Imagine | Believe | Discover Podcast

What if the stories we tell ourselves are holding us back? What if we could rewrite those stories, uncover hidden gifts, and discover that even our most difficult experiences can lead us toward joy?

This week, I welcome author, storyteller, and mindfulness coach Laurie Riedman, whose memoir Diamonds in the Dirt explores her extraordinary childhood growing up in a junkyard and the surprising treasures she discovered while writing about her past.

We talk about healing, courage, the power of imagination, and why sharing our stories can transform not only our own lives but the lives of others.

Show Notes

Finding Diamonds in the Dirt

* Growing up in a junkyard, where discarded school buses and mountains of tires became playgrounds for imagination.

* How writing a memoir helped Laurie rediscover forgotten moments of childhood joy.

* Why our most difficult experiences don’t have to define who we become.

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

* How changing our perspective can transform the meaning of our experiences.

* The courage and vulnerability required to share our authentic stories.

* Why asking ourselves, “What’s the story I’m telling myself?” can open the door to healing and possibility.

Mindfulness, Gratitude & Everyday Wonder

* Simple ways to practice mindfulness without complicated routines or meditation cushions.

* How slowing down helps us respond to life rather than simply react.

* Rediscovering curiosity, gratitude, and the extraordinary beauty of ordinary moments.

The Power of Women’s Stories & Community

* Why sharing our experiences creates connection, understanding, and belonging.

* Laurie’s experience collaborating with an international community of women writers, to edit the Badass Sisterhood.

Healing Ourselves, Changing the World

* Why meaningful personal change happens little by little.

* The importance of feeling seen, heard, and loved.

* Imagining a world where we celebrate our common humanity while embracing our differences.

About Laurie Riedman

After years of professional writing and helping others communicate their stories, Laurie unexpectedly found herself writing her own. Her memoir, Diamonds in the Dirt, explores her unconventional childhood growing up in a junkyard, the challenges she experienced, and the joy, resilience, and personal discoveries she uncovered along the way.

Laurie is also a contributor to women’s writing anthologies, including Roots and Wings. Through her coaching practice, workshops, writing, and couples retreats with her husband, she helps people explore their beliefs, deepen relationships, and discover new possibilities.

Her Substack, More Than Words, features poetry, mindfulness reflections, personal essays, and stories about the human experience.

Connect with Laurie

* Mindfulness & Relationship Coaching: bucoach.com

* Substack: More Than Words

* Books: Diamonds in the Dirt and her collaborative anthologies are available through major booksellers, including Amazon.

* Website: Laurie Riedman

* Facebook: coachingbu, lriedman

* Instagram: lriedman

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Maybe that hardship you went through holds a hidden gift waiting to be discovered!

Thank you Laurie for sharing your stories and reminding us all to imagine the world we want.

“We can change the world a little bit by a little bit.” -Laurie Riedman

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Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

What if grief could become a doorway to deeper connection? What if caregiving offered unexpected opportunities for joy? And what if some of life’s greatest adventures were still waiting for us in our nineties?

Elizabeth Meyer Becker is an interfaith chaplain, a certified grief support specialist, a member of the Living and Dying Project, and creator of John Becker TV.

Elizabeth shares the extraordinary story of caring for her father, John, whose final years were filled with travel, laughter, unexpected miracles, and a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to live a meaningful life.

Show Notes

* Grief as a Sacred Portal: Why grief isn’t something we need to escape or overcome, but something we can learn to sit beside, listen to, and even create with.

* Finding Peace Through Everyday Practices: How breathwork, poetry, singing, and simply listening to our bodies can help us navigate anxiety, loss, and life’s uncertainties.

* Caregiving with Love and Purpose: How creating a circle of care, finding meaningful projects, and accepting support can transform the caregiving experience.

* John Becker TV and the Adventure of a Lifetime: How Elizabeth and her father embraced TikTok, traveled 8,300 miles across America when he was nearly 98, and discovered that adventure has no expiration date. Elizabeth also shares her advocacy for veterans and family caregivers after her father finally received disability benefits 77 years after his military service.

