Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

My guest today is Wayne Warnecke. Wayne is an accomplished audio engineer, producer and co-owner of Peaceful Waters Recording. As a young child, Wayne loved the drums and owned his first snare drum and hi-hat at age 9. He played guitar with his high school band, "Friction", but primarily played drums and percussion for the rest of his performing gigs. Wayne was about 14 years old when we stepped inside his first recording studio and knew immediately that he had to do this with his life. He studied audio engineering at the Institute of Audio Research in NYC and after 6 years of working at Minot Studios in White Plains, NY, he opened his own studio, producing records with his future wife, Vaneese Thomas and high school friend, Ernie Poccia. Wayne's sense of humor, that pokes fun at himself, reminds me to not take life too seriously. He appreciated his father-in-law's infectious sense of humor, the late great, R&B singer from Memphis, TN, Rufus Thomas. In addition to music, Wayne has a passion for tennis; I worked tirelessly to be able to return his powerful serve. Wayne stepped up to the plate with such integrity as his mother aged; I admired how beautifully Wayne helped his sweet Mom die with dignity and respect. Check out the show notes for links to Wayne's studio and record label websites. Enjoy the podcast!! Links: Peaceful Waters Music Segue Records

Today marks the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. He was born in Atlanta, GA on January 15th, 1929 - if still alive, he would now be 91 years old. I'd like to honor his commitment to the cause of equality for African-Americans, by remembering some of Dr. King's inspiring words. In searching for his quotes, I found less familiar ones, yet wise statements that truly moved me. Here are a few: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "what are you doing for others"? "We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope." "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness." "He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love." ""It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it." "Only in the darkness can you see the stars." "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." Powerful, right? Let's live into any one of these deep truths!! Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!!! After the podcast, join me in honoring MLK's spirit by listening, dancing and singing along to Steve Wonder's song "Happy Birthday" - it will definitely uplift you!! Today our podcast Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire is also celebrating an anniversary: our 100th episode! My guest today is me! Seriously, my dear friend, Karen Siff-Exkorn had the idea of interviewing me for this milestone. She even sat in my chair and had me sit in the guest chair. It was a little strange at first, but within minutes, Karen put me at ease and guided me through a heartfelt conversation. If you want to look up some of the things Karen references or want to learn more about me, please visit my website. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.enlighten.nyc Enlighten on Instagram Deb interviews Karen, Episode 82

My guest today is Sammy Merendino. Sammy is a drummer, percussionist, and producer. In fact, Sammy is one of NYC's top drummers, having recorded and/or performed with Cameo, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Foreigner, Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Ziggy Marley, Hall & Oats, The Beach Boys, and Pat Metheny, to name a few. Raised in Ohio, one of 11 children, Sammy appreciated the loving support of his parents, particularly his father's ability to find the good in every situation. Driven to be a drummer since he was a child, Sammy tells stories of confidently asserting himself to walk through new doors, make connections, learn from the jobs he didn't get, while staying motivated and disciplined to keep practicing and growing. My husband loved working with Sammy on the Broadway Show "Kinky Boots". Sammy and I share a special bond, both being asked to speak at our dear friend Wayne Pedzwater's memorial service, nearly 15 years ago. I believe Wayne continues to orchestrate ways for his friends to connect; he lives on in our hearts. Check out the show notes for a link to Sammy's comprehensive website. In addition to his credits, you'll find information about his studio Harlem Parlour Recording. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.sammymerendino.com

