Choose Love Movement

"Bullying is not acts of cruelty; it's the omission of kindness." 

That is a powerful statement from Jodee Blanco, activist, widely respect expert on bullying and author of the New York Times Bestseller Please Stop Laughing at Me: One Woman's Inspirational Story. Scarlett Lewis and Jodee have an eye-opening conversation on the subject of bullying.  As the  first survivor of school bullying to look back on those experiences as an adult, Jodee shares her feelings as a victim and how she turned her pain into purpose. As she explains how bullying has been misunderstood and mishandled by so many, she addresses relevant topics such as the invisible student, the need for tolerance and forgiveness in schools, compassionate forms of discipline, how parents need to adjust their approach to bullying, and offers a child's perspective of both a victim and bully, and so much more. 

As you listen, you'll learn steps to take to make a difference in a child's life, and how, according to Jodee, everyone needs to "Connect, motivate  and inspire (bullies) from the inside out."

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Scarlett has a candid conversation with her friend, Judy Thomas, who is an advocate for autism.  Judy shares her son Lyle's journey after he was diagnosed with a pervasive development disorder.  She defines the disability disorder, shares Lyle's experiences in school, and points out the need for change in the school system to better serve children who have autism or other developmental condition. Since these disorders can impact a person's social skills, ability to communicate and form meaningful relationships, and more, Scarlett also reinforces the need for schools to teach essential life skills and attitudes. Judy explains how tough it is on parents and offers advice on ways they can help their children flourish and live an independent life with hope and positivity.

Scarlett chats with Lyle Vetare, a young man with Autism, who works at a local hotel.  They have an honest conversation about his experiences in school, both the good times and the bad. Lyle shares how he was bullied by other students and how it made him feel a lot of sadness. With insight and intelligence, Lyle explains ways people can make life better for people like him. The biggest piece of advice he offers is "give kids confidence in their abilities." Lyle is facing life with a positive mindset and his story shows how anyone can overcome challenges and find success.

"Love Wins." 

That's Julia Richter's mantra in life.  After discovering the Choose Love Movement, Julia says her life was transformed, and now as Director of C.A.R.E.S. (Cultivating Authentic Relationships in the Education System), she's helping educators improve their well-being, cultivate authentic connections, support the needs of their students, and create a safe and loving environment. Scarlett and Julia talk about how Choose Love workshops and professional development help educators flourish and nourish their well-being as they practice the Choose Love Formula. Julia opens up to Scarlett about her journey from being a 4th grade teacher and a coach, to how she found her calling in art and music programs, finding Choose Love, and being an Ambassador, to where she is today.  You'll appreciate Julia's positive energy and mindset and learning how she and our facilitators are helping educators be the best they can be through experiential workshops, and also the importance of more care and love in homes, schools, and communities. As Julia says, "We need to open our hearts to learning new things . . . to support ourselves and spread nurturing healing love."

Scarlett and TJ Stevens, author of Once a Shooter: Redemption of a High School  Gunman, continue their riveting conversation on this second part of their podcast.  They share insightful personal stories and discuss effective ways we can help kids take responsibility for their lives through music, religion, love, hope, and essential coping skills. They agree that children can be their best selves if they choose love and it will ultimately make the world a better place.

Last year, Scarlett had a compelling conversation with TJ Stevens, author of Once a Shooter: Redemption of a High School Gunman. Stevens talks openly and honestly about how he was a high school shooter at a Virginia high school in 1982 and recounts the events of the hostage standoff where no one was injured except himself.  This very emotional discussion delves into the inner turmoil Stevens felt and how he felt a higher power lead him out of the darkness. As Stevens takes the listener step-by-step through his traumatic day-long hostage standoff, he shares his emotional and mental state and explains how he found his way toward freedom, forgiveness, and faith. After serving prison time, Stevens went on to a successful life, but this event will always be the catalyst that brought him to a deep spirituality and understanding of himself that led him to help others realize there is hope and light at the end of the darkness.

The importance of compassion in our lives. This is just one compelling topic Scarlett Lewis delves into with Dr. Spyros Smith in this extremely informative podcast. Dr. Smith, a former Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, has been practicing hospital internal medicine for 20 years at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut where he served as its Chief of Hospital Medicine, and is now Medical Director of the Danbury Medical Group. Well-known and highly respected, Dr. Smith was the recipient of the Top Doctors of America Award from the Consumer Research Council of America and the Physician’s Recognition Award, AMA, among others. Scarlett and Dr. Smith explore the difference between empathy and compassion and the great need for more compassion and kindness in the medical field and the world.  Scarlett brings the Choose Love Formula into the conversation with Dr. Smith noting how his practice offers a heart-centric approach. With a background in nutritional biochemistry, Dr. Smith shares how he helps patients use proper nutrition and other forms of preventative medicine to complement their treatment and explains the role of guided imagery, mindfulness, and the power of prayer in healing.  Other areas of discussion include the impact of  technology on critical thinking, life skills needed to help manage emotions, and positive coping strategies for dealing with the social and physical effects of  the pandemic.

"Believe in your dreams and rise above obstacles." 

Those are inspiring words from Steve Pemberton, best-selling author of "A Chance in the World" and "The Lighthouse Effect," a visionary youth advocate, acclaimed speaker, and Chief People Officer for Workhuman. 

Scarlett has a powerful conversation with Steve about their shared experiences through trauma. Growing up in the foster care system and overcoming an abusive childhood, Steve shares his insights and addresses how people can overcome their pain to live their best lives. He discusses the power of parenting and the role it plays in a child's life and future actions. Through their shared life experiences, Scarlett and Steve speak about navigating challenges and dealing with pain and loss and how our response to difficult times is part of the healing process. Steve explains the importance of having courage and taking on the responsibility to encourage and help others through pain and to be a lighthouse. Their conversation also covers fear and division in the workplace and the need to give and receive love in all facets of life to unite humankind. This meaningful podcast will stay with you and remind you of the importance of  hope and working toward having 'lighthouse moments' to help you change the world.

I am so thrilled to have Serena Dyer Pisoni and Saje Dyer, daughters of my lifetime mentor Dr. Wayne Dyer, join me on my podcast.  We share memories of their dad, who was an internationally renowned author, speaker, and pioneer in the field of self-development. We have an in-depth conversation about various topics, including the subconscious knowing of events in our life, spiritual awareness, understanding grief and loss, having compassion to forgive and live life, and the influence of Wayne Dyer's wisdom in my life and also in his daughters’ lives.

Also, we discuss compelling aspects of their book, The Knowing: 11 Lessons to Understand the Quiet Urges of Your Soul.  We touch on the power of silence, listening to your inner self, releasing thoughts and fear, having courage to move forward, understanding death and being open to signs, and how we can thoughtfully choose to respond with love.  It's such a powerful podcast filled with so much wisdom. After you listen to this, you will come away with such a feeling of fulfillment and a new way of seeing and appreciating life and death.