On this week’s episode, I acknowledge all the gratitude and love that I feel from Mother’s Day, both connecting with my own children and expressing appreciation to the women in my life who have been mother-mentors for me. And I emphasize how important it is to be sensitive on Mother’s Day, knowing how emotionally charged, for a variety of reasons, this day can be.   I share a poignant poem, representing Birth Mothers who had to give up their children, written by Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh called “Breaking the Silence”. Please listen and allow this poem to deepen your sensitivity and compassion for those who had been silent about their motherhood for years. May we open our hearts, in solidarity with these Birth Mothers, to bring about collective healing on Mother’s Day.  Enjoy the podcast!

My guest today is Anne (or Annie) Carpenter. Anne is a singer, photographer and I would add a beautiful writer, plus a new kindred spirit! I’ve heard Anne sing and was moved deeply. Although she grew up in a family of singers, was immersed in a choral mindset from middle school through college, I was surprised to learn that it’s only been about ten years since Annie stepped into singing professionally. Her honesty about the career choices that didn’t line up, her gratitude for all the people who lifted her up and encouraged her to trust both herself and her voice more fully, comes through in our conversation. It’s an honor to shine light on this humble, gracious, woman of wonder,  curiosity and compassion. Check out the show notes for a link to Anne’s beautiful website, IG and FB accounts to see where she is performing next. I’ve also included a link for a Living Music Event at the Westchester Collaborative Theater in Ossining, NY this month, fusing theater and music, where Anne will be the featured vocal artist. Even though we didn’t discuss that in our conversation, I’d love to help promote this unique event. We just got our tickets for opening night on May 10th and hope to see you there!  Enjoy the podcast! Links: Anne's Website IG: @anneoranniecarpenter FB: AnneorAnnieCarpenter IG: @langhorneslim Living Music Event at the WCT

This week’s episode serves as a BLOOM ALERT! I share my appreciation of the cherry blossoms that are now blooming in the New York area. These vibrant pink blossoms make me smile and apparently shift the mood in others, making us a little lighter, happier and cheerier! Check out the show notes for a link to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden so you can experience their incredible Cherry Walk in full bloom. Otherwise, look for the cherry blossoms in your neighborhood. Soak in the fragrance, smile as you immerse yourself in the awesomeness of those vibrant pink blossoms. Allow yourself to be uplifted and inspired by this awesome gift from nature. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @brooklynbotanic

On this week’s episode, I describe how moved I was by the people of Bali. The warmth, kindness, and humility of the Balinese people we met and interacted with was so striking. From casual greetings to exuding compassion in an interaction that could have incited annoyance  and impatience, the people from Bali taught me a meaningful lesson.  Am I letting my words, gestures and responses reflect and radiate compassion? The Balinese people embodied such a sincere compassion, it was if they were vibrating on a higher frequency. May the light embodied in the Balinese people penetrate the light in me, the light in all of us, to absorb their patience, kindness and wisdom.  Blessings to the wise people of Bali. Enjoy the podcast!

Today marks our 300th episode! I am so happy to celebrate this milestone with you! We started this podcast in January of 2018 and have released an episode almost every week for over 6 years. I am deeply grateful for the 160 guests and 140 stories that capture my own personal reflections and observations, that help me evolve spiritually. Even in the midst of political unrest, personal and collective trauma, chaos, hatred, violence and war, I marvel at the human spirit: the ability of people to find ways to live from compassion, forgiveness, connection and gratitude. So thanks for listening, for supporting my desire to focus on people and stories that uplift and inspire. Thanks for joining me in focusing our energy on that which heals and sustains us on our life journeys. Honored to partner with you as we each radiate love and light out into the world. Enjoy the podcast!

When I wrote this week’s episode, my husband Paul and I were Bali Bound. We are visiting our son Wil and his girlfriend Shannon, who have been in Bali for the past 3 months. We are thrilled to experience first hand all the beauty, spirituality, creativity and magic they have felt there. There will NO episode next week April 8th, but feel free to scroll through previous episodes and catch up on episodes you’ve missed. My next episode will be released on April 15th, which marks our 300th episode! Please tune in to celebrate 300 episodes of Enlighten: Uplift and Inspire! Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @misterwil IG: @soulflowwithshannon

