Podcast appearances and mentions of karen walrond

This week on the pod, we were so excited to talk to Karen Walrond. She's the author of books like The Lightmaker's Manifesto, Radiant Rebellion, and In Defense of Dabbling. Her words about the importance of kindness, self-compassion, activism, and even anger were exactly what we needed to hear coming out of this past weekend of joyful protests. Our mission here is to help women make a difference in their communities without losing their shit, and the subtitle of The Lightmaker's Manifesto is actually “How To Work For Change Without Losing Your Joy,” so clearly we had to get her on the show as soon as we could! In the interview, she emphasized the natural rhythm and cadence to activism. Anger can be a useful spark, but kindness and love are what keep the fire going. Rest and recreation (re-creation) aren't optional — they're necessary to keep getting up every day and fighting for our values. When our neighbors need to take a breath, we can speak up in their place. And when we need a moment to rest, we can trust that they'll step in for us. “Activism” might sound overwhelming, but much like the No Kings rallies, it isn't actually scary. It can be a beautiful intersection of self-care and community.As Karen says, “Joy comes from intention, self-compassion is a non-negotiable, and kindness is a power move.” We couldn't agree more.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Forget everything you think you know about aging.In this eye-opening conversation, gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight reveals why your genes only determine 25% of how you'll age, and how your mindset about getting older can add or subtract 7 years from your life. Drawing from her NYT bestseller, Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half, Dr. Burnight shares four science-backed strategies to create not just a longer life, but one filled with meaning, connection, and genuine joy at any age.You can find Kerry at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you'll also love the conversations we had with Karen Walrond about embracing aging with possibility and power. Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesCheck out our offerings & partners: Beam Dream Powder: Visit https://shopbeam.com/GOODLIFE and use code GOODLIFE to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a short micro-break, Katie returns with author, lawyer, leadership coach, and all-around light-maker Karen Walrond to celebrate the joy of being an INTENTIONAL AMATEUR. Instead of hustling every interest into a side-gig, Karen invites us to dabble for the love of it — no end game required. They unpack why hobbies matter, how to find ones that actually feel like relief, and the seven attributes that make play a true self-care practice.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Why Karen resists the “be better” subtext of self-help when it comes to hobbies Reclaiming the word “amateur” The 7 attributes of intentional amateurism  Why it's okay (and healthy) to stay mediocre and never become an "expert" Dabbling vs. committing, and how to notice when something is life-giving hard (stretch) vs. depleting hard (pressure/perfectionism). and more! ~ SHOW NOTES: Get the book: https://www.chookooloonks.com/in-defense-of-dabbling Karen's website: https://www.chookooloonks.com/  THE MAKE LIGHT JOURNAL on Substack: https://chookooloonks.substack.com/  Join us in NYC on 10/14!  ~ Karen on the WANTcast talking RADIANT REBELLION Karen on the WANTcast talking about THE POWER OF NOT KNOWING Karen on the WANTcast talking about BEING YOURSELF NO MATTER WHAT ~ Subscribe to SELF-TALK SUNDAYS on Substack: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.substack.com Follow Katie on Instagram: http://instagram.com/katiehorwitch Get WANT YOUR SELF! http://wantyourself.com Learn more about Katie: http://katiehorwitch.com Learn more about WANT at: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.com ~ IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE, DON'T FORGET TO:  Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and your favorite podcast platform. Now get dabbling!

Karen Walrond is the author of The Lightmaker’ Manifesto and Radiant Rebellion. She and her work have been featured on Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast, Huffington Post, CNN.com, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Her blog Chookooloonks is a lifestyle, inspiration, and photography destination. Karen’s new book is In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur. In this episode, Karen and I talk about hobbies, the value of doing things you aren’t very good at, and the seven attributes of intentional amateurism. This episode is sponsored by The Habit Focus Retreat—a four-day writing getaway in Nashville, October 26-30. TheHabit.co/Retreats.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the secret to a richer life isn't mastering anything—but dabbling in everything? Author Karen Walrond (In Defense of Dabbling) returns to champion the lost art of amateurism—doing what you love without needing to excel. In a culture that turns hobbies into hustles, we can easily forget how to be interesting to ourselves. From swim class struggles to wonky candle holders, Karen shares why intentional dabbling as we age sparks joy, powers self-compassion, and stretches our comfort zones. Midlife is made for getting unstuck. What will you try just for the joy of it, beauties? FOLLOW A CERTAIN AGE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET INBOX INSPO: Sign up for our newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AGE BOLDLY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We share new episodes, giveaways, links we love, and midlife resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought of being an amateur as a good thing?Many of us learned from an early age that our worth was tied to excelling at what we do and turning it into something productive. And many leaders carry the belief that they must be certain, skilled, and polished at all times.But what if the exact opposite were true?When we allow ourselves to dabble, to be amateurs, to be just okay at things, our brains literally become more adaptable and our nervous systems learn to stay grounded in the midst of risk, uncertainty, and vulnerability. Just as importantly, leaders who model dabbling create spaces where families, teams, and communities are safe to embrace curiosity and exploration. Resilient leadership requires us to meet high-stakes challenges with adaptability, grounded presence, and compassion. Intentional amateurship prepares us for life's curveballs by building those skills in low-stakes settings.Today's guest returns to make the case for being a dabbler as a practice of freedom, resilience, and leadership. She shows us how choosing to play, experiment, and simply try expands our capacity for presence and courage.Karen Walrond is an award-winning author, speaker, and leadership coach on a mission to create a kindness revolution. Her books encourage readers to identify their values and inner light and use them to make the world brighter for others.  Audiences around the world have left her keynotes inspired with hope and a renewed determination to serve.  And her one-on-one leadership coaching sessions, workshops and retreats, rooted in the tenets of positive psychology coaching, have helped hundreds of clients unearth their gifts and past triumphs to lead with confidence, compassion and kindness.Karen and her family split their time between Houston, Texas, USA and Bath, Somerset, UK.Listen to the full episode to hear:The restorative power of doing something purely for the love of itHow following her curiosity has shaped Karen's career and how she protects her amateur pursuitsHow Karen's dabbling adventures tapped into her seven attributes of intentional amateurismHow intentional amateurship helps embed self-care, self-compassion, and self-transcendence into our livesHow practicing being an amateur helps us bring curiosity, compassion, and resilience to our leadershipWhy the humbling experiences of dabbling are a vital reminder for leaders that they're in it alongside their teamsLearn more about Karen Walrond:WebsiteInstagram: @heychookooloonksFacebook: @chookooloonksConnect on LinkedInThe Make Light Journal on SubstackIn Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total AmateurRadiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little HellThe Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your JoyThe Beauty of Different: Observations of a Confident MisfitLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaThe Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times, Gregory BoyleTattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, Gregory BoyleGeorge Michael, Mary J. Blige - AsConclaveHomeboy Industries