Happy 2020! I'd like to welcome you to the new year and share a personal story. Despite the ongoing appalling behavior of our president, that intensified in this first week of this new year, I am inspired by the wisdom, dedication and impactful activism of Shaun King. Look up Shaun to discover his impressive platforms: founder of the Action PAC; Flip the Senate; The North Star 2019; host of the podcast "the breakdown with shaun king", and author of the book Make Change. His Instagram posts alone, educate me, uplift me and motivate me to get involved in tangible ways. I trust his work will inspire you during this important election year. I also respect the courageous work of Michael Moore - I have seen every movie he has made, read his book "Here Comes Trouble", enjoyed his Broadway show, and am now grateful that instead of making a movie this year, he has invested his efforts in creating a podcast called Rumble with Michael Moore. Please listen to his illuminating conversations, in particular, with Daniel Ellsberg, Alex Press, and Anand Giridharadas - each one, articulating many of my inner thoughts, values and longings for this country, each one stretching and enlightening me. So even in the political unrest that Trump continues to ignite, I encourage you to be informed, involved and inspired by these courageous visionary activists! I know it will help me approach 2020 with a bit more clarity, hope, and confidence. I also share a personal story about how things don't always turn out the way I plan, regardless of how great my goal appears to be! I appreciate all the humbling lessons I learn when I let go of my well-intentioned expectations and be open to letting the Universe take me in a different direction. Enjoy the podcast. Links: www.enlighten.nyc

Instead of having a guest today, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2019. My beloved husband, Paul and I launched this podcast nearly 2 years ago, on January 8th, 2018. Since then, we released every Monday, a new conversation with a guest, totaling 93 guests, plus a couple of reflections from me and a guided chakra meditation! It has been a joy to shine light on everyday people, who inspire me. My guests represent a variety of backgrounds and careers: activists, yoga teachers, therapists, healers, musicians, composers, actors, directors, writers, sculptors, filmmakers, circus artists, educators, entrepreneurs, farmers, philanthropists, corporate workers, librarian archivists, painters, furniture makers, puppeteers, club owners, college students, financial advisors, formerly incarcerated people, shop owners, poets, photographers, political representatives, advocates, consultants and spiritual leaders. In addition to their fascinating careers and passions, I appreciate the authenticity and open-heartedness of my guests, their ability to be vulnerable, to find meaning in challenges, compassion in suffering, and often a renewed sense of purpose as they learn and grow from whatever they experience in life. I encourage you to listen to these wonderful inspiring conversations, to look up the websites of these amazing guests, hear and see them perform, take a class or a retreat from them, read their books, their blogs, listen to their music, see their films or art exhibits, receive a healing session, attend a workshop - in other words, I'd love for you to experience their magic and support their endeavors, in any way you can. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.enlighten.nyc

My guest today is Tim Young. Tim is a singer/songwriter, actor, musical director and dancer. I met Tim last month at Tahira Clayton and Addison Frei's wedding (both former guests on my podcast - episode #58 and #43) and was immediately drawn to his enthusiasm, humor and authenticity. Tim grew up in Long Island, NY, immersed in a 2,500-member evangelical, fundamentalist Christian church, whose beliefs were reinforced at home and in his Christian school. Tim was indoctrinated to see the world in a dichotomous mindset: right or wrong, good or evil, believers or non-believers. As painful a process as it has been, Tim shares his journey of what it took for him to release the either/or thinking and open his mind and heart to endless possibilities. Tim's early life was so influenced by people he wanted to impress and seek approval from; a dogma that manipulated him to fall in line, deny himself and create illusions of exclusion. Tim is grateful to now trust his inner wisdom and create a spirituality grounded in wonder, beauty, presence and compassion, a spirituality where he is coming home to the fullness of who he is. Check out the show notes to find links to Tim's website and social media contacts, as well as the YouTube animation Tim referenced, "The Egg". Please join me on Friday December 20, 2019 to watch Tim and Tahira perform in the cabaret called "Mary" at Club Cumming in NYC's East Village. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.soundsliketimyoung.com YouTube: soundsliketimyoung Instagram: @soundsliketimyoung Twitter: @soundsliketim Friday 12/20 The Mary Show - Holiday Show at Club Cumming, East Village, NYC YouTube: The Egg

