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 215 Anna Msowoya Keys, Maloto Founder
06/27/2022
Episode 215 Anna Msowoya Keys, Maloto Founder
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:
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Episode 214 Margaret Dulaney, author & podcast host
06/20/2022
Episode 214 Margaret Dulaney, author & podcast host
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 . Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 213 Cynthia Bardwell, Educator & Wise Woman
06/13/2022
Episode 213 Cynthia Bardwell, Educator & Wise Woman
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:
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Episode 212 David Holcenberg, musical director, arranger, orchestrator
06/06/2022
Episode 212 David Holcenberg, musical director, arranger, orchestrator
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:
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Episode 211 Andy Krikun, musician & educator
05/23/2022
Episode 211 Andy Krikun, musician & educator
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:
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Episode 210 Origins of Mothers’ Day
05/16/2022
Episode 210 Origins of Mothers’ Day
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 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:
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Episode 209 Mama Bear
05/09/2022
Episode 209 Mama Bear
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:
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Episode 208 Jim Buehler
05/02/2022
Episode 208 Jim Buehler
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:
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Episode 207 Earth Wonder
04/25/2022
Episode 207 Earth Wonder
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!
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Episode 206 Thing In The Spring
04/18/2022
Episode 206 Thing In The Spring
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: compiled and edited by Bea McMahon
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Episode 205 Anne Macksoud, educator & filmmaker
04/11/2022
Episode 205 Anne Macksoud, educator & filmmaker
My guest today is Anne Macksoud. Anne is an educator, documentary filmmaker and by my accounts, an inspiring activist. My Aunt Hilly (), 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: to an 8 minute film Anne made about a BLM vigil in her hometown of Woodstock, VT to trailer “Grow Old Along With Me” Joanna Macy: (IG)
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Episode 204 Crocus Minded
04/04/2022
Episode 204 Crocus Minded
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!
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Episode 203 Phowa Meditation
03/28/2022
Episode 203 Phowa Meditation
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:
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Episode 202 Bob Levy, entrepreneur and consultant
03/21/2022
Episode 202 Bob Levy, entrepreneur and consultant
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:
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Episode 201 Thawing
03/14/2022
Episode 201 Thawing
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:
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Episode 200 "Celebrating 200!"
03/07/2022
Episode 200 "Celebrating 200!"
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.
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Episode 199 Cluttered Drawers
02/28/2022
Episode 199 Cluttered Drawers
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!
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Episode 198 Yin Wisdom
02/14/2022
Episode 198 Yin Wisdom
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:
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Episode 197 Black Futures Month
02/07/2022
Episode 197 Black Futures Month
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:
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Episode 196 Honoring Thich Nhat Hanh
01/31/2022
Episode 196 Honoring Thich Nhat Hanh
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:
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Episode 195 Sidney & Martin
01/24/2022
Episode 195 Sidney & Martin
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:
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Episode 194 Ripple Effect
01/17/2022
Episode 194 Ripple Effect
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:
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Episode 193 Reflections of 2021
01/10/2022
Episode 193 Reflections of 2021
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 and . 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.
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Episode 192 Covid: Up Close and Personal
01/03/2022
Episode 192 Covid: Up Close and Personal
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:
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Episode 191 Alison Heller, author
12/13/2021
Episode 191 Alison Heller, author
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:
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Episode 190 Stop The Noise
12/06/2021
Episode 190 Stop The Noise
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:
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Episode 189 Giving Thanks
11/29/2021
Episode 189 Giving Thanks
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 , 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:
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Episode 188 Debra Beal, Woman of the Ramapough Lenape Nation
11/22/2021
Episode 188 Debra Beal, Woman of the Ramapough Lenape Nation
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:
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Episode 187 Liz Moyer Benferhat, Change-Maker, Facilitator and Coach
11/15/2021
Episode 187 Liz Moyer Benferhat, Change-Maker, Facilitator and Coach
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:
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Episode 186 Tony Falco, In Memoriam
11/08/2021
Episode 186 Tony Falco, In Memoriam
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: Instagram:
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