar -Tays, Tuesday October 23rd, 8:00pm
The Cutting Room, 44 E. 32 Street, NYC
Blue Wave Music Fundraiser for Swing Left,
Monday October 29th, 7-9pm
The Bitter End, 147 Bleecker Street, NYC
My guest today is Addison Frei, a darn good ping pong player and tennis player... oh and yes a gifted pianist, composer, and music producer. Enrolled in Julliard’s Post Graduate Ensemble, Addison has traveled internationally as a Jazz Ambassador for Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, and Benny Goodman.
Addison’s family members are scientists and mathematicians, which inspires him to celebrate intellectual progress in society. What Addison relishes about his free-lance musician path is that there is nothing mundane about it. He is continually learning all kinds of music for different situations every day, every week, every month!
Addison appreciates the inter-generational, international, inter-genre aspects of being a musician. He honors musicians who act as elders and mentors, who keep oral tradition alive and thriving - it’s a legacy he’s proud to participate in. Addison reflects on the artist role in society, daring to be at the forefront of social justice causes - noting jazz in the 50s, protest songs of the 60s. I am impressed with Addison’s individual and collective investment in being a conscientious musician who cares deeply about current events.
Addison's band will be playing at National Sawdust in Brooklyn on November 10th at 9pm. Come here this gifted musician and inspiring human in his element! Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
AddisonFrei.com
YouTube Videos:
Addison Frei Trio - No Defense (Album EPK)
Addison Frei - Future Speak
3 Records:
Intentions (2014)
Transit (2016)
No Defense (2018)
Future Speak (2017)
Amp Trio
Tahira Clayton
My guest today is Donna Cribari, former nun, current musician, music educator and composer. I've known Donna since I was a child. She was a part of a vibrant circle of nuns, priests, ex-nuns and ex-priests that influenced my understanding that one could honor spirituality even when one needed to challenge the institution of religion.
In the late 60‘s Donna had been a member of the religious order of the Sacred Heart of Mary, in simpler terms, a Marymount nun. She was involved in the progressive changes within the Catholic Church that led to Vatican II. As Donna says “ we thought we were going to change the world, unfortunately the institutional church did not come along with our vision.” She shares what drew her to becoming a nun and what led to her decision to leave the order. She was proud that the nuns she lived with were harborers of Daniel Barrigan, and she is grateful that the nuns put her in the path of music.
It was Bob Fox, a Catholic priest, living and working in Spanish Harlem, that connected Donna to my family. She describes who Bob was and the grassroots, inner city organization he created, called ‘Full Circle”.
Donna taught music at Marymount College for 35 years! She has been involved with the Arts Council of Westchester and taught or composed music for colleges, semi-professionals and regional theaters. For decades, Donna has kept a ‘day job‘ at Human Development Services of Westchester in Port Chester, NY. She laughs that her day job supports her music habit! No surprise that Donna’s day job is another form of serving humanity; her organization provides case management and residential care for adults recovering from psychiatric illnesses. What pleasure to shine light on this grounded, loving, inspiring woman. Donna, “For all that has been THANKS, for all that will be YES!” Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
"Talkin' About America" with Donna Cribari, her sister Camille and Lou DelBianco
Lou Del Bianco (web site)
Lou Del Bianco (FB)
Art of English
An Immigrant’s Contribution to Mount Rushmore Is Recognized, 75 Years Later (NY Times)
Camille Linen (FB)
My guest today is Jimmy Lambert, actor, director, dramatic arts educator. I met Jimmy 7 years ago in Vancouver, BC when he was on the road tour of Mamma Mia. He comfortably became an extended member of our family. Born and raised in California, Jimmy studied acting at UCLA after turning down an offer to play baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. He is grateful for all the values he learned from working with Gary Marshall, as well as the lessons learned from his parents. Sadly, his mom died 3 years ago, and as much as he misses her physical presence on a daily basis, he is grateful that he feels her spiritual presence in his heart and even in the audiences of his performances. Although Jimmy’s relationship with his dad is tumultuous, Jimmy says that no matter how much struggle you have with your parents, he believes there is still love to be found.
Jimmy has performed in regional theaters or national tours with the musicals: Hair, Mamma Mia, Legally Blonde, Big River, and now is currently on the road tour of Beautiful, the story of singer/songwriter Carole King. When Jimmy teaches dramatic arts or coaches children in acting, he loves instilling meaning and depth to the process; he cares about sharing a philosophy of art that inspires enthusiasm, wonder and joy. Jimmy knows that the more we share of ourselves, the better we help each other, and as we help each other, the better our lives can be. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Instagram-@tcbjim
Beautiful The Musical
My guest today is Jennifer Mancuso along with Laura Boyd. Jennifer is a restorative justice advocate, community organizer, massage therapist and founder of Rockland Prison Justice Project. Rockland Prison Justice Project is a local grassroots advocacy group, organizing events, panel discussions, restorative justice circles, and workshops to raise awareness about mass incarceration, explore issues in the criminal justice system, by asking who is in prison, why are they there and for how long. Laura Boyd is a criminal defense attorney, specializing in appellate cases, and as a community resident, became an instrumental member of the Rockland Prison Justice Project, helping with the petition for clemency for Judy Clark, the getaway driver in the Brinks Robbery.
Jennifer and Laura share personal stories of what lit a passion in them to help the most vulnerable in our society and why being involved in restorative justice is so crucial. The United States has the highest incarceration rate by far, of any other country in the world, imprisoning 700 people for every 100,000 citizens. 56% of people in prison are people of color, even though people of color make up 32% of our U.S. population! In addition to institutional racism in the prison system, Jennifer and Laura point out the role of poverty, gender (more women have been imprisoned at an alarming rate in the last 40 years) and substance abuse as determining factors in who ends up in prison.
I encourage everyone living in the Rockland County, NY vicinity to attend the next event that Rockland Prison Justice Project is hosting, called “Parole in NY State: False Hope and Death Behind Bars” this Sunday, September 30th from 6:30-8:00pm at Grace Episcopal Church 130 First Ave. Nyack, NY. Please visit their website listed below for details on this event as well as a follow-up event October 28 at the MLK Center in Spring Valley, NY to learn hands-on skills to assist prisoners in preparing a packet to the parole board. I hope this conversation inspires you to get involved, do what you can do to take a stand about mass incarceration.
Links:
www.rocklandprisonjusticeproject.org
www.paroleprepny.org
www.rappcampaign.com
M.A.D.E. Transitions
My guest today is Stefanie Dunnigan. Stefanie has been an outstanding elementary school teacher for 17 years, who intuitively incorporates mindfulness into the classroom. Well before the current trend of mindfulness, Stefanie was an educator who naturally tuned into her students. From first hand experience, Stefanie understood that students can’t absorb academics if they are mentally distracted, emotionally triggered, or traumatized, so she experimented with all sorts of strategies to engage her students, validate their feelings and guide them to calm down in order to be open for learning. Stefanie began to translate consciousness skills and meditation techniques she learned through her personal journey of readings, therapy, and research to make tools accessible for her students.
