Podcast appearances and mentions of scarlett lewis

The Power of Compassion in Action to End Cycles of Violence with Azim Khamisa In this raw and soul-stirring episode of the ChooSELove Podcast, Scarlett Lewis sits down with Azim Khamisa, a father whose 20-year-old son, Tariq, was senselessly murdered by a 14-year-old gang member. In a moment when most would be consumed by rage, Azim was overcome by something else—a mystical experience that delivered him straight into forgiveness. This conversation dives deep into: The spiritual encounter Azim had just hours after his son's death Why he chose forgiveness over vengeance—and how it healed him How he now partners with the grandfather of his son's killer to save other children The power of compassion in action to end cycles of violence Azim's story will shake you, then awaken you. This is forgiveness not as a soft virtue—but as a radical, world-changing force. You don't want to miss this. It's not just about tragedy—it's about transformation. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

“Let Them Theory” with Maureen Lewis This past Mother's Day, Scarlett Lewis and her mom went to the Blue Colony Diner to have a mother/daughter discussion about the “Let Them Theory,' people who lie, and how to choose love in difficult relationships. Listen to this special podcast today! Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Scarlett Lewis is the founder of the Choose Love Movement, a global nonprofit dedicated to bringing social-emotional learning into schools, homes, and communities. Her son Jesse was just six years old when he was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School during the 2012 mass shooting. In the wake of unspeakable loss, Scarlett made a conscious decision not to let anger, bitterness, or hate define her future. Instead, she built something beautiful in Jesse's name. In this conversation, Scarlett opens up about who Jesse was—a brave, confident, dirt-covered little boy who radiated life. She shares what it was like to raise him, what she remembers from the day of the shooting, and how she found the strength to keep going. She also reveals the deeply personal signs, instincts, and spiritual moments that have helped her stay connected to Jesse even after his death. Scarlett's story is one of radical love, personal courage, and post-traumatic growth. It's a story of presence, purpose, and the choices we make after everything falls apart. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to turn pain into power, this episode will stay with you. JESSE LEWIS CHOOSE LOVE MOVEMENT (website): https://chooselovemovement.org/Check out the entire website! So many FREE resources are available! Lessons from Pre-K through 12th grade! Register now to start receiving your curriculum!You can also become an ambassador! Our children are worth it! Change the world! Say his name!GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Safe and Sound Schools Listen as Scarlett talks with Michele Gay, co-founder of ⁠Safe and Sound Schools⁠ about her organization and all the work they do to make schools and communities safer for all! Hear about the interesting information they found out from their most important stakeholders. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

The Compassionate Achiever Listen to the amazing conversation between Scarlett and Dr. Chris Kukk, about the neuroscience research that went into creating the Choose Love Enrichment Program and how choosing love and compassion leads to success! Dr. Kukk is on the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement's board of directors, a professor of Political Science at ⁠Western Connecticut State University⁠, the founding director of the ⁠Center for Compassion, Creativity, and Innovation at WCSU⁠, director of Western's Kathwari Honors Program, and author of The Compassionate Achiever: How Helping Others Fuels Success. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Champions Choose Love Scarlett talks to Karen Murphy - educator, coach, athlete, parent, and more - about our new, no-cost Champions Choose Love program that she helped to create. Learn how coaches and athletes of any age can use the Choose Love Formula to develop self-awareness, strengthen relationships with coaches, teammates and competitors, and develop responsible decision-making skills on and off the field.  Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

In this episode of the Sharing Without Shame podcast, host Donna Marston welcomes Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement. Scarlett shares the heartbreaking story of losing her six-year-old son Jesse in the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy and how his final message—“nurturing, healing, love”—became the foundation for a global mission. Through her personal journey, Scarlett explains how she transformed her unimaginable pain into a movement that now reaches over 16,500 schools in 120 countries. She discusses the importance of social-emotional learning, post-traumatic growth, and teaching children and adults alike how to choose love in the face of fear, anger, and adversity.Together, Donna and Scarlett dive deep into the healing power of sharing personal stories without shame, highlighting how pain can be turned into purpose. Scarlett talks about the impact the Choose Love curriculum is having in prisons, schools, and recovery communities—offering essential life skills to those who've never been taught they have a choice. The conversation touches on the courage it takes to live life with compassion, especially in a world often driven by fear. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that healing is possible when we lean into love, take responsibility for our part in the world, and support one another in becoming our highest and best selves.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, like, and leave a review. For more information about Donna and the services she offers, visit Sharing Without Shame or email her at donna4support@comcast.netLinks:Choose Love Movement: https://chooselovemovement.org/Sponsors: Experience Inner Peace with Calming Therapy BraceletsWebsite: ⁠https://snappbandz.com/Use SWOS or SharingWithoutShame code Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

Societal Issues and Promoting Hope & Healing with John Winstanley Scarlett and John Winstanley discuss the importance of addressing societal issues and promoting hope and healing. John, an advisor, speaker, and CEO of Fort Safety, shared his mission to protect kids and strengthen families from digital threats and toxic cyber behaviors. He also highlighted the need for open conversations about difficult topics, especially in today's changing world.  John discussed the impact of digital addiction on individuals and families, emphasizing the need for solutions. He shared his personal journey of overcoming addiction and how it led him to create a digital addiction coaching program. John also highlighted the challenges of balancing screen time in modern family dynamics and the importance of teaching responsible digital use to children. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

