Fate vs. Destiny

Aired on Monday, December 22, 9AM

In this episode of the Up and Running Morning Show, host Rick chats with Caroline Phipps, founder of Living with Inner Elegance, about the big, timely topic of fate versus destiny. As the winter solstice and holiday season approach, they explore how people interpret the circumstances they’re born into, whether life is fixed by fate, or whether we can shape our own destiny through choices and actions.

Caroline and Rick unpack definitions and contrasts—fate as what happens to us and destiny as what we do with it—bringing in thoughtful quotes (including Voltaire), historical examples (Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela), and complex cases like the Dalai Lama and the dangerous side of delusional destiny seen in figures such as Hitler, Stalin, and Jim Jones.

The conversation moves to practical: how to influence your future, build emotional self-discipline, and create space between events and reactions. Caroline offers steps listeners can practice—pausing before reacting, strengthening the mental “muscle” of response, cultivating kindness and conscience, and choosing actions that uplift others. Rick and Caroline emphasize empathy, responsibility, and mindful choices as ways to transcend challenging circumstances.

Listeners can expect an uplifting, reflective discussion with real-life examples, gentle guidance for holiday stress and relationships, and actionable tips for developing resilience and purpose. Caroline shares seasonal plans and ways to connect—she’ll be visiting the Renaissance Rehabilitation Center in Staatsburg, NY, on Christmas Day—and invites listeners to reach her at [email protected] or explore archives at carolinephipps.com for past episodes and resources.

carolinephipps.com

Join Rick on the Up and Running Morning Show (98.1 KZE) for a thoughtful Thanksgiving-week conversation with monthly guest Caroline Phipps. In this episode, Caroline explores the surprising rise of boredom despite the constant access to information and entertainment, and offers practical insight into how solitude, reflection, and choice can become powerful tools for creativity and well‑being.

Topics covered include the paradox of being more connected but less inspired, the social psychologist Timothy Wilson’s study showing people would rather electrocute themselves than sit quietly, the differences between childhood and adult responses to boredom, and the dangers of always reacting to external stimulation. Caroline and Rick discuss how overscheduling and instant gratification can create restlessness, and why making time to sit quietly — even briefly — helps people reconnect, spark ideas, and make better choices.

The episode also highlights parenting challenges around “I’m bored,” practical strategies for turning boredom into productive time (from picking up a pen to using drive time for reflection), and the bigger theme that we are our greatest resource — every thought, word, and choice matters. Caroline emphasizes the value of connection, collaboration, and creativity as antidotes to boredom and encourages using quiet moments for inward work and inspired action.

Caroline Phipps appears monthly on the show; listeners can explore archived chats and resources at CarolinePhipps.com. For a chance at a complimentary consultation, Caroline sometimes offers one to a listener; email [email protected]. Tune in for compassionate guidance on living with inner elegance, practical tips to reduce restlessness, and ideas to make everyday moments more meaningful.

Caroline Phipps

In this insightful episode of the Up and Running Morning Show on 98.1 WKZE, host Rick engages in a profound discussion with Caroline Phipps, founder of Living with Inner Elegance, about leveraging non-material resources to enrich our lives. They explore how inner strengths such as creativity, communication, courage, and caring serve as invaluable assets in navigating feelings of scarcity and worry. Caroline emphasizes the importance of relationships, kindness, and gratitude as powerful forces that shape our communities and personal well-being. Key takeaways include conducting a self-inventory to uncover hidden internal and relational strengths, prioritizing positive interactions, and cultivating generosity to build reputation, trust, and goodwill. Caroline also invites listeners to her upcoming “Keeping Your Sanity” workshop and highlights local cultural events, encouraging community engagement and personal growth. Overall, this episode inspires listeners to recognize and mobilize their inner and social capital to overcome stress and create meaningful connections.

Watch the Zoom Broadcast of Keeping Your Sanity Here: 

This episode serves as a heartfelt call to recognize and harness the intangible yet powerful resources within ourselves and our communities, inspiring hope, resilience, and meaningful connection amidst life’s challenges.