I wish you could see all the props she brought with her, but I asked her to describe them so listeners could imagine these creative, simple items that make mindfulness practices so tangible. The more Stefanie honored her own inner resources, the better able she modeled for her students to trust in their inner resources. In the less than 2 years I have known Stefanie, she has taken steps, actually leaps into manifesting mindfulness into not only her classroom, but publishing children’s books, with supplemental exercises, created websites with resources for educators, provided professional development workshops for faculty and most recently ran a group for adults called “Mindfulness, Mediation, Mindset, and More!” I imagine it won’t be long before the world wants to learn more and more from this humble, compassionate, wise teacher, Stefanie Dunnigan! Shining light on Stefanie this week, coincides beautifully with World Gratitude Day on 9/21/18. I encourage you to check out her book "I Choose Gratitude", available on Amazon.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
www.traveltailsbooks.com
www.classroomscarenow.com
FaceBook:
@TravelTailsBooks
@IChooseBookSeries
@Classroomscarenow
Instagram:
TravelTailsBooks
I Choose Book Series
Books: (available on Amazon)
"Travel Tails: All Bark and No Bite"
"I Choose Gratitude"
My guest today is Collin Hauser. Collin is a musician, photographer, travel blogger and spiritual seeker. After years of dedication to his music (saxophonist, singer/songwriter, guitarist), Collin began to see the box he had created for himself - as if he wasn’t allowed to be anything else but a musician. With the help of his beloved wife, Tennessee, Collin experienced a re-calibration of who he was; his identity expanded to be more than a musician. Collin has embraced photography, videography, writing, and even exploring what it means to be an entrepreneur!
I had the privilege of officiating Collin and Tennessee's wedding and their love is palpable! They don’t take their healthy, vibrant marriage for granted, in fact they know what they have is precious, so they invest time, energy and mindfulness into their marriage. Collin attributes the foundation of their relationship to the wisdom they learned from Brene Brown’s book "Daring Greatly". You’ll hear from his reading of their wedding vows how they care for one another tenderly, reverently and joyfully.
You’ll learn about a whacky game called “Bite the Bag” that I taught Collin 4 years ago. Collin skillfully mastered the game, until he was outdone by Tennessee! That’s when I knew they were a perfect match for each other!
The image that comes to mind when I think of Collin is seeing him with out-stretched arms, embracing life with an enthusiastic YES! Enjoy Collin’s curiosity, vulnerability, and authenticity!
Instagram:
@collinhauser
@hauserphotography
@thebird.and.thebear
@theculdesackids
@cancun.com
Links:
Alan Watts
Kenny Werner
Michael Singer
Malcolm Gladwell
My guest today is Shawna Emerick. Shawna is a dancer, gifted yoga teacher, retreat leader, and although we didn’t talk about it in this conversation, she is also a Thai massage practitioner and life coach. We first met dancing together in the performance company Moving Mantras, which blended modern dance and yoga. I soon discovered Shawna’s unique gifts as an outstanding yoga teacher. She utilizes her knowledge of anatomy, with verbal cues that are expressed like poetry, she embraces yoga philosophy, while modeling vulnerability and authenticity, she blends a childlike curiosity with her mature spiritual groundedness, making Shawna one of my all time favorite teachers.
Shawna was a treasured participant in a group I ran 6 years ago, called “Cultivating Sacred Activists” which culminated in a 2 week volunteer trip to Malawi, Africa to support Anna Msowoya-Keys’s organization Maloto, which addresses the needs of AIDS orphans. (Please check out Anna’s podcast conversation with me - episode #9 in your podcast feed). Shawna beautifully describes what that experience meant to her.
Soon after our return, her boyfriend Geoffrey proposed to Shawna - I guess distance DOES makes the heart grow fonder! She lists all that she admires and loves in Geoffrey and what it has been like to raise their sweet 3 year old, son Max. Shawna openly shares the heartache from her miscarriage, having discovered that miscarriages are one of life’s silent sufferers. She has bonded with other women and found great supports in the grieving and healing process. I know you will be inspired by Shawna’s empathy and wisdom.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
ShawnaShakti.com
ShawnaEmerick.com
FaceBook
Instagram
Twitter
My guest today is Warren Odze. Warren is a successful drummer who has had a rich, versatile career; he has played, recorded &/or toured with Rod Stewart, Judy Collins, Bernie Leighton, Milt Hinton, Hank Jones, Peter Allen, Henry Gross as well as played on countless Broadway shows.
Warren appreciates that his parents introduced him to quality music, listening to legends like Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong. Jo Jones (aka Papa Jo Jones) was a family friend and actually played Warren’s bar mitzvah! He shares honest insights of the world of a professional musician, wisdom that applies to life in general. He talks openly about his own sobriety and lessons he learned after his divorce to be a better father.
He marvels at musicians who, regardless of the intense pressure they are under, can bring chill to the gig. Warren names ‘the magic cats’, inspiring musicians like Steve Gadd, Elvin Jones, Frank Sinatra and Chick Corea, who embody being in the zone. He describes his personal journey of stage fright and anxiety and his determination to learn to relax, get out of his own way, so he could perform from a more grounded, intuitive place.
Here’s a taste of some of Warren’s wit & wisdom:
“I’m a first generation spoiled Long Island brat!”
“When you are 18-20 years old, you are supposed to feel like you are going to change the world!”
“I never really wanted to practice, I just wanted to play!”
“I’m not famous and I’m not the best, but I’ve had a charmed life.”
“Knock it out of the ballpark, wherever you go!”
“There is no bad gig!”
“All roads lead to Carvel”
“Build it and they will come!”
“The real sign of success is a dental plan.”
“If you can’t chill there is no gig”
“I have an acute case of wanderlust.”
“I want to get to the finish line with peace and honor.”
"(Broadway is) like a recording session where you never get a take but keep trying over and over again."
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Internet Broadway Database
All Music
Facebook
My guest today is Jemma Lampkin. Jemma is a “Global Market Segment Manager”, living in the Netherlands. She initially moved to Rotterdam for her job, with the expectation to stay 2 years and has now been there for nearly 5 years. As much as she misses her NY roots, family and friends, this ex-pat embraces the quality of life she experiences abroad, the regular access to travel, and the strong morale at her company (she clarifies that working for a corporation in the Netherlands is markedly different than a corporation in the U.S.)
Throughout her childhood and into her teens, Jemma was a devoted ballet dancer, but was then happily introduced to yoga, which offered a healthier mindset and balance; she became a certified yoga teacher 13 years ago. Jemma had a strong following from her yoga students in the NY area and has built the same in Rotterdam. Her precise verbal cues, understanding of body mechanics and challenging classes, explains why she is a sought-after yoga teacher! Unlike most yoga teachers, Jemma has incorporated ‘cross fit’ into her workout routine and in the last 5 years has been a disciplined and passionate weight lifter. I personally can’t imagine lifting weights, I’m talking those huge barbell types, but I am intrigued by a form of exercise so foreign to me and certainly inspired by Jemma’s devotion to it!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Instagram
My guest today is Dr. Victor Goodyer. Vic is a maxillofacial surgeon, who cares deeply about people, has an adventurous spirit, has beaten many odds, and sees “old age” as a career in itself. Vic lives on the quaint Isle d’Orleans, just outside the old city of Quebec, Canada and despite our geographical distance, has been a dear friend for over 30 years. He recounts the impact his tall, meticulous, British father and short, loving Italian mother had on his life, his attraction to challenge, sports and eventually medicine. Vic has enjoyed adventures on water, land and sky; he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, motorcycled throughout the States and Canada, as well as built and flown his own plane.
