Love and Compassion Podcast with Gissele Taraba

Discover how to create spaces that support peace, presence, and emotional well-being. In this soulful conversation, interior designer Kim Depole shares how her time with Thich Nhat Hanh and the teachings of mindful living transformed her design philosophy. Learn how to design from the inside out, turning your home or workspace into a sacred, healing environment. Perfect for those interested in mindful interior design, conscious living, and creating intentional, soul-nourishing spaces.

What if animals could speak—and we could truly understand them? In this powerful episode of Love and Compassion with Gissele, world-renowned animal communicator and telepath Penelope Smith shares how she discovered the ability to communicate with animals through telepathy—and how this deep interspecies connection can lead to greater compassion, healing, and mutual understanding.

hat does it take to bring real compassion into the child welfare system? In this heartfelt episode, we talk with Peter Mutabazi—author, advocate, and single Black foster and adoptive father—about his extraordinary journey from surviving life on the streets of Uganda to fostering over 36 children in the U.S. With raw honesty and deep wisdom, Peter shares the joys and challenges of being a foster parent, the unique barriers faced by Black single men in the system, and why love, safety, and belonging must be at the core of how we care for vulnerable children. This is more than a story—it's a call to action to reimagine the child welfare system with compassion at its center.

In today's evolving workplace, emotional intelligence isn't optional—it's essential. In this powerful episode, leadership coach and business strategist Jeff Ma joins us to talk about how love, compassion, and vulnerability are transforming company culture and improving team performance. We explore how to lead with empathy, create a psychologically safe environment, and have honest, difficult conversations at work. You'll learn how forgiveness, trust, and authenticity can increase employee engagement, reduce burnout, and fuel long-term success. Whether you're a CEO, manager, or team member, this conversation offers actionable insights for building a more human, high-performing workplace.

In this powerful episode, Sean Hemeon opens up about growing up Mormon, coming out as gay, battling addiction, and learning to forgive himself. We explore religion, shame, manifesting, and what it really means to live authentically. A must-listen for anyone on a healing journey.

Do you want to know about the connection between love and money? Do you desire to understand what your passions are and how to live authentically? then listen to this conversation with Ghary D. Won around his experiences with homelessness, how a mindset shift helped him overcome that challenge and how his relationship with abundance changed after a conversation he had with money.

We are living in a time of great division. Where rights are being eliminated, and people are struggling more than ever finding common ground. Additionally, people seem to be struggling more internally. They are feeling more burnt out. Many spiritual traditions claim that love is the answer. But how? Listen to my chat with Scott Stabile, on the power of love. We will discuss why choosing love is always the better choice and the connection between self-love and love for others. A must listen if you are interested in understanding how love can help us heal.

