She Has The Mic

My guest today is director Laura Seay, and we are talking about her new short film, The Coupon. "A woman finds herself embroiled in a legal nightmare when her husband gives away the cutesy romantic coupon she made for him, to a stranger.  Now the stranger is on her doorstep, demanding his prize." Laura is a writer, director, actor, and stand up based in Brooklyn, NY. Her films have garnered selections from Oscar qualifying and top tier festivals, as well as online platforms including FilmShortage.com and Film Threat. Having worked as a performer in the industry for over fifteen years, Laura is truly an actor's director. Across genres, her work conveys an unerring sense of authenticity. Particularly, Laura explores the subject of trauma through intimate storytelling and evocative visuals. She believes art about hurt, heals. Also, watch Laura's film The Baldwin Archives screening this week at OUTFEST! Find out more about Laura's work, including her award winning film, SPEAK on her website at: www.lauraseay.com.  Follow Laura on Instagram at @thelauraseay

Today my guest is director Crystal Kwok, and we are talking about her new film, Blurring the Color Line.   BLURRING THE COLOR LINE follows director Crystal Kwok as she unpacks the history behind her grandmother's family, who were neighborhood grocery store owners in the Black community of Augusta, Georgia during the Jim Crow era. Crystal Kwok is an award winning filmmaker who established her career in Hong Kong as an actress, writer, director, and talk show host. She won the audience choice awards at the 2000 Deauville Asian Film Festival for her daring debut feature, The Mistress, which explored female eroticism. As a strong women's advocate, her talk show, “Kwoktalk” broke boundaries in Hong Kong with conversations about women and sexuality. Having moved back to American soil after being overseas for a couple of decades, Kwok now embraces issues closer to home -- that of her Asian-American heritage. Kwok is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Hawaii in Performance Studies and a and also hosts a radio talk show and podcast, “Kwoktalk” on KTUH 90.1fm, addressing racial and gender issues with a multicultural perspective.

Can a mom be an astronaut?  Sarah Moshman's latest film is a narrative short based on a true story about the 1st mother in space entitled UNBOUND.  UNBOUND stars Lauren Lapkus (Jurasic World, Good Girls, Orange Is The New Black) as Dr. Anna Fisher. Our conversation is funny, real, and hopeful for a more equitable perspective on women and career. Sarah is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured on Netflix, PBS, Good Morning America, Upworthy, Marie Claire, and CNN. Sarah has directed and produced 3 feature-length documentaries: The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things (2014), Losing Sight of Shore (2017) and Nevertheless (2020). Sarah is dedicated to telling stories that uplift, inform and inspire as well as showcase strong female role models on screen. Prior to focusing on documentaries Sarah worked as a field producer on the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars for 10 seasons as well as shows on NBC, MTV, Lifetime, Bravo and the Food Network. She also directs branded content for EllenTube, Tastemade, Mattel, AT&T and more. Sarah is an inspiring public speaker, author, and an adjunct professor in documentary film, passionate about empowering the next generation of storytellers.

My guest today is acclaimed author, Robyn Gigl. Robyn's debut novel, "By Way of Sorrow", is thoroughly engrossing; a must-read legal thriller.  This is the story of Erin McCabe, a trans women attorney who is defending Sharise, also a trans women, who is accused of murder.  This is an intricate plot, with a strong emotional charge. Through Erin McCabe's personal and courtroom battles, we come face to face with prejudice, and injury towards trans people. Robyn's characters are thoughtfully created and compelling. I felt like I got to know Erin McCabe as a friend, and cheered for her every step of the way. She is a dauntless, sensitive, and complex protagonist. I can't wait for you to read Robyn's new book.  Listen in and hear Robyn introduce you to the indomitable Erin McCabe.   Read Sara Weinman's NYT review of "By Way of Sorrow" here:  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/books/review/crime-fiction-alma-katsu-red-widow.html  Robyn Gigl is an attorney, activist and author who has practiced law for more than 40 years. She is a partner in the law firm of Gluck Walrath in Freehold, NJ. Robyn has been appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to the Court’s Committee on Diversity Inclusion and Community Engagement. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Garden State Equality, NJ’s largest LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Organization, and lectures frequently on diversity issues, particularly on LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace and schools. Find out more about Robyn on her website: https://robyngigl.com/ And follow Robyn on Twitter: @robyngigl  

Venezuelan born, Miami raised actress Maria Corina Ramirez earned her B.F.A in Acting from New World School of the Arts. Shortly upon graduating, she took on several leading and supporting roles in theatres all across Miami in both English and Spanish. She has most recently starred in, written, and directed her debut feature film, Bridges. She previously starred in and co-wrote the Complex Network's first-ever scripted series, Grown. She has starred in two NBC-Telemundo TV series, two Cine Latino films, and over a dozen national campaigns and commercials. Combining her classical training with her voice as a Latina, she is constantly creating original content for the stage, film, television, and new media platforms. Her original work has been seen in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, the Cannes Film Festival 2012 "Shorts Corner" and the 2015 American Black Film Festival, among others. Her latest theatre piece, Supa'Nova, won an artist residencies at Miami Theatre Center and a producer's scholarship for the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival in L.A., where performances were sold out. When she is not acting or writing, she is doing yoga, making her family laugh, or traveling. Watch Maria's debut film at the upcoming Miami Film Festival!  https://miamifilmfestival.eventive.org/films/5fff796a4fceae0096ef6ad4 Find out more about Maria on her website at:  mariacorinaramirez.com Follow Maria on Instagram: @mariacorinaramirez And on Twitter: @mariacorinarami

My guest today is Alyscia Cunningham.  We are talking about her new film, "I Am More Thank My Hair".  It seems like a simple statement, but it is powerful one. Our conversation is a deep look at what society thinks of as beautiful.  We touch on the messages we receive in the media on what our hair should look like, and how it is intrinsically tied to our value.  Well, no more. Alysica's film, and her book by the same name, is a rebellion, and call to action, to love ourselves beyond what others think.  Alyscia is an entrepreneur, author, filmmaker and photographer who has contributed to the Smithsonian, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and AOL. After the success of her first book, "Feminine Transitions", a photography book encompassed with portraits of raw feminine beauty, Cunningham published her second photography book and documentary film, "I Am More Than My Hair". It includes interviews of women who've experienced hair loss due to a health-related condition and dives into the connection of their emotions in relation to the media's portrayal of beauty standards. Her upcoming project, "Seeing", is a documentary that includes stories of girls and women who are visually impaired.   Alyscia co-organized the Reel Moms partnership with WIFV, a supportive community for working Moms and Caregivers in the film and TV industry.  She is also one of the FrontLine Voices for Stop the Beauty Madness. Her work has been featured on The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, The Washington Post, Fox 5, ABC 7 and Proud2BMe.   Alyscia’s goal is to continue producing documentary films and photo books. With the completion and direction provided through the Horror/Psychological Thriller workshop with Sundance Collab Institute, Alyscia also plans to write and direct Horror films. Find out more about Alysicia's work on here website at: www.Alyscia.com Find her on Instagram: @alysciacunningham and on Facebook and on Twitter at: @alyscia_c You can also find Alyscia's book, I Am More Than My Hair on Amazon To help support Alyscia, you can make a tax-deductible donation to fund her exhibition in March 2021.

