The Next Chapter with Charlie
For the last 20 years, I was an Executive Coach to CEO’s of larger corporations. Now I am moving on to MY Next Chapter. I invite you to join me in this journey. It makes no difference if you are retiring or making any significant change to your life. We are all on the same path. So tune in and tag along as we give insights and inspirations on how you can create your own NEXT CHAPTER. We will talk about “what you can do next.” It might deal with transition, desire, curiosity, loss, or anything else that has to do with our Next Chapter in Life.
info_outline
#244 Rand Sperry: Making the Most of the Years that Matter Most
06/22/2022
#244 Rand Sperry: Making the Most of the Years that Matter Most
Show Notes Well, it’s my first day back from 3 weeks in Portugal. I am rested and ready to go. Today’s show is sort of a last-minute idea because we feared I would be hampered by jetlag, but that is not the case. I am so happy to say that my dear friend, Rand Sperry was available to have a discussion on a subject very dear to both of us—basically it’s all about how to optimize “old age” before you reach “Old, old age.” Haha In the 2020’s we have an entirely different concept of old age than we did 50 years ago. 50 years ago, 60 was considered old. Today that is not the case. In fact, I am not even sure what we consider to be “old age” now days—certainly not before 80 years old. In two months, I will be 73 and I feel as if I am at least 20 years younger. In fact, I am in what I consider to be the most golden years of life. I call these years my “Autumn” which I will explain later in the show. So let’s bring on the very youthful Rand Sperry to talk about “Making the Most of the Years that Matter Most.”
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/23503568
info_outline
#243 Pam and Charlie: Two Different Ideas for a Holiday
06/14/2022
#243 Pam and Charlie: Two Different Ideas for a Holiday
Show Notes Hey Paul. We are so fortunate today to have as a guest my “reluctant to do podcasts” wife. After more than 200 episodes she has come on the show with me only one time—and that was from Italy, probably 3 or 4 years ago. Today is special. We haven’t seen each other in more than 10 days and have probably talked on the phone only three times… because she and her friends have been sooo busy. Pam and I have different ideas of the ideal vacation. Although I do like some activity and sightseeing, I must have time to rest and do nothing. Pam’s idea of rest only comes with the need to sleep, otherwise she is busy doing something. While I have been in Portugal alone, Pam has been in the UK with her sister, niece, and daughter-in-law. The have been to Scotland, Wales, Bath, and London in about 9 days. Yikes! I’d need hours of therapy to recover. So, let’s compare notes, both about our trips and what is important in life. And… by the way… you are going to love Pam!
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/23428331
info_outline
#242 Charlie in Lisbon: Adventures in Solitude
06/08/2022
#242 Charlie in Lisbon: Adventures in Solitude
Show Notes Hey Paul. Today, instead of sitting with you in studio, right now I am sitting on my sofa in my apartment in Lisbon, Portugal. I was out today roaming the town and finding myself surrounded by throngs of tourists. Man, I have a distaste for crowds. And I do have a bit of frustration with tourists that expect nationals to behave in ways that suit their personal desires. Life is different in a foreign country and, truthfully, that is precisely what makes a foreign country so attractive—it is “foreign.” This is a different kind of trip for me. I am spending more time in my apartment than usual, seeing fewer sights that usual because I am reading and writing. Still, I do not feel the same as I do at home. Different “home” with different people, foods, and habits. Please join Paul and me for an update on “Adventures in Solitude in Lisbon.”
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/23364320
info_outline
#241 Andy Hahn: The One-Hour Miracle
05/31/2022
#241 Andy Hahn: The One-Hour Miracle
Show Notes My special guest today, Dr. Andrew Hahn has just released a new book, titled “The One Hour Miracle.” And I must tell you… as skeptical as I am about such seemingly… shall we say, “far-reaching” proclamations, Andy has pioneered a process called Life-Centered Therapy that just might get you there. You will soon discover that Andy is one of the smartest guests we’ve ever had on the show… maybe that’s why he’s a Harvard grad. Andy Hahn got my attention when he told me that “our life’s work is about the revelation of who we really are.” So, without any further introduction, let’s bring on Dr Andrew Hahn and talk about discovering a rich life of meaning and how we might find a way to manage, or even dismiss, our most limiting traumas and stresses. You can contact Dr Hahn at [email protected] lifecenteredtherapy.com For more go to To get Andy’s new book click
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/23285828
info_outline
#240 Cara Stewart: Into the Mind of Charlie
05/25/2022
#240 Cara Stewart: Into the Mind of Charlie
Show Notes Today is a dramatic departure from the normal format of our podcast. That because today my, friend Cara Stewart, will host the show as she interviews me as a guest on my own podcast. Initially, I invited Cara to be a guest on the show but after she and I discussed possible topics she came up with the question, “Hey, Charlie. Has anyone ever interviewed you on your show? To which my response was, “Well, not really.” After just a few moments of thought, I said, “Let’s give it shot.” So here we are. Fortunately, Cara Steward in an excellent host: she is a former journalist, a frequent co-host of another podcast on OC Talk Radio, a serial entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Altalunas Media. I have no idea what to expect. With that, let’s discover just what Cara Stewart has in mind as today’s guest host of the Next Chapter with Charlie.