* Miracles, Faith, and Staying Open to Possibility: From a home they called Casa de Milagros (House of Miracles) to the extraordinary moments we sometimes cannot explain, Elizabeth invites us to remain curious about the mysteries of life.

A beautiful reminder from Elizabeth: “It’s never too late.”

Whether you’re navigating loss, caring for someone you love, searching for spiritual connection, or wondering what comes next, this conversation is an invitation to embrace the life that’s still unfolding.

About Elizabeth Meyer Becker

Elizabeth is an interfaith chaplain and Certified Grief Support Specialist whose work focuses on grief, spiritual care, meaningful rituals, and supporting individuals and families through life’s most profound transitions.

As a community chaplain and member of the Living and Dying Project team, she helps people cultivate practices that encourage presence, resilience, and connection.

She is also the creator of John Becker TV, a project she began with her father during his later years. What started as a playful way to document their adventures and caregiving journey has grown into a platform advocating for family caregivers, veterans, and access to essential support and benefits.

Elizabeth loves to share her experiences through storytelling, spiritual care, and her belief that meaningful adventures are possible at every stage of life.

Connect with Elizabeth

* Interfaith chaplaincy and spiritual care: https://inspiritus.life

* John Becker TV and caregiver advocacy: https://johnbecker.tv

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Remember to listen to your body, be open to wonder, and choose adventure at any age.

Thank you Elizabeth for a wonderful discussion.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in LIVE.

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

Do you feel the heaviness of the world? Do you wonder whether one person can make a difference?

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, Shannon MacKinnon talks to Sister Lucy Kurien, found of Maher. What started as one home for battered women and has turned into 73 homes across 7 states in India.

Sister Lucy has won 367 global awards for her work including the Mother Teresa Award, the Global Women’s Summit Leadership Award and the Gandhi Peace Award. She was selected 12th in the 100 World’s Most Inspiring People in 2020. She is currently on her “Love in Action” tour of the United States.

It was truly my honor to speak with Sister Lucy.

*Content note: This conversation includes a distressing account of fatal domestic violence involving a pregnant woman.

Show Notes

From Heartbreak to a Home

* Sister Lucy shares the devastating experience that inspired her to create a safe place for women who had nowhere to turn.

* Maher’s first home opened in 1997, supported in part by small gifts from villagers who trusted her vision.

* What began as shelter for women grew into a community caring for children, men, older adults, and people living with mental illness and disabilities.

Love Beyond Religion, Caste, and Class

* Although Sister Lucy is a Catholic nun, she created Maher as an interfaith home where everyone could feel welcome.

* Children celebrate different faith traditions, learning to love and respect one another.

* Her guiding philosophy, “Love is my religion”, comes alive through shared meals, prayer, care, and belonging.

There Is Always Room for One More

* Sister Lucy explains why she is determined to welcome people in need and then work out how best to help them.

* She teaches Maher’s housemothers that food should be served with such care that children feel love in every grain of rice.

* Love means being present when someone needs you and preserving each person’s dignity in everyday acts of care.

Hope Is Found in the Goodness of People

* During India’s COVID lockdown, Sister Lucy organized food and water for migrant families walking long distances home.

* As Maher shared its supplies, people responded with donations of food, money, and materials. Its tailoring unit also made thousands of masks.

* Asked how she stays hopeful, Sister Lucy points to the goodness she sees in people—and the generosity that grows when others join in.

Imagine. Believe. Discover.

* Imagine a world where our differences bring curiosity and connection.

* Believe that an act of love can inspire someone else to act.

* Discover where you can offer care today: share a meal, welcome someone, support a project, or reach out to a person who feels alone.

About Sister Lucy Kurien

Sister Lucy Kurien is an Indian Catholic nun and the founder and director of Maher, meaning “Mother’s Home” in Marathi. Founded in 1997 near Pune, India, Maher offers shelter, care, education, and opportunities for greater independence to women, children, and men across religious, caste, and class divides. Her work centers on safety, dignity, belonging, and love expressed through action.

Learn More and Support Maher

* Maher’s official website

* US Giving to Maher

* Love in Action tour information

* Books about Maher,

* Rising to New Life: Stories from Maher by Darcy Cunningham

* Village by Village: Uplifting Communities the Maher Way, by Darcy Cunningham

* Women Healing Women: A Model of Hope for Oppressed Women Everywhere by William Keepin, PhD and Cynthia Brix, M.Div.