My conversation today with @sorayagiacarrdi was nothing short of revolutionary! THIS is a call to action: start supporting women in the media, for equal and authentic representation. Behind and in front of the camera. From studios promoting women to the executive level, to movie goers, and streaming service consumers (that's you and me). Women need to tell their own stories. The numbers are there, we can see the inequities. NOW let's change that. Soraya Giaccardi is a researcher, educator, consultant, and speaker working in the media/entertainment and non-profit circles. Previously, she served as Associate Director of Research at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media and has consulted for non-profits like The Representation Project.   Soraya’s work focuses on representations in media and how these representations contribute to real-world attitudes and behaviors, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Her work has been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals. She holds a B.A. from the University of Texas and an M.S. from the University of Michigan. www.sorayagiaccardi.com Find Soraya on Instagram here.

Katsitsionni Fox is a warm, powerful and wise woman filmmaker. What a joy and privilege it was to interview Katsitsionni. Did you know that suffragettes like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony found the inspiration for the suffragette movement from Haudenosaunee women? For over 1,000 years before women had the vote in the United States-1920 for white women and 1965 for women of color- Huaudenosaunee women had equal rights in their tribes, in every aspect, including government. The Haudenosaunee were then and are now, matrilineal. In Katsitsionni's new film, Mohawk Clan Mother Louise Herne tells us, "I'm not a feminist, I'm the law."  Katsitsionni Fox has been making films since 2003 in the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne, where she resides. Her most recent film is Without a Whisper Konnón:kwe, the untold story of how Haudenosaunee women influenced the early suffragists in their fight for freedom and equality. Katsitsionni also directed Ohero:kon - Under the Husk a 26-min documentary following the journey of two Mohawk girls as they take part in their traditional passage rites to becoming Mohawk Women. Katsitsionni received the Jane Glassco Award for Emerging Filmmaker at the imagineNATIVE Film Festival in 2016 as well as the Achievement in Documentary Filmmaking Award at LA Skins Fest in 2016. This film received funding from Vision Maker Media and has been broadcast on many PBS stations in 2017. She is currently producing a short - doc series for REMATRIATION - a Native American women's online, multi-media magazine.  It is focused on healing and empowerment of Native women through the sharing of their stories and successes. Katsitsionni teaches at the Salmon River School in upstate New York. Kitsatsionni has won several awards for Without a Whisper Konnón:kwe this year, including best short documentary at Female Voices Rock, and at the Red Nation Film Festival. Rush to see this groundbreaking film! It will change everything you know about the women's suffrage movement in the U.S. You can view Without A Whisper Konnón:kwe right now HERE! You can order Without A Whisper Konnón:kwe website for schools, or for your personal library here.

It's my last commentary of 2020, and my 50th episode!   Taking stock here, looking at what changed me this year, and how I changed. Hannah Gadsby's new show, Nanette, on Netflix, and Jingle Jangle! Follow me on Instagram: @dianne_wieler If you enjoy listening and like what I do, please support me on Patreon. For $3 a month you can become a patron, about the same as a cup of coffee. :)     

I am so grateful for Venida Rodman Jenkins, and the illuminating conversation we had about cultural humility and conscious consumption of the media. I have realized that white women have the power to change what we see on screen. We vote with our dollars. Which means, with every dollar we spend, we can choose to support films made by and about women of color, to ensure that their stories are told. Authenticity. There are so many ways we can seek out these films, and right now, film festivals are highly accessible online. Let’s celebrate; celebrate seeing women of color on screen, their voices, and their journeys.   Venida C. Rodman Jenkins is the Director of the Speicher-Rubin Women’s Center for Equity and Diversity at New Jersey City University bringing visibility to underrepresented groups.  In September of this year Venida was welcomed as the new Race, Gender, and the Media professor at Newhouse NYC at Syracuse University. She is also the Founder and Pastor of EMBRACE Church.   Venida, named to ROI’s Influencers List for People of Color 2019 has merged her unique experiences in publishing, higher education, and Christianity to facilitate discussions, and bring enlightenment in the areas of race, gender, cultural humility, and faith.

My guest today is Sujata Day. Sujata’s first feature film, Definition Please, spoke right to my heart. I have bipolar disorder, and I am so glad that it is being seen in a fuller scope. In popular films, we see the extreme side of bipolar disorder. In Sujata's film, the story of Monica and her family shows the much more nuanced side of this mental illness. Sujata’s film is down-to-earth, elegant, joyous and poignant all at the same time. And in our interview we talk about how life is just like that, and that our relationships play a big role in who we are as human beings. Sujata is known for her starring role as CeCe in Issa Rae’s Awkward Black Girl. She has also recurred for three seasons on HBO's Insecure. Sujata is a Sundance Lab fellow and 2019 HBO Visionaries Ambassador. Her short film, Cowboy and Indian, sold to a major studio for series development. Sujata's award-winning debut feature film, Definition Please, is currently on the film festival circuit.   You can connect with Sujata through Facebook and Instagram   Additionally can also watch her film, Definition Please at the following film festivals   Hawaii International Film Festival Three Rivers Film Festival 

Woo hoo!  I got the courage up to do a commentary. Good job, me.   I am going to do commentaries regularly from now on. Each episode will be about 20 minutes, and I’ll be talking about:   Something personal about me; funny family stories, and life experiences in general. A review of a film or tv show I’ve seen that week, with a female lead.  My take on current events that week.   This week I’m talking about where I’ve lived, the documentary film Miss Representation, The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, Lovecraft Country and the impending exit of our current, crap president.     And that’s it in a nutshell! It was a little scary deciding to do this; interviewing other people just seems easier. But in fact, it was way better than a trip to the dentist.   Hope you are having a great week.    My love to you!   ~Dianne   www.diannewieler.com Find me on Instagram on Facebook  and on Linkedin  