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/23220908
info_outline
#239 Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino: The Change Guidebook
05/18/2022
#239 Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino: The Change Guidebook
Show Notes My guest today, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, is the founder of The Best Ever You Network. What a business name… The Best Ever You Network. I love it!’ As she tells us in the interview, Elizabeth founded her company in 2008 and began her podcasts in 2010. I kind of view her as a bit of a pioneer in the field of understanding how self-improvement methodologies can result in in genuinely changed lives. Elizabeth is determined to produce actual results that make a real difference in the lives of the thousands of people she regularly influences. Elizabeth will challenge the way you think about living your life intentionally. Elizabeth offers books, podcasts, YouTube videos, and seminars you can find both live and online at her website thebesteveryou.com Discover more about Elizabeth at You can also check out her highly reviewed new book
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/23148551
info_outline
#238 Lindsay Davis- Spring Cleaning: Getting Rid of Things That Don’t Work
05/10/2022
#238 Lindsay Davis- Spring Cleaning: Getting Rid of Things That Don’t Work
Show Notes I think most all working adults have experienced (or are experiencing) the sluggish malaise of a burn out. These are the times when our joy of life just feels stalled and all that remains is stress and anxiety. I, myself, am just emerging from that nearly paralyzing state of burn out. For that reason, I am so much looking forward to our conversation today with one of my very favorite podcast guests: Lindsay Davis. Lindsay is a business and life coach for high performers. She “lives” in the success arena and fully understands one of the greatest issues facing high performers—burn out! I have so much more to say but, instead, why don’t we just bring on our voice of sanity, Lindsay Davis. You can contact Lindsay at Get Lindsay’s Path to Possibility Journal at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/23070536
info_outline
#237 Terry Hershey: The Sacred Wounds of Brokenness
04/26/2022
#237 Terry Hershey: The Sacred Wounds of Brokenness
Show Notes This week on his blog, Sabbath Moment, Terry Hershey has been writing about the restorative power of brokenness. Terry writes this: “In embracing our wounds, they become sacred wounds, because grace is alive and well in brokenness. It’s paradigm shift time. Time to move from a project-management view of life, to a “wade-in” view of life. Life, in its brokenness, is not to be contained, explained, or fixed.” I really like the idea of moving on from a project-management view of life. It is so much better to view life as an exciting and unpredictable adventure, as opposed to a “project.” And, as we all know, with adventure comes disappointment and messiness. Perhaps the messiness of it all is the key notion we will discuss in this show because messiness includes being wounded and broken. For more on Terry Hershey and to read his blog Sabbath Moment please go to
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22920947
info_outline
#236 Zen Cryar DeBrucke: Your Internal Guidance System
04/20/2022
#236 Zen Cryar DeBrucke: Your Internal Guidance System
Show Notes Our talk today is a most important discussion about how we can better “orient” our lives. Let me explain. For decades, I have believed in the idea that we all possess some sort of built-in internal gyroscope to align our daily lives with our personal values. As you well know, the technical function of a gyroscope is to detect the deviation of an object from its desired orientation. Isn’t that true for us as well? I truly believe that we have (or need) a personal internal gyroscope. Well, our guest today, Zen Cryar DeBrucke, has devoted more than 30 years to exploring this very subject. She describes it in her book Your Internal Guidance System. Zen also founded and manages the Smart Soul Academy which encapsulates 30 years of exploring. The online Academy contains trainings and systems that will enable you to master the use of your IGS (or Internal Guidance System). On today’s show Zen talks to us about accessing and implementing Your Internal Guidance System. I am very into this topic and can’t wait for Zen’s expertise. Please connect with Zen’s and learn how to discover and use your Internal Guidance System. Click on the title to find Zen’s book
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22847729
info_outline
#235 Linda Olson: Connecting with The Story of YOU
04/13/2022
#235 Linda Olson: Connecting with The Story of YOU
Show Notes Today we have on our show a favorite guest, master storyteller, Linda Olson. Linda has a brand-new book that demonstrates how to use the discipline of storytelling to, as stated in the subtitle, Empower Your Hope When Going Through Tough Times. As I was chatting with Linda earlier this week, I came to the realization that there is a huge difference between your “stories” and your “STORY.” In our previous podcasts with Linda we talked primarily about developing tools necessary to tell your life “stories” in a lucid, yet concise manner. We will continue that a bit in this show, but today I’d like to talk about the value of your “life story” or your “narrative” and how that story impacts your life. This will be fun. Linda Olsen is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker and Founder of Wealth Through Stories. As former college dean, and marriage and family therapist Linda brings us deep knowledge of personal transformation through telling your own story. More on Linda Olson…
