Real Eyes Realize

Johnny is a survivor: he's endured multiple forms of abuse, suicide attempts, and has found a way to move from his greatest wounds to a wisdom that rocks our world with messages of hope, tenacity, and levity. Johnny  talks candidly in his two TED talks about his journey, and his tagline is: “the real miracle is that he lived to tell the tale”.  In our REAL Eyes Realize podcast, we are lucky to dive into the levers Johnny looks at as important to play with in life, and those that simply don't matter. In his light-hearted and witty approach, he shares a range of personal experiences and the ways in which he has navigated his way through mental health challenges ranging from OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD and more. He's gone from not being able to touch food or hug people to fully engaging in life, on his terms.  We are thrilled to introduce you to the “Mental Health Rockstar” of our times, Johnny Crowder.

Justin and Shelly led the powerful online community called The Liberation Experience, a forum for people all over the world to explore what actions they could take to end racism in this world, in this lifetime.  Everything that Justin and Shelly are a part of turns into a movement of like-minded and like-hearted people and their style makes showing up in an activist way plausible and the greatest act of love we can do for one another. In the time when we see and feel such dramatic polarity in our world, these bright individuals urge all of us how to BE change agents for the greater good of all citizens, and doing so with love in  our hearts. Justin Michael Williams. From growing up with gunshot holes outside of his bedroom window, to sharing the stage with Deepak Chopra, Justin knows the power of healing to overcome. He is an author, top 20 recording artist, and transformational speaker who is using music and meditation to wake up the world. With over a decade of teaching experience, Justin has become a pioneering voice of color for the new healing movement—between his podcast, keynotes, and motivational online platforms, Justin's teachings have now spread to more than 40 countries around the globe. Justin is dedicated to using his voice to serve. To being a beacon of hope for those who are lost, and to make sure all people, of all backgrounds, have access to the information they need to change their lives. “When people wake up to their own brilliance—it's like magic,"says Williams. 'If my work and art can inspire people to do that, then I've fulfilled my mission.” His first book, Stay Woke: A Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us, was released nationwide February 11, 2020.  Shelly Tygielski. Author of the book, “Sit Down to Rise Up: How Radical Self-Care Can Change the World,” launched on October 26, 2021 from New World Library. She is also the founder of Pandemic of Love, a global, grass-roots, volunteer-led mutual aid community that has directly matched nearly two million people since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for over $60 million in direct transactions. Her work has been featured in over 100 media outlets including CNN Heroes of 2020, Forbes, Upworthy, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS This Morning, the New York Times and Washington Post. Shelly has been hailed by individuals from President Joe Biden to Arianna Huffington, and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn to Maria Shriver. Shelly is a trauma-informed mindfulness teacher named one of the “12 Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement” by Mindful Magazine in 2019. She teaches formalized self-care and resilience practices at organizations around the world, and is widely regarded as a self-care activist.

Jane is the Founder and Executive Director of The Coaching Fellowship, a leadership development program designed for women leading efforts for positive social impact.  This organization offers individual coaching and opportunities for connection with empowered women leaders worldwide, an important building block for cultivating strong leaders who care: care for the environment, care for the greater good of the community, and care for one another deeply. In addition, Jane has recently released a new book, “Unlocked, How Empowered Women Empower Women”, which includes short stories that highlight impactful female leaders working to propel women and girls forward. In telling their stories, Jane shows how these pioneers are creating lasting change and how we can apply their trailblazing lessons to our own lives. This book was written during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it is said (according to the World Economic Forum), women lost 36 years of progress in 2020 in terms of gender equality in the workplace, due to the pandemic.  That is an entire generation of progress lost. There is work to do and Jane helps us understand what we can do to support prosperous growth for all. Jane Finette.  Jane Finette is obsessed with accelerating change at scale through conscious leadership. Her passion, expertise and two decades of experience are anchored at the intersection of technology and human potential. At her core, she empowers individuals and communities to solve the world's largest, most persistent and perennial problems. Jane is the Executive Director and Founder of The Coaching Fellowship, a 501c3 non-profit which nurtures and brings together some of the world's most extraordinary emerging young women leaders in social change. Some of Jane's past work includes senior leadership roles at global brands such as eBay, Sotheby's and Mozilla reaching hundreds of millions of users through all stages of growth. She has founded and run large international teams, expanded organizations globally, built products, ran marketing departments and grown large scale open source communities. Jane is also a successful serial entrepreneur and certified CPCC ACC executive coach, and leadership expert. Jane is the author of the book Unlocked — How Empowered Women Empower Women, a referendum on women's inequality and a toolkit for leveling the playing field for women and girls. Part inspiration, part practical guide, Unlocked was written to encourage and empower women to take action into their own hands, and to reach gender equality in our lifetime.