“Your job isn't what makes you interesting, your hobby is.”- Karen WalrondCheck out my conversation with the delightful Karen Walrond, author of the brand new book In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur. For her book, Karen tried out seven new hobbies — everything from pottery to surfing to piano playing — to show readers how to do the same. She even provides a list of over 200 hobbies others might want to try — all in the interest of tuning out, tapping into ourselves, and finding joy. Connect with Karen: Buy the Book | Substack | InstagramFor women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you've always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

Discover why being proudly mediocre at something you love might be the key to unlocking joy, meaning, and even spiritual practice in your life.In this perspective-shifting conversation, leadership consultant Karen Walrond shares insights from her new book, In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur, revealing how letting go of the pressure to excel can transform simple activities into powerful portals for self-discovery, connection, and personal growth. Learn the seven surprising attributes that make intentional amateurism a radical act of self-care in our achievement-obsessed world.You can find Karen at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you'll also love the conversations we had with James Victore about making your art and owning your point of view. Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesCheck out our offerings & partners: Beam Dream Powder: Visit https://shopbeam.com/GOODLIFE and use code GOODLIFE to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Walrond is an award-winning author, speaker, and leadership coach. And she's on a mission to create a kindness revolution. She's the author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto and Radiant Rebellion, and she's out now with a new book, In Defense of Dabbling, in which she urges all of us to stress less and play more. In this episode, Karen and Annmarie talk about cultivating curiosity, self-compassion, and even failure in order to do the things we love– even if we're not any good at them. Episode Sponsors: Blue Willow Bookshop – A locally-owned, independently-minded West     Houston bookstore. Blue Willow is run by a team of opinionated, well-read women. Our staff meetings are full of laughter, our back room is full of snacks, and we absolutely love putting the right book into a reader's hands. We've got recommendations. We've got pizzazz. And we look forward to welcoming you to our happy place. Stop in or shop online at bluewillow bookshop.com. Lit Youngstown – A literary community proud to support beginning and experienced writers who seek to hone their craft, foster understanding, and share and publish their creative work. Read, write, and tell your story at lityoungstown.org. Books by Karen Walrond: In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy The Beauty of Different: Observations of a Confident Misfit And here's our previous conversation with Karen about Radiant Rebellion. Follow Karen Walrond: Instagram: @heychookooloonks Facebook: @chookooloonks Substack: Karen Walrond www.chookooloonks.com **Writing Workshops:  If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below.  Or if you're looking for an online class to jumpstart your memoir, you can find that here.  Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a former investigator who spent 26 years keeping her true self hidden decides at age 50 to let it all out on social media? Meet Sherri Dindal, who transformed from living life behind a mask to becoming The Real Slim Sherri, amassing 5.7 million followers by showing up with raw authenticity, humor and hard-won wisdom that's inspiring a generation of GenXers to reclaim their right to take up space. Her story reveals how two brushes with death led to an extraordinary reinvention, proving it's never too late to become who you truly are.You can find Sherri at: Connect with Sherri | Wholesome Hippy | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you'll also love the conversations we had with Karen Walrond about rewriting the mid-life narrative to one of joy, grace and possibility.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesCheck out our offerings & partners: Beam Dream Powder: Visit https://shopbeam.com/GOODLIFE and use code GOODLIFE to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I loved this Substack Live conversation with Karen Walrond, an award winning author, speaker, leadership coach. Karen (who is sunshine personified) and I discuss why it's important to embrace being an amateur, how community compassion can be an act of resistance, and why women need to banish their feelings of guilt for pursuing their desires. Be sure you're following Karen's Substack, the make light journal, and please enjoy the replay of our conversation.My new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is available for preorder! Out in June 2025, Fired Up will give you the formula for finding your unique spark and show you how to use it to start fires in your life. By preordering, you can enroll for FREE in Firestarter University, a year-long online program that includes live monthly workshops, workbooks and resources, accountability check-ins, and a community to help you succeed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

With refreshing candor, renowned author Judith Viorst shares profound insights from her latest book, Making the Best of What's Left: When We're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered, inviting us into the vulnerabilities and unexpected joys of aging. Discover practical strategies for navigating loneliness, building community, and reigniting curiosity in your 80s and beyond. Through Viorst's empathetic lens, explore what it truly means to create meaning in life's final chapters.You can find Judith at: Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the conversations we had with Karen Walrond about befriending the experience of growing older.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Key Conversations with Shae, Shae Cottar and Karen Walrond explore the profound impact of real estate professionals on communities, the ethical responsibilities outlined in the Realtor Code of Ethics, and the inherent tension between business success and community service.    Sign up for Free Industry News Subscriptions for HAR Members here-   https://www.harconnect.com/free-industry-news-subscriptions-for-har-members/   Are you an HAR MLS Platinum Subscriber? Join our Facebook Group! Click to join. Sign Up for your free Real Estate News Subscription here. Sign up for your free Inman Select Subscription here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube , and LinkedIn.