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22776449
info_outline
#234 Fr Maurice Emelu: Reflecting Your Values
04/06/2022
#234 Fr Maurice Emelu: Reflecting Your Values
Show Notes You know, on this show, we talk a lot about your core self and about the importance of owning your personal values. Well, today’s guest takes the notion of personal values just a step deeper. He reminds us that our life’s mission might be about “reflecting your deepest held values and beliefs.” Fr Maurice Emelu, PhD and professor of digital media and Communication at John Carroll University, is first of all a priest from Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria. For Fr Maurice, his love of God and love of people remain among the highest of his deeply held personal value system. I spoke briefly with Fr Maurice earlier this week and found myself mesmerized by his thoughtful words and ideas how discovering wonder in everyday life. He is the author of a 7 Volume series titled An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word, which has received wonderful reviews on Amazon. For more on Fr Maurice Emelu and his books please click here for his .
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22697609
info_outline
#233 Charlie: Everyone Has a Next Chapter
03/30/2022
#233 Charlie: Everyone Has a Next Chapter
Show Notes Just recently we did a show with Terry Hershey on Creating Inner Space for Change. The idea was that in order for meaningful life change to occur, you must first “declutter” your mind and your activities. I believe it is show #231, so listeners might want to check that one out because today I plan to talk more about what “Life Change” might look like. What does it mean to live with meaning, adventure, and awe? Although, it’s the theme of our web presence and yet I am not sure I have ever addressed the subject on a podcast. Well, today is the day. As an Executive Life Coach, I work with highly successful individuals who are planning for greater meaning in their life either through their career or by means of a meaningful retirement. So, I “live” these ideas. And as a lover of a life of meaning, adventure, and awe my inner core drives me to pursue the process of greater and greater alignment with my core self. In our time today I plan to talk around three issues: the Drivers, Restraints, and Processes for to Life Change. In other words… how can we enter our Next Chapter because, like it or not, every day is a new chapter and it is up to you to determine the content of that chapter. You “get to” determine the content of your life. For the free character assessment tool just click the link below… For more information on Your Next Chapter you can visit Charlie’s website at
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22617560
info_outline
#232 Nick Jordan: Marching to a Million
03/23/2022
#232 Nick Jordan: Marching to a Million
Show Notes Today, our recording day is March 17th or St Patrick’s Day, so I have brought on an Irish man to talk a bit about why we celebrate St Patrick’s Day and then talk a lot about poverty in the world. My guest is a very fortunate cancer survivor, Nick Jordan, who is CEO and Founder, Wells of Life, Inc. a group that is committed to bringing clean water to 1,000 communities in Uganda and beyond. And as that dream is about to come true the end of this year, 2022 as we March to a Million. What that means is not only will we serve 1000 villages, but that effort to mean that we have provided clean water to 1 MM people. It has taken us 12 years to get here and our plan is to reach 2 MM people served with water by year-end 2025. Born, raised and educated in Ireland, Nick holds a bachelor’s degree from University College, Dublin. Please check out
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22541084
info_outline
#231 Terry Hershey: Creating Space for Something New
03/15/2022
#231 Terry Hershey: Creating Space for Something New
Show Notes Okay, truthfully… today is a show I very much look forward to hosting. It is yet another episode with my dear friend Terry Hershey. Now typically, Terry and I have some rather challenging philosophical issue to discuss and it’s always a blast to do that kind of show. But today will be a bit different. It’s a hybrid… maybe. I anticipate a sort of potpourri of catching up on stuff we haven’t talked about for a while. First of all, as of 2 hours ago, baseball is back… and my son has a job again. Next, Terry just spent the morning watching birds… or something like that. So we will chat about our lives and things that really matter. Before that however, I read a quote this morning by poet David Whyte that has me thinking deeply and I am most interested in Terry’s take on it. The poet Whyte wrote, “In life we are in the difficult act of disappearing, often against our wills, in order to make way for something we cannot yet comprehend… perhaps the ultimate form of human generosity is that of giving ourselves away to see how and in what form we are given back.” In other words, “You gotta lose something in order to get something new.” Just a note. In just a few days Terry will be at the Religious Ed Congress in Anaheim, CA. This coming Saturday March 19, he is giving a speech in the Arena. His speaking time begins at 10:00 AM. You can go to Terry is bringing 3 brand new books. And, be sure to say Hi, because I am part of the sales force. And I always cheat and give the best deals. Haha Okay, Okay. I was wrong. I cannot put the Character Strengths Assessment online. It requires a special invite. So, so sorry!