* Thank you to Nazareth University who sponsored Sister Lucy as part of the William H. Shannon Lecture Series 2026-27

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps today is the day you choose LOVE as YOUR RELIGION and be LOVE IN ACTION.

It was my absolute honor to speak with Sister Lucy. Thank you.

Thank you Embodied Holiness Susan Eaton, Sherry Helmke, Cindi Neisinger and many others for tuning into my live video with Sr. Lucy Kurien!

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

What does it take to survive the unimaginable without allowing grief and anger to harden your heart?

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, Shannon MacKinnon talks to author Michelle Cowan-Schroeder about the her journey of healing after losing her husband Joe to a drunk driver. Michelle’s incredible story is now being adapted into the feature film Whispers from Heaven.

Show Notes

From Heartache to Healing

* Joe’s final act of love was purchasing a safer vehicle for Michelle before he was killed by a drunk driver on March 30, 2009.

* Michelle realized that her 15-year-old daughter was watching and that she needed to show her how to face the unthinkable.

* Michelle made a bold choice. This tragedy could make them bitter, or they could choose to become better.

Forgiveness Without Excusing the Harm

* Michelle is honest that forgiveness did not happen quickly; years later, she still carried deep, chronic anger.

* A recovering alcoholic at a writing retreat helped her see addiction through a different lens and find the grace to begin releasing that anger.

* Forgiveness did not erase the devastation or make the harm acceptable. It allowed Michelle to stop letting bitterness define the rest of her life.

When Sharing Your Story Changes Someone Else’s

* Michelle originally wrote Better, Not Bitter for her daughter, but with the encouragement of mentor Debra Engle, she told decided to share it with the world and publish, hopeful it would help others.

* At her first library talk, a father newly out of alcohol rehab bought the book as a reminder to remain sober, become the dad he wanted to be, and learn to forgive himself. That moment showed Michelle the true reach of her story.

Listening to the Whispers

* Michelle describes hearing Joe’s voice tell her, “Everything will be okay,” before she knew about the crash, along with other premonitions and after-death communications.

* Her memoir grew into more than 100 library talks and conversations with people affected by grief, alcoholism, widowhood, and loss.

* Michelle reminds us that it takes courage to follow God’s guidance.

From Memoir to Movie

* Michelle learned screenwriting through Story Summit, working with mentors Margaret South, Deborah Engel, Sabrina Parra, and Jeff Arch.

* Writer-director-producer Zach Koepp brings his own recovery experience to Whispers from Heaven, allowing the film to also explore the humanity of those struggling with addiction.

* The film is planned for production in Iowa and will carry Michelle’s message of love, loss, spiritual connection, forgiveness, and hope to an even wider audience.

Imagine. Believe. Discover.

Imagine what your life could become if you found the courage to do what you have always wanted to do. Believe you can begin, no matter your age or experience. Discover the people, purpose, and possibilities waiting for you along the way. And whenever you can, choose better, not bitter.

Where to find Michelle Cowan-Schroeder

* Michelle Cowan-Schroeder’s Author Website

* Better, Not Bitter by Michelle Cowan

* Michelle’s Substack

* The feature film, Whispers from Heaven, is currently in development.

Mentioned in This Conversation

* Zach Koepp, producer/director/writer

* Story Summit Writing School & HERSpirit Writing Retreat 2027

* David Kirkpatrick’s Substack, Founder of Story Summit

* Debra Engle

* Margaret South

* The Okoboji Writers’ Retreat

* Sabrina Parra

* Jeff Arch

* Paul McGlinchey

These two were not specifically mentioned, but if you are hurting from loss, Pam McCarty and Nikki Meyler Miller have excellent Substacks on grief.

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps today is the day you choose forgiveness, grace, and healing over anger and despair.

Thank you Michelle for being a Substack “LIVE” guest.

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever dreamed of writing a book—and wondered whether you have what it takes to keep going?

