Community for the Soul

In this interview, we talk about a favorite topic and an important one – volunteering with our children. Many parents have a strong desire to incorporate volunteer activities into their children’s lives, but finding places and opportunities can often be a challenge, especially for younger children. In this episode, I talk with Raising Kindness co-founders on the unique and creative organization they founded to help kids and parents give back in a fun, easy, inspiring way. If giving back an important part of your parenting strategy? If so, I’d love to hear what you are doing to incorporate this into your lifestyle. And if you are in Denver, be sure to check out Raising Kindness and the incredible opportunities to volunteer with them.  

Meghann Conter is one of those people who inspires others to be their best self, to live their best life, and to go for their dreams. She’s not a coach or a counselor by trade, but how she shows up and what she has created, has formed a safe and supportive space that allows women business owners to flourish. As the founder of the Dames, Meghann focuses on creating intentional gatherings for women to connect and have fun. In this episode, we talk about the key components to creating communities that work, what makes some groups fall apart, and one crucial ingredient we all need to succeed. Tune in to this inspiring interview on the podcast!

My guest this week is the type of person who isn’t afraid to start a conversation with any person she comes across, someone who risks it all to put herself out there, and teaches us that we can learn a lot about ourselves and others just by staying curious. Tune in to this weeks episode with Carlyn Shaw, founder of Strangers to Friends, to discover how we can all benefit from increasing our vulnerability, showing up where we are uncomfortable, and for finding connection in the most unlikely places.  

When we started this conversation, I knew it would be meaningful to me. I’ve had a heart for travel for some time now. My eyes have been opened to a global connection and the wonder that transpires when we transplant ourselves among different people, values, and traditions for some time now. But what I so loved about this conversation with Lydia Dean, Founder of GoPhilanthropic, was her pathway to listening to the calling of doing this important work, her own reflection on what it took to create something like this, and to do in the most responsible and effective way. In this episode, we talk about her personal story and struggle with living a life that didn’t feel was living up to her calling, how she took years to uncover what she was meant to do, and how she has been putting it into action over the last decade. Listen all the way to end for some of the best advice on living your own calling.

Tara Emrick is like sitting down with your best friend you never knew existed. She’s the exact person who can make you feel like you belong and that’s exactly the work she is doing in the world. In this episode, we talk with author of Thirteen Reasons Why You Belong, a conversation and guidebook written for teenagers to inspire more connection in our youth. We also discuss her new program with the HIP ME Project and how schools are using mindfulness as a way to support their students.

I love this episode for so many reasons, and I especially love the work that is being done with Extreme Community Makeover. But what I really love is how Angela was part of an original idea of people who were willing to collaborate and make something happen. In their first year they had over 2000 volunteers, now ten years later they are serving over eight different neighborhoods throughout Denver and creating significant impact with both volunteers and the recipients of their work.  Tune in to this week’s episode where Angela and I discuss volunteering and impact, as well as the progression of Extreme Community Makeover and how we can all do a little bit to make a difference. And I love when Angela said, “There is a lot of good in the world and there are a lot of people who want to do good work. Often times we don’t talk about the good things people do, and they way people show up and do make a difference. “ If you are looking for a little good in your world today, be sure to listen to this latest podcast.

In this episode, we talk with Patricia and Craig about the art of convening. Convening is a mindful approach to how we gather. In this episode, you'll discover tools and resources on how to more effectively gather people in your work, life, and world. "Convening is anytime you are engaged with one or more people." - Craig and Patricia Neal

In this episode, Diana shares an uncommon four-letter-word: rest. We unpack why rest is so challenging, why it’s important for our well-being and communities, and how we can get more of it. I loved when Diana said, "We have lost the art of what it means to rest."  Tune in to discover what rest means for you and how you can also design an extended period of rest, with what Diana calls a sabbatical. 

In this episode, Bruce shares what authentic, bold leadership looks like in our lives and at work, and what we can do to cultivate more of it in our lives.

In this episode, Jess shares tools and strategies we can use for self-care and how we can move away from stress, burnout, and overwhelm. In our conversation, we discussed: Radical self growth and why it’s crucial to your growth Assessing what areas of your life are out of balance And what it means when resistance shows up in your body  

In this episode, Dale uncovers what is keeping us from living authentically, and shares how we can uncover our specific strengths to help us live a more meaningful life. Dale says, “We are supposed to be our little slice, instead we take on too much and then we constantly feel like we are not enough.” Tune in to this week's episode to discover your type.

In this episode, motivational speaker George Carroll, shares how we can improve our mindset, develop a positive attitude and embrace change all while living in alignment with our values. Find out what he means when he says, "Garbage in, garbage out," and why he says we are all capable of achieving our dreams, but some of us aren't willing.    Tune in for this inspirational interview. 

In this episode, author and thought leader Danny Levin, shares how the world is like a mosaic, and how each piece contributes to its exquisite beauty. Get inspired and discover The four points and practices of making our life like a mosaic Why a community of like-minded people isn’t what you need What most people in the world say they want, and one thing no one ever asks for Why being happily ordinary is better than being extraordinary Danny says, “At the heart of every single being is goodness,” and I love the stories he shares to bring us into that sense of truth.

