Lost or Found

What if there’s an afterlife, and life is not just as we believe it to be?  What if, at our death, going to the light as a spirit, is a choice?  As Jennifer Lyn discusses in this interview, there are earthbound spirits who were once human. Some remain angry. Some want to be left alone or remain in the shadows. Some stay behind because they feel their life was unfinished, or perhaps they are still searching for something and are scared.  As we think about the choices that we can make in our lives, perhaps healing is critical, lest we hold onto those emotions in our hearts and soul forever.  You can find Jennifer Lyn at jenniferlynmedium.com.

Rabbi Eli Cohen and I speak about the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.  Kabbalah is a discipline and school of thought in Jewish mysticism, to explain the relationship between the unchanging and eternal God.  We talk about how God moves in mysterious ways, how the essence of God could have always been there even when we don’t see it.  A truly fascinating discussion as we talk about true knowledge as we try to understand our inner process, learn and grow, to know the essence of God.

I speak with Dr. Heidi Olander, MD, who is an Ob-gyn physician at Kaiser Permanente San Jose and Santa Cruz about Vaginas, Vulvas, Women’s Libido, Menopause, and other Women’s Health issues.  Often times misunderstood, perhaps uncomfortable as well, Dr. Olander and I talk about the state of the vagina, our vaginas.  Have you ever wondered what normal is?  Can the vulva change shape?  Does taking hormones help our libido?  What about vaginal discharge?  Let’s talk about it!  It’s female empowerment!  

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental condition in which people are self-centered, have an inflated opinion of their own selves, have a deep need for admiration and attention, and lack empathy for others.  They are in love with a self image.  But when a self image is not based on reality, it can manifest in behaviors that are manipulative, patronizing, selfish, and abusive.  Josie Teresi and I talk about our own personal experiences with narcissistic personality disorder.  You can find Josie at josieteresi.com.

I speak with Dr. Christopher Kerr, MD, PhD, who is a hospice physician and end of life researcher, about end of life experiences.  He wrote “Death Is But a Dream,” which is based on Dr. Kerr’s extensive research with hospice patients and their families - which highlights and validates the powerful dreams and visions often experienced at the end of life, that bring comfort and meaning to people who are dying.  His Ted talk has over 3 million views, his work is featured in the Netflix docuseries “Surviving Death”, and most recently Dr. Kerr and his research team are featured in a public television documentary, “Death is but a dream”, which premiered on WNED PBS which serves Western New York, and is set to air nationally in April 2021.  You can find him at drchristopherkerr.com.

Abusers walk amongst us.  In the U.S. - 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.  But this number does not include the more subtle forms of abuse, including emotional, financial, coercive control, and gaslighting.  I speak with Ruth Darlene, who is the founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, which is an organization to help women who are dealing with a powerful and sophisticated abuser.  These abuses are harder to detect, and her organization works to address and raise awareness on these subtle forms of abuse, which are demeaning, damaging, and distressful.

The process of calling out in our culture today can be dehumanizing and vicious. An Activist and Professor at Smith College, Loretta Ross talks about how derisive calling out is, and brings up a more productive and humane approach. She describes Calling In, which is a call out but done privately involving conversation and civility, to promote understanding and true change. You can find her at lorettajross.com.

Dr. Chris Fahrenbach, PhD, and I talk about taking care of our brains!  Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.  We can all have some control over how long we are going to suffer.  Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being and health.  And preserving and restoring our mental health can help our ability to fully live our lives.  Join us in this interesting conversation!