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, Shannon MacKinnon sits down with writer Jessica P. Holme to talk about the long, messy, joyful road from first idea to finished novel. Jessica shares the decade-long evolution of The Assistant’s Notebook, what fourteen drafts taught her about accepting feedback, and why writing a book is never truly a solo endeavor.

With warmth, honesty, and plenty of British-American banter, Shannon and Jessica explore creative courage, the healing power of storytelling, and why the writing itself is the real prize.

Show Notes

Ten Years, Fourteen Drafts, and a Lot of Rewriting

* Jessica first imagined The Assistant’s Notebook in 2014 after overhearing a troubling conversation between two women on a train.

* She reveals what it took to delete her first eight chapters, preserve the necessary clues, and rebuild the opening.

* She reminds us all that first drafts do not have to be good. Just write.

Writing Is Not a Solo Journey

* Critique partners, editors, writing groups, and the Crime Writers’ Association helped Jessica see what she could not see on her own.

* She shares how asking for help strengthened both her novel and her confidence.

* The conversation reminds us that even deeply personal creative work thrives in community.

Finding Joy in the Creative Process

* In a publishing world filled with rejection, uncertainty and AI, Jessica returns to one essential truth: she writes because she loves writing.

* Success is not only securing an agent or publishing a book. It is honoring the idea, developing the craft and becoming the person who finishes.

* The real reward is playing with language, following your curiosity, and creating something only you can create.

Stories Can Help Us Heal

* Jessica discusses using the aftermath of the pandemic to explore grief, justice and connection through Detective Nora Russo.

* Writing offers a safe place to process difficult experiences and explore emotionally risky “what if” questions.

* Whether or not anyone ever reads the finished work, creating it changes the writer.

Imagine. Believe. Discover.

* Imagine the characters and the world they inhabit.

* Believe in yourself enough to keep going when the first draft falls short.

* Discover your voice and who you are along the way.

People and Organizations Mentioned

* Jessica Holme (J. P. Holme) is a writer and educator completing a master’s degree in creative writing. She is seeking representation for her crime novel, The Assistant’s Notebook, and developing The Medusa Club, a new novel inspired by women, justice, and a secret vigilante society.

* Elspeth Latimer: Writing the Detectives

* Georges Simenon: Maigret and the Saturday Caller

* Crime Writers Association

* Crime Writers Association Daggers Dinner

* Richard Bradford: Crime Fiction, A Very Short Introduction

Upcoming Interviews in 2027

* Leigh Russell

* Elspeth Latimer

* Mathew Booth

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps today is the day you decide to write the book of your heart. Jessica’s crime fiction book started on a train. What about you?

Thank you Jessica for being a Substack “LIVE” guest.

Thank you Troy D Bond, Bonnie Corns, Kevin, and Scott for tuning into our LIVE conversation about writing crime fiction. We appreciate you!

Stories change the world.Sometimes they help us heal and discover who we really are.

Imagine boldly. Believe deeply. Discover what’s possible.

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, Shannon MacKinnon sits down with author, playwright, psychotherapist, and teacher, Maggi Feehan for a fascinating conversation about the Scottish witch hunts, the women whose stories were nearly erased from history, and why those stories are resurfacing now.

Maggi shares how a decades-long fascination with the witch hunts became The Burning Times, her screenplay and novel, and how a startling discovery about her own maternal ancestors transformed the work from historical research into something deeply personal.

Together, Shannon and Maggi explore trauma, resilience, the healing power of storytelling, our connection to our ancestors, and what it means to bring forgotten stories back into the light.

Show Notes

The Women Behind the Word “Witch”

* Maggi challenges the romanticized idea that the women persecuted during the witch hunts were all practicing witches, herbalists, or healers. Many were simply women caught in a culture of fear, religious upheaval, poverty, and misogyny.

* They discuss the staggering gender disparity of the persecutions and why the witch hunts cannot be understood without examining gender.

* Maggi explains how accusations of witchcraft could arise from something as ordinary as a neighbor’s milk going sour—and how the legal system turned suspicion into persecution.

The Shocking Economics of the Witch Hunts

* Accused women could be forced to pay the costs of their own imprisonment—including the expenses of their jailers.

* Elderly women who possessed land, cottages, or other resources could become particularly vulnerable.

