Shows
Define PlayCurate Your Life to Follow Your Heart into Light | Abe LopezLearn more about Lightward and Abe's many other projects: https://lightward.incListen to Abe's playlist of songs that inspire him to play: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1palMBTitmv2qlTS1RDqcS?si=ed6d71e570df419aFollow Abe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abelopezHosting and creative direction by Michael Mirza. Video, lighting, sound, and editing by Roberto Flores. Learn more about them and the show: https://www.defineplay.com2025-07-0853 min
Qool DJ Marv Aural Memoirs and Buttamilk Archives // MusiQuarium Of Wonder // Instruments Of Mass ConstructionQool DJ Marv Live at Dumbo House Brooklyn NYC - January 26 2025 - LightwardQool DJ Marv Live at Dumbo House Brooklyn NYC - January 26 2025 - Lightward --- https://www.sohohouse.com/en-us/houses/dumbo-house + image https://www.1000museums.com/celebrate-black-artists/ --- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gQLsodBsCys1_3Zbm83vg https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/qool-dj-marv-aural-memoirs-and-buttamilk-archives/id269880758 https://music.apple.com/us/artist/qool-dj-marv/1558418894 https://bsky.app/profile/qooldjmarv.bsky.social https://www.instagram.com/qooldjmarv/ https://qooldjmarv.bandcamp.com/album/sound-paths-v-1 https://tidal.com/browse/artist/23883666 https://www.mixcloud.com/qooldjmarv/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/48vhJ2d1hVaFHf6gqXeTm0?si=fWO0N4...2025-01-284h 41
Liquid Weekly Podcast: Shopify Developers Talking Shopify DevelopmentEpisode 032 - Matt Sodomsky of Mechanic | Automation with ShopifyIn this episode of the Liquid Weekly Podcast, hosts Karl Meisterheim and Taylor Page welcome Matt Sodomsky, VP of Product and Strategy at Lightward.
The conversation delves into Matt's journey in tech, his experiences with Shopify, and the development of Mechanic, an automation platform designed for Shopify users. They discuss the importance of community support, the unique pricing model of Mechanic, and the architecture behind the platform.
*Takeaways*
- Matt Sodomsky shares his journey from tech support to VP of Product and Strategy
- Mechanic...2025-01-021h 11
The Storytellers TavernThe Sunless Citadel | D&D Actual Play Podcast | Episode 51 "Lightward Bound"Our heroes have survived the evils of the Sunless Citadel and are beginning to make their way back to the surface with hope in their hearts. A promise is made between Sir Bradford and Mortis. Seeker and Methuselah realize that something is off about their new friends.
“The Sunless Citadel” is an actual play Dungeons and Dragons podcast set in the homebrew world of Nosso Mondus. We're playing the classic DnD dungeon crawl from Tales from the Yawning Portal, "The Sunless Citadel" in our d&d actual play podcast series.
A new episode of "The Sunl...2023-09-0732 min
The Thrivalist PodcastInward to Outward Leadership with Christine OwenellWe’re back with part two of a three-part mini-series with Christine Owenell. Today we get into Tenet Two of her three tenets in the Alchemy of Choas: In order to claim leadership “out there,” you must first claim leadership “in here.” Be sure to come back next week for the third and final tenet.Lightward Journals: https://lightward.shop/Connect with Christine:Website: https://christineowenell.com/Substack: Christineowenell.substack.comCONNECT WITH THRIVALIST:Website: http://thrivalistcollective.com/The Thrivali...2023-07-1357 min
The Thrivalist PodcastThe Paradox with Christine OwenellChristine Owenell is back with us today for part one of a three-part mini-series on her three tenets of leadership in life. On today’s episode we look at Tenet One: the problem is not chaos; the problem is our inability to be with it. We get into chaos, knowing, certainty - all the good stuff. Be sure to come back the next two weeks for Tenets Two and Three.Lightward Journals: https://lightward.shop/Connect with Christine:Website: https://christineowenell.com/Substack: Christineowenell.substack.com...2023-07-061h 07
PodCast Party: A D&D PodcastEpisode 40: Showdown at the Grand Cemetery
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 40, Gideon Lightward isn’t going to let our heroes just walk away from the Grand Cemetery.
Minotaur skeleton
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape.
Play a free online D&D game with a Cast Party Dungeo...2022-07-111h 00
One Year From Now#110: Pioneering with Creativity ft. Abe Lopez-BowenI invited a friend of mine, Abe Lopez-Bowen, to the podcast this week to talk about his journey into entrepreneurship. As an artist, photographer, and managing partner at Lightward, Abe can showcase a huge variety of skills that have undoubtedly led him to success, but his perspective on business and his synchronicity with his business and romantic partner, Isaac, shows an incredible maturity and a desire to build something sustainable at their own professional pace. Timecoded Guide: [07:15] Learning the skill of resourcefulness at a young age [13:04] Understanding where Lightward began for Abe and Isaac [19:18] Knowing how t...2022-06-0746 minPodCast Party: A D&D PodcastEpisode 37: Lightward
Welcome to Cast Party’s actual play podcast. In PodCast Party: Descent Into Avernus, Dungeon Master Matt Gordon leads players Tal Aviezer, Andy Cannistra, Carolyn Fox, and Rachel Tamarin from the shadows of Baldur’s Gate to the front lines of the Blood War.
