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 300 Celebrating 300!
04/15/2024
Episode 300 Celebrating 300!
Today marks our 300th episode! I am so happy to celebrate this milestone with you! We started this podcast in January of 2018 and have released an episode almost every week for over 6 years. I am deeply grateful for the 160 guests and 140 stories that capture my own personal reflections and observations, that help me evolve spiritually. Even in the midst of political unrest, personal and collective trauma, chaos, hatred, violence and war, I marvel at the human spirit: the ability of people to find ways to live from compassion, forgiveness, connection and gratitude. So thanks for listening, for supporting my desire to focus on people and stories that uplift and inspire. Thanks for joining me in focusing our energy on that which heals and sustains us on our life journeys. Honored to partner with you as we each radiate love and light out into the world. Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 299 Bali Bound
04/01/2024
Episode 299 Bali Bound
When I wrote this week’s episode, my husband Paul and I were Bali Bound. We are visiting our son Wil and his girlfriend Shannon, who have been in Bali for the past 3 months. We are thrilled to experience first hand all the beauty, spirituality, creativity and magic they have felt there. There will NO episode next week April 8th, but feel free to scroll through previous episodes and catch up on episodes you’ve missed. My next episode will be released on April 15th, which marks our 300th episode! Please tune in to celebrate 300 episodes of Enlighten: Uplift and Inspire! Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 298 More Women
03/25/2024
Episode 298 More Women
As we close out the month of March, Women’s History Month, I want to honor a few more women. Some include women who have died before I launched this podcast and some who are still alive but they're uncomfortable being a guest, so I couldn’t shine light on them here. And one is a woman I do not know personally but my respect and gratitude for her is immense. New York State Attorney General Letitia James is not only protecting the vulnerable, she is effectively holding Donald Trump accountable for his deceit, fraud and years of cheating lenders, insurers, the government and the public. She stands by her principle that “No one is above the law!” There are certainly more women to acknowledge and honor, but start with one or two. Who has uplifted you, inspired you, given you hope? In this last week of Women’s History Month, take a moment to express directly or indirectly your gratitude to a woman you admire. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 297 The Women
03/18/2024
Episode 297 The Women
March is Women’s Month so on this week’s episode, I honor the women in my life who have believed in me, supported me, challenged me and continue to make such profound impacts on me. I share the back story of how International Women’s Day came to be and eventually grew into a month-long celebration called Women’s History Month. There are so many women who have been trailblazers, who have shattered barriers, defied expectations, and paved the way for future generations! I honor my relatives, the women whose shoulders I stand on and the women I stand beside and hold hands with, including a number of sacred circles of soul sisters. May we continue to strive for progress and equality for all. May we lift each other up throughout the month of March and beyond. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 296 Geraldine Anello, Author and Musician
03/11/2024
Episode 296 Geraldine Anello, Author and Musician
My guest today is Dr. Geraldine Anello. Geraldine is a pianist, conductor, music director and author. She just recently launched her book The Pulse of the Musician: Connecting Sound, Soul and Stories: Navigating a Successful Music Career. We discuss what motivated her to write this insightful, illuminating book, her hopes that it becomes a required text book in music education, and the calling, passion, identity and sacrifice embedded in a musician’s path. I also inquired about Geraldine’s own passionate journey as a successful musician, her strategies of risk-taking, networking, discipline and creative visualization. Raised in France and on Reunion Island, before her fated move to the US at age 20, Geraldine embodies her multicultural, multi-ethnic origins, as she is a natural collaborator and harmonizer of multiple music genres. It is truly uplifting to be in the presence of such a warm, compassionate, wise woman. Check out the links below to Geraldine’s website and book. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 295 Winter Cleaning
03/04/2024
Episode 295 Winter Cleaning
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!