Transcript [00:00:00] Gissele: Hello and welcome to the love and compassion podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our worlds. Don't forget to like, and subscribe for more amazing content. we're doing an amazing documentary called the courage to love. Focusing on sharing stories of those who have chosen to do the unthinkable, loving and forgiving those who are the most hurtful through their stories, we will find out what the impact of forgiving and caring for our opponents is for those doing the forgiving. And for those who were forgiven, we'll also hear from experts about whether it is in our nature to love and to come together with those with whom we disagree. We'll be doing fundraising in March with lots of amazing perks. If you're interested in the documentary, you want to nominate someone or support us financially, Please look out for the information coming out in March. On today's podcast, we'll be talking about [00:01:00] punishment free parenting. Our guest today is Rebecca Wolf. She is author of the book, The Gift of a Punishment Free Childhood. She is a parenting mentor, educator, and mother. She supports parents through mentoring and workshops and navigating their parenting journeys. Using punishment free practices, however, her most important work was raising her own children without punishment. Her extensive personal experiences, contribute to her ability to guide others on their parenting journeys. Rebecca is a certified parenting educator for the redirecting children's behavior program. and has conducted extensive research on how punishment impacts children's behavior. Rebecca has a Ph. D. from the University of Northern Colorado in education and has been a lifelong teacher and learner. Please join me in welcoming Rebecca. Hi, Rebecca. [00:02:00] Hello. Rebecca: Thank you, Gissele: Giselle. As I was saying to you before, I love your book. Absolutely love it. I wish I had found this book earlier in my parenting experience. Because I feel like my husband and I really had to struggle to learn by making lots of mistakes with our kids. So I wish we had found your book. And so I was strongly encouraging my listeners, especially who are starting out in the parenting journey, or even if they have kids today, because you talk about teens to get it. Can you tell the audience a little bit about how you decided to go punishment free? Rebecca: Yeah, absolutely. So, as you shared in my biography, I was trained to work for the Redirecting Children's Behavior Parenting Workshops. And in that work, it, it, There still was punishment included, but it really started to emphasize the idea of redirecting right rather than punishing. Let's [00:03:00] redirect. And so I had kind of this solid foundation. And but what I'll share is that it was really when I started thinking about some of the crises that we're seeing. In the world now. I live in Colorado. And so the Columbine high school shooting that happened back in 1999 was pretty impactful for me. I spent a lot of time thinking about that, thinking about that family, those parents you know, the parents on both sides, the parents of the shooters, the parents of those who lost their lives that day. And there are many, many factors that go into a situation like that. But Rebecca: it was clear that the reason those two boys walked into that high school was to punish their classmates. And so I'm like, why do we think that that is the solution? And if you think about it, it's because that's what most, most children, it's how they are. It's the relationship they have with their [00:04:00] parents. It's their primary relationship is one of love. When I misbehave, I'm punished. And if we can shift that paradigm where making a mistake or even misbehaving is actually just an opportunity to learn rather than to be punished, could we shift that paradigm around punishment?

Transcript [00:00:00] Gissele: Hello and welcome to the love and compassion podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our worlds. Don't forget to like, and subscribe for more amazing content. we're doing an amazing documentary called the courage to love. Focusing on sharing stories of those who have chosen to do the unthinkable, loving and forgiving those who are the most hurtful through their stories, we will find out what the impact of forgiving and caring for our opponents is for those doing the forgiving. And for those who were […]

Are you craving true intimacy? do you have difficulties expressing your needs for intimacy, connection, touch and sex? Then tune into this episode of the love and compassion podcast with Gissele. Today, we talk to Luyba Venable who is a sex coach focusing on the needs of men and women for greater connection, unity, communication, and love.

Are you craving true intimacy? do you have difficulties expressing your needs for intimacy, connection, touch and sex? Then tune into this episode of the love and compassion podcast with Gissele. Today, we talk to Luyba Venable who is a sex coach focusing on the needs of men and women for greater connection, unity, communication, and love.

Are you dealing with a recent loss? are you experiencing the possible loss of a loved one? if you are, then this podcast episode is for you. Listen as I chat with Dr. Jan Schwartz, about the three types of intelligence needed to handle the most difficult moments in your life. In this episode, she shares her experiences in helping her dog, address and heal a terminal cancer. Do not miss this exciting episode full of wisdom.

Are you dealing with a recent loss? are you experiencing the possible loss of a loved one? if you are, then this podcast episode is for you. Listen as I chat with Dr. Jan Schwartz, about the three types of intelligence needed to handle the most difficult moments in your life. In this episode, she shares her experiences in helping her dog, address and heal a terminal cancer. Do not miss this exciting episode full of wisdom.

In this episode, I chat with my own sister, Jessica, about her weight loss journey. She lost 100 pounds and shares her wisdom on how to lose weight while honoring yourself. We talk about society's view of weight, about her journey in losing the first 20-30 pounds, and how being radically honest with herself, got her on track to living her best life. Most importantly, we talk about the role of compassion in helping Jessica transform her body.

In this episode, I chat with my own sister, Jessica, about her weight loss journey. She lost 100 pounds and shares her wisdom on how to lose weight while honoring yourself. We talk about society's view of weight, about her journey in losing the first 20-30 pounds, and how being radically honest with herself, got her on track to living her best life. Most importantly, we talk about the role of compassion in helping Jessica transform her body.