David and Bonnie Murphy, Alex Jones Listeners Scarlett's guests are David and Bonnie Murphy, Alex Jones listeners who did not believe the tragedy at Sandy Hook happened. They met Scarlett when Bonnie was working at one of the first schools to embrace the Choose Love program and Scarlett came in to present to the educators. David and Bonnie did not tell Scarlett that they thought she was a crisis actor for years. Now they sit down and have an unthinkable  conversation about their thought process, the importance of truth and model courage and vulnerability needed to bridge divides and forge friendships across the aisles.  Bonnie Lee Murphy is a successful educator of 32 years with Early Childhood, K-8 and Special Education certifications in public and private schools, endorsed in Reading, Health, Language Arts, Social Studies, Gifted and Psychology. A high school drop-out, she is currently a special education preschool teacher, after spending 28 years reversing generational cycles of ACEs and trauma, having her own education advocacy business as an education trainer and advocate including being New Mexico's first teacher and State Ambassador for Choose Love. David Murphy is a business partner with Core-Visual in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a professional photographer / videographer / editor and has been working in the creative industry for more than 35 years. David's hobbies include playing bass guitar, making personal videos on his YouTube channel (covering topics ranging from theology to DIY home improvement projects), and he also writes and performs original standup comedy (occasionally).

Live Like Levi with Mom Tricia Maciejewski Tricia Maciejewski shares her story with Scarlett Lewis about her beautiful son, Levi, and what she has learned through tremendous hardship and gut-wrenching loss. Levi's death was preventable and the 'evil' is not going to stop so we have to prepare and protect ourselves, and our children with information, awareness and education so that we are not left vulnerable to the highly sophisticated and wiley snares of those that are ever present and prey on our children online. Levi's mom, Tricia, wants us to "Live Like Levi" courageously and treat other people the way we want to be treated! https://www.wgal.com/article/shippensburg-sextortion-victim-mother-speaks/64089 Learn more about Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org

Lorraine Connell, the founder of Peers Not Fears Scarlett Lewis' guest is Lorraine Connell, the founder of Peers Not Fears. Scarlett discusses Lorraine's background in education and teen empowerment, as well as her book and workbook on leadership skills for teens. They also highlight the importance of choosing love over fear and the effectiveness of peer-to-peer groups in middle and high schools, particularly in facilitating trust and friendships. They discuss the upcoming peer-to-peer program in Rochester, New Hampshire  which aims to address feelings of isolation and promote collective growth. Lorraine talks about her journey from being a chemistry teacher to embracing leadership roles. Initially, she struggled with the idea of being an expert in social and emotional learning, feeling that she couldn't lead in advisory roles due to her own lack of skills. However, she eventually transitioned into the work, recognizing the importance of leadership in her role as a mom, teacher, coach, and advisor. She emphasized the need to redefine what leadership means and how it can be stepped into, even by those who feel they lack the necessary skills. https://www.peers-not-fears.com/ Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

A First For SEL! What is Possible! In this episode, Scarlett chats with Shannon Desilets,  the Choose Love Movement Director of New Hampshire, about what is possible with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and the incredible success they have seen! Listen to how one state has embraced social and emotional learning across the board as never done before and their accomplishments, which are a model for all! Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Honoring Rachel's Challenge Listen to Scarlett talk with Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Joy Scott who tragically lost her life at the Columbine school shooting 21 years ago today. We honor Rachel's challenge by sharing her message of compassion and the work her family continues in her name. Rachel left behind this powerful message, "I HAVE THIS THEORY THAT IF ONE PERSON CAN GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO SHOW COMPASSION, THEN IT WILL START A CHAIN REACTION OF THE SAME. PEOPLE WILL NEVER KNOW HOW FAR A LITTLE KINDNESS CAN GO."  We challenge YOU to Choose Love over fear and start your own chain reaction. Learn more about Rachel's Challenge here: ⁠https://rachelschallenge.org/⁠ We are publishing this episode in loving memory of the precious lives lost from the school shooting at Columbine, CO on April 20, 1999 Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Choose Love For The Workplace In this episode, Scarlett talks to Jerry Alena, the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement's National Director of Corporate Development, about the new Choose Love For The Workplace program and why it is so important, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Moving From Suffering to Joy “Come, come, whoever you are...Ours is not a caravan of despair." ― Rumi In this episode, Scarlett talks with Allegra Jordan - author, Architect of Change, consultant and leadership coach, AND volunteer for the Jesse Lewis Choose Love For The Workplace program. They talk about how they grew from their own personal tragedies and how they moved on to feel joy again and commit their lives to helping others.  Listen to learn how the Choose Love For The Workplace program can help YOUR team and/or business flourish. ⁠ To contact Allegra about receiving coaching for the workplace, please email her at: ⁠allegra@jesselewischooselove.org Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Addiction & Recovery with Donna Marston Scarlett's guest is Donna Marston, author of "Healing Without Shame Journal", "Just for Today", "Peeling The Onion" and "Sharing Without Shame". Scarlett and Donna discuss their personal experiences with addiction and recovery, with Donna sharing her role as a certified recovery support worker and her involvement in various organizations related to addiction and recovery. They also discussed the challenges of parenting a child with addiction, the importance of self-care and seeking help for oneself, and the complexities of family relationships and forgiveness. They discuss the need for alternative approaches to drug education, the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in conversations, and advice for parents struggling with children who have addiction issues. Donna Marston is a Certified Recovery Support Worker, author, and parent support coach specializing in supporting families impacted by addiction. She is the founder of Sharing With Out Shame, an organization dedicated to empowering parents and family members by providing workshops, support groups, and coaching to help them navigate their loved one's addiction with unconditional love, courage and clarity. Through her lived experience as a mother who walked the difficult path of loving a child in active addiction, Donna has developed compassionate, practical approaches to help families reclaim their lives, set healthy boundaries, and shift their mindsets. She is the author of Peeling The Onion, Just For Today, Sharing Without Shame, and Healing Without Shame Journal, offering insight and guidance to those on the journey of acceptance and healing. www.sharingwithoutshame.com Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

