Sound Pathways with Dr. Karen Olson

Guest, Ricky Kej

https://www.rickykej.com/

3X Grammy® Award Winner, US Billboard #1 artist, GQ Hero 2020, Ricky Kej is an internationally renowned Indian Music Composer and Environmentalist. He has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva. Ricky has won over 100 music awards in 20 countries. He serves as the United Nations "Goodwill Ambassador" (UNCCD) United Nations Refugee High Profile Supporter, UNESCO MGIEP “Global Ambassador for Kindness”, UNICEF “Celebrity Supporter” & Ambassador for “Earth Day Network”.

His vast repertoire of work includes 24 studio albums released internationally, over 3500 commercials and 8 feature films, including the natural history documentary ‘Wild Karnataka’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough. 

Ricky’s awards include the United Nations “Global Humanitarian Artist” award and is conferred with the title “Youth Icon of India”. ‘Real Leaders’, a Signatory to the United Nations named Ricky Kej as one of the 100 Real Leaders who ‘Inspire the Future’. The House of Commons, Parliament of Canada awarded Ricky for his “Outstanding Musical and Humanitarian Achievement”.

A chapter on Ricky’s life and musical journey is taught in the 7th grade English textbooks in India. Ricky Kej is also a professor at the prestigious National Institute of Advanced Studies.

Sound Pathways with Dr. Karen Olson

Guest, Lakecia Benjamin

Sound Pathways with Dr. Karen Olson

Guest: Ricky Persaud, Jr.

Sound Pathways with Dr. Karen Olson

Through Our Hearts and Voices: Bridging Worlds with Allison Charney

Renowned soprano Allison Charney has captivated audiences with leading Puccini and Mozart roles, acclaimed performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and collaborations with some of the world’s most distinguished artists and orchestras. Known for her luminous voice and extremely high artistic standards, she also created the PREformances: Seasons of Hope series, bringing together world-class musicians in the spirit of resilience and collaboration.

Her newest release, ALIKE: My Mother’s Dream, reflects her mother’s wisdom: “We should focus on what makes us similar rather than what makes us different — and the world would be a better place.” With seven tracks — including “country pairs” composed by artists from nations in conflict such as Russia and Ukraine, Iran and Israel — Allison offers music that transcends politics, reminding us of our shared humanity.

Through her artistry and her purpose, Allison shines as a beacon — showing us that through our own hearts and voices, we too can follow our dream’s path, bring people together, and create lives of meaning and connection.

Sound Pathways with Dr. Karen Olson

Guest, Forrest Rivers, Positive thinking Author and College Professor

Awaken to Renewal: Rebirth Your Dreams, Connect with Community with Forrest Rivers

Join Karen Olson and author Forrest Rivers for an inspiring conversation on renewal, community, and the rebirth of dreams. Drawing from his book Humanity’s Spiritual Rebirth, Forrest shares reflections and practices to help us awaken to deeper meaning, reconnect with nature and one another, and live with greater joy and purpose. Tune in and discover how each of us can experience our own renewal — wherever we are on the path.

Forrest Rivers is a writer, teacher and speaker who splits his time between the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina and the majestic Colorado Rockies. His personal journey of awakening began at the age of 30 on an awe-inspiring trip to Maui, Hawaii. It was there on that enchanted island where the profound healing power of the Earth spoke through to his heart and helped him overcome a period of alcohol abuse. Today, Forrest spends his time guiding others to look within and become the best versions of themselves. He is the author of the Hippie Revival and Collected Writings and his forthcoming book, COVID-19 and Humanity’s Spiritual Awakening.

Sound Pathways with Karen Olson Ph.D.

Guests Angel Orengo and Rocio Aquino - Authors of the, Orchid the Secret Code of Modern Goddesses

Sound Stories: Unlocking Creativity and Learning with Eileen Sherman

On Sound Pathways, Emmy Award–winning producer, playwright, lyricist, author, and educator Eileen Bluestone Sherman invites us into Leenie’s Library—her imaginative world of picture-book musicals where sound and story spark a love of reading. She also opens her creative process—from first spark to clear plan and collaborative build—sharing simple, practical steps anyone can use to bring an idea to life. Join us for an uplifting conversation about joyful learning, community connection, and mapping your own path from inspiration to impact.

Sound Pathways with Karen Olson Ph.D.,

Guest, Kirsten Agresta-Copely, harpist and composer

Your Life, Your Gem Within – The Kuruvinda Journey with Renowned Harpist Kirsten Agresta Copely

Like a rare ruby, our lives are shaped and polished through experience. On this episode of Sound Pathways, I sit down with GRAMMY®-nominated harpist and composer Kirsten Agresta Copely, celebrated for her dazzling performances on some of the world’s most iconic stages. Together, we’ll explore the inspiration behind her breathtaking new album Kuruvinda, a deeply personal work that sparkles with color, emotion, and the power of transformation.

We’ll dive into Kirsten’s journey as a composer and performer, discovering how music and life’s challenges reveal our truths, embrace the beauty of imperfection, and transform life’s rough edges into brilliance.

Don’t miss this luminous conversation—tune in to uncover how you can discover your own gem within.

Sound Pathways with Karen Olson Ph.D.,

Guest, Amornay, a powerful creative force and magnetic performer

This week on Sound Pathways, Karen Olson sits down with Amornay — a powerful creative force and magnetic performer whose artistry lives in the space where presence meets purpose.

A proud Recording Academy member and SAG-AFTRA actress, Amornay is both grounded and expansive. Her newest single, “Fool for Love,” delves into the ache of attachment and the longing for truth. With two more releases on the way — Amornay continues to craft emotionally rich, deeply resonant music.

Karen calls her a dream maker — not because she follows a formula, but because she embodies transformation. Through sound, movement, and creative fire, Amornay channels strength through softness, elegance through vulnerability, and clarity through connection.

In this episode, they explore how music becomes a vehicle for healing, how authenticity fuels expression, and how staying grounded in softness can awaken something truly powerful within.

Sound Pathways with Karen Olson Ph.D.,

Guests, Susanna and Puran Bair, Heart Beats & Breath: The Hidden Power of Heart Rhythm Meditation

This week on Sound Pathways, Dr. Karen Olson welcomes Susanna and Puran Bair, co-founders of iamHeart and pioneers of Heart Rhythm Meditation (HRM). Discover how synchronizing your breath and heartbeat can unlock profound emotional healing, stress relief, and spiritual clarity.

Blending ancient Sufi wisdom with modern science, Susanna and Puran reveal how HRM transforms your heartbeat into a powerful tool for coherence, creativity, and living your dreams. Tune in to explore simple yet transformative practices to energize your heart, expand your potential, and walk a life path rooted in harmony, purpose, and authentic connection.