In anticipating for and now embracing retirement, Vic has become more curious about spirituality, has learned to listen to the wisdom of his body, has taken time to reflect on lessons learned, and has let this chapter in his life be lived with intention and meaning, even if that means slowing down this active pace. He appreciates his 27 year loving relationship with his partner, Renee, grateful that she has been with him in the canoe on this life journey.
Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Susan Wortman. Susan is a psychotherapist, ceramicist, and my personal wing woman! Although Susan and I only met about 3 years ago, we had an instantaneous, deep connection, speaking the same heart language. She was honored to have a long career as a therapist, what she describes as her “calling”, for it felt effortless to facilitate a healing process for others. When she brought her psychotherapy practice to a close last year, she admitted that it was bittersweet. “It was really hard to say goodbye and really right to say goodbye.”
Susan now devotes herself to working in clay, traveling and exercise. She has done an art residency in France, traveled through Croatia, lived in an ashram in the Czech Republic and will be attending another art residency in Italy this fall. The titles of her clay work reflect her inner landscape with each project: “Winged Women”, “Beauty On the Inside” and “Do You”. We joked about calling her next project “Hell YES!!!”
Inspired by Shonda Rhimes book “The Year of Saying Yes”, Susan is challenging her instinct to say no, which keeps thing simple and small. She references the improv exercise: “If you say yes, the story goes on; if you say no, the scene ends!”
Susan’s beloved husband, Bill died 6 1/2 years ago, after a fluke accident of being hit by a car. She describes how blessed she feels to have known true love and created such a wonderful marriage. I am moved by Susan’s honesty and authenticity; as well as her openness to the presence of angels. She is humbled by all that we can not see or fully understand, yet is intrigued by such mystery and wonder.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Instagram
Website
Clay Art Center
My guest today is Jeffrey Lee Campbell. Jeff is a guitarist, composer, producer and most recently, a published author! Jeffrey’s honest, engaging book, “Do Stand So Close”, recounts his year as Sting’s guitarist on the “Nothing Like the Sun” world tour. To quote the publisher’s summary: “Do Stand So Close” follows Jeffrey’s amazing odyssey-from relocating to NYC and miraculously landing the high-profile gig, to life on the road with one of the planet’s biggest rock stars, to his humbling crash-and-burn after the tour.” Or as Jeff would summarize his book: “Young knucklehead learns his way through life, making lots of mistakes, while given the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Jeffrey reminds me that he first met my husband, Paul on a Nite Sprite gig and then on an Ed Palermo gig, before they shared the Broadway musical pits of Saturday Night Fever, Seussical and then the 14 year run of Mamma Mia! Jeff now plays guitar for Broadway’s School of Rock, grateful for his 19 year and counting run on Broadway. He talks about mystery and meaning in people and places that later reveal as significant milestones in his life. Jeff reflects on his journey of soul searching, and sobriety that coincided with connecting to his his soul mate, the love of his life, Patty Murray.
Jeff admits that artists are sensitive people so tooting their own horn, is often incompatible to their personality. So I enthusiastically toot the horn for him: do yourself a favor and read “Do Stand So Close”; its not just a great read for musicians, Jeff authentically writes a universal story of dreams, fame, humility, fears, and healing that everyone can relate to! Check out our show notes for links to purchase his book.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
"Do Stand So Close" on Amazon
Instagram
Facebook
Web Site
My guest today is Stephen Selman. Stephen is a musician, educator, amateur astronomer and entrepreneur. He studied guitar and songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston, appreciating not only the other musicians he befriended there, but how the confidence to create was instilled in him. Stephen embraces the philosophy of his work place, Brooklyn Music Factory, which believes that music is for everybody, music is FUN, and music is a social art form that is best enjoyed with others. Stephen has taught guitar and ensembles at Brooklyn Music Factory for the last 8 years, and recently took on the title of “Director of Big Music Games”. He created an app that kick starts the universal language of music, making it accessible to young children. He has loved that this exciting app project has stretched him, allowed him to collaborate with music teachers around the country, while integrating his love of computers with his passion for music!
Stephen recalls a camping trip on a beach in Cape Cod, 10 years ago, watching Orion rise out of the ocean, that ignited his fascination with astronomy. As a member of the Amateur Astronomers Association of NY, Stephen happily star gazes throughout NYC.
He describes the ingredients he values in his grounded, healthy, loving relationship with his wife, Kat Selman, who was a recent guest of mine. We discuss his courage to explore diverse interests, expand his identity, follow his curiosity, and the inspiration he finds in people who take risks. Check out the show notes for links to Stephen’s new app Big Music Games. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Brooklyn Music Factory (Instagram)
Brooklyn Music Factory (Web Site)
Big Music Games
Amateur Astronomers Association of NY
My guest today is Laura Rodgers. I met Laura in yoga classes 6 years ago, yet learned in this conversation that she had been a dancer, studied yoga for 25 years, is a newly devoted vegan, and a passionate philanthropist. Beyond health and environmental reasons, Laura explains her recent shift to becoming a vegan; she cares deeply about not harming any sentient beings. Laura describes her injury while a dance major at Sarah Lawrence, as a blessing, which then led her to study psychology at NYU and complete her masters in Social Work at Yeshiva University. She credits her 7-day-soul-searching, healing retreat she attended 10 years ago through the Hoffman Process as a life-changing, transformative experience.
Laura shares openly about being in recovery, her deep love and admiration for her 18 year old, her reconciliation and renewed connection with her second husband, someone she divorced over a decade ago, but who has recently become very important in her life. She humbly admits that life and love don’t fit into a neat little box, and is happy to be open to life’s unfolding mysteries.
