Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

Since launching this podcast in January 2018, it has been important for me to represent people of color throughout the year. In addition, I have ensured that during Black History month, the entire month of February, featured black guests. This year I thought it would be appropriate to focus on the responsibility white people have in dismantling white supremacy, which is the root of racism. I personally am dedicated to doing as much as possible to stay aware of my white privilege and use that awareness to challenge and check in, if I am, in fact, thinking, speaking or acting in anti-racist ways. This year, for Black History month I'll be reading Layla Saad's book "Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor". The book is designed as a 28 day challenge, so I think it is a perfect way for me, and I invite all my white listeners to join me, to rethink our part in healing and restoring dignity to Black Indigenous People Of Color. There are so many gems in this book, from the quotes inscribed in the front and back of the book, to the Forward written by Dr. Robin Di Angelo, to Saad's openness, vulnerability, humility and bold courage, guiding the readers to do the critical inner work. The quote in the front of the book reads: "Create the change the world needs by creating change within yourself." The quote at the back of the book reads: "You can not dismantle what you cannot see. You cannot challenge what you do not understand." So today is February 1st, the start of the month, the start of Black History Month, and an opportunity for white people to participate differently in Black History Month - a month that only exists because of the glaring racial inequity in this country. For Black History month, I want to start a deeper, pro-active journey in doing the inner work to dismantle white supremacy. How much more energy, courage and trust it takes to feel the feelings, sit with the unbearableness of racism and oppression, re-awaken to our humanity, channel our pain, guilt and shame into action and change. Let's raise our consciousness and acknowledge how we knowingly and unknowingly benefit from racists policies and systems. I hope you will join me in reflecting, journaling, processing, so we are ready and able to make meaningful, tangible shifts to dismantle white supremacy. The work of anti-racism is not a one time event, or simply accomplished by completing a 28 day challenge. I know it is a life long commitment, but I believe, for this moment, this is a good place to start. May you find a meaningful way to truly honor Black History Month. Check out the links below to learn more about Layla Saad, her website, podcast and purchase her book "Me and White Supremacy". Enjoy the podcast! Links: http://laylafsaad.com/ Good Ancestor Podcast

Not sure if you are still feeling the afterglow from the Day of Inauguration on Wednesday, January 20th, when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States, but I certainly am! I can easily access how moved I felt, how inspired, nourished and invigorated I was by the colors, vibrancy, decency, respect and refreshing HOPE that infused the ceremony and celebrations. The afterglow is still alive for me and when it fades, it doesn't take much effort to re-ignite it. In fact, all I have to do is recall an image, a person, an outfit, an exchange, a gesture, or words expressed and the positive vibes course again through my body. In today's episode I highlight our hero, the brave Eugene Goodman, our brilliant ray of light, Amanda Gorman and the endearing, playful tribute to Bernie Sanders, whose memes showed up in every nook and cranny, with people and in places that we truly need him. I've re-listened, re-watched Amanda's performance of "The Hill We Climb" - I encourage you to let her words shower you with possibility, potential and passion. Here is the last stanza in her poem: "In every known nook of our nation, in every corner called our country, our people, diverse and beautiful, will emerge, battered and beautiful. When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it." Remind yourself of how your soul was nourished by poignant prayers, sincere speeches, sweet songs and powerful poetry - stoke the afterglow when you need a little boost. Let the tears flow, goose bumps tingle, cleanse the toxicity. The more I focus on the glow of Inauguration Day, the more it expands, so I encourage you to talk about it, highlight your favorite moments and share those moments in solidarity with your circles. We need to support each other as we face the layers of challenges ahead. May we do so with courage, compassion and a belief in our shared humanity. Check out the show notes for a variety of links that pay tribute to Eugene Goodman, Amanda Gorman and Bernie Sanders. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Amanda on Instagram Bernie Sanders on Instagram "Fury and Faith" by Amanda Gorman "The Hill We Climb" by Amanda Gorman Amanda at the Library of Congress Amanda performing at The Moth Bernie Sanders on Seth Meyers Ed Palermo Big Band "Amnerika"