Are you tired of the cultural narratives that frame aging as an inevitable decline? In this illuminating conversation, Karen Walrond, author of Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell, offers a radical reframing to help you embrace your later years as a time of profound growth, purpose and audacious joy.Prepare to interrogate assumptions, stay playfully curious at any age, and join Walrond's radiant rebellion against the toxic mindsets holding you back from living each season of life to the fullest.You can find Karen at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the conversations we had with Tara Brach about making peace with the truth about our lives.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesFactor: Factor delivers chef-crafted, nutritionist-approved meals that heat up in 2 minutes, and you can get 50% off your first box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/factorpodcast with code FACTORPODCAST. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our (return!) guest this week is Karen Walrond, Karen is a writer, photographer, lawyer, leadership coach and a longtime activist. She's also the author of the several books, including 2021's "The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy." We're talking all about defining activism for ourselves through integrity, empathy, kindness, intention, self-compassion, curiosity and, yes, even joy during the current political-horror blitz. You can find Karen at: https://www.chookooloonks.com/You can find us on Patreon: patreon.com/everythingisfineYou can find Kim on her Substack: kimfrance.substack.comYou can find Jenn on her Substack: jennromolini.substack.comConcerns? Critiques? Suggestions? Just want to say "hi"? You can email us: everythingisfinethepodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Avanti Kumar Singh shares her powerful journey with breast cancer while writing The Longevity Formula, blending Western medicine and Ayurvedic wisdom. Discover her 5 "longevity switches" and daily practices like breathwork for vibrant aging by reducing inflammation and nurturing life force.You can find Avanti at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the conversations we had with Karen Walrond about embracing the grace of age.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hidden Human, Kelly Meerbott welcomes Karen Walrond, author and leadership coach, to explore the profound impact of kindness in leadership. Karen shares her personal journey of embracing authenticity in the corporate world and offers practical advice on navigating tough situations with integrity and calm. She highlights the power of small gestures in building meaningful relationships, discusses decision-making in critical moments, and reflects on the challenges of balancing emergency response with thoughtful rumination. Karen also shares insights from her books on joyful aging and the pursuit of passion, leaving new leaders with valuable advice to breathe, listen, and serve. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leading with heart. Hosted by Kelly Meerbott, PCC of You Loud & Clear, Executive Leadership Coach, TEDx Speaker, and author. Check out her latest book, Meerbott's Fables today! Connect with Kelly on Linkedin! Kelly Meerbott, PCC, Award Winning Coach, TEDx Speaker is a renowned expert in executive leadership. 90% of Kelly's clients achieve their goals, underscoring the effectiveness of her methods. As a keynote speaker, author, and podcast host, Kelly continues to influence the field of executive leadership. Kelly is currently accepting new clients for late 2024-2025. Discover how her coaching can transform your leadership journey.

Listen in to find out about Grant Thornton's experience after 20 months in the Bermuda market place.   Tanya Beattie is a senior qualified actuary with significant expertise across multiple areas of the Insurance industry. She leads the actuarial practice in Grant Thornton Bermuda and also Internal Audit. She brings a wealth of commercial and regulatory acumen, gained from her experience within both the Insurance industry, across Risk Management, Actuarial and Pricing roles, and also with the Irish regulator - the CBI. Tanya moved to Bermuda as part of Grant Thornton's official launch on island in January 2023, and has developed strong relationships across the market since then – working closely with the on-island service providers, particularly insurance managers and law firms – while leading numerous client advisory engagements with both captive and commercial insurers.    Karen Walrond is a qualified accountant with over 15 years of auditing experience of which 12 relate to work within the Bermuda insurance industry with captive and commercial insurers, investment holding companies, local companies and not-for-profit organizations. Her career commenced at KPMG Trinidad and KPMG Barbados before moving to Bermuda and joining Arthur Morris & Company Limited (AMC) as a senior and after a few years was promoted to Audit Manager. She also gained experience at an Insurance Management company where she worked on captive and commercial insurers before joining Grant Thornton Bermuda as an Audit Director in May 2024. She brings a wealth of knowledge, gained from her experience in the audit and insurance management industries.   Sponsor – Grant Thornton  graphic link to: https://www.grantthornton.bm/

Have you ever thought, "I wish the kind of body positivity and inclusivity we see today had existed when I was growing up"? If so, you're not alone. The conversation around mental health, body image, and inclusivity has evolved dramatically — and today's guest, Jess Weiner, is at the forefront of this transformation. Jess is a true trailblazer whose work has created a lasting impact on how we view ourselves and each other. If you're looking to make a difference in the world but often find yourself comparing, despairing, feeling overwhelmed, or unsure where to start: this episode is for you. ABOUT JESS: Jess Weiner [Wee-ner] is a Cultural Expert + brand advisor who has spent decades educating and speaking on cultural trends in order to help people feel more seen, heard + understood. She is the CEO of Talk to Jess, a consultancy focused on helping Fortune 500 companies and global brands, such as Unilever, Mattel, and Warner Brothers to become more inclusive and culturally fluent. Jess has been a strategic partner in culture-changing moments such as launching Dove's campaign for “Real Beauty”, which is celebrating 20 years of self-esteem education this year and she is a driving force behind the evolution of Barbie, resulting in over a dozen different body types, over 35 new skin colors and over 100 new hairstyles. She was recently named as one of the top 250 Female Founders by Inc. Magazine and one of the most creative people in business in the areas of Diversity and Education by Fast Company. ~ SHOW NOTES: Jessweiner.com Jess on Instagram Jess on LinkedIn Jess on X How To Find Your North Star + Plan Your Impact with Christen Brandt on the WANTcast How To Radiantly Rebel Against Ageism with Karen Walrond on The WANTcast Love the WANTcast? We would be so grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW the pod on iTunes. Subscribe to WANT on Substack Join THE WANT COMMUNITY Buy your copy of WANT YOUR SELF here  Follow Katie on Instagram