Laura has devoted herself to various non-profit organizations she strongly believes in, making generous financial contributions as well as serving on leadership councils, advisory boards, and organizing fundraising campaigns for the arts, integrative health and wellness, and animal sanctuaries.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Hoffman Process
Roundabout Theater
Gentle Barn
Insight Meditation Society
Graff Center (Integrative Health Center within Englewood Hospital)
New York Insight
Dharma Voices for Animals
Keno Farm Sanctuary in Brooklyn
My guest today is Douglass DeCandia. Doug is a conscientious farmer, restorative justice activist and a gifted poet, who happens to be my first cousin once removed. Doug describes growing food as an act of providing nutrition, for people to live more fully physically, emotionally and spiritually. He is also dedicated to using restorative and regenerative agricultural methods that help heal what we have done to the land. Doug cares deeply about providing food for those who are systemically discriminated against because of who they are, where they live and where they are from. Doug is the Sustainable Food Growing Coordinator for the Westchester (New York) Food Bank (recently renamed “Feeding Westchester”), where he has expanded vegetable gardens in a residential treatment school, a school for the deaf, 2 juvenile detention centers, and at the Westchester land trust. I am so inspired by Doug’s wisdom, sensitivity and the integrity in which he walks upon our precious earth. I call Doug, my modern day Wendell Berry.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Check out Doug’s poetry on
http://diggersdig.blogspot.com/
https://feedingwestchester.org/
https://patch.com/new-york/tarrytown/inmates-help-food-bank-feed-hungry
http://intoxikate.com/food-bank-for-westchester-launches-gardening-101-series/
http://bedford2020.org/vegout/locallook/dougdecandia.html
http://www.gracelinks.org/blog/1080/our-heroes-doug-decandia-of-the-food-bank-for-westchester
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2014/04/14/community-gardens-grow-food-poor/7723745/
http://www.bionutrient.org/site/news/good-dirt-growing-better-food-bedford
My guest today is Dana Forbes. Professionally Dana is a Gestalt therapist and co- facilitator of Intuition Groups for psychotherapists. Personally I know that Dana practices a soulful therapy that has Spirit at the center of his work. In fact, I think of Dana as a modern day theologian, one who sees God in everything, embodies mysticism, and understands the web of connectedness.
Dana shares highlights of his spiritual journey, from his rich memories of working hard, in the sun, on a boat in Block Island, to being ‘hounded’ by the God of Christianity, to heeding a call to the priesthood, starting a monastery in RI, to rejecting the dogma of Catholicism and leaving the monastery, to struggling to define what it meant to follow his bliss, to eventually becoming a psycho/spiritual therapist.
Dana delights in telling stories of synchronicity, mystery and his wondrous, uncanny encounters with that which is beyond the physical realm. He has felt the profound, palpable presence of God running through his body. His openness and receptivity to that unconditional Love allows Dana to see God in everyone and everything.
Enjoy the podcast!
My guest today is Kathryn Selman (also known as Kat). I had the honor of officiating Kathryn’s wedding last summer at a beautiful barn, called Gratitude and Grace, 2 attributes that capture Kathryn and her husband, Stephen.
Kat is a vocalist, singer-songwriter, music educator and most recently a marketing director for the Brooklyn Music Factory. Kat gracefully blends jazz, Brazilian and pop, into her compositions, and is about to release her first album. Ross Pederson, my guest last week, produced, mixed and played drums on Kathryn’s record, along with being musical director in the studio. She is so grateful to Ross for helping shape the record.
Kathryn is a self taught ukulele and mandolin player, and recently picked up the electric bass, which she now plays in an all female punk band called Ladybits!
In addition to music, Kathryn loves learning, as she cultivates her many interests, gifts and passions. She invests time and energy in crafts, nature, innovative projects, nutrition, travel and social justice activism.
Come hear and support Kathryn at her record release show on Sunday July 15th
5-6pm at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Bandcamp
www.katselmanmusic.com
www.ukulelecat.com
Plastic Ocean Project
Instagram: @katselman @ukulelecatforkids @ladybitsband
My guest today is Ross Pederson. Ross is a gifted drummer, producer, composer and arranger. Ross has been described as: “an explosive, yet sensitive, dynamic and compelling voice on the drum set”, which also fits his personality...except for maybe the explosive part! He shares his early musical influences from his parents, his Mom was a piano teacher, his Dad taught him to play trumpet at 5 years old, the lure of his older brother’s drum set, and the incredible experiences he had at UNT, playing with the One O’Clock Lab Band.
Ross has lived in NYC, for the past 9 years, performed and/or toured with Lew Soloff, Kenny Werner, Patti Austin, Chris Potter, Jean Michele Pilc, Francois Mouton, Richard Bona, Rufus Reid, Mark Egan, Oz Noy, Marc Johnson, Patricia Barber, The Manhattan Transfer, and Grace Kelly, to name a few.
I am blessed to have Ross as my son-in-law, and in our conversation, I encouraged him to share the sweet, romantic story of his first date with my daughter, Julia. Ross has traveled the world, has been dedicated and disciplined about fitness, nutrition and health, and wholeheartedly, enthusiastically says YES to life!
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
RPG Live at the 55 Bar, NYC: (3 Songs)
Bedlam Hope Anxiety
FaceBook
Instagram
Twitter
My guest today is Berthilde Dufrene, nurse, administrator, published author and inspiring leader. I first learned of Berthilde, through her relief work in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Her mission trip experiences provide a window into this dedicated, courageous woman. Berthilde founded the Haitian American Nurses Association (also known as HANA) of Rockland County which orchestrated much needed humanitarian and medical relief trips. Under Berthilde’s leadership, HANA shifted focus from recovery to sustainability. They adopted a National Nursing School in Haiti and passionately work on raising funds for their Nursing Student Scholarship Program. Please check the show notes to links for HANA of Rockland to see how you can support this important endeavor.
Initially Berthilde had 10 years of business experience with IBM before changing careers into nursing - a career that felt so right for that she continued her studies, earning her associates, bachelors, and masters in nursing, and impressively has found time to complete her coursework for her doctorate in nursing at Fairleigh Dickinson, as she is currently working on completing her dissertation.
Berthilde is now the Chief Officer for New York State Office of Mental Health Corrections Based Operations. She bravely addresses the foundational conflicts of values between the prison system and the mental health system. I am grateful that such a thoughtful woman of integrity is willing to face these challenges as she does her share to impact positive transformation in both our healthcare system and the prison system.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
HANA 10th anniversary scholarship award and fundraising event
Many Hands - film by Susanna Styron
FaceBook: Berthilde Dufrene
Twitter: @hanafounder
International Association of Women (IAW)
NextGen - educates, inspires and promotes innovation and positive growth for government
Carlo Pellegrini, also known as Mr. Amazing, is the only person that I have met that actually ran away to join the circus! Carlo is a circus performer, educator, and co-director of Amazing Grace Circus, who also had a career as a modern dancer. Carlo grew up in San Jose, CA and credits his education with the Jesuits as helping him question authority, develop leadership skills and think differently. Carlo tells of his lure to the circus and the eye-opening, colorful story of his year on the road with the world’s smallest circus, from the world’s smallest country, performed by the smallest minds: The Royal Liechtenstein Quarter Ring Sidewalk Circus! Carlo also performed and toured the world with the innovative modern dance company: Nikolais Dance Theater.
Carlo doesn’t mention it in this conversation but he also was the Ring Master for the Big Apple Circus back in the 1980s. Carlo’s thoughtful reflection on his Dad’s death, specifically his Dad’s murder, and his journey of healing, is very moving.
In episode # 16, you may recall my conversation with aerialist, Hilary Sweeney, she is Carlo’s wife, and they both share openly of their unlikely marriage, due to their 28 year age difference, yet, they have found true love.
The Amazing Grace Circus Summer Camp starts June 25th, for more information, see the link below to their website.