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Episode 294 Black Futures
02/26/2024
Episode 294 Black Futures
As we come to the end of the month, I highlight the concept and philosophy of Black Futures Month. In addition to honoring people and movements that enrich Black History Month, the emphasis on Black Futures is “a visionary, forward-looking spin on celebrations of Blackness in February; a time to consider and celebrate our radical Black history and to dream and imagine a world in which all Black people are free.” May we all understand and respect that our past directly impacts the present and future. May we all educate ourselves on the compelling stories from Black people, learn about the struggles and sacrifices, the aspirations and achievements. May we imagine a revolutionary transformation of the beliefs, norms, and systems that reject anyone’s humanity. May we embrace the abolitionist’s vision that our future can be grounded in trust, collective care, that prioritizes the dignity and empowerment of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and therefore the dignity and empowerment of all of us! Happy Black Futures Month! Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 293 Rustin
02/19/2024
Episode 293 Rustin
As we continue to honor Black History Month, I encourage you to see the movie "Rustin”. I was so deeply moved by the movie, this man Bayard Rustin and the instrumental role he played in creating and implementing the March on Washington. In addition, the brilliant performance of Colman Domingo embodying Rustin was electrifying. The movie, produced by Michelle and Barack Obama, sheds light on an important man and a critical time in our history. May we be well-informed about our history, grounded in our present and inspired to contribute to a more just, compassionate future. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: IG: IG: IG:
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Episode 292 The Greensboro Four
02/12/2024
Episode 292 The Greensboro Four
On this week’s episode, I highlight and honor the Greensboro Four: Jibreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain and David Richmond. Sixty-four years ago these four African American college freshman sat down at a place where African Americans were not allowed to sit. Their act of non-violent protest and the publicity they received ignited a national sit-in movement, that initiated desegregation actions and laws. I wanted to learn the names of the Greensboro Four and learn how their lives had unfolded since their 1960 college days. Thank you Jibreel, Joseph, Franklin and David. I am glad to know you by name. I am sorry for the hatred and discrimination you experienced, leading up to your protest and in the years that followed. I honor you, respect you and express my sincere gratitude for your courageous, inspiring legacy. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 291 Origins of Black History Month
02/05/2024
Episode 291 Origins of Black History Month
On this week’s episode, at the beginning of February, as we honor Black History Month, I focus on the man behind the origins of this important month. I am embarrassed to admit I did not know the name Carter G. Woodson nor that it was initially celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926. Thanks to Bakari Sellers, who mentioned Woodson’s name in his conversation with Trevor Noah, which ignited my curiosity. I’m grateful to learn more and want to share with you the wisdom, vision and determination of Carter G. Woodson to educate us all. Check out the links below to Bakari Sellers, the Daily Show, and the origins of Black History Month. We must recognize both the pain and triumph of what it means to be Black in America. We each have a part to play to keep Woodson’s legacy alive. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 290 Aliya Sorgen, Transformational Coach and Yoga Instructor
01/29/2024
Episode 290 Aliya Sorgen, Transformational Coach and Yoga Instructor
My guest today is Aliya Sorgen. Aliya is Head of Global Partnerships and Mobility at University of the Arts in London, a Transformational Coach and innovative yoga retreat facilitator. And Aliya happens to be my beloved God-daughter, a bond that allows us to share a special soul connection. Aliya articulates keen insight into her experience of working with artists, how alive she feels when traveling and her openness to learning and growth. She is inspired by the courage it takes to jump into the unknown and surprise ourselves with big changes. Check out the links below for Aliya’s website and learn more about her Coaching practice and Yoga Retreat in Italy this summer. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG:
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Episode 289 Awaken To Awareness
01/22/2024
Episode 289 Awaken To Awareness
On this week’s episode, I focus on awareness and how important awareness is to help us be present, conscious and responsible. Awareness is the first step in the process of healing. Inspired by a quote from the world renowned yoga instructor, Sarah Powers, I’ve now infused her quote as a prayer to add to my daily practice. May this statement inspire you as well: “I vow now to awaken to awareness, for the benefit of all beings. I recognize its immeasurable value, knowing that it is possible, regardless of circumstances.” May we all awaken to awareness! Check out the links below for my previous episode with Laura Rodgers as well as the website of Sarah Powers. Enjoy the podcast. Links:
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Episode 288 Open House, Open Hearts
01/15/2024
Episode 288 Open House, Open Hearts
Last week I hosted a Ceramics Open House for Josh Yanko, the son of my dear friend, Lisa Green. This Open House opened my heart to Josh, his beautiful pottery, the strong love Lisa has for her son, and the community that showed up to support him. It also opened my heart to the way loved ones who die are orchestrating loving support from their spiritual realm. What an honor to open my home and my heart to the giving and receiving of such warmth and affection. I trust that this is an event we will do again and hope that you can join me, we’ll open our hearts at the next open house! Check out the links below to Josh’s YouTube channel and his IG. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 287 Reflections of 2023
01/08/2024
Episode 287 Reflections of 2023
On this week’s episode, as we start off 2024, I acknowledge our 6 year milestone and reflect on this past year. We launched the podcast in January 2018, so here’s to completing 6 years of Enlighten! January 2024 marks the beginning of our podcast’s 7th year! Thank you, 2023 for another year of 9 inspiring guests, a tribute to a local hero who died the past summer and 38 personal reflections and stories. Hoping that my guests and stories this past year have helped to uplift and inspire you along your journey. Blessings for a healing, engaged, empowering year. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to help us evolve and step more fully into our potential in 2024. Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 286 Change It Up!
