Shows
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSenses of Gratitude Thanksgiving invites us to tap into the power of gratitude. Even in the midst of all the suffering in our broken world, paying attention to what we are grateful for, can bring us back to center. Having just returned from an incredible trip to Australia and New Zealand, I share some of the things about travel that fills me up with deep gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for, on so many levels. You don’t need to travel to generate gratitude. Simply turn to your 5 senses and notice what stimulates and inspires you. What si...
2023-11-2007 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireEarth Blessing This week’s episode is a simple prayer to bless the earth. I share a free form meditation that I say when walking in nature, that focuses on my gratitude for the beauty and wonder of the land, waters and sky. May this accompany you as you walk through the woods, along the river, up the mountain, or through a field of wildflowers. May we pay attention to how mother earth nourishes, nurtures, inspires and sustains us. May we cultivate care, reverence and advocacy for the health and well-bring of our planet. Enjoy the podcast!
2022-10-0307 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireStop The Noise On this week’s podcast, I acknowledge how noisy our world and own minds can be. I invite us to explore ways that we can stop the noise and drop into quiet and stillness. Whether it is through meditation or journaling or other avenues, may we open up opportunities to stop the noise and dive deep into our inner sanctuary. I read from the wise soul, poet and philosopher, Mark Nepo who has provided such intimate companionship on my journey. I highly recommend his book “Things That Join the Sea and the Sky: Field Notes on Living” to ins...
2021-12-0607 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireGiving Thanks On this week’s episode, I share a simple ritual we created this Thanksgiving, inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants”. My desire was to honor the Lenni Lenape people who’s land we live on, to honor Mother Earth and to acknowledge what Debra Beal, my guest from last week uncovered for me about the origins of Thanksgiving from the indigenous perspective. She said that the original Thanksgiving feast was a celebration by the colonizers once they had massacred a substantial number of Indians. I wanted to take that...
2021-11-2911 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDebra Beal, Woman of the Ramapough Lenape Nation My guest today is Debra Beal. Debra was one of the women featured in Lisa Levart’s photography exhibit “Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation”. Debra shares her own assimilation experience of how her parents initially downplayed their Native American culture when she was a child, only to pursue and embrace a relationship with her Lenape tribe when she was a young teenager. As her father’s bumper sticker read “I was Indian before it was cool to be Indian”. Debra has recently retired from her 33 year career in NY State’s Office of Mental Health and is exploring t...
2021-11-221h 14
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireLiz Moyer Benferhat, Change-Maker, Facilitator and Coach My guest today is Liz Moyer Benferhat. Liz is a Change-Maker, Facilitator, and Coach who has taken her experience in social impact/sustainable development and international development to a new level. As the founder of We Heal For All, Liz facilitates Circles, Circle Training, and One-on-One Coaching, acknowledging that we are in a great transition, politically, culturally and environmentally. We Heal For All programs focus on co-creating what it means to collectively heal in the 21st century. We live in complex times and Liz explores healing as both a tool to thrive and an opportunity to impact deeper culture...
2021-11-1556 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireTony Falco, In Memoriam With a heavy heart and tears in his eyes, my husband, Paul informed me last week that our dear friend, Tony Falco had died. We knew Tony had been struggling with complications with Covid-19 for the past 6 months, but the news of Tony’s passing hit us hard. We, among countless others, are heartbroken over the news of Tony’s passing. We have been deeply touched by Tony and the generous, humble integrity he lived by. Tony created and ran the incredible music venue “The Falcon”, in Marlboro, NY and for the past 10 years, Paul has been playing...
2021-11-081h 00
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireReda Rackley, Diviner, Storyteller, Mythologist My guest today is Reda Rackley. Reda is a Diviner, Storyteller and Mythologist. I personally was deeply impacted by a Divination session I recently had with Reda and am so excited to have my listeners learn about the magical, mystical gifts that Reda offers. Learn the difference between the term ‘shaman’ and ‘diviner’, the healing power of ritual and the significance of connecting with our ancestral line. Reda was initiated into the indigenous medicine of the Dagara tribe in Burkina Faso, West Africa and teaches ancient shamanic traditions through storytelling, ritual, art and divination. Her women’s retreats a...
2021-11-0157 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireHealing Energy On this week’s episode, I offer a simple meditation to remind us of the healing energy that flows through our bodies. Find a comfortable position to relax so you can breathe in the vibration of healing energy coursing through every organ, joint and cell of your body. Say it for yourself and say it for those who are struggling physically, emotionally or spiritually. May healing energy flow through all of us.
2021-10-2509 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireLisa Levart, photographer My guest today is the innovative Lisa Levart. As a photographer, Lisa has devoted the past 20 years to witnessing, evoking and capturing the essence of everyday women, their goddess archetypes, stories and myths, as she admits “I am a photographer on a mission!” Her gorgeous coffee table book “Goddess on Earth: Portraits of the Divine Feminine”eloquently reflects Lisa’s passion and gifts. She has also published a beautiful “Goddess on Earth Oracle Deck” with 45 portraits structured around the five elements. Both of these are fabulous, meaningful gifts for the holidays! I encourage you to go see and be moved by her c...
2021-10-1842 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireHonoring The Lenape In honor of Indigenous People Day, I share a synchronistic story that unfolded for me this past week. From the invitation of a wonderful shaman, Reda Rackley, I looked up the Native People of the land where I live. How wonderful to know the name Lenni Lenape, the peace-keeping “ancient ones”, the diplomats and mediators, who lived throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and southern New York. I highly recommend photographer, Lisa Levart’s stunning exhibit at Bergen Community College, called “Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation”. I am deeply moved by what Lisa created: a visual, visceral, soulful way to be in the...
2021-10-1109 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireLauren Mahana, Birth Doula, Intuitive Healer My guest today is Lauren Mahana. Lauren is a Birth Doula, Intuitive Healer, and Author. Lauren’s rich energetic healing practice, incorporates coaching, pregnancy mentorship, tarot and oracle cards, crystals, and channeling guidance. As a birth worker, she is passionate about supporting the pregnancy journey as well as facilitating a sacred space during birth. Alexandria Moran and Lauren co-authored, the book “Labor Like a Goddess: A Fearless Guide to Preparing for the 7 Gates of Transformation in Pregnancy and Birth”. In addition, Lauren recently launched her own Podcast, called “Magic on the Patio”, a conversational interview show that celebrates...
2021-09-2054 min
Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire"A Prayer For B" This week’s episode is a special, unique treat! “A Prayer for B” is an exquisite piece of writing written and read by my treasured friend, Anam Cara, Winged Woman sister, Melanie Suchet. The synchronicity here is that Mel recorded this piece on Sunday August 29th, and 4 days later, in the early morning hours of Thursday September 2nd, just as we began to assess the impact of Hurricane Ida here in NY, Melanie’s beloved mother, Bella died. Mel told me many important family events have occurred in big storms. I offer you the gift of Melanie, her open heart, he...