In this conversation, Caroline Phipps, founder of Living With Inner Elegance, and Rick Schneider, host of the Up and Running Morning Show at WKZE 98.1 FM, explore the powerful concept of resourcefulness as a key to navigating boredom, scarcity, and life’s uncertainties. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, as well as cultural examples like the creation of Motown, Caroline and Rick highlight how creativity, courage, and proactive action enable individuals to thrive even in challenging conditions.

They emphasize that resourcefulness is not about having abundant resources but rather about making the most of what you have with confidence and faith. Caroline's upcoming resilience workshop will offer practical strategies to cultivate this mindset, helping people adapt, recover, and grow stronger in today’s changing world. This dialogue encourages listeners to take action, share resources, and foster community, reinforcing the remarkable capacity of human beings for innovation and support.

Caroline Phipps

Pay Attention!

In this insightful conversation on the Up and Running Morning Show, hosted by Rick Schneider and Caroline Phipps, the founder of Living with Inner Elegance delves into the critical issue of attention in the modern age. She highlights how the overwhelming influx of information and constant digital distractions have made attention a rare and valuable resource. Drawing on the work of the economist Herbert Simon, Caroline explains that as information overload increases, our capacity to focus and prioritize what truly matters diminishes. The discussion examines the risks of overstimulation, addictive tendencies, and desensitization resulting from incessant scrolling and digital engagement, which can hinder genuine human connection and creativity. Caroline urges listeners to assess their distractions, prioritize meaningful tasks, and reconnect with their inner creativity. The conversation also explores the therapeutic benefits of horses in fostering authentic relationships and announces upcoming workshops and events designed to promote resilience and wellness. Overall, Caroline inspires listeners to consciously reclaim their attention, nurture their creativity, and foster kindness and community for a more connected and fulfilling life.

The journey to reclaiming our attention is a profound act of self-care and empowerment. By learning to discern distractions from meaningful engagement, nurturing creativity, and fostering authentic connections, we can craft lives of purpose, joy, and inner elegance. Caroline Phipps’ wisdom serves as a beacon, inspiring us to slow down, tune in, and awaken to the richness of the present moment.

Aired on July 24, 2025

The conversation on the 98.1 KZE Up and Running Morning Show between host Rick and guest Caroline Phipps, founder of Living with Inner Elegance and holistic health counselor, explores the complex and powerful emotion of shame. They discuss the deep-rooted role of shame in human psychology, social cohesion, and cultural history. Shame is described as one of the most intense and low-level emotions because it threatens social connection, which is crucial for human survival. The dialogue explores the origins of shame in early human societies, where it served as a mechanism for maintaining group cohesion and survival by discouraging behavior that could lead to ostracism. They also examine how shame is embedded in religious teachings, such as the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, where shame arises as a consequence of moral transgression but can be alleviated through confession or redemption.

Furthermore, they highlight the dual nature of shame: while it can guide moral behavior, it can also be weaponized to divide and marginalize groups on the basis of differences such as race or sexual preference. This weaponization of shame fosters social division and polarization rather than unity. Caroline emphasizes the importance of understanding whether feelings of shame are justified (rooted in one’s own actions) or externally imposed without basis, as this distinction is critical for personal well-being. She advocates moving away from shaming others, as it isolates and alienates people, and instead encourages seeking common ground and connection. The conversation concludes with a call for self-reflection on the motives behind shaming others, urging restraint to avoid contributing further to societal division and to promote a more just and peaceful world.

Caroline also shares ways to connect with her for further discussion and directs listeners to her website and YouTube channel for additional resources and content, including a podcast featuring Divine G. Whitfield, which includes theatrical performances.

This interview with Caroline Phipps offers a nuanced exploration of shame, prompting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and interactions with shame, thereby promoting emotional health and social harmony.

Caroline Phipps

Aired on June 26th, 2025

The Up and Running Morning Show on 98.1 KZE featured Caroline Phipps, a recurring guest, discussing the complex topic of entitlement. Caroline explores how entitlement manifests both individually and historically, influencing social dynamics, environmental degradation, and personal relationships. She reflects on the evolution of societal attitudes, contrasting the duty-bound “Greatest Generation” with the self-focused “Me Generation” of the 1970s, which emphasized individualism and personal expression but sometimes led to excessive self-centeredness. Caroline highlights the pitfalls of feeling entitled, including damaged relationships and persistent disappointment, urging listeners to cultivate gratitude and community-mindedness instead. She cautions against believing in special treatment, emphasizing that the universe operates on collective existence rather than individual entitlement. Caroline also shares an upcoming podcast project and offers free coaching sessions, inviting listeners to explore her work further through her website. The conversation blends philosophical insights with practical advice, encouraging self-awareness and empathy.

