Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

On this week's episode, I describe the uplifting event I attended in my community to honor and celebrate Tom Chapin's 80th Birthday. Tom, his family, his music, the special guests, the stories and the social justice woven throughout the evening, were magnificent. I didn't realize how much I needed to experience something so joyful and inspiring. As Tom's step-daughter, Jessica Craven so beautifully articulated: “I was reminded once again…of the profound power of the arts, community and family to heal and uplift. It's never been more important to make sure we're immersing ourselves in one or all of them, and often!” May you surround yourself with people who share your values, so we can hold our ground together. Check out the show notes for links to Arts Rock, Tom Chapin, The Chapin Sisters, “Abigail Rose and Lily Too”, Jessica Craven's newsletter “Chop Wood, Carry Water” and a video of Tom, with two of his daughters, Abigail and Lily singing a powerful song that is carrying me through the days. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Arts Rock Tom Chapin The Chapin Sisters Abigail Rose Store Jessica Craven Substack Hold Our Ground Forever: Tom Chapin & The Chapin Sisters

On this week's episode, I honor someone special in my life, Jenn M, whose birthday is Tuesday May 20th. I describe some of the qualities I admire in Jenn and give a shout out to her 8th grader, E, who typically listens to my podcast on the drive to school. Thanks E, for being my youngest listener.  As I celebrate Jenn and the dreams that are stirring in her heart, I share John O'Donohue's blessing “For Longing”. May it resonate for the birthday gal as well as all of my listeners. May we each honor the longings in our heart and trust that our longings are aligned with our soul. May we have the courage to discover the path our longing wants us to take. May we understand our longing as divine urgency!  Enjoy the podcast! 

On this week's episode, I describe and honor Beltane, the Celtic festival of spring. Beltane is rich with magic as we celebrate the fertility of the land, the potential for new life and the abundance of nature. With the following weeks of May, into June, I encourage you to find your own way to honor Beltane. We are invited to be intentional about what we are planting inside of us for future growth. Delight in the late afternoon sun rays, the stunning cloudbursts and rainbows of this season. It's no coincidence that we celebrate mother's day around the same time we thank our Mother Earth for enriching our planet with abundance and magic. Happy Mother's Day and Happy Beltane! Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I talk about my love for the word wonder. Wonder slows me down, drops me into curiosity, and then opens the rich doors to gratitude. Even as a senior citizen, I consider myself a child of wonder. Let the magnificent gifts of Spring re-ignite your sense of wonder. Check out the show notes for links to hear the poignant words of Dot, a 96 year old woman who strives to live in awe and to the timeless wisdom of Rachel Carson's The Sense Of Wonder.  May we embrace what it means to be a child of wonder. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @endwellproject Rachel Carson: The Sense of Wonder

On this week's episode I explore the African proverb Ubuntu, which means ‘I am because we are.' The phrase came to me in meditation last week and has stayed with me everyday. How do we honor our universal bond that connects all humanity? In the midst of hatred, divisiveness and injustice, how do we deepen our compassion, find forgiveness and treat others with respect?  Nelson Mandela's commitment to Ubuntu reminds me that we are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility to care for one another. ‘I am because we are' is a phrase and philosophy I am inspired by. I aspire to live by Ubuntu's principles of Survival, Solidarity, Compassion, Respect and Dignity. You are not alone. I am because we are. Enjoy the podcast! 

On this week's episode, as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, I talk about what it means to bless the earth. From cleaning up trash in our local parks to cultivating more awareness and responsibility to care for our planet, we can bless the earth. I share the earth blessing meditation that organically came to me and through me years ago, that is a part of my daily spiritual practice.  May we bless the sky, the land and the waters. May we all bless our precious planet earth. May everyday be Earth Day. Happy Earth Day! Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I provide a guided meditation to help ground us in these tumultuous times. Carve out a few minutes for silence, stillness and slow, steady, replenishing, deep breaths. You are not alone. I hold you, my dear listeners in loving-kindness and compassion. Enjoy the podcast! 

