Podcasts about do a little

In this episode, Amy sits down with Deborah Santana—author, philanthropist, and lifelong spiritual practitioner—for a conversation that explores what it means to live from inner sovereignty.While many may recognize her through her 34-year marriage to Carlos Santana, this conversation clarifies something more essential: Deborah Santana has lived a deeply self-directed life shaped by spiritual inquiry, service, and the willingness to begin again.Her memoir, Loving the Fire, becomes the thread through which we explore transformation—not as an abstract idea, but as a lived experience of loss, identity shift, and conscious rebuilding.Key Themes Explored1. Early Life and the Roots of Inner StrengthDeborah reflects on her upbringing in San Francisco, shaped by a family that quietly modeled independence and devotion.Her father, Saunders King, was a respected musician who chose presence over fame—offering an early model of values rooted in family rather than recognition.Her childhood was also grounded in spiritual diversity, moving between Pentecostal, Lutheran, and contemplative spaces. This early exposure created a foundation of spiritual curiosity that would later evolve into a lifelong meditation practice.2. Identity, Culture, and AwarenessDeborah shares her experience growing up in a multicultural environment, where belonging felt natural—until moments of racism revealed deeper social realities.These experiences did not define her, but they did shape her awareness. Over time, they became part of the “fire” she would learn to walk through rather than avoid.3. The Fire: Loss, Transition, and ReinventionA central moment in Deborah's life—and in this conversation—is her decision to leave a long-term marriage and step into the unknown.She describes this period with clarity:A sudden shift from a full, externally defined life into silenceThe loss of roles, identity, and structureThe necessity of sitting with herself, without distractionRather than rushing to rebuild, she allowed a period of stillness:Studying the work of Wayne Dyer and Thich Nhat HanhEngaging in self-inquiry through Al-Anon principlesReturning to yoga and meditation as stabilizing practicesThis was not framed as breakdown, but as disassembly for the purpose of reorganization.4. Loving the Fire: A Different Relationship to ChallengeThe central teaching of Deborah's memoir is simple, but not easy:Life is not happening to us—it is happening for us.She describes fire not as destruction, but as a condition for renewal. Like a forest that regenerates after burning, human life can reorganize into something more aligned—if we stay present through the process.This reflects a core principle in yoga therapy:We do not eliminate discomfortWe change our relationship to itWe allow it to inform growth5. Spiritual Practice as a Stabilizing ForceDeborah has maintained a meditation practice since her early twenties. During times of transition, this inner relationship became her anchor.She describes moments of:Deep peace in solitudeHeightened perception in natureA sense of connection beyond identityThese are not framed as extraordinary experiences, but as natural outcomes when external roles fall away and attention returns inward.6. Rebuilding with IntentionFollowing this period of reflection, Deborah began to rebuild her life in alignment with her values:Founded the nonprofit Do A Little, inspired by Desmond TutuProduced documentary films to support global humanitarian effortsWorked with organizations connected to Nelson MandelaBecame a founding donor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureHer work consistently centers on women, girls, and collective well-being.7. Education and Lifelong LearningIn her 50s, Deborah pursued a master's degree in Women's Spirituality at the California Institute of Integral Studies.This experience reflected a pattern throughout her life:Learning as a form of self-developmentIntegrating intellect with lived experienceValuing wisdom traditions alongside modern inquiry8. Global Perspective and HumilityTravel—particularly to Africa—played a significant role in reshaping her worldview.She describes:A felt sense of humanity's originsA reorientation away from individual-centered thinkingA deep respect for cultural wisdom beyond the U.S. lensThis aligns with a therapeutic perspective: healing often expands when we move beyond our habitual frame of reference.9. Current Work: Courage and EmpathyDeborah is currently involved in developing the Courage Museum in San Francisco, a project focused on:Understanding violence as a learned behaviorTeaching empathy as a skillCreating immersive experiences like “Empathy Mirrors,” where individuals witness and feel others' lived experiencesThe intention is clear: violence can be unlearned, and empathy can be cultivated.Clinical and Philosophical ReflectionsThis conversation offers several points of integration for yoga therapists and healthcare providers:Transformation often begins with disruption of identityStillness and reflection are not passive—they are reorganizing forcesSpiritual practice provides continuity when external roles dissolveGrowth requires both self-inquiry and self-responsibilityMeaning emerges not by avoiding difficulty, but by engaging it with awarenessClosing ReflectionDeborah Santana's life illustrates a steady principle:We are not defined by our roles, relationships, or accomplishments. When those fall away, what remains is the foundation we build from.Her story is not about reinvention as performance. It is about returning to something more essential—and choosing, from that place, how to live.Learn MoreLoving the Fire by Deborah SantanaAvailable via her website and major booksellersUpcoming events and book tour information available online

