Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
info_outline Episode 301 The People of BaliEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
info_outline Episode 300 Celebrating 300!Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
info_outline Episode 299 Bali BoundEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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! ...
info_outline Episode 298 More WomenEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
info_outline Episode 297 The WomenEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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,...
info_outline Episode 296 Geraldine Anello, Author and MusicianEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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,...
info_outline Episode 295 Winter CleaningEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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!
info_outline Episode 294 Black FuturesEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
info_outline Episode 293 RustinEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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...
info_outline 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