2021-09-1327 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSmall Miracles Many listeners commented on how grateful they were for last week’s focus of serendipities and synchronicities. Perhaps there is a collective shifting, expanding consciousness, a relief that we can talk openly and boldly about the mystical, the spiritual, magical ways we are personally touched by serendipity and synchronicity. In this week’s episode, I share 2 more serendipitous exchanges that highlight the magic of nature, the timing of chance encounters, the gratitude, and the forces bigger than me. So much serendipity and synchronicity weaving in and through our lives, holding us up and gifting us with these gems. Souls touc...
2021-08-3013 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSerendipities and SynchronicitiesToday’s focus is on the profound power of serendipity and synchronicity. I’ve noticed that the more I tune in, acknowledge the presence of forces bigger than me, open my heart to everyday mini miracles, welcome in my angels and spirit guides for support, comfort, direction and guidance, the more they seem delighted to make magic happen. And the fun part of this is that the serendipity and synchronicity occurs in ways I wouldn’t have expected and from people I didn’t know could be a conduit of light. My recent experience while my Dad was in t...
2021-08-2318 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDawn Adrienne-Saliba, Performance Scholar, Theatre Artist, Eco-Activist My guest today is Dawn Adrienne-Saliba. A Performance Scholar, Theater Artist, and Eco-Activist, Dawn has studied drama and ancient temples. Dawn lives in Malta - okay, fess up, do you know where Malta is?!? I encourage you to look up Malta, just to have a vision of this unique, small island in the middle of the Mediterranean. This is where Dawn honors the integration of science and spirituality, archeology and ritual in her exploration of the magical hypogeum Hal Saflieni. Traveling from Malta, to Brooklyn, to Nyack, before she heads back to Malta, Dawn and I had a chance m...
2021-08-161h 14
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireCalled To Dance Hafiz's poem reminds me that we are called to dance. I’ve used this beautiful poem as oxygen, especially when I was feeling the darkness and uncertainty of life creep back in. I hear so many people bracing themselves that things are going to be getting worse, before they get better. I don’t want to get sucked into the darkness of hopelessness. This poem pulls me away from the despair, shifts my mood, brings me back to a deeper truth, a radiant light that I know lies within us. May we heed the call to dance, see...
2021-08-0209 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSummer Rain In this week’s episode I share my recent surprise and delight in being immersed in a Summer Rain. Have you yet enjoyed being in and present to a summer rain? I highly recommend it! Summer rain offers its own version of a spiritual practice. I discovered the calming, playful peace when I embraced the joy of a summer rain. I know for sure that summer rain is a visceral, embodied experience. Try it out for yourself. I encourage you to dare to stand or sit or walk or better yet, dance in the rain this summer. If it he...
2021-07-2610 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireKnown By Name In this week’s episode, I explore the importance of knowing something by name. I acknowledge my own experience that knowing an object, plant, tree, bird or person by name, not only demonstrates respect and value, but deepens the connection. Like Juliet, I ask: “What is in a name?” The answer is PLENTY!! I reflect on how much knowing something or someone by name truly matters. I highlight the lines: “We name it to tame it!” “We name it to claim it to our heart!” and “Say Her Name”. May we write one another in the palm of our hands, hono...
2021-07-1913 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireShelby Willeitner, canyoneer and adventure guide My guest today is Shelby Willeitner. Shelby is my third Utah podcast guest, joining the trio of Marla McPherson and Mary McCourt - all inspiring women I recently met in Utah who have their unique ways of embracing wilderness and adventure. From recreation management, adventure guide, to passionate voyager, Shelby opens up the world of canyoneering to me: the descending exploration of deep canyons in the Southwest. A combination of hiking, repelling, sliding, swimming, scrambling, and jumping are used to navigate the obstacles within these magnificent hidden canyon treasures. Shelby fell in love with canyoneering 10 years ago. She works...
2021-07-1241 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireMary McCourt, adventure guide My guest today is Mary McCourt. Mary is an adventure guide in a Wilderness Therapy Program in Utah. I met Mary a couple of weeks ago in Utah when my dear friend, Elizabeth Van Meter hosted an Awards Night for an inspiring group of outdoor enthusiasts. I was drawn to Mary’s calm, compassionate energy and knew she was the first person I personally met working as a guide in a Wilderness Therapy Program. Her own personal experience with outdoor adventure was so healing for her mental health that she re-directed her path from clinical nutritionist to becoming an ad...
2021-06-2838 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireThe Things We Carry This week I reflect on the things we carry, the energy of objects and how we charge our ‘things’ with memories, emotions, stories, both negatively and positively. We all have countless objects that have energy, meaning and rich stories infused with emotional charges. It’s actually a spiritual practice to learn to be an observer to the meaning and emotional charge we project onto our objects. Questions bubble up for me as I pay attention to the things we carry. Can we honor the meaning we’ve projected onto the object? Can we carry the meaning without being we...
2021-06-2109 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireMarla McPherson, conservationist, river runner My guest today is Marla McPherson. Marla is Conservationist, High School English Teacher, and River Runner. I had the pure pleasure of meeting Marla in Utah a couple of weeks ago when visiting my treasured friend and previous podcast guest, Elizabeth Van Meter (episode #113). Beneath Marla’s current job titles, is an impressive, courageous, wise woman who has built her own house, lived off the grid, helped a friend start her own business: an outdoor wilderness leadership school for kids, discovered innovative ways to blend her love for teaching, adventure and wilderness, from Alaska to Argentina. Marla honors her hu...
2021-06-1452 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireReminder From A Snail I’m trying something new today! This week’s episode is a recording from a TikTok Live I did over the weekend. I wanted to be more spontaneous and offer a natural live interaction with some of my TikTok followers. I had been asked to explain what I mean when I call myself a psycho-spiritual therapist, so my Healing Angel poster and a snail help me address that here. I also felt led to end with a simple guided meditation. Delighted to join my podcast circle with my TikTok soul family. Check the show notes for a link...
2021-06-0721 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspirePeter Fish, A Remembrance While hiking through the ancient, majestic landscape of the southwest last week, we learned that Peter Fish, a dear friend of ours, died of a heart attack. We were shocked, distraught and so very sad. We walked a labyrinth in Peter’s honor, we built cairns to pay tribute to Peter, we held him and his beloved Tracey Anarella in meditation and shared stories of my husband’s 35 year friendship, recalling all the various musical projects with Peter. We are deeply grateful for the positive, healing impact Tracey had on Peter’s life in the past 10 years, softening his intens...