In this Earth Day episode, Deb shares how we can connect more to the natural world and deepen our sense of self and spirituality along the way. We discussed how...  - Rhythms impact our life and you can tap into your own natural rhythm  - To make connecting with nature easier and more accessible - People communicate with animals and how everyone has that ability  Deb says, "It’s our birthright to have a connection to everything, because we are a part of nature. We are nature and everywhere is nature."  

In this episode, we get inspired by Julia’s passion and love for living a life of purpose. Tune in to hear why she believes purpose has very little to do with what we do for a living. In this conversation, we discuss: What exactly is purpose and how you can find it The ABC’s of living a purposed life And why it’s good to be fed up You’ll also want to listen all the way to end to hear Julia’s special message for you, it brought her and I both to emotional place.

In this episode, Meg walks us through the transformational power of self-love through our connection to the sacred, spirit, and our body.  Meg shares... - Her experience in a Quaker community and how that impacted her sense of unity - A radical concept we can use to put self-love into action in any place at any time - How complex things get in our way, but through our connection to spirit we can transform them

In this episode, Jamila shares her triumphant story of overcoming adversity to live a life of love and service.  In this inspiring conversation, you'll hear how:  - Jamila's mother influenced her in a way that kept her off the streets and into a place of possibility.  - The many ways she overcame adversity along the way without ever giving up.  - Why she grew up fighting for herself and how she now fights for others.  "Love is not just a word, it’s a verb, it’s action. It’s not about what you say, it’s about what you do." 

In this episode, transformation coach Jentrey Potter shares how she pulled herself out of personal trauma to be the Shero of her own life.  We talked about some great things in this conversation, such as Compassionate curiosity  What makes you healthy (and it’s more than food) And, who can give you permission to change your life  Jentrey believes we can all be the Shero of our own story. I love when she said, "Every body gets to shine together. When you look at the night sky, we need all the stars to make up the whole nights sky.”

In this episode, Aditi talks about how we all, as parents and humans, can be more mindful in what we say and do to create a more inclusive world.  Here's a little bit more from our conversation:  We need to teach our kids, if you don’t have a friend, go and find one. In parenting, we need to be the adult that we want our kids to be.  Adults are just kids in big bodies, we don’t really grow up, we just learn to hide a lot of the stuff we are going through. Tune in to this interesting interview with author, Aditi Wardhan Singh.

In this episode, Polly takes us on her walk around with the world, where she spent five years crossing four continents and walking 14,000 miles to raise awareness for breast cancer. We will hear how:  - The day that literally changed her entire walk - People and communities supported her throughout her journey - She planned for loneliness on the road, but never even consider the polar opposite  - We all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves  Join Polly on her walk around the world and get inspired to take small steps with big rewards.   

In this episode, Lisa shares how truly understanding ourselves, our strengths, and our “invisible box” allows us to change how we show up in the world and make a significant contribution. Here’s just a snippet of what Lisa had to say…  One of the reasons we are on the planet is to get to the essence of who we are. When we create cultures of honor, compassion, and impact it allow people to shine from their original design.  When we accept, articulate and apply this to our lives, it’s game-changing Knowing your original design doesn’t put us in a box, it reveals the box, and it provides a way out.  "When we are in that healthy expression of the enneagram, then our strengths and our personality get the opportunity to shine their brightest, and we can contribute at the highest level and we’re on this path of being our true selves."

In this episode, we journey with Megan on her travels to Uganda where she spent six months volunteering abroad and supporting a grassroots organization for girls.   We will hear: How she answered the call to make a contribution What inspired her journey What steps she took to turn an idea into reality   And how her community showed up to support her vision  Megan says, "For me it was a wake up call to see the story I had lived in and that it (the story) is no longer."

"Walking is the humility and the art of humans coming together by foot."  In this episode, Jonathon shares about his 242 days walking across the country, what sparked the creation of his organization Walk2Connect, and why walking is good for the soul.  "When our proximity to each other is met with unhurried steps and the humility of our bodies we can't carry as much of our positioning."  Here are just a few of the pieces of wisdom Jonathan shares about walking, what he says we are intrinsically made to do:   When we walk, we are peacemaking with our steps.  It’s a healing mechanism, we are moving things from where they are stuck.  It’s an intersection of action and contemplation.  I know this conversation will inspire you both to get out and move and to connect with others and the world around you. Enjoy! 

In this episode, Tricia shares her goal of reaching the 2020 paralympics, her dream to see more disabled people in the media, and how we can be more inclusive to everyone.  Some of my great takeaways from our conversation include:  We all come to the world with something different.  How to see the world through the eyes of someone with a disability.  Watching our presumptions and projections when we come across someone who is different from ourselves.  In this conversation, Trish shares how her life has been an adventure since the accident that left her paralyzed seventeen years ago. She also shares just a little bit about what she’s accomplished through the years. 

