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.
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#160 Caitlin Cogan Doemner: When Being More is Not Enough
08/04/2020
#160 Caitlin Cogan Doemner: When Being More is Not Enough
Show Notes My guest today, Caitlin Cogan Doemner, is one of my very favorite people. Although, to me, she’s just a puppy, I believe she possesses the inklings of a sage. Caitlyn is brilliant, thought provoking, and a boatload of fun. What else could you ask of a great woman? Although Caitlin was just on the show about four months ago, recently she posted thoughts on FB that utterly captured my attention. She wrote about “never feeling good enough,” although her successes in business and life are indeed enviable. Check this out, in only a decade after earning her Bachelors Degree she completed a Master's Degree, bought a home, grew a million-dollar business in less than 3 years, published 3 books, got married, and birthed three babies. Not bad for a decade’s work. And yet… Caitlin is still haunted by that oh so common feeling of never being “good enough.” Today, we will explore how Being More will Never Be Good Enough, when the truth just might be… the best things in life can’t really be measured… at least by status and accomplishments and money. You can reach Caitlin on Facebook at Caitlin Cogan Doemner For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#159 Dena Crowder–Us vs. Isms: When to Be The Point of Love
07/14/2020
#159 Dena Crowder–Us vs. Isms: When to Be The Point of Love
Show Notes IMPT NOTE: I have concluded that this episode (as well as #158 with Terry Hershey last week) are certainly among all-time my favorites. This show seemed to start a bit slow, but once we hit stride Dena Crowder was brilliant! I hope this show impacts you the way it impacted me. In late June of 2020 I was fortunate to be part of a zoom gathering of more than a dozen people guided by my life coach, Dena Crowder. Dena took the time to organize this gathering of mixed races and mixed genders. The purpose? To discuss and inform (not debate) current events in an attempt to genuinely understand our differences, but even more important, to reflect on our similarities. As a woman of color, Dena has personally experienced so many things that are anathema to your average white male. Still, Dena continues to respect all people and it showed in our deeply moving ZOOM discussion. Dena suggests there is only one value that counts: And that is LOVE. She writes, “If you are serious about transforming yourself or this experiment we call the American Republic, you must step into the fray with the full armor of Love. Dena’s thoughts are so helpful in comprehending and dealing with the struggles and the chaos of our current times of July 2020. Before we begin with Dena I’d like to make a statement. As a white American male, I have to begin this conversation with an admission: There is so much about our cultural divide of racism and bigotry and white privilege that I simply do not know or am not aware of. But, I am here to learn. You can reach Dena at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#158 Terry Hershey – The Content of Our Character
07/08/2020
#158 Terry Hershey – The Content of Our Character
Show Notes I’m really interested in how our show evolves today, because I think today’s topic may be the most challenging we have ever discussed. What we are going to talk about is something that money can’t buy, translates into all languages, and yet it takes enormous desire, time and discipline to cultivate. And it may be the most important measure of who we are in a free society. And that is… the subject of Character. My fear is that accomplishments, acquisitions and blatant consumerism have blinded us to that which really matters. It’s not about what we have; it’s about Who We Are. And yet… apart from some religious institutions, who is focusing on the subject of character. Oh I am sure it must be in the curriculum of some universities. Still, few high schools teach the subject, it is not part of our electoral process, and it feels vacant in our consumerism in which we are far more interested in price and product. But, what about the character of our leaders in industry and politics? Are we, as consumers, more interested in what they provide for us than the depth of their character? As might be expected, today I plan appeal to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, from his historic I Have a Dream speech. I want to discuss less on “what we do,” that “who we are.” For at the end of the day, as they say, You Are Your Values. Ultimately, your values represent the barometer by which you coordinate your activities, your actions, and your beliefs about other people. Today I bring back our friend Terry Hershey, author 17 books, acclaimed public speaker and teacher, and minister of grace and human dignity. Visit Terry at . Under the tab on e-courses you will find the free E-Course: The Power of Pause. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#157 Darrel Larson – When Helping Hurts
07/01/2020
#157 Darrel Larson – When Helping Hurts