Sarah Megan Thomas is a champion for women's stories, and her latest film, "A Call To Spy" is the fantastic telling of 3 heroic women spies in WWII. In 1941 Winston Churchill enlisted women spies in the Special Operations Executive to conduct sabotage and build resistance. Women were not seen as threats, and were far less likely to be stopped at check points.  Working off this stereotype these women were dauntless in their efforts to thwart the march of the Nazi regime into France. I was absolutely riveted by the stories of Virgina Hall, Vera Atkins and Noor Inayat Khan. This is a must see film for anyone wanting to know more about the role these courageous women played in ending WWII.   Sarah Megan Thomas is an actress, producer, and writer. ​ For her latest film, “A Call to Spy,” Sarah wrote the original screenplay, produced, and plays legendary American spy Virginia Hall, alongside Stana Katic (playing Vera Atkins) and RAH dee kah Ahp tay (playing Noor Inayat Khan). The project, released by IFC Films, has won numerous awards including the Anti-Defamation League “Stand Up” Award presented at the 2020 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and the “Audience Choice” award (in record numbers) at the Whistler Film Festival. INDIEWIRE called Thomas “the standout here, with the multi-hyphenate not only taking on the film’s meatiest role as real-life spy figure Virginia Hall, but also writing and producing the feature.”​​ Sarah’s previous film was the groundbreaking “Equity,” in which she created the concept, co-wrote the story, produced, and starred. A first of its kind, “Equity” is a female driven Wall Street thriller. Sarah was honored with a Women's Image Network Award, Creative Coalition Spotlight Award, and Voice of A Woman Award for "Equity.” ​​ Sarah also starred in the romance-drama “Backwards” opposite James Van Der Beek and has appeared in various television shows including “Law and Order, SVU.” She has also starred in numerous Off-Broadway productions.​ Sarah is an athlete in her personal life, enjoying nearly all sports from basketball to yoga. She has climbed to the top of Mt. Rainer in Washington, and sea-kayaked in Alaska.​ Sarah currently resides in downtown New York City with her husband, son and daughter. Watch A Call To Spy on Amazon and on iTunes. Find out more about A Call To Spy on their website here.  You can also follow Sarah on Instagram,  and Twitter.

In this special episode, Gangotri Garg, Mansi Goel and I are talking about how this presidency has heightened racism, and how it has effected them personally. We are talking about what is at stake collectively with Election 2020. It is imperative that we, white people, vote with our humanity. ESPECIALLY this election.   Look into our hearts. Understand that for us as white people, nothing will change if Donald Trump remains president. Nothing. For people of color, their lives are at stake.   This is not political. This is factual. We each have been witness to the racist comments the president makes. This is an unavoidable truth.   So please, my white friends, listen to our episode here. 

Wow, what a fantastic talk today with one of my favorite authors, Paula Brackston! Paula is a New York Times bestselling author and her witch series is a pure delight. Last month I finished her book, The Winter Witch and am now reading The Witch's Daughter. Paula's books are perfect for this Halloween month! In today's episode we talked about her books, including her Found Things series, and a good treat bag full of her other-worldly books. I can't wait to share this episode with you- a great break in the wild storm of 2020. We all need moments to decompress. Reading Paula's books is my way of transporting to another space in time, if even for a bit, to get that much needed escape. Have a listen so that you may do the same! Paula Brackston is a New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter, and the sequel, The Return of the Witch.  She  has also written The Winter Witch, The Silver Witch and The Midnight Witch. Her new books are a time travel series set in the historic market town of Marlborough, where Xanthe Westlake and her mother buy a run down antique shop. Different treasures sing to her, and she travels back in time with them to solve their mystery.  Paula grew up in Wales and now lives in the ancient border city of Hereford, with her partner and their two children. And three cats and two dogs! When she is not writing, she loves going for long walks and enjoys movies and photography. Paula has also just finished filming her first short film, which she is about to edit. Find Paula here: www.paulabrackston.com   Find Paula on Facebook and Instagram   BOOKS BY PAULA BRACKSTON: The Winter Witch The Witch's Daughter The Little Shop of Found Things Once Upon a Crime: A Grimm Brothers Mystery

It was my honor to talk with Myisha T. Hill today, and I am grateful for her openness, in our conversation about mental health. This was personal for both of us.  Although we have both struggled with mental illness, our experiences within the healthcare system have been very different. In today’s episode we are talking about cultural competency, diagnosis, treatment, and cultural stigmas towards mental illness. Myisha T is a mental health activist, speaker, and entrepreneur passionate about mental wellness and empowerment for women. In 2018, Myisha became curious about white women and privilege after ending a relationship with a co-worker that negatively impacted her mental health. This led her to identify her own internalized oppression and racism. Not interested in throw-away culture, she decided to seek out safe ways that white folks are showing up for BIWoC. During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Myisha began her Check Your Privilege interview series inquiring into the work some white women are doing to show up safely for BIPoC and move beyond passive ally-ship to action driven co-conspirators. Myisha works with organizations and community groups taking white people on a self-reflective journey exploring their relationship with power, privilege, and racism. You can connect with Myisha T. Hill through Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn   Check Your Privilege Brown Sister Speak Anti-Racism Courses from Myisha T. Hill Contribute to the Brown Sisters Speak Therapy Fund

Peshawn Bread is a filmmaker who is going to the places we are not always willing to talk about in our daily lives, but need to. Through her new film in production, The Daily Life of Mistress Red, Peshawn is reframing how we look at sexuality and indigenous women. As a Comanche woman and a former dominatrix, Peshawn found herself in situations where racism would come into play, during sessions with her white male clients. Over time, there began a BDSM relationship where Peshawn confronted their white supremacy. This became a transformative experience and fostered a deeper understanding of race for these clients. The Daily Life of Mistress Red is about reclaiming narratives about sexuality as an indigenous women. This film is currently in the Sundance Film Lab. The Daily Life of Mistress Red is a mockumentary that explores the world of kink, native women and defeating white supremacy. Marie Callingbird is a Native fashion boutique owner by day and Mistress Red by night. Mistress Red is a dominatrix for hire who takes the effects of racism, sexism and colonization into her own hands by educating white supremacists through pleasure. This project focuses on issues within the circle of indigenous women, racism and the acceptance of sexuality.    In the winter of 2015 she was introduced and welcomed as one of Sundance Institute’s Full Circle Kellogg Fellows. As well a 2015-16 recipient of the 4thWorld- Indigenous Media Lab Fellowship supported by SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) and in partnership with Longhouse Media, Sundance and ITVS. She also attended the Sundance Screenwriter’s lab hosted by Joan Tewksbury. Throughout the years she has worked on many sets from Drunktown’s Finest (2014) to Mud (Hashtl’ishnii) (2017). She currently resides in San Francisco where she is a fourth year student at the Academy of Art University.    Follow Peshawn on Instagram.