Are you navigating the profound transitions of midlife? In this insightful conversation, modern elder Chip Conley provides a brilliant reframing of the "midlife crisis" as a growth opportunity.Drawing from his book Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, Chip outlines a holistic methodology for flourishing across the physical, emotional, mental, vocational and spiritual dimensions as we age. Discover how to cultivate wisdom, find your calling, and integrate your whole self during this remarkable stage of life's journey.You can find Chip at: Website | Modern Elder Academy Instagram | Chip's Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the conversations we had with Karen Walrond about celebrating midlife.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guess what? We all age! So why is the world so tough on women who do just that? Can we reclaim aging as something to celebrate? You'll get some wonderful answers today from Karen Walrond, author of the award-winning Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell We discuss how we all inadvertently promote ageism (ever said "senior moment" when you forget something?), how to "self-interrogate" to understand our choices a little better, Karen's nuanced view on women increasingly going grey, why in the world marketers are selling so many anti-aging serums to 14-year-olds, and whether she sees hope for positive change. Above all, Karen shares ways we can reclaim the joy in aging, practice gratitude, and find a path to feeling good about ourselves at any age. Support Our Awesome Sponsor: Phyla Skincare: If you struggle with acne or have kids who do, save 25% your first order with code COOLMOM on Phyla Phortify Probiotic Serum. It's the breakthrough, side-effect-free, science-backed, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts before they start. ----- Our Cool Picks of the Week include an affordable electric kettle, Sari Botton's Substack, and the 1Password app for protecting yourself against hacks and data breaches. ---- Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon Find Karen Walrond: Website, Instagram, Substack, Amazon Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Facebook, Threads Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a child, I counted the days until my next birthday. Most of us did, tired of hearing “you're not old enough to do that.”Then we hit a certain age, and all we want to do is roll back the clock. Pursue youth at all costs.Why is that?Who decided that young is good and old is bad? Why have we internalized it to our own detriment? And how do we reclaim aging as a positive force in our lives?My guest this week answers those questions and more in her brilliant new book, Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell.“ And she does it based on research.A Familiar VoiceKaren Walrond is familiar to the Our Voices Matter community. The attorney turned leadership coach, turned activist and author has helped thousands around the world find purpose and meaning in their lives.She has shared her insight and wisdom on Brené Brown's Unlocking Us podcast, on the Oprah Winfrey Show , PBS, the Huffington Post and CNN.com.And lucky us, she has graced Our Voices Matter with her penetrating perspective in previous episodes where we discussed her book, The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy.And another episode when her daughter, Alex, joined us in conversation.And now, this episode. Like a parent who is asked “which child is your favorite”, I'd give the safe answer – I love them all equally. But truth be told — this one is my favorite.LiberatingI found this conversation — and her book — to be liberating.When you listen, you'll understand what I mean.Ageism is real. It permeates every aspect of our lives, forcing others's unwanted perspectives on our value as humans. And there's a special brand of this reserved for women.Well, I don't know about you but I've had it. I'm done.I am reclaiming my aging.I urge you to do the same.Because our broken world needs all that each of us has to give, and that capacity doesn't end when we hit the arbitrary age of 65.Indeed, for many of us, it's just beginning.Would love to know how you feel about this topic. Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn and share your thoughts.I can't wait to continue this conversation with you.www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.comwww.lorellemedia.comThis podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.Support the show

We're live at Alt Summit and joining us is the amazing Karen Walrond to talk all about reimagining our ambition into our 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. If you want to pre-order Jenn's book about ambition and midlife, Ambition Monster, you can do that in an array of places, starting here. You can find Kim on her Substack: kimfrance.substack.comTo follow Jenn's beauty recs: instagram.com/jennromolinisvanity/Concerns? Critiques? Suggestions? Just want to say "hi"? You can email us: everythingisfinethepodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back from Palm Springs and discussing executive function, losing the thread, ADHD & admin work, rude emails, fatigue with ourselves, packing SNAFUs, the great Karen Walrond, new TV, Kathy Acker, listener questions and a whole lot more!You can find Kim on her Substack: kimfrance.substack.comYou can pre-order Jenn's book, Ambition Monster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Ambition-Monster/Jennifer-Romolini/9781668056585To follow Jenn's beauty recs: instagram.com/jennromolinisvanity/Concerns? Critiques? Suggestions? Just want to say "hi"? You can email us: everythingisfinethepodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am thrilled to welcome Karen Walrond back to the show this week. She has recently published the book Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell and is here to share how the process of writing it allowed her to see things she hadn't seen before.   Tune in to learn more about Karen's unique ability to embrace vulnerability while owning her experiences. We cover a range of topics including expressing gratitude, ageism, and the power of journaling. I hope this discussion inspires you to give yourself permission to do what you've been refraining from doing, just as reading her book did for me.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://bit.ly/49pMPQ0

#123 - Join me and Jeff Harry, who combine positive psychology and play to heal workplaces, help teams build psychological safety, and assist individuals in addressing their biggest challenges by embracing a play-oriented approach to work. Jeff has been featured in the NY Times, HuffPost, Shondaland, NPR, and more and has worked with Google, Microsoft, Amazon, the NFL and other Fortune 500 companies to infuse more play into the day-to-day. Jeff's main goal is to make work suck less by assisting leaders in building a playground workplace atmosphere that motivates their staff to do their most vibrant work.In this episode, we discuss:why being cool is too much work