As we close out the month of March, Women’s History Month, I want to honor a few more women. Some include women who have died before I launched this podcast and some who are still alive but they're uncomfortable being a guest, so I couldn’t shine light on them here. And one is a woman I do not know personally but my respect and gratitude for her is immense. New York State Attorney General Letitia James is not only protecting the vulnerable, she is effectively holding Donald Trump accountable for his deceit, fraud and years of cheating lenders, insurers, the government and the public. She stands by her principle that “No one is above the law!” There are certainly more women to acknowledge and honor, but start with one or two. Who has uplifted you, inspired you, given you hope? In this last week of Women’s History Month, take a moment to express directly or indirectly your gratitude to a woman you admire. Enjoy the podcast! Links: ag.ny.gov annualreport.ag.ny IG: @letitiajamesforny

March is Women’s Month so on this week’s episode, I honor the women in my life who have believed in me, supported me, challenged me and continue to make such profound impacts on me. I share the back story of how International Women’s Day came to be and eventually grew into a month-long celebration called Women’s History Month. There are so many women who have been trailblazers, who have shattered barriers, defied expectations, and paved the way for future generations! I honor my relatives, the women whose shoulders I stand on and the women I stand beside and hold hands with, including a number of sacred circles of soul sisters. May we continue to strive for progress and equality for all. May we lift each other up throughout the month of March and beyond. Enjoy the podcast! Links: womenshistory.org internationalwomensday.com nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org unwomen.org womenshistorymonth.gov people.com

My guest today is Dr. Geraldine Anello. Geraldine is a pianist, conductor, music director and author. She just recently launched her book The Pulse of the Musician: Connecting Sound, Soul and Stories: Navigating a Successful Music Career. We discuss what motivated her to write this insightful, illuminating book, her hopes that it becomes a required text book in music education, and the calling, passion, identity and sacrifice embedded in a musician’s path. I also inquired about Geraldine’s own passionate journey as a successful musician, her strategies of risk-taking, networking, discipline and creative visualization. Raised in France and on Reunion Island, before her fated move to the US at age 20, Geraldine embodies her multicultural, multi-ethnic origins, as she is a natural collaborator and harmonizer of multiple music genres. It is truly uplifting to be in the presence of such a warm, compassionate, wise woman. Check out the links below to Geraldine’s website and book. Enjoy the podcast! Links: FB: Geraldine Anello IG: @geraldinebcl www.thepulseofthemusician.com Email Geraldine

On this week’s episode, I share a cathartic experience of some winter cleaning. I know we typically wait for the springtime for these kinds of cleanings, but I am here to say, winter cleaning was just as satisfying!  What cabinets, closets, dressers, shelves of yours might need some de-cluttering?  I encourage you to give yourself the gift of a cleaning - at any season of the year. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the freedom of lightening your load. Happy Winter Cleaning. Enjoy the podcast!

As we come to the end of the month, I highlight the concept and philosophy of Black Futures Month. In addition to honoring people and movements that enrich Black History Month, the emphasis on Black Futures  is “a visionary, forward-looking spin on celebrations of Blackness in February; a time to consider and celebrate our radical Black history and to dream and imagine a world in which all Black people are free.” May we all understand and respect that our past directly impacts the present and future. May we all educate ourselves on the compelling stories from Black people, learn about the struggles and sacrifices, the aspirations and achievements. May we imagine a revolutionary transformation of the beliefs, norms, and systems that reject anyone’s humanity. May we embrace the abolitionist’s vision that our future can be grounded in trust, collective care, that prioritizes the dignity and empowerment of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and therefore the dignity and empowerment of all of us! Happy Black Futures Month! Enjoy the podcast! Links: The Movement for Black Lives Black Lives Matter: Celebrating Black Futures Month

As we continue to honor Black History Month, I encourage you to see the movie "Rustin”. I was so deeply moved by the movie, this man Bayard Rustin and the instrumental role he played in creating and implementing the March on Washington. In addition, the brilliant performance of Colman Domingo embodying Rustin was electrifying. The movie, produced by Michelle and Barack Obama, sheds light on an important man and a critical time in our history. May we be well-informed about our history, grounded in our present and inspired to contribute to a more just, compassionate future. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @RustinMovie IG: @HigherGroundMedia IG: @KingoBingo IG: @michelleobama

On this week’s episode, I highlight and honor the Greensboro Four: Jibreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain and David Richmond. Sixty-four years ago these four African American college freshman sat down at a place where African Americans were not allowed to sit. Their act of non-violent protest and the publicity they received ignited a national sit-in movement, that initiated desegregation actions and laws. I wanted to learn the names of the Greensboro Four and learn how their lives had unfolded since their 1960 college days. Thank you Jibreel, Joseph, Franklin and David. I am glad to know you by name. I am sorry for the hatred and discrimination you experienced, leading up to your protest  and in the years that followed. I honor you, respect you and express my sincere gratitude for your courageous, inspiring legacy. Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: Bakari Sellers

