Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
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!!
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Episode 184 Healing Energy
10/25/2021
Episode 184 Healing Energy
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.
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Episode 183 Lisa Levart, photographer
10/18/2021
Episode 183 Lisa Levart, photographer
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:
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Episode 182, Honoring The Lenape
10/11/2021
Episode 182, Honoring The Lenape
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:
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Episode 181, Earth Blessing
10/04/2021
Episode 181, Earth Blessing
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!
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Episode 180 Lauren Mahana, Birth Doula, Intuitive Healer
09/20/2021
Episode 180 Lauren Mahana, Birth Doula, Intuitive Healer
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:
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Episode 179, "A Prayer For B"
09/13/2021
Episode 179, "A Prayer For B"
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:
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Episode 178 Small Miracles
08/30/2021
Episode 178 Small Miracles
Many listeners commented on how grateful they were for 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!
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Episode 177 Serendipities and Synchronicities
08/23/2021
Episode 177 Serendipities and Synchronicities
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!
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Episode 176 Dawn Adrienne-Saliba, Performance Scholar, Theater Artist, Eco-Activist
08/16/2021
Episode 176 Dawn Adrienne-Saliba, Performance Scholar, Theater Artist, Eco-Activist
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:
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Episode 175 Called To Dance
08/02/2021
Episode 175 Called To Dance
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:
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Episode 174 Summer Rain
07/26/2021
Episode 174 Summer Rain
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:
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Episode 173, Known By Name
07/19/2021
Episode 173, Known By Name
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:
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Episode 172 Shelby Willeitner, canyoneer and adventure guide
07/12/2021
Episode 172 Shelby Willeitner, canyoneer and adventure guide
My guest today is Shelby Willeitner. Shelby is my third Utah podcast guest, joining the trio of and - 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:
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Episode 171 Mary McCourt, adventure guide
06/28/2021
Episode 171 Mary McCourt, adventure guide
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:
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Episode 170 The Things We Carry
06/21/2021
Episode 170 The Things We Carry
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!
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Episode 169 Marla McPherson, conservationist, river runner
06/14/2021
Episode 169 Marla McPherson, conservationist, river runner
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, . 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:
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Episode 168 Reminder From A Snail
06/07/2021
Episode 168 Reminder From A Snail
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 :
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Episode 167 Peter Fish, A Remembrance
05/31/2021
Episode 167 Peter Fish, A Remembrance
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:
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Episode 166 A Whole New World
05/24/2021
Episode 166 A Whole New World
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:
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Episode 165 Joel Cross, musician, poet, change-maker
05/17/2021
Episode 165 Joel Cross, musician, poet, change-maker
My guest today is Joel Cross. Joel was 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 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:
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Episode 164 The Full Catastrophe
05/10/2021
Episode 164 The Full Catastrophe
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 Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 163 Garbage Collector
05/03/2021
Episode 163 Garbage Collector
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:
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Episode 162 The Presence of Angels
04/26/2021
Episode 162 The Presence of Angels
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:
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Episode 161 Hilary Carr Jones, social worker, writer
04/19/2021
Episode 161 Hilary Carr Jones, social worker, writer
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: “
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Episode 160 Patrick Heffernan, yoga teacher, actor, dancer
04/12/2021
Episode 160 Patrick Heffernan, yoga teacher, actor, dancer
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 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 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: IG: Twitter: IG:
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Episode 159 Robert "Zulu" Whitaker
04/05/2021
Episode 159 Robert "Zulu" Whitaker
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-
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Episode 158 Take A Break
03/29/2021
Episode 158 Take A Break
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:
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Episode 157 Kate Holby, co-founder of Ajiri Tea
03/15/2021
Episode 157 Kate Holby, co-founder of Ajiri Tea
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:
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Episode 156 Cheryl Seeley, educator, doula
03/08/2021
Episode 156 Cheryl Seeley, educator, doula
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:
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Episode 155 Patty Forbes, psychotherapist
03/01/2021
Episode 155 Patty Forbes, psychotherapist
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:
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