On this week's episode, I share my invigorating experience of attending the NYC  “HANDS OFF” Protest this past Saturday April 5th. I was energized and grateful to take a stand against Trump's lies, corruption, and destructive chaos. Our collective power to show up, organize and have our voices heard across the country is inspiring! I appreciated the art work, the shared values, the chants and the singing that created a powerful sense of solidarity. Participating in this protest gave me a renewed vision of actually creating a real democracy - of, by, and for the people!! Let's not sit on the sidelines. Let's continue to have our voices heard. Let's sustain a progressive vision for our future. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Indivisible Move On 50/50/1

On this week's episode, I share some insights of what is reflected in the planets that help explain the tumultuous time we are now experiencing. Some astrology basics have not only helped me feel connected to the cosmos, to mystery and that which is bigger than us, but also has provided some much needed HOPE!   Now is the time to align with our values, with our communities and with the wisdom of the planets! Let's take a stand for what we care most about and move this country closer to this dream of democracy. Let's create the healing transformation our country needs. Check out the Show Notes for links to my astrologer, Kitty Hatcher and all the readings, workshops and courses she skillfully offers. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Kitty Hatcher Website Email Kitty Kitty Hatcher episode on Enlighten Margaret Dulaney episode on Enlighten IG: @listenwell.margaret

On this week's episode I share a recent “start” to my day that startled me and had a startling impact on others. Thankfully everyone is safe & sound and an outpouring of love was felt in the process. I hope you are getting the rest you need. I hope Mercury Retrograde hasn't thrown you off. And if you have been thrown off, that you can find the laughter and the gifts infused within. And most of all I hope you have a tribe, a circle of loving support that has your back. May you lift up and be lifted up by those you love. May we embrace the start of each day with gratitude and grace. Enjoy the podcast!

The title of this week's podcast “All Is Not Well” isn't my typical "uplift and inspire” focus. However, I want to acknowledge that I unintentionally hurt someone in an episode I released at the end of December titled “All Is Well”. I am deeply sorry for the pain that particular episode caused and have taken it down so it can no longer be accessed. When all is not well, I care about being honest and humbled. I want to take responsibility and hold myself accountable. I offer this public apology with humility, seeking grace. Thank you for bearing with me when I make a mistake. I am invested in learning from this and doing what I can to grow and heal.  Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I explore the use of the word “village” as a noun and a verb. From the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” to why we, as a country in crisis, need to “village”. We need social connectedness, safe circles, groups and villages, where we can be held and hold others. In our village and as we village, we need to create and use ‘“alternative economies”, based on mutuality and the common good. I also explain how strong communities and living with joy are forms of resistance. May we village with one another, strengthen our communities and truly nurture ourselves and the world. May we unify, collaborate, organize, and village in resistance. Check out the show notes for links to Melina Rudman's Substack post, Heather Cox Richardson's IG and the economic blackouts and boycotts. Enjoy the podcast!   Links: Melina Rudman Substack IG: Heather Cox Richardson IG: The One Called Jai IG: The People's Union USA

On this week's episode, I share a personal experience of the uplifting “Wouldn't It Be Nice If…”  mindset exercise. This simple phrase is a powerful bridge to move our thoughts from what we don't what to what we do want. “Wouldn't It Be Nice If…”  helps align our thoughts with what is in our highest interest, so the Universe has a better chance of helping us manifest what serves our highest good. When my friend Cynthia and I brainstormed and implemented the ““Wouldn't It Be Nice If…”  possibilities, it shifted our thoughts, our feelings and empowered us to advocate for what was truly best for her. It allowed us to be open, vulnerable and humbled by how the Divine/Source/The Universe is there to support us. Wouldn't it be nice if we could live from love and trust? Wouldn't it be nice if we could align our thoughts, words and actions with our open heart? Wouldn't it be nice if this exercise could restore our humanity? Wouldn't it be nice...... Enjoy the podcast! Links: Cynthia Bardwell podcast episode