Show Notes Today I plan to dedicate our show to an unsung but essential topic: I want to discuss the potential shortcomings related to economic and social aid to the Developing World, (or in old terms, 3rd World countries). Basically, the question is this: is your investment in the poor and disenfranchised in the Developing World being administrated with the longer term needs of communities being considered, or… is it about short term walk away money? My guest, Darrel Larson, has vast philanthropic experience in several foreign countries, including Fiji, the Philippines and several countries on the continent of Africa. With hearts for developing the social good to the most needy in the world, Darrel and I will spend our time today discussing how oftentimes, our desire to serve the poor and disenfranchised can frequently result in short-term benefit, but longer term disadvantage. I recently watched a documentary titled, Poverty Inc. (a quite informative and a bit disturb documentary) that developed the concept stated in Steve Corbett’s popular book, When Helping Hurts. The thesis: if we give resources such as money, or in my case water wells, without empowering the communities to assume responsibility of these gifts we have given them, the result can be “dependence on foreign aid,” instead of independence, self-determination and self-respect. Like the familiar adage, we are giving them fish, not teaching them to fish. Today, we will discuss the idea of projects “with” locals verses projects “to” locals. Three types of giving will be discussed: Relief Giving, Alleviation from Poverty Giving, and finally, Developmental Giving. My guest, Darrel Larson is a seasoned vet in international affairs regarding poverty. He is currently International Director of Sawyer Filters, which provides clean and safe water for thousands of homes across the world. Darrel is also founder of the non-profit, Give Clean Water, and he has served Outreach Pastor at two churches in San Diego. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#156 Ashley Stanley: Limiting Beliefs
06/26/2020
#156 Ashley Stanley: Limiting Beliefs
Show Notes I think the show today show is so timely for June of 2020. Not only is the entire world continuing to contend with the limitations and restrictions of a pandemic, we in the US also find ourselves in a time that calls for deep reflection, both personal and social. Our show today is all about deep personal reflection. I so look forward to chatting with successful entrepreneur Ashley Stanley about the kinds of mindsets and beliefs that keep us stuck in our own sandbox. The intent of the show today is to uncover some of our own Limiting Beliefs. Each of us possesses unique potential, but because of fear and misguided understanding we are often reluctant to pursue that potential because of our Limiting Beliefs. My guest, Ashley Stanley, is a business coach and… an incredible brand and website designer. Ashley empowers female entrepreneurs to, what she calls, boldly do the dang thing and start an online business… without having to deal with that feeling of “overwhelm!” Boy, am I keen on this topic. It’s going to be fun. Visit Ashley Stanley at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#155 Conversations in Quarantine: Jenn Bork- “Feeling” Fully Alive
06/19/2020
#155 Conversations in Quarantine: Jenn Bork- “Feeling” Fully Alive
Show Notes Today I really look forward to the show, not so much because of the fascinating content but more because of our ultra fascinating guest… my dear, dear brilliant friend, Jennifer Bork. Now, Jenn comes to us with no breathtaking resume, has authored no books, has no blog, podcast or business that places her atop the so-called social scale of that which most Americans secretly strive for. Instead, Jenn Bork is a wife of Jon Bork, mother of two amazing children August and Tessa, a Facebook Make up guru, and a gym and boxing fanatic … but mostly Jennifer is a woman with as much practical wisdom as anyone I know. Jennifer and I worked very closely together in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Officially she was Executive Director of my company, but truly she did her best job as my creative muse. Apart from my wife, no one “gets me” like Jennifer. She understands both my personal strengths as well as my core pathologies that drive half of what I do and I think. So today, Jenn and I will have a somewhat rambling conversation, catching up, after nearly a decade of very brief contact, as we brainstorm the meaning of life for the average individual and l most likely will slip into discussion about the impacts and learnings from months of quarantine. So, Jenn Bork, welcome to The Next Chapter with Me. Visit Jennifer on Facebook at her Page: Jennifer Bork For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#154 Thoughts in Quarantine: Charlie- Unraveling Pessimism
06/03/2020
#154 Thoughts in Quarantine: Charlie- Unraveling Pessimism
Show Notes According to my calculations at the time of this recording on May 27, 2020, we are in our 11th week of quarantine. How have you managed in the disconcerting time? You know for me, this time has provided, or forced, an opportunity a deep philosophical thought. For instance I have been reading Kierkegaard, Schopenhauer, Viktor Frankl and TS Eliot. Whew! I think I’m in the mood for the calamities of a pleasant John Grisham novel. Today, Paul, I’d like to initiate a two-week series on Thoughts in Quarantine, instead of Conversations in Quarantine. I’d like to begin with the series with you and me discussing two related philosophies: One, on the subject of Desire and Boredom and Two, on the Necessity of Suffering. Next week, Terry Hershey will take over the mic and interview me on the unexpected gifts this quarantine has allotted me. Desire and Suffering, today’s topics, are rooted in the pessimistic viewpoints of philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (b 1788-d 1860) and his demandingly thoughtful book On the Suffering of the World. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#153 Conversations in Quarantine: Ty Rose- When to Go with Your Gut