2021-05-311h 07
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireA Whole New World The song “It’s a Whole New World” from the Disney movie Aladdin keeps wiggling its way into my mind these days. My beloved spiritual son, Joel Cross introduced me to TikTok last week and he and TikTok have truly opened me up to a whole new world!! From one who never opened a Facebook account and keeps her Instagram account at arms length, I have a lukewarm relationship with social media platforms. My account is to specifically promote my weekly podcast episodes. It took a couple of years to build 200 followers on Instagram and now in my 4th year o...
2021-05-2410 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireJoel Cross, musician, poet, change-maker My guest today is Joel Cross. Joel was one of my first guests when I launched the podcast in January of 2018 and he also wrote the beautiful theme song for my podcast “Shine Your Light”. You can also find a longer version of the theme song on my website for those of you who want to download it for meditation or your yoga playlist. Joel is a beloved spiritual soul, who I both treasure and feel deeply grateful to have in my life. I know that his open-heart, self-reflection and clarity will inspire you. I am eager for a...
2021-05-171h 16
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireThe Full Catastrophe Do you have a lot going on in your life? Do you feel like your schedule is overflowing with life’s ups and downs? Welcome to the full catastrophe of life! Jon Kabat-Zinn titled his first book “Full Catastrophe of Living.” He says the full catastrophe is “another way to speak of heart-fullness.” Can you be present as you feel your way into your experience from moment to moment: the heartbreaking moments, the tender, sweet moments, the frightening moments and the joyful ones? Kabat-Zinn says that “It’s the nature of the human condition to actually, encounter uncertainty, s...
2021-05-1008 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireGarbage Collector I often bring a garbage bag with me on my Hook Mountain walks. I can’t stand to see trash on the trails, so I feel compelled to do my part to clean up the garbage along the way. I unpack some associations and metaphors that come to mind while collecting garbage. Garbage collectors were important to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. Garbage collectors have been critical in nationally exposing and highlighting the abuses, non-unionized, low-paying jobs and dangerous working conditions that too many people have suffered under. MLK brought the garbage collectors’ plight into our...
2021-05-0310 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireThe Presence of Angels According to the mystics, every human being has been assigned a guardian angel, regardless of your beliefs, culture, ethnicity or geography. That’s right, a personal angel who is the gatekeeper of your soul. And then there are multiple angels who serve unique functions to heal, guide, protect and direct us. Do you allow angels to work with you and for you? Have you ever felt the presence of angels? I hosted 5 Archangels last week and palpably felt the presence of the angels before the Derek Chauvin verdict was announced. The emotions of this verdict are complex and...
2021-04-2610 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireHilary Carr Jones, social worker, writer My guest today is Hilary Carr, my beloved aunt. Hilary is a Social Worker, Writer and our family Heart-Storian! I left in a minute of pre-show dialogue where I explain this new word I made up for her. I also want to prepare you for our spotty WiFi connection - as Hil says: it’s the impact of living in the woods of Maine. Sometimes Hilary’s word are slowed down, stretched like taffy and then sped up, a tad garbled, so I did my best to edit those awkward moments, trusting that the quality of our conversation will come...
2021-04-1953 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspirePatrick Heffernan, yoga teacher, actor, dancer My guest today is Patrick Heffernan. Patrick is a skilled & gifted yoga teacher, actor, dancer and impassioned human. Don’t you love it when someone you love and respect introduces you to someone they love and respect and you immediately understand why they care for each other and feel blessed to join in the love fest! Well that is what I felt when Shawna Emerick introduced Patrick Heffernan into my life. Thank you, Shawna! Celebrating your kindred spirit sibling-hood with Patrick and delighting in the integrity, heart and humor you both infuse into your exceptional yoga classes and into li...
2021-04-1258 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireRobert "Zulu" Whitaker My guest today is Robert “Zulu” Whitaker. Zulu was released from prison in early March after serving 38 years. When my dear friend, Tarik Greene, brought Zulu with him to pick up furniture that my husband and I were donating to a new residency that MADE Transitional Services recently opened, I was so moved by Zulu’s kindness. Within a few minutes of meeting this gentle, respectful man, I invited Zulu to be a podcast guest: I wanted to provide him a forum to tell his story. And despite his nervousness, his shaking knees, Zulu began to unpack his story. I am n...
2021-04-0556 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireTake A Break I took a break last week and didn’t post an episode. You may not have noticed, and that’s okay. I know how busy life can be, how full many of our lives are and how hard it is to keep up with all that is in front of us. What I did notice was a different energy within myself when taking a break last week. I was kinder, gentler to myself. How lovely! An old energy that I am letting go of is the judgment and rigidity that sounded something like this: “You have to post an episod...
2021-03-2909 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireKate Holby, co-founder of Ajiri Tea My guest today is Kate Holby. Kate, together with her sister, Sara, and the appreciated support of their parents, started a small business 12 years ago, called Ajiri Tea Company. The Swahili translation of the word “Ajiri” means ‘to employ’ and that is exactly what the Holby sisters have done. Ajiri sources tea from small-scale farms in Western Kenya and employs 60 women in the Kenyan region to hand make all the packaging, using dried bark from banana trees. Ajiri asked the tea farmers and women where the profits should go, and they all agreed they wanted profits to be invested in educa...
2021-03-1536 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireCheryl Seeley, educator, doula My guest today is Cheryl Seeley. Cheryl is an Early Childhood Educator, Director of an After-School Arts Program and a trained Doula. It’s remarkably touching to hear about the countless children and families over the past 20 years, that she has advocated for and wrapped in her loving embrace. I admired Cheryl’s courage to step out of her comfort zone and speak up about two terrifying racial assaults. She shares the context behind what pushed her to post a personal statement publicly, regarding these seemingly unrelated attacks on 2 Black men: Christian Cooper and George Floyd. Raised in a...
2021-03-0853 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspirePatty Forbes, psychotherapist My guest today is Patty Forbes. In addition to being an exceptional psychotherapist, Patty is a dear friend who graciously invited me into the dying process when her beloved husband, Wayne Pedzwater, was struggling with stomach cancer 16 years ago. Wayne was a gifted, respected bass player, incredibly inspiring human being, who taught all of us who knew him, so much about living life fully, and at the all too young age of 48, about dying with dignity. Patty describes what she calls “The Gift in the Black Box”, all the life lessons that accompanied her deep loss. Patty unde...