I'm not going to lie. I was much more prepared for puberty, pregnancy, motherhood, and even menopause than I was for aging. And you all know that's a big deal to say because we're largely unprepared for all the other phases of our lives, too. But the reality is, we're aging from the day we're born, and much of what we've internalized about aging - the fears, judgments, stereotypes - and even ‘symptoms' if you will - have much more to do with the culture of ageism we're steeped in from the time we're little - whether that's the ‘old hag witch' in the woods who eats children in fairy tales and movies, to the anti-aging creams that women are already now using in their 20s (and younger) thanks to an industry that instills in us that aging is ugly.  My guest, Karen Walrond, is the author of Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy & Raise a Little Hell, an investigation in how we can resist ageism and live a light-filled life along the way. And - I don't say this often or lightly - this book has blown my mind. It was exactly the dose of vitality and fire I needed right now - a mind-shift on my own journey - of aging proudly and powerfully while I also navigate all that means in our culture, and in work that puts me front and center on video, in media. I truly believe every women over 20 in our culture should read this book, gift it, share it, talk about it, and then read it again.  In this episode Karen and I discuss: The cultural beliefs, stereotypes, and fears that contribute to ageism How internalized ageism can affect women's self-perception and confidence as they age How to challenge ageist language and attitudes Embracing aging and reclaiming vitality can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. The role of the global anti-aging market in perpetuating ageism and sexism Variation in cultures on the perception of elderhood The importance of community and intergenerational relationships for well-being and a sense of purpose in the later years Listening to your body's cravings and embracing guilt-free eating The impact of alcohol on health and weight management How important it is to appreciate the wisdom and beauty of body changes Let's listen to the interview. And then, as my guest says, raise a little hell. Or as I'm saying, raise a lot of it! You'll see what I mean. Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation. You can follow Karen on Instagram and visit her at chookooloonks.com Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements Practitioners - you can also learn how to create your own accounts at https://us.fullscript.com/practitioner-signup/AVIVA

What does it mean to live meaningfully? Journey with us as we revisit poignant moments from conversations on presence, curiosity, self-acceptance, integration, community, and the power of our stories. We'll dive into chats with Pico Iyer on living fully through presence, Karen Walrond on embracing change and aging with creativity, and violinist Vijay Gupta on building community beyond prestige and comfort. Their wisdom illuminates pathways to flourish through integrity, purpose, generosity, and joy. This is an invitation to blossom fully into who you're becoming, without apology or hesitation.Episode TranscriptYou can find Pico at: Website | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with PicoYou can find Karen at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with KarenYou can find Vijay at: Website | Street Symphony | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with VijayCheck out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest today is the phenomenally inspiring Karen Walrond. Karen is an author, a lawyer, a leadership coach and a longtime activist. Her latest book is "Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise A Little Hell." We talk all about it and what it means to overcome internalized ageism and live our most curious, engaged, productive and meaningful lives.You can find Karen at: https://www.chookooloonks.com/You can find Kim on her Substack: kimfrance.substack.comYou can pre-order Jenn's book:https://bookshop.org/p/books/ambition-monster-jennifer-romolini/20705024To follow Jenn's beauty recs: instagram.com/jennromolinisvanity/For exclusive Everything Is Fine episodes — along with weekly style and culture recommendations — join our Patreon: patreon.com/everythingisfineConcerns? Critiques? Suggestions? Just want to say "hi"? You can email us: everythingisfinethepodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Karen Walrond joins us on This Is Aging for an eye-opening conversation about confronting ageist beliefs and expectations. We explore the evolution of ageism in America, research on happiness in seniors, how to practically resist the anti-aging industry and make choices that feel good to YOU. Karen just recently released a new book, "Radiant Rebellion: Reclaiming Aging, Practicing Joy, and Raising a Little Hell". Our conversation with Karen will inspire you to embrace aging with joy and give you tools for working towards a better world and fighting against ageism.

Karen Walrond is the author of THE LIGHTMAKER'S MANIFESTO and THE BEAUTY OF DIFFERENT, and she's out now with a new book, RADIANT REBELLION, in which she urges all of us to reexamine the myths and celebrate more of the opportunities of growing older. In this episode, Karen and Annmarie talk about reclaiming aging, practicing joy, and how to take charge of our own stories as we walk, dance, and even hula hoop into the second half of our lives.  Episode Sponsors: Blue Willow Bookshop – A locally-owned, independently-minded West  Houston bookstore. Blue Willow is run by a team of opinionated, well-read women. Our staff meetings are full of laughter, our back room is full of snacks, and we absolutely love putting the right book into a reader's hands. We've got recommendations. We've got pizzazz. And we look forward to welcoming you to our happy place. Stop in or shop online at bluewillow bookshop.com. Lit Youngstown – A literary community proud to support beginning and experienced writers who seek to hone their craft, foster understanding, and share and publish their creative work. Read, write, and tell your story at lityoungstown.org. Books by Karen Walrond: RADIANT REBELLION: RECLAIM AGING, PRACTICE JOY, AND RAISE A LITTLE HELL THE LIGHTMAKER'S MANIFESTO: HOW TO WORK FOR CHANGE WITHOUT LOSING YOUR JOY THE BEAUTY OF DIFFERENT: OBSERVATIONS OF A CONFIDENT MISFIT Other Titles Discussed in This Episode: Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive, by Dr. Kristin Neff Good Talk, by Mira Jacob Follow Karen Walrond: Instagram: @heychookooloonks Facebook: @chookooloonks www.chookooloonks.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is the final celebration in our October Book Birthday party — and we are ending with a BANGER of an episode. Today's guest is a longtime friend of the pod, and a true force to be reckoned with. Karen Walrond is an author, leadership coach, activist and attorney. An avid photographer and journaler, Walrond's writing and coaching have helped thousands of people around the world find meaning and purpose in their lives. Karen and her work have been featured on Brené Brown's Unlocking Us podcast, PBS, Huffington Post, CNN, and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and her award-winning blog, Chookooloonks, is a lifestyle, inspiration, and photography destination. Karen is the author of The Beauty of Different, the Lightmaker's Manifesto — and most notably for this conversation, her latest book, RADIANT REBELLION: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell. Radiant Rebellion is an investigation into how we can reclaim aging, cultivate joy, and resist ageism. As Karen says, internalized ageism--bias against our future selves--is not our only option; we can write a different story of aging than the one we've been handed. In this conversation we'll dive into all the ways we get wrapped up in ageism without even realizing it, and how, exactly, to move forward.   SHOW NOTES: RADIANT REBELLION Karen on Instagram Chookooloonks blog The Lightmaker's Manifesto Karen on the WANTcast in May 2020 Karen on the WANTcast in November 2018 ~ BUY WANT YOUR SELF: WANT YOUR SELF on Amazon (don't forget to rate and review it here!) Amazon Kindle Audible Bookshop Barnes & Noble Target Sounds True ~ Email Katie at katie@womenagainstnegativetalk.com or DM her on Instagram to let her know what you want to hear about, who you want to hear from, or what you want to learn next season of the WANTcast! Follow Katie on social! Leave a review of the WANTcast on iTunes (and SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW if you haven't already!) Subscribe to WANT on Substack, and get our bimonthly email newsletter filled with tips, tools, motivation, and inspiration to shift your self-talk  