05/28/2020
#153 Conversations in Quarantine: Ty Rose- When to Go with Your Gut
Show Notes You know for the last couple of weeks I seem to have focused a lot energy on this idea of Navigating with No Map. Today I plan to kinda continue with that thought but with an entirely different take, which is about: “When to Go with Your Gut.” I’m a “gut guy.” I believe that humans have millions of years of evolution updating our knowledge of the role of intuition in decision-making. It has only been since the industrial revolution that we have begun to use numbers and analyses as fundamental guidelines for our significant choices in life. Although such a move has proven helpful I science, I’m not so sure it is all that valid in making life-based decisions. You see, I think that each of us possesses a powerful internal GPS that guides our ability to make good decisions, which, as I see it, are formed based on three primary influences: intuition, passion, and personal character. Today I would like to pay most of our attention to intuition. To help in this thought process my guest is a successful and highly intuitive individual that has made significant life choices that, at the end of the day, have been based on his very informed intuition… or gut. Our guest today was the very first guest on the show back in July of 2016. 152 episodes later he is back. I have known Ty Rose since about 1985 and have been privileged to be witness many of his most important decisions. I so admire Ty: his intelligence, his contributions to society, and his strong belief in listening to his heart. Let’s bring on Ty Rose to discuss our internal GPS and intuition. For more information on Charlie please visit
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#152Conversations in Quarantine: Terry Hershey- A World on Tilt
05/20/2020
#152Conversations in Quarantine: Terry Hershey- A World on Tilt
Show Notes Hey Paul, did you realize that when this show goes live we will have been in some kind of quarantine for 10-12 weeks? Now, for those few of us that are old and introverted, this really hasn’t been all that difficult. But I think of many others… people with kids, or couples in relationships that are not so good or, worse, what about those tragic occurrences of abusive homes. Man… I can’t imagine. My heart genuinely goes out… But, on the other hand, I think for the majority of us, this time of quarantine is more like a gross inconvenience than any thing else. Sure I miss my sushi, my movies and my museums. Only God knows when those will return. (Who knows if a sushi bar will ever be back?) But those are the kinds of the issues we are facing aren’t they? Only God knows… certainly not our country’s leaders, who are all forced to function with no guidelines and no precedents—just sort of making it up as they go along. Surely, these days we are like A World on Tilt. Today, in our Conversations in Quarantine, I want to chat about these thoughts with my dear friend and compatriot Terry Hershey. Terry and I will play will the by same rules in the show today: no map and no agenda—only conversation, like… two guys sitting with two beers, well, except… my beer will be sparkling water. Visit Terry at . Under the tab on e-courses you will find the free E-Course: The Power of Pause. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit For more with Charlie Hedges please visit Visit Terry at . Under the tab on e-courses you will find the free E-Course: The Power of Pause.
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#151 Glenn Parrish: Conversations in Quarantine-The Future of the Arts and Non-Profits
05/12/2020
#151 Glenn Parrish: Conversations in Quarantine-The Future of the Arts and Non-Profits
Show Notes In keeping with the intentions of our current series “Conversations in Quarantine,” it has been at least one year since our guest today and I have met face to face… and he lives within 10 miles of me. I guess that tells you about friendships with an introvert. It’s not that we don’t like people. We just don’t want to wear out our welcome. I have been trying to get today’s guest on the show since our inception. Well, here we are 150 episodes in, and we finally have with us, Glenn Parrish—the guy I like to refer to as “the Smartest Man I Know.” Glenn comes to us with, not only intellect, but also immense passion for the disenfranchised and the disregarded. As a professional Philanthropist with more than 30 years of leadership experience, Glenn brings creative insight into the art of philanthropy. As a professional in philanthropy he has overseen and facilitated the investment of over $150 Million in strategic philanthropic enterprises. Today Glenn Parrish works as Partner and Executive Director of Sudara Inc. and Sudara Freedom Fund. In addition he works actively with the Masimo Foundation, The Rising Tide Joint Venture, and the Sacred Harvest Foundation. Yes, Glenn is man with the rare and extraordinary intellect combined with a heart for the brokenness of humanity. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#150 Graham Hodgetts: Conversations in Quarantine-From Bomb Shelters to Quarantine
05/05/2020
#150 Graham Hodgetts: Conversations in Quarantine-From Bomb Shelters to Quarantine