On this episode, Laura speaks with author and activist Deborah Santana about her new memoir, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom—a story of awakening, courage, and the transformative power of finding one's voice. Deborah shares the arc of her life from growing up as the daughter of pioneering interracial parents to her years alongside legendary musician Carlos Santana. While she embraced many roles—partner, mother, and supporter—this conversation centers on the pivotal moment when she chose to step forward fully as herself, reclaiming her voice and redefining her purpose. At the heart of this episode is Deborah's commitment to uplifting others, particularly women and BIPOC communities. She speaks about how her personal awakening led her into meaningful, impact-driven work—from co-founding Do A Little to supporting education initiatives like Daraja Academy and contributing to cultural preservation through the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her journey illustrates how finding one's voice is not only a personal liberation, but a pathway to collective empowerment. Grounded in stories of resilience, heritage, and spiritual growth, Deborah's story is a call to anyone ready to move beyond old roles, speak their truth, and engage in work that uplifts and transforms lives—starting with their own. To learn more about Deborah, visit deborahsantana.com.

There’s a challenge that comes with being known for what you do. When you move on you now have to figure out who you truly are. Deborah Santana spent more than three decades inside one of the most recognizable partnerships in American music as COO of the New Santana Band, co-architect of the Milagro Foundation, and the steady, contemplative presence behind a global touring life with her ex-husband, the legendary musician Carlos Santana. At an age when most people are quietly winding down, she did the opposite: she walked away from a 34-year marriage, dismantled the identity she had built around someone else's career, and started over. She earned a master's degree in her 60s, founded a new nonprofit (Do A Little), wrote a second memoir (Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom), and became a trustee of major cultural institutions. But this is not a celebrity interview. It's an exploration of transitions and later-life reinvention. You’ll hear about her experience and the lessons she learned that may help you. She shares the foundational daily contemplative practice she built, the calendar block for herself disguised as “a meeting” she used to jump start her writing, and the people audit she did to illuminate who is toxic and who is the light in her life. Deborah describes how liberating it can be to be a beginner again, if you’re willing. I often say “You don't stop growing just because you retire.” But, it’s not just a saying and Deborah’s story is an case study. If you’re ready to let go of your past and discover who you truly are now, this conversation is for you.   “When you have everything stripped away that you were known as, it is a wonderful opportunity to create exactly who you are.” — Deborah Santana   You’ll walk away with: A vocabulary for the identity work that retirement requires. And not just for the “what's next” part, but also the words for the “who am I now” part. A useful framework (the Four C's) for organizing life after a major transition. A replicable practice for protecting time for the work of “becoming” even when the people around you don't quite yet understand what you’re doing. __________________________ Bio Deborah Santana is the author of Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom, Space Between the Stars: My Journey to An Open Heart and the editor of the acclaimed anthology All the Women in My Family Sing. Her work has been featured by Vogue, Oprah, and NPR, among other national and literary outlets. She is the founder of the Do A Little Foundation, which supports women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. Her work explores identity, social justice, spirituality, and the power of collective voice. She is mother to three artists: Salvador Santana, Stella Santana and Angelica Santana. She holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion with a Concentration in Women's Spirituality. She is a leadership donor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and a Lead Investor to the Courage Museum in San Francisco. _________________________ For More on Deborah Santana Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom Website _________________________ Do You Know What You’ll Be Retiring To? It’s graduation season. Will you be graduatiing from full-time work soon? Join our 10-person Design Your New Life in Retirement Group starting in September. The Very Early Registration discount ends soon. Learn more and sign up today. ___________________________ Retirement Podcast Conversations You May Also Love Mattering…in Retirement – Jennifer Breheny Wallace Navigating the In-Between – Monique Rhodes What Matters Most – Diane Button _________________________ Wise Quotes On Loving the Fire “When there is fire, when there is struggle, if I continue to walk through and find courage and bravery, then I'm going to get to the other side and realize how much I've learned, how much I've grown.” On Expectations “I expect a miracle. I expect to see someone, meet them with a smile.” On Finding Your Self “There is a special reason why you're here. So please find your authentic self, find your voice, know who you are, and go out and change the world.” ___________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 2 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy.

Today, Michael speaks with Deborah Santana. Deborah is an author, activist, philanthropist, and spiritual seeker whose life journey bridges music, service, and deep personal transformation. In her memoir,  Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom, she shares the path of leaving a 34-year marriage to music legend Carlos Santana, reclaiming her authentic self, and walking through life's challenges with courage, faith, and spiritual practice. Through her foundation, Do A Little, whose name is based on the Bishop Desmond Tutu's aphorism, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world," Deborah supports women, girls, and communities through education, healing, and empowerment. Conversation Highlights Include: -What it means to "love the fire," and how life's challenges can become a doorway into real spiritual growth and transformation. -The moment of choosing yourself, and what it takes to step into a more authentic and purpose-aligned life. -How a lifelong spiritual foundation and meditation practice can anchor you through major life transitions. -Recognizing when you've outgrown certain relationships or roles, and allowing yourself to evolve with honesty and compassion. -A clear and practical way to begin claiming your truth through stillness, self-inquiry, and reflection. -Why fear can keep you stuck in familiar patterns, even when you know something in your life needs to change. -How to stay engaged in the world while remaining grounded in a deeper spiritual awareness. -A simple daily practice that strengthens intuition and helps you stay centered and connected throughout the day. -The importance of listening inward instead of being guided by external expectations or validation. -How living with courage, service, and intention creates deeper fulfillment and a meaningful impact on others. Next, Michael closes with a guided meditation that invites  you to remember your true identity beyond conditions and reconnect with your inner awareness. 