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22460687
info_outline
#230 Dr Tiffanie Tate Moore: Resilience-Make Tomorrow a Better Day
03/09/2022
#230 Dr Tiffanie Tate Moore: Resilience-Make Tomorrow a Better Day
Show Notes Our guest today, Dr Tiffanie Tate Moore, is the poster child for resilience. Raised by an Aunt, in Compton CA, because both her parents were strongly addicted to drugs and alcohol. Dr Tiffany grew up to be valedictorian, an OBG/YN Surgeon, a medical Officer in the United States Navy, and having a successful medical practice in riverside, CA. All pretty impressive, huh? But that does not take into account that she was abused in early childhood, was shot in her back in a drive-by shooting, and had to quit medical practice at the age of 44 because of a hand injury that prevented her from practicing surgery. After depression and feelings of uselessness, Dr Tiffanie once again discovered her innate and learned resilience to overcome these challenges to become a woman of great value to her society and to herself. I can’t wait to learn from Dr Tiffanie Moore just what it takes to overcome horrific life changes to become a person of value, service, honor, a commitment to a life serving God. Visit Dr Tiffanie in Instagram @DrTiffanieMoore And on You can click the link to find her book,
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22387508
info_outline
#229 Dr Pamela Gerali: The Dance of Ego and Essence
03/02/2022
#229 Dr Pamela Gerali: The Dance of Ego and Essence
Show Notes I’m loving the title of the new book by our guest today, Dr Pamela Gerali. It’s called The Dance of the Ego and Essence. In our discussion today we will talk about “who we really are” in are in our deepest and truest selves and what it is that prevents us from living in harmony with that truest self. That is why Pamela Gerali calls the process a Dance. I like that. A delicate a compassionate dance with our own spirit, hour heart, and mind. I am very much looking forward to this conversation. Dr Pamela Gerali captivates readers and audiences with wisdom and practical guidance from the Blueprint for the Human Spirit®, her model for conscious and compassionate living. She refers to herself as an architect for the human spirit. Pamela is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Public Health and a Doctorate in Holistic Health Sciences. She is an author, public speaker, leadership mentor, and intuitive healer—something we will define as the show goes on. Visit Pamela Gerali at . You can click the link to find her book, .