The Neurovation Center with founder Jeffrey J. Schutz Scarlett's guest is Jeffrey J. Schutz, Founder and Executive Director of The Neurovation Center in Newtown, CT. The Neurovation Center was started by Jeff to “change the way we do mental health.” Scarlett and Jeff discuss the limitations of diagnosing mental health issues, the benefits of neurofeedback therapy, and the potential of neurofeedback in addressing anxiety and depression. Scarlett and Jeff agree that It's important for us to use our suffering as an opportunity for growth and learning.  Jeff is the Founder and Executive Director of The Neurovation Center. He has pioneered integrative techniques for assessing and integrating neuroanalysis and neurofeedback into mental healthcare. Jeff is also the CEO of NeuroInnovation Consulting Services, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology, doing research on the integration of neurofeedback into mental healthcare. Jeff's goal is to bring about change – real, deep and meaningful. Fun and engaging, he finds a way to get to the heart of relational problems and then “unstuckify” the nasty patterns of reactivity, resentment and poor communication that seem to grow faster than weeds in any relationship. https://www.theneurovationcenter.com Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Safety and Well-being of our Children and Educators with Dr. Ryan Carlson The most important thing is the safety and well-being of our children and educators. In this podcast, Dr. Ryan Carlson talks about a revolutionary system for identifying and managing aggressive behavior called critical aggression prevention system or CAPS. He discusses why CAPS is better than the current systems in place such as ‘see something say something', conflict resolution, active shooter drills and others because it is important to identify and manage aggressive behavior before it escalates into an issue. Utilizing Dr. Carlson‘s military background, the program seeks to engage, diffuse and redirect, aggressive behavior through developing and ongoing relationship, relationships, and trust. In its early phases, behavior issues can be seen as opportunities for connection. This is an engaging and productive conversation about an issue that continues to plague not only our schools, but every aspect of our lives. We know that hurt people hurt people, and there is a way to be part of the solution.  https://www.aggressionmanagement.com/ Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

The Importance of Play In this episode, Scarlett talks with Jonathon Gay, executive director of the New England division of Playworks. "Play is a basic human need. Kids who play are resilient, empathetic, and active. Through play, kids learn to make friends, solve problems, and believe in themselves. Even in hard times." ⁠Playworks⁠, a nonprofit organization that helps kids be active and build valuable life skills through play, is a new partner Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Born This Way Foundation #ChannelKindness Scarlett talked with Lady Gaga's mom, Cynthia Germanotta - co-founder of the Born This Way Foundation and World Health Organization's Goodwill Ambassador for Mental Health - about tips for coping during crisis situations and the work they are doing to create a kinder, braver world. We have been in partnership with Lady Gaga and Cynthia on several projects, including being a chapter in Gaga's new book ⁠Channel Kindness⁠. The tips and tools provided in this episode are even more prevalent now. Please visit these websites for more information, resources, or to share your stories: ⁠https://bornthisway.foundation/⁠ ⁠https://www.channelkindness.org/⁠ Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Hello Well Women, on today's show, I interview Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement in honor of her son, Jesse, who was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012. Shortly after his death, Scarlett decided to be part of the solution to the issues that we're seeing in our society — that also caused the tragedy — and turned it into an opportunity to build a culture of love, resilience, forgiveness, and connection in our communities at a time when it is needed the most. We discuss: What Nurturing Healing Love means. How to overcome fear & post traumatic growth and How we can choose love as a thoughtful response in any situation, circumstance or interaction Make sure to listen to the podcast for the Superpowers for Success section!  The New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women is excited to announce their Women's Day of Action, January 28th at 10am in the Rotunda at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. We'll hear from lawmakers and organizations about key bills supporting women in the 2025 session. Plus, get a quick Legislative 101 on how to make your voice heard and advocate for the bills that matter to you. The event is from 10-11 and no RSVP is required. Events – New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women 100 Women Albuquerque will be meeting January 29th at 5:30pm in Albuquerque to amplify our impact and assist under-supported organizations. The WWS continues our sponsorship of this great work in 2025. Come be inspired by the collective power of women. Join us to meet like-minded women committed to making a difference. Members can nominate local nonprofits and, promote a business or event during our meeting. Head over to 100WomenABQ.org. Grief Center's 19th annual Healing Hearts Luncheon, on February 14th, which provides hope and healing to our grieving community. Throughout their 23-year history, they have served over 12,000 individuals in support groups, over 200 campers in Camp Corazon, and trained over 400 volunteer Bereavement Facilitators. For more information on the Healing Hearts event, go to Healing Hearts Event – The Grief Center For more information on The Grief Center's programs, visit www.griefnm.org