12/18/2023
Episode 286 Change It Up!
On this week’s episode, I focus on the wisdom of changing things up, shifting our perspective and/or routines to open to new possibilities. I share a simple example of a change I made to one of my daily routines that provided a fresh, expansive experience for me. I was surprised by the energy and fun it provided! Change the way you see something and that something changes. May you take one of your daily routines and change it up! Have fun expanding your perspective and seeing things anew! Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 285 Sparkly Synchronicity
12/11/2023
Episode 285 Sparkly Synchronicity
On this week’s podcast, I share some sparkly synchronicities that delighted me this week. From a Hafiz poem, that reminds us that we are created for Joy, to a yoga community’s dharma talk, to a friend in Maine being inspired to dance, to my Jazz Funk Dance Sistahs keeping joy alive, to a store owner’s sparkly red boots. May we pause and notice the synchronicities, the sparkles, the joy. After all, we were created for joy! Check out the show notes to find links for previous episodes with 4 of the women mentioned here. And for beautiful, creative shopping, please go support Maria Luisa’s boutique filled with fair trade gifts from around the world. Enjoy the podcast ! Links:
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Episode 284 Light Comes
12/04/2023
Episode 284 Light Comes
As the light shifts with shorter days and longer nights, we experience more physical and emotional darkness. On this week’s episode, I share a poem that has been a beautiful reminder for me that the light does come, even when the darkness enfolds us. May we trust that the light will come. May we know that the light is seeking us. May we lift our faces to let the light find us. Follow the links below for the poem, to Jan Richardson and Shawna Emerick. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 283 Indigenous Peoples Circle
11/27/2023
Episode 283 Indigenous Peoples Circle
For the past decade I’ve tried to incorporate into our Thanksgiving gathering, a simple ritual that honors Indigenous People. On this week’s podcast, I share the ritual I tried this year. The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address calls forth gratitude for the people, the earth mother, the waters, the fish, the plants, the food plants, the medicinal herbs, the animals, the trees, the birds and the four winds, for all they do to sustain, nourish and strengthen us. May we find ways to gather in community to create ritual that honors all Indigenous People, to bring our minds as one, as we honor all of creation. I hope you found meaning and nourishment in body, mind and spirit this past Thanksgiving. May we all experiment with thoughts and actions that help us live in more equitable relationship with ourselves, others, and our planet. Click the link below for the Haudenosuanee Prayer. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 282 Senses of Gratitude
11/20/2023
Episode 282 Senses of Gratitude
Thanksgiving invites us to tap into the power of gratitude. Even in the midst of all the suffering in our broken world, paying attention to what we are grateful for, can bring us back to center. Having just returned from an incredible trip to Australia and New Zealand, I share some of the things about travel that fills me up with deep gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for, on so many levels. You don’t need to travel to generate gratitude. Simply turn to your 5 senses and notice what stimulates and inspires you. What sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches nourished you today? When you focus on how your senses were stimulated, it inevitably brings you back to gratitude…for all you saw, heard, smelled, tasted and touched. Let your five senses cultivate your attitude of gratitude. And may we honor our Indigenous People this Thanksgiving! Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 281 The Meditation Lady
11/13/2023
Episode 281 The Meditation Lady
On this week’s episode, I tell how I discovered that I have a new nickname: The Meditation Lady! From an unsuspecting group of people I don’t personally know, it turns out that I’ve been referred to as this nickname for a few years. It wasn’t until we recorded this episode, that my husband learned of my new nickname. He got a kick out of it and I hope you do, too. Hopefully this will get you thinking of how you might be perceived by others. Would their observations of you spur a nickname? If so, what might yours be? Feel free to share with me your nicknames! I’d love to hear them!! Enjoy the podcast.