* Maggi explores the witch hunts not only as religious and gendered persecution, but as events unfolding alongside enormous political, social, and economic change.

Ancestral Trauma and Ancestral Resilience

* Drawing on her work as a psychotherapist, Maggi discusses intergenerational trauma and the ways painful experiences can reverberate through families and communities.

* But she offers an important counterpoint: intergenerational resilience. Our ancestors didn’t only suffer. They survived, loved, danced, sang, told stories, built communities, and found joy.

* Shannon and Maggi explore the possibility that movement, nature, storytelling, creativity, and other healing practices can help us transform what has been carried forward.

When the Research Became Personal

* While researching The Burning Times, Maggi became fascinated by Christian Cadell, a woman who disguised herself as a male witch pricker called John Dixon.

* Years later, during a research trip to Scotland, Maggi learned of a startling connection: Cadell had reportedly been responsible for the deaths of 17 people from Maggi’s maternal Maclean ancestral line.

* The discovery changed her relationship to the project. As Maggi says, “This is my story to tell.”

Imagine. Believe. Discover.

* Maggi shares the long journey of transforming The Burning Times from screenplay to novel and her belief that finding the right publishing team matters more than simply finding a publishing team.

* She describes Imagine | Believe | Discover as a kind of alchemy: imagining something, deeply believing in it, and then discovering how it takes form in the world.

* After years of research, writing, rewriting, and believing in this story, Maggi puts it beautifully: “I’ve been working on this frequency on The Burning Times a long time. It’s ready for form.”

People and Organizations Mentioned

* Maggi Feehan’s Substack, Website, & Email: [email protected]

* The Witches of Scotland, Zoe Venditozzi & Claire Mitchell (Two quarrelsome dames who created the “Witches of Scotland” Tartan.)

* How to Kill a Witch: The Patriarchy’s Guide to Silencing Women

* Kenny Boyle, Scottish actor, author, and playwright

* The Puyallup Tribe of Indians and the WWNAEC educator’s conference

* Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, MSW, PhD

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps today is the day to claim your ancestral healing and resilience through the stories you choose to tell.

Thank you Maggi for being a Substack “LIVE” guest.

Thank you Kato McNickle, Cindi, and many others for tuning into our LIVE discussion about the Scottish Witch Trials. We appreciate you!

Stories change the world.Sometimes they also reach backward to restore names, honor lives, and heal those who came before us.

Imagine boldly. Believe deeply. Discover what’s possible.

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, Shannon MacKinnon sits down with filmmaker, screenwriter, actor, and storyteller Naz Pankey for a conversation about resilience, faith, storytelling, and the courage to believe in a different future. From overcoming a third-grade reading level as an adult learner to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter, Naz shares a remarkable journey that reminds us that our greatest limitations are often the stories we’ve been told about ourselves.

Show Notes

The Stories That Shape Who We Become

* Naz reflects on how Little House on the Prairie and childhood storytelling sparked a lifelong passion for writing.

* She explains why every meaningful story mirrors the human experience of growth, transformation, and redemption.

* Great storytelling invites us to see ourselves and others with more empathy, grace, and compassion.

From Self-Doubt to Purpose

* Naz shares the pivotal moment that changed her life after discovering she read at a third-grade level as an adult entering college.

* A profound spiritual experience inspired her to see herself “through God’s eyes” and commit to excellence one day at a time.

* That single decision opened doors to scholarships, television internships, filmmaking, writing, and a thriving creative career.

Healing, Grief, and Receiving Unexpected Blessings

* The conversation explores navigating profound grief while remaining open to hope and new opportunities.

* Naz describes how Story Summit, HERSpirit, and the writing community became a source of healing and belonging.

* Sometimes the greatest breakthroughs arrive only after we learn to quiet our inner critic and allow ourselves to receive support.

Imagine. Believe. Discover.

* Shannon and Naz discuss manifestation, faith, and why success rarely arrives exactly as we expect.

* They explore the importance of trusting the process, releasing fear, and believing that opportunities are already unfolding, even when we can’t yet see them.

* The episode closes with a powerful reminder that imagining boldly, believing deeply, and acting with love can transform both our lives and the stories we tell.