"Peaceful Parents" with David Romanelli Scarlett has partnered with David Romanelli to create a program called "Peaceful Parents" aimed at bringing more peace into the lives of parents. The program includes advice from various experts in short, digestible segments over 21 days. The program was inspired by the US Surgeon General's advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents, which revealed that 33% of parents are experiencing high levels of stress and 48% feel overwhelmed most days. The program is designed to help parents move beyond stress and fear and choose love. For more information: https://peacefulparents.life/ Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Choosing Love - The Smart Choice This episode was recorded on Juneteenth (short for June 19th) which is also known as Freedom Day and has been celebrated for the last 155 years marking the end of slavery in the US. Scarlett talked with her friend and former colleague, Donald Smart about his work with the Stratford Police in building meaningful relationships with the community and training police officers as well as the public on de-escalation techniques.  Don is a managing director in his law firm, The Smart Law Firm. He has worked in banking and investment banking, on and off Wall Street. He has TRIPLE major degrees from Harvard including Harvard College, Business and Law school. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

After losing her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook massacre, Scarlett Lewis could have easily lived the rest of her life in a labyrinth of grief and anguish. Instead, Lewis founded the Choose Love Movement in Jesse's name. In her work addressing the root causes of violence, she found purpose and joy. Get early access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more by supporting Labyrinths on patreon. https://www.patreon.com/knoxrobinson https://www.amandaknox.com Bluesky: @amandaknox.com | @wisecracker.bsky.social IG: @amamaknox | @emceecarbon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Gift of Forgiveness In this episode, Scarlett talks with ⁠Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt⁠, NY Times bestselling author of ⁠The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable⁠, as they both share their personal forgiveness journeys and what they learned about the importance of the topic. With this conversation, Scarlett and Katherine hope to inspire individuals to explore what forgiveness means to them. To learn how you can make forgiveness YOUR superpower, visit: ⁠www.ChooseLoveMovement.org⁠. As well as being a friend to the Choose Love Movement, Katherine is a New York Times best-selling author, animal advocate, daughter of Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger, sister, wife to Chris Pratt, step-mom, and expectant mother.  Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

This holiday week we are diving into new interviews with several women leaders in their own areas of expertise who are helping you try to set a better course for the New Year. This segment features Scarlett Lewis - founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement - who will unpack how the Choose Love formula and model can help you through the transition into 2025.

This holiday week we are diving into new interviews with several women leaders in their own areas of expertise who are helping you try to set a better course for the New Year. We'll begin with Scarlett Lewis - founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement - who will unpack how the Choose Love formula and model can help you through the transition into 2025. Then we'll catch up with the co-founder of Circle of Care to find out how this organization is continuing to ease the burdens that families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis face every day - and how you can help make a positive difference by supporting the cause. And we'll close with the leader of the McCall Behavioral Health Network. Youth self harm and suicidal ideations are at an all time high among Connecticut's adolescents, teens and young adults - so we'll have what may be a life saving or life changing conversation that might just address what you, your family, or a young person you know is going through as the organization establishes its latest adolescent and youth services office in Waterbury.