Changing your life, living your best life...sure they're great goals, but how do you actually make change happen? And, moreover, LAST? How do you balance striving for more while also enjoying what's right in front of you? Today's guest is Liz Moody: the host of the top-rated 'The Liz Moody Podcast,' author of bestselling books 'Healthier Together: Recipes for Two—Nourish Your Body, Nourish Your Relationships' and 'Glow Pops,' and content creator who has helped millions of people transform their lives. Her new book, '100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success', draws from Moody's more than a decade of experience in the health and wellness world, serving as a new kind of personal development book — one that empowers readers to craft their unique, best life based on the habits they want to form, the problems they want to solve, and the parts of their life they want to take to the next level. IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT: What people get wrong about your "best" life and what they should be focusing on instead Science-backed ways to create habits that stick A (BIG) curveball Liz was thrown in the book publishing process and how she navigated her way through it Liz's own moment when she knew her life needed to change — and why How to build real motivation ...and more! ~ SHOW NOTES 100 Ways To Change Your Life The Liz Moody Podcast Liz on Instagram Liz on TikTok ~ BUY WANT YOUR SELF: WANT YOUR SELF on Amazon (don't forget to rate and review it here!) Amazon Kindle Audible Bookshop Barnes & Noble Target Sounds True ~ AND MORE: Thursday 10/26 NYC EVENT with Karen Walrond in support of Radiant Rebellion Email Katie at katie@womenagainstnegativetalk.com or DM her on Instagram to let her know what you want to hear about, who you want to hear from, or what you want to learn next season of the WANTcast! Follow Katie on social! Leave a review of the WANTcast on iTunes (and SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW if you haven't already!) Subscribe to WANT on Substack, and get our bimonthly email newsletter filled with tips, tools, motivation, and inspiration to shift your self-talk

We've been sold a story that aging means decline. But what if that was a lie? My guest Karen Walrond flips the script on aging with her new book Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell. She argues we can embrace getting older as a time of growth, joy, and possibility. Karen shares how we can rewrite narratives around aging illuminated by purpose, wisdom, levity, and curiosity. Imagine aging not as something to endure, but to embrace. Karen shows us how through exercises, perspective shifts, and reimagining living itself. Get ready to reclaim aging and live your most vibrant years ahead.You can find Karen at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the conversations we had with Tara Brach about making peace with the truth about our lives. Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKED. To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit. Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With so many things influencing us every single moment, is it ever possible to be "free" from influence? Where do these influences even come from? And how do we begin to choose what's right for us in the midst of so many voices and factors that seem to be choosing it FOR us? And...sort of related...how do you LAUNCH A BOOK on your own terms, free from the influence of industry expectations? Today's incredibly timely guest is Jessica Elefante, and we're talking about ALL of this. Jess is a writer and [former bullshit] artist who has spent the last few decades examining what it means to be human in our modern world. She's the author of Raising Hell, Living Well: Freedom from Influence in a World Where Everyone Wants Something from You (including me). Her book came out this week, one week after WANT YOUR SELF...so think of this episode as our dual-birthday-party. We recorded this before either of our books were published, so you're getting to hear the behind-the-scenes from two authors who are IN IT. Jess is the founder of acclaimed Folk Rebellion and a critic of today's culture, and her award-winning talks, films, and work have been featured by Vogue, the Los Angeles Times, The Observer, Paper magazine, Wired, and more. In her previous life as a brand strategist, she was recognized as one of Brand Innovators' 40 Under 40 and has been a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and New York University. She's influenced by the social, cultural, and technological circumstances of her life but mostly by her desire to lead a colorful one. She is no longer bullshitting. A must listen for anyone and everyone navigating the landscape of what it means to build a life of your own in today's day and age. Which is us all.   SHOW NOTES: BUY RAISING HELL, LIVING WELL Subscribe to Modern Bullshit Jessica Elefante's website Jess on Instagram Jess on TikTok ~ BUY THE BOOK: WANT YOUR SELF on Amazon (don't forget to rate and review it here!) Amazon Kindle Audible Bookshop Barnes & Noble Target Sounds True Saturday 10/21 LOS ANGELES EVENT (Malibu beach house party) with Lynn Chen Sunday 10/22 LOS ANGELES EVENT with HappyWomenDinners: email jill@happywomendinners.com or katie@womenagainstnegativetalk.com for info and to RSVP Thursday 10/26 NYC EVENT with Karen Walrond in support of Radiant Rebellion

What if aging could be joyful? What if we viewed more candles on the cake as something to aspire to and embrace? Author Karen Walrond approached a milestone year with excitement, not fear, and thought, what if we could forge a radiant rebellion against the idea of aging as a season of decline? What came next was a book and a call-to-arms for a radical reframe of how we view aging. On this show, Karen dives into the lessons from her latest book, “Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell,” and invites us to rebel against ageism alongside her. Aging is living! SHOW NOTES + TRANSCRIPT acertainagepod.com FOLLOW A CERTAIN AGE: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn GET INBOX INSPO: Sign up for our newsletter AGE BOLDLY We share new episodes, giveaways, links we live, and midlife resources CONTACT US: katie@acertainagepod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caleb and Adriele are joined by leadership coach, activist and attorney, Karen Walrond, whose new book, Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell, is an investigation in how we can reclaim aging and live a light-filled life along the way. They talk about navigating ageism in the workplace, how marketing has damaged our ability to thoughtfully approach getting older, and how to not be biased against our future selves. Before that, Caleb and Adriele look at new research on CEOs' internal communication skills, more research on remote work being here to stay, and the new trend of “quiet cutting.” All that plus medicare spending in the U.S. has gone way down and studies showing overwhelming support for corporate diversity initiatives across racial, ideological, and generational lines. Discussed today: Karen's website: CHOOKOOLOONKS Pre-order Radiant Rebellion GE-Ipsos poll: Employees want more authentic internal communication | AXIOS Survey: Remote Work Isn't Going Away — and Executives Know It | HBR You've Heard of Quiet Quitting. Now Companies Are Quiet Cutting. | WSJ The American workplace's bias against age | AXIOS Corporate Diversity Initiatives: Overwhelmingly Supported Across Racial, Ideological, and Generational Lines A Huge Threat to the U.S. Budget Has Receded. And No One Is Sure Why. | NYT