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22304516
info_outline
#228 Steve Friedman: Embracing Your Introversion
02/18/2022
#228 Steve Friedman: Embracing Your Introversion
Show Notes What do you think of when you think of Introverts? Typically, the term connotes shy, withdrawn, or maybe even lacking confidence. But I’m not so sure that is the “whole story.” Our guest today, Steve Friedman, will help us understand much more the strengths and attributes of those, might I say, “blessed” with the gift of Introversion. By using the word “blessed,” I guess I give away the fact that I am an introvert myself, and yet… people rarely see me as one. But believe me, those close to me have no doubt. I thrive on being alone and in solitude. In fact, when quarantine first began, as an introvert I was proud to say “I’ve been practicing for this my whole life. Haha My guest, Steve Friedman is the author of two books on introversion. His latest book is The Corporate Introvert, and his first one was a memoir titled In Search of Courage, An Introvert’s Story. Steve’s latest book is at Please check out Steve’s first book Check out Steve’s website at
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22176290
info_outline
#227 Michaela Renee Johnson: Be You and Find Happy
02/11/2022
#227 Michaela Renee Johnson: Be You and Find Happy
Show Notes I’m so looking forward to our show today. After three consecutive shows of deep and heavy philosophy, today is all about fun. Yippee! My guest today, Michaela Renee Johnson, practices and preaches a life of excitement and joy, and most of all happiness. Yes. We are indeed allowed to pursue happiness in our own hectic and troubled world. Michaela is an expert on the subjects of happiness and wellbeing. She is a best-selling author, psychotherapist, life coach, and successful podcast host. She has authored a movement, which includes seminars, workshops, practical tools, and a book titled Be You, Find Happy. So, I’m happy to bring on our very special and very fun guest. For more on Michaela enjoy her website at
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22097930
info_outline
#226 Radhia Gleis Part II: The Nature of Cults-Can a Political Party Be a Cult
02/09/2022
#226 Radhia Gleis Part II: The Nature of Cults-Can a Political Party Be a Cult
Show Notes Today is Part II of our podcast with Radhia Gleis in which we discuss what Radhia learned in her experience of 25 years in a cult and what she desires that all of us can learn. Please enjoy and take the opportunity to reconsider your opinions regarding who and what you follow. For me. This is a powerful show. Enjoy Part II. Please check out Radhia’s book. You can discover more about Radhia at
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22073903
info_outline
#225 Radhia Gleis Part I: The Nature of Cults-A View from the Inside
02/03/2022
#225 Radhia Gleis Part I: The Nature of Cults-A View from the Inside
Show Notes Have you ever wondered about what it is that draws (especially) intelligent people to join a cult? Well, today we’re about to find out. We will learn first-hand from our very special guest, Radhia Gleis, who was an elder for 25 years in a cult called The Buddha-field. As a young woman… Radhia went on a quest for to discover nirvana and found herself entangled in a destructive cult. Now, for anyone tempted to judge cult followers as weak-minded and gullible, Radhia has a new book that will certainly shatter those assumptions. In her new book titled The Followers, she explores the common traits, as well as common needs, that every human being possesses. And, almost ironically, it is in these very common needs that cult leaders find their prey. Radhia has a message for all of us… to understand… as well as be wary of. PLEASE NOTE: This episode was so informative and fun that we had to break it into two shows. Be prepared to catch Part II in just a couple days, where Radhia shares what she learned and what we can lean. Please check out Radhia’s book. You can discover more about Radhia at
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/22004528
info_outline
#224 Peter Schwartz: Examining the Code of Self-Sacrifice
01/26/2022
#224 Peter Schwartz: Examining the Code of Self-Sacrifice
Show Notes Today we’re about to go down deep and stay down long into the subject: Is it morally good to focus primarily on your own personal happiness? Author Peter Schwartz says… “From childhood, we’re taught that helping others is the essence of morality. And most people take this code of ethics for granted. They don’t challenge that premise.” Peter Schwartz does challenge that premise. In his book, The Tyranny of Need, Peter Schwartz explains why he believes that people do not fully understand what altruism calls for. In his view, it shows that what altruism really demands is not that you simply respect the rights of others or that you display benevolence toward them. Rather, altruism demands that you subordinate yourself to other’s needs. Now… Peter presents a moral alternative to the code of altruism: and that is, rational self-interest. He explains that genuine selfishness is not exemplified by the actions of the likes of a Bernie Madoff. Schwartz argues—the truly selfish individual is committed to moral principles. He lives an honest, productive, and self-respecting life. His book, The Tyranny of Need, shows you how to uphold your moral right to the pursuit of your own happiness. Just a bit on Peter… PETER SCHWARTZ is a retired Chairman of the Board of the Ayn Rand Institute—the pre-eminent organization for the dissemination of Ayn Rand’s ideas—and he is now a Distinguished Fellow there. As you might imagine, in this episode of the Next Chapter with Charlie, Peter and I engage in quite meaningful discussion of this oh-so controversial topic. With that, let’s welcome Peter Schwartz to the show. For more visit Peter Schwartz at Check out Peter’s book:
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21899960
info_outline