Last week I provided the link to hear my friend, Margaret Dulaney's story "The Age of Atrocity", where she encourages us to let goodness, kindness, honor and love shine, even in the midst of atrocity. Well, my guest today is someone who embodies such an enlightened perspective. On the day that domestic terrorists stormed the U. S. Capitol, a dear friend of today's guest lost their home and everything they owned in an electrical fire. Listen to how today's guest created a relief fund for her friend, and please join me in contributing to the power of kindness and generosity. My guest today is Thana Alexa. Thana is an extraordinarily creative vocalist, loop artist, composer and producer. Thana's self-released, debut album "Ona", which means "She" in her native Croatian language, has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category. Thana credits her empowering experience at the 2017 Women's March in D.C. as the inspiration for "Ona". She was moved by the stories of women, the voices of women, particularly the maternal lineage of immigrant women. "Ona" poignantly reflects Thana's strength and authenticity, while capturing the cross-cultural, cross-generational universal messages that women carry throughout history. This completely grassroots, independent project, with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, paved the way for astounding, surprising, beautiful things to happen. Thana's expansive open heart reaches beyond her musical career. Thana infuses her life with compassion, integrity and a deep belief in the human spirit. Check out the links for Thana's website, listen to her inspiring album "Ona", watch the beautiful music video, and please help her raise much needed funds for her dear friend with cerebral palsy, CJ Shearn. Enjoy the podcast!

Links: Thana's Web Site Go Fund Me : CJ Shearn Apartment Fire Relief Fundraiser Official Music Video for GRAMMY® Nominated ONA by Thana Alexa Instagram: @thana_alexa @antoniodrums1 CJ Shearn Miama James Downbeat Magazine Forbes Magazine Feature Margaret Dulaney's Listen Well: "The Age of Atrocity"

In my meditations this week, the two words that have comforted me, held me and inspired me are truth and hope. Not just as words or concepts, but as felt experiences. This past week has been an intense one, to say the least! We've had to process the trauma of the appalling insurrection of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday January 6th. As painful as it is to face the harsh reality of white supremacy in America, I was relieved, dare I say, refreshed by the articulate, direct truth spoken by Brittany Packnett Cunningham. She spoke a piercing truth on MSNBC's Brian Williams program on Wednesday night. And once again I felt, deep to the core of my being, that truth will set us free! Please listen to hear a truth we all must face. In fact, listen to it a few times to let it sink in. Thank you, Brittany, for speaking such a courageous, direct TRUTH! I am so grateful to once again be uplifted by the wisdom and compassion of my dear friend Margaret Dulaney. Her recent story called "The Age of Atrocity" from her Listen Wellpodcast, was just what I needed to hear. She provides examples of how these atrocities, thought history and all over the world, have not stopped some people from shining their light. Margaret says that "honor, goodness, love, charity, kindness, shine with spectacular light against the backdrop of atrocity. The hero's light often emerges when humanity's light goes dim." Please listen to "The Age of Atrocity", to see if it might inspire the hero within you to emerge. Let Margaret's insights and wisdom center you, inspire you to be kind, choose love and creativity, over fear and paralysis, precisely in the midst of these dark, despairing days. May kindness and light carry you through, help you spark your own hope for yourself and our future. Thank you, Margaret, for cultivating HOPE in humanity! Enjoy the podcast!