Scarlett and Gia Lacqua talk about Allostatic Load Gia is a widely-regarded trauma-informed empowerment coach, international motivational speaker, women's leadership expert, children's book author, board officer, podcast host, and girl-mom. She empowers high-achieving women to break free from the relentless “never enough” cycle and redefine success on their own terms. Through her signature framework, Radical Prioritization, Gia guides women toward authentic alignment, helping them focus on what truly matters to create impactful, fulfilling lives. Gia is a catalyst for change, inspiring women to redefine what it means to lead, live, and thrive. Scarlett and Gia talked about allostatic load which is when we build up stress chemicals in the nervous system and get stuck in freeze, fight or flight. They also discussed the top regret of people who are dying, which is ‘I wasn't my authentic self.' In Gia's research 69% of people said they felt like they were never enough and 75% of people went through life by grinning and bearing it! With over 70% of Americans lacking self-esteem, and our innate negative bias that has our brains buying the fear that is sold through media and messaging, no wonder we're feeling anxious and overwhelmed! Gia offers some tips and hints on how we honor ourselves and gain perspective and prioritize. https://gialacqua.com/ Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Transforming Trauma with Dr. James Gordon Scarlett's guest is Dr. James Gordon, author of the book Transforming Trauma. Scarlett and Dr. Gordon discuss transformative trauma and how people don't realize that trauma helps us to learn and grow. Dr. Gordon's says, “Suffering  is the soil in which wisdom and compassion grow; it is the school from which we graduate, committed to healing others' hurt.”  Dr. James S. Gordon is the Founder and CEO of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine. A Harvard-educated psychiatrist, Dr. Gordon founded the Center for Mind Body Medicine in 1991 to make self-awareness, self-care, and group support central to all healthcare and education systems. Dr. Gordon leads a global faculty who have spread its therapeutic and educational programs to hundreds of thousands of traumatized and stressed people confronting the challenges of anxiety, depression, and chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Dr. Gordon believes that, regardless of age or education level, everyone has a great and largely untapped capacity to help and heal ourselves and one another. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Transform Anger into Love and Change the World with Scarlett Lewis This week on Look for the Good, we welcome Scarlett Lewis, a mom, advocate, and founder of the transformative Choose Love Movement. Scarlett's story is one of unimaginable loss—she lost her six-year-old son in the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012. Yet, through her grief, she discovered a profound mission to bring joy and healing to others. Scarlett shares her journey of resilience and her passion for preventing school shootings by introducing social and emotional learning and character development into schools. Her work empowers children to manage their emotions, build meaningful connections, and develop healthy relationships—critical tools for creating safer, more compassionate communities. In this inspiring episode, Scarlett reveals simple but powerful techniques to transform anger into love, offering wisdom that can profoundly change your life. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation and the life-changing insights she shares. Tune in every Monday at 5am and 5pm et on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network!  BIO: Scarlett became an advocate for social and emotional learning (SEL) and character development to help children manage their emotions, feel connected, and have healthy, meaningful relationships. She created the Choose Love For Schools program, a no cost, comprehensive, lifespan, next generation character and social emotional development (CSED) program that teaches children how to thoughtfully respond with love in any situation by using the Choose Love Formula (Courage + Gratitude + Forgiveness + Compassion-in-Action), and offer ways for children to handle adversity, have courageous conversations, and to respond with love. Choose Love extends beyond the classroom through additional no-cost programs, including programs for the home, communities, athletics, and the workplace. In addition, the movement offers Choose Love C.A.R.E.S. (Cultivating Authentic Relationships in the Education System) and Experiential Educator Wellness Workshops for school leaders and educators, and multiple extension programs. The Choose Love programs have been accessed in all 50 states and in more than 120 countries, reaching 3 million children. Scarlett Lewis is the author of Nurturing Healing Love: A Mother's Journey of Hope & Forgiveness, a memoir of her journey toward choosing love and forgiveness; From Sandy Hook to the World: How the Choose Love Movement Transforms Lives, an in-depth look at how Scarlett founded the Movement and its impact around the world today; and Rose's Foal, a children's book, with photographs by Scarlett Lewis, that tells the poignant story of a beloved horse and her newborn foal. Since the tragedy, Scarlett has spoken across the U.S. and internationally to diverse audiences sharing her empowering story and the organization's far-reaching programs, urging everyone to become part of the solution to the issues the world is facing. Scarlett has spoken at multiple national, statewide, and community-based events including hundreds of talks at schools, addressing educators and administrators. In 2022, Scarlett was named to Bloomberg Businessweek's 2022 Bloomberg 50, and was a featured speaker at the New York Times DealBook Summit 2022 alongside many of our world leaders, CEOs of businesses and emerging leaders. In 2021, Scarlett was named a Forbes 50 over 50 Impact Honoree, one of 50 women leading the way with impact and changing their communities and the world in ways big and small through social entrepreneurship, law, advocacy and education. Listen to The Choose Love Podcast with Scarlett Lewis on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network Thursdays 10am/10pmET https://dreamvisions7radio.com/the-choose-love-movement/ Want to find out when the next incredible episode of Look for the Good is dropping? Sign up for the Look for the Good Podcast Chat weekly newsletter to get behind the scenes insights, special tips, and insider only offers. Click HERE to sign up today! Learn More about Carrie here: https://carrierowan.com/

The Beauty of Life & Choices Scarlett and her mother, Maureen Lewis, discuss how to live life to the fullest with the fewest regrets by using the Choose Love Formula to make the best choices for yourself.  Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Jackie Dunne - Effects of COVID on Adolescents & Teenagers This fascinating podcast focuses on the effects of COVID on adolescents and teenagers. Jacqueline Simpson-Dunne, a Board-Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, founder of Child Mental Health Solutions, and member of the Choose Love Advisory Committee, offers insight into the mindset and behavior of children. We discuss trauma, anxiety, lack of human connection, effects of technology, and social and emotional intelligence.  Jacqueline offers ways parents can help and guide their children at their developmental level. She perceptively states: "There is no perfect pandemic parent," and offers effective solutions for parents to help their children deal with adversity and uncertainties and develop resilience. She also explains signs parents can be aware of that signify a need to seek professional help.  This is a full discussion of cultivating a healthy relationship between children, parents, and even spouses.  You will gain so much knowledge from this far-reaching podcast. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