In this episode, we talked about navigating challenging conversations, issues, and situations to resolve conflict more effectively. I loved when Bob said, "Conflict is very practical, very necessary. It’s neither positive or negative. It just is, so let’s work our way through it.”  Tune in to hear how:  We can connect instead of being correct  To humanize people we classify as “others”  If there’s no suffering, there’s no compassion  And many other important points to create positive, lasting change. 

In this episode, Lisa shares of her awareness and experience around loneliness. She's now started a cross-country human engagement experiment with her project - The Connection Cure.  Tune in this week to discover... Why loneliness is a part of our makeup The science behind loneliness How we should be championing people who "do it together" And how macro and micro moments with strangers can increase your sense of connectedness Lisa says, "Loneliness is not a state of being, it’s a feeling." In this episode, you'll be inspired to reach out and share a moment with all the random people you come across during your day. 

In this episode, Kathy shares about the loss of her son to suicide. Now, she works to increase suicide awareness and comfort others through their loss. You'll hear about:  What we can say to someone who may be suffering.  Why listening is the most important thing we can do for others.  And what you can do for someone who has experienced a loss.  Tune in to be inspired to have more difficult conversations with the people in your life.   

Dianne says when sharing our stories from the Imagine Project, we "create empathy for ourselves and pull empathy from other people." It's through this process that trauma is transformed and new understanding and awareness begins about the people around us. Tune in to this week's episode to discover this powerful seven-step process to help kids and adults overcome trauma, drama, and stress. "We feel compassion for others, particularly when we are right in front of it," says Dianne. She's seen first hand how much the sharing and processing of our "Imagine" stories is changing lives.

In this episode you'll hear from Cassy Huidobro who has an insatiable curiosity for asking uncomfortable questions. As an author and video blogger, she's made it her mission to uncover the truth to some of our most pressing and divisive topics.  In this interview you'll hear why Cassy believes:  We are more simliar than we are different.  Unity does not mean uniformity.  That working on ourselves is a crucial step in how we show up in the world. Tune in to this fun and engaging interview where Cassy says, "I believe in humanity... my faith relies on it." 

In this week's episode, you'll hear Nicole's passion for taking care of and supporting others--regardless of whether a person is experience a dip in their life or is taking off with their dreams. Nicole advocates that we need to create structures that support one another in all facets of life. Tune in to hear the many ways Nicole has been doing just that...     

Tune in to hear Lucille Zimmerman share her research and wisdom and why and how some people not only survive trauma, but thrive after it.  "Trauma is anything the brain can’t make sense of, and always when trauma happens, we make up stories and beliefs about ourselves, like 'I’m such a bad person' or 'I deserve it.'"  Find out what Lucille says are the keys to overcoming trauma in your own life on this week's episode.  

In this episode, Mike Cohen's shares the heartfulness practice of kirtan. Cohen says that what gets produced through kirtan, within just a few minutes, is that we connect with our body, our heart opens and extends into the world, and our head softens and settles down and becomes receptive-stopping some of the internal noise and dialogue.  Discover this community-based practice to experience a different from of mindfulness and connection.

Roni Wing Lambrecht was just a typical wife and mom from a suburb of Denver, Colorado, working long hours to make ends meet, when her entire world was changed in a split second. Her 15-year-old son, Dalton, died from injuries related to an ATV accident while on a family vacation in California.  Now, Roni and her husband, John, are honoring Dalton's legacy by sharing their story and to help parents live in the moment, appreciate the day-to-day, and live life without regrets.  Tune in to hear Roni's incredible story of love, loss, and grief and how she's channeled that into a way to honor her son's life forever. 

"We really need more kindness in the world, so we can create more community and more loving presence with each other. If I’m not kind to myself and I’m judging myself, I’m going to be judging everyone else I meet in my life." In this episode, we speak with the Joy Arist, Jan Haas, who creates artistic expressions to help others connect to one another. The message behind her work: I see you.  "I see you as a person underneath the illness, the pain, the addiction... that keeps you feeling separated. I see you! I recognize you." Tune in to hear Jan's wisdom and words of encouragement shine through. 

In this episode, you'll hear from Soul Speaks co-creators about a process used to help people become more of themselves.  As they say, people don’t have to go “do” anything, they just go “be.” Tune in to hear how your own uniqueness can shine through in your life and communities with more authenticity and connection.  

Jeremy Vasquez is immersed in his community-it's part of his every day life. After a loss and sudden realization, Jeremy saw how he could directly impact the very people in his community by creating safe spaces for teens and youth to be seen and heard and to ultimately escape the "school to prison pipeline" so many kids are destined towards. 

Hailima Yates shares how her struggle as a youth led her to wake up and realize life is worth living. Now, her company LuvMrk is campaigning for kindness. Hailima shares how perceptions and bias impact our lives and how noticing these things can make a difference in your life and in the lives around you. 

Sarah Davison-Tracy shares her love and passion for community building, advocacy, and for being a warrior for your tribe. 

Thanks for tuning in! This episode is for you to know a little more about the show, the host, and the schedule of the episodes as well as what we are all about.