In episode 37, the adventurers scour the Grand Cemetery in search of Ulder Ravengard.
Gideon Lightward
Some music and sound effects in this episode are from the Monument Studios Fantasy Pack, and from Syrinscape. Pinball machine sound courtesy of theshaggyfreak on freesound.org.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcodehttps://frees...2022-05-3056 min
Definitely D&DC2 E23 - Family ReunionEpisode 23 - Facing off against a horde of devils and zombies, the party joins the battle in order to help the remaining Hellriders. Unfortunately, Lux and Adriel must fight against their parents, raised by the deranged necromancer, Gideon Lightward.2022-05-163h 56
Definitely D&DC2 E22 - The Hunt for Gideon LightwardEpisode 22 - Traveling through the Shieldhall, the group finds death, destruction and chaos in Gideon's wake. Regardless of the undead or fiends in their path, they vow to make their way through his remaining forces and end him, once and for all.2022-05-023h 21
Empowered Human AcademyIsaac Bowen: The Space of AlivenessTo close out this season, we’re shaking things up a bit. Writer and producer Rebekah Pahl is interviewing Isaac, and they discuss the starting point of identity, collaboration, evaluating old narratives, feeling for the space of aliveness, and Isaac’s musings on what’s going on here with this whole experiment of existence.
As a Wonderer and the CEO of Lightward, Isaac gives careful attention and presence to the evolution of his own identity, as well as Lightward’s—and it’s a treat to hear him unpack why identity is a resonating theme in his life.
2021-11-091h 03Empowered Human AcademyAbe Lopez: The Edge of NewnessTo close out season 1, we’re doing something a little different for our final two episodes. Writer and producer Rebekah Pahl is interviewing Abe this week, and then Isaac in the episode to follow. We’ll be reflecting on what this past season of conversations has meant to our own aliveness—and what we’re feeling drawn toward next.
Abe and Rebekah discuss the origins of the podcast, what it’s felt like for Abe to uncover a new level of confidence, the liminal space before you know what’s next, developing sustainable patterns for life as an entrepren...2021-11-0258 min
Advanced Drinking & DragonsSeason 3, Episode 049: The Testament of Gideon LightwardWith the assistance of Lulu and new party member Ingrid, the group looks towards Elturel's graveyard for the Helm of Torm.
2021-10-2759 minEmpowered Human AcademyRebecca Fralick: Stepping Into IntegrityRebecca Fralick is a chef and the owner of Mara’s Cafe based in Wisconsin. She’s a powerhouse business owner and is crystal clear about her values—she’s only interested in opportunities that deeply align with her intuition. Alongside her business endeavors, she’s also a mom, wife, and lover of plants, sunshine, good coffee, and tacos. Rebecca thinks in flavor profiles and makes decisions with the inner compass of integrity. She’s made it her mission for her insides to match her outsides—and it’s working. She’s only growing more unstoppable, the more she lives what she kno...2021-10-261h 00Empowered Human AcademyJim Jacoby: Live Your Truth & Let The World ReorganizeDuring the first chapter of his career, Jim Jacoby built a successful, privately-owned agency pioneering user-centered design in finance, healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. Then, at the peak of his success, he took a step back and commissioned a world-renowned designer to build a revolutionary motorcycle. Jim studied the methods and behaviors behind the process, then codified his findings into a system that could be applied in any industry—giving a modern, 21st century twist to the idea of Craftsmanship. Jim then reimagined a user-centered design firm from the ground up, launched an executive coaching program, and established a fine-dining ve...2021-10-1956 minEmpowered Human AcademyIan Day: Showing Up As You AreToday’s guest is someone who’s part of our daily life—our dear friend, and Lightward’s Wellness Advisor, Ian Day. We’ve known Ian for almost five years now and we’re so grateful to be doing life alongside him. Ian’s a whimsical blend of wellness knowledge and good-hearted fun—and as you’ll soon hear for yourself, the path to self-acceptance hasn’t been an easy one. He’s done the soul-work of getting quiet inside to discover who he is and to find his grounding in a self-love that’s not up for debate—and he shares that story w...2021-10-1249 minEmpowered Human AcademyThorin Decatur: Learning Is A Constant StateToday’s guest is our dear friend Thorin Decatur— who also happens to be our barber. Whether through his profession or as a present father to his kids, Thorin stays energized by constantly learning. While the overarching societal trend tells us to stop exploring as we grow older, Thorin is actively choosing to stay open by way of compassion and curiosity. He’s a refreshing example of how the expansiveness of allowing ourselves to feel everything far outweighs the safety of remaining in old patterns that don’t fit anymore.