Reisa Babic is a good friend, a pillar in her community, a cancer survivor, and one of the most humble and inspiring people you will meet, simply by the way she lives her life. Diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, she teaches all those who know her how to live life to the fullest, enjoy every moment, and not to take anything for granted … and she does this without truly teaching or preaching. She is super real with all the feelings that arise in raising an almost 15-year old son in Silicon Valley, as a single parent, and simply wanting one wish: to see him grow up. She is an active support for others diagnosed with cancer, particularly moms or other parents, and helps to educate others on the disease and ways to live with it, and moreso, to live fully with it. You will find her attitude inspiring, and find yourself rooting for Reisa when she says, “I may have cancer, but it will never have me!” Reisa Babic. Reisa is a single mother, working full time, living with cancer. When she is not working, she is spending time with her 14-year old son (when he isn't playing video games) who is her “life saver,” watching him play soccer or football. Reisa is an active volunteer with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, supporting those diagnosed with cancer and helping them understand there is hope. Work/life balance is very important to ensuring she is available for her son while still succeeding at work. Too many people live to work and not enough of us enjoy what we have while we are here.

While traveling through the Sacred Valley of Peru from December 27, 2021 - January 6, 2022, with these two master teachers Roberto & Rene, and good friend Gv Freeman, we enjoyed experiences of deep cleansing on physical, psychological and spiritual levels. At the end of our trip, I had a dream. That dream was to introduce people to their teachings, and furthermore to their personification of spiritual depth with no ego and an abundance of love. I wanted to provide this special podcast episode on my birthday, and offer to anyone wishing to make a donation to a cause close to their heart, that invitation. When I asked Robert & Rene if they would be open to an interview on REAL Eyes Realize podcast, they said they work with people face to face in order to see what is important for healing. That is hard over a podcast platform, then they could feel my heart and intention was pure, and said “of course, Princesa. Happy Birthday!” I introduce to our listeners these two incredible teachers, and their teachings. If listeners are so inclined and fund a cause that lights a lantern in your heart, giving to something or someone that matters deeply to you, please donate. I have initiated a Go fund Me campaign for two causes that matter to me and you are invited to donate there, if desired. Roberto & Rene Flores Solis. Brothers. Friends. Master Spiritual teachers. Roberto and Rene are plant medicine guides and instruments for deep awakening. Roberto is a kind-hearted and well-educated guide in Quechua traditions, a channel to “the doctors” of plant medicine, and a soul who will keep you laughing, loving, and enjoying the life you have been gifted to live. Rene is assistant to his brother and has proofed text books, and studied in-depth about Incan archeology and history. He is a fluent English-speaking guide who shares wisdom, stories, and has a heart of gold to all who meet him.

This podcast features Govind Dass (Gv) Freeman, a technical whiz, business consultant and expert generalist who provides founders, entrepreneurs, and executives clarity and a non-judgemental mirror for navigating the path toward lasting success and happiness. We discuss the struggle of forgetting and continually coming back to remembering we are enough in this world, and looking at the deep beliefs that when shattered, can break open the door to purpose and fulfillment. Gv gets REAL with us, discussing his path from substance abuse and trauma to a life where he now leads people through difficult challenges, doing their own DEEP work, and dancing  in consciousness experiences in a loving and supported way. Through Gv's matter-of-fact and approachable personality, we get to journey with him from an existence of feeling broken to being bold. Govind Dass (Gv) Freeman. Gv Freeman is a Personal Growth Strategist & Psycho-Spiritual Counselor with over 25 years of experience living at the center of a marketing, product, sales, and self-care Venn diagram. Gv is the creator of Founders Thriving, a movement designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and executives to be successful and happy - here and now - by decoupling net worth and self-worth and developing a healthy relationship with themselves and their business. Gv's interests and experiences span many roles including serial entrepreneur, fractional CRO, entheogen guide, and spiritual tourist. Gv pulls from all of these disciplines to help startups launch, companies grow, and founders thrive. For Gv, who is a dedicated Yogi, accepting the gift of his name (Gv is short for Govind Dass, a gift from his teacher Ram Dass) serves as an ever-present reminder that while we can never go back and make a brand-new start, we can start now and change our ending. In his spare time, Gv hosts retreats and travels the world, enjoys as much music as possible, and loves spending time with his friends and soul family. Support this podcast