As we step into the New Year, it is common for us to take a moment to reflect on this past year. I wanted to start off the year, and the beginning of our fourth year of the podcast, by thanking my guests from 2020. In the year 2020, we had a total of 28 guests; 13 guests came to my home office to record our conversation, and 15 guests were recorded via Zoom. This past year, I shared 21 stories or guided meditations, some as short as 5 minutes, but mostly 10-20 minutes long. I told personal stories, processed currents events, focusing on the uncertainty, struggles and loss so many experienced due to Covid-19, reflected on the courageous, much needed racial justice movement, social justice advocates and grassroots efforts throughout our country. I vented about the appalling politicians that stubbornly attempted to dismantle our democracy with a blatant lack of decency, respect and empathy - particularly oppressing the marginalized and most vulnerable. Many of us are still longing for humanity to be restored, and know that will be a long road ahead. But through all the difficulties of 2020, I sought to deepen my compassion, expand my gratitude and find the spiritual lessons, the opportunities for learning and growth. The desire to see the silver linings, find the gratitude, let go of illusions, be present to what is, in fact guides us on the enlightened path. Hoping that my guests and stories this past year helped to uplift and inspire you along the way. HEARTFELT THANKS to my 2020 guests! May we all deepen our compassion for ourselves and each other, strengthen our commitment to racial and social justice, stay safe and healthy and live more confidently into the fullness of our potential. Blessings for a refreshing, empowering, healing New Year! Enjoy the podcast! We launched a fundraiser in late 2020! Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album in November 2019, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney's program. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people. We're happy to announce that along with the digital downloads that are available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com, MADE Transitions is offering physical CDs for purchase. The CDs contain 3 additional bonus tracks not available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com. Please check out my YouTube channel to watch videos of the musicians in Matt Balitsaris' recording studio. Thanks for your continued support. The MADE Project/GLOW album: themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads) GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel M.A.D.E. Transitions (Glow CD orders)

My guest today is Louis Cato. Louis is beyond talented; he is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer. In fact, the time we set aside to record this conversation was cut short because he had last minute television recording demands. Louis was gracious enough to squeeze in 20 minutes to talk with me, amidst his extremely busy schedule and I am so grateful he did. Louis is a member of Jon Batiste and Stay Human, the house band for"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on CBS, has recorded with Beyonce, Q-Tip, John Legend, Mariah Carey and toured with Bobby McFerrin, Snarky Puppy, Marcus Miller, and David Sanborn, to name a few. As impressive as his internationally acclaimed status is in the music world is, there is more that inspires me about Louis Cato. I am inspired by Louis' large heart, his generosity, authenticity, kindness and his humility truly floors me. Even in 20 minutes you will hear the purity of his spirit shining through. Follow Louis on Instagram to receive weekly soul-nourishment from his Cato Covers. Check out the links below for Louis' website and to follow this creative genius on Instagram. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.louiscato.com IG: @reallouiscato

My guest today is Gail Hovey. Gail is an inspiring author, editor, and activist who I recently met when she was invited to my book group. We had just read her newly published memoir: "She Said God Blessed Us: A Life Marked by Childhood Sexual Abuse in the Church" and we were thrilled to get to know the author. What a beautifully written memoir that sheds light on a largely invisible issue of sexual abuse by women. Georgia, a seminary-trained Christian Education Director was brilliant, charismatic and used the language of faith to seduce 16 year-old Gail and other teenage girls in the church. Nearly a 40 year process, Gail found the language to understand what happened to her, the courage to express her experience and finally put in writing the impact her relationship with Georgia had over her. Gail understands the importance of truth telling not just through her personal memoir, but what a crucial time it is in our country, in the world, for us to be telling the truth, facing the truth and taking responsibility for the truth, individually and collectively. Gail's story poignantly embodies the more accurate, complicated, nuanced layers of life, of trauma, of sexuality, of love. She breaks through the false narratives of dichotomous thinking, demonstrating that our experiences are not one-dimensional: either/or; gay/straight; male/female; right/wrong. Gail's life provides a rich history, from the 1950's of the perceptions around religion, sexuality, feminism, activism, race, culture, the healing power of therapy and writing. Check out these links for Gail's website www.hoveygail.com and to order her book online, if you are not able to purchase it at your local, independent bookstore. Enjoy the podcast and I encourage you to read her book! Have you heard? We launched a fundraiser! Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album last year, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney's program. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people. We're happy to announce that along with the digital downloads that are available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com, MADE Transitions is offering physical CDs for purchase. The CDs contain 3 additional bonus tracks not available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com. Thanks for your continued support. Links: Gail's web site Indie Bound Books The MADE Project/GLOW album: themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads) GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel M.A.D.E. Transitions (Glow CD orders)