On this week's episode, I acknowledge the informative, inspiring Black History posts from Kimberly Jones and all I continue to learn from her. We fill the month of February honoring the Black innovators, pioneers, and trailblazers that have shaped our country. We can end the month in solidarity by joining millions of people to boycott the corruption and greed of corporations. On the last day of this month, Friday February 28th, join me in participating in the Economic Black Out refusing to shop at any major corporation: NO Walmart, NO Amazon, NO McDonalds!! Check out the show notes for links to Kimberly's Instagram account as well as the grassroots movement The People's Union USA, organizing the Economic Blackout on Friday February 28th. Let's unify, unite and make our voices heard. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Kimberly Jones Podcast Episode IG: @kimberlylatricejones IG: @theonecalledjai IG:@thepeoplesunionusa

On this week's episode, I continue the theme of “Listen and Learn” for Black History Month. I was so grateful for the ‘moment of resistance” that Keith Boykin illuminates in his commentary of Kendrick Lamar's incredible half time show at the Super Bowl last week. I've transcribed Boykin's commentary in hopes that my listeners will further understand the symbolism, history and meaningful context of Lamar's powerful performance. Check out the show notes for Keith Boykin's IG account so you can regularly take in more opportunities for listening and learning. May we honor moments of resistance. May we celebrate Blackness! May we deepen our understanding and compassion for all who have been and are being oppressed. May our resistance unite us in our humanity.  Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: Keith Boykin

On this week's episode, as we kick off the month of February and Black History Month, I share Nikole Hannah-Jones' poignant explanation of why people want to ban Black History. They want Black people to believe there is something wrong with them, rather than there is something wrong with our country. They don't want people to be educated and empowered to reveal the lie of our country. With our current political chaos, I know we have to sift through a lot of lies. We are all learning how to limit how much news we take in and be intentional about the sources we trust. In this racially divisive climate, honoring Black History Month feels more important than ever. May we seek to listen and learn from the experience and wisdom of our Black brothers and sisters. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: DL Hughley IG: Block Store IG: Nikole Hannah-Jones

I saved 3 quotes this past month that struck me. Without realizing it at the time, each quote lines up with my word for the year: humility. I'm grateful that humility is seeping into my consciousness and unconsciousness.  Are you finding synchronicities and signs that remind you of the word you chose for the year? May you notice the ways your word of the year is showing up for you. May your word of the year seep in…so it can guide you and inspire you. Enjoy the podcast! 

Have you ever chosen a word to guide you through the year? This was the first time I've tried it. An inner voice popped the word HUMILITY into my mind. I've been thinking about humility, feeling into humility and on this week's episode, I share some of my early reflections on the word humility.   What word comes to mind for you? What word does your inner voice whisper to you for guidance and growth? Whatever your 2025 word might be, may it enlighten, uplift and inspire you. Enjoy the podcast!

As we remember and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, I want to continue to learn about MLK and discover ways to continue his legacy in my daily life. I am struck by how much MLK had in common with Jimmy Carter. They were only four years apart in age, and even though the late President Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King, Jr. never met each other, their philosophies were in alignment. It feels incongruent to honor MLK on the same day as Trump's inauguration, but hold onto MLK's words that ring truer today than ever before!  “We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity but in love with humanity.” Check out the show notes for links to today's Nyack NAACP service at Pilgrim Baptist Church and suggestions for meaningful ways to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Rockland News: Nyack's NAACP Service 7 Ways To Celebrate

On this week's episode, I share the familiar Native American parable of the Two Wolves. You probably know the common version of a Cherokee grandfather acknowledging to his grandson that there is a battle of two wolves inside all of us, one dark and one light. The grandson asked which wolf wins and the grandfather replies “The one we feed.” As much as this version is a gentle reminder that we have a choice, we can choose to feed just the light wolf, I discovered another version of the Two Wolves story. Listen to the podcast to hear the new version, where the grandfather tells his grandson to feed both the dark and the light wolf. Rather than starving the dark wolf, this version offers more of a balance between the two so you can guide the wolves to serve you. As we reflect on the internal fights within us, may we listen to the voices of deeper knowing. May we release the battle within and align with peace. Enjoy the podcast!