2021-03-0147 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireEquipped With Crampons Two weeks after our 20-inch snow storm, the snow has been walked on, patted down, rained on, thawed and frozen over once again. My snowy path has transformed into an icy, crunchy, crusty, frozen path. Thank goodness for a pair of crampons a friend gave me about a month ago. It reminds me of putting on an old pair of galoshes, those rubber overshoes to protect our feet from rain. My new crampons have a rubber outline that fits over my boots, with spiked iron chains that cover the sole of my boot to prevent me from slipping on...
2021-02-2214 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireWhat Am I Doing About It? Today we enter Week Three of Black History Month. I am moved by all the tributes on television and social media to Black artists, activists, trailblazers and truthsayers. May these tributes be infused in us, not just this month, but throughout the year, throughout our lives. Let us stay aware and awake to the courage and sacrifices made, as we all do our part to contribute to cultivating true racial justice. In honor of Black History Month, I’ve decided to do more inner work on racism in order to face my white privilege and take responsibility on a de...
2021-02-1518 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSnowy Path This is the second week of Black History Month and I am entering Week Two of my reading and journaling of “Me and White Supremacy”. We had nearly two feet of snow this past week and I found my snow walks in the woods to be a helpful place to process some of the thoughts that surfaced for me. I ventured out last Monday after 12 hours of snowfall. Oh how inviting! The snow was magical, quiet, a perfect setting to be present to the peaceful beauty around me, while letting thoughts about white supremacy, my white supremacy emerge.
2021-02-0813 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireMe and White Supremacy Since launching this podcast in January 2018, it has been important for me to represent people of color throughout the year. In addition, I have ensured that during Black History month, the entire month of February, featured black guests. This year I thought it would be appropriate to focus on the responsibility white people have in dismantling white supremacy, which is the root of racism. I personally am dedicated to doing as much as possible to stay aware of my white privilege and use that awareness to challenge and check in, if I am, in fact, thinking, speaking or acting...
2021-02-0113 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireAfterglow Not sure if you are still feeling the afterglow from the Day of Inauguration on Wednesday, January 20th, when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States, but I certainly am! I can easily access how moved I felt, how inspired, nourished and invigorated I was by the colors, vibrancy, decency, respect and refreshing HOPE that infused the ceremony and celebrations. The afterglow is still alive for me and when it fades, it doesn’t take much effort to re-ignite it. In fact, all I have to do is recall an...
2021-01-2513 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireThana Alexa, vocalist, composer, producer Last week I provided the link to hear my friend, Margaret Dulaney’s story “The Age of Atrocity”, where she encourages us to let goodness, kindness, honor and love shine, even in the midst of atrocity. Well, my guest today is someone who embodies such an enlightened perspective. On the day that domestic terrorists stormed the U. S. Capitol, a dear friend of today’s guest lost their home and everything they owned in an electrical fire. Listen to how today’s guest created a relief fund for her friend, and please join me in contributing to the power of kindness...
2021-01-181h 00
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireTruth and Hope In my meditations this week, the two words that have comforted me, held me and inspired me are truth and hope. Not just as words or concepts, but as felt experiences. This past week has been an intense one, to say the least! We’ve had to process the trauma of the appalling insurrection of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday January 6th. As painful as it is to face the harsh reality of white supremacy in America, I was relieved, dare I say, refreshed by the articulate, direct truth spoken by Brittany Packnett Cunningham. She spoke a piercing tr...
2021-01-1106 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireReflections of 2020 As we step into the New Year, it is common for us to take a moment to reflect on this past year. I wanted to start off the year, and the beginning of our fourth year of the podcast, by thanking my guests from 2020. In the year 2020, we had a total of 28 guests; 13 guests came to my home office to record our conversation, and 15 guests were recorded via Zoom. This past year, I shared 21 stories or guided meditations, some as short as 5 minutes, but mostly 10-20 minutes long. I told personal stories, processed currents events, focusing on the uncertainty...
2021-01-0407 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireLouis Cato, musician, multi-instrumentalist, producer My guest today is Louis Cato. Louis is beyond talented; he is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer. In fact, the time we set aside to record this conversation was cut short because he had last minute television recording demands. Louis was gracious enough to squeeze in 20 minutes to talk with me, amidst his extremely busy schedule and I am so grateful he did. Louis is a member of Jon Batiste and Stay Human, the house band for“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on CBS, has recorded with Beyonce, Q-Tip, John Legend, Mariah Carey and toured with Bobby McFerrin, Snar...
2020-12-2127 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireGail Hovey, author My guest today is Gail Hovey. Gail is an inspiring author, editor, and activist who I recently met when she was invited to my book group. We had just read her newly published memoir: “She Said God Blessed Us: A Life Marked by Childhood Sexual Abuse in the Church” and we were thrilled to get to know the author. What a beautifully written memoir that sheds light on a largely invisible issue of sexual abuse by women. Georgia, a seminary-trained Christian Education Director was brilliant, charismatic and used the language of faith to seduce 16 year-old Gail and other teenage girl...
2020-12-141h 01
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireAlvin Ailey's Revelations at 60! In today’s episode I pay tribute to Alvin Ailey’s iconic masterpiece “Revelations”, celebrating its 60th anniversary. I reminisce about the 50 years this dance has been in my life: as an audience member since I was 12, a teen dancer that learned excerpts of the choreography, a passionate facilitator to introduce “Revelations” to newbies, an enthusiast who delighted in sharing these performances with many friends and family, to the proud wife of the bass player in Ailey’s wonderful band that accompanies a glorious gospel choir. I miss seeing the live performance this year and particularly miss the extended family of all...
2020-12-0713 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSay It With Six We are launching a fundraiser this week for MADE Transitional Services. Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people. Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album last year, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney’s program. Check out the links below to hear their music, pu...
2020-11-3008 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireWithin Reach Most of us can agree that 2020 has been a very difficult year. I am finally feeling some positive energy within reach, thanks to the election win of Biden/Harris. Where were you when you learned that Biden/Harris had finally been declared President and Vice-President of the United States? What feelings surfaced for you? I bet you have a story to tell. So many stories have been shared formally and informally of where people were and how they found out the joyous news. The Biden/Harris win ignited tremendous joy throughout the country and around the world...
2020-11-2318 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireShawna Emerick, Yoga Teacher, Thai Bodywork Therapist, Life Coach We recorded this podcast just yesterday and did what was necessary to release it within 24 hours because our guest has 2 exciting projects that are happening this week and we wanted to get the word out to everyone as soon as possible. One workshop takes place this coming Sunday November 22nd, the first in a series, called “Manifest Monthly” of monthly yoga workshops to deepen your physical practice while supporting grassroots organizations. The other is a 4 month program, called “Hibernation for Healing” that begins this Wednesday November 18th. Hopefully you will be able to participate in at least one, if not both...