Show Notes Paul, I am really excited to introduce our listeners to my friend, and philanthropic colleague, Graham Hodgetts. Graham’s possesses an impressive resume as a successful engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, and devoted philanthropist. His Masters Degree in Engineering was earned from Crayton Tech in the UK, where Graham was born. Now, I first met Graham in 2017 in Uganda where his company was drilling water wells for Wells of Life, the NGO I work with. Graham is the co-founder and president of a company named CEED, an acronym for Christian East African and Equatorial Economic Development Trust. CEED, headquartered in Pittsburg, PA, operates in East Africa, largely in Uganda, but now expanding to Kenya. The company not only drills water wells as well as manages a 45 acre coffee farm. CEED has drilled more than 200 wells for Wells of Life. But they have drilled more than 350 wells in total serving up to 300,000 residents in rural communities of Africa. In addition to the above, Graham holds 22 patents and has taken 36 short mission trips to Uganda since 1999. But even more important, like most successful businessmen, I think Graham might have married over his head. Because… his wife, Eileen Enwright Hodgetts, is the author of 27 books on Goodreads and her British murder mystery, Air Raid, was named Best Book of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews. Well, believe me, I have no doubt that Graham Hodgetts will entertain, educate and inspire us all. You can reach Graham by email at grahamhodgetts1940@gmail.com For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#149 Dena Crowder: Conversations in Quarantine-Surviving or Thriving in Quarantine
04/28/2020
#149 Dena Crowder: Conversations in Quarantine-Surviving or Thriving in Quarantine
Show Notes The show today is being recorded on April 22, 2020, and we’re more than 5 weeks into our California state-wide quarantine in which most of us are expected to stay at home, going out only for food or what’s being called “essential” needs. Basically, it’s a never-ending Home Alone or Ground Hog Day movie. Now, today we continue with the 4th edition of “Conversations in Quarantine” in which I call an old friend I have not spoken with for months or years even, as was last episode with Caitlyn Doemner who I hadn’t talked to in a decade. Today’s conversation is with my personal coach Dena Crowder, with whom I have not spoken with privately since last year. Dena never ceases to impress me with her insights into what I call “life, the universe and everything.” I can’t wait to discover Dena’s learnings in quarantine and what she has gleaned from her high-performing clients. Before we begin our conversation, just a bit about Dena: Dena Crowder is known as the most innovative strategist and consultant for creators and leaders. Her clients include Grammy and Emmy award winners, CNN Heros, founders, writers, performers, educators, and upstarts from every industry. In her latest achievement Dena had the honor of participating as a Ted X speaker, on the subject of “The Power is You.” Now... I wonder how many is feeling that power in quarantine today? Some are thriving while others struggle deeply. That’s what I plan to talk about that today. You can reach Dena at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#148 Conversations in Quarantine: Caitlyn Cogan Doemner: Is the Universe for Us or Against Us?
04/22/2020
#148 Conversations in Quarantine: Caitlyn Cogan Doemner: Is the Universe for Us or Against Us?
Show Notes Well Paul… Here we are on April 15, 2020, more than 30 days into some form of quarantine. As we continue to do our shows remotely we will, for the 3rd time, have a “Conversation in Quarantine” with a friend of mine that I haven’t spoken with for some time. Today my guest is Caitlyn Cogan Doemner. After studying at Oxford University and then receiving an MBA from Biola University, Caitlin co-founded and launched her sales management company in March 2013. In less than three years, they had earned their first million dollars; within 6 years, they had generated over $10M in new revenue for their clients. Their clients now include some of the most prestigious names in the coaching industry, including Deepak Chopra. Caitlin has also published multiple books, including “The Unseen Sales Machine” and “Sell with Heart.” Caitlyn and I met about ten years ago at company, which I engaged in executive coaching and management development. She was an unusually bright and intuitive young woman at 25 years old, and now ten years later, hers is a most impressive success story.Caitlyn lives in Apple Valley with her husband Michael, their four kids, 1 cat and 17 chickens. Okay… Paul, it’s time to get Caitlyn Doemner on the line and talk to her in a Conversation in Quarantine. You can reach Caitlyn at FB Caitlyn Cogan Doemner For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#147 Conversations in Quarantine: Sherry Benjamins: Life in Times of Uncertainty
04/15/2020
#147 Conversations in Quarantine: Sherry Benjamins: Life in Times of Uncertainty
Show Notes Last week we began a novel approach to our shows by introducing “Conversations in Quarantine.” We are doing this in response to the suggestion by several leaders that “making phone calls” to friends, especially long lost friends, is a good way to regain some kind of “social connection with people we care about. We plan to do just that… except we are doing it on the podcast. Today I want to call my dear friend, Sherry Benjamins who was on the show just over one year ago. Sherry is the president of the most influential S. Benjamins and Company. From recruitment to strategy to teams to sales, Sherry is actively in the business of “Advancing the Human Side of Business.” A most interesting factoid: The last time Sherry was on The Next Chapter with Charlie, we talked about “Work Reimagined.” Sherry’s expertise is in consulting with senior management on strategic work and worker issues in an unpredictable and changing business landscapes. Well if we thought work was unpredictable one year ago, we certainly have upped the ante in that game. So let’s get Sherry on the phone and talk to her in a Conversation in Quarantine. You can reach Sherry at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#146 Conversations in Quarantine Taryn Voget-The Gypsy Genius