As we start off 2025, I'd like to take a moment today to acknowledge our 7 year milestone and reflect on this past year. We launched the podcast in January 2018, so here's to completing 7 years of Enlighten!  January 2025 marks the beginning of our 8th year of the podcast. Wow! In 2024, I continued to cultivate my intimacy with nature, and took great pleasure in the everyday miracles that surround us. I delight in subtle and blatant glimmers of resilience, growth and transformation both individually and collectively. Thank you, 2024 for another year of inspiring guests, personal reflections and stories. May we all practice restoring humanity, dignity, compassion, and justice. Blessings for a healing, engaged, empowering year. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to help us evolve, help us to live more authentically, more joyfully. Blessings for the courage, grace and wisdom needed for 2025. Enjoy the podcast!

Even though I initially thought I would skip an episode this week, I changed my mind and wanted to share two simple rituals from previous guests Shawna Emerick and Laura Pensiero. May these rituals help us take a moment to pause, reflect and envision what we want to manifest for the New Year. May we set intentions that help us live more fully, more authentically and more joyfully. May we manifest 2025 to be a creative, connected, easeful, and prosperous year. Check out the show notes for links to Shawna and Laura's websites, they both offer such wonderful soul-nourishing gifts. Happy New Year! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Shawna's Website Laura's Website

The chaos of our political landscape, the stressors of the holidays and tensions in our relationships can convince us that all is not well. In this week's episode I share a personal struggle I've had with someone in my life and how de-railed I felt by fear and frustration. I asked for help and my spirit guides provided gems of wisdom that realigned me with understanding, acceptance and surrender. Louise Hay's affirmation is a transformative mantra for me “All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. And out of this situation, this so called problem, only good will come. And I am safe.”  This truth put a smile on my face and expanded my heart in a profound way. May we be humbled to ask for help when fear, hurt and struggle take over. May we reset the swirl of pain and remember that shifting our thoughts, shifts our vibration. May we trust that all is truly well so we can show up to whatever we face with clarity, calm and empowerment. I'll be back in 2 weeks with another episode. Happy holidays! Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: Mel Robbins

On this week's episode, I honor the legendary poet, author, educator, activist, Nikki Giovanni who died this past week on December 9th at the age of 81. Her rich biography, prolific work that includes writings, essays, conversations, poetry, children's books, records, tapes, CDs and film, as well as her awards, honors and multiple honorary degrees is expansive and impressive. Thank you Nikki, for all that you embodied and modeled. Thank you for shining your truth through decades of our collective darkness. Thank you for caring about children and the quality of books they read. Thank you for your wisdom, grace and compassion and finding what binds us even in the face of tragedy. Rest in peace, rest in power and may we continue to be enlightened, uplifted and inspired by you. Check out the show notes for links to Nikki's website, NY Times obituary and Wikipedia page. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Nikki's Website NY Times Obituary Wikipedia

On this week's episode, I acknowledge the spark of light that is ignited at this time of year. As the sun is setting by 4:30pm, shortening our days and expanding our nights, the tradition of lighting up our homes, is a wonderful reminder to honor the light in the midst of darkness. May we be a spark of light. May we connect with your own community, honor silence, light a candle, and feel the energetic hands of our sacred circle of humanity, join together to breath a new vision forward. May our vision spark a new kind of light. Check out the show notes to learn about the global ritual that Beth Livingston, has been facilitating for 20 years that honors our collective dive into the darkness of winter. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Beth Owls Daughter

On this week's episode I re-release my conversation form April 19, 2021 with my beloved Aunt Hilly. This spectacular human, Hilary Carr Jones just died on Friday November 15th, so I wanted her voice and spirit honored. Before my conversation with her starts, I share the mystical connection I felt with Aunt Hil as she was transitioning from the physical realm into the spiritual realm, as the Super Full Moon was rising. May you open your heart and mind to how Source is calling you into the mystical, magical moments of your life. Grateful for the gathering in Camden, Maine this past weekend with a service on Sunday November 24th, to celebrate the life and light and radiating love of Hilary Carr Jones. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Links: Hilary Carr Jones obit Super Full Moon