My guest today is Nicki Denner. Nicki is a passionate pianist, composer, educator and musical director, oh and lest I forget, a tap dancer! Raised in Wisconsin, without examples of what a professional musician looked like, Nicki attended college at University of Minnesota, negating her passion for music and initially majoring in French and Political Science; majors she thought would lead to practical careers. However, the universe conspired to support her to reconnect with her love of music, through the underground tunnels connecting the music building to her dorm. Switching her major to music education, Nicki appreciates the unique skills she learned from conducting and the sensitivity she has for all instruments, both have served her well as a composer and musical director. Nicki tells synchronistic stories of musical doors that opened for her; her determination to nurture her skills and gifts at piano, dedication to learn jazz and eagerness to say yes to all sorts of music experiences. Nicki marvels at how naturally Latin music resonates for her and the awesome opportunity to co-create Cocomama, the vibrant, all-female band that plays their own version of World Latin Music. Check out the show notes to find Nicki's website, Cocomama's website and the current Kickstarter campaign Cocomama is launching. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.nickidenner.com www.cocomamamusic.com Cocomamma Kickstarter Campaign

My guest today is Dwayne Cooper. Dwayne is an outstanding singer, songwriter, actor, dancer - and in my opinion, one of the most generous performers I've ever witnessed! From his childhood dream of being a TV game show host, Dwayne has found creative avenues to thoroughly entertain his audiences, from choreography and performances in drag clubs, to being a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race, to creating his own edgy band, to national tours of Broadway shows, as well as performing numerous roles on Broadway. Dwayne is one of the co-founders of The Doo Wop Project, where his powers as a shapeshifter enthusiastically spring into action! Being a shapeshifter on stage is often in direct contrast to how dis-empowered Dwayne can feel off stage, particularly as a gay, black male. Recognizing the daunting impact of racism, sexism and classism, Dwayne strives to be the bigger person and finds healing in speaking his truth. He speaks passionately about the profound, transformative practice of re-emergence/re-evaluation counseling that has helped him acknowledge and face past traumas, deepen his compassion and integrate the practices of forgiveness. Check out the links below for Dwayne's performances and projects, as well as his social media contact. I hope you get a chance to see Dwayne perform live - it will thoroughly uplift you!! Enjoy the podcast! Links: IG: @itsdwaynecooper IG: @thedoowopproject The Doo Wop Project (Web Site)

My guest today is Georgia Pangle. Georgia had been a dancer, before redirecting herself into the financial world. I met Georgia through her husband, the awesome, well-respected drummer/musician Sammy Merendino. (Look for Sammy as my guest in a future episode). For 30 years, Georgia has worked with smart, impressive colleagues who started their own firm, advising their clients with integrity and technical excellence. As she transitions into working less, Georgia is honest about what she is learning about herself, in the midst of our culture that rewards over-work. Georgia names a longing she has for something more that will stimulate her creativity, passion, intellectual curiosity, perhaps some kind of volunteer work, but is daring to sit with uncertainty, learning what it means to be in a state of receptivity. Georgia speaks courageously about her history of alcoholism and her process of sobriety. She lists the treasured gifts she appreciates from participating in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program: fellowship, spirituality, intensity, laughter, relief, and healing. Having experienced her parents' divorce, Georgia approached becoming a step-mother with sensitivity and humility. I am touched by Georgia's vulnerability, intuition, independence, and sweet sense of humor. And don't let me forget her spectacular passion for shoes!! Enjoy the podcast!

My guest today is Ryan Fielding Garrett. Ryan is a respected musical director, conductor, arranger and musician. Ryan grew up in San Antonio, Texas, went to Baldwin Wallace University, in Berea, Ohio, and the the day after graduation, moved to NYC, where he quickly broke into the Broadway scene. With the production of Kinky Boots, Ryan began subbing on keyboard on Broadway, was promoted to musical director with the touring company, lived in Japan for 2 months to conduct the show there, and returned to Broadway as associate musical director for the last 14 months of the show. Ryan was proud to be a part of Kinky Boots' message of acceptance and transformation, which moved audiences around the world. Ryan has worked on the development of a new show called Becoming Nancy, that captures a similar message of acceptance. In addition to his success at a young age as a musician, Ryan is warm, wise, open-hearted, and dedicated to finding common ground, even in people who have different values and beliefs. Ryan has a reverence for nature and exploration. He asks thoughtful questions about his own learning and growth, trusting that his curiosities lead him to living more fully. Check out the show notes for links to find out more about Ryan. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Ryan's web site IG: @ryanfieldinggarrett YouTube - Ryan Sings!