TLC: Sending Love In this episode, Scarlett talks with Terry Lee Cafferty, our Rhode Island Choose Love Ambassador and a talented photographer and artist. They discuss how she chooses love through art, the inspiration behind her new greeting card line, and more!  Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Optimizing Brain Health and Reducing Symptoms with Dr. Wes Center In today's episode, Scarlett interviews Dr. Wes Center, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, BCN Fellow, President & Clinic Director of Brain & Behavior Associates and Chief Science And Technology Officer for OCAT Neurotech, LLC. A former Major in the US Marines, Wes specializes in optimizing brain health and reducing symptoms using the latest qEEG technology and neurofeedback. "Why are psychiatrists the only doctors that don't image the organ they work on?" Having seen many misdiagnoses and correlated medication, Dr. Center has found many of the diagnosed issues that come to him are from lack of sleep or other brain based issues. Working with ADHD, autism, PTSD and more, Dr. Center has many success stories of patients being restored to health using his methods and neurofeedback! https://brainandbehaviorassociates.com/dr-center/ Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Agreeing To Disagree: Having Difficult Conversations Scarlett Lewis talks with Allison Morgan, founder of ⁠Zensational Kids⁠ - a partner of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, about how to have difficult conversations with grace and kindness. They discuss how to move past our natural reaction to conflict and things you can do to have a mindful, meaningful conversation.  Learn more about the Zensational Kids Choose Love Extension Program https://zensationalkids.com/ Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Nurturing Healing Love for LGBTQ+ Guest Tony Ferraiolo This episode features Tony Ferraiolo who inspires people to live the life they always imagined. He is a motivating and thought provoking trainer, speaker, and advocate for  transgender youth across the country and world. His story is featured in a documentary called A Self-Made Man about his own personal story of finding his true self. To know Tony is to love Tony. He truly lives his life in what we call compassion in action - identifying with other's pain and then helping to ease that pain. I have many friends with kids that are struggling with their identities and I know you have been there for them. Thank you. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Brooklyn Raney: One Trusted Adult "Research shows that just one trusted adult can have a profound effect on a child's life, influencing that young person toward positive growth, greater engagement in school and community activities, and better overall health." Brooklyn Raney, author of "One Trusted Adult", sat down with me to talk about how we can become those adults that the youth can rely on and create a culture based on trust and loving kindness. Brooklyn Raney is an experienced teacher, coach, and administrator who has spent the last decade in independent schools. She is the founder and director of the Girls' Leadership Camp, and founder of Generation Change, a nonprofit that seeks to embolden youth to be empathic and compassionate change makers through cross-generational mentorship. Brooklyn is a workshop facilitator, speaker, and consultant for schools, camps and other youth-serving organizations nationally and internationally. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Erika Neil and Veronica Bovenzi, Havening Specialists Scarlett's guests are Erika Neil and Veronica Bovenzi, havening specialists who have partnered to write books for children, teens and young adults. Havening is a popular and simple self-regulating tool for teachers and parents to use on themselves and with their students and children. This engaging podcast discusses easy ways to incorporate havening into school and home life to enhance feelings of safety and support.  For handouts, books, videos, and links, and other resources for schools and families please see: https://www.humanitarianhavening.org/havening-in-schools.html Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Kristine Carlson, Author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, How to Move Forward After Loss Scarlett Lewis and ⁠Kristine Carlson⁠ discuss loss and the importance of moving forward, carrying our loved ones with us and returning to joy to experience life. Kristine is the co-author with her late husband, Dr. Richard Carlson of the New York Times bestselling Don't Sweat the Small Stuff books. She was featured as the subject of a biopic Lifetime movie based on her book, Heartbroken Open: A True Story of Coming Alive Again After Profound Loss. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Marissa Naz, 'I Was Bullied As A Child' Marissa Naz, an educator at MAS Charter in Albuquerque, New Mexico, courageously joins us to share her story about being bullied as a child. She gives us important insight as to why she believes the Choose Love curriculum is a better solution to helping children than anti-bullying campaigns. Marissa and her mother, Sharon, who wrote the book “Caterpillar Kindness” in Marissa's honor, will also be joining us Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Iran Nazario with the Peace Center of Connecticut Iran Nazario is the owner and founder of the Peace Center of Connecticut. Iran was a foster child in the custody of DCF in his childhood who then immersed himself in to the violent street culture of gang membership and prison though his twenties. In 1990 he began to repurpose himself to helping youth avoid his childhood path. He has worked in the program management, gang prevention, youth outreach, youth engagement and support field for 29 years. He is an expert in Gang Prevention and Mediation and provides training to many groups serving youth who are deemed in risk. FB: /PeaceCenterofConnecticutinc IG: @PeaceCenterofConnecticut Twitter: @PeaceCenterofCT ⁠https://www.facebook.com/peacecenterofconnecticutinc/⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/PeaceCenterofCT⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/peacecenterofconnecticut Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Stephanie Bierman, Creating the Choose Love Enrichment Program I got to sit down with my good friend Stephanie Bierman, whom I've known since middle school, to talk about the important work she's done with the Choose Love Movement since the very beginning. As a school counselor with 15 years of experience and knowledge of Social Emotional Learning, Stephy stepped up to help create the Choose Love Enrichment Program. Now she's come out with her own children's book to help young people recognize and understand their emotions. Stephy's purpose behind writing ⁠Feelings Are A Trip⁠ was to get families talking and normalize having open, meaningful dialog about emotions. You can order a copy here and get the conversation started in your family: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Feelings-Are-Trip-Stephanie-Bierman-ebook/dp/B08Q61HKT2   Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