In this episode of our podcast, I speak with the incredible Ashley Williams, who was voted top 40 under 40 about the power of mindfulness in helping us return to ourselves.  We talk about how the systems we have created are crumbling, about how mindfulness can positively impact children in the school system, and the about the importance of creating mindful spaces where BIPOC people are welcome!

In this episode of our podcast, I speak with the incredible Ashley Williams, who was voted top 40 under 40 about the power of mindfulness in helping us return to ourselves.  We talk about how the systems we have created are crumbling, about how mindfulness can positively impact children in the school system, and the about the importance of creating mindful spaces where BIPOC people are welcome!

Currently students and teachers seem to be struggling more within the school system. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was something that the school could be doing to support students, teachers and administrators regarding their daily issues? Well there is! Introducing mindfulness into the school system can go a long way to help support student well being, mental health, education and more! Join me as I speak to Ben Painter who is leading the implementation of mindfulness in the school system. We speak about his perspective on what the schools of the future should focus on, as well as why it is important to have a mindfulness Director on site at every school. If you are a teacher, student, parent or administrator, don't miss this episode.

Currently students and teachers seem to be struggling more within the school system. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was something that the school could be doing to support students, teachers and administrators regarding their daily issues? Well there is! Introducing mindfulness into the school system can go a long way to help support student well being, mental health, education and more! Join me as I speak to Ben Painter who is leading the implementation of mindfulness in the school system. We speak about his perspective on what the schools of the future should focus on, as well as why it is important to have a mindfulness Director on site at every school. If you are a teacher, student, parent or administrator, don't miss this episode.

Martin Luther King Jr, said "love is the only power able to transform an enemy into a friend", but how does love do this? How do we embody Jesus' teaching of love thy enemy when other's behaviour is often so hurtful? Listen to my conversation with Christophe Mbonyingabo, Executive Director of CARSA Ministries. CARSA brings together Tutsi and Hutus who have been impacted by Genocide, in order to practice forgiveness and reconciliation. Listen to Christophe's wisdom around how people are conditioned to hate and the innovative approach his organization is using to bring people together in love. Do not miss this episode!

Martin Luther King Jr, said "love is the only power able to transform an enemy into a friend", but how does love do this? How do we embody Jesus' teaching of love thy enemy when other's behaviour is often so hurtful? Listen to my conversation with Christophe Mbonyingabo, Executive Director of CARSA Ministries. CARSA brings together Tutsi and Hutus who have been impacted by Genocide, in order to practice forgiveness and reconciliation. Listen to Christophe's wisdom around how people are conditioned to hate and the innovative approach his organization is using to bring people together in love. Do not miss this episode!

Do you wish there was a way to help young people regulate their challenging feelings and emotions in the school system. Do you desire more compassion in how we manage school based behaviors? Do not miss my enlightening chat with Kara Cosby on the power of compassion in the school system. In this conversation, she talks about her work with the Compassionate School Project (CSP) and how it is helping young people in the US have better personal and professional outcomes.

Do you wish there was a way to help young people regulate their challenging feelings and emotions in the school system. Do you desire more compassion in how we manage school based behaviors? Do not miss my enlightening chat with Kara Cosby on the power of compassion in the school system. In this conversation, she talks about her work with the Compassionate School Project (CSP) and how it is helping young people in the US have better personal and professional outcomes.

Are you a people pleaser? Do you say "yes" when you mean "no"? Do you believe that saying no to someone means they will no longer love you, or that they will leave you? If yes, then this episode is for you! Listen as I chat with Tina O Hoang about people pleasing, what historically led her to people please, and how she talks to herself now to address those tendencies. We also talk about how the other extreme of being confrontational, is not as different to people pleasing as some may think.

Are you a people pleaser? Do you say "yes" when you mean "no"? Do you believe that saying no to someone means they will no longer love you, or that they will leave you? If yes, then this episode is for you! Listen as I chat with Tina O Hoang about people pleasing, what historically led her to people please, and how she talks to herself now to address those tendencies. We also talk about how the other extreme of being confrontational, is not as different to people pleasing as some may think.