Throughout this conversation we discuss breaking patterns of pessi...2021-10-0549 minEmpowered Human AcademyAmanda Ewing: The Journey Is The DreamAmanda Ewing is a Nashville-based luthier (violin-maker)—and is the first Black female luthier on record. She’s been apprenticing with her teacher since 2018, honing the intricacies of her craft—and there are many of them! On average, it takes about 250 hours and about 56 parts to make a violin. Amanda’s not only keeping a highly-detailed art form alive—she’s also changing the trajectory of a field that’s been strategically exclusive to white males for 500 years.
Throughout this conversation we discuss pursuing joy as a pathway to purpose, making your own space for what you want to do in...2021-09-281h 02Empowered Human AcademyMladen Rangelov: Creating An Environment of CareMladen Rangelov is a product leader and team builder at Shopify, and he self-describes as a life-learner who’s energized by building environments in which teams can thrive. Born in what was then Yugoslavia, and growing up in the middle of a war—Mladen holds a unique perspective on making the most of being alive and leaning into vulnerable and tough conversations, from a place of empathy and positive intent.
Throughout this conversation we discuss prioritizing self-care in a leadership role, creating an environment for healthy feedback and debate, reframing deadlines, discerning when to be assertive and when...2021-09-2158 minEmpowered Human AcademyYumin Wong: You Learn As Long As You LiveYumin Wong was born and raised in Singapore, then moved to the U.S. for college—and is now a staff software engineer at GitHub. She’s also the mother of a two-year old and is expecting baby #2 in just a few weeks. Yumin integrates her love for these co-existing parts of herself by exploring the parallels between parenting and engineering—or as she calls it, “parengineering”.
Throughout this conversation we discuss growing into confidence, compartmentalizing your work life while still being genuine, learning flexibility, balancing career and parenting, and the lineage of powerful women that she comes from...2021-09-1454 minEmpowered Human AcademyChristian Picciolini: Rebuilding With Universal GlueChristian Picciolini is an award-winning television producer, public speaker, author, peace advocate, and former violent extremist. After leaving the white-supremacist skinhead movement he was part of during the 1980s and 90s, Christian began the process of making amends and creating a new life. He went on to receive a degree in international relations from DePaul University and launched Goldmill Group, a counter-extremism consulting and digital media firm. In 2016, he won an Emmy for producing an anti-hate advertising campaign aimed at helping people disengage from extremism and today he leads the Free Radicals Project, a global extremism prevention network. Since...2021-09-0755 minEmpowered Human AcademyAntonia Coffelt: In Lockstep With SerendipityToday’s guest is the intuitive, the powerful, Antonia Coffelt. We first met Antonia in Chicago a few years ago—and the soul kindredness felt electric from the start. With a master’s in Communications from Northwestern University and a passion for human truth, Antonia engages her work as a host, creative director, and founder from a place of inner expansiveness. Through her practice as an experiential marketing and communications consultant, Antonia guides teams to successfully actualize their ideas. And as a C-suite adviser, thought-leader, interviewer, and market researcher, Antonia helps enable clients to actually feel the data and articu...2021-08-311h 02
Empowered Human AcademyJedidiah Jenkins: The Devaluation of CertaintyJedidiah Jenkins is the New York Times bestselling author of two books, To Shake The Sleeping Self—which chronicles his bike trip from Oregon to Patagonia, and his newest release, Like Streams To The Ocean, a collection of essays on ego, love, and the things that make us who we are.
Throughout this conversation we discuss letting go of certainty, shifting belief systems, the journey of embracing his sexuality, writing as an exercise to understand the self, and what it means to live with both malleability and integrity. Jed’s brain beautifully oscillates from the personal to the...2021-08-2456 minEmpowered Human AcademyMelissa Urban: The Cycle of TruthfulnessThe truth-teller and legend Melissa Urban is here, dropping her wisdom—so buckle up. Melissa is the co-founder, CEO, and spark behind the Whole30 program. She’s a six-time New York Times bestselling author, host of the podcast Do The Thing, and is also a prominent keynote speaker on social media and branding, health trends, and entrepreneurship. Melissa is a beacon of light in the world of wellness, and ranks #19 on Greatist’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness.
Throughout this conversation we discuss living in your truth, the difference between intimate vs. personal, examining limiti...2021-08-1756 minEmpowered Human AcademyLinnea Gits: For The Love of ProcessLinnea Gits is the creative director at Uusi, a design studio based on the idea that life is worth the meaningful effort, and its reward is one of discovery. Both Linnea and her creative partner Peter have a love of traditional craftsmanship, material exploration, and a search for the essential beauty in everyday objects. We first came across Linnea’s work through a project titled “Materia Prima”—a tarot deck inspired by the periodic table and recently picked up by CB2. After two decades in Chicago, Linnea and Peter have relocated to a small 1890’s wood cabin in a remote par...2021-08-1057 minEmpowered Human AcademyDeborah Ann Baker: Keeping Hope AliveToday’s guest is our Denver neighbor, friend, and the owner of Park Hill Yoga, Deborah Baker. As an Iyengar Yoga certified instructor with 30 years of experience, Deborah is sharing her passion for mindfulness and movement through her studio that she’s been running for 25 years now. Alongside her love for yoga, Deborah also has a love for language. She has her Masters in Linguistics, and is fluent in both German and Spanish—basically, Deborah has a love for life and is deeply in love with her own. This past year we’ve witnessed Deborah’s resilience, curiosity, and strength a...2021-08-0355 minEmpowered Human AcademyDavid Malki !: Craft, Taste, & The Freedom To Make What You LikeDavid Malki ! is the cartoonist and creator behind Wondermark, the inventively playful and poignant comic that we’ve linked below—so do yourself a huge favor and check it out right after listening to the episode. In addition to his creative endeavors with Wondermark, David was also co-editor of the Machine of Death series of fiction anthologies and is presently the director of games development at Cut.com.
