Let's Get Naked

We are all on a spiritual path whether we know it or not, temporarily housed in a human body. For most of us, just taking care of the body is a huge job. However, what if you knew, really knew, that you did not identify with your body, especially your gender?   Carly Lehwald is such a soul. Carly knew at age 9 that being in a male body was not true for her. Like most of us, not knowing that there was a solution, she just keep "pretending" to be what the world needed her to be.

It is hard to believe in this world where "being busy and productive" is the highest priority that prolonged silence is even something someone would consider! What I've learned about dedicated silence is that it opens a deeper knowing that cannot be accessed without detaching from the "outer world." Special guest John Michael Pudelek is a man who has explored long periods of silence with the result of calm and clarity.

Billie Tope Tate certainly is! Billie, a Native American Mescalero Apache teacher, will share ancient wisdom that will open up your intuitive mystical knowledge, if you are willing to heal your past trauma/drama.

Sherry Rugen became a Muslim and discovered a deeper sense of Spirit within herself. Hear her story and be inspired on your own spiritual adventure!

Inside all of us lies a story waiting to come out! Let Book and Story Coach Kim O'Hara help you stop procrastinating! She finds untold stories everywhere and is passionate about intuitively and mindfully connecting entrepreneurs to their hidden greatness and helping them achieve their unrealized dream to write a book.

For those of you who enjoyed our passionate discussion on modern Judaism with Rabbi Tom Samuels this past week at Unity in Chicago, you're in for a treat! Rev. Heidi will have another lively discussion with him today. Tune in and embrace the inherently beautiful messiness of Life!

Find out as I speak with a man whose life has spanned every aspect of the Unity movement. What one discovers when you meet Rev. Greg Barrette is clarity, compassion, and deep peace. Today's interview with Rev. Greg will inspire you to stay on your spiritual path and leave the results to God … the best is yet to be!

That is what Catherine Garceau, an Olympic medalist, did when she was trapped in a crevice in the Red Rocks of Nevada: she prayed and allowed Grace to guide her. She also discovered the real trophy was something she did not need to win but something she needed to trust inside herself.

Monday's show with Char Panico Muffitt, focuses on the idea of image. Do you think you create your image from what you think the world wants of you or what you authentically feel?

Happy Easter Monday! Resurrection ... Spring ... Your life ... What great energy to allow the new to blossom! Today's interview is with Debra Wilson Guttas, "Your Mid-Life Transition Doula." Her healing practice invites her clients to energetically allow their dreams to be born, or reborn!

Our nature, like the flowers of spring, is to blossom. Unlike nature, we can resist that divine urge. This spring, allow your vibration to align with your wild side! That's what Gongmaster Teri Wilder did!

Wouldn't it be nice to come home to a space that reenergizes you? Do you wish you knew how to arrange your home so that it makes you feel good every time you come through the door? Diana Ezerins will be sharing information about how to create a living space that is filled with great flow and energy. When you move your belongings around to redesign your home, a wonderful synergy occurs that allows you to feel grounded, comfortable, and content in your space.

Being inclusive … we'd all like to say we live that way, but I wonder if we do? It is the rare individual that can see God in all living beings. My "naked" interview today is with Brother Joe Kilikevice, a Dominican Friar who founded the Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality in Chicago.

Leap Year Day … what a great opportunity to "shake life up " on a day that only comes every four years. Unity in Chicago is presenting a vibrant new evening every Monday in 2016 … an evening with Rev. Mark Anthony Lord called Mondays With Mark. Tune in as Mark tells us more about Mondays and how everyone can join in online!

Well, I know where they are ... in beautiful San Diego! Linda Jalving is my special guest today. She'll talk about living your dream … Her journey to Unity, the creation of a love-filled beachside jewelry business in San Diego, and a recent trip to Tanzania!!

Rev. Kurt Condra, senior minister of Unity on the North Shore, is meeting with faith leaders in Evanston, Illinois, this Thursday to discuss diversity in our church communities. How is diversity reflected in our church communities? What obstacles do we face in becoming welcoming and inclusive? How can we express it more fully outside of our walls?

As we enter Valentine's month, let's talk about LOVE! Are you still attracting relationships that don't last? Our special guest Lisa Hayes, aka "The Love Whisperer," has a fabulous way to determine if you and the partner you want are truly available for great love to blossom.

