I Can Do This Show Me How!

We spend years building versions of ourselves that fit the expectations around us. At work, we show up one way. With family, another. In relationships, yet another. What happens when that carefully constructed life suddenly stops feeling like protection and starts feeling like a cage?

In today's solo episode, I reflect on discovering the masks I've worn and the real cost of performing rather than living. I share the difference between force (the exhausting energy of proving, protecting, and pleasing) and power (the quiet, sustainable energy that rises from within). Through exploring my own ancestry and practicing honest self-reflection, I discovered something unexpected: I have the power to become the person I want to be, even in my seventh decade. This episode is an invitation to ask yourself where you're performing instead of living in truth.

Tune in and listen to the forty-seventh episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to recognize the masks you're wearing and what becomes possible when you finally take them off.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How a seminar about masks changed Dr. Linda's entire approach to teaching (0:40)
• What happens to our sense of self when the titles we hide behind suddenly disappear (4:45)
• The difference between force and power (8:30)
• How exploring your ancestry can open the door to honest self-reflection (12:32)
• The specific places in your life where you might be performing instead of living in truth (18:23)

Resources

Power vs.Force, The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior by David R. Hawkins, M.D., PhD.

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know the feeling of holding back from something we know we need. Whether it's a relationship that no longer serves us, a dream we keep deferring, or a version of ourselves we can't quite step into, resistance is something every one of us has encountered. So why do we feel so stagnant or apprehensive in these moments and how we can successfully move through them?

In today's solo episode, I explore the terrain of resistance: what holds us back, what calls us forward, and what it truly costs us to stay where we are. Drawing on my own journey, from growing up in a three-bedroom home with ten people, to working in a glass factory after high school, to shrinking myself in a shared office early in my academic career, I unpack the forces that keep us stuck and offer a compassionate framework for beginning to move. I also reflect on the practice of choosing joy intentionally, and why tending to what matters most is not a luxury but a necessity. 

Tune in and listen to the forty-sixth episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to gently examine what you may be resisting — and what might become possible if you took just one honest step.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why joy must be chosen and tended rather than simply waited for, and how gardening connects me to that practice (01:25)
• How the quality of your life is shaped by where you consistently place your attention (04:57)
• What fear is actually communicating and why it is often a message from the past trying to protect us in the present (08:21)
• Why emotional fatigue is not laziness, but a signal from a body and spirit that has been under significant stress (11:46)
• The hidden cost of staying the same and the quiet ways we make ourselves smaller to fit where we are (7:49)
• How survival shapes what we believe is possible, and the slow, quiet shift that marks the beginning of change (22:29)
• Two questions to carry with you this week as you reflect on your own resistance (30:11)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if one of the most powerful tools for healing, longevity, and mental well-being was something you've been doing since the day you learned to stand? Walking is so woven into the fabric of daily life that most of us take it entirely for granted, moving through it without intention or presence. So what becomes possible when a simple walk becomes a practice?

In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Yun Kim and Dr. Jacques MoraMarco, co-authors of Walking Your Way to Vitality: Integrating Walking, Breathwork and Mindfulness into Your Daily Exercise. Together, they bring decades of expertise in East Asian medicine, acupuncture, Tai Chi, and mindfulness to a conversation that is as grounded in science as it is in soul. We talk about what inspired the book, from Dr. Moramarco's work with AIDS patients in the 1980s to Dr. Kim's life-changing walking meditation retreat with the great Thich Nhat Hanh, and why this moment in history makes this conversation more urgent than ever. I also share my own lifelong relationship with walking, from the streets of Compton to the breathtaking heights of Tibet.