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Episode 280 Dani Mfaya, dancer and model
11/06/2023
Episode 280 Dani Mfaya, dancer and model
My guest today is Daniel Ralph Mfaya, also known as Dani. Dani is an extraordinary dancer, model and creative director. Dani grew up in France & currently resides in the United States, but is traveling the world as a dancer on the Sam Smith Gloria Tour. Because my daughter, Julia is the bass player in Sam’s band, I’ve had the pleasure and honor of meeting Dani, the other dancers, background vocalists and band members. Dani is a seasoned dancer, having performed and choreographed with Beyoncé, danced with Sidi Larbi’s Belgium Dance Company & Royal Ballet of Flanders. Dani shared the video of an extraordinary dance called Mea Culpa that moved me to tears and gave me a sacred window into Dani’s heart and soul. We recorded this conversation at the end of September when the Sam Smith tour had a break between the North American tour and the Asian tour. By now the tour is in Australia, where I will see, in person, my daughter, Dani and all the other performers for their last shows of 2023. Check out the links below to follow Dani and the incredible artistry he embodies. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 279 Letter From Love
10/30/2023
Episode 279 Letter From Love
On this week’s episode, I share a moving spiritual practice called Letter from Love, inspired and launched by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the book Eat, Pray, Love. I read examples from Elizabeth and Suleika Jaouad as well as, one I wrote. May these examples and this podcast encourage you to write a letter to yourself from Love. Whether you write one or you integrate this as another tool in your spiritual practices on a regular basis, I hope you can tap into what Love wants to say to you and let that love comfort and hold you on your journey. These letters from Love bring solace, comfort, and peace - something we all need now more than ever. Check out the links below to learn more about Elizabeth Gilbert’s project and the inspiring writings of Suleika Jaouad. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 278 Our Humanity
10/23/2023
Episode 278 Our Humanity
It is easy to lose sight of our humanity when so many in the world are suffering. Yet it is exactly our humanity that I don’t want to lose sight of as the frightening conflict in Israel and Gaza intensifies. On this week’s episode, I share some heartfelt quotes that have helped me align with love, as if we were seen in the eyes of the Divine, help me align with our innate goodness, with peace, with oneness and our humanity. Check out the links below for quotes referenced and the book “See No Stranger" by Sikh activist, Valarie Kaur. Particularly during trying times, may we chose love, may we hold onto our humanity. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 277 Andrea Frade, Transformational Coach
10/16/2023
Episode 277 Andrea Frade, Transformational Coach
My guest today is Andrea Maxine Frade. Andrea is a Transformational Coach, Healer, Bodyworker and Somatic Practitioner. Having been a podcast guest in January 2019, I am delighted to reconnect with Andrea and learn about all the meaningful changes in her personal life, spiritual life and professional work, in the past 5 years. Andrea is tuned into her own personal process of growth and evolution which she often sees reflected in the healing process of so many of her clients. Andrea focuses on the purpose behind her work, encouraging women not to forget who they are and why they are here. Andrea honors transitions, the in between space that holds the potential for the ALMOST! Check out the links below to contact Andrea and sign up for an online workshop she is co-facilitating tomorrow Tuesday October 17th with Abi Keene (also a previous podcast guest) called “Who Am I Now: How to Create the Change You Long for That is Aligned with Who You are NOW.” Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 276 Indigenous Peoples Day
10/09/2023
Episode 276 Indigenous Peoples Day
On this week’s episode, I share some of the history and facts about Indigenous Peoples Day and our efforts as a country to move in the direction of healing and justice. What might seem to some like a simple name change can lead to real social progress for Indigenous Americans. Today is an opportunity for reflection, recognition, celebration and education. May we honestly admit our dark history of the brutal treatment of Indigenous Peoples. May we address the current state of discrimination and its ripple effect toward Indigenous Peoples. May we honor the rich cultures, histories and invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited the Americas for thousands of years. May we humbly learn from Indigenous Peoples’ spiritual wisdom and respectful partnership with our planet, its elements, creatures and resources. May we contribute to the healing of past, present, and future generations of Indigenous People. Check out the links below to learn more about Indigenous Peoples. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 275 Jesse AlFord, Circus Coach and Lighting Designer