Listen to this inspiring episode on how mindfulness can help young people flourish in life and in the school system.  Listen to three incredible men share their 20 year journey of teaching mindfulness in schools and the impact their work has had in helping children become more peaceful, compassionate, loving, healthy and balanced.  Their work has been featured in CNN, Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America and so much more.

Listen to this inspiring episode on how mindfulness can help young people flourish in life and in the school system.  Listen to three incredible men share their 20 year journey of teaching mindfulness in schools and the impact their work has had in helping children become more peaceful, compassionate, loving, healthy and balanced.  Their work has been featured in CNN, Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America and so much more.

If you are going through a difficult moment, right now, this conversation is for you.  On this podcast episode I speak to Savio Clemente who survived stage 3 cancer, through determination, forgiveness and compassion for himself.  We talk about how he was able to overcome treatment symptoms, and how his journey lead him to completely change his life for the positive.  We also discuss emotions in boys, vulnerability and shame and of course, the importance of self compassion during a healing journey. 

If you are going through a difficult moment, right now, this conversation is for you.  On this podcast episode I speak to Savio Clemente who survived stage 3 cancer, through determination, forgiveness and compassion for himself.  We talk about how he was able to overcome treatment symptoms, and how his journey lead him to completely change his life for the positive.  We also discuss emotions in boys, vulnerability and shame and of course, the importance of self compassion during a healing journey. 

Listen to Alexi's story of overcoming lung COVID during a time when little was known about the virus. Listen to how she was able to alchemize this difficult moment into something greater with gratitude and compassion. We also talk about psychic powers, listening to our bodies, self-care, and the power of compassion.

Listen to Alexi's story of overcoming lung COVID during a time when little was known about the virus. Listen to how she was able to alchemize this difficult moment into something greater with gratitude and compassion. We also talk about psychic powers, listening to our bodies, self-care, and the power of compassion.

Listen to this remastered version of my interview with Lara Naughton on compassion during and after a sexual assault.  In this conversation Lara shares how love and compassion saved her life after she was kidnapped while on vacation.  She talks about how compassion changed her, and shares her ideas on how to change systems so that they can work better for both men and women who are involved in SA. 

Listen to this remastered version of my interview with Lara Naughton on compassion during and after a sexual assault.  In this conversation Lara shares how love and compassion saved her life after she was kidnapped while on vacation.  She talks about how compassion changed her, and shares her ideas on how to change systems so that they can work better for both men and women who are involved in SA. 

Almost everyone I know, has a mother wound.  What is that? an unresolved issue with their mother, or mother figure. On this call, you will learn how being compassionate towards ourselves and having boundaries, can help us address our mother based traumas and can help us step into forgiveness.  We also discuss the importance of unconditional love, as well as self-care. 

Almost everyone I know, has a mother wound.  What is that? an unresolved issue with their mother, or mother figure. On this call, you will learn how being compassionate towards ourselves and having boundaries, can help us address our mother based traumas and can help us step into forgiveness.  We also discuss the importance of unconditional love, as well as self-care. 

***Trigger warning*** Listen to this compassionate conversation about shame and sexual abuse from the perspective of a person who hurt others.  In this chat, you will learn about what causes some individuals to hurt others, how shame shows up in our lives, and how loving and being compassionate towards ourselves, can help us shine light to the darkest aspects of humanity. 

***Trigger warning*** Listen to this compassionate conversation about shame and sexual abuse from the perspective of a person who hurt others.  In this chat, you will learn about what causes some individuals to hurt others, how shame shows up in our lives, and how loving and being compassionate towards ourselves, can help us shine light to the darkest aspects of humanity. 

A must listen! On this episode, we talk about parenting, vulnerability, difficult feelings, and the power of compassion in helping us become better parents.  In this conversation, we get real about challenging emotions we may feel as parents and how to approach these difficult feelings with curiosity instead of judgment.  If you are looking for some support in being more authentically you and dealing with the challenges that arise, then this episode is for you. 