#223 Terry Hershey: Awe-FULL or Awful
01/19/2022
#223 Terry Hershey: Awe-FULL or Awful
Show Notes When I began The Next Chapter with Charlie back in 2014, I came up with the descriptor which is,The Next Chapter: In Search of Meaning, Adventure, and Awe. Since that time, I have written and podcasted a boatload about the Meaning of Life, but not as much on Adventure, and even less on Awe. And yet, Awe is one of my personal favorite joys in life. I love art, architecture, nature, and what Terry Hershey calls “giddy” human responses to life and the wonder of life. Today, Terry and I explore the nature of Awe, as well as our unfortunate proclivity to allow obstacles to get in the way. So, let’s bring on Terry Hershey to help us navigate that tension between Awe-FULL as opposed to awful. Visit Terry at . For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21818945
info_outline
#222 Nick Jordan: The True Value of Life… Thoughts from Impending Death
01/12/2022
#222 Nick Jordan: The True Value of Life… Thoughts from Impending Death
Show Notes Today is an unusually important show. My friend and CEO of Wells of Life, Nick Jordan, spent all of 2021 battling with Stage 4 colon and lung cancer. The odds of survival were not good. But let’s come to the end of the story right away. After 2 surgeries, 4 months of chemotherapy, 75 radiation treatments, 2 days of fasting before every chemo session, and a bout with Shingles he was declared cancer free in late December 2021. During the months of chemotherapy, radiation, and times of surgery, Nick had only his faith, his family, and his friends to lean on. And truthfully, all three were desperately needed because the reality of impending death makes you realize the shortness of life, therefore forcing you to re-evaluate everything you do and believe. In Psalm 90, Moses writes, “Lord, teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise.” We have much to learn from someone who has been close to death. Today, let’s discover the value of life from the perspective of very recent cancer survivor. You can contact Nick at… Call him at 949-584-6166 Website: You can find the Caring Bridge website by clicking here:
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21747752
info_outline
#221 Dena Crowder 2022: Starting The Year Right
01/05/2022
#221 Dena Crowder 2022: Starting The Year Right
Show Notes NOTE: It is with a bit of hesitancy that I publish this show. I get scary vulnerable. Oh well. I like the result… so, here you go. ***** I am what you might call an “ideological planner.” When I do personal annual planning, my purpose is about understanding and growing my inner life. I like to work more on who to be than what to do. That’s because what I do is dictated by my character and inner drivers. Today I feel fortunate to have a guest who is an expert on planning the inner life. In fact, she has been my personal coach and continues to guide my thinking about life, the universe, and everything. Dena Crowder offers brilliant insights into who I am and who I am created to be. On this show today, Dena will show me how to define my theme for 2022. And we will explain what that “annual theme” means in the show. Dena is certainly one of my favorite people. Check out her mission: Dena Crowder helps gifted leaders and creatives answer their Higher Calling and shift the status quo. Over the years, she has helped thousands of people activate their inner power so that they can start or enhance existing businesses, align their personalities with their souls, and take their place in the spotlight. Dena is on a mission to dethrone power based on fear and scarcity and to return Living Power to its rightful place in our world. You can contact Dena (and please do) at: Tedx "The Power Is You" Website Dena on
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21678602
info_outline
#220 Terry Hershey 2021: A Year of Unexpected Learnings
12/28/2021
#220 Terry Hershey 2021: A Year of Unexpected Learnings
Show Notes Well, here we are. 2021 is done. And it was, shall we say, a challenging year. Today I have our dear friend Terry Hershey with me to discuss our end of year thoughts. But you know what… I am choosing not to focus on the endless conversations and issues concerning covid and our tiring national crisis of divisiveness. Today Terry and I plan to discuss 2021 through a much more personal lens—a lens focused on what have we each have learned and experienced this year. Visit Terry at . For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21619283
info_outline
Archive Favs Dr. John Bash: The Healing Power of Suffering
12/21/2021
Archive Favs Dr. John Bash: The Healing Power of Suffering
Show Notes Today’s subject is not a light one. In fact, it may be one of the most troubling subjects I have discussed on the show after more than 130 episodes. Today is about very deep human pain and suffering, AND the potential learnings that can result, if one chooses to take that path. Although we may love learning about life and our deepest inner selves… the path there is often most unpleasant. David Whyte alludes to the power of suffering when he writes, “Suffering is as inescapable and inevitable as breathing…” If suffering is inescapable and inevitable, it might be asking us… to see suffering as our constant and instructive companion…” “Suffering asks us not to look for an alternative path, because there is no alternative path.” Now… none of this eludes the pain and despair of suffering. It is not something to anticipate with glee. It sucks. Yet if suffering is inescapable, we are asked not only to expect it and learn from it, but also to actually embrace it as our unwanted “instructive companion.” My very special guest today, Dr. John Bash, is most accustomed to suffering as well as the deep learning that comes from it. As a successful minister and church planter, In John’s resume I read… “John’s heart for leaders is a natural outgrowth of a life spent watching God turn pain and tragedy into comfort and healing.