Tune in and listen to the forty-fifth episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! and discover how putting one foot in front of the other — mindfully — can transform your health, your mind, and your life.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• About Dr. Moramarco's 50-year journey in East Asian medicine, acupuncture, and martial arts, and how working with AIDS patients first inspired him to document the healing power of walking (4:21)
• How Dr. Kim's retreat with Vietnamese peace activist and monk Thich Nhat Hanh ignited her lifelong passion for mindful walking (10:23)
• Why walking, breathwork, and mindfulness are the right conversation for these chaotic times (13:40)
• The science behind the practice of walking and how it helps our brain, cortisol levels, immune system, and has even been shown to reduce the risk of some serious diseases (14:58)
• What retro walking is, why it engages muscles most of us neglect, and the fascinating story of a man who walked backwards from San Francisco to New York in 1915 (18:49)
• What writing this book taught each author about living the practices they teach, and the profound personal stories that prove these methods work (27:49)
• A simple one-week challenge from Dr. Moramarco, and Dr. Kim's gentle reminder to start exactly where you are (35:04)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even the most productive of us are afflicted from time to time with low motivation. Being in a headspace where it’s difficult for you to even conceptualize the finish line can be immobilizing at times. How do you find strength or inspiration in these moments? What keeps you moving forward when your self-assurance has reached an all time low?

In today's solo episode, I reflect on my own journey and the walls that I myself have hit along the way. I explain how I overcame these road blocks, using Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey as a framework. I also break down the importance of creativity in our lives and the rewards that we as humans reap from bringing things into existence that weren’t here before. 

Tune in and listen to the forty-fourth episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to find your creative garden. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the two most challenging phases on the map of transformation are (1:51)
• About the energy that creates movement when you’ve been still for too long and my personal experience with it (4:58)
• About a phase of the Hero’s Journey that is the biggest challenge (11:59)
• What we need to get us out of low level states of mind (13:44)
• What gardening means to me and how it’s helped me on my own journey (18:59)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the struggles, doubts, and turning points in your life weren’t random, but instead part of a larger story that’s unfolding as it should? And what if understanding that story could help you move through life with more clarity, compassion, and joy? In a world that often feels heavy and unstable, having a framework to make sense of your experiences can be a powerful anchor. 

In today's solo episode, I explore the transformative power of the Hero’s Journey and use it as a lens for understanding life’s challenges. I do this by drawing from my own experiences navigating shame, searching for purpose, returning to school, and ultimately finding joy. I reflect on how each phase of my journey showed up in my life and how I was able to frame my struggles not as failure, but as necessary parts of transformation. 

Tune in and listen to the forty-third episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to gain a new perspective on your life’s path. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the Hero’s Journey provides a meaningful framework for understanding life transitions (1:44)
• Why feelings like shame, fear, and uncertainty may signal the beginning of transformation (3:25)
• Why personal development is not selfish (8:03)
• How to identity what stage of the journey you’re currently in and what it means for your next step (11:26)
• How mentors, challenges and setbacks shape personal growth (15:15)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the life you’ve known for decades suddenly changes? How do you respond? Life transitions, whether voluntary or unexpected, often challenge our sense of identity, rhythm, and direction. In these moments, it’s important to take a beat and reflect, reconsidering how we want to move forward. 

In today's solo episode, I reflect on my personal journey of navigating the major life pivot of transitioning from full-time work to ‘retirement’. Using the Hero’s Journey framework, I explore the emotional and psychological impacts of change and share how big life transitions can unearth important questions about purpose, identity, and the life we’ve lived up until that point. 

Tune in and listen to the forty-second episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to reconnect with yourself and allow space for change and growth. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How a life mission can guide you through major transitions (1:55)
• Why the Hero’s Journey is a helpful framework for navigating life pivots (7:36)
• Why close and ritual matter during life transitions (12:21)
• How the shift from productivity to purpose can challenge our identity (17:13)
• About a practical way to respond to guilt (18:25)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think about your most memorable travel experience. What did you see, hear, touch, smell? What about this particular experience made it memorable for you? What expectations, if any, did you set for your trip and how did you strive to meet them? What we gain, or hope to gain, from travel differs from person to person, and that’s okay; however, it’s important to recognize travel for what it is: a privilege and an opportunity. It’s more than just a means to escape our everyday lives, it’s a chance to lean into personal transformation and be wholly present whilst experiencing something completely new to you. 

In today's episode, I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Helena Zhang, a professor and clinical supervisor at colleges of Chinese Medicine in California. Dr. Helena and I discuss learning how to belong through the lens of travel. Dr. Helena breaks down the importance of treating travel as an experience, not an escape, as well as a way to transform and grow. 