Author, activist, filmmaker, and business leader Deborah Santana discusses her deeply personal new memoir, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom. Deborah shares her rebirth following the end of her 34 year marriage to musician Carlos Santana and the exhilaration of reclaiming her voice, identity, and freedom. Anyone facing change and transition and looking to heal and transform will find a lot to learn from Deborah's story. About Deborah Santana- Deborah Santana is an author, business manager, and activist for peace and social justice. Her non-profit, Do A Little, serves women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. With a passion to provide educational opportunities for girls and women, Ms. Santana collaborates with organizations that work to prevent and heal relationship and sexual violence, improve the lives of America's abused and neglected children, and a worldwide community of artists and allies who work for empowerment, opportunity, and visibility for women artists.   In 2005, she published her first memoir: Space Between the Stars that told of her experiences growing up as a bi-racial child, and her coming of age. Ms. Santana has produced five short documentary films, four with Emmy-award winning director Barbara Rick: Road to Ingwavuma, Girls of Daraja, School of My Dreams, and Powerful Beyond Measure. These films highlight the work of non-profit partners in South Africa, and the Daraja Academy, a free secondary boarding school for girls in Kenya. Pre order- Loving the Fire : Choosing Me, Finding Freedom Available April 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Santana is an author, seeker and activist for peace and social justice. She is founder of "Do A Little", a nonprofit that serves women and girls in the areas of health, education and happiness. She's penned a memoir--Space Between the Stars, and is the editor of a magnificent collection of stories in the anthology All the Women in My Family Sing. In it, 69 Women of color share experiences, thoughts, and actions in griping essays that are a powerful education for each of us. Find out more at www.allthewomeninmyfamilysing.com.

ABOUT DEBORAH SANTANA Deborah Santana is the editor of All the Women in My Family Sing. She is an author, business manager, and activist for peace and social justice. Her non-profit, Do A Little, serves women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. With a passion to provide educational opportunities for girls and women, Ms. Santana collaborates with organizations that work to prevent and heal relationship and sexual violence, improve the lives of America's abused and neglected children, and a worldwide community of artists and allies who work for empowerment, opportunity, and visibility for women artists.   For More Information Visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077722F6Y/ ALL THE WOMEN IN MY FAMILY SING is monumental and timely as human rights and justice are being challenged around the world. It is a watershed title that is both written and published entirely by women of color, including the editing, book cover design, and promotions. Our vision is to empower underrepresented voices and to impact the world of book publishing in America — particularly important in an industry that considerably lacks diversity. Since the Women's March in January 2017, there has been a growing sense of solidarity among women who refuse to be silenced. What began as a protest of women from every racial and socioeconomic background has evolved into a social and political movement. The last several months have proven that women's voices really do matter and can make a difference. Read more at the AllTheWomenInMyFamilySing blog. www.deborahsantana.com https://allthewomeninmyfamilysing.com/about-1/

Deborah Santana is an author, seeker and activist for peace and social justice. She is founder of Do A Little, a nonprofit that serves women and girls in the areas of health, education and happiness. She's penned a memoir--Space Between the Stars, and now is the editor of a magnificent collection of stories in the anthology: All the Women in My Family Sing. 69 Women of color share experiences, thoughts, actions in griping essays that are a powerful education for each for each of us. Highly important reading. www.allthewomeninmyfamilysing.com

Deborah Santana is an author, business manager, and activist for peace and social justice. Her non-profit, Do A Little, serves women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. With a passion to provide educational opportunities for girls and women. www.deborahsantana.comAnne Grady is an internationally recognized speaker and author. Anne shares humor, humility, refreshing honesty and practical strategies anyone can use to triumph over adversity and master change. www.GetStrongEnough.com

Bestselling novelist, award-winning playwright and Oprah Book Club pick’s inspiring memoir of juggling marriage, motherhood and politics as Pearl Cleage worked to become a successful writer and self-fulfilled woman. In this revelatory and deeply personal memoir, Cleage takes readers back to the 1970’s and 1980’s, retracing her struggles to hone her craft amidst personal and professional tumult. Pearl Cleage is an Atlanta-based writer and author of eight novels, including What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day, which was an Oprah's Book Club pick and spent nine weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her novel Baby Brother's Blues, was awarded an NAACP Image Award for Literature. She is also a widely produced playwright. Deborah Santana is an author, philanthropist, activist for peace and social justice, and founder of Do A Little, a non-profit that serves women and girls in the areas of health, education and happiness. Her memoir, Space Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart was published in 2005. She is a member of the Board of Directors at MoAD.