Good news for Amazon Alexa users, you can now listen to my podcast using Alexa! Here are 2 simple steps to set it up:
Say “Alexa, enable Enlighten podcast”
Say “Alexa, play Enlighten podcast”
Special thanks to Rob at Libsyn’s “The Feed” for help in setting up this new Alexa skill :)
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Amazing Grace Circus
FaceBook
Twitter
Instagram
Circus Coming This Summer
The Royal Liechtenstein Quarter Ring Sidewalk Circus
Libsyn “The Feed”
Toney Earl, Jr. is the executive director and co-founder of MADE-Transitional Services, the non-profit agency to provide opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to transform their lives. Through job readiness, job placement and life skills training, MADE promotes personal responsibility, healthy relationships and support for the participants to make a positive contribution to society. Toney is a genuine, dynamic spokesperson addressing at-risk youth, business owners in the private and non-profit sectors, academia, and policy makers. He speaks about mass incarceration, social justice and restorative justice, while helping to develop innovative solutions to expand workforce inclusion for formerly incarcerated men and women. Toney’s devotion to the people he serves and the challenges he faces is driven by his own personal experience of incarceration and a promise he made to God and himself to work twice as hard in doing right as he had done wrong.
The first guest on my podcast back in January, was Tarik Greene, Toney’s business partner, if you haven’t already, listen to episode #2. On the day my podcast was launched, my husband and I organized a Benefit Concert in Brooklyn, thanks to my daughter, Julia and her amazing circle of musician friends, to raise funds for Toney and Tarik’s MADE-Transitional Services. It was so successful that we are hosting another Benefit Concert in June. For those who would like to make a donation to this worthy organization, please visit their website www.made-transitions.org
Links:
Fair Chance Hiring
FaceBook
Instagram
Website: MADE-Transitions.org
Estefania Ochoa is an entrepreneur, innovative event planner and a radiant soul! She and I met last month and had an immediate soulful connection, sharing values, life philosophy and our dreams to make a difference in the world; Estefania is my new kindred spirit! She has started her own magazine SOYYO (translated from Spanish “I am me”) which is the answer she eventually gave to people’s discomfort with her ethnic ambiguity, constantly asking “what are you?” With SOYYO, Estefania taps into various artistic communities (art, music, and fashion) to promote a culture of self expression, while focused on sustainable development. Estefania’s teen parents raised her in California, but by the time she was 17, her family moved back to Mexico, challenging Estefania to tap inner resources to develop independence and resiliency. Honoring and supporting artists, Estefania is determined to create community, while grounded in humility and gratitude. She brings a mindfulness to life, discovering the lessons in mistakes, and embracing a rare balance of grace and courage.
Links:
www.soyyomag.com
FaceBook
Instagram
Twitter
Mark began his career as a musician, performing and composing throughout California. He taught music in CA and OR public schools before moving to New York about 20 years ago, when he became the director of the music program at Rockland Country Day School. From there he devoted 14 years to teaching music at the Fieldston School in Riverdale, NY before retiring last year.
Mark isn’t really retired, he simply changed careers, for Mark has enthusiastically thrown himself back into his passion for visual arts, and is now a full time sculptor. Mark is not just creating beautiful metal sculptures, he is developing grassroots collaboratives with other artists and doing the leg work to create a community sculpture walk.
You may recall that Mark’s wife, pilates instructor Jennifer Attebery, was a guest last month on episode #18. We talked about our shared loved for bocce - a game my husband and I want to play with Mark and Jennifer well into our 90s!
Mark shares some highlights of his father’s truly inspiring story of finding true love at the ripe old age of 89; a story that made headlines all over the world, via Public Radio’s The Moth. To experience the magic, I encourage you to read “Howard and Cynthia: A Love Story”.
Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Instagram
Facebook
Web Site
The Moth
NY Times Bocce Article
Howard and Cynthia: A Love Story
Susanna Styron, filmmaker, writer and director, has made meaningful films that reflect people’s resilience to hardship. From her feature film “Shadrach”, documentaries of her relief work in New Orleans, Ground Zero or Haiti, to a short film of life after divorce, as well as her most recent film “Out of My Head” about the mysterious disease migraine, Susanna covers natural disaster, social/political injustice, life transitions and personal illness. She is inspired by courageous people who are driven by integrity and value family (be it biological or created). Speaking of valuing family, Susanna integrates both of her daughters in her recent movies; Emma Larson is featured in the movie "Out of My Head" and Lilah Larson wrote a song for the sound track of "House of Teeth".
“Out of My Head” will be shown at Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY on Monday May 21st at 7:00pm. If you or someone you love suffers from migraine, I urge you to see it. Susanna and the film's producer, Jackie Ochs will be there for a Q & A after the screening.
Susanna has been on the directing faculty at Columbia University for over a decade, while also teaching TV and film in both undergraduate and graduate schools at Columbia University, NYU and Princeton. She is currently working on a film about Roxcy Bolton, an American feminist, civil and women's rights activist. Enjoy the podcast!
Films:
“Shadrach”
“9/12: From Chaos to Community"
“Many Hands” (Haitian American Nurses Association)
"House of Teeth"
"Out of My Head"
Links:
www.outofmyheadfilm.com
Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville, NY
The Migraine Project
IMDB
Stephen Carr is a man of faith, lifetime learner, maritime lawyer and avid sailor. He also happens to be my dear father and I am delighted to share my conversation with my dad. The release date of this podcast, April 30th, 2018 is his 88th birthday! Steve is my eldest guest and I marvel at his long, rich life as he shares childhood memories, family history, his 4 years in the seminary and decision to leave, his appreciation of his education, first at St. Michael’s College/ University of Toronto, then at Georgetown University Law School, before landing a job at the law firm of Haight, Gardener, Poor and Haven. Dad embraces his Irish roots, love of the Clancy Brothers and John O’Donohue as well as other writers who stimulate and nourish him: Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, Ernest Hemingway, Gregory Boyle. After retiring from his law firm, Dad kept up 20 years of legal consultation, volunteered in prisons, and to this day, stays active with walking, biking, sailing and pickleball (and he credits his wife, Vivian for helping him stay young). I’ve always loved how easily my dad cries, he is touched deeply by tender moments in life, and lets the tears flow. I know I may be a bit biased, because he is my Dad, but I think you, too, will enjoy Steve’s thoughtful, funny, sentimental life reflections.
