Carolyn Carpenter, film producer, actor and writer describes her path in the film industry as she aligns her “doing with her being.” Carolyn’s personal narrative reveals the priceless joy that accompanies following your dreams, goals and purpose. She provides practical tips and tools grounded in faith, perseverance and strategic planning. Take a leap of faith in your personal dreams. Carolyn’s story of hope is lined with themes of spontaneity, risk taking and clarity. Carolyn Carpenter is a Los Ángeles actress, producer and CEO/Founder of 5 Talent Entertainment. She has written, produced, and starred in many award-winning films and television streaming series. Her most recent project, the comedy web series RecruitedTV is currently airing on YouTube.

Mystified by the way people achieve their dreams, this podcast is one in a series that explores how to make your dreams come true. Oftentimes, our life goal or dream alludes us, but we find that the accomplishments along the way gently guide us forward. Andrea Ambriz-Alvarez is a testament to how to stand up for your dreams no matter what. A Berkeley grad, Andrea tells the story of her cultural roots in music and how they propelled her to find a sense of identity, voice and belonging. She shares her resourcefulness in producing her own podcast around films. If you are seeking inspiration to take the next step, check this out.

Fitness expert and personal trainer, Cindi Gans, explains how exercise can help us feel happier, more confident and healthier. By combining strength and resistance training with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Cindi helps illustrates how to increase muscle mass, bone density and decrease fat. Cindi breaks this all down in a way that’s easy to understand. She sheds light on the importance of self talk using audio cues to get through each set in the HIIT classes. Her simple tips and tools are inspiring and easy to use to incorporate into your exercise program. Cindi is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer since 1998. After working 5 years as an independent trainer at Golds Gym, she created Strength Resources-specializing in personal training, group corporate training, and kids training. Cindi provides individual program design which can include strength and resistance training, cardio-vascular work, flexibility and balance exercises. Offering weekly fitness training instruction in a group setting on the beach or Zoom, Cindi and her clients have fun and get fit. Her philosophy is to meet you where you are and help you find balance in your life. Follow her on Facebook or Instagram or check out her website: strengthbythebeach.com

Writer, poet, and former professor, Michael C. Smith, shares how to unlock your creative potential by sharing his personal journey as a published author and ways he inspired creative writing students in college. Smith inspires the listener to develop confidence in their unique approach to creativity by persevering through difficult tasks, exploring interests and honoring the miracle of questions. “There are infinite possibilities for each of us to touch our uniqueness,” he says. Smith has a sophisticated approach grounded in reflection and personal exploration of self. He’s articulate, funny and genuine sharing the wisdom of a long life infused in the arts. His short personal stories reveal an authenticity often missing in contemporary society that catapults the inner artist and creative essence of an individual onto the center stage of life with the loving nudge of a father whispering, “Love the questions inside of you.” Now, lets do it. Michael C. Smith, father of four and grandfather of one, lives in Pomona, CA, and is a graduate of the MFA program at the University of Arizona. He’s taught writing at six colleges and universities while pursuing a career in the Department of Treasury. He’s the author of Writing Dangerous Poetry (McGraw-Hill) and the coauthor of Everyday Creative Writing: Panning for Gold in the Kitchen Sink (McGraw-Hill). His work has appeared in several journals, including Iowa Review, Seneca Review, Northwest Review, and other publications. His metafictional story, “Bass Weather,” was included in the 2017 Best Small Fictions anthology.

A poet and teacher, Kelly Handwright explores how to use writing as a healing process through stream of consciousness writing. Kelly shares inspirational and creative tips grounded in visual art and music. The podcast explores processing feelings, emotions and memories using art and creative writing. Kelly shares support systems for writers that push their work to the next level. Hanwright is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University and author of the Locus Years forthcoming through Amazon.

Marriage and Family Therapist, Chisato Hotta, shares tools for balancing work and family and deepening our sense of presence. Hotta provides tips around validating the needs of a child while creating a space for work. She describes how to let go of expectations while reframing through gratitude. She encourages us to believe in ourselves and connect with our personal drive and passion as we move forward in life to align our doing with our being. Chisato is licensed as an MFT and a professional clinical counselor in California. After obtaining a Bachelors at UC Berkeley, Chisato completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Southern California. Aside from being a therapist, Chisato is a program supervisor for a non-profit organization. A mother of twins with Autism, Chisato blogs about her adventures at Therapist Mama Bear and Two Ausome Cubs.

You can find her on Instagram @therapistmamabear

https://mireicat.wixsite.com/therapistmamabear

First-generation college graduate and essential worker, Michelle Bernal, shares tips on how to break through personal challenges using personal mantras, self-talk, planning and a strong sense of purpose.

Guest Megan Traver shares how to choose joy even in the darkest hours. Traver discusses the relationship between joy, gratitude and grief. She shares the delight in nurturing relationships with family, friends, work and pets through joy.

We invite you to join us as we share insights and practices that nurture joy with your host, Ellie Lund.