04/08/2020
#146 Conversations in Quarantine Taryn Voget-The Gypsy Genius
Show Notes Today we’re doing something new… again. Since we are all sheltering in our homes, in quarantine, I have found many suggestions for maintaining sanity. One of the best suggestions out there is the one that satisfies a fundamental human need for connection: And that is “making phone calls” to friends, especially long lost friends. So, what I decided to test is making one of the conversations on the podcast—live. The format is that I have contacted the person beforehand, just to let them know I wanted them to be on the podcast. And then I call them from the show to hold our “catch up in life” conversations. Today’s conversation will be with my dear friend, Taryn Voget, a genuine gypsy in life and work. Still, very successful… and unique. I hope you enjoy this experiment. NOTE: we have just started testing the process, so expect a couple faux pas. You can reach Taryn at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#145 Terry Hershey: The Life-Giving Role of Pause and Connectivity
04/01/2020
#145 Terry Hershey: The Life-Giving Role of Pause and Connectivity
Show Notes Truth is, the original podcast today lost good audio connection in taping, and could not be published today. I hope to publish another version next week. So, instead of failing to post a podcast, Producer Paul, Terry Hershey and I did a 30 minute unprepared and unedited show on some interesting ideas of coping with the quarantine on “renaming” the situation we find ourselves in—one of opposites: the need for solitude in a crowded home and the need for a supportive and dependable community to depend on in these kind of circumstance. No prepared questions with just a little prepared content direction, mostly just a conversation of three guys discussing probably the most awkward time of our entire lives. Of all three ideas we concluded with please experiment with Terry’s free e-course on The Power of Pause that can help you adapt to these trying times. And allow a moment for your souls to catch up to these crazy times. Visit Terry at . Under the tab on e-courses you will find the free E-Course: The Power of Pause. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#144 Terry Hershey: Hope Has Not Been Cancelled
03/25/2020
#144 Terry Hershey: Hope Has Not Been Cancelled
Show Notes We are doing a timely show as we are deep in the initial stages of the Coronavirus on March 18, 2020 where virtually everything is cancelled or closed: schools and churches are cancelled, bars and clubs are closed, restaurants are closed to the public except for take out, no gathering of people at all so all events are cancelled from concerts to all sporting events to all conferences. And worst of all, Starbucks is limited to drive-through. But, as our friend Terry Hershey wrote in his blog, Sabbath Moment, last Monday, one very important thing has not been cancelled, and that is HOPE. Hope has not been cancelled writes Terry. Visit Terry at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#143 Charlie: Deliberate Change
03/18/2020
#143 Charlie: Deliberate Change
Show Notes Over the weekend I came across a quote by playwright George Bernard Shaw who wrote this, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Let’s dissect that quote just a bit. First of all Shaw says that “Progress is not possible without change.” Assuming you are an advocate of Progress, then you cannot have progress without changing something. That’s a given. But then notice where Shaw goes with the next piece of his quote. I find it quite unexpected: “and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” He talks about “changing your mind” as a primary element in progress and change. I really like that idea; change begins with an internal acceptance of doing or believing something different. Our subject for today is Deliberate Change. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#142 Terry Hershey: Emotional and Spiritual Immune Systems
03/10/2020
#142 Terry Hershey: Emotional and Spiritual Immune Systems
Show Notes Today’s episode is once again with my dear friend Terry Hershey who in two days will give a talk on emotional and spiritual immune systems. Before he told me about his speaking gig I had never really considered such a thing as emotional or spiritual immune systems. The thought intrigued me and so… here we are. I thought about it and it occurred to me: When we take a vaccine, we are actually injected with a micro dose of the disease so that our bodies can build up an immune system. So I wondered, “Is the same thing true of our emotions?” If so, then it must be the case that our emotional and/or spiritual Immune systems are developed in our brains only when we allow a negative emotion to have its way for a while. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#141 Richard Ward- Planning Your Next Big Step
03/03/2020
#141 Richard Ward- Planning Your Next Big Step