I am thrilled to feature Clyde and Gracie Lawrence as my guests today. This gifted, brother and sister team, enriched by their 6 talented musician friends make up the electrifying soul-pop band “Lawrence”. Their music is phenomenal, the synergy and creativity of their band is a blast to witness and they are kind, thoughtful human beings living the challenging life of artists with integrity, humility and grace. When I saw Lawrence the band perform to a sold out Radio City Music Hall show in September, I was blown away by the music, the production, the pure fun everyone was having on that stage and moved to tears by their dedicated fans of all ages and backgrounds. Clyde and Gracie have created something unique and refreshing, I want all my listeners to experience their magic.   It wasn't until we ended the conversation that I realized I forgot to ask the one question I use to wrap up all my podcast conversations: “What inspires you?” But hopefully you'll learn what their answer might have been by how they approach life, cultivate a family and community with their band, crew and fans, have the courage to call out the unfairness in the music industry, and infuse integrity in everything they do. Check out the links below to their website to see their tour schedule (catch the remaining shows of their Family Business tour), how to stream their incredible music, and buy some merch. Also follow the link for their fascinating You Tube docuseries, which offers an authentic behind the scenes look at their Hotel TV tour. Follow the band and Clyde and Gracie's IG accounts to tap into the magic. Enjoy the podcast!   Links: Lawrence the Band: Website IG: Band IG: Clyde IG: Gracie Lawrence on The Tonight Show YouTube Channel YouTube Docuseries

On this week's episode, as I process the devastating election results, I know we are to hold onto love. In addition to the trauma, disappointment, sadness and fear, there is love. Surround yourself with loving, kindred souls. Let yourself be held in love and hold others in love. I know we are all trying to make sense of this, figure out how to navigate a way forward. As a country, we must wrestle with how deeply ingrained racism and misogyny is. We are in for more darkness and now more than ever, we need to be present and connected with love. Be gentle with yourself, take time to rest and regroup. We need each other, we need to shore up our circles of support. Hold onto love. Hold each other in love. I am holding you, my listeners in love. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, with the election tomorrow, I invite you to see your vote as a prayer, a prayer reflecting the depths of your heart. It is important to stay grounded in an atmosphere of fear. May you release the grip fear has on you. May your heart be aligned with trust, with compassion, with a connection to all the caring people, working for equity, justice and peace. Remember that your spiritual heart belongs to a collective spiritual heart. There are so many caring people bringing comfort and healing to others, to their communities and wanting to make this world a better place. Tap into that energy of our collective love. Let your vote be a prayer to protect our imperfect democracy, a prayer to protect the most vulnerable, a prayer to heal the divides, a prayer for our earth and all living beings. Check out the show notes for links to Tara Brach's website where you'll find her newsletter, courses and guided meditations. I've also included a link she shared for additional resources and organizations. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Tara Brach Mind Our Democracy

On this week's episode I acknowledge the heightened sense of fear, anxiety and worry, with 8 days before the Presidential Election. I share wisdom from the spiritual teacher, Tara Brach that our despairing feelings are a reflection of our small Self, which is limited, isolated, and consumed with divisiveness and the illusion of separateness. Our small Self forgets who we are. For when we remember who we are, our true nature, we understand our interdependence and deep connection to each other. We tap into a pure sense of belonging, awaken to our oneness and align our actions with our heart. My sister-in-law Abby demonstrates, in a moving letter, what it looks like to align her heart with action. What is your heart aligned action? May we awaken to our True Nature. May we think, act and live from compassion. May we align our action with our open heart. And while we are at it, may we create a joyful blue wave! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Tara Brach IG: Abby Carr

On this week's episode we belatedly honor Indigenous People's Day. I share an example from my cousin, of how we can acknowledge the dark history of oppression while remaining open to learning, healing and reconciliation.  May we all be inspired to reflect, learn and better understand the history and legacy of Indigenous People. Reconciliation is not just a moment, but an on-going process. May we each seek opportunities throughout the year to learn and engage with Indigenous voices and stories. May we contribute to the healing of past, present and future generations of Indigenous People. Enjoy the podcast!

