In Part 4 of the limited series exploring the nature of the existential “Hero’s Journey,” JD Stahl offers a wide-ranging discussion that offers his own experience in detaching from the forces—expectations, assumptions, searches for meaning and happiness that fettered him from the person he was meant to become. Suggesting that we are all in search of the chemical oxytocin through our addictive behaviors, he offers the need to strip ourselves of distractions, to confront and accept our dualistic nature to find the peace and the freedom that is our true nature. There’s more. Listen in. 

Looking for ideas for family fun in Boyertown? Just ask volunteer Tracey Mackey and Mayor Lori Carnes. Their latest project “Halloween Happenings” proved more popular than they imagined among homeowners and the community and motivates them to take more risks in furthering other projects. Saving the Boyertown pool and the Colebrookdale Craft Depot are just a few of Lori’s projects. And she has plans to fill the calendar going forward! Tracey offers her efforts in Boyertown Borough Council’s Park and Recreation committee and the Boyertown Historical Society and wherever else she’s needed—determined, with Lori, to create a community that cares. 

Dr. Olapeju Simoyan (a.k.a. Peju, The Doctor Writer and The Doctor Singer) is a physician who strongly believes in bridging the gap between science and art. Peju combines her various interests in innovative ways: writing, singing, photography. She has released a CD of Christmas music, a book exploring the histories of some of our favorite carols as well as a devotional booklet to aid in personal development. Addiction medicine is her calling as she works with clients to slow down, recall the life cycle of the butterfly, and reflect on the process of growth to stay grounded.

Brought up on the family farm, BASH alum Adam Heimer trained as an electrician at Berks Career & Technology Center, but as added plumbing and hosts of other skills to his resumé as owner of Adam's Royal Car Wash in Gilbertsville and the upcoming Main Street Car Wash in Pennsburg along with creating programs for others' car washes. Community-minded, Adam stepped up with several friends to volunteer his efforts to save the Boyertown Community Pool from extinction. Ideas for improving community life? He's got a ton and the energy...the skills and connections to make ideas reality. For fun he travels the world and learns the languages he needs.

In episode #3, JD shares the process of amalgamating the variety of sources that informed his perspective: religion, philosophy, science, literature, music, and his own poetry. Each "road" led to a common core--"unconditional love"--the acceptance of the dualities of life--the light and the dark --that are presented along each individual's path to serenity through enlightenment.

Carmelo's Pizza holds decades of memories for many who grew up in Boyertown. New owner Mark Potash needed a fresh start after 20+ years in the construction business when his son was murdered but kept the name out of respect for its history. Carmelo's has been completely renovated and added the popular Italian Water Ice to its offerings. Mark finds himself in the kitchen offering pizza, finding "promise in a new day."

In this episode JD recalls moments throughout his life that led to his need to detach from everything and everyone in order to return to a space where he could be free. Naming the many familiar attachments/addictions he's recognized in himself and others, acknowledging the fear of releasing those familiar dependencies, and choosing to let go of the stigma and shame that interfere in any recovery process provides a necessary moment, a space, where faith and recovery really begin and personal power resides.

Approaching Hallow's Eve (a.k.a. Halloween) and All Saints Day where ghosts and goblins are welcome entertainment, psychic medium Cristina Leeson tells of her experiences-- recounted in her recently-published book Live in the Light; Respect the Dark--dealing with the reality of ghosts who are stuck between dimensions, who attach themselves to people and places and create hosts of problems. In writing the book, Cristina fulfills a duty to help others understand and protect themselves from negative energies and open our awareness to our divine purpose connected to Source offering love for all. For Cristina, there are no coincidences; we all have the ability to tap into other spiritual realms and energies. Join her on the journey to joy.

“B Inspired" begins a limited series with Jeff Stahl, former Boyertown High School Business, Computer Science, and teacher of the Gifted, who shares his journey since leaving teaching. JD’s journey includes recovery from multiple addictions--physical, social, and emotional—that has led to publication of a series of books entitled The Tree of Knowledge, five volumes of over 2,000 pages that address philosophical and spiritual teachings, poetry, music, and science on his way to what is best described as an enlightened life. JD is eager to share what he’s learned with those struggling to understand life’s meanings and their own addictions. He holds certification in Addiction Studies as well as work in the Recovery Industry. Contact: [email protected]

When Adriane Zapien, Boyertown Area Historical Society Board member learned that Boyertown's annual Halloween Parade--a tradition since 1912--was to be discontinued for lack of an organizer, she volunteered to keep it alive. I am inspired by her initiative in saving the parade and her commitment to preserve the community's history in hosting "Old Souls Strolls" featuring stories and histories of the community's oldest buildings and residences. Learning about her mission as cosmetologist, the care and compassion she develops with her clients showcase a very special person involved in a very special kind of place.