Show Notes I am most interested in our show today because there is a lesson for everyone in this episode. My guest, Richard Ward, and I plan to discuss how to plan for the future in your life, whether you are 20 or 70. First of all, Richard Ward is an expert in this field. He is a with a passion for helping people find their purpose in life. Richard believes that the secret to living life well and leaving a lasting legacy is found by making contributions in our communities that help others prosper. With more than 35 years of industry experience, Richard believes in taking a holistic approach to creating a financial portfolio that offers fulfillment and possibilities. A published author, Richard’s book Redefining Retirement: Finding Purpose and Passion for Your Second Half is filled with stories of people who have found their new purpose and passions for the second half of their lives Although today Richard works primarily with retired Business Executives, I have found his thoughts to be highly applicable to people of all ages, addressing the ever so troubling questions: What do you want to do with the rest of your life? For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#140 Charlie- Discovering Genuine Inner Pain
02/26/2020
#140 Charlie- Discovering Genuine Inner Pain
Show Notes As regular listeners know I am prone to experiment with different forms of podcast. Most of the time I conduct interviews, sometimes I just talk and sometimes Producer Paul and I talk. Today is altogether different. MY dear friend Terry Hershey will interview me… well, sort of. I will still take the lead, but Terry will ask questions of the experience I recently encountered. From this point on, please know these thoughts today come from another, newly recognized state of consciousness. So expect meandering and ramblings. Because “soul talk” is not made for words. You see, I just returned 3 days ago from a 10-day retreat, 6 of which were spent in sequestered silence. EXPLAIN Ceremony of Healing by song and led to the deepest of reflection. Richard Rohr Thomas Merton warned against confusing an introverted personality with being a contemplative. They are two different things. The introvert finds solitude quite comfortable, while the contemplative mystic and hermit use solitude to discomfort themselves. After several days in silence I concluded: that which cannot be recognized cannot be reconciled. Last week I discovered that recognition is steeped in discomfort. Recognition can be disgusting, shameful and reviling as well as the most blissful feelings imaginable. As I was confronted with my most threatening demons I was also provided with the solution—the only solution—love. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#139 Leah Kagasa Miss Uganda 2016
02/04/2020
#139 Leah Kagasa Miss Uganda 2016
Show Notes Today is an extra special day as we have with us in studio Leah Kagasa, who is Miss Uganda 2016. I am so excited to interview Leah as she has lived a most interesting life: from experiencing life in poverty stricken rural Uganda, to life in a very small city, on to excellent public education, university, and was then surprised to run for and win the Miss Uganda Beauty Pageant in 2016. Leah is currently a fashion model, a representative of Uganda and most importantly a very active philanthropist. As a matter of fact, I met Leah when she became interested in representing Wells of Life and has since become a most impactful Ambassador for our charity of drilling clean water wells in rural Uganda. For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#138 Dr. John Bash: The Healing Power of Suffering
01/23/2020
#138 Dr. John Bash: The Healing Power of Suffering
Show Notes Paul, 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. His planting churches spread from East Coast to West with one church in Chicago; John’s unlikely story was always highlighted by what he calls “Two Sides”. John Writes, “Often it is in the secret vulnerable pain and embarrassment behind our stories that we find the deeper truth - grace is more than a concept.” John’s story has given him a passion for those affected by abuse, addictions, tragedy, and pain. So, let’s bring on John and benefit enormously from his life and teachings.” For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#137 Terry Hershey: 2020 Lived Intentionally
01/15/2020
#137 Terry Hershey: 2020 Lived Intentionally
Show Notes Paul, today is my New Year’s Resolution episode, and it’s already more than two weeks late. I fear that may be sort of a projection of how my New Year’s Intentions will come to pass this year… late. In my Myers Briggs Personality Style Inventory, I fall into the class that defines “on time” as “always late.” I’ve thought about it, I have determined that the deadlines associated with so many of our New Year’s goals really are false goals, because they are pretty much established rather arbitrarily the moment we made up our “goals.” My guest today, our dear friend Terry Hershey who is endowed with my same personality defect, writes… “For me the word deadline simply means, “It’s time to get started.” We both believe that deadlines in truth are really just guidelines. I know of no one better to talk about setting New Year’s resolutions than Terry Hershey. You know, I think we did the same kind of show last year and as I recall… we totally poo-pooed the notion of New Year’s resolutions. Well… enter a new year… and… a new decade, and… I feel differently. I believe that the New Year and the New Decade provides a grand opportunity for reflection on the past and a promising introduction to the future. Only, for me, I have altered the term from “goals” to “intentions”—I like the word “intentions” because it feels a bit softer for those of us with the deadline vs guideline malady. So today Terry and I will explore what an Intentionally Lived 2020 might consist of. Before I bring on Terry I want to quote one of my favorites, Seth Godin who recently wrote: “For most of us, 2020 is going to be a turning point. Because it’s another chance to live tomorrow over again. A chance to reset, to decide what’s important and what’s worth working for.” To me, all of us in America would benefit by taking a moment “reset and decide what is important and what is worth working for…” For more information on Terry Hershey you can visit For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#136 Dena Crowder: Inner Power Craves Purpose
