I Remember with Eileen Fein

In this episode I share my moments of connection living in Chicago in the early 90s. Listen and experience the stillness of a cold run along Lake Michigan, the swing of Frank Sinatra to get you through a double shift, and the no questions asked love you hope for when you know it's time to come home. 

Recorded in 2018 I'm reposting this episode in 2021, in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. In this episode I talk with 30-year veteran and retired FDNY lieutenant, James J O'Donnell, about his time at Ground Zero and the days, weeks and years that followed September 11, 2001. Listen and journey back to a time when the world shifted in trauma, and first responders working in the bubble of Ground Zero found solace and connection in the outreach and prayers of the world. Also hear about how a group of parents moved past anger to honor their sons of valor through public service.  As we say we will never forget, I urge you to read James's book, Sons of Valor, Parents of Faith, found on Amazon, to find inspiration and help future generations understand the human factor of that day - how those who lost their lives did so in service and how the world showed up to honor them. 

In this episode I talk with Eric Dezenhall, CEO of Dezenhall Resources, a nationally recognized high-stakes communications firm representing corporations and institutions facing controversy. Eric is the author of nine books, including his most recent, Best of Enemies, co-authored with Guss Russo. Listen and journey back to a time of loss, love and learning for Eric and hear about the unlikely connection between about a CIA officer, KGB agent, and of all people, Robert DeNiro, who helped the KBG agent stay alive in a Russian prison. Eric's new book, Best of Enemies: The Last Great Spy Story of the Cold War cab be ordered today on Amazon.com.

In this episode I'm speaking with artist Katie Swatland about the importance of making time to create stillness and connect to the creativity that lives within.  After years of crafting her art, Katie found herself far from the initial spark that inspired her to set out on the journey to learn to paint in the first place. She was disconnected from her own internal compass, and wished to reconnect with the sacred space within and finally bring together a collection of paintings that had been living in her imagination. Katie knew that if she were able to create from a sacred space, something drastic had to be done. So she began a journey inward. She turned her phone off, put up an automatic ‘out of office’ reply on her email, withdrew from social media, friends, family and colleagues, and focused solely on her art and allowed  herself time to explore without distraction or outside influence.  Think Eat, Pray, Love at home! Today, Katie has re-opened her studio doors, and is sharing her complete collection,  ‘Alchemy Visions.’  

As she brings the final three paintings into being, the reasons why she felt so passionate to dedicate herself to the creation of this collection will be revealed. Her hope is that they may offer a contribution, even in the smallest way, that will prove helpful to others. Katie believes, and I agree, they we are all in this journey of life together. Her hope is that her work will contribute in a way to benefit the greater whole.   You can follow Katie, and be inspired, on her Instagram account and Facebook, and watch her work in progress on YouTube. 

In this episode, I'm talking with Steph Dreyer a purpose-guided, perseverance-backed, positivity advocate, mom and wife.  Diagnosed with a rare disease called Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, Steph has learned the how to use purpose, positivity, and perseverance to stay healthier than expected, enjoy life, and help others.  Through her story you will learn that you are stronger than you think - thanks to the gift of connection.  You can listen to a speech she gave to the NIH about LAM! here: https://youtu.be/XiPWzpw6OiQ  Talk about being strong! You can learn more about LAM and the LAM Foundation here: https://www.thelamfoundation.org/

In this episode I talk with self professed "charity geek" Tim Andrew.  Tim shares his life long story of giving and connection through charity work, and how that has sustained him through the roller coaster of life.  Tim will be continuing his Appalachian Trail hike to raise funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish America, and challenges everyone to push themselves, just a little, to do a hike and build connections with people and nature that will help lift us up the roller coaster of life.  You can donate and support his hike on his Tim Andrew Make-a-Wish America web page. 

In this episode I talk with Lesley Wolff, founder and teacher of the Fresh Faces Stand Up Comedy Workshop, who can be found making people laugh and helping them enjoy themselves at the World Famous Hollywood Improv. Named "the Comic Fluffer" by LA Weekly's Top 100 people, Lesley creates a fun nurturing environment for people to showcase their work, and has helped so many people over the years find their comedic voice. Listen and journey back to a year when every day became opposite day for Lesley, and her connection to funny was cut off. Hear her share, very openly, her experience of postpartum depression and how the people in her life, and a burrito, helped her find her way back to herself.  

In this episode I talk with Ken Elkinson, pianist, composer and winner of the 2016 ZMR Award for Best Electronic Album, about how his connection to music has supported and provided direction to the journey of his life, and the lives of those around him. People like Tim Andrew a Connecticut fireman, who calls himself “a charity geek." Tim will be taking Ken's music along with him on his playlist as he hikes the Appalachian Trail to raise funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ken’s most well-known project to date is his ongoing Music For Commuting series – music composed specifically to help calm angry drivers. The project, which currently consists of 140 tracks has been featured in over 100 press outlets globally including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, CNN, USA Today and the BBC.  To learn more about Ken, his music and next projects visit his website. 

In this episode I share my moments of connection across 30 years with rock legend, Billy Idol. From the awkward Freaks & Geeks years, to a "Jake Ryan" like first love, to finding true love and (great sushi) in a new home town (Los Angeles), listen and learn how moments of connection across time can help you find your true self. 

In this episode I'm talking about what I think we all have - a  snow globe of childhood. What am I talking about? It's that tiny slice in time in your childhood that will always be perfect no matter what else comes along in your life.   It holds people, a place, maybe objects, scents and experiences that made you feel seen, special and safe, and leaves out all the bad stuff.   It's the globe that you can shake and have play perfectly the same in your mind every time.  When the snow falls in your globe you feel that same feeling of being seen, special and safe. I think we all have one and need one, and I believe our breath can help us expand our globe to include more moments of love, joy and peace that we may have forgotten along the way.