Jennifer Attebery is a Pilates instructor, dancer, and open-hearted gypsy spirit! As a child, she studied with the School of American Ballet, moved to New York City at age 17 to follow her dream to be a ballet dancer. After 7 years of performing, Jennifer was looking for something else and spontaneously moved to New Mexico, where she danced and taught at the Santa Fe Dance Company. Jennifer achieved a kinesiology degree with an emphasis in dance at UC Berkley. When she was a mother of 2 young children, Jennifer felt pulled to be close to her own mother and moved back to NY, acknowledging how important it was for her for her children to grow up knowing their grandmother. Jennifer describes some of her recent travels, including visiting an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, a loving orphanage/ashram in India and an inspiring Kripalu retreat with Angela Farmer. It is refreshing to hear Jennifer express her deep gratitude for her healthy, loving relationship with her husband, Mark and the life they have created. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Elephant Sanctuary
Mount Madonna Center/Babaji
Angela Farmer
In addition to being an accomplished composer, musician and producer, Peter Fish is the reason that my husband and I choose to move to Nyack 24 years ago. He raved about this creative, warm village and modeled for us, meaningful ways to be involved in the heart and soul of our community. Peter tells me about his formative years breaking into the music world. When he was a teenager he toured with the Glen Miller Band, Woody Herman Band, Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich. When he was 16 years old, Peter tells the story of playing a gig with the legendary Jaco Pastorius (who was 17 at the time), and his missed opportunity to have Jaco play on his album. Peter has had a successful career arranging, composing and producing music for television & movies. He has experienced being a producer in NYC’s large, medium and small music houses, able to re-invent himself, changing as the music business changes. Peter is delighted with his current studio, Sound Stories. You may recall my conversation with Peter’s partner, filmmaker Tracey Anarella, in episode #7. Peter and Tracey are vibrant collaborators, co-producing her films with Peter writing the music and even learning 2nd camera! You can hear Peter perform his original music live with the Peter Fish Group - inspired by the innovative electronic music of Miles Davis from the 70s. Enjoy the podcast!
Links:
Sound Stories
Peter Fish Group
Not Black Enough
Hilary Sweeney shares her journey from ballet dancer, chemistry researcher and aerialist to opening her own business, Westchester (NY) Circus Arts. She describes her experience of auditioning for Cirque du Soleil as well as what it has been like to find love in unlikely places. She believes people of all ages should not have to “runaway” with the circus or be born into a circus family in order to benefit from the artform. She was a Westchester Business Council’s 40-under-40 Rising Stars Award Recipient for her work with Westchester Circus Arts.
LINKS:
http://www.westchestercircusarts.com/
NY Times Feature
Giancarlo de Trizio, immigrated from Molfetta, Italy to pursue his musical passion and study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. His determination, courage and tenacity is palpable, as he shares stories of the past 10 years living in the US. As a talented drummer, Giancarlo has performed at the Blue Note Jazz Festival (NYC), Beantown Jazz Festival (Boston), NYC Summer Stage and the Desert Daze Music Festival (CA).
He toured with the Broadway productions of “In the Heights” and “Book of Mormon”, and currently substitutes on the Broadway shows “Hamilton”, "Dear Evan Hanson" and "The Lion King". As a busy, respected free-lance drummer in NYC, Giancarlo performs, records and collaborates with many artists.
He has taught master classes at the Musicians Institute (LA), Berklee College of Music (Boston), the University of South Florida (Tampa) and the University of Central Florida (Orlando). Giancarlo has been a juror at Guitar Center’s DRUM OFF, the largest drum competition in the world and is a voting member of the Recording Academy, which awards the GRAMMYs every year. GC proudly endorses Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Heads and Vic Firth Sticks.
His observations of how culture shapes perception, his insight into personality characteristics reflected in the musical instrument one chooses to play and his personal experiences on immigration are fascinating. I’m confident that this “alien with extraordinary abilities” will intrigue and inspire you!
Links:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
GC will be performing at the world premier of ONE THOUSAND NIGHTS AND ONE DAY.
An off-Broadway show produced by the Prospect Theater Company
at the ART/NY Mezzanine Theatre, April 4-29, 2018.
http://www.prospecttheater.org/one-thousand-nights-and-one-day
Betsy Gelb explored all sorts of new ways to exercise before deciding that yoga resonated most deeply for her. In fact, within her first year of practicing, she immersed herself into an intense yoga teacher training. Having recently met Betsy, as my new yoga teacher, I was delighted to have a teacher who confidently and gracefully embraced aging (she recently turned 70), challenged us to cultivate upper body strength and shared her philosophy about breath, yoga, health, silence and the power of turning inward. Betsy says that her niche in yoga is that she is simultaneously the oldest and the youngest: she typically is the oldest person in the class, however having come to yoga so late in her life, has the youngest practice.
I discovered that before she found yoga, Betsy had a full, diverse career. She was a psychiatric nurse at a methadone maintenance program, taught nursing at St. Vincent’s Hospital, was a psychiatric nurse supervisor at Jacoby Hospital, was a teaching fellow at NYU, wrote a curriculum for mental health nursing and she was the editor for RN Magazine.
In addition to her extensive work in the field of nursing, Betsy was a docent for the Whitney and Guggenheim museums, taught art literacy in NYC schools, ran her own women’s clothing business, offered baking workshops a local bakery called “Taste the Love” and collaborated with her husband, musician/composer Larry Gelb, in writing the book for their musicals.
One of the musicals Betsy and Larry created, “Love So Dear” is based on the true story of how LSD was introduced into the United States. Betsy shares intriguing details from her thorough research of the corruptive relationship between the CIA and LSD. I was fascinated with my yoga teacher’s depth of knowledge and wisdom in such a wide range of topics.
Links:
www.imaginmusic.com
YouTube video of the recording, "God is in the Mayo", from the musical "LSD"
Michael Heitzman is a gifted director and writer, who happens to be one of the funniest humans I know! His eclectic, creative background includes playing baritone horn, singing in his high school chorus and performing in plays and musical theater, his college double major of theater and telecommunications and his post college internship at Mary Tyler Moore Enterprises, as production assistant for television writers and producers. Michael believes that his variety of experiences as actor, musician, dancer, television script writer, even ‘temp’ for a head hunter allowed him to speak the multiple languages necessary to direct successful collaborative processes.
Michael most recent, critically acclaimed production of 42nd Street at Drury Lane Theater in Chicago, captured his vision of seeing this classic show through a contemporary lens, representing our vibrant melting pot, with ethnic diversity, gritty choreography and creative innovations.
Other recent productions Michael has directed include: Legally Blonde, Big River at Sacramento Music Circus, and Beauty and the Beast, Shrek The Musical and Disney’s The Little Mermaid at North Shore Music Theater for which he was nominated for seven of Boston’s IRNE Awards, including Best Director. Michael will be directing the following upcoming productions: Newsies at California Musical Theater/Sacramento Music Circus and Beauty and the Beast at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.
For the last 8 years, Michael has been the Resident Director of the Lucille Lortel Awards, celebrating excellence in Off-Broadway productions.
He is also the director and co-writer of VICES, which was nominated for 8 Jefferson Awards, including Best Director.
A 2009 Dramatist Guild Fellow, he and longtime writing partner Ilene Reid are co-writers of the Grammy-nominated song “Throw That Girl Around” from the Broadway musical “Swing!” Michael and Ms. Reid are currently working with director/choreographer Josh Rhodes on their new musical “Solana”.
Michael and Ilene, along with David Holcenberg, wrote the musical "Bingo", which had a successful off-Broadway run and continues to have numerous productions both nationally and internationally. You may have previously heard my conversation with Michael’s husband, David Holcenberg in episode #6. If you haven’t, I encourage you to give it a listen.