2020-11-1657 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSpread The Love The Monday before election day, a friend had posted this quote: “Shout out to anyone doing their part to spread love and raise the vibration of the planet. I know this lingo can sound a little weird to some people, but seriously, if you’re out here uplifting people and spreading love, I appreciate you so damn much.” Well, I’m out here trying to uplift people and spreading love as I know most of you are. I recorded this podcast on Wednesday 11/4, the day after Election Day, when we were still waiting for every vote to be cou...
2020-11-0909 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireLove Is In The Air Love is in the air, do you feel it?!? I do and if you pay attention, you will see it, hear it, and feel it, too! Love is in the air; love is all around us! There's an outpouring of love: in lawn signs, in mindsets, in the kindness from strangers, in celebrations of anniversaries, birthdays, in protestors, in a record turn out of determined voters, in joyful dancers, in community volunteers and in song. Who have you showered with love lately? Watch the amazing video Black Eyed Peas released with Jennifer Hudson of their song “Where is...
2020-11-0212 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireKristin Richardson Jordan, teacher, poet, social justice activist My guest today is Kristin Richardson Jordan, also known, simply as her initials: KRJ. Kristin is a teacher, poet, social justice activist and spiritual warrior, who is currently running for New York City Council in District 9, Central Harlem. She is in no manner a typical politician, in fact KRJ’s refreshing platform is radical love! She explains that love is the base for meaningful change, for action, for organizing; love is the foundation for making the world a better place. If elected, Kristin would be the youngest ever, first openly LGBTQ person to hold this office in this district.
2020-10-2641 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireCompassion Beads This week I share a short, simple exercise called the “Compassion Beads”. The premise is that compassion is part of our DNA and can be nourished and cultivated with intention and mindfulness. Biologically, compassion decreases levels of stress, boosts our immune system and helps us feel calm. Using a simple alphabetical mnemonic device, which provides a memory tool, the compassion beads, start with the letter C, and end with the letter L, or think of it this way: the beads start with COMPASSION and end with LOVE. The beads take you through 10 words, in alphabetical order that culti...
2020-10-1916 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireS.O.S. and Poetry Plum In the midst of more racial atrocities, pandemic chaos, political head-spinning, urgent climate concerns, and violent acts of domestic terrorism, I know we are all doing the best we can to get through our days. Hopefully we are focusing on what sustains our souls, as I’ve mentioned in the past 3 episodes. Getting through the day, includes simple tasks, routines, chores, as well as little and big decisions. I also know that the daily experiences of living, mundane and insignificant as it can seem, can momentarily draw us out from under the weight of the world. Sometimes, if we ar...
2020-10-1218 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireHeart Centered Guided Meditation I heard wonderful feedback about the last 2 episodes from listeners who really enjoyed hearing shorter, personal stories. Thank you! So today will be another offering from me. Whoa, what a week we just weathered!! From Trump’s disgraceful, abusive behavior during the first presidential debate to learning this past Friday that he and Melania tested positive for the Covid-19. Like many of us, I walk a very fine line between wanting to be informed yet not wanting to be sucked into the chaos that Trump propogates. I tune into current events incrementally and from as many grounded so...
2020-10-0522 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSwan DelightThis week I build on last week’s theme of focusing on what sustains our soul by sharing a recent magical moment that I am calling “Swan-Delight”. When we pause, pay attention and share these soul sustaining moments, it helps to absorb more fully, their deeper meaning. Just as there is a universal law of gravity, there is a universal law that what we focus on increases. Most of us are conditioned to focus on what we are afraid of, what we are worried about, actually what we don’t want. I encourage you to focus on your soul sustaini...
2020-09-2810 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireWhat Sustains Your Soul? A couple of days ago, Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away. What a tragic loss for our country, for our democracy and the soul of our nation! I am heartbroken and join millions of Americans in honoring her impressive legacy; she was a true American hero, relentlessly fighting for equal justice under the law. RBG championed women’s rights as well as protecting the constitutional rights of every American. Rest in peace RBG. May we stand on your shoulders and do all we can to keep your values, tenacity, and fight for justice alive! This we...
2020-09-2108 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSharon Charde, poet, teacher, author My guest today is Sharon Charde. Sharon is a poet, teacher and author, who recently published a heartfelt, beautifully written book “I Am Not A Juvenile Delinquent: How Poetry Changed a Group of At Risk Young Women”. For over a decade Sharon volunteered as a poetry teacher at a residential treatment facility for delinquent girls. Her initial intention was to reach out to these young women and have them tell their stories, but what happened was that Sharon fell in love with the girls, and as we know about true love… love takes us places we don’t expect to go! T...
2020-09-141h 19
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDouglass DeCandia, agricultural abolitionist, poet Oh what an emotional week this has been! How my heart aches for Jacob Blake, the black man who was brutally shot 7 times in the back by police officers, with his young children witnessing such racial violence as they sat in their car. The outpouring outcry in the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, pleading for justice. The appalling, intentional hatred by a 17 year old white supremacist who illegally crossed state lines with an AR-15 to terrorize and murder protesters. The racist policies that allow such terrorism to exist, with people and policies not being held accountable. Then as if the...
2020-08-311h 00
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireVonetta Taylor, mystic, spiritual guide My guest today is Vonetta Taylor. Vonetta is a mystic, spiritual guide, entrepreneur, and Emmy award winning designer. Initially excelling in math and physics, Vonetta went to Cornell University, majoring in engineering, but then switched to Cultural Anthropology, which spoke more to her heart. Post-graduate research of magic, myth and education, brought Vonetta to Africa, but it was the people in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, not the academic world, that burst open a feeling in Vonetta of what is means to be truly human. After a 15 year career as a creative director and designer, Vonetta was called to leading...
2020-08-241h 13
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireA Revolutionary Response I am happy to announce that my recent guided chakra meditation is now available on my website. Listen here. As we continue to delve into important layers of racial oppression, white supremacy, racial justice and what it truly means to dismantle racism, I am grateful to have this platform to share some of what I have been processing. Black people have acknowledged how difficult it is to give honest feedback to a white person about an interchange where they felt hurt, insulted or offended by a racist remark. Black people admit it rarely goes well...
2020-08-1707 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireStormy White Guilt This past week, the strong winds and heavy rains of Hurricane Isaias moved up through the east coast, uprooting thousands of trees. Mother Nature is reflecting what many of us are experiencing personally and collectively, the aftermath of not just the physical storm, but of the pandemic and racial injustices that continue to challenge and shake us. The force of the storm captured in the verbs: uprooting, toppling, crushing, crashing, knocking out, blocking, snapped, dangling and scattered are not so foreign to our own state of mental health these days. In this episode I focus on the concept of...
2020-08-1014 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireGuided Meditation I lead a 20-30 minute meditation with a small group of friends every Friday morning and this past week, one of my friends asked if I could record the meditation. I was moved that she would like to hear my meditation again, that she found my free-form guidance helpful in giving her a centering peace. So here it is for my friends and all my podcast listeners: a 20 minute spontaneous, organic guided meditation. May it help ground you in the midst of all the uncertainty, heartache, racial oppression and political turmoil going on in our country right now. I...
2020-08-0321 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireKitty Hatcher, astrologer My guest today is Kitty Hatcher. Kitty is a gifted astrologist and tarot reader, who reads astrological charts and teaches beginning, intermediate and advanced classes on astrology. I first met Kitty in 1993 and every reading from her since has helped me distinguish and live more confidently into, what Kitty describes as, who I truly am, as opposed to who I am programmed to be. With what has been exposed and unleashed with the pandemic and racial oppression, we also have the opportunity to think about who we truly are as a country, as opposed to who we’ve been programmed to...
2020-07-2755 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireHonoring John Lewis Instead of a guest today, I’d like to humbly do my part in honoring the life and legacy of John Lewis. Representative John Lewis died on Friday July 17 at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer. You will find beautiful tributes to Mr. Lewis, in the recent New York Times article, on a NPR special and throughout social media platforms. Please take the time to learn more about this courageous, devoted man of integrity. I look forward to watching the documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble”. In addition to John Lewis’ life, which embodied his values and steadfast fight for equa...
2020-07-2011 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireHorace Turnbull, Community Builder & Residential Treatment Center COO My guest today is Horace Turnbull. Horace has spent his life devoted to positively shaping kids lives and uplifting community, through the value and power of the arts. Horace grew up in segregated Greenville, MS, in high school he helped farm families find housing, formed recreational activity program for young people, majored in sociology and psychology at Tougaloo College, before moving to New York. He began his career in a child welfare agency as a child care worker, and for the last 3 years of his career, before retiring 4 years ago, was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for St. Christopher’s, a...
2020-07-131h 17
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireFrances Pratt, President NAACP Nyack My guest today is Frances Pratt. In my Nyack, NY community, Frances, at age 86, is a beloved, living legend. Frances is a registered nurse, who had a 53 year career at Nyack Hospital, which included being head nurse of ER and later a health administrator. The hospital named a waiting room after Frances, a scholarship in her name, as well as a positive-image rose garden. Frances is also a “licensed family care” provider and for 48 years housed up to 6 mentally challenged women in her home, at a time. The National Association for the Advanced of Colored People (NAACP) was formed in 1909 and...
2020-07-061h 02
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireJulia Adamy Pederson, musician/equal justice advocate My guest today is Julia Adamy Pederson. Although Julia is an outstanding professional bass player, today’s conversation is not about what a marvelous bass player she is, or her vibrant music career. Julia, my wholehearted, yet humble daughter, is uncomfortable talking about herself. True to the instrument she plays, her personality matches the function of the bass player: to be a supportive role, or as she describes it “I’d rather be felt, than heard”. She agreed to be my guest, stretching herself beyond her comfort zone, only because she feels compelled to speak about what she is learning and expe...
2020-06-291h 04
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireKimberly Jones, author, filmmaker, activist My guest today is Kimberly Latrice Jones. Kimberly is an activist, writer, and director. It was Kimberly’s recent impassioned video that powerfully moved me and inspired me to reach out to her. Both Trevor Noah and John Oliver highlighted Kim’s video, where she provides a poignant history lesson (all too often left out of our formal education), outlines the broken social contracts between whites and blacks in this country, and pleads for people to not superficially focus on the WHAT (looting and rioting), but dig into the WHY. Kim challenges us to look at the causes of the...
2020-06-2246 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSiri Carr and Kirsti Carr, Discussion On White Privilege I want to acknowledge and address the traumatic, heartbreaking reality of our country’s anti-black socialization, systemic racism and the internalized racist worldview that is ingrained in being white. I am reaching out, retreating, asking others, asking myself, learning, unlearning, doing, undoing, reflecting, listening, making mistakes, and striving for growth. I truly want to be as present to the discomfort, awkwardness and pain as I can be, of the racial inequality of our shared American history. I’ve been so moved by the younger generation, particularly my adult children, nieces and nephews as they continue to challenge, stimulate and expa...
2020-06-1555 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireJamie Surya, yoga studio owner & teacher My guest today is Jamie Surya. Jamie is a yoga instructor, owner of her own yoga studio and a revered community builder. Jamie was drawn to yoga at a very vulnerable time in her life, when she was struggling with anxiety and depression. Yoga shifted and profoundly transformed Jamie’s life so she is devoted to sharing the practice with others. Rooted in a reverence for the ancient philosophy and practice of yoga, Jamie adds her modern twist. After completing her yoga teacher training in 2011, Jamie channeled a fearless determination she didn’t know she had. A year later, at t...
2020-06-0851 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDr. Deborah Adamy Talks About Raw Emotions I didn’t plan for, nor expect the flood of tears that came over me, and in between my sobs, I realized it took a pandemic for me to feel the raw emotions of our country’s intensified racism. It took a pandemic for me to weep in a new way for all the people of color who have been terrorized by police brutality and white supremacy. It took a pandemic for me to feel simultaneously outraged and helpless at the violent hatred Trump has unleashed, while feeling inspired and deeply grateful for the tireless work of Shaun King and...
2020-06-0108 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSuzanne, TV Producer, Videographer, and Film Director My guest today is Suzanne. Suzanne had been a TV Producer, Videographer and Film Director, before her near fatal injury 3 1/2 years ago that created an opportunity for Suzanne to reset everything in her life. Suzanne has slowed down tremendously and is now living a more natural life, more in touch with the earth, animals, and people. She even says that her long road to recovery served as a warm up, preparing her well to face the Covid-19 pandemic. All our variations of lock down, quarantine, and shelter-at-home have collectively caught up to what Suzanne has been experiencing for 3 plus...
2020-05-1855 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireJason Tomlinson, career skills advocate, community builder My guest today is Jason Tomlinson. Jason is a career skills advocate, community builder, and master barber. Jason’s official title at Rockland Community College (RCC) is “Confidential Assistant to the President”, which entails (other than being able to keep a good secret), coordinating scheduling and logistics for the president; representing the college in the community by building/collaborating/maintaining purposeful community relationships; and thirdly, addressing student challenges as a liaison for the president. Jason proudly captures RCC’s motto “Are we ready for you?” as opposed to what most colleges ask students “are you college ready?” RCC adapts and develops pro...
2020-05-1159 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspirePuzzling Through The Pandemic In the past 2 months, during our shelter-at-home precautions for the coronavirus, I’ve done three separate 1,000 piece puzzles. So it won’t come as a surprise that I’ve been reflecting on puzzles, the metaphors they hold, and what it means to me to be puzzling through this pandemic. So instead of a guest today, I want to share with you some of my puzzle thoughts and the insights they have provided me. I know I’m not alone in puzzling through this pandemic. Those of you who are fellow puzzlers, those of you who are lukewarm about do...
2020-05-0422 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDr. Lauren Dulberg, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturist My guest today is Dr. Lauren Dulberg. Lauren is a doctor of Chinese Medicine, an acupuncturist and devotee of ancient traditions. Having studied anthropology and ethno-botany, Lauren developed a reverence for southwest plant medicine. She then studied and personally experienced the ancient wisdom and effectiveness of Chinese medicine, with its healing powers in herbal formulas. She became motivated to teach others that they have the power and ability to advocate for their health. Lauren is especially passionate about women’s health, for too often, women are not listened to and she feels it is her mission to empower women ar...
2020-04-271h 00
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireElizabeth Van Meter, Filmmaker and Humanitarian Even though the precautions we need to take as we do whatever we can to flatten the curve of Covid-19, prevent us from meeting in person, I am grateful that Zoom allows me to record conversations with guests near and far. My guest today is Elizabeth Van Meter. Elizabeth is an actor, filmmaker and devoted humanitarian and one of the most authentic, inspiring humans I know! From her one-woman show, called The Purpose Project, to her deeply moving, award-winning documentary film, Thao’s Library, to her advocacy work with special needs orphans, to her production company called Filmmaking with Hea...
2020-04-201h 17
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSilence & Stillness, Meditations For Peace I truly hope this finds you healthy and safe, taking the necessary precautions we all need to be taking during this Covid-19 pandemic. And if you or anyone you love is ill or on the front line, please know that there is a circle of compassionate light beings holding you and those you care about in their loving embrace. I personally hold each of you in my daily meditations and want you to remember how dear you are to me, you are part of my extended energetic family. I’ve noticed, and perhaps you have too, that as...
2020-04-1332 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDr. Deborah Adamy, Cultivating An Inner Refuge Instead of a guest today, I would like to share some of my own reflections in the midst of this pandemic and only hope that it may resonate and provide a heart connection for you. I know we are at a loss, so much of our lives, as we’ve known it have shifted, if not fully turned upside down. We will, if we haven’t already, experience heart-breaking loss: loss of job stability, loss of reliable income, loss of housing, loss of healthcare, as well as loss of our own health, loss of friends, family and neighbors. And whet...
2020-04-0619 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireThe Reverend Mother Suzanne Toro, Episcopal Priest My guest today is Mother Suzanne Toro, one who embodies a compassionate and peaceful heart. In keeping with the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we recorded my conversation with Suzanne via Zoom. Suzanne is an Episcopal Priest, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cornwall, NY and although life has slowed down for many people, Suzanne admits that she has never worked harder since the outbreak of the coronavirus here in NY. Regardless of your religious/spiritual beliefs or non-beliefs, Mother Toro shares universal insights about connection, grace, courage, responsibility, growth and opportunity. She acknowledges th...
2020-03-3051 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSpiritual Wisdom For These Difficult Times Instead of a guest today, I would like to share some spiritual wisdom for these difficult times. Addressing and responding to COVID-19 marks an unprecedented moment in our history. Not just for some of us, but for all of us. Because this virus does not discriminate based on geography, culture, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic level, we are all impacted! Again not just in our neighborhood, our town, our city, our community, our county, our country, but all across the globe. Many of us have expressed, that in a strange way, COVID-19 has unified us, and we are all going...
2020-03-2411 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireMaria Lugo, life coach, educator I know that we are living in an uncertain and scary time with COVID-19. Businesses and schools have closed, many are struggling to make ends meet and I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my podcast. We will eventually return to a sense of normalcy. In the meantime, I hope these conversations serve to connect us and uplift us. This episode was recorded before the coronavirus outbreak, but I plan to offer readings and word of encouragement over the next weeks. I want to be with you in this, as we go through this together.
2020-03-161h 17
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireLisa Green, writer, innovative realtor My guest today is Lisa Green. Lisa shifted from being a professional singer, actor, and producer, to being a writer, and innovative realtor with a flare for interior design. Lisa is from Australia and moved to the states over 30 years ago. She also happens to be one of the most courageous spiritual warriors I know. Lisa understands grief intimately and as devastated as she was when her 16 year old son Jesse died, 7 years ago, she knows that grief will never outweigh the love. Writing has been a healing outlet for Lisa, not only for processing her emotions...
2020-03-091h 16
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireRick Velleu, scenic artist, filmmaker, design creator My guest today is Rick Velleu. Rick is a scenic artist, filmmaker, design creator, and consummate storyteller! Rick’s innovative career reflects his many creative talents including: making stage props, a scenic artist for theatrical backdrops, a draftsman for an Egyptologist, using his many gifts on Jim Henson’s creative team, the character designer of “Dora the Explorer”, co-creating his own documentary film production company and to landing his current job as Director of Marketing and Content for the Environmental Defense Fund. The thread that connects all these experiences is Rick’s passion to make things, be it paper maché cows...
2020-03-021h 00
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireGail Blache-Gill, singer, conductor, pianist My guest today is Gail Blache-Gill. Gail is a professional choral singer, conductor, pianist, educator, and minister of music. Born and raised in Trinidad, Gail moved to NYC when she was 17 years old. She first attended Lehman College in the Bronx majoring in math, then joined the choir at Brooklyn College, before moving to Princeton, NJ to complete her studies at Westminster Choir College. Gail toured with “Porgy and Bess” for 9 years, taught music in Brooklyn, Hawaii, Harlem and New Jersey, sings with the Alvin Ailey Gospel Choir, conducts the Haitian gospel choir, The Spirituals, based in Brooklyn, NY, and i...
2020-02-241h 08
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireEverett Bradley, musician, vocalist, actor My guest today is Everett Bradley. Everett is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and actor, who honors his mother’s courage and tenacity to have advocated for her son’s musical passion. He describes the turning point in his career from performing in the production STOMP!, to the Broadway show “Swing”, to singing and playing percussion with Hall & Oates, Bruce Springsteen, and Jon Bon Jovi. Nearly 15 years ago, Everett created a soulful holiday show called Holidelic, that is by far one of the most uplifting, funk-filled, dynamic shows, I have ever experienced, driven by Everett’s motto “GIVE LOVE!! Evere...