In today's episode I pay tribute to Alvin Ailey's iconic masterpiece "Revelations", celebrating its 60th anniversary. I reminisce about the 50 years this dance has been in my life: as an audience member since I was 12, a teen dancer that learned excerpts of the choreography, a passionate facilitator to introduce "Revelations" to newbies, an enthusiast who delighted in sharing these performances with many friends and family, to the proud wife of the bass player in Ailey's wonderful band that accompanies a glorious gospel choir. I miss seeing the live performance this year and particularly miss the extended family of all involved in this production. As we mourn the loss of people, places and performances that can't be experienced in person, I am focused on the hope, inspiration and joy captured in "Revelations". I appreciate all that the magnificent Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater stands for and embodies. I am deeply grateful for the warm, inclusive, loving embrace I experience when in the presence of Ailey's band, spirited choir and exquisite dancers. I'll let that sustain me till we meet again in person. Checkout the links below to watch the Opening Night Virtual Benefit and links to my previous podcast guests representing a musician, 2 choir members and a dancer/Associate Artistic director of the company. Enjoy the podcast! Thanks to everyone who supported and donated to the MADE fundraiser we launched last week. Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people. Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album last year, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney's program. We're happy to announce that along with the digital downloads that are available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com, MADE-transitions.org is offering physical CDs for purchase. The CDs contain 3 additional bonus tracks not available at bandcamp.com. Thanks for your continued support. Links: Alvin Ailey Opening Night Virtual Benefit Enlighten Podcast Episodes featuring: Gary Fritz (Ailey percussionist) Roosevelt Credit (choir member) Gail Blache-Gill (choir member) Matthew Rushing (Alvin Ailey Associate Artistic Director) The MADE Project/GLOW album: themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads) GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel M.A.D.E. Transitions (Glow CD orders)

We are launching a fundraiser this week for MADE Transitional Services. Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people. Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album last year, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney's program. Check out the links below to hear their music, purchase the album and view my YouTube channel which features 5 songs filmed by our son, Wil Adamy, during the recording of the album. Special note: Bandcamp.com waives their commission the first Friday of every month, so if you purchase their music this Friday December 4th, 100% of the proceeds will go to MADE Transitions. Thank you so much for your support! In this week's episode, Deborah takes about 6 minutes to share the power of expressing ourselves in 6 words. From Hemingway, to Larry Smith to the NY Times, with friends and family, see how six-word stories are capturing our hearts and imagination. Six words: succinct, poignant, igniting imagery, emotion & heart. I highly recommend giving this a try. Explore a wide range of topics to play around with this 6 word writing exercise: from your memoir, to what you are thankful for, to what you long for in your personal life, your career, the world, to a walk in the woods, to summarizing your day. "Keeping this episode short, sweet simple." Check out the link below to the NY Times article and learn more about all the ways Larry Smith has expanded this six word project. Enjoy the podcast! Links:

NY Times: The Morning themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads) GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel Six Word Memoirs M.A.D.E. Transitions

Most of us can agree that 2020 has been a very difficult year. I am finally feeling some positive energy within reach, thanks to the election win of Biden/Harris. Where were you when you learned that Biden/Harris had finally been declared President and Vice-President of the United States? What feelings surfaced for you? I bet you have a story to tell. So many stories have been shared formally and informally of where people were and how they found out the joyous news. The Biden/Harris win ignited tremendous joy throughout the country and around the world. Countless celebrations erupted from big cities to small towns, infused with an outpouring of spirited, enthusiastic banner-waving, singing, dancing, live musicians, DJs and solidarity. Saturday November 7th, 2020 provided a day of release, relief, hope and joy! Even with that day of joy and celebration, I know there is a tremendous amount of work before us, individually and collectively. I pray that the Biden administration follows through on advocating for equal justice, prison reform, justice for all the families who have lost a loved one to police brutality and white supremacy. Trump is still having his temper tantrums, refusing to accept the results and doing as much damage while he can. Regardless of Trump's irresponsible, narcissistic, disrespectful antics, we get to watch ourselves respond. What do you notice in yourself? Do you get pulled into the drama? Do the external circumstances throw you off your center? How do you practice ways to stay grounded? How do care for yourself in the midst of the chaos? What thoughts or spiritual practices calm you? What are you reaching for? What feels within reach for you? May positive energy, joy, justice, healing, balance, order, decency and democracy be within our reach. Enjoy the podcast. Links: "Thomas Merton: A Book of Hours" edited by Kathleen Deignan IG: @annemariesiefert