An ambitious mother settles with her two sons into the quiet, idyllic life of her dreams, but after losing her son in a massacre that shakes the nation, she dedicates her life to carrying on her son's message of love. Today's episode featured Scarlett Lewis. Scarlett founded the Choose Love Movement after her six-year-old son, Jesse, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012, which remains one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history. Through the Choose Love Movement, Scarlett teaches everyone from young children to prison inmates how to deal with feelings of anger before they escalate into violence. The Choose Love curriculum has been accessed in over 14,500 schools across 120 countries. Scarlett is the author of two best-selling books: Nurturing Healing Love: A Mother's Journey of Hope & Forgiveness, and From Sandy Hook to the World: How the Choose Love Movement Transforms Lives.If you'd like to learn more about Scarlett, you can find her on Instagram @ChooseLoveMovement, on Twitter/X @ChooseLoveM, on Facebook @JLChooseLove and on her website: chooselovemovement.org, or email: info@jesselewischooselove.orgScarlett's story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm. Scarlett was originally featured on Todd's podcast, Bunny Hugs and Mental health, which focuses on conversations with survivors, professionals and families of those who have lost someone to mental illness and addictions. So please check out Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and a special thanks to Todd for referring today's guest. Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, guns/gun violence, suicide, homicide, murder, school shooting, death, death of children, funeral, Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook denier, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcast Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: "Illabye" – TipperMusic Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pam Kissoondayl is a certified Life Coach, certified Jack Canfield Success Principals trainer and current chair of the Center for Autism and Related Disability at the University of Florida. She has over 20 years of experience in providing keynotes, webinars and workshops with a family centered/partnership approach for parents and educators in service to the special needs population. Pam partners with agencies and professionals in related fields and has presented on a variety of topics disability related at local, regional, state, national and international conferences. She is a collaborative partner with deafblink programs and serves as a mentor and facilitator on several activities to enrich and enhance family engagement and cultivating family leadership. As the mom of a special needs child herself, she is an expert and has valuable experience and information from her own struggles from the parent as well as educator standpoint. Pam's philosophy is that professional development and personal development go hand in hand. She is also an author of a children's book called "Be Brave.” https://www.amazon.com/Be-Brave-Pam-Kissoondyal/dp/1504340108 Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Choose Love for Corrections in Miami This special Choose Love for Corrections podcast delves into the profound impact of the program within the Miami North Corrections Community Release Center. Join Shannon Desilets, Choose Love Program Director, and Garry Tucker, a resident and also peer facilitator of the first ever Choose Love for Corrections class at this Miami facility.  They discuss the importance of creating an environment where individuals can explore their emotions, confront past choices, and envision a more positive future. Garry shares his personal journey, detailing how the class not only changed his perspective but also empowered him to inspire fellow inmates.  Together, they share how Choose Love can lead to meaningful change, not just within the walls of correctional facilities, but also beyond. Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Corinne Coppola, Mindful Moments for Creating Calm & Connection Together Corinne Coppola (M.A., CTSY) is known for her uplifting energy and ability to create a healing space to empower people of all ages. It was a pleasure sitting down with her to talk about how to build resilience and overcome the challenges we face on a daily basis in the world we now find ourselves living in. One of the new ways we've connected is by partnering on a new 6-week project, along with Our Minds Matter and JCK Foundation, to provide Mindful Moments where we can all practice techniques for creating calm and connection together. Join us on this journey by following us on social media and tuning in at 4pm EST every Wednesday for the next 5 weeks. Enjoy a Mindful Moment with us on Facebook @JLChooseLove or on Instagram @chooselovemovement!   Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

“Choosing Love is as Simple as Knowing Where to Look.” Bill McKenna Scarlett's guests are Bill McKenna and Liz Larsen, founders of Cognomovement that helps students overcome academic anxiety, focus on challenges, and absorb knowledge with unprecedented efficiency by using neuroscience to activate different parts of a student's brain to calm and activate their learning center. Cognomovement quiets students ‘fight or flight response' and improves behavior and performance in the classroom. Bill and Liz offer online and in-person courses for educators to learn how to do this with their students in the classroom. Cognomovement also helps trauma survivors, leaders, athletes, and everyone seeking balance in their lives. This groundbreaking approach is an easy, communicative way to give individuals the resilience they need to navigate life's ups and downs.  Cognomovement was created from a deep-rooted desire to aid healing and foster growth. Cognomovement is more than a methodology—it's a movement of transformation. Based in San Diego, California, the transformative reach spans across the globe, providing workshops, classes, and training both online and in-person. The mission is to fortify individuals with effective tools to dismantle old patterns holding you back, paving the way for a life of unlimited possibilities. https://www.cognomovement.com Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/

Why is there so much violence and hatred in our communities today? What could cause someone to commit a heinous crime? Lisa continues the conversation today with Scarlett Lewis, the mother who experienced unimaginable tragedy when her 6-year-old son, Jesse Lewis, was killed during the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting massacre in December of 2012. After the tragedy, Scarlett knew she had to find an understanding as she didn't want the shooter to impact her living son. She knew she needed to move through the emotions. Scarlett began asking if it could be that society has failed those children who have had difficult experiences, thereby leading them to commit terrible acts of violence. Scarlett discusses emo-diversity and how the more emotions we have, the healthier we are. Emotions assist you to navigate and provide information to help you live your best life. We don't want to limit them. You can then examine your thoughts around the emotion. Scarlett talks about starting the “Choose Love” Movement which is now in 14,000 schools around the world. She asks us to stop squashing and ignoring painful emotions. There's a healthy way to adjust. It's done through presence. Scarlett talks about the “moment of choice.” You react and you can thoughtfully respond. Our fear center is very fast, due to survival. Everything is filtered through the fear center first. You may have an immediate reaction. Your brain's job is to defend you. Most people are living from their reactive center. It becomes easy to get triggered. But we can control this by pausing and thoughtfully responding with love or compassion. Life gives us plenty of situations to choose love. If your life is not in danger, pause and get curious about that person's point of pain. If someone is not kind, they are coming from pain. You can think about how to respond. You can learn to love and accept yourself. Know that you are not the cause of that person's pain. Even if they are lashing out at you, it is because they are in pain. This can lead to compassion and even possible forgiveness. The person is 100% responsible for their behavior, but you can de-escalate the conversation, and this allows you to be in control. You can move beyond to healthier relationships. Forgiveness is the way to healthy relationships and meaningful connections. This is a learned behavior. We need to find role models. This can begin to be taught in schools so we can move forward and can move through pain. Scarlett decided to focus on the root cause – pain. She was determined to heal her own pain and to teach others to do the same through her “Choose Life” movement. Scarlett talks about meeting Nick Ortner who taught her about using tapping for healing. She also shares the story of meeting Wayne Dyer and the profound affect he had on her life. Scarlett discusses how communication is the opposite of violence. Communication is connection and connection is love. Love is what we all have in common. We are all human beings, and everyone wants to feel connection and love. This is the basis of what Scarlett teaches. We all want safety and peace. We need to be more vocal and courageous to achieve this and not devolve into bullying, whether through words or actions. It all starts with our thoughts and our words. Scarlett realized she needed to be the model of recovery and post-traumatic growth for her son. In every single action, we can be kind, compassionate, and ultimately choose love. If we can change one angry thought into a loving thought, our entire lives can change. We can truly be the change we want to see. This is the basis of the “Choose Love” Movement. Through her “Choose Love” organization, Scarlett took the tragedy and turned it into an opportunity to build a culture of love, resilience, and forgiveness. She is the author of several books including, “Nurturing, Healing, Love” and the upcoming “From Sandy Hook to the World: How the Choose Love Movement Transforms Lives.” This is Part 2 of the interview.  Info: ChooseLoveMovement.org.