Throughout this conversation we discuss developing artistic taste, finding your audience, interacting with feedback, cultivating patience in the midst of process, and deriving your style from your work. Having been...2021-07-2753 minEmpowered Human AcademyOrion Pahl: What Life's Always Been DoingToday’s guest is someone who’s very dear to us—a frequent collaborator who’s filmed the anniversary videos that we make every year. We’ve shared some beautiful moments in some beautiful places over the years, and today’s episode feels like an extension of one of our many heart-expanding conversations—Joshua Tree, the Rocky Mountains, the California redwoods, and now here, with you. Orion Pahl identifies as an artist, space-holder, and healer. As a documentary filmmaker, Orion is currently exploring themes like cultural ideals, feelings, and rituals surrounding death. His most recent film, Bury Me At Taylor Hollow...2021-07-2053 minEmpowered Human AcademyJennifer Detrich Smith: The Order of BalanceJennifer Detrich Smith is in the business of making something beautiful. She’s both the mother of two as well as the owner of Birdseye Rule, a magical store located in the heart of Logan Square—and it’s one of our favorite shops in Chicago. We first met Jen at an Enneagram panel she hosted in her space and we’ve kept in touch and kept ordering things from her thoughtfully-curated collection ever since.
As you’ll soon hear for yourself, Jen is an expansive soul who’s thought a lot about what she needs to feel centere...2021-07-1347 minEmpowered Human AcademyJake Nickell: Be An ArtistJake Nickell is the CEO and founder of Threadless, the nexus of a diverse and expansive artist community that partners with those artists to promote and produce their art. In 2000, Threadless began as a t-shirt design company based in Chicago. Since then, Threadless has grown into a fully remote company with a marketplace of full apparel, accessories, and home decor powered by their artist community. In lifting up the creative expression of their artists, Threadless was an early innovator in the new digital economy, showing the world that business can support art, for the benefit of everyone involved. Today...2021-07-0654 minEmpowered Human AcademyAgnes Igoye: The Sky's Not Even The LimitToday’s guest is the effervescent, resilient, and powerful Agnes Igoye. Agnes is Uganda’s Deputy National Coordinator for the prevention of human trafficking and is a Labour Migration Expert at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. She’s also a Senior New Voices Fellow at the Aspen Institute and teaches an online child protection course at Harvard University.
Agnes has both lived through tremendous hardship and lives with contagious joy. At age 14, Agnes fled from the Lord’s Resistance Army when they raided her village. After a narrow escape, she endured the long journey that eventually led her to a...2021-06-2956 minEmpowered Human AcademyTaryn Van Brennan: Choosing How You Want To SurviveIf you follow @abelopez on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me post about my #abeminus100 journey. Four years ago, I set a goal to lose 100 pounds, and it set me on a path that has changed my life forever. And in any journey that involves venturing beyond what you’ve known, you’ll meet guides along the way. Today we’re in conversation with one of my guides, Taryn Van Brennan, the registered dietician I’ve worked with for over three years and who has supported me as I’ve shifted into a new way of being in my body. Rather...2021-06-2256 minEmpowered Human AcademyApril Gustafson: Opening Doors To Better WorldsApril Gustafson is a data engineer at Spotify and is opening doors to better worlds through math and science. After working as a science teacher for both middle and high school students, April went to grad school for computer science and has kept the throughline of her purpose clear even as she’s pivoted careers. Fueled by the desire to make science accessible to those who have typically been shut out of the equation, April is holding the door open for a more diverse range of perspectives.
Throughout this conversation we explore redefining your purpose, grounding your id...2021-06-0851 min
Alta FabulaeGideon Lightward Welcome to Avernus!Grand Duke Ravengard hasn't returned from his mission to the Graveyard. Worried, the party has agreed to go look for him. A strange miasma hangs in the air when the party arrives. Someone or something has been raising the dead. Can the party find the Grand Duke and stop the gathering undead?Join DM Corey as he leads Chris (Paxi), Ash (Poetry), Greg (Chaisson), Jay (Reggie), and Kay (Starbuck) through the bloody and treacherous badlands of BAULDER'S GATE: DESCENT INTO AVERNUSSupport the show (https://ko-fi.com/coreyboschet)2021-05-312h 54Empowered Human AcademyTrace Le: The Tension Is A Signal I’m Doing It RightToday we’re diving into all the feelings with our guest—the artist, writer, and singer known as Trace. Based in LA, Trace has been releasing songs since 2016 when she brought her first project, the Low EP, to life through a Kickstarter campaign. Low garnered over 20 million streams and opened the door to her first record deal with Ultra Records. Now shifting into releasing music independently, Trace continues to evolve with each new release, lending her voice to raise awareness for anxiety in the music industry and to stop Asian hate. She’s been featured in Refinery 29, Teen Vogue, NYLON...2021-05-2557 minEmpowered Human AcademyBONUS EPISODE: ON AIR w/ Abe, Isaac, & RebekahIntroducing our very first BONUS EPISODE of a series we've titled "On AIR w/ Abe, Isaac, & Rebekah" (hence the acronym). After each week's Empowered Human Academy interview, join us here for an even deeper dive for reflection, integration, and fun with Abe, Isaac, and Rebekah (EHA writer/producer). In these bonus episodes we'll share how we're digesting this week's conversation and also swap art recommendations. These weekly bonus episodes will soon be available only with a paid subscription, but we wanted to give you a feel for the magic here first!