10/02/2023
Episode 275 Jesse AlFord, Circus Coach and Lighting Designer
My guest this week is Jesse AlFord. Jesse is a Circus Coach and Lighting Designer, who stayed in our guest bedroom for a few days at the request of our dear friends and previous podcast guests, Carlo Pellegrini and Hilary Sweeney. Carlo and Hilary are producing The Legend Cirque - an immersive expression of the gripping tale of the Headless Horseman, narrated by Washington Irving, with world class aerialists and acrobats in a circus tent in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Jesse drove up from Louisville, KY to design the lighting for the show, but as a freelancer, he also designs the lighting for ballet, opera and theater. I thought it fitting to shine some light on the guy who lights up artists and venues. I appreciate Jesse’s curiosity, warmth and thoughtfulness in not only how he collaborates with artists but how he lives his life. Check out the links below to follow Jesse, as well as the link for The Legend, which runs now through 10/29. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: IG:
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Episode 274 Forgiveness Is Key
09/25/2023
Episode 274 Forgiveness Is Key
Today marks the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Even though I am not Jewish, I’ve always appreciated the intention and meaning behind this day of reflection, a day to atone for the ways we have harmed others or ourselves. I share once again the Buddhist Prayer of Forgiveness, an appropriate prayer to help us atone and cultivate at - one - ness. May you be at one with yourself, at one with your family and friends, at one with our planet and at one with the Divine. Forgiveness is key! Enjoy the podcast.
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Episode 273 Peeling Layers
09/18/2023
Episode 273 Peeling Layers
On this week’s episode, I acknowledge the layers in people, situations, causes and choices. It is easy to fall into the trap that any one or any thing is one dimensional. When we get stuck, in that limited view, it’s helpful to be reminded of different perspectives. Thankfully a devoted listener helped me peel back layers of my perspective about Amazon and Jeff Bezos. When we peel back layers, we deepen our understanding and our capacity for compassion expands. There is even room for the layer of forgiveness. May we avoid reducing people into one dimensional aspects. May we notice that as we peel back layers, there is beauty, humility, vulnerability and precious nuances. May we practice the power of forgiveness for ourselves and others. Enjoy the podcast!
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Episode 272 Labor Of Love
09/11/2023
Episode 272 Labor Of Love
On this week’s episode I reflect on the history and meaning of Labor Day, and the labor of love it takes to live by our values. I try to stay mindful of the companies that take advantage of their employees and avoid doing business with them. It’s challenging to always take that stand, knowing these companies lure us in with cheaper prices and convenient shipping, but at what cost? Sometimes it is a labor of love to stay true to our values. As much as I can, I want to live by my values, knowing that it can be a labor of love to honor those values. So belated Happy Labor Day and may we all invest in the labor of love that honors ourselves and all beings. Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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Episode 271 Honoring Bert Hughes
08/28/2023
Episode 271 Honoring Bert Hughes
On this week’s episode, I honor Bert Hughes, a kind, generous, inspirational man who died on August 16th, touching those of us living in Nyack and well beyond. Bert lived a full, meaningful life, leaving a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people, through music, social justice and his gracious heart. Please check out the links below to two organizations that Bert cared so deeply about: Helping Hands of Rockland, an interfaith volunteer organization that provides support for people who are homeless and Midnight Run, a volunteer organization dedicated to finding common ground between the housed and the homeless. Let’s honor Bert and help keep his large heart alive in our hearts by making a donation in Bert Hughes' memory to either or both organizations. Thank you so much! Enjoy the podcast! Links:
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