This podcast features Jennifer Prugh who is a business owner, author, creative artist, and community builder.  She shares with us a compass for making business decisions that are conscious and kind, as well as prudent and profitable.  She shares her history from pushing against social constructs to finding yoga, teaching yoga, and inevitably building a business seen as a sanctuary for all who call Breathe Together Yoga their healing space.  We'll discuss the pivots that were needed in the midst of COVID-19 uncertainty and understand guiding principles, like meditation, that keep kindness and compassion at the forefront of how we show up in this world. Jennifer Prugh. Jennifer Prugh is the co-founder and owner of http://breathetogetheryoga.com/ (Breathe Together Yoga) in Los Gatos, CA. She created the https://jenniferprugh.com/learn/ (JOY of Yoga) School of Integrative Learning where she oversees and teaches for the 200 and 300 Hour teacher trainings. She also created JOYMAP, a 100 hour course in meditation and awareness practices.  Jennifer is passionate about “life education”, making mind and body practices accessible so students are empowered to live fully and contribute to life brilliantly.  She offers eight years of experience as an Associate Professor of storytelling, storyboarding, and creativity, ten years as a professional artist, and a Master's Degree in Art and Consciousness studies to her teaching and business leadership.  Jennifer leads four international retreats a year, and this year she published River of Offerings, Twelve Journeys Along the Ganges River, a book of her stories and photographs ten years in the making, available at Insight Editions or your favorite local bookstore. Support this podcast

This podcast features Cain Carroll who is a loving being at the intersectionality of spiritual awakening and integrative medicine.  Enjoy our REAL conversation, with lightness, humor, and an honest look at universal teachings, primarily that each of us is already and always Inherently Whole.  In this podcast, we learn more about Cain's Clearbright Framework, a roadmap for inquiry around inherent wholeness in Nine Petals of life.  We also hear about Cain's partnership with Dr. Josefa Rangel, MD, in their https://www.innatemedicine.com/ (Innate Medicine) business venture, helping patients restore the full potency of their health and healing capacity by identifying and transforming key elements of disharmony and imbalance within their lives. Cain Carroll: Cain Carroll is a wild mystic and rebel spiritual teacher whose embodiment of radical presence and teachings on awakened consciousness offer a fresh and much needed blueprint for the new humanity we yearn for. He is the architect of the Clearbright Teachings that invite seekers back into intimacy the sacredness of life, and co-creator of Innate Medicine — a new paradigm in whole person healing — with Josefa Rangel, MD. Support this podcast

This podcast features Anne Heffron who is a screenwriter, book author, and an incredible writing coach.  She compares writing to poop.  She surmises, “What if we realized writing is as basic a function as pooping … it is within us and wants to get out!  We also don't sit around and evaluate poop either. Think about that.”  What a world it would be if we all felt free enough to write from an authentic and true place within.  Anne relates her coaching to a “stick of dynamite” when it comes to helping her clients move past rules and the learned structure of writing, and our inherent editing mind, and teaches people how to find their authentic voice and the question their life is here to answer. Anne Heffron: Anne Heffron has taught writing for most of her adult life. She has been eating ice cream for even longer. She is currently writer-in-residence, farmer-in-training at Spirit Hill Farm in Sebastopol and holds online classes for adopted people with Pam Cordano. As a writing coach, she teaches both groups of people and individuals how to express their most authentic selves on paper. She got a dog not long ago and is deeply, wildly, in love. Support this podcast

This podcast features Caitlin Hoffman who is a Silicon Valley educator, academic coach, academic intervention specialist, and screen addiction specialist who shares with us her own life journey and calling to work with adolescents. Caitlin is no stranger to struggle, from growing up with hippie parents in the 1960's to experiencing tragic losses in life, and she shares her outlook about temporary , and preciousness of life.  She also shares her knowledge and experience in working with teens and families before and during COVID, and her views of a post-pandemic world where mental health challenges will continue to surface. Caitlin Hoffman: Caitlin has extensive experience working with parents, teenagers, and schools as a Silicon Valley educator, academic coach, academic intervention specialist, and screen addiction specialist.  She has over thirty-five years of experience in academia and  is the Founder of All Minds Matter, Academic Coaching Works, Parenting Works and Digital Detox Works.  Caitlin excels at advocating for adolescents, and helping parents navigate the complexities of the education system, specializing in working with students who are gifted and talented (GATE), have ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, or other learning challenges.  Through academic coaching, she creates new pathways for teens and parents. Support this podcast