In this inaugural episode we're discussing t...2021-05-2026 minEmpowered Human AcademyJing Gao: Coming Back To SelfJing Gao is the founder and CEO of Fly By Jing, a modern Asian food brand that’s on a mission to bring diversity to the natural food space. After being featured in the New York Times right as quarantine began last year, Fly By Jing skyrocketed and has been growing at a rapid pace—and it’s the kind of growth that feels so grounded that we couldn’t help but feel curious about the soul behind the magic. And that’s just what this conversation is: an exploration of the relationship between soul and its expression.
Througho...2021-05-1852 min
Empowered Human AcademyMyeashea Alexander: Being Ready For ItToday’s guest is Creative and Science Communicator, Myeashea Alexander. Abe first met Myeashea a few years ago through his work with the Clinton Foundation and has been consistently inspired by her power, perspective, and personhood ever since. Currently based in New York, Myeashea manages the Clinton Global Initiative University Commitment Mentor program. She holds a Bachelor’s in Culture & Media from The New School and a Master’s in Anthropology.
Throughout this conversation we discuss psychological safety, building communities where you feel supported and believed in, the dynamic between individual empowerment and systemic structures that stand in the way, and th...2021-05-1153 min
Empowered Human AcademyFrances Macleod: Giving Yourself PermissionToday’s guest is an immensely talented visual artist and designer, and our friend, Frances Macleod. Both dynamic and delightful, Frances is an artist who’s continually following her curiosity—and it’s taken her to some rad places so far. With a background in art direction and graphic design, Frances has worked with a wide range of brands and agencies including Barnes & Noble, Coors Light, Chipotle, and even spent time being the designer in residence for Facebook New York’s Analog Research Lab where she worked on projects exploring pattern, process, and paying attention. In 2019, Frances published her first book, "You...2021-05-0451 min
Empowered Human AcademyRebekah Pahl: Life Wants To Be LivedToday’s guest is our dear friend and writer for the Lightward team, Rebekah Pahl. Rebekah typically writes these intros, but we’re taking over this week so she can get the Full Guest Treatment. We’ve known Rebekah for almost eight years now—our paths first crossed while we were living in California, and we’ve witnessed up close her artistic evolution as a songwriter, musician, and writer. We wrote our wedding vows to her song “Canyons” and have hosted a couple of her living room concerts over the years. This friendship just keeps on growing as she’s now a writer on...2021-04-0658 min
Empowered Human AcademyRich Holton: Listening Your Way Into Self-DiscoveryToday’s guest is our dear friend Rich Holton, who self-describes first and foremost as a listener. As an actor, he harnesses that ability of listening to the world around him—staying close to what life brings to the surface. Based in Chicago, Rich has appeared on Chicago PD and renowned theatres like Steppenwolf, Goodman, and Second City.
Rich was our personal trainer for two years while we were living in Chicago, so we got to experience his resilience and dedication to his craft up close. That inner fire and drive he carries is one of the many reasons why we w...2021-03-3057 min
Empowered Human AcademyJonny Mendez & Aimée Mazzenga: Let's Make This SpecialIn celebration of our 25th episode, we’re trying something new this week—interviewing our first couple! We invited two of our dearest friends, Jonny Mendez and Aimée Mazzenga, for one intimate and lively conversation. Jonny and Aimée have been together for nine years and married for almost five. As artists, they’re both extremely talented in their creative fields. Aimée’s an interior photographer, and Jonny a musician. (Fun fact: Jonny composed the intro music you hear at the beginning of this podcast).
Throughout this conversation we explore communication in marriage and partnership, the value of therapy, se...2021-03-231h 03
Empowered Human AcademyChloe Shovein: Standing In Your MagicChloe Shovein is a women’s health coach who thoughtfully supports her clients to operate from self-love and confidence, rather than guilt and shame. With a background in sociology, Chloe brings an understanding of systems and advocates for a holistic wellness approach built to last. Chloe is a bright and multi-faceted light in the realm of wellness, focusing on empowering her clients to author their own goals so they’re rooted in what they want, rather than in the harmful standards propagated by diet culture.