Jennifer Reeder is the original Riot Grrrl, and created the films to prove it!  Jennifer is one of the most fun, intellectual, intense and passionate filmmakers I have had the pleasure of interviewing. Her films are true reflections of the inner lives of teen girls.  Jennifer Reeder constructs personal fiction films about relationships, trauma and coping. Her award-winning narratives are innovative and borrow from a range of forms including after school specials, amateur music videos and magical realism.   The Oscar-winning director of Parasite, Bong Joon Ho, has named Jennifer one of the top 20 directors to watch in 2020, in this article by Indiewire. Her awards include several that have qualified her films for Oscar nomination.   Jennifer's films have shown consistently around the world, including the Sundance Film Festival, The Berlin Film Festival, The Tribeca Film Festival, and the The London Film Festival.   Her most recent film, Knives and Skin, is a mystical teen noir that follows a young girl's disappearance in the rural Midwest and its effect on teens and parents. Knives and Skin is now streaming on Amazon and on Hulu. You can also find Jennifer's short films on Vimeo.    She is currently in preproduction with a new feature length film called PERPETRATOR which is being produced by WTFilms, 30West and Divide & Conquer.

As you can guess, I was extremely nervous about interviewing a journalist as respected and accomplished as Astrid Martinez. But she immediately put me at ease with her down-to-earth personality and empathy, which I think are two of the qualities that make her a superlative journalist.  Astrid Martinez is an intensely insightful, 3x Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist, based in Atlanta Georgia, at CBS46. She is the creator and host of entertainment/culture segment “Astrid in the ATL” at CBS46. The segment explores film and TV industry, music, art, and race and culture. Astrid has also tackled topics ranging from immigration, homeland security, drug cartels, violence along the border and human trafficking. In our interview we talked about the current civil unrest and protests we are experiencing in America, fueled by a racist agenda in the Whitehouse. We also talked about how the stories we are hearing in the media have the power to shape our perceptions of each other.  Astrid goes on to say "I have great friends who are allies that say yes, forever we've told our own stores, let’s look at other beautiful stories and let’s tell them.” Growing up in Colombia, Astrid saw first-hand the civil and political unrest that plagued her country. It was this type of upheaval and the people's lives it affected that first ignited her passion for storytelling and a career in journalism.   After moving to the United States, Astrid graduated with top honors from Montclair State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a concentration in Latin American Studies.   Follow Astrid on Instagram here. 

It was a thrill and an honor to talk with B. Monét, Director this week! In her films, B.Monét poses questions about identity, society, race, and culture. It is vital to her that under-represented people are shown in film, media, and television.   In this episode, we are talking about her most recent film, Ballet After Dark, which is a pure joy to watch. It is a magnificent celebration of the freedom from pain that dance can give. Last week I talked with the amazing Tyde-Courtney Edwards, whom this film is centered around. B.Monet was selected as one of the winners for the Queen Collective in partnership with Queen Latifah, Tribeca and P&G for Ballet After Dark.   B.Monet is a writer/director, a graduate of Spelman College, and holds an MFA from New York University in Film and Television with a concentration in writing and directing.    Watch Ballet After Dark is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu.  

This week I'm talking with Tyde-Courtney Edwards, an incredible woman, who has worked to transcend her own pain, through the healing power of dance. She has now founded her own ballet company, Ballet After Dark, to help other black women trauma survivors do the same.    Ballet After Dark is an immersive dance class and therapy program. Through social media, Tyde-Courtney received several requests to start her program worldwide, and now Ballet After Dark just launched their first international studio, in Mexico.   B.Monet, a renowned American filmmaker, heard of Tyde-Courtney’s story. As a result, she reached out, and together they created the beautiful, award-winning short film, Ballet After Dark. This film was produced by Queen Latifah, and is now streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime and screening at the Lunafest Film Festival across the country.   Tyde-Courtney is offering women an innovative, transformative, and positive way to cope with the grief of trauma. Listen in to hear more about my amazing guest this week, Tyde-Courtney Edwards. 

Maebe A. Girl is the first transgender woman to hold office in the United States, and she is fierce! When Maebe decided to run for the Silverlake Community Council in California, she wanted to represent who she was, and acknowledge her whole identity.  With that, Maebe decided to run with her drag queen stage name, Maebe A. Girl.   What I loved most about my conversation with Maebe, was her irrepressible enthusiasm, and dedication to servant leadership. Her mission is to Protect. Advocate. Legislate. Primarily, Maebe is focused on solving homelessness, and LGBTQ rights.    LGBTQ youth represent as much as 40% of the homeless youth population.  Maebe is actively working with organizations like The Trevor Project:    “The Trevor Project exhorts policymakers to fully fund programs that support homeless youth and to legislate environments of LGBTQ inclusion and affirmation.”    In March 2020 Maebe ran for congress against Representative Adam Schiff. Although she did not win the nomination, she came in third place, and missed second place by only 1,114 votes. Don’t count Maebe out for another congressional run!   In a completely unique and wonderful way, Maebe combines her natural joie de vivre with a strong dedication to advocating for homeless people, and the LGBTQ community. Her empathy and deep understanding of these issues is what sets Maebe apart as a council member.   Maebe A. Girl is asking us to “Go out and vote, and take a really honest look at who the candidates are...what would inspire you to support this candidate?  What is the change you want to see in the world?”   I believe these are the questions we need to ask ourselves at this incomprehensible time in America. I believe we need to vote for a president who is compassionate, integrous, and resolute in upholding equality for people of color, and the LGBTQ community. Now is the time to stand up for the marginalized and underrepresented people in our country.    Vote.   To check your voter registration, to register, to find out how to vote by mail and get reminders, visit Vote.org. Find Maebe A. Girl on:  Instagram Find out more about The Trevor Project.  And watch Maebe A. Girl’s feature in Behind The Drag

I am beyond excited to tell you about my fabulous guest this week, Director Lisa Donato. Lisa’s first feature film, Gossamer Folds, was just selected for Geena Davis’s Bettonville Film Festival. Gossamer Folds, set in 1986, is about ten-year-old Tate, who is uprooted and moved unwillingly to the suburbs of Kansas City. As his parent's marriage unravels, Tate finds solace in the unlikely friendships of his next-door neighbors: a retired college professor and his transgender daughter, Gossamer.   Lisa Donato has directed so many fantastic short films including: There You Are, starring Jen Richards, now screening at the Lunafest Film Festival across the country.  Foxytrot, Spunkle, and a docu-series, Behind the Drag are a few more of the irresistible films that Lisa has created and directed. Join me for the ride!   Lisa also co-wrote Signature Move with Fawzia Mirza, a hilarious dramedy about 2 seemingly mismatched lesbian lovers, now on Amazon.    Lisa Donato is a film director, screenwriter, and activist who is dedicated to centering the stories of people and communities relegated to the margins. She lives in Austin (Texas) with her wife, niece, and siamese rescue cat. When she's not making movies and videos, she's making playlists on Spotify or photographing nature and water reflections. She's a taco enthusiast and I often thinks about how she could feasibly bathe in a giant tub of mashed potatoes. Watch Gossamer Folds here. www.lisadonato.com imdb.com Instagram Twitter Vimeo