This podcast features Jessica Eastland as she gets REAL with us on the struggles illustrated by her father's fight with ALS and also the grace with which her family moves through challenges when life throws hard things at you. Jessica is an educator and a positive community builder committed to raising awareness and support for non-profits working to end ALS (ALS Association, ALS TDI, I Am ALS). Jessica Eastland: Jessica is an elementary school teacher with a passion for social emotional well-being. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband, where they were both born and raised. They live very near to most of their extended family, and she loves every second of it! A woman of many hobbies, Jessica enjoys any opportunity to be creative and to get outside in nature. She is currently working her way through the 2021 52 Week Hike Challenge! Though life can throw many hard curve balls, she doesn't let the beautiful moments and lessons go unnoticed. Support this podcast

This podcast features a family willing to get REAL with our listeners about their experiences of raising two teens in the Bay area, and navigating the waters of gender identification with a transgender son and cisgender daughter.  We discuss the journey of listening, supporting, reaching out for guidance, and inevitably honoring the authenticity of what life offers, on each person's own terms. Benadom ACES: Alex Benadom is a 14-year old musician, heading to freshman year of High School in the fall, with athletic interests, a budding young actor, and likes making good memories. Chris Benadom is the father/husband of this beautiful family, who enjoys coaching youth, golf, fishing, and family fun.  Erika Benadom is the mother/wife of this tribe and whole-heartedly embraces how she supports people in her community, whether as an educator, principal, corporate leader, or advocate for ensuring all people are treated with dignity and respect.  Sam Benadom is a 16-year old soon-to-be junior in High School who enjoys art, plants, and getting creative with her hair color. Support this podcast

This podcast features the author of the incredible book, “Wake Up, Grateful”, and one of the most mindful and grateful leaders you will ever experience.  Kristi is also a cancer survivor and we discuss the shifts in her own life when the very fact of waking up another day reinvigorates her belief: “I get to be alive today!”  We discuss the difference between gratitude and grateful living and many more nuggets of wisdom (hint: your relationship with red and yellow traffic lights may be changed forever!)  Enjoy this heart-felt and intimate window into the eyes of Kristi Nelson and learn what it means to love with our hearts banging on their hinges... Wide Open! Kristi Nelson: Kristi is the executive director of A Network for Grateful Living.  She has a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School and has spent more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership, development, and consulting.  She has worked at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and the Soul of Money Institute. Kristi is a Stage IV cancer survivor who cherishes living among friends and family in western Massachusetts. Support this podcast

This podcast is a special one for many reasons.  At the outset of REAL Eyes Realize, Christina and Jessica, as podcast partners, set out to have REAL conversations.  In December 2020, Jessica’s life got rocked when her father unexpectedly left this earth.  As a team, we took a compassionate pause to grieve with Jess and this podcast marks our return to our monthly cadence.  It has been a painful and awakening time for all.  This podcast takes us through the perilous journey of grief as it ties to dealing with suicide of a loved one, a formidable father figure, and the ways in which one very special being (Jess Smith) has been navigating the ups and downs of impermanence.  Jessica Smith: Jessica is a Writer, Podcast Host (of the show Career Coaching with Jessness), Career Coach, and Public Speaker based in Modesto, CA. She’s an explorer of life and sees it as one big experiment to learn and grow. Jess believes the main ingredient we need to cultivate is a connection to our -NESS and to embody the knowing that we’re not here to figure out what to do, but rather, who we are. This journey of experimentation isn’t for the faint of heart, but to begin all you need is a willing-NESS and open mind.  Jess works 1:1 with coaching clients, is available for speaking engagements and guest appearances, and is currently co-creating with Spirit to bring book #2 into the world. Support this podcast

Join us to unpack the pitfalls and opportunities of sustainable aid that can support communities around the world, for the long-term. Julia Midland specializes in gender empowerment and works in humanitarian assistance, governance, health, counter-trafficking, counter-terrorism, and post-conflict rebuilding in some of the most war-torn places in the world. She shares with us a deep understanding of the problems with typical aid models and insight into what can be done for more community-centered programming.  We’re excited to learn with Julia and understand more about REAL liberation for all. Julia Midland: Julia has worked in international policy and humanitarian aid for over 15 years, evaluating the efficacy of aid programming and impact vs. intended outcome. Specializing in gender and conflict, she has worked across numerous sectors, including education, humanitarian assistance, governance, health, counter-trafficking, illicit finance, and counter-terrorism. Her work across the globe, with particular expertise in conflict and post-conflict environments such as Somalia, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has given her an acute understanding of the problems with the typical aid model, and insight into how to make development programming more sustainable through equitable, community-centered intervention. Support this podcast