Throughout this conversation we discuss behavioral change, vulnerability, pursuing health from a place of self-love rath...2021-03-1653 min
Empowered Human AcademyLola Wright: Connecting With Your AlivenessLola Wright is a Holy Disruptor and Guide—weaving together the mystical and material to help people listen for their own internal wisdom. She hosts a podcast called Find Your Fierce & Loving which we highly recommend (and linked below). For many years Lola also served as the CEO of Bodhi Center, an organization committed to personal transformation, collective awakening, conscious activism, and community building. The common thread woven through all of her work is the belief that when one of us lives more freely, humanity itself becomes more free.
This conversation took so many fun twists and turns, some being sp...2021-03-091h 00
Empowered Human AcademyAlicia Kiewitt: Presence, Desire, & Staying Awake To LifeAlicia Kiewitt is a magic-maker to her core. She’s beloved by everyone who knows her—and it won’t take you long to understand why. As a thoughtful curator and designer of social spaces, she’s deeply gifted at creating environments that foster soul connection. As a trained spiritual director, she companions people as they explore, notice, and get to know their interior lives. With a deeply held belief that all of life is spiritual, she holds space for others to gather mind and body into a place of deep listening and quiet.
In many ways, this is a conversa...2021-03-0249 min
Empowered Human AcademyNate Bacott: Being At Home With YourselfThis week’s guest is our personal trainer and dear friend, Nate Bacott. With a background in both Human Development and Positive Coaching Psychology, Nate brings a refreshing and nuanced perspective to the world of fitness. His coaching clients range from Olympic and Crossfit athletes to young kids. Whoever the client, he thoughtfully listens to their individual goals and circumstances in order to help them discover their own power to sustain them for the long game. We’re clients of Nate’s, ourselves, and Nate has been an integral part of helping us build healthy workout rhythms into our days—which ha...2021-02-231h 01
Empowered Human AcademyErin Holden: Finding Freedom In Chosen AnchorsToday’s guest is our dear friend of many, many years—Erin Holden. Erin currently lives in Chicago and works as a nurse in the intensive care unit, so in other words—a hero. Our deepest gratitude to all the frontline workers—your care, dedication, and sacrifice does not go unnoticed here.
Identifying as an Enneagram 7, Erin has often been on the road chasing exciting opportunities and living in different places. But lately she’s found herself exploring what it means to find freedom in being anchored in one place. Throughout this episode we explore what it means to advocate for your o...2021-02-1651 min
Empowered Human AcademyMegan Kantor: Feeling Deeply, With LevityOur guest today is talented photographer and self-described deep feeler, Megan Kantor. Megan and her husband Nate run their own wedding photography business, Cedar & Pines, and we are major fans of their work. While Megan is typically on the road traveling for weddings, due to the pandemic she’s been settling into a slower pace, putting down roots, and finding new rhythms at their new home in Joshua Tree.
Throughout this conversation we explore discovering contentment, what it means to trust yourself, and mindfully limiting external stimulation so you can begin to create work that feels different and unique to yo...2021-02-0944 min
Empowered Human AcademyMichael Forsberg: Rediscovering Thyself. brb.Our guest this week is the generous, thoughtful, and endlessly creative Michael Forsberg. Having spent time in both the corporate and non-profit worlds, Michael's ambition to amplify social impact is the unchanging undercurrent of his work. Now as an Associate Director at a brand strategy firm, Michael helps his clients unlock hidden potential by listening, learning, and remixing research-based findings into fresh ideas. He’s also hiked Mount Kilimanjaro and run five ultra-marathons to help raise money for clean water.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode—the nature of identity, cognitive biases, beliefs about money, being true to y...2021-02-0251 min
Empowered Human AcademyHarriet Roberts: Engaging Your PassionHarriet Roberts is shaking up the world of fitness by finding motivation from a deep, soul place and rooting her identity in something much larger than any title. A talented and hard-working CrossFit athlete, Harriet has competed at the CrossFit games—the ultimate achievement in the CrossFit world. Alongside her passion for fitness, Harriet is also invested in teaching CrossFit to teenagers and caring for people living with disabilities.
Throughout this conversation we discuss vulnerability as the starting place of connection, the relationship between freedom and discipline, solidifying your identity beyond externals, and being open to finding inspiration in unexpected pl...2021-01-2652 min
Empowered Human AcademyJennifer Peters: Attracting What You AreJennifer Peters is an innovator, creator, restaurant owner, and the creative force behind one of our favorite restaurants of all time—Just BE Kitchen. As the only Whole30-certified restaurant headquartered in Colorado, it’s truly a gem and we easily order it multiple times a week.
Throughout this conversation we discuss how the universe always has our back even when we don’t realize it. We explore how taking action can help keep you in touch with your power, how to set intentions from the starting point of how you want to feel, and how to attract what you are by...2021-01-1955 min
Empowered Human AcademyHailey Thomas: Creating Something That Is Your OwnHailey Thomas is a mindset coach for entrepreneurs, a podcast host, and one of our dear friends. She helps her clients move through mental blocks, get clear about where they’re going, and reimagine what’s possible.