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21564818
info_outline
#219 Lindsay Davis: Surprising Gateways to God
12/14/2021
#219 Lindsay Davis: Surprising Gateways to God
Show Notes Well … here we are in the 2nd week of our Christmas/Advent series titled Has God Become Irrelevant? In just 20 years church attendance has declined by 23%, for 70% attendance in in the year 2000 down to 47% in 2020. Although the are indeed many sociological and religious reasons for this decline, I believe that we have a grand misunderstanding of the nature of the divine Godhead. The all-too-common view of God is that of a judgmental punitive white male that will “get you” if you don’t toe the line. As a result of my studies of the Bible and a plethora of theologians is quite different. Last week we presented the idea that God is not an unattached stoic but instead demonstrates on multiple occasions the depth of his “feelings” like suffering and mourning and sadness, as well as exuberance and joy and satisfaction. Today I am talking with one of our most popular guests, life coach Lindsay Davis, about of the nature our human connection with divinity based on what is called in the Bible, Image of God. The theory is this: every single longing we have as human beings is either a direct or indirect reflection of how we are created. With that statement, let’s bring on Lindsay Davis to discuss with me the nature of God’s love as it pertains to sin and desire and godliness. You can contact Lindsay at Get Lindsay’s Path to Possibility Journal at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21483977
info_outline
#218 Shasheen Shah: Winning the Inner Game
12/08/2021
#218 Shasheen Shah: Winning the Inner Game
Show Notes In his brilliant book on managing your innermost self, our guest today, Shasheen Shah, speaks of recurring emotional triggers, ones that have haunted some of us for decades. In dealing with his own emotional triggers Shasheen writes, “… I discovered that although I was forty, I was reacting as my ten-year-old self.” And that is our critical topic for today: How to manage the needy and screaming inner child who can still impact even the most successful people. In the last couple of years, I have discovered that managing my innermost child is a most essential task. This subject is the sweet spot of our special guest today. Shasheen Shah is Founder of Coherent Strategies. He works with high achieving leaders, CEOs, and maverick entrepreneurs. He is also author of the new and very important book, "The Kid and the King." Today will be special. I promise. For more on Shasheen Shah go to For Shasheen’s newest book visit
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21423629
info_outline
#217 Has God Become Irrelevant?
11/30/2021
#217 Has God Become Irrelevant?
Show Notes Church attendance has declined by 23% since 2000. In 2000 around 70% of Americans claimed to attend some kind of “house of worship.” In 2020 that number has declined to 47% Why? THIS Show is all about the “personness” of God, that God does have the same feelings as we. Suffering, mourning, joy, and exuberance—all are attributes of God… just rarely discussed Most people, Christians even, have been raised on perceptions of God that, although perhaps mostly true, are radically incomplete. In the USA, when most people think of God they imagine a punitive and angry old, white male. While the real image of a poor and humble Jesus, dedicated to serving the poor and disenfranchised comes not to mind; nor does the OT God who suffers. That is our subject today in the chat with Charlie and Producer Paul.
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21330893
info_outline
#216 Cara Raffele: Women’s Equality, Wellness and… Cannabis
11/24/2021
#216 Cara Raffele: Women’s Equality, Wellness and… Cannabis
Show Notes Our guest today, Cara Raffele, comes to us with vastly diverse experience as a change agent and growth driver. Cara is sought after as a trusted adviser to CEOs, investors, and boards of directors. She has earned this authority and influence through the successful launch of more than 30 companies. Yes. 32 companies. Cara began her career at the Orange County Register as a staff writer before diving into branding and communications for highly successful companies, including Ingram Micro, Toshiba America Information Systems, and City of Anaheim Public Utilities. Currently, Cara is the founder of a fascinating inventive business named Altalunas, which is a management consulting and brand storytelling firm uniquely positioned to accelerate the growth of female-founded and women-focused wellness. Today Cara and I will explore Women’s Equality and Wellness… and believe me, in this show Cara will introduce new frontiers for your Next Chapter. For more on Cara Raffele go to Or You can email her at
/episode/index/show/thenextchapterwithcharlie/id/21278441