This podcast highlights Lonnell Graham's Ripple Effect Actualizing Love (a.k.a REAL change!) in his family, community, and our world. We learn how Lonnell got started (think of a devoted Dad with political aspirations) and the work he does today operating from a place of deep personal truth. We will visit themes of education, the importance of never stopping learning, stoking our inner fire, mentor influences in life, and how Lonnell has been able to serve in a world of dealing with systemic racism. Lonnell Graham: Lonnell grew up in the Midwest. He was born in St. Louis and spent most of his childhood and young adult years in Kansas City. After graduating from Rockhurst University, he and his college sweetheart moved to San Jose, California. While there, he got married, earned a living as an insurance broker, and started a family. After feeling unfulfilled in the corporate sector, he became a stay-at-home Dad to his two children. He also discovered yoga and a new purpose in his life. Lonnell was a paraprofessional and a substitute teacher in the Kansas City and San Jose school districts and has always felt a calling towards being a civil servant. His dedication to the youth and teaching inspired his new career as a yoga instructor. Now, living in Houston, Texas he can be found teaching yoga at various gyms and studios and is an active member of his community! Support this podcast

Join us to unpack the pitfalls and opportunities of sustainable aid that can support communities around the world, for the long-term. Julia Midland specializes in gender empowerment and works in humanitarian assistance, governance, health, counter-trafficking, counter-terrorism, and post-conflict rebuilding in some of the most war-torn places in the world. She shares with us a deep understanding of the problems with typical aid models and insight into what can be done for more community-centered programming. We’re excited to learn with Julia and understand more about REAL liberation for all. Manoj Chalam: Manoj is the Murti Wallah, somebody who schleps and sells Murtis (statues of Hindu & Buddhist deities), teaches their symbolisms, archetypes, philosophy, mythology and a story teller who combines science, popular culture, psychotherapy and whatever he can get his hands on. He’s a scientist by training (Ph.D. In chemical engineering from Cornell) and also trying to keep teachings real with a healthy dose of humor. Jyothi Chalam: Jyothi is a scholar of Advaita Vedanta (non dual philosophy) and an accomplished South Indian classical music singer. Jyothi is a master teacher when it comes to sadhana and Vedanta philosophy. Jyothi's guru is Swami Tattvavidanandaji from Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Pennsylvania. Jyothi spends at least 3 months every year at their ashram studying the Vedantic scriptures of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutras. Support this podcast

In today's episode join us as we journey back to when the Real Eyes Realize Podcast was simply a spark of an idea. Listen as Ariela Cuellar moderates a conversation between show hosts, Christina Roberts Enneking and Jessica Smith where they share what it's been like to bring this movement from concept to REALity. Christina Roberts Enneking (she, her, hers) is an experienced coach, facilitator, and leadership consultant supporting large and small businesses and individuals throughout Silicon Valley. She is known as a catalyst for positive change, combining entrepreneurial spirit with practical tools and skill practice to hone leadership efficacy and help align people with their deeper purpose. When Christina isn't serving corporate or private clients, she is leading service-based yoga retreats to install solar lights built by children in the Silicon Valley to children and families who live off the grid, worldwide, and want light in their homes to support education and family bonding. Jessica Smith (she, her, hers) is an author and public speaker. She wrote the book, 'YOUR TWENTIES, a book about navigating change and transition and taking good care of ourselves as we navigate the 'real world'. She loves to travel the world speaking at events, workshops, conferences and universities. Jess is a career advisor, podcaster of the show titled 'Career Coaching Jessness'. She also incorporates essential oils into both her personal and professional life and sells them as a Wellness Advocate with Doterra, whom she loves because of their commitment to purity, sustainability + respect for farmers and the Earth. Ariela Cuellar (she/her/hers) identifies as salvadoreña/latinx, queer, Leo sun, Taurus moon, Gemini rising, dog mom, and pizza fanatic. She grew up in Vallejo CA and in her spare time can be found hanging out with her partner, friends, at local parks with her dog Waldo, and cooking. Some of Ariela’s side hobbies include photography, creating YouTube videos, and hosting a Live show on Instagram showing folks how to make essential oil DIY products. As a professional in the social media world, Ariela brings an eye for strategy and creativity to the Real Eyes Realize podcast team. She is passionate and excited about promoting positive ripples that initiate change in our world. Ariela loves engaging with community members (online and in-person) and is grateful to be a part of the Real Eyes Realize podcast. Support this podcast