When you were 18, what were you concerned about?If you're of a certain age, my guess is that the demise of our planet and Artificial Intelligence taking over weren't at the top of your list.But for today's youth, those are real concerns. And it impacts how they think about and prepare for the future.In Part 2 of our series, Across the Generations, I sit down with a mother and daughter who are grappling in real time with these questions and more.Amplify and Connect18 year old Alex Jennings is a freshman at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She's pursuing a degree in Visual Design, while wondering if AI will make her skillset obsolete before she even graduates.Her mom, Karen Walrond, is making a return appearance on Our Voices Matter to engage in this important conversation with her daughter. What are Karen's hopes and fears for Alex as she prepares for adulthood in an increasingly uncertain world?Karen is a badass, modern day renaissance woman whose new book, Radiant Rebellion, will be out later this year.The point of having conversations like this is two-fold: 1) to amplify the voices of Millennials and Gen Z who are often ignored, underestimated and misunderstood, and 2) to learn from each other and celebrate what connects us across generations.Three WordsEnvironment. Economy. Empathy. These 3 words play a prominent role in our conversation — as do three words I ask both Alex and Karen to share when thinking about the future.What are your three words?Whatever they are, my hope is that this conversation enlightens your perspective and encourages you to talk — and most important — listen — to those in your life of a different generation.There is so much for us to learn from each other. And together, we can tackle and solve the challenges that lie before us.Support the show

In this season Kathryn and Laura are inspired to learn and inspired to share. Each week they discuss the ongoing story of their learning as they engage in reflective practice to connect their ideas and continuously grow. In this bonus episode Kathryn and Laura reflect together and share some of their favorite things of the year! Transcript  Resources: Digital Learning Radio site: Season 12 Top 10 Favorite Things from Laura and Kathryn: Book: L: Evolving Education: Shifting to a Learner Centered Paradigm & Cloud Cuckoo Land; K: Building a Second Brain & Find Your Unicorn Space Tech Tool: L: Accessibility Color Checker; K: Form Mule + Creating Follow-Ups with Form Mule (recorded webinar) Learning Leader: Elena Aguilar; K: Michael Bungay Stanier Planning Protip: L: Mini Reflections with Sentence Stems; K: Launching the Learning with People, Purpose, and Logistics Facilitation Protip: L: W.I.N. Time; K: Purposeful PD: Primed for Learning Workflow/Productivity: L: Notion; K: Turn Problems Into a Curiosity Engine Reflective Practice: L: “How can I feel healthy, connected, purposeful?” from Karen Walrond on Accessing Joy and Finding Connection in the Midst of Struggle; K: DO52 Intention "sticks" Self-Care: L: Disconnecting with Do Not Disturb mode; K: Yoga with Adriene Wildcard: L: Kuju Coffee; K: Better conversations wall calendar, Kat Vellos Word of the Year: L: connection; K: introspection

We chat with author Karen Walrond on how to cultivate friendships and create healthy boundaries. Check out Karen Walrond's podcast Make Light and her book The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy. .

Shared nostalgia over old-school blogging, pursuing true activism without sacrificing joy, and why we're wired to be of service — plus, how to hold personal boundaries online while remaining authentic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is sending your only child far away to college supposed to be devastating? Not for Karen Walrond, whose daughter Alex just graduated and, this fall, will be heading from the family's home in Texas to art school in Chicago. As the parents of an only child, Karen and her husband Marcus are facing down an empty nest, and honestly...they are feeling pretty good about it. Karen and Meagan (whose son Will is also heading some distance away in August) have a chat about what the college-selection process looked like in each of their homes and what they expect they'll feel when the kids actually head off, as well as reminisce about their own college days and share some things they hope their kids will remember about this time of life. Karen also shares what it was like letting her hair go gray and talks about the new book she's working on about joyful aging. About Karen Walrond Karen Walrond is a lawyer, leadership coach, photographer, author and activist.  Her latest book, The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy, beckons readers toward lives of integrity, advocacy, conviction and joy.  She is a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, trained in Brené Brown's research on empathy, courage and vulnerability, and serves on the board of the Houston Coalition Against Hate.  Karen and her work have been featured on PBS, Huffington Post, CNN.com, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.  She curates the award-winning blog Chookooloonks and is the author and photographer of The Beauty of Different.  Karen and her family live in Houston, Texas. Episode Links: Karen was a guest in season 1 of Mother of Reinvention. Check out her interview on joyful activism. Instagram- Karen Walrond :: Chookooloonks (@heychookooloonks) Facebook- Karen Walrond Twitter- Karen Walrond (@Chookooloonks) LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwalrond Website-  chookooloonks.com

This week, after experiencing unexpected loss, Laura and Susan discuss the role of grief and friendship, and the bittersweet and inevitable intermixing of joy and heartbreak along this journey we call life. Inspired by the genius of Brene Brown, Karen Walrond and Susan Cain, Laura and Susan agree with the conclusion that our broken hearts connect us all. And as creators all we can hope to do is make works of profound sadness and beauty. Break our hearts. Use all of the pain. Like Marcus Aurelius said, “A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it”Make 2022 the year you go from dreaming about what you want to make, to making what you've been dreaming about!Learn more about The Spark File IGNITE here!