On this week’s episode, at the beginning of February, as we honor Black History Month, I focus on the man behind the origins of this important month. I am embarrassed to admit I did not know the name Carter G. Woodson nor that it was initially celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926. Thanks to Bakari Sellers, who mentioned Woodson’s name in his conversation with Trevor Noah, which ignited my curiosity. I’m grateful to learn more and want to share with you the wisdom, vision and determination of Carter G. Woodson to educate us all. Check out the links below to Bakari Sellers, the Daily Show, and the origins of Black History Month. We must recognize both the pain and triumph of what it means to be Black in America. We each have a part to play to keep Woodson’s legacy alive. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Carter G. Woodson: The Man Behind Black History Month NAACP.org Wikipedia NPS.gov Univ. of VA IG: Bakari Sellers IG: The Daily Show

My guest today is Aliya Sorgen. Aliya is Head of Global Partnerships and Mobility at University of the Arts in London, a Transformational Coach and innovative yoga retreat facilitator. And Aliya happens to be my beloved God-daughter, a bond that allows us to share a special soul connection. Aliya articulates keen insight into her experience of working with artists, how alive she feels when traveling and her openness to learning and growth. She is inspired by the courage it takes to jump into the unknown and surprise ourselves with big changes. Check out the links below for Aliya’s website and learn more about her Coaching practice and Yoga Retreat in Italy this summer. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Aliya Sorgen's website University of the Arts London IG: @aliyasorgen Aliya on Facebook Email Aliya

On this week’s episode, I focus on awareness and how important awareness is to help us be present, conscious and responsible. Awareness is the first step in the process of healing. Inspired by a quote from the world renowned yoga instructor, Sarah Powers, I’ve now infused her quote as a prayer to add to my daily practice. May this statement inspire you as well: “I vow now to awaken to awareness, for the benefit of all beings. I recognize its immeasurable value, knowing that it is possible, regardless of circumstances.” May we all awaken to awareness! Check out the links below for my previous episode with Laura Rodgers as well as the website of Sarah Powers. Enjoy the podcast. Links: Podcast Episode with Laura Rodgers Sarah & Ty Powers Website

Last week I hosted a Ceramics Open House for Josh Yanko, the son of my dear friend, Lisa Green. This Open House opened my heart to Josh, his beautiful pottery, the strong love Lisa has for her son, and the community that showed up to support him. It also opened my heart to the way loved ones who die are orchestrating loving support from their spiritual realm. What an honor to open my home and my heart to the giving and receiving of such warmth and affection. I trust that this is an event we will do again and hope that you can join me, we’ll open our hearts at the next open house!  Check out the links below to Josh’s YouTube channel and his IG. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Josh Yanko Creative YouTube Channel Josh on IG

On this week’s episode, as we start off 2024, I acknowledge our 6 year milestone and reflect on this past year. We launched the podcast in January 2018, so here’s to completing 6 years of Enlighten!  January 2024 marks the beginning of our podcast’s 7th year!  Thank you, 2023 for another year of 9 inspiring guests, a tribute to a local hero who died the past summer and 38 personal reflections and stories. Hoping that my guests and stories this past year have helped to uplift and inspire you along your journey. Blessings for a healing, engaged, empowering year. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to help us evolve and step more fully into our potential in 2024. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week’s episode, I focus on the wisdom of changing things up, shifting our perspective and/or routines to open to new possibilities. I share a simple example of a change I made to one of my daily routines that provided a fresh, expansive experience for me. I was surprised by the energy and fun it provided! Change the way you see something and that something changes. May you take one of your daily routines and change it up! Have fun expanding your perspective and seeing things anew!  Enjoy the podcast!

On this week’s podcast, I share some sparkly synchronicities that delighted me this week. From a Hafiz poem, that reminds us that we are created for Joy, to a yoga community’s dharma talk, to a friend in Maine being inspired to dance, to my Jazz Funk Dance Sistahs keeping joy alive, to a store owner’s sparkly red boots.   May we pause and notice the synchronicities, the sparkles, the joy. After all, we were created for joy! Check out the show notes to find links for previous episodes with 4 of the women mentioned here. And for beautiful, creative shopping, please go support Maria Luisa’s boutique filled with fair trade gifts from around the world. Enjoy the podcast ! Links: Hafiz “The Sacred Dance of Life” Mary Oliver: "Don’t Hesitate” Karen Siff, Podcast Episode #82 Terese Dana, Podcast Episode #12 Maria Luisa, Podcast Episode #86 Lisa Green, Podcast Episode #107 Shawna Emerick: JTTP Journey To The Peak Maria Luisa Boutique