As we honor Indigenous People's Day, may we acknowledge and honor the native people on who's land we live. May we honor the spiritual wisdom and respectful partnership that indigenous people, all around the world, brought to their relationship with our planet earth, allowing them to live in harmony, reciprocity and balance with all of creation. I'll share more about Indigenous People's Day next week, because my guest today has timely information that I want my listeners to have the option to act on this week and next! My guest today is the inspiring Diana Bianco. Diana has social justice running through her veins. Founder of Artemis Consulting, Diana is passionate about better health for all and helps a range of clients navigate the dynamics of health care environments. Her professional advocacy for equitable and responsible policies and programs also drives her volunteer work for political activism at Flip the Vote. Please join one of the October Flip the Vote events, as a participant or a co-host; it's an empowering way to help create a blue wave for this year's elections.   Check out the links below to Diana's website and Flip the Vote's website, particularly the October events. Time is of the essence!! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Artemis Consulting Flip The Vote

My guest today is Lila Carr. Lila is a junior at Skidmore College, majoring in Social Work, with a minor in Studio Art. Lila also happens to be one of my beloved nieces, genuinely curious, compassionate and open-hearted. She believes we all are longing to be seen, known and loved and is inspired to carve out a career that centers on seeing, knowing and loving people. She shares her round-about journey that landed her at Skidmore, from leaning into ‘NO!' and listening to the wisdom of her body. Lila describes the healing power of art, as a companion, an avenue for self care and expression. As a first time voter, we discussed the upcoming presidential election and how empowered Lila feels to be voting and is actively engaged in making voting accessible to all. Check out the links below to follow Lila on Instagram. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @lila.carr IG: @lilas.crafts

On this week's episode, I focus on hope, and how my hope has inspired action. I share my experience of the Flip the Vote Birthday Zoom I hosted last week and how the gathering of people I love, focused on our desire to create a blue wave, expanded even more hope. Hope is a discipline. How are you nurturing hope in your life? What actions are you taking to keep hope alive? May our hope help us see that there is light despite all the darkness. May our hope give us a destination and the energy to get started! Check out the show notes for links to learn more about Flip the Vote. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Flip The Vote

On this week's episode, I celebrate my birthday and invite my listeners to attend a Flip the Vote event tomorrow night. The most meaningful birthday gift possible for me, is to ignite people to rally in solidarity for human rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, health care, education, advocacy for the health of our planet and social justice. May the Autumn Equinox bring us in better balance. May my Libra birthday inspire us to harmoniously work together for justice and the collective good of our country. Check out the show notes for links to Flip the Vote's rationale, the impact they had on the 2022 election, how to donate and RSVP to attend my Flip the Vote Birthday Zoom tomorrow Tuesday September 24th, 5:30pm (PT)/8:30pm (ET). Enjoy the podcast! Links: RSVP for Tuesday 9/24 Flip the Vote Strategy Rationale Flip the Vote Impact in 2022 Donations to Flip The Vote

In this heightened political season, we are all inundated with countless emails and texts asking for donations; it's hard to sift through where and how to invest our time and money. On this week's episode, I offer a grassroots organization that I have recently learned about that feels worthy of highlighting. It's called Flip The Vote. They educate and engage concerned people to make the most out of their political investments. They make strategic recommendations based on careful research about where and how to invest in winning critical elections. Attending a Flip The Vote Zoom party, inspired me to then attend an Orientation so I am now jazzed about hosting my own virtual Flip The Vote party. I want to host this as a Birthday celebration, so it will be the week of my birthday, either 9/24, 25 or 28.  Stay tuned, I'd love for my listeners to join me! Check out the show notes for the link to Flip The Vote website. Enjoy the podcast! Links:Flip The Vote Postcards To Voters Activate America Postcards: Take back the House and Hold the Senate

On this week's episode, I share my experience of taking Michelle Obama's words: “Do Something!” to heart. The ‘somethings' we do, can be spontaneous, planned, casual or organized. Writing postcards to encourage people to vote and spelling out what is at stake with our upcoming election is a tangible way to do something. Would you be interested in hosting a postcard party? If so, check out the show notes for links to sites that help you get started. I'm jazzed looking for tangible, meaningful ways to DO SOMETHING, do many things that help move our country forward with integrity, hope and JOY. What else are you doing to help elect Harris and Walz? Feel free to share the somethings that you are doing. I'd love to hear form you. Let's inspire one another. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Postcards To Voters Activate America Postcards: Take back the House and Hold the Senate