Links:
michaelheitzman.com
42nd Street review: Chris Jones, critic for Chicago Tribune “A Production for the Ages”
heitzmanreid.com
samuelfrench.com
Other Credits:
Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast"
(associate director, Moscow, Paris, Amsterdam)
Disney’s "The Little Mermaid"
(associate director, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Dallas Summer Musicals, 5th Avenue)
Terese Dana has been an applied behavior analyst (ABA) for nearly 30 years, focusing on social skills for children on the autism spectrum. She works with children, educators and families in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey. Terese shares rewarding experiences with children on the spectrum, the resources she has created for educators and families, as well as new projects she continues to develop. You can learn more about Terese, her focus on advancing social learning & emotional growth, along with the resources she provides, on her web site tdsocialskills.com.
Terese describes the impact 9/11 had on her family, living 30 minutes north of NYC, the feeling of not being able to protect her children, not just from the WTC attack, but the impending danger of the nearby nuclear power plant, Indian Point and her family’s subsequent relocation to Fryeburg, Maine. She shares the transition her family endured and the solidarity they felt through her town’s International Academy.
Terese and I first met through our daughters, when they were classmates in 2nd grade and I am grateful that we have nurtured a heartfelt long-term, long-distance friendship.
Links:
TDSocial Skills: Advancing Social Learning and Emotional Growth
Fryeburg International Academy
Autism Speaks
Alpine Learning Group/Bridget Taylor
The Laura Foundation (YouTube video)
TD Social Skills Resources (available on her web site):
Social Skills Training Video Series on DVD:
“Fitting In and Having Fun” Volume 1 Elementary School
“Fitting In and Having Fun:Moving On To Middle School, Tips from Students for Students” Volume 2 Middle School
“Fitting In and Having Fun: Confident and In Control” Volume 3 Elementary School
“Fitting In and Having Fun: Unspoken Expectations” Volume 4 High School Life
The File Factor: Emotional Empowerment System
Matt Balitsaris is a musician, record producer, humanitarian and philanthropist. Matt was the band leader and composer of 2 bands my husband played bass for in the 80s and 90s: C’est What?! and Loose Shoes. Matt’s beautiful solo guitar playing can be found on the albums "Evening Fires" & "An Echoed Smile". Matt converted the barn on his Buck’s County, PA property into a magnificent recording studio and founded the successful jazz label, Palmetto Records.
In addition to his music career, Matt shares his insights from his first trip to Haiti in 1989, the changes, set backs (including hurricanes, earthquakes and governmental corruption) and palpable progress he has witnessed in Haiti, a country very close to his heart. Over the past 20 years, Matt has dedicated time, energy, resources and certainly his heart and soul to the grass-roots, micro-financing organization FONKOZE, who reaches out to the poorest of poor in Haiti. I had the privilege of watching Matt in action when I joined him and a delegation he led in Haiti the year after the earthquake.
You may have previously heard my conversation with Matt’s wife, Margaret Dulaney, a playwright, spiritual writer and long time inspiration to me. If you haven't already, I encourage you to listen to episode #5 for Margaret's inspiring conversation with me.
Music brought my husband and I together with Matt and Margaret 33 years ago, our friendship has been enriched by spiritual exploration, and our connection has been deepened through our shared quest for social justice.
Links:
All Music Resource
C’est What?!
Loose Shoes
Jeff Berman
Palmetto Records
Fonkoze
The Inquirer Featured Article (Philly.com)
Alex Counts' Blog Post
Center for International Policy
YouTube Volt Video
For February’s Black History month, we are featuring 4 amazing African American women: a filmmaker, a humanitarian entrepreneur, a singer-song-writer, and this week’s guest, Carolyn Mitchell - a songwriter, business woman and mentor to new artists,.
Carolyn shares her early experience in the music industry, her revelation that she was more comfortable as a song-writer, rather than a performer. She talks about her choice to build a career in corporate America, which allowed her to keep music as a creative outlet.
In a desire to shake up the old paradigm of music management, Carolyn created a series of questions for artists to help them discover their desires, dreams and visions - all of this helping artists advocate for themselves more proactively.
Carolyn’s integrity and ethics are woven into whatever she does - be it the music industry, her corporate day job, or her devotion to her aging mother.
Enjoy the podcast!
Follow Carolyn on Twitter
Swarthmore Alumni Gospel Choir - "Hallelujah Amen"
Vaneese Thomas - "Sweet Talk" from The Long Journey Home
20 Feet From Stardom
For February's Black History Month we are featuring 4 amazing African-American women. This week's guest is Anna Msowoya Keys, a humanitarian entrepreneur and community organizer. She began her career as an advocate for women and children in African conflict areas, first through Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and then with International Refugee Committee (IRC), that took her to Burundi, Rwanda, Mozambique and Malawi. She witnessed the heart-wrenching turmoil and crisis during the genocide in Rwanda.
She eventually dated her best friend and colleague at IRC, John Keys, who later became her beloved husband. After Anna and John married, Anna left her African homeland and moved to the United States - something she had not imagined she would ever do. Anna opened the unique shop Chibekeni, in her new community of Nyack, NY, which showcased beautiful handmade works from African artisans. The shop helped Anna bridge her African roots with her new American home. Chibekini allowed Anna to raise funds for her home country Malawi, as the AIDS epidemic wiped out a whole generation of young parents, leaving thousands of children orphaned. Four of Anna’s sisters died of AIDS, compelling Anna and John to take financial responsibility for the education of 10 of her nieces and nephews.
Anna shares the story of attending her fourth sister’s funeral, where many children she didn’t know arrived. She discovered that these children were orphans and showed up because they were starving and they knew there would be food at a funeral. That inspired the beginning of Maloto, a non-profit, community based organization that started out feeding a meal to 20 children once a week, and now feeds 350 children a warm, nutritious meal 3 times a week. Maloto has expanded to include after-school programs, an early childhood class, a primary school and an international secondary academy. Having just celebrated its 10 year anniversary, Maloto’s mission is to feed, educate and empower the children and women of Malawi.
Anna expresses her deep gratitude for the support of her Nyack community, as well as people like the NBC broadcaster Tom Brokaw and his wife Meredith Brokaw, who have served on her board of directors and devoted time, resources and love to support Anna’s vision.
Links:
www.maloto.org
Kwithu CBO
Mzuzu International Academy
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
NBC Today Show Feature: Maloto's Kwithu Kitchen in Malawi
NYTimes Magazine “Portraits of Reconciliation: Rwanda 20 Years Later”
For February's Black History Month we are featuring 4 amazing African-American women. This week's guest is Melissa McMillan, a singer/songwriter, who knew since she was a child exactly what she wanted to do: be a singer. Her clear desire to pursue music led her from high school bands to study jazz vocals with Rosana Eckert at University of North Texas (UNT), where she was encouraged to match her natural talent with her musicianship. UNT is where I met Melissa, she was a classmate of my daughter Julia, and they performed their senior recital together (Melissa on vocals, Julia on bass).
Melissa describes her experience of moving from Texas to NYC, her work with Warby-Parker, singing with wedding bands and writing her original music. She completed her first CD a couple of years ago and is in the process of releasing her second one. Melissa has co-written songs with Brian Donohoe (“On your Own”) as well as Ross Pederson (“Glow”). She has performed at Sofar Sounds Concerts, numerous clubs throughout NYC, toured the US, sang the national anthem at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn and most recently performed at the Grammys at Madison Square Garden in NYC as a member of the resistance revival choir, backing up Kesha.