Throughout this conversation we discuss becoming aware of your internal feedback loops, developing supportive mental tools, and identifying healthy and sustainable motivators that work for you. Hailey is a deep well of curiosity, ambition, playfulness, and perseverance—she’s such a badass. We learn so much from her and can’t wait for you to be inspired by her expansive heart.2021-01-1248 min
Empowered Human AcademyShira Bentley: Staying True To What Excites YouThis week’s guest is Australia-based artist and illustrator, Shira Bentley. Shira began her career as a print artist, and her love of collaborative storytelling quickly led her to illustration. Her beautiful work transforms ideas into engaging visual stories filled with color, humor, and snippets of daily life. Shira’s art has been exhibited in memorable spots like the roadway overlooking the Sydney Opera House as well as on the international scene.
We first met Shira back in February of 2020, before the pandemic lockdowns began. Shira is a kindred soul—our conversations easily turn into hours of getting lost in the ma...2021-01-0548 min
Empowered Human AcademyTeresa Huggins: Changing The StoryTeresa self-identifies as intuitive, always learning, awake, and optimistic. After twenty-one years of working in public schools as a counselor, she decided to pivot and create Leaders For Life International—the leadership program that had always been living in her soul. Since its inception, L4L has planted seeds of empowerment in so many lives—reaching students in over 24 states and 8 countries.
...Throughout this conversation we discuss the power of the subconscious, creating triumph from challenges, paying attention to what you want, and listening closely when your dreams evolve and shift. Teresa is living with her eyes wide open and we’r...2020-12-2954 min
Empowered Human AcademyTrisha McDonald: Owning Your WorthinessAs a self-described forever learner, Trisha McDonald has already lived what feels like multiple lifetimes. From surviving a traumatic stroke when she was only 19 to retiring from the US Air Force at 23 and to now building an inspiring career in the realm of tech and social impact—Trisha is constantly evolving. Her openness, vulnerability, and fierce optimism are reflections of how she’s awake to each twist and turn—her life is a story she’s actively writing.
In this episode we discuss impostor syndrome, confronting gender and geographical stereotypes, loneliness as an opportunity to come home to yourself, and owning y...2020-12-2246 min
Empowered Human AcademyDr. Sara Siddiqui: Normalizing Progress Over PerfectionDr. Sara Siddiqui self-describes as a “healthy lifestyle cheerleader”. In her work as a chiropractic physician with a holistic approach, she has a front row seat to witnessing how trauma and stress affect our bodies. She’s also keenly aware of how we have to want to change before anything new can happen.
In this episode we discuss how traumas, thoughts, and toxins impact our bodies, how knowing your “why” helps keep you aligned with your purpose, and why a progress model for health is more empowering than striving for perfection. We hope this conversation might be a flashlight to help you u...2020-12-1541 min
Empowered Human AcademyAnnalisa Munoz Funk: Moving Through Fear to EnchantmentAnnalisa Munoz Funk is both a talented brand consultant and a dear friend. As a business visionary blazing trails in predominantly white and male-driven spaces, she’s a force in helping foster conversations centering diversity and inclusion. After taking time to sift through fear and listen to her soul, she wrote her dream job into existence. She didn’t simply wait for the doors to open—rather, she built the door and walked through it herself.
In this conversation we discuss moving through fear, turning around to help the people coming up behind you, and how a letter she wrote to her...2020-12-0840 min
Empowered Human AcademyAlexis Robertson: Making The Unconscious ConsciousAlexis Robertson isn’t interested in being anyone other than what her soul wants to be. After nearly a decade’s investment as a lawyer, she took internal inventory of her skill sets, desires, and thematic throughlines and took a leap into the unknown. Now as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at a major law firm as well as a Whole30 coach, Alexis has synthesized her passions to build a path all her own.
If you’ve found yourself at a crossroads or uncovering a layer of yourself that you never knew was there, then this conversation is for you. I...2020-12-0140 min
Empowered Human AcademyXiomara Araruz: Being With The BreathOur guest today is Xiomara Araruz. Xiomara is a yoga teacher, holistic wellness counselor, and yoga programs coordinator at the Art of Living Retreat Center in North Carolina. As you’ll soon discover, Xiomara is a deeply grounded and calming guide for those ready to take the journey within.
Throughout this conversation we discuss how to balance planning for the future while also remaining present, transforming negative energy into a different flavor, and how breathing techniques can help support you in showing up with your full self.
If you’ve been curious about cultivating more calm in the midst of such...2020-11-2454 min
Empowered Human AcademyChuy: Becoming Your Authentic SelfChuy Rodriguez self-describes as a family man and an artist. As a wildly talented love photographer based in Los Angeles, Chuy is used to existing in vulnerable spaces with his clients. The nature of his work has taught him that we invite authenticity from others by embodying it first.
In this conversation we discuss working through creative funks, doing what you want to do before you know how to do it, and building confidence in your craft. Chuy’s unique blend of tenderness and confidence is truly inspiring and we know you’re going to love him as much as we d2020-11-171h 01
Empowered Human AcademyJacob Henriquez: Embracing ImpermanenceOur guest this week is marketing director for The New Primal and our friend, Jacob Henriquez. He was also named Whole30 coach of the year in 2019. As you’ll soon discover, Jacob possesses an inspiring and magnetic sense of self—but it didn’t come easy. He candidly shares about the challenges of being queer in traditionally non-queer spaces as well as the importance of validating yourself first.