Favorite Quotes

“See yourself through God’s eyes until you can see yourself.”“Love is the answer to everything.”“It starts with a decision.”“Sometimes you can’t see what’s ahead—but it’s already there.”“The stories we tell can help people see themselves with more grace.”

Listen if you enjoy conversations about:

* Storytelling that heals

* Creativity and filmmaking

* Faith and personal transformation

* Overcoming self-doubt

* Purpose, resilience, and hope

* Living with greater compassion and curiosity

People and Organizations Mentioned

Naz Pankey’s SubstackNaz Pankey’s WebsiteStory Summit Writing School Her Spirit Writing Retreat 2027Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatAndy Edge’s SubstackPam McCarty’s Substack Grace for Grief, A Mother’s Journey of Love and Loss Michelle Cowan’s book & upcoming film, Better Not Bitter

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps, today is the day to see yourself and others through God’s eyes.

Thank you Naz Pankey for being a Substack “LIVE” guest!

Thank you Pam McCarty, Claire Machado, Jeff Smith, Troy D Bond, and many others for joining our conversation. We appreciate you coming to our Substack party!

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, host Shannon MacKinnon talks to award-winning, New York Times and USA Today international bestselling author, speaker, and writing coach, Julie Cantrell.

Julie is a powerhouse of inspiration, uplifting viewpoints and honest reflection. You will love her beautiful way of reminding us to be present, stay in a place of curiosity, and choose the light within. I was so inspired by her take on life and I think you will be too. Thank you Julie!

You can find out more by subscribing to Curiosity with Julie Cantrell.

Show Notes

Choosing Curiosity Over Certainty

Julie shares why she built her Substack around curiosity instead of expertise, reminding us that a life filled with wonder leads to continual growth and unexpected discoveries.

* Curiosity keeps us open to mystery, creativity, and lifelong learning.

* Small questions often lead to extraordinary stories.

* Nature is one of our greatest teachers when we slow down enough to notice it.

Listening for Your Inner Voice

The conversation explores how difficult it can be to separate our own calling from the expectations and opinions of others.

* Julie reflects on her TEDx message: “What have I hidden?” and “What choice leads to light?”

* Learning to trust your own inner wisdom is an ongoing practice.

* Fear of missing out often pulls us away from the path that is uniquely ours.

Why Stories Heal

Some of life’s deepest wounds begin to heal when we finally give them words.

* Writing helps transform pain into wisdom instead of allowing it to harden us.

* Julie shares experiences working with trauma survivors, writers, and communities discovering healing through storytelling.

* Honest stories create empathy, connection, and hope.

Creating More Light in the World

Whether writing a novel, creating art, or simply showing kindness to a neighbor, every act of creation has the power to make the world better.

* We don’t have to solve every global problem to make a meaningful difference.

* Small daily acts of love and compassion create lasting ripple effects.

* Every person has unique gifts capable of bringing more light into the world.

Imagine • Believe • Discover

Julie beautifully reflects on what the show’s theme means to her.

* Imagine the good you can create.

* Believe your gifts matter.

* Discover the better world we build one small act at a time.

People and Organizations Mentioned

* Julie’s Substack: Curiosity

* Julie Cantrell’s Website

* Ember and Vine Press

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps, when it comes to your gifts, after hearing Julie’s wise words, you can share them with courage and let your light shine.

Thank you Julie for being a Substack “LIVE” guest!

Thank you Penny Harris ACC, Nikki Meyler Miller, Erika J. Sovey Troy D Bond and many others for tuning into our conversation. We appreciate you coming to the party!

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, host Shannon MacKinnon talks with Mike Searles, a former live entertainer, radio host, and salesman. Mike helps people feel comfortable behind the camera. He helped me and because of him, I am having a blast doing LIVE interviews on Substack. (Thanks Mike!)

We cover why writers should go on camera, how to manifest your ‘Wish Fulfilled’, and what it was like for Mike to grow up with a mom who did seances at their house. I was especially fascinated by his story about a detective and a message from the other side.

You can find out more by subscribing to Star Maker LIVE Substack.