We are great avoiders of grief, aren't we? Our fear of being vulnerable may keep us looking "cool," but it severely thwarts our ability to experience the depth of love that is required for intimacy to be felt. Today's interview is with Rev. Patty Pipia, a Unity minister who has spent significant time working in hospice care. Patty helps others to feel their grief as a tool to feel safe and secure in the world.

With media and advertisements always suggesting that "being yourself" is not enough, we can be easily hypnotized into creating an image that the world will accept rather than knowing our own value. Often we can live a pseudoself so long we forget what authenticity is. Chaney Weiner, author of Because This Is Your Life, reminds us of the often "unclaimed" inner power and clarity that will help us create the lives we were born to live!

Who knew that yoga—which is known traditionally to create flexibility and calm—could also be used to boost your immune system and help you overcome trauma … Nina C. Payne knows!

And let Mary Brown show you how! We often separate our "work" from our "joy" when they should be one and the same. Mary is a Web strategist and Web designer whose business has been based in Chicago since 2003.

Shannon Layne's life did feel like a jungle until she found her true calling, working at a zoo.

Were the groups you hung out with in high school "affirming and inclusive"? Maybe not so much?? Meet Lexington Lawson, writer and producer for McTucky Fried High, a comedic, animated Web series about an ensemble of teen foods as they navigate sexuality, gender identity, feminism, religion, discrimination, and self-discovery in high school. It creates affirming and inclusive LGBTQ narratives centralizing youth issues.

Your dream comes not so much to you as through you, and Mitch Polzak proves this in spades ... or more in deuces, as in Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces, the band with whom he performs and follows his musical dream. But wait—isn't it impossible to make a living as a musician? Clearly not! Maybe your dream is actually birthed as you "do your thing."

Before she became a true Soul Searcher, Emma Mildon was stretched out and overworked. As a young working-class Bohemian looking for a quick and easy spiritual fix that could fill the gap she felt in her life, Emma did what any self-respecting modern girl would do: she Googled "how to be spiritual." Tune in to a lively conversation with the author of The Soul Searcher's Handbook, and find out how helpful (or not) Google was in her quest!

Are you feeling tired for no reason, overwhelmed, low on energy? Your body is trying to get your attention!! Wellness is a way of life, from the inside out. Join our conversation as Colleen Manning discusses her journey from food sensitivities to a life of vibrancy and radiant health.

Our Time Is Now, by my special guest, author Mary Ann Daly, M.A., LCPC, shows women how their hearts can lead the way to create rich and fulfilling personal lives for themselves, as well as make a meaningful difference in the world.

If you've been around Unity for any length of time you have heard the above statement. Since we believe that thoughts held in mind produce after in kind, why do we keep saying this and what can we do to shift that thinking, thereby changing the dynamic?

Yep, that is what Tom Bird offers ... retreats to write your book in a weekend—and it works! Tom is dedicated to assisting authors (and we all have a book in us) to move from "left-brain thinking" to "right-brain flowing" when writing a book.

Let Rev. Mark Anthony Lord help you excavate your Treasure! Mark Anthony "dug down" this year and discovered another chapter in the book of his life. He is coming back to Chicago!!

Join us for a (Stowe) good time as Rev. Heidi talks with the musical dynamic duo of Stowe Dailey and Karen Taylor-Good! These Grammy-nominated songwriters will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart!

Connie Markoff, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist ... but she is so much more! Connie empowers the Spirit that is present within you to boldly guide and lead you down "the road less traveled." If you are feeling lost, offtrack, or just ready for some new, sturdy shoes to walk a new path, tune in to this show!

Mom, mentor, minister ... what a life! As Buddha became awakened under the Bodhi tree, Rev. Lola P. Wright believes that awakening is available to all of us. As the spiritual leader of Bodhi Spiritual Center in Chicago, she's found awakening from being willing to lean into EVERYTHING that crosses her life path.

In our fast-paced world with our "fast food," the importance of savoring and celebrating the food we put into our bodies' temples can be forgotten. Our food/energy must become a time of gratitude if these precious bodies are going to be sustained. "But I don't have the time to prepare good food!!" you say. You are in luck ... Grateful Gourmet To Go to the rescue!