In her story, Mutale connects us to the “unfavorable and limiting conditions,” of post-colonial Africa, which forced her emigration. This is the homeland she is seeking to restore within herself, through narrative storytelling. Her story provides some perspective on the far-reaching impact and devastations of the racist ideologies and practices that began when Europeans first set foot on the African continent, in the 15th century. Elevating the voices of people of color is vital, and Mutale’s story is one that informs and inspires. Mutale makes a call to first listen, and then to take action; for a better world and a better future. Mutale Bingley was born in Botswana, Southern Africa. At the age of 19 she immigrated to the United States, originally arriving as an International Student. Mutale had very little in the way of financial resources, but despite this she understood that her only option was to succeed. Going back home, where she had left an alcoholic father, was not an option at the time. She wanted more than what her home life had given her. She hoped to begin a new life and find her dreams in America. Mutale is a social worker at Veterans Affairs and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two daughters. Find Mutale on: Linkedin   Books: "When She Was White", by Judith Stone "Between The World and Me", by Ta-Nehisi Coates

My guest today is Victoria Maxwell, aka the Bipolar Princess.  In Victoria's one woman, international performance, "Crazy For Life", she talks about her own experience with having bipolar disorder in a hilarious, honest and moving way.  Victoria was diagnosed with BP in her twenties, and struggled with her diagnosis and treatment in the beginning. No one wants to be nutbar, looney, loopy, or wacko.  These are some of the many words we have for crazy, as Victoria has said. Shortly after Victoria had a psychotic episode and ran naked down a major Vancouver street, things began to be more clear. It was an eye opening experience.  For literally everyone.  There is so much stigma around metal illness, and even more misunderstanding about bipolar disorder. Talking with Victoria was such a weight off my shoulders. In her sharing her story, I was able to tell my own.  Tune in for the season one finale episode. It's a doozy.  www.victoriamaxwell.com Find Victoria's Mental Health Resource & Tips Free Guide here. Facebook Twitter Please also subscribe to Victoria's newsletter to download the Escape the Vicious Triangle of Anxiety, Depression and Perfectionism guide.

Faith Alpher is my guest today, on this very poignant day, Juneteeth, 2020.  In Faith's one woman sold-out show, Black Girl. Funny World, Faith portrays 25 different characters. It’s Intimate, humorous and heartwarming, showing traces of her life story and the many challenges she has faced and overcame. She has performed throughout the New York City and San Francisco Bay Area. When I thought about all the questions I wanted to ask Faith, I realized that everything I wanted to talk about was in her show.  We talked about her experience in Catholic school, about being in an interracial marriage and having white in-laws, about hair (of course, HAIR!), and about Black Lives Matter.   This was a very special interview for me. Faith's words and laughter went straight to my heart. Faith is the person who changes your life when she tells you her story.  This is a heart broken wide open moment. Listen in.   Watch Black Girl. Funny World here. Visit Faith on her website here. Find Faith on Instagram and Facebook.   BOOKS: The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Stories That Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business by Kindra Hall

My guest today is Sheba Simpson Sheba is running for New York City Council, 9th District, Harlem, where she has lived for most of her life. Sheba is here to fight for affordable housing, excellent education for children, and much needed services for seniors. Due to the skyrocketing rents in Harlem, Sheba and her family were forced to live outside of New York for seven years. As a mother of three children and a grandmother of five, Sheba knows firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family in the most expensive city in the five boroughs.  She has had to make the hard decision to feed her children or pay rent. She understands the stress one feels as they may be evicted because rent money has to be used to pay a medical bill or car repair. Fortunately, Sheba was able to move back to Harlem, to fight for affordable housing. Sheba is also advocating for programs that would build on the skills that Harlem’s children naturally possess. She has over twenty years of experience as a Special Education teacher, as well as administrative experience in New York City Public Schools. Sheba knows seniors need resources and quality care. Harlem can no longer wait to provide the most vulnerable population with the resources they deserve. Growing up on the West side of Harlem in the eighties, Sheba witnessed how the crack epidemic devastated families by addiction, and incarceration.  She held on to the idea that when she grew up, she would help her community be a better place.  Together, Sheba believes in building a diverse, safe and welcoming community in Harlem.  You can find Sheba on her website at:  ShebaForCityCouncil.com And on: Instagram Facebook Twitter Linkedin      

Today I am thrilled to interview Sally Colón-Petree, Director of the exhilarating film, “Women Like Us”.  In her film, Sally chronicles the the interviews of Catt Sadler, with powerful women leaders like Ida Betty Odinga, First Lady of Kenya and Dianne Hudson, Executive Producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show. Women change makers who will inspire you to step into your own leadership and create expansive change in your own community. Sally is an award winning Puerto Rican Filmmaker from Chicago who relocated to Los Angeles in 1996 to pursue her career in the entertainment industry. Soon after arriving in LA, Sally was hired by MTV Networks as a contestant coordinator. She then went on to pursue acting and was featured in several television shows, national commercials and hosted television for several years. In 2004, Sally launched Dream On Productions, a Los Angeles based, female-driven boutique Production Company. Her first project was the reality show, “Tour TV”, followed by several films, music videos. In 2014, Sally made her directorial debut with the feature documentary, “Women Like Us”, featuring Catt Sadler, Sherri Shepherd and music by Grammy nominated artist, MOBY. In 2017 WLU premiered at the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival.  Since the premiere, WLU has been screened in over 100 theaters across the country, starting conversations about gender equality, with Gathr Films as the distributor. Sally is in post production on her second feature documentary, “Puerto Rico Se Levanta”, (working title), chronicling the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the resilience and history of the Puerto Rican people, and has started writing her first script based on a true story. 

My guest today is Lisa Dennen-Young.  Lisa is the one to help you reach right into your soul, and find the words you are longing to say.  To speak your truth.  Lisa holds the space for you to reconnect with yourself, and align your voice with what you value most. Epic-ally Expressed is about knowing how you want to show up, and then doing it.  Epically expressed is following through on what you believe in; in a very vocal and upfront way.  This may be in conversations with friends, or on social media.  Being an ally means that you are always an ally, that you are always communicating within your integrity.  Lisa Dennen-Young, MA was the first woman of color (WOC) to graduate as a forensic linguist in the United States. For 10+ years she’s trained global audiences about diversity/equity/inclusion, cross-cultural communication, and expression across professional and personal relationships.  Lisa mentors womxn to be epic-ally expressed leaders: living unapologetically themselves as their highest leadership. Her blend of fun and light-hearted depth includes dance, vocals, songwriting, spoken word, sound healing, rhythmic play, poetry, love coaching, and multilingual presenting. She speaks fluent Spanish and Portuguese, with working knowledge of French, Turkish and Italian. Free Gift: Upleveling Your Leadership Through Allyship  Follow Lisa on: Instagram Facebook Twitter Sponsor the The NEW Program Register for The NEW Program  