A must listen! On this episode, we talk about parenting, vulnerability, difficult feelings, and the power of compassion in helping us become better parents.  In this conversation, we get real about challenging emotions we may feel as parents and how to approach these difficult feelings with curiosity instead of judgment.  If you are looking for some support in being more authentically you and dealing with the challenges that arise, then this episode is for you. 

Do you desire to learn from a zen master? Well, you may have one in your own home. On this podcast episode, learn how your dog may hold the key to unlocking your own compassion, peace and joy!

Do you desire to learn from a zen master? Well, you may have one in your own home. On this podcast episode, learn how your dog may hold the key to unlocking your own compassion, peace and joy!

Listen to this wonderful chat about life after loss, gratitude, joy, self-love and self-compassion and living from our God-self!

Listen to this wonderful chat about life after loss, gratitude, joy, self-love and self-compassion and living from our God-self!

Are you looking for more magic in your life? Do you desire to live a life of synchronicity where you are guided towards your best and most exciting life? Listen to my conversation with Diana Wentworth who has worked with some of the most well known authors/speakers in the world.  From Jack Canfield to Louise Hay, her breakfast meetings launched many careers.  Now she's being guided to surrender it all and begin a new journey in this next phase of her life.  Do not miss this incredible chat about living from magic and the flow. 

Are you looking for more magic in your life? Do you desire to live a life of synchronicity where you are guided towards your best and most exciting life? Listen to my conversation with Diana Wentworth who has worked with some of the most well known authors/speakers in the world.  From Jack Canfield to Louise Hay, her breakfast meetings launched many careers.  Now she's being guided to surrender it all and begin a new journey in this next phase of her life.  Do not miss this incredible chat about living from magic and the flow. 

Listen to this inspiring story of healing from Georgie, who shares her experiences with rosacea and how by addressing her most complex inner feelings, she was able to heal herself.  In this episode she shares how her thoughts and feelings created illness in her body and how she was able to find healing from something doctors labelled "incurable".  If you are looking for inspiration, do not miss this conversation. 

Listen to this inspiring story of healing from Georgie, who shares her experiences with rosacea and how by addressing her most complex inner feelings, she was able to heal herself.  In this episode she shares how her thoughts and feelings created illness in her body and how she was able to find healing from something doctors labelled "incurable".  If you are looking for inspiration, do not miss this conversation. 

Does love have the power to save your life? Listen to the incredible tale of Paul J Nadeau whose compassionate approach helped save his life when he and his colleague were face to face with terrorists in another country.   As an experienced criminal interviewer, Paul shares his ideas on how to use compassion to get people to feel safe enough to open up and tell the truth.  Do not miss this inspiring conversation on the power of love. 

Does love have the power to save your life? Listen to the incredible tale of Paul J Nadeau whose compassionate approach helped save his life when he and his colleague were face to face with terrorists in another country.   As an experienced criminal interviewer, Paul shares his ideas on how to use compassion to get people to feel safe enough to open up and tell the truth.  Do not miss this inspiring conversation on the power of love. 

Join me as I chat with Echo on the amazing power of yoga to help us heal not only our bodies but our minds. We talk about the power of presence, perfectionism, what unconditional love really looks like, coming to love the aging process and how to be truly present in life.  Don't miss this wonderful conversation about how to connect better with our bodies.  Chapters 0:00 Promo Ad 1:08 Episode intro To get 12% off of a Blendjet2 blender and free worldwide shipping go to the following link: zen.ai/my12

Join me as I chat with Echo on the amazing power of yoga to help us heal not only our bodies but our minds. We talk about the power of presence, perfectionism, what unconditional love really looks like, coming to love the aging process and how to be truly present in life.  Don't miss this wonderful conversation about how to connect better with our bodies.  Chapters 0:00 Promo Ad 1:08 Episode intro To get 12% off of a Blendjet2 blender and free worldwide shipping go to the following link: zen.ai/my12