Show Notes

Finding the Courage to Be Seen

* Mike explains why so many people underestimate their own gifts and how others often recognize strengths we cannot see in ourselves.

* Confidence only grows after we take the first courageous step.

* Even a simple 60-second video can shift fear into confidence.

The Power of the Wish Fulfilled

* Mike shares how overcoming addiction and achieving 17 years of sobriety shaped his life’s mission of helping others fulfill their deepest dreams.

* Drawing on the teachings of Neville Goddard, he explores why feeling the outcome is often more powerful than simply repeating affirmations.

* The conversation examines how imagination, emotion, and inspired action work together to create meaningful change.

Following the Bridge of Incidents

* Shannon and Mike discuss the surprising synchronicities that seem to appear once we become clear about what we truly want.

* Rather than forcing outcomes, Mike encourages listeners to remain open to unexpected opportunities and intuitive nudges.

* The discussion explores the balance between hard work, faith, and allowing life to unfold in remarkable ways.

Growing Up Around Spiritualism

* Mike shares fascinating childhood memories of séances, psychic experiences, and growing up in a family deeply involved with spiritualism.

* He reflects on how those experiences shaped both his curiosity and his caution about the unseen world.

* Shannon adds her own perspective on meaningful spiritual experiences and the comfort many people find through them.

Imagine • Believe • Discover

* Mike offers his interpretation of Shannon’s guiding philosophy, drawing inspiration from Albert Einstein, Neville Goddard, and Napoleon Hill.

* The conversation closes with a reminder to imagine boldly, believe what feels natural, and stay alert for the unexpected path that unfolds.

People and Organizations Mentioned

* Mike’s Substack: Star Maker LIVE!

* Mr. Twenty Twenty: Website + The Science of Miracles: Spotify

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps, when it comes to your dreams, you can act with courage (before the confidence) and feel the feeling to call in your wish fulfilled.

Thank you Mike for being a Substack “LIVE” guest!

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, host Shannon MacKinnon talks with Sue Inches, an author, activist, speaker and environmental advocate. Drawing on decades of experience as an environmental lobbyist and educator, Sue shares why optimism is a daily practice, how stories create lasting change, and why building compassionate communities may be our greatest opportunity to shape the future.

You can find out more about about Sue Inches by subscribing to her Substack or Latest News from Sue Inches or at her website: www.sueinches.com

Creating the World We Want - Show Notes

Hope Is a Practice

* Sue explains that optimism is a conscious choice we make every day, even in difficult times.

* The conversation explores the idea that humanity is rooted in love, compassion, and a shared responsibility to sustain life.

* Shannon and Sue discuss the importance of creating “clearings” in our lives where wisdom, creativity, and inspiration can emerge.

Why Stories Change the World

* Facts matter, but stories are what people remember.

* Sue shares lessons from her years as an environmental lobbyist, explaining how personal experiences have a huge impact on decisions.

* Even when facing disagreement, curiosity and listening can open conversations.

The Power of Place

* From the forests of Oregon to the coastlines of Maine and the Scottish Highlands, we are deeply connected to the natural world.

* Sue reflects on why caring for the places we love transcends politics.

* Shannon and Sue also bond over their shared love of Scotland, ancestry, history, and the landscapes that shape our identity.

Ordinary People Create Extraordinary Change

* Feeling overwhelmed by global problems is normal, but meaningful change almost always begins in small local communities.

* Sue shares remarkable stories of ordinary citizens who successfully organized to protect their neighborhoods and natural resources.

Imagine the Future You Want to Create

* Sue introduces her book, , and encourages everyone to discover the advocate within themselves.

* Together, Shannon and Sue reflect on the meaning of Imagine | Believe | Discover as a philosophy of hope, compassion, and action.

* The conversation closes with a powerful reminder: the future begins with what we choose to imagine today.

People and Organizations Mentioned

Sue’s book: Advocating for the EnvironmentSue’s Substack: Latest News from Sue Inches Sue’s website: www.sueinches.comFor the Generations: Securing Our Right to a Healthy Environments:

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps, when it comes to dreaming

of the world we want,

you will be the one to make a difference.

Thank you Sue for being a Substack “LIVE” guest!

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe