Conversations on Life Podcast

I know how tough it is to move beyond our comfort zone. Being uncomfortable is not pleasant. We do almost anything to avoid discomfort. However, beautiful things come from challenging ourselves to learn and grow because you and I are alive to become the best version of ourselves.

After 20 years of producing and hosting television shows, my guest, Dawn Wilson, has a new passion to help awaken the world to the dangers of herbicides and pesticides sprayed on our food. Dawn shares how saving her mother’s life put her on this new path. She also brings our attention to the fact there is no requirement to list what herbicides and pesticides are used on food crops. Research points to a dramatic spike in cancer and autism rates...

My guest for this episode, Jean Wall, discusses something we all know to be true - there is no easy button to life. Jean and her family have gotten hit hard by the challenges and disappointments life presents and yet they have an attitude of gratitude. Two natural disasters, a flood and a hurricane, destroyed their home. Her husband was downsized from his job and the company he devoted 24 years to, refused to give him the pension he’d earned. And Jean recently received a cancer diagnosis.

I sit down with Kristen Cannata, a mother of two young boys, to discuss how she navigates the world of parenting in the age of technology and bullies. She talks about the need for children to appreciate that the interactions they have with people, animals, and the natural world are always more satisfying and important than an iPhone, TV, computer, or iPad.  And how essential it is for children to learn how to treat others as they want to be treated.

I sit down with Nicole Stanton, actress, and producer, to discuss how she navigates the male-dominated world of Hollywood where using sex to sell still seems to be the lowest common denominator. She talks about how the industry is changing its views of women, slowly and how consumers can drive change by supporting independent films that feature women. Nicole also offers advice for women who are navigating the confusing world of dating.

A friend has an unmarried adult daughter who got pregnant. There is no stigma for my friend around her daughter’s pregnancy. However, she has a real problem with the boyfriend who abuses her daughter with disrespect, psychological torment, and manipulation. She also has a problem with the boyfriend’s mother who defends her son’s immature and unacceptable behavior.

I sobbed in a homeless man’s arms. I did not know the man. Most likely I will not see him again. But, I will never forget the moment our hearts touched in the intimate dance of raw truth: he lives on the street and I in a warm apartment. Our exchange began when I commented on his dog. He smiled very proud and said, “Yea, she's great. I've got her back and she's got mine.” As he spoke, gently petting the dog, I reached into my wallet and took out all the money I had.

In this episode I sit down with Eren Cannata, Emmy winning songwriter, singer, and producer to get his thoughts on what it means to be a man. A father of two sons, Eren believes the old blueprint of what it means to be a man needs to be revised. And, while some people are scared of change, his experience as a man who embraces change in the form of respect and acceptance of all people, has resulted in a freer and healthier life.

In my conversation with Chris Pelch, husband, father and full-time graduate student, we learn that he thinks men are often characterized as macho, hard-headed, and stubborn and there is good reason for this portrayal. He sees that many men dig in their heels when it comes to their opinions. But Chris thinks it’s a mistake for men to ignore the perspectives of others. He believes men should not bulldoze their way forward.

When we think of free speech we immediately think of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. We do have the constitutional right to free speech. Yet, just because we have the right to say what we want, doesn’t mean there isn’t a cost to what we say.