Highlights

Conclusion

Caroline Phipps’s conversation on entitlement provides a nuanced exploration of a pervasive and often misunderstood concept. By combining historical analysis, generational perspectives, psychological insights, and practical advice, she offers a comprehensive view that challenges listeners to reconsider their assumptions about privilege and special rights. Her emphasis on gratitude, community, and interconnectedness serves as a powerful corrective to the divisive effects of entitlement, opening a path toward greater empathy and collective well-being. Through ongoing engagement and resources, Caroline supports her audience in applying these principles to their daily lives, making her contributions both intellectually rich and deeply practical.

carolinephipps.com

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Wisdom With Inner Elegance Series

Caroline and Deborah discuss the increasing fears and uncertainties people face due to rapid global changes, ageing, and personal life shifts. They emphasize the importance of community strength, sharing heartfelt stories of how resilience can be drawn from within and supported by connecting with others. Together, they explore the spiritual crisis facing many and how reflecting on one’s purpose and choices can lead to inner growth and development.

Throughout the discussion, they highlight inspiring narratives, including the redemption story of John Devine G. Whitfield, a wrongfully incarcerated man who harnessed his inner resilience to transform his life even while in prison. His journey exemplifies the power of a positive mindset and choice.

Caroline and Deborah also address the societal pressures that challenge the resilience of younger generations, urging a focus on genuine fulfillment over superficial achievements. They stress the significance of surrounding oneself with resilient and supportive people and how shared stories and communities play a vital role in encouraging this strength.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners are invited to reflect on their own strengths and to foster a communal atmosphere that uplifts and empowers. The hosts extend a warm invitation to future events at the Wisdom House Retreat, promising transformative experiences aimed at enhancing personal growth and inner elegance.

Caroline Phipps

Deborah Kelly

Aired on May 22, 2025

The show's highlight is the inspiring story of Divine G. Whitfield, an incredibly talented actor and a founding member of Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). Wrongfully incarcerated for 25 years, Divine used the power of the arts to cultivate resilience, eventually helping others behind bars and advocating for justice. He shares his journey of finding purpose, evidenced by obtaining degrees and mentoring fellow inmates.

Through Caroline’s conversation with Divine, listeners learn invaluable life lessons. Resilience, as Divine describes, begins from within and is sustained by making conscious, positive choices regardless of circumstances. His remarkable story is a testament to pursuing your passions and giving back, no matter the odds.

Listeners are captivated by Divine's post-incarceration journey, a second chance at life that led him to tour the world with Lil Wayne and earn an Oscar nomination for his screenplay, 'Sing Sing.' Caroline and Rick delve into the broader implications of resilience, as Caroline encourages individuals to focus on their unique strengths and extend kindness, asserting that these intentional choices have profound life-altering impacts.

Tune in as Caroline provides practical tools and strategies to build resilience and extend an invitation to experience her life coaching expertise. With tales of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit, this episode leaves listeners inspired and empowered to face their own challenges with grace and determination.

Aired on May 18th, 2025

The episode unpacks Divine's life story, highlighting how he overcame a 25-year sentence for a crime he did not commit, pursued higher education, authored books, and fought tirelessly for justice, both for himself and for others entangled in the justice system. His experiences at Sing Sing prison, including his involvement with Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), underscore the critical role of the arts in rehabilitation and resilience-building.

Caroline proclaims the essence of resilience, emphasizing constant reflection as a tool for growth, the importance of cultivating a strong sense of self, and the impact of understanding one’s unique strengths. They explore the nuanced challenges to resilience, from fear of others' opinions to toxic relationships, and the necessity of nurturing resilience to lead a productive life.

Listeners will be inspired by Divine's embodiment of resilience and the powerful message that what we give to the world returns manifold. Through Divine’s story, this episode illustrates the potential of resilience to not only transform individual lives but also contribute to societal change, urging listeners to nurture their own resilience for a brighter future.