This week, Kristen chats with Karen Walrond about her new book The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy. But first, Matthias and Kristen check in on the week and share some thumbs up on books and tv shows....and some thumbs down. Links + Resources Karen Walrond's Website The Lightmaker's Manifesto The House in the Cerulean Sea Somebody Somewhere on HBO The Gilded Age on HBO

In this episode, I'm sitting across from my friend Karen Walrond and she's helping me access joy. You may remember Karen from a two-part podcast we did last year on her book The Lightmaker's Manifesto, which is all about working for change without losing your joy. And I literally just called her and said, “Will you be on the podcast this week, because I'm in such deep struggle and I can't access any joy? I feel guilty if I'm happy about something because the world is such a shit show right now and people are in so much pain.” If you're struggling with how to be fully connected in your life and feel joy and acknowledge beauty and also fight for the things that we need to fight for right now, this will be a great podcast for you. It was a game changer for me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest this week takes us on a journey that leads to the intersection of activism and joy.  And what a wonderful ride it is!The journey unfolds in the pages of Karen Walrond's new book, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto:  How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy".   Our guide is the author herself, who is also an activist, speaker, leadership coach and photographer extraordinaire.Tips and Tools for ActivistsIf you're like me, when you think of the word "activist", the next word that comes to mind probably isn't "joy."  But reading Karen's latest book changed my perspective and opened my mind to new possibilities.In our wide-ranging conversation, we explore how the book came to life and why it is resonating with so many at this moment.She reflects on her personal backstory and how her Trinidadian heritage informs her life and current work as an activist.  That work now includes a new role at the Brené Brown Education and Research Group.  Karen's good friend, Brené, recently tapped her to be the Senior Director of Global Engagement for the organization.And for all you activists out there, I've got you.  We can all use a bit of advice to implement our strategies for making the world a better place.  So I asked Karen to offer a few tips and tools to help you find and maintain your joy in the midst of the struggle.Bright Life. Big Heart. Can't Lose.Bright Life.  Big Heart. Can't Lose.  Each year, Karen chooses a word or phrase to guide her.Bright Life, Big Heart, Can't Lose is this year's guidepost.  Something she calls upon to navigate the twists and turns that inevitably come her way.Listen to Karen connect her truth to her values.  Allow yourself to be inspired.  Go out and change the world.  Then meet me at the intersection of activism and joy.  www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.comwww.lorellemedia.comThis podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.Support the show (http://patreon.com/OurVoicesMatterPodcast)

If you are a leader who embodies activism, you are moved by personal convictions that see beyond yourself and the bottom line. You boldly desire to make intentional change that will impact another person, your family, where you work, our planet.When activism is seen as a negative word, it supports the status quo. Making activism negative plays upon your fears being misunderstood or being seen as too much, too disruptive.And it is easy to respond to these fears by quickly defaulting into silence or complacency.But there is something immensely freeing by owning our values and desires for the world we want. Sure, it can feel a little scary and most definitely vulnerable.When we do the work to not be weighed down by our burdens, we can move through the fears and increase our capacity for vulnerability so we can own our activism not as something to be ashamed of but as a beacon for our meaningful work and life.My guest today wrote a whole book reframing activism with a more holistic lens that is inclusive and inspiring. She has given us a road map on redefining and reclaiming activism in an aligned and meaningful way.Karen Walrond is a lawyer, leadership coach, and activist. Karen's work has helped thousands of people around the world find purpose and meaning in their work. As a photographer, Karen traveled throughout Africa with the ONE Campaign, an advocacy organization committed to the prevention of extreme poverty and preventable disease. Karen currently serves on the board of directors for the Houston Coalition Against Hate. She is the author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto and The Beauty of Different, and a contributor to Disquiet Time and Expressive Photography. Karen, her husband, and their daughter live in Houston, Texas.Listen to the full episode to hear:What losing her house in Hurricane Harvey taught Karen about receiving and asking for helpHow she learned to be a confident misfitKaren's definition of an activist and two key factors for building the endurance to stay the courseThe benefits of letting yourself get angry, and how to use it as a toolLearn more about Karen:ChookooloonksInstagram: @heychookooloonksFacebook: @chookooloonksThe Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your JoyThe Beauty of Different: Observations of a Confident MisfitLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:Asha Dornfest*Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches*, Audre LordeValerie Kaur

It's Part 2 of our two-part series with Karen Walrond, writer, activist, and longtime friend. We are talking about her new book, The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy. In Part 1, we talked about activism and how it shows up in our daily lives. And in this episode, we talk about the connection between activism and spirituality. We talk about listening to the whispers that are calling us and the self-inquiry strategies that help us know what we're supposed to be doing. We also dig in on performative activism and outrage, as well as the realities of burnout and how joy helps curb some of that. It's an important conversation — and one we need to be having right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I'm talking to Karen Walrond, writer, activist, and longtime friend of mine about her new book, The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy. This is the right book for the right time. Activism is such a big and often intimidating concept, and Karen breaks it down into small, intentional, and integrated acts that create a joyful life. We talk about how we met and how we define activism, and we share some really personal experiences we each had after Hurricane Harvey that shaped how we see the intersection of activism and joy. So, enjoy this first of two episodes on life, light, and activism and how those three things are completely interconnected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Karen Walrond is a lawyer, leadership coach, activist, and senior director for global engagement for the Brené Brown Education and Research Group. A Certified Dare To Lead™ Facilitator, Walrond has helped thousands of people around the world find purpose and meaning in their work. As a photographer, she traveled throughout Africa with the ONE Campaign and serves on the board for the Houston Coalition Against Hate. Walrond and her work have been featured on PBS, Huffington Post, CNN.com, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her award-winning blog, Chookooloonks, is a lifestyle, inspiration, and photography destination. A sought-after speaker, Karen is the host of the highly rated podcast The Make Light Show, the author of The Beauty of Different, and a contributor to Disquiet Time and Expressive Photography. Karen, her husband, and their daughter live in Houston, Texas.