Episode 81 Emanuel Lewis, steel pannist and drummer
Release Date: 07/29/2019
Episode 391 Mea Culpa
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
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Episode 390 Beth Adubato
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
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Episode 389 MLK Day
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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. ...
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Episode 388 Justice
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
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Episode 387 Reflections of 2025
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
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Episode 386 Humbled
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
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Episode 385 Fullness of December
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
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Episode 384 If You Give a Mouse A Cookie
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share how my week reflected the snowball effect captured in the humorous children’s book 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!...
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Episode 383 Embracing Change
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
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Episode 382 The Gratitude Theory
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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!
info_outline 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