Melissa was born in England (her mother is British, her father American), spent her early childhood in Albuquerque, NM, before moving to Texas for high school. She shares her experience of being bi-racial and how that ignited her involvement in social justice causes like Black Lives Matter and women’s rights.
Upcoming shows:
2/13/18, Sofar Sounds Secret Show, NYC
Midtown location,
Galentine's Day, click here for tickets
2/26/18 at Three's Brewing, Brooklyn, 8pm
Find Melissa online at:
melissamcmillanmusic.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Links:
EP: Melissa McMillan “I Will Follow”
#resistance revival choir
Brian Donohoe
Progger
Ross Pederson
David Cook
Snarky Puppy
UNT Senior Recital
featuring Melissa McMillan and Julia Adamy
“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neal Hurston
For February's Black History Month we are featuring 4 amazing African-American women. This week's guest is Tracey Anarella, an award-winning documentary filmmaker. She shares her journey starting as an undergraduate at Cornell University, with the intention of going to medical school. Instead, she became a pharmaceutical researcher, then took time off to raise her children and received her MBA while going through a divorce. Tracey recently created a whole new career, embracing the world of filmmaking. She delights in her relationship with musician/composer Peter Fish, her true soul mate, who has inspired Tracey to jump into the mindset of loving what you do for a living! Tracey and Peter creatively collaborate on her films, traveling extensively for film shoots & festivals as Tracey is bubbling with ideas for new movies. Keep an eye out for a conversation with Peter Fish on a future podcast.
www.traceyanarella.com
Films:
The topics of Tracey’s movies include black on black prejudice, a subway musician, inner city inspirations, a renowned musician and the crippling impact of illiteracy. (Click on the film's title to watch a trailer)
Not Black Enough, an 83 minute film about class warfare in the African-American community, takes a sometimes humorous, always personal, brutally honest and insightful look into a seldom-explored phenomenon – the ostracizing of blacks by other blacks for being ‘Not Black Enough’. The film features, singer/actress Vanessa Williams, PBS Anchor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Rapper and Fox Network TV Show, “Empire” cast member Petey Pablo and Grammy Award winner Florence LaRue along with a host of other non-public figures. Available on Amazon Prime
Jesse and the the Fountain of Youth
Brooklyn United
Livingston Taylor: Life is Good, a feature length documentary (81 minutes), portrays noted singer-songwriter, professor and philosopher Livingston Taylor as the unique one-off that he is – one part Mark Twain, one part raconteur, one part icon beloved educator, and one part music icon – and icon who is a large part of America’s first family of music. We witness as he gives back to the music that nurtured him through his songwriting, performance and teachings at the world renownBerklee College of Music. Indeed, Livingston is a man whose life is a testament to the concept that “Life Is Good” – An airplane-flying, motorbike-riding, singing-piano-playing-man, dead set on enriching the world he inhabits. The film also stars such notables as Carly Simon, Ian Anderson, Kate Taylor and Ben Taylor.
“Livingston Taylor – Life Is Good” will be available for screening and distribution, September, 2017
Dominquez vs. Dominquez
David Holcenberg is a composer, arranger, musician, and musical director. He has conducted a dozen Broadway shows as well as been the musical supervisor for Mamma Mia, opening it around the world. David grew up in Seattle, Washington and went to Indiana University, where his music career took shape and where he met his beloved future husband, Michael Heitzman. He talks of going after opportunities he really wanted, his extensive travels, the joy experienced even in the short Broadway musical theater runs, the unconditional love embodied in his dog Haley, honoring his Dad who recently passed, and how blessed he feels everyday to do what he loves.
Instagram:
holce1
haleythewonderdoodle
Michael Heitzman
Heitzman/Reid-
NYC based writing team: musical theatre, television & song
Lynne Aherns and Steve Flaherty
Margaret Dulaney (Balitsaris) is an actor, playwright, essayist and the host of ListenWell, a spoken word website, where she reads her open-faith essays on hope and spiritual awakenings. She recently published her first book “To Hear The Forest Sing: Some Musings on the Divine” which is an inspiring collection of some of her recorded essays as well as new ones. I’ve known Margaret over 30 years and experience the Divine in her presence! Margaret’s open-heart sees synchronicity in everyday occurrences, delights in the magic of nature and animals, dives into social justice causes, all while infusing a light-hearted sense of humor to life. Margaret is the most generous person I have ever met, graciously giving of her time and resources in the purest form of giving, without strings attached.
listenwell.org
Margaret is on Facebook at Listen Well/Margaret Dulaney
Books & authors referenced:
Angels in My Hair by Lorna Byrne
Stairway to Heaven by Lorna Byrne
Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander
Charles Dickens
George McDonald
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Joel Cross is a singer/songwriter and extraordinary human being! Joel is from a large family, raised in New Orleans and Texas and now lives in NYC. In addition to writing his own songs, Joel has collaborated with Indie Arie in writing music, in fact their recent album was nominated for a Grammy Award. Our conversation explores music, spirituality and social justice. Joel is responsible for my endearing nickname “Mama A”. Joel composed, sang and played guitar on my beautiful podcast theme song, “Shine Your Light”. www.joelcross.com Facebook: joelcross3 Twitter: @joelpiece Instagram: @joelpiece Find Joel’s music on Spotify and iTunes Grammy nomination: Songversation: Medicine by India Arie “Just Let It Go” co-written by India Arie and Joel Cross Upcoming gig of Joel’s original music: 2/8/18 Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3 Joel speaks of his dear friend, Collin Hauser, who helped expand his view of religion and philosophy. www.collinhauser.com Books referenced: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh “The Untethered Soul” and “The Surrender Experiment” by Michael Singer
Abi is a gifted integrative bodyworker, intuitively blending shiatsu and craniosacral modalities with her competent skills, compassion and integrity. She shares her personal experiences of how she arrived in NYC after serving time in the Israeli army, her immersion into theater and dance at NYU, as well as her ability to know immediately that her husband was “the one”. She speaks of knowing how to read between the lines, letting go of preconceived ideas, to open to intuition and mystery. Abi has a tri-citizenship (American, Israeli and British) which gives her a broad, expansive view on life.
www.abikeene.com
“Don’t ask what the world needs, rather ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive!!" - Howard Thurman
Tarik is truly an honest, courageous, and inspiring man. He is the Deputy Executive Director and Co-Founder of M.A.D.E. Transitions Services, helping men and women transition out of incarceration. He describes his program as well as his personal experience with the prison system.
Links:
made-transitions.org
Practical Steps to Fair Chance Hiring
Fair Chance Act
Dave's Killer Bread
The Innocence Project
National Registry of Exonerations
NYS Assemblywoman, Ellen Jaffe
NYS Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski
In this premiere episode, Dr. Deborah Adamy introduces herself, provides some personal and professional background, shares how this podcast came to be and what her vision is for the podcast. Visit her website enlighten.nyc to sign up for her mailing list. Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review our show. Thanks for listening.
Links:
"I Am Light" by India Arie
Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
"Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom" by John O'Donohue: Quotes