01/08/2020
#136 Dena Crowder: Inner Power Craves Purpose
Show Notes Today I am excited to have with us once again my personal life coach, Dena Crowder. Dena is amazing! After working together for two years now, I can’t think of anyone that has impacted my life the ways Dena Crowder has. Her wisdom and insight equals that of sages. Now… the last time Dena was on the show we talked about dealing with our Inner Critic. Well, today we are taking the opposite direction and talking about our Inner Power and how our Inner Power Craves Purpose. I can’t wait to get into the subject. In fact, it was the topic of our last enormously impactful coaching session. I have so much to learn from Dena. For those of you that don’t know, Dena Crowder is a High-Performance Strategist and Chief Spiritual Officer for creators and leaders. She has designed innovative programs for prison parolees, judges associations, CEOs, CNN heroes, Emmy and Grammy winners, as well as executives at many organizations the likes of which include Nike, Disney, Nestle, and Fox. In addition, most recently Dena had the rare honor to give a presentation at a TED X conference that was highly received with a standing ovation. Her topic, naturally, was on Power. In fact, Dena is on a mission to revolutionize the way the world understands and relates to Power. Her aim is to Redefine Power so that we use it for good. Dena believes—and I love this—that "Pure Power" is the capacity to directly influence and manage your life… with wisdom and compassion. If only… it’s all about “Power To” and not “Power Over.” You can reach Dena at For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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#135 Fr Robert Edwards Advent Week IV: Peace
12/18/2019
#135 Fr Robert Edwards Advent Week IV: Peace
Show Notes Today we plan to delve into the depths of our souls as we ponder the most important aspects Christmas, which is the incarnation of the Christ and how he has impacted the entire world. Now, today begins 4th and final episode on Advent with Fr Robert Edwards of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church. The reason for the shows on Advent is to add clarity on the importance of the arrival of Jesus, his teaching, his actions, and his saving grace. In the last three shows we have talked about how the coming of Jesus brought light into a world of darkness, the humility of the man and how humility is needed for all of us, and thirdly on Hope which was my favorite episode thus far. One thing Jesus brought to the world was hope, something we all desire to feel in our hearts. Today, I want to talk about what I consider the most under-stated and yet most important gifts that Jesus brought into the world is Peace. I believe that peace may perhaps be the most desperate longing of every single person in the world. When the angels appeared to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus one of the things they proclaimed, was “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth toward mankind…” And yet Peace is a much-ignored topic in Bible discussions. I want to change that today with Fr Roberts Edwards of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in San Juan Capistrano, CA. You can reach Fr Rob at You can get more information and regular updates from Charlie at
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#134 Fr Robert Edwards Advent Week III: Hope
12/11/2019
#134 Fr Robert Edwards Advent Week III: Hope
Show Notes Now, today begins our 3rd of 4 episodes on Advent with Fr Robert Edwards of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church. In our time here together, Fr Rob and I are reflecting on the cosmic wonder of Advent, which celebrates the arrival of the Universal Christ in the bodily form of the man, Jesus. Our objective for the shows on Advent is to help us understand the difference Jesus has made on the lives of hundreds of millions people—in our normal everyday lives, as well as directly impacting our sense of spirituality. In the last two sessions Robert and I talked about the influence of Jesus as he brought light into a world of darkness and then we discussed the humble means by which he both lived and taught, leading us, as well, to a spirit of humility—all in an effort to be more like Jesus. Today I plan to take us in the direction of one of the primary emphases of Advent; and that is life-altering gift of Hope. For this season, in the Episcopal Church we adorn the priest and alter with the color blue, which represents Hope. It has occurred to me that although hope has historically been represented by some desire for a contented life, in last couple of decades I have read of many challenges to the notion of hope—some saying that it too often ends in disappointment. A most pessimistic view of life. We will most certainly talk about this, but first I’d like to welcome Fr Rob back to the show You can reach Fr Rob at You can get more information and regular updates from Charlie at