As a white woman, looking inward to my own white privilege is difficult. The conversations here are uncomfortable, and absolutely imperative if I am to "be the change I want to see in the world", as Mahatma Gandhi said so poignantly. At times in this interview I felt awkward.  I searched for the right words.  But that's how it's supposed to be. By leaning in to the discomfort, I'm learning about my own biases and assumptions.  One thing I'm understanding now is, I don't even know what I don't know.  And thankfully, Myisha is here to guide me in this process of unpacking, creating awareness and living into the work of anti-racism.   Myisha T Hill is a mental health activist, speaker, and entrepreneur passionate about the mental wellness and the empowerment for women. In 2018, Myisha became curious about white women and privilege after ending a relationship with a co-worker that negatively impacted her mental health. This led her to identify her own internalized oppression and racism. Not interested in throw-away culture, she decided to seek out safe ways that white folks are showing up for Black, Brown and Indigenous Women of Color. During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Myisha began her Check Your Privilege interview series inquiring into the work some white women are doing to show up safely for BIPoC and move beyond passive ally-ship to action driven co-conspirators. Myisha works with organizations and community groups taking white people on a self-reflective journey exploring their relationship with power, privilege, and racism. To learn more about Myisha's work, please visit her website at: www.checkyourprivilege.com And find her book on Amazon at: Check Your Privilege

In this episode I am talking with Ann Imig, the founder of the nationwide storytelling series and book LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER. A decade later LTYM continues Giving Motherhood A Microphone on stages all over the country (60 cities to date, and counting!).  "In 2010 Ann decided Mother's Day was lacking; instead of being solely a retail-driven holiday, the focus should be family.  By brining our community together to share personal stories abut our mothers, we could get back to the core of why mothering is important. That year she organized a live reading, and so "Listen To Your Mother" was born. Like the live readings, the anthology Listen To Your Mother is a brutally honest look at modern motherhood.  It showcases the experiences of ordinary people of different races, genders, and ages and takes readers on a journey through mother in all of its complexity, diversity and humor.  ...the contributors' stories share their experiences with adoption, assimilation, and emptying nests; first-time motherhood, foster parenting, and infertility; LGBTQ parenting, special needs parenting, and surrogacy; step-mothering, never mothering, and mothering through illness. Whether you are one, have one, or know one, Listen To Your Mother is an emotional whirlwind that is guaranteed to entertain, amuse, and enlighten." - Listen To Your Mother, What She Said Then, What We're Saying Now, edited by Ann Imig Ann is an also an award-winning writer, speaker, and performer who spends most of her time signing permission slips and sweeping up cat litter. www.annimig.com Listen To Your Mother: What She Said Then, What We're Saying Now, edited by Ann Imig

Have you ever wanted to write a book? In her early thirties Brooke Warner left a major publishing company because she wanted all women's voices to be heard, not only celebrities.  She wanted to create a place where our voices and stories are valued, and celebrated.   And that is why she created She Writes Press.  In her interview, Brooke shares with us what pursuing a fulfilling career means to her. Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, president of Warner Coaching Inc., and author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, What's Your Book?, and three books on memoir. Brooke is a TEDx speaker, weekly podcaster, and the former Executive Editor of Seal Press.

Pharadja Andrews is the founder of Wholeistic Nurse and my guest today.  Pharadja shares with us what it means to be black during COVID, and how prejudice pervades healthcare. From her own personal story, and witnessing what other patients have experienced, Pharadja relates the harmful effects on the black community.  Pharadja is a registered nurse with a holistic twist. As a Wholesistic Nurse she helps her clients with overall health and mental wellbeing; especially in the African American, African, Caribbean, and Latino communities. As a result of struggling with her own thyroid and inflammation issues, Pharadja began her own research, and soon discovered whole, natural foods.  This set her on a path to wellness. She has now made it her life goal to help other women, especially women of color, to overcome illness through natural eating and exercising. Pharadja educates her clients and provides them with resources to attain good health and wellbeing, at an affordable rate. Pharadja is committed to helping her fellow black woman because she knows what is owed to her community.  Equality in healthcare is something the world needs to see, because we are family.

My guest today is Helen Taylor, author of the new book, "Why Women Read Fiction".  Helen's book is one born out of love, for all of the stories she has read, and read by the hundreds of women she has interviewed. It is a collection of cherished memories from childhood reading, book clubs and "cheap sweet vacations" as Stephen King's mother said.  Helen says, "When you read fiction you are escaping from who you are. When I read a book I go into somebody else's consciousness. I go into experiences that I've never had." And I feel the same way!  At the end of the day, no matter what has happened, I know I have my book to look forward to.  It's like taking up a conversation with a friend again.  Reading is comforting, thrilling, and illuminating all at the same time.  Reading has always allowed me a way to see the world without even leaving my own home.  I'm besotted with stories!  And that is why it was a pure delight to talk with Helen Taylor. "Why Women Read Fiction" is a book you will revel in.  It had me smiling page, after page.  Helen's book is available on Amazon here: Why Women Read Fiction. So grab a cup of tea, and listen in to this oh-so-lovely interview.

What does it mean to have a social impact business? My guest Brigette Iarusso shares that having a profitable business means as an entrepreneur you are able to give sustainably to causes, and create positive, lasting change in our world.  Brigette is a sought-after international speaker who is committed to creating dynamic and engaging events that empower, motivate and accelerate diverse value-driven entrepreneurs and business leaders. She is an experienced coach & facilitator who is committed to connecting change leaders and supporting global social entrepreneurship. She enables purpose-driven businesses to design a sustainable revenue model and inclusive organizational culture that has a positive impact on people and planet.

Shawnrey Notto is a Quirky Queen, guiding womxn to reclaim and embody self-love, pleasure, and joy, so they can show up powerfully and uniquely themselves. In our interview Shawnrey shares her own story of early trauma, and how dance became her form of expression, and ultimately, freedom. Shawnrey blends 15+ years of dance and performance art, sensual intimacy coaching, and mindfulness. The result is something interactive and dynamic, where we use our whole bodies to heal cycles of shame and suppression. She believes that we can change the world starting with our relationships with our own bodies. Visit Shawnrey on her website And on Facebook And on Instagram

Kendall Heaton MSW is the go-to mama for help navigating the early years of parenthood, through mindful parenting. In this episode Kendall gives us glimpse into the issues facing pre-natal and early childhood parents, and strategies we can use to feel more grounded, and calm during this time.  Kendall’s deep knowledge and warm approach to counseling is reassuring, and provides hope for adapting to our current challenges. Kendall is a social worker, child development specialist, and Mindful Life Coach for Parents. She loves supporting parents and expectant parents to navigate the ups and downs of their parenthood journeys with mindfulness, acceptance, support, and ease. She supports parents and parents-to-be through one-on-one coaching, group programs, workshops, and her free Facebook group- Mindful Parenthood Community.  Visit Kendall on her website at: www.kendallheaton.com  

