Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

On this week's episode, I acknowledge all the amplified political chaos that may be upsetting us, triggering outrage and fear. As concerning as Joe Biden's debate performance was, it doesn't come close to the continued danger and destruction to our country and democracy that Donald Trump threatens. I outline the clinical criteria of a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Despite all these disturbing situations, I choose to stay informed, while investing more energy in my inner peace. Cultivating my inner peace, gives me energy to show up for others with kindness, compassion and more integrity. May you invest your thought energy in what calms you. May you know a deeper truth beneath the noise and chaos. May you prioritize cultivating your inner peace. Enjoy the podcast! Links:

IG: DL Hughley Agenda 47 Project 2025

On this week's episode I highlight a few examples of the sweetness of water. Water is such a healing energy; water refreshes us, reminds us to be playful, hydrates us and sustains life!

When was the last time you walked, ran or danced through a sprinkler? May we respect the healing power of water. Let water hydrate you. Let water refresh you. Let water quench your thirst. And may you create playfulness and joy with water. May we honor the sweetness of water. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I share an inspiring excerpt from Mark Nepo's The Book of Awakening, titled "Precious Human Birth". Nepo explains how blessed we are - in this time, in this place, to be human beings alive in rare ways we often take for granted. This rareness, preciousness, ushers us into grateful living. I offer three prompts from Nepo's piece for journaling or reflection. Check out the show notes for a link to Mark Nepo's book and the Maya Angelou clip I referenced. May we be mindful of how rare it is to be human. May we have a deep appreciation for how blessed we are. May we be ushered into grateful living. May we be a rainbow in somebody else's cloud. We are blessed to be human! Enjoy the podcast! Links: Mark Nepo IG: @mark_nepo IG: @femalequotient IG: @mayaangelouquotes

On this week's podcast, as busy as the month of June is, I focus on fathers. From the origins of Father's Day to the fathers who have parented us and partnered with us and all those doing their best to do right by their children, I honor the important role that fathers play in our lives. Check out the show notes (and share with any fathers) for the IG link that I mentioned: "Jimmy on Relationships", for tangible guidance on cultivating empathy, building trust, healthy ways to resolve conflict and ways to deepen your emotional maturity. Enjoy the podcast! Links:

IG: @jimmy_on_relationships

On this week's episode, I center on center and being centered and centering ourselves. The word center can be a noun, a verb and an adjective. When I feel centered, I feel connected to the core of my being - my soul, my heart, my consciousness. And of course that then connects me with all beings and Divine Source. Being centered, feeling connected, is calming, quieting and also expansive and mystical.

I lead a simple centering practice, so take a minute to pause and find your center. May you know the peace and serenity of being relaxed and centered. May feeling centered bring you home to the center of your being and let you rest in a depth of love that knows no bounds. Enjoy the podcast!

My guest today is Brian Cockerham. Brian is a gifted bass player, most notably laying down the soulful low notes for the incredible Shayna Steele and multi-Grammy Award winning artist, song-writer and producer, PJ Morton. In fact, Brian has been playing with PJ for almost 20 years, acknowledging that their musical collaboration has helped shape him. Brian describes the incredibly profound impact a drummer named Larry had on him, certainly as a musician, but more importantly as a human being. Brian embodies positivity, kindness, and one of the most generous hearts I know. Check out the show notes for links to connect with Brian on social media and see Brian perform live with PJ Morton at the Beacon Theater in NYC on Saturday August 3rd. Enjoy the podcast! Links:

IG: @bcockerham81 IG: @pjmorton IG: @reallouiscato IG: @shaynasteele

Today is Monday May 27th, Memorial Day. As important as it is to remember those who have died while serving in the military, I also like to imagine a world without war. We humans seem wired for war, but I want to remember that peace is also a possibility.

The possibility of peace includes inner peace, peace in our dynamics with others and a vision for world peace. Can we soften that which is rigid in our hearts? Can we have the strength to forgive those who have hurt us? Can we let go of grudges, animosity, stubbornness, defensiveness, and the need to be right? On this Memorial Day, may we also remember that peace is a possibility and it starts with our own hearts. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I look at the power of rituals. All known human societies create rituals. Rituals mark time, create time, and help define beginnings and ends of life's phases and transitions. Two weeks ago, Paul and I hosted a birthday party for my Dad's 94th birthday! My father, Stephen Kerry Carr, turned 94 on April 30 and it was pure joy to host a party for him the following Sunday. Gathering a circle of loving relatives into our home reminded me that these rituals actually do help make life worth living.

Whether you are creating your own rituals for your daily spiritual practices, for your weekly circles/meetings/classes, time with friends and family or attending a wedding, graduation or funeral, see the ritual as a loving punctuation mark for the people being honored, celebrated or memorialized. A celebratory punctuation mark to emphasize that rituals help us celebrate life!! Enjoy the podcast!

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