My guest today is Nancy Brenner. A graduate of NYU's School of Social Work, Nancy is the Care Services Coordinator for ALS United - Greater New York. If you or anyone you love has or had a debilitating disease, you know having an earth angel to guide you through the journey is priceless. And that is who Nancy is: an earth angel - kindly, compassionately present to patients with ALS and their families, providing support, education, guidance and resources. After recording our conversation, Nancy wanted to clarify the proper pronunciation for ALS is A-my-tropic Lateral Sclerosis and in addition to her explanation of ALS, add that this disease effects the motor neurons, which weakens the muscles in the body. In the darkness of the body's betrayal, it's a soothing balm to experience Nancy's integrity and dedication to her ALS patients. Please check out the links below to connect with Nancy and the incredible work of ALS United. Enjoy the podcast! Links: ALS-NY Nancy's Email

I used this week's episode to channel my frustration when one of my weekly groups came to a close. Trust was violated and the facilitator violating trust didn't acknowledge or own up to his behavior. I marveled at how uncomfortable people can be with conflict, myself included. Do I name the elephant in the room? Do I remove myself from this game of pretending? It takes courage to deal with conflicts honestly. 
Most people opt to sweep problems under the rug, clinging to the concept of being the ideal family or the ideal group. They choose dishonest harmony rather than honest conflict. It's a delicate balance speaking up when everyone else is invested in dishonest harmony. Here's to not sweeping problems under the rug. Here's to learning the skills of addressing conflicts constructively. Here's to the courage and authenticity to live into your truth. Here's to discerning how and when to address conflict honestly. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode I share a recent experience of my beloved hiking trails being trashed with trash! My initial reaction of anger and needing someone to blame eventually morphed into sadness. I watched the strong feelings course through me, appreciated the kindness and support from fellow hikers who helped me reframe my irritation. I took the simple action of picking up the trash to redirect me. If only we could live by John Muir's advice while enjoying nature “Take only photographs, leave only footprints”! Yes, I will do my part to care for my surroundings. And in the meantime, please pick up your trash! Enjoy the podcast!

This week's episode contains Guided Meditations found at the end of Thich Nhat Hahn's book “How To Sit”. I've spent the past three episodes reading aloud portions from this book, a third of the book at a time. Even if you have read this book, I hope my readings have allowed you to absorb the wisdom more fully. Many people have asked me for more guided meditations. Why not offer a few from the master of mindful meditation? May these guided meditations help you integrate meditation more readily. May these guided meditations build your mindfulness skills, inspire and nourish you. Happy meditating! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation

On this week's episode, I continue to read some practical wisdom from the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Two weeks ago I started reading and covered the first third of his book “How To Sit”. Last week I read the middle portion of that book, so this episode includes the reading of the third and final portion of the book. Whether you are new to mindfulness and meditation or a seasoned veteran, may this help you cultivate your inner peace. May this guide you to breathe mindfully and encourage you to be a gardener that tends to your inner garden. Come home to yourself, experience the richness of being present, calm and at peace. Happy sitting! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation

This week I continue to read some practical wisdom from the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Last week I read the first third of his book “How To Sit”, so this episode includes the reading of the second third of the book. Whether you are new to mindfulness and meditation or a seasoned veteran, may this help you cultivate your inner peace. May this remind us to breathe mindfully. May we drop into the present moment and experience that the present moment contains the whole of life. Happy sitting! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation

On this week's episode, in a desire to cultivate inner peace, for myself and my listeners, I offer some wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, who has made mindfulness accessible and relatable for millions of people. So whether you are new to mindfulness and meditation or have a seasoned practice, let this serve as an inspiration to deepen your journey. Starting this week, I will read the first third of his book “How To Sit” and hope that it will help you continue to cultivate your inner peace, knowing that your calm, clear centeredness will positively impact you, all those around you and our world. Happy sitting! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation

On this week's episode, I acknowledge all the amplified political chaos that may be upsetting us, triggering outrage and fear. As concerning as Joe Biden's debate performance was, it doesn't come close to the continued danger and destruction to our country and democracy that Donald Trump threatens. I outline the clinical criteria of a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Despite all these disturbing situations, I choose to stay informed, while investing more energy in my inner peace. Cultivating my inner peace, gives me energy to show up for others with kindness, compassion and more integrity. May you invest your thought energy in what calms you. May you know a deeper truth beneath the noise and chaos. May you prioritize cultivating your inner peace. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: DL Hughley Agenda 47 Project 2025

On this week's episode I highlight a few examples of the sweetness of water. Water is such a healing energy; water refreshes us, reminds us to be playful, hydrates us and sustains life!  When was the last time you walked, ran or danced through a sprinkler? May we respect the healing power of water. Let water hydrate you. Let water refresh you. Let water quench your thirst. And may you create playfulness and joy with water. May we honor the sweetness of water. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I share an inspiring excerpt from Mark Nepo's The Book of Awakening, titled “Precious Human Birth”. Nepo explains how blessed we are - in this time, in this place, to be human beings alive in rare ways we often take for granted. This rareness, preciousness, ushers us into grateful living.   I offer three prompts from Nepo's piece for journaling or reflection. Check out the show notes for a link to Mark Nepo's book and the Maya Angelou clip I referenced. May we be mindful of how rare it is to be human. May we have a deep appreciation for how blessed we are. May we be ushered into grateful living. May we be a rainbow in somebody else's cloud. We are blessed to be human! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Mark Nepo IG: @mark_nepo IG: @femalequotient IG: @mayaangelouquotes

On this week's podcast, as busy as the month of June is, I focus on fathers. From the origins of Father's Day to the fathers who have parented us and partnered with us and all those doing their best to do right by their children, I honor the important role that fathers play in our lives. Check out the show notes (and share with any fathers) for the IG link that I mentioned: “Jimmy on Relationships”, for tangible guidance on cultivating empathy, building trust, healthy ways to resolve conflict and ways to deepen your emotional maturity.  Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @jimmy_on_relationships

On this week's episode, I center on center and being centered and centering ourselves. The word center can be a noun, a verb and an adjective. When I feel centered, I feel connected to the core of my being - my soul, my heart, my consciousness. And of course that then connects me with all beings and Divine Source. Being centered, feeling connected, is calming, quieting and also expansive and mystical. I lead a simple centering practice, so take a minute to pause and find your center. May you know the peace and serenity of being relaxed and centered. May feeling centered bring you home to the center of your being and let you rest in a depth of love that knows no bounds. Enjoy the podcast!

My guest today is Brian Cockerham. Brian is a gifted bass player, most notably laying down the soulful low notes for the incredible Shayna Steele and multi-Grammy Award winning artist, song-writer and producer, PJ Morton. In fact, Brian has been playing with PJ for almost 20 years, acknowledging that their musical collaboration has helped shape him. Brian describes the incredibly profound impact a drummer named Larry had on him, certainly as a musician, but more importantly as a human being. Brian embodies positivity, kindness, and one of the most generous hearts I know.   Check out the show notes for links to connect with Brian on social media and see Brian perform live with PJ Morton at the Beacon Theater in NYC on Saturday August 3rd. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @bcockerham81 IG: @pjmorton IG: @reallouiscato IG: @shaynasteele

Today is Monday May 27th, Memorial Day. As important as it is to remember those who have died while serving in the military, I also like to imagine a world without war. We humans seem wired for war, but I want to remember that peace is also a possibility.  The possibility of peace includes inner peace, peace in our dynamics with others and a vision for world peace. Can we soften that which is rigid in our hearts? Can we have the strength to forgive those who have hurt us? Can we let go of grudges, animosity, stubbornness, defensiveness, and the need to be right? On this Memorial Day, may we also remember that peace is a possibility and it starts with our own hearts.  Enjoy the podcast!