What a wonderful interview! Michelle Mitchell is warm, compassionate and marvelously adept at understanding teens, and how to help in challenging times. Michelle shares with us her insights into the teen brain (ahhh!) and what they are really needing from us during the pandemic. It’s not what you might think-it’s actually about “leaning out” as Michelle says. This is an opportunity to build capacity through adversity. Learning how to adapt and thrive can also mean allowing for messiness. Michelle Mitchell is an award-winning speaker, and bestselling parenting author. She has been termed ‘the teenage expert’ by the Australian media and is sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens. Michelle started her career as a teacher, but soon discovered a special interest in wellbeing. She left teaching in 2000 to found Youth Excel, a ‘boutique’ health promotion charity which delivered tailor made life skills programs and psychological services to thousands of young people and their families. Today she uses her experience to write and speak in schools, community events and through media.   www.michellemitchell.com Follow Michelle on Instagram and on Facebook Books Everyday Resilience: Helping Kids Handle Friendship, Drama, Academic Pressure and the Self-doubt of Growing Up by Michelle Mitchell

My guest today is Bianca Peay.  On Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020, the citizens of San Ramon, California, came together for the Black Lives Matter peaceful protest, organized by Bianca.   In front of city hall, to a crowd of hundreds of people, Bianca spoke: "We are all simply trying to get through life.  But there is nothing simple about being black in America." In telling her own story at the rally, Bianca tells the crowd that she was born in Philadelphia, and lived in a one bedroom apartment with her mom.  They needed food stamps to eat. Only when her mom cut off her dreadlocks and straightened her hair was she able to get a job in corporate America and change their financial situation.  Years later, they now live in an affluent area of San Ramon. Bianca says, "We didn't just walk into this neighborhood, we struggled, and we deserve to be here. We are tired, we are fed up, and we deserve basic human rights. I feel like we as a community can make that happen. I wish peace and love and justice to every person here. I pray for positive energy and harmony, despite our cultural differences. It is beautiful that we live in a community so diverse. I want us to all live in peace. " Bianca has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family since 2013. Last September she graduated from cosmetology school. She loves to do hair for fun and luckily has been able to make a job out of it. Bianca is also a sucker for some good food, a quality movie, and surrounding herself with people that bring love and good energy. Join me in listening to Bianca's story. 

In this fascinating interview, my guest Teresa Lodato CPCC talks about how to deepen self awareness and innate skills, helping us to build resiliency and balance. As a result of her own healing journey, Teresa shares with us practices that support the mind-body connection, that transformed her life. Teresa Lodato is an author and thought leader in conscious leadership & relationship coaching, she leverages over 20 years in relationship-based sales, communication and psychology to empower her clients.   She also support leaders and their teams achieve greater results using cutting edge techniques to lead with focus, and increased connection, especially in challenging times.   As a professionally certified coach, Teresa leads her clients to live their lives with clarity, wisdom and grace.   Visit Teresa on her website at: https://teresalodato.com/

In this interview my guest Dr. Cristina Castagnini talks about how her own struggles with an eating disorder at an early age,  inspired her to help and counsel others. We talk about being physically hungry, or emotionally hungry, and how those things are showing up in our lives now.  Fortunately, Cristina shares with us the things we can control, and how they support healthy eating. Cristina Castagnini, Ph.D., CEDS, is a licensed psychologist and is recognized as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist by the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). After overcoming her own struggles with having an eating disorder, it was always her dream to focus solely on helping women overcome their struggles with food and body image and to achieve a balanced life. For over the past 20 years, Dr. Castagnini has been treating patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses, supervising postdoctoral residents, and continuing to grow her private practice.  She feels fortunate that she is now able to do just that, as the lead adult eating disorder specialist at Kaiser Permanente in Pleasanton, CA, Dr. Castagnini left to open the doors to her private practice full time in San Ramon, CA.   She aims to find the work-life balance being a single mom to two awesome kids, ages 11 and 13, but knows first-hand there is just no way to do it all.  Visit Dr. Castagnini on her website at: Freedom to Wellness

I love Jen Riday! And I loved our interview. Dr. Jen Riday is a former burned-out mom of 6 turned Happiness Whisperer, and host of the popular Vibrant Happy Women Podcast. Jen is also the founder of the Vibrant Happy Women Club, where she helps overwhelmed moms get off their hamster wheels and start taking time for themselves (without the guilt) so they can live balanced, calm, heart-centered lives.  In the Vibrant Happy Women club, programs and retreats Jen shares powerful tools on how to master your mindset, to take control of your own happiness. And in our interview Jen and I are talking about one of her favorite, go-to self care practices: journaling. Jen lives in the woods near Madison, WI with her husband and 5 of her 6 kids.  Visit Jen on her website at: www.jenriday.com  And on Facebook, Instagram and, listen to the Vibrant Happy Women podcast here.

When Isabelle Bridges experienced postpartum depression after her first child, she knew that she needed support, to find joy again.  Isabelle shares her her deeply personal story on how creating her own community transformed her life.  Listen in to find out how you can join a circle of vibrant women, to be witnessed, and to be held.  Isabelle is the mother of two beautiful, divine children who rock her world and still have the ability to take her breath away. She is a perceptive, intuitive, and mother with her whole heart. She has taught yoga to mothers and children for the past 10 years . Some days she can be found dancing with my family. Other days you will find her simply staring at them in awe.   Meet Isabelle on her website at:  IsabelleBridges.com

Are you tired of spending hours researching and wading through a flood of parenting strategies for just one useful tip, and then not even being able to use it?  My guest today is Elizabeth Sautter. Elizabeth is the founder of the Make It Stick Parenting Program: A Proven System for Boosting Your Child's Emotional and Executive Functioning Skills. Elizabeth's program covers topic like: sure fire ways to get buy-in to build your child's social emotional learning, and how teaching mindfulness is the foundation for social emotional growth. Collaborating with leading experts in the social emotional field like Michelle Garcia Winner, and Leah Kuypers, Elizabeth has created an amazing tool for parents to gain confidence, awareness and clarity in teaching social emotional skills at home. Growing up with a sister with special needs, extended family with autism and now having a son with ADHD/LD and anxiety, this is not only a career for Elizabeth, but a life endeavor. Elizabeth now specializes in social, emotional and executive functioning intervention and consulting and presents on her work all over North America.   Elizabeth A. Sautter, MA, CCC- is a licensed speech and language pathologist and founder of Make Social Learning Stick. Her book, Make Social Learning Stick! is for busy parents looking for ways to build their child’s social-emotional skills, through everyday routines and activities. She is also co-author of the Whole Body Listening Larry series. Elizabeth lives in the in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two sons, and dog, who continually teach her new life lessons and keep her smiling.  Check out Elizabeth's FREE Parenting Survival Kit: 3 Keys to Help Your Child Cope, So They Can Stay Calm, Focused, And Even Happy During The COVID-19 Pandemic. on her website at: Make Social Learning Stick

My guest today is Magdalena Zurek Homeschooling.  We are coming to the end of the school year, and yet, there is still uncertainty of how the fall return will look like for our children. My guest Magdelena Zurek talks about our current struggles, for us and our kids, and also shares with us ways to navigate, and move through this time with greater peace. Magdelena is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in the Bay Area. She received her Bachelors Degree in Communications from Boston University and her Masters Degree in Counseling from San Francisco State University leading her to a career in psychotherapy, where she provides mental health counseling to youth, families and adults. Magdelena specializes in anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges and relationships. She also works with at-risk youth in suicide prevention. She feels very passionate about mental health and feels very lucky to be able to work in a field that she is so passionate about.