How is it possible to heal after experiencing unimaginable horror, such as the loss of a child? Today's guest, Scarlett Lewis, experienced profound tragedy when her 6-year-old son, Jesse Lewis, was killed during the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting massacre in December of 2012. The first few days were so incredibly painful, she didn't know if she could survive. She did not know if she could ever heal from that level of a broken heart. She shares the story of meeting with another woman who lost her child during a different event, and how angry this parent was 20 years later. She made a choice that she needed to model a different way of being for her older son, J.T. Scarlett talks about how pain is an incredible catalyst for growth. She did not want Jesse's murder to define her. She found an opportunity of connection through pain. As difficult as it was, she learned to choose love and healing. Two weeks after the tragedy, it was Christmas. Scarlett decided to take her son JT to Disney World for a healing trip. She talks about numerous miraculous messages she received which she believed were from Jesse. There she experienced miracles and micro-moments of joy. Scarlett suggests practicing being present with the ones you love and the importance of recognizing that time. She found a message that Jesse wrote on the chalkboard at home shortly before his murder. The words were “Nurturing, Healing, Love.” She determined that she would spend her life being part of this message and being part of the solution. She believes we are all responsible for what is going on in society. We must realize that we have to be the change that we want to see. Once you make that determination, you realize you are no longer the victim and can be motivated. There's so much we can do. With every step, you gain self-worth and self-esteem, and it makes you want to do more.   We are not born with essential life skills. We must learn them. There is so much bullying in today's society by children and adults, especially on social media. We don't have the skills to manage our anger and pain. She decided to create a healing movement and her program “Choose Love” is now in more than 14,000 schools worldwide. She talks about how pain has a purpose in our lives, yet somehow, we are so afraid of it, we ignore it or push it away. People are living in a state of perpetual PTSD. People can be so negative because of this. Scarlett talks about the concept of PTG or Post-Traumatic Growth. We can grow through difficulty and her organization teaches how to do this through a powerful formula. When a child experiences difficulty, they can learn through it. They can become curious and can learn to choose love over fear. Scarlett has also interviewed other school shooters.  She is trying to understand their mindsets to find out what is needed. Even though their actions were monstrous, Scarlett recognizes that they are actually human beings in pain. She wanted to ask them the very tough question of “How did we, as a society, fail you?” as she knows they were not born as a murderer. They have so much pain, and so little social and emotional competence, that they had to take it out on others. She is trying to understand what we could do to prevent this, and part of it is a matter of belonging. Everyone wants to be seen. Through her “Choose Love” organization, Scarlett took the tragedy and turned it into an opportunity to build a culture of love, resilience, and forgiveness. She is the author of several books including, “Nurturing, Healing, Love” and “From Sandy Hook to the World: How the Choose Love Movement Transforms Lives.” This is Part 1 of the interview.  Info: ChooseLoveMovement.org.

Today, Hunter sat down for a powerful conversation with Scarlett Lewis. Scarlett's son Jesse Lewis was one of the children murdered in the Sandy Hook school shooting. In the wake of this tragedy, Scarlett grappled with the grief, sadness, and anger that any person would face. Yet, Scarlett wanted to choose a different path than anger. So Scarlett founded the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement with the goal of teaching children social-emotional learning strategies to try and address violence at its roots.   Guests: Scarlett Lewis, Founder, Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement     Resources: Choose Love Movement Socials https://chooselovemovement.org/ https://x.com/ChooseLoveM https://www.facebook.com/JLChooseLove https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jesse-lewis-choose-love-foundation/ https://www.instagram.com/chooselovemovement/ https://www.youtube.com/user/chooselovefoundation Contact Scarlett https://x.com/scarlettmlewis?lang=en A GOP Texas school board member campaigned against schools indoctrinating kids. Then she read the curriculum. https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/15/texas-granbury-isd-school-board-courtney-gore/     Contact Hunter Parnell:                                             Publicdefenseless@gmail.com  Instagram @PublicDefenselessPodcast Twitter                                                                 @PDefenselessPod www.publicdefenseless.com  Subscribe to the Patron www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast  Donate on PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN  *Any Comments made by Myself are mine and mine alone and do not reflect the views of the Colorado Office of the State Public Defender*