2020-02-171h 03
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireVaneese Thomas, singer, songwriter, producer My guest today is Vaneese Thomas. Born in Memphis, TN and immersed into the music royalty family of Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas and Marvell Thomas, Vaneese is an incredible soul/blues/R&B singer/songwriter and producer. She has produced recordings and written songs for Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, Bob James, Larry Coryell, Melba Moore and Diana Ross. In addition to concerts and recordings, Vaneese has worked in film and television: she was the voice for Grace the Bass for PBS’ Shining Time Station, Clio the Muse in Disney’s Hercules and for nearly 20 years, sang on countless jingles.
2020-02-101h 02
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDr. Deborah Adamy, A Story For Black History Month In honor of Black History Month, I am excited to announce our 3 fabulous guests starting next week: Vaneese Thomas, Everett Bradley and Gail Blache-Gill. But for today, I want to start off Black History Month by reading a children’s story. This story resonates with my longing to do what I can to dismantle white supremacy. The book is called “Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness”, written and illustrated by Anastasia Higginbotham. Check the show notes for links to Anastasia’s website. Whether you purchase this book or find your own creative ways to address the scary, u...
2020-02-0315 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireWayne Warnecke, recording engineer/producer My guest today is Wayne Warnecke. Wayne is an accomplished audio engineer, producer and co-owner of Peaceful Waters Recording. As a young child, Wayne loved the drums and owned his first snare drum and hi-hat at age 9. He played guitar with his high school band, “Friction”, but primarily played drums and percussion for the rest of his performing gigs. Wayne was about 14 years old when we stepped inside his first recording studio and knew immediately that he had to do this with his life. He studied audio engineering at the Institute of Audio Research in NYC and after 6 years of w...
2020-01-2748 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDr. Deborah Adamy Gets Interviewed! Today marks the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. He was born in Atlanta, GA on January 15th, 1929 - if still alive, he would now be 91 years old. I’d like to honor his commitment to the cause of equality for African-Americans, by remembering some of Dr. King’s inspiring words. In searching for his quotes, I found less familiar ones, yet wise statements that truly moved me. Here are a few: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “what are y...
2020-01-201h 02
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireSammy Merendino, drummer, producer My guest today is Sammy Merendino. Sammy is a drummer, percussionist, and producer. In fact, Sammy is one of NYC’s top drummers, having recorded and/or performed with Cameo, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Foreigner, Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Ziggy Marley, Hall & Oats, The Beach Boys, and Pat Metheny, to name a few. Raised in Ohio, one of 11 children, Sammy appreciated the loving support of his parents, particularly his father’s ability to find the good in every situation. Driven to be a drummer since he was a child, Sammy tells stories of confidently asserting himself to walk...
2020-01-1354 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireHappy New Year 2020 Happy 2020! I’d like to welcome you to the new year and share a personal story. Despite the ongoing appalling behavior of our president, that intensified in this first week of this new year, I am inspired by the wisdom, dedication and impactful activism of Shaun King. Look up Shaun to discover his impressive platforms: founder of the Action PAC; Flip the Senate; The North Star 2019; host of the podcast “the breakdown with shaun king”, and author of the book Make Change. His Instagram posts alone, educate me, uplift me and motivate me to get involved in tangible ways. I trus...
2020-01-0623 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDr. Deborah Adamy, PhD., LMSW, LMT, 2019 Reflections Instead of having a guest today, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2019. My beloved husband, Paul and I launched this podcast nearly 2 years ago, on January 8th, 2018. Since then, we released every Monday, a new conversation with a guest, totaling 93 guests, plus a couple of reflections from me and a guided chakra meditation! It has been a joy to shine light on everyday people, who inspire me. My guests represent a variety of backgrounds and careers: activists, yoga teachers, therapists, healers, musicians, composers, actors, directors, writers, sculptors, filmmakers, circus artists, educators, entrepreneurs, farmers, philanthropists, corporate workers...
2019-12-2309 min
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireTim Young, singer, actor My guest today is Tim Young. Tim is a singer/songwriter, actor, musical director and dancer. I met Tim last month at Tahira Clayton and Addison Frei’s wedding (both former guests on my podcast - episode #58 and #43) and was immediately drawn to his enthusiasm, humor and authenticity. Tim grew up in Long Island, NY, immersed in a 2,500-member evangelical, fundamentalist Christian church, whose beliefs were reinforced at home and in his Christian school. Tim was indoctrinated to see the world in a dichotomous mindset: right or wrong, good or evil, believers or non-believers. As painful a pr...
2019-12-161h 12
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireNicki Denner, musician, composer My guest today is Nicki Denner. Nicki is a passionate pianist, composer, educator and musical director, oh and lest I forget, a tap dancer! Raised in Wisconsin, without examples of what a professional musician looked like, Nicki attended college at University of Minnesota, negating her passion for music and initially majoring in French and Political Science; majors she thought would lead to practical careers. However, the universe conspired to support her to reconnect with her love of music, through the underground tunnels connecting the music building to her dorm. Switching her major to music education, Nicki appreciates...
2019-12-091h 05
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireDwayne Cooper, actor, singer My guest today is Dwayne Cooper. Dwayne is an outstanding singer, songwriter, actor, dancer - and in my opinion, one of the most generous performers I’ve ever witnessed! From his childhood dream of being a TV game show host, Dwayne has found creative avenues to thoroughly entertain his audiences, from choreography and performances in drag clubs, to being a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, to creating his own edgy band, to national tours of Broadway shows, as well as performing numerous roles on Broadway. Dwayne is one of the co-founders of The Doo Wop Project, wher...
2019-12-021h 13
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireGeorgia Pangle My guest today is Georgia Pangle. Georgia had been a dancer, before redirecting herself into the financial world. I met Georgia through her husband, the awesome, well-respected drummer/musician Sammy Merendino. (Look for Sammy as my guest in a future episode). For 30 years, Georgia has worked with smart, impressive colleagues who started their own firm, advising their clients with integrity and technical excellence. As she transitions into working less, Georgia is honest about what she is learning about herself, in the midst of our culture that rewards over-work. Georgia names a longing she has for something more that will s...
2019-11-251h 02
Enlighten: Uplift & InspireRyan Fielding Garrett, music director, composer My guest today is Ryan Fielding Garrett. Ryan is a respected musical director, conductor, arranger and musician. Ryan grew up in San Antonio, Texas, went to Baldwin Wallace University, in Berea, Ohio, and the the day after graduation, moved to NYC, where he quickly broke into the Broadway scene. With the production of Kinky Boots, Ryan began subbing on keyboard on Broadway, was promoted to musical director with the touring company, lived in Japan for 2 months to conduct the show there, and returned to Broadway as associate musical director for the last 14 months of the show. Ryan was proud...
2019-11-1859 min