Schedule?  What's that? Now we are all struggling to find structure in our day, and keep our families sane. Marisa Lonic is the author of Time Momagement, and is here to help us find ways to navigate our days. Marisa is the founder of Mama Work It. She’s a mom of 4 kids under 7, a native New Yorker and a California resider. She helps moms find the time they need to do the things they want via her book, Time Momagement, a time management e-course called the Get More Time Project and a blog she writes on the regular. When she's not kickin' it with the 5 men she shares her house with, you can find her taking photos (usually of those 5 men), running...ok, walking with a tiny bit of running, and cooking. You can find more about Marisa at:  www.mamaworkit.com and on Instagram and Facebook. Book: Time Momagement: How to Get the Time You Need to Do the Things You Want  App: Cozi

Have you every wondered about energy healing? My guest Carine Camara helps her patients unblock stored negative energy, to regain a sense of inner wellbeing and peace.   Carine has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese medicine on the West Coast for the last 8 years.  Her practice has evolved with her, to include more than her initial foundation of needlework and herbs.  She is also a nutritional coach, and an Arvigo Mayan Abdominal Therapist.  Recently, Carine has woven energy healing into her client sessions, and offers distance healing while we shelter in place.  After years of struggling with digestive issues, acne, menstrual pain, headaches and chronic fatigue, she was surprised that by merely changing her diet, she was able to resolve all of her health concerns.  In her twenties Carine experienced having an ovarian cyst. After two months of consistent acupuncture sessions, Chinese herbal formulas and a modified diet, her cyst completely disappeared and she no longer needed surgery.  And so began her lifelong passion to help others experience the miraculous healing potential of their own bodies.  Carine is a New York City gal, born and raised in Manhattan.  As the eldest daughter of Guinean parents, her childhood was a mix of traditional West African values and singing and dancing to Michael Jackson songs on MTV. She loves being physically active through yoga, dance and hiking. Carine also enjoys nature, growing her own food, and stargazing on quiet nights. Find Carine at: www.pelviswellnessmethod.com

In this episode I talk with Sharmila Acharya about meditation and how it can help settle your mind in uncertain times.  Now more than ever we can learn how to center ourselves, even when our world may be overwhelming.  Meditation is now mainstream, and schools are starting to adopt mindfulness and meditation practices to calm students, and help with concentration.  Meditation also boosts your immune system. Sharmila Acharya empowers people to reset their minds and bodies and take charge of their own health.  She is an integrative physical therapist, holistic nutritionist, and yoga teacher.  She is also trained in myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and clinical hypnosis.   Sharmila works as a partner alongside her clients to make small, but sustainable changes, towards a long-term wellness transformation. Through her company, The Wellness Transformation, Sharmila encourages her clients to think about positive lifestyle habits.  Sharmila also conducts group workshop on the topics of nutrition, exercise, yoga, and what she has coined “therapeutic meditation”.  She recently started a Therapeutic Meditation meetup group to connect with and empower people in her local community.  She is also in the midst of releasing professional Therapeutic Meditation recordings, which can be found on her website. Sharmila lives in the Bay Area with her husband, and 2 amazing boys that keep her on her toes.  During her free time, Sharmila loves to hike, be out in nature, travel, explore, and spend time with her family. To find Sharmila's free guided meditations and Introduction To Meditation for Middle Schoolers please visit her website at www.thewellnesstransformation.com

Do you feel like your daily challenges are keeping you from happiness? Joree Rose talks about how our life can take twists and turns, but that ultimately, we can choose to "flow up" to happiness. This is what happened when Joree took the leap to do the work she was meant to, and said yes to love (and got a tatoo-in Thailand!). Joree Rose, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, mindfulness and meditation teacher, author, speaker, and she also leads mindfulness retreats around the world. Joree has helped thousands of people to live happier and more fulfilling lives through living with greater awareness and compassion, allowing them to decrease their stress and anxiety, and shed unhealthy habits, patterns and mindsets. Joree is host of the podcast ‘Journey Forward with Joree Rose’ and has authored 2 mindfulness books, Squirmy Learns to be Mindful and Mindful, It’s Elementary, she has been featured in Oprahmag.com, NBCnews.com, Business Insider, and KTLA news.  Joree lives in Danville, California with her two teenage daughters, and loves to travel! Tune in on my website at www.diannewieler.com/podcast Joree's website: www.joreerose.com Inspirational Art:  Story People by Brian Andreas

In this week's episode of Mama Put Your Feet Up my high school friend Karen shares with us her emotional, and sometimes funny journey to finding her birth parents, and a whole new family she never knew. It is an incredible story.   We also talk about my new quest to make friends in 2020, starting with the app, Vina. The very important distinctions between American and Canadian words, like washroom vs. restroom. And, truly unforgettable Canadian snacks, like Ketchup Potato Chips.   Listen in on my website at: www.diannewieler.com/podcast

Heather Anderson is the founder of the bay area FB group, The Mamahood, which now has 30,000 members.  Heather started The Mamahood out of a need to connect with other moms, who were also feeling a little isolated, and wanted to belong to a fun supportive community. You could say Heather has a sort of 'thing' for community. Circa the 80s, it was secret clubhouse meetings and under-the-porch band practices. In High School, it was 4H campouts and rallying with the Oakland Strokes crew for pre-dawn rowing practice. In College, it was throwing parties and hosting open mics for the 'Dead Poet Society'. Pre-kiddos, she was building community in the Bay Area independent music scene - connecting songwriters, musicians and related creatives to each other. So naturally, when she found herself going from zero to five kiddos in under five years (two are 'bonus-kiddos' if you're pondering the science behind it all!), she started building mom-community pronto. And like all great parties, The Mamahood took on a life of its own and became phenomenal. Check out The Mamahood here: The Mamahood The Mamahood on Facebook Subscribe to Mama Put Your Feet Up: Apple Podcasts  How to Leave a Review: Give us a Rating & Review  Ask Dianne a Question: Have a comment or question for me? Email me at hello@diannewieler.com. I'd love to hear from you!