Tune in and listen to the forty-first episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to find inspiration and guidance to get the most out of your next travel adventure. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What started Dr. Helena’s journey in Chinese medicine (6:46)
• What propelled Dr. Helena to delve deeper into, and expand her knowledge of, traditional Chinese medicine (13:53)
• What traditional Chinese medicine considers the ‘soul’ of the digestive system and how it ties into personal transformation (26:54)
• What Dr. Helena feels when she reflects on her lived experience (31:40)
• About the latest trip Dr. Helena is planning, how she’ll help those who join her to prepare, and what she hopes travellers will gain from the experience (37:52)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part of life’s journey is navigating through difficult times. We all face hardship, struggle, and hurdles that can sometimes seem impossible to climb. What gets you through these times varies from person to person but the overarching theme is clear: resilience. 

In today's solo episode, I talk about what resilience has meant to me in my life and how I’ve used it to overcome trauma and continue to learn about myself and the world around me. It’s my hope that, in sharing my own experiences, anyone who needs to hear it might find inspiration or helpful guidance on how to build strength, heal, and grow.

Tune in and listen to the fortieth episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to find the resilience within you. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What resilience means to me (1:12)
• What education has the power to do (4:14)
• What truth complicated my process of working through my fears and past trauma (11:48)
• How resilience has operated in my life (13:34)
• What I believe is the big question we ask ourselves to fuel our resilience (18:49)
• About one of the most freeing things I ever learned (23:59)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever asked a question that you were scared to know the answer to? If so, you’re not alone. For a lot of us, exercising curiosity can sometimes feel like playing with fire. Answers to the biggest, most important questions we’ll ever ask have the power to completely change our lives. And although that may seem daunting, it’s important to understand that asking these questions is an exercise of strength, resilience, and learning. Even if we don’t like the answer, there’s still power in asking the question. 

In today's episode, the first of a series, I explore the power that comes with asking questions. The path to finding the answer to a long-burning question can be viewed as a journey of sorts. And today’s guest, here to walk me through their own personal question journey, is my very own sister, Sandy Rose. Sandy tells the story of the big question she asked, walking me through from when she first asked it, at 9 years old, to when she finally got her answer years later. It’s a journey unique to Sandy Rose but, at the same time, it’s surely one that many listeners can either draw inspiration from, or find their own meaningful parallels in. 

Tune in and listen to the thirty-ninth episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to find your own power in the questions you ask.  

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What question prompted Sandy Rose to start looking for her long-lost relatives (5:27)
• Who Sandy Rose relied on to answer her questions about these relatives (7:44)
• What Sandy Rose learned about herself that surprised her during her search (10:21) 
• What kept Sandy Rose moving forward during her search (12:21)
• Why Sandy Rose’s search was so important to her (16:54)
• Sandy Rose’s advice to anyone listening who has a nagging question that they may feel too afraid to answer (18:36)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes a new year can almost feel like a new beginning. A clean slate that represents exciting possibilities and strengthened ambition to reach your goals. But for some, the weight of expectation that a new year carries can feel burdensome. Instead of feeling optimistic towards future successes, they may feel dread towards failing. Well, the best thing to move through that dread is resilience and it often shows up in ways that we least expect.

In today's solo episode, I share my new years tradition with you and why it’s important to me, my family, and the history of African Americans. I reflect on how this tradition offers grounding and meaning, and why I look to it as a symbol of resilience. I also invite you to do the same with your own traditions, reflecting on the meaning they hold in your life and the importance of honoring them.

Tune in and listen to the thirty-eighth episode of I Can Do This, Show Me How! to hear how you can step into the new year with hope and encouragement. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The themes that I’ll be exploring in this podcast for the upcoming year (0:36)
• About my ritual for ringing in the new year and the significance it held for my family and African Americans as a whole   (1:27)
• About the important role that food holds in our lives (6:01)
• About another story that’s often told about the history of the black eyed peas in America and how it ties to the meaning of resilience that’s held by the food (10:20)
• What I’m looking to to keep me grounded in 2026 (14:52)
• My new year’s wish for you, the listener (15:48)

Resources

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers

Freedom’s Teacher by Katherine Mellen Charron

Let's connect!

• My Email: [email protected]
• Mentor International: www.mentorfoundationusa.org
• Mentor: www.mentoring.org
• Ashoka Changemakers: www.ashoka.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.