We all have God-given talents, and they often go unnoticed, unappreciated, and unused! What if using and developing your talents was the only reason you were born?! Peter Polzak, Unity in Chicago's music director for more than eight years, has made a living and a LIFE as a musician. This interview will inspire you to never give up on the music in your heart!

singer/songwriter Irene Boggs shares her journey to creating "affirmajams," a surefire way to stop your mental chatter. Hear "Excuse Me" at affirmajams.com.

It is so easy to live "of the world" rather than "in the world," to let the ways others see you, or the way you see yourself, dictate the joy you allow in your life. Jennie Landfield, a Certified Bars Facilitator, releases stress by asking questions of possibility and fostering curiosity rather than doubt and negativity.

So many illnesses begin and remain active by a block in one's life force—creativity. Let Jen Reich—a nurse, storyteller and poet—inspire you to explore some natural healing.

We are always looking for experts to help us. Today I will interview an expert in feeling better … Mr. Jollytologist, Allen Klein! Tune in and let Allen remind us all how to take our power back and live with the slogan, which is the title of his newest book, You Can't Ruin My Day.

Welcome home to yourSelf and to Martha's world! Martha Creek is about self-realization and the subsequent peace. Martha says, "The journey to and toward peace is within. What would you give/do for a peaceful life and mind? 'Come on in' and realize truth and free yourSelf." 

How often do we let the challenges of life stop us from enjoying life rather than using that energy to fuel our life purpose? Jonny Imerman will share his story of the life-threatening illness that ignited his life purpose that today blesses thousands.

"Getting Naked"—as far as this show is concerned—is being able to feel free to live your life spiritually awake and alive. Shasta Townsend is all about reminding women of that Truth!

What role models do men have growing up? Soldiers, superheroes, tough guys? Does our culture support men to "go within" and know who they truly are? No, it doesn't! Joe Zefran has created a one-day retreat titled Honoring the Man Within, assisting men in finding their power within rather than exerting power over others.

Life is a continuum … and if life is everlasting, shouldn't we be able to venture through the thin veil and get messages from the "other side"? James Van Praagh, a pioneer among spiritual mediums, New York Times best-selling author, TV producer, and one of the most popular Hay House radio show hosts, is an expert in guiding participants into their own spiritual awareness.

It is so easy to get stressed with the day-to-day busyness of life. How about living with a sense of well-being by moving from a state of striving to thriving. … THRIVEATION, my friends! Therese Weber helps people thrive through Higher Brain Living!

I am thrilled to talk with Marianne Williamson, a woman who has been the catalyst for the spiritual breakthrough of thousands, including "yours truly." Return to Love, Marianne's book that spent 39 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, propelled me into a world of courage, power, and purpose, giving me the strength to listen to my heart and follow my intuition. She will do that for you, too, if you are ready to Return to the Love that you are!

Does the music you listen to inspire you to try new things, think in powerful ways, and go beyond your fears? POSIPALOOZA MUSIC DOES! My special guest Richard Mekdeci, along with Sue Riley and Jana Stanfield, will be the featured artists at the Posipalooza concert at Unity in Chicago, Friday, April 24.

Being authentic is easy until someone tells you your authenticity is wrong. How much courage do you have to be yourself no matter what? Eric Lueshen's story will inspire you to know the only way to truly be happy and free is to completely love and accept yourself and step into life boldly!

Lynette Hanover, Global Happiness Leader, has been sharing positive life-affirming messages coupled with inspiring personal stories to diverse audiences since 2013. With a professional background working for both small businesses and large international corporations, she developed a successful career in corporate America before creating her own business to help individuals discover their true unique happiness.

How do we live a life that feels Holy and Whole? Unity churches give us the tools, but are we "walking our talk"? Fred Mahaffey's greatest gift is how he shares his heart so openly and purely. Fred will be our guest for Holy Week at Unity in Chicago on Wednesday night, April 1 (no fooling), sharing the Lord's prayer in Aramaic. We will talk about the meaning of the prayer in its original form and Fred's experience of it.

Most of us are wandering around this planet without the foggiest idea of who we are and that our lives are of great value. We don't feel like a soul with a purpose but often like a human "doing" rather than human "being." YOUR SOUL HAS A SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENT!! Rev. Dr. Chris Michaels, author, keynote speaker, and radio host, will help you lift the fog and see clearly!