Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

My guest today is Miranda Joan Di Perno. Canadian born and raised, Miranda is a soulful singer/songwriter and a connector of humanity, with a heartfelt reverence for the earth. Miranda has lived in Brooklyn, NY for the past 11 years and both her gifted voice and radiant light have lit up countless venues. From a young age, Miranda naturally kept journals, at home with writing out her experiences, her feelings, and appreciating this precious form of self expression. Journal entries flowed into lyrics, evolving into her gift at songwriting. Miranda describes music as a means of healing not only for herself, but thankfully for others. Miranda is so grateful for her NYC music community, a circle of people deeply devoted to the craft of making music, appreciating how they support and inspire each other. Miranda, along with Melissa McMillan (who was a guest on my podcast, episode #8), Camille Trust, and Alita Moses created and organize a monthly Femme Jam at C'mon Everybody in Brooklyn, that has grown to be both a refreshing place to shine light on female musicians, a vibrant community builder and definitely a thoroughly joyful experience! Miranda's reflective search for meaning, respect for the environment, love of sports and outdoor adventures all enrich the fullness of this woman of vitality. Check out the links to Miranda's website mirandajoanmusic.com, download her music and see her performance schedule. Do yourself a favor and come experience the magic of Miranda at Femme Jam - every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Enjoy the podcast! Links: mirandajoanmusic.com FB: mirandajoanmusic IG: @mirandajoanmusic T: @mirandajoan_ TheHypeMagazine.com Eartha Kitt (YouTube) Happy to Have You (YouTube) Femme Jam on Instagram C'mon Everybody

My guest today is Joel Rosenblatt. Joel is a highly respected drummer, producer, and audio engineer. Joel's versatility is reflected in the wide range of musicians he has played drums with, including Pure Prairie League, Michel Camilo, Paquito D'Rivera, Eliane Elias, Steve Kahn, Spyro Gryra, and Bill Evans. Joel has created his own recording studio Cliff Sound Productions, where he enjoys cultivating new artists. Joel has played drums on the Broadway shows: In the Heights, Mamma Mia, and Hamilton, while also finding time to offer master classes and drum clinics. In addition to all of Joel's musical accomplishments, I appreciate Joel's honesty, vulnerability and authenticity. He describes the artist's plight, where you are somebody's favorite, until you are not, and how common it is for an artist to vacillate from inspiration to depression. Joel brings mindfulness to his life journey, honoring his desire to keep growing, not just musically, but also personally, exploring interests outside of music, clarifying his priorities and learning to simplify. Check out the show notes for a links to Joel's website and YouTube channel, you'll see his performance schedule, Joel's video tutorials, and info about his recording studio. Enjoy the podcast! Links: www.joelrosenblatt.com YouTube Channel Cliff Sound Productions

My guest today is Enid Weishaus. Enid is an innovative social worker, who has utilized her skills in the medical, philanthropic and politic arenas. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, began her career as an infant stimulation teacher, then when she moved to NYC, she became director of the philanthropic program at American Express, before becoming a Regional Director for Lower Hudson Valley for Hillary Clinton during Clinton's tenure as U.S. Senator from NY. Enid attributes her social consciousness that is infused in everything she does, to her parents who were Holocaust survivors and immigrants. In fact, the trauma and plight of humanity that Enid's ancestors endured has made it natural for Enid to be so invested in humanity, taking responsibility for our history of cruelty, and being an advocate for social justice. Enid has reverence for nature, a joy for dancing and a passion for advocating for Women's Issues.. A few years back, Enid developed a one-day forum for women called "Smarter, Bolder, Older: Redefining Life after 50". Enid inspires women to own their wisdom, their life experience, ask themselves who they are and who they want to become. She is applying these questions to the aging process, bringing consciousness to the insights of a fairly new term: "elderhood". Her husband, Bob Stien, was also a guest on my podcast, episode #85. Hear how these 2 inspiring people enrich my life. Enjoy the podcast! Links: You Tube: Smarter, Bolder, Older

My guest today is Bob Lanzetti. Bob is a gifted guitarist and composer. Bob has been a member of the 3-time Grammy award winning group Snarky Puppy since the band formed in 2004. In addition to traveling the world with Snarky Puppy, Bob also performs with the West African influenced band Bokante, as well as his own band performing his original compositions. When not on the road, Bob has a monthly residency at Rockwood Music Hall, in NYC where he invites different special guests to collaborate with his band. Bob started a meditation practice in 2014 when he had a desire to be better at music, more creative and productive, less living inside his head. His practice has grown to offer more than he first intended, tapping into a state of contentment, even a humility and gratitude for pure existence and consciousness. Speaking of consciousness, Bob talks about a video he watched on You Tube, that that moved him deeply, called "How Wolves Change Rivers". Check the links below for the wolf story and Bob's website to see details of Bob's 2 week tour with his band from October 16 - November 1. He'll be at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC on 10/28 and his final show on 11/1 is at the Riverwalk Cafe in NH. Enjoy the podcast! Links: boblanzetti.com Facebook Instagram snarkypuppy.com bokante.com YouTube: How Wolves Change Rivers

My guest today is Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti. Jo-Ann is a Dominican Sister of Hope, who recently retired as Art and Spirituality Coordinator at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in Litchfield, CT. Fifty years ago, Sr. Jo- Ann was my 8th grade teacher and is the only educator I have remained in contact with; she saw, heard, and understood me in a deep, spiritual way that helped me trust my intuition and honor my essence. Jo-Ann shares what drew her to becoming a nun, the meaning of the vows she took, her full career including ministries as educator, associate director of vocation, director of religious education, script writer for radio and television, poet, reporter, photographer, all while embracing the rich inter-relationship between art and spirituality. Sr. Jo-Ann provides background on the Trappist Monk, Thomas Merton, whose wise, compassionate writings have touched generations of spiritual seekers. Jo-Ann has a particular passion for Julian of Norwich and lectures frequently on this 14th century mystic. The first book written by a woman in English, was written by Julian, "The Revelations of Divine Love". In fact, join me on Saturday October 26th at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining, NY to hear Sr. Jo-Ann's Julian of Norwich program "The Woman, Her World and Her Book". Go to mariandale.org to register (registration closes midnight October 24). Check out the links below for Sr. Jo-Ann's upcoming workshop, plus links to Jo-Ann's affiliated organizations. I hope you will hear why I love this inspiring woman so deeply. Enjoy the podcast! Links: The Center at Mariandale Wisdom House Dominican Sisters of Hope Dominican Institute for the Arts