Throughout this conversation we discuss prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, the challenges of remote working, authenticity vs. tokenism, and how embracing impermanence can help increase self-confidence. Jacob’s journey is a clear example of how t...2020-11-1052 min
Empowered Human AcademyDr. Vickie Bhatia: From Surviving to Thriving2020 has been overwhelming to say the least. Collective anxiety is high and fear is constantly looming. We thought it’d be the perfect time to pull in an emotional expert to help us move through it all.
Dr. Vickie Bhatia is a licensed clinical psychologist and Whole30 Certified Coach who is making an impact by helping people get in touch with their emotions. Specializing in both individual and couples therapy, Vickie’s work encompasses overcoming fear and anxiety, improving mood, increasing self-worth, and managing emotions in a healthy way.
Throughout this episode we discuss how stress manifests itself in the body...2020-11-0347 min
Empowered Human AcademyAbe and Isaac: Creating What Happens NextOn this week’s episode we’re shaking things up a bit—our friend Justin is interviewing us! It’s important to us that you know the people behind the voices you’re listening to every week—that you know where we’re coming from and what experiences have shaped us into who we are now. And that’s exactly what this interview is—a snapshot of our lives, our souls, our perspectives in this current moment in time. In this conversation we talk about the adventure we’ve been on together since we met seven years ago. We discuss the painful parts of...2020-10-2754 min
Abe and IsaacConnected — Volume 10 — Wellness for you and me; You are capable!lightward.com/newsletter2020-10-2305 minAbe and IsaacConnected — Volume 10 — Making a feelinglightward.com/newsletter2020-10-2305 min
Empowered Human AcademyJill Moran: Defining Yourself From The Inside OutJill Moran is an Enneagram Guide, coach, and dear friend with an old soul. For those of you who haven’t already taken the Enneagram deep dive—basically, it’s a self-discovery tool that helps clarify and illuminate your core motivations that drive your thoughts, actions, and feelings. As you’ll soon discover, Jill has an incredible gift of holding thoughtful space for others as well as for herself. Throughout this conversation we explore choosing curiosity over judgment, what it means to connect with your inner child, and the power in being honest about our wounds so we can heal them. Ji...2020-10-2050 min
Empowered Human AcademyKatherine Gehl: Maximizing Your Freedom to ChooseKatherine Gehl is a systems-thinker who’s passionate about progress. As a political innovator and co-author of The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy, she’s deeply concerned with the state of democracy here in the United States. Throughout this conversation we explore how to build your capacity for taking risks, the true nature of freedom, and applying intentional constraints in order to free up your willpower for the long game.
We learn so much from Katherine—her voice is especially timely as we’re deep in the midst of election season. We can’t wa...2020-10-1342 min
Empowered Human AcademyLisa Wardell: Belonging In The RoomLisa Wardell self-describes as a lifelong learner who is dedicated to constantly challenging her lens. As the only Black female CEO in the S&P 400 and the Fortune 1000 in 2017, Lisa believes that diversity is imperative to ensuring that a business stays competitive and healthy over time. Throughout this conversation we explore how to make dialogue about race sustainable in the workplace and what it means to belong in the room. Lisa’s hopeful perspective is a grounding and inspiring force during these heartbreaking and yet heart-expanding times—we learn so much from Lisa and feel so honored to share this conv...2020-10-0641 min
Abe and IsaacConnected — Volume 7 — Wellness for you, and for meTaken from lightward.com/newsletter. :)2020-10-0204 min
Abe and IsaacConnected — Volume 7 — “That which you consider to be good”Taken from lightward.com/newsletter. :)2020-10-0204 min
SideQuests Live - TTRPG podcast - Dungeons and Dragons & Shadowrun and moreEp.27 - DnD - ”Echoes of the Past” - Morally Ambiguous’ Descent into Avernus - Campaign #1Episode 27: Welcome back to hell! Avernus to be more specific. Our dnd5e homebrew campaign turned Descent into Avernus. Thanks for joining the adventure.
In this episode, the crew seek Cmdr Pederson and the Helm of the Sight of Pelor. Past a junior lich wanna-be Gideon Lightward, the team of rag-tag adventurers and begrudging heroes descent into the crypts below Elturel. They're ready for anything, well... almost anything.
If you enjoy, give us the follow/sub and feel free to join us live on the stream on twitch.tv/sidequestslive.
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Abe and IsaacConnected — Volume 3 — Lightward2020-09-0403 minOne Year From NowBSO Podcast S1, E7 - Trusting Your Instincts in Life & Business with Isaac BowenThis episode is sooo good! Today, we chat with Issac Bowen, the founder of Lightward. He's worked hard to build his life and the tools that he creates with his company by continuously breaking things down to the most simple and real concepts. We're talking about decision making, having the courage to ask yourself important questions, listening to what you hear even when it's scary, and trusting your instincts in life and business. 2019-04-0943 min