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#133 Fr Robert Edwards Advent Week II: Humility
12/03/2019
#133 Fr Robert Edwards Advent Week II: Humility
Show Notes Today begins our 2nd show with Fr Robert Edwards of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church. We are having a discussion on the 4 weeks of Advent. Since Advent celebrates the coming or arrival of the Christ in the bodily form of Jesus, the man, I think this is a perfect opportunity to examine how the birth of Jesus has impacted all humanity for the past 2000 years or so. On the last show we discussed the idea of how, in order to receive light, there must first be darkness—physical, emotional and spiritual. In the holy text it says of Jesus, “out of darkness came the light” and in another place it says he was the light of the world. In this series I like to chat about just a few ways that Jesus is the light of the world. How did his behaviors and his teachings impact the world forever? Today I would like to begin with the virtue of humility. The story obviously begins with his humble birth, continues with a most humble lifestyle, and ends with a humiliating death alongside of criminals. The life of Jesus reflects profound humility—as we also find in many other great teachers and philosophers. So let’s begin by welcoming my dear friend Father Robert Edwards to the show. Fr Rob… what’s up on this beautiful rainy day in So California? You can reach Fr Rob at You can get more information and regular updates from Charlie at
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#132 Fr Rob Advent Week 1: Darkness to Light
11/26/2019
#132 Fr Rob Advent Week 1: Darkness to Light
Show Notes People will often ask me, “What is your podcast about?” I usually say something like, “Well… it’s all about how you might take on the next chapter to your life, whatever that may be.” I then laugh and say, “Truthfully, the show really is all about whatever I feel like discussing with a given guest.” And today is no exception. Today I will begin a 4-week series on the most exciting subject of Advent, all recorded during the Advent season of 2019. Now I now advent is not top of mind for anyone, save clergy and I am not even convinced of that. But I hope you find this series to be interesting, informing and, most of all, important to you personally. It is to me! Advent is a season celebrated during the month of December mostly by liturgical churches such as Catholic, Orthodox, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian. Funny thing though: many, if not most, church attenders have little (or no) idea of what Advent is all about except for the lighting of 4 candles—one each week of Advent, ending on Christmas week. I’m sure many of you are asking, “How in the world can I listen to four sessions on Advent?” Well, we’ll have to see how it goes but the plan sounds really good as we will talk about how the coming of Jesus, the Christ, has impacted our world for more than 2,000 years. For this series I coerced my dear friend Fr Robert Edwards to do 4 shows with me, in one of the busiest seasons on the church calendar. Fr Robert Edwards is the Rector (or lead minister) of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in San Juan Capistrano, CA—which is my home church. With all that, let’s jump right into our show and see what comes up You can reach Fr Rob at You can get more information and regular updates from Charlie at
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#131 Terry Hershey: This Is the Life
11/19/2019
#131 Terry Hershey: This Is the Life
Show Notes Guess what? Our good friend Terry Hershey has a new book titled “This Is the Life.” I just received a copy a couple days ago and have read through it. It is really good. I think the subtitle explains much about the content: The full title reads, “This Is the Life: Mindfulness, Finding Grace and the Power of the Present Moment.” I know much has been written on mindfulness and living in the present, but Terry indeed offers a fresh perspective on the subject. For me, it is NOT so much a “how to” book and is it a “why to” book. I found the book a most refreshing read attempting to restore us from our frenetic, hectic and chaotic daily lives. It is filled with stories, anecdotes, and references to masters, especially in the spiritual world. And by spiritual I am not talking about religion but about otherworldliness. Personally I a much attracted to the notion of finding grace in the power of the present moment. But most of us that reside in cities and suburbs are inundated with a driving need to accomplish, “to add value, ”to be forward thinking, and then, unfortunately, to raise our children to follow the same lifestyle. But I am giving away too much of our content for discussion today. For those few listeners that are not familiar with Terry Hershey he is a most popular public speaker—in fact I consider Terry to be one the most enjoyable and impactful pubic speakers I have ever heard. He is also, obviously, an author of more than a dozen books, and landscape architect and probably most importantly a gardener (of a 2 acre garden) in which he cares for diligently and with great grace and devotion. For more information on Terry Hershey you can visit For more with Charlie Hedges please visit
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