The Aware Show

IIs it possible that the movement of the planets can predict what lies ahead? How influenced are we by the moon and its phases? Have you heard about the 8/8 Lion's Gate, happening on August 8th? According to world-renowned astrologer Susan Miller, the celestial bodies can affect many different aspects of our lives including our relationships, our health, our legal contracts, and so much more. Today Susan discusses the year ahead and how several major planets are moving into different astrological signs, signaling new ideas and broadening our horizons. Susan is the founder of the wildly successful website “Astrology Zone,” where she receives upwards of 13 million unique visitors per month. Her mother was a gifted astrologer and due to numerous health challenges as she was growing up, including being bedridden for months at a time, Susan had the opportunity to intently study astrology and the science behind it. She talks about the particular planetary alignment at the beginning of the pandemic and how it foretold great changes ahead. Major planets were in Earth signs during the Industrial Revolution and now these planets are moving into Air signs, which means we could see vast technological advances happening very quickly. Susan also goes through each astrological sign, step-by-step, and reveals what lies ahead for each one. She also discusses the meaning of “retrogrades” and how these are times of reflection and not ideal for signing contracts or making major decisions, if at all possible. Susan continues her work as an author, international columnist, entrepreneur, and publisher. She is the author of 12 astrology books, as well as the popular “The Year Ahead” astrology calendars. She has apps in which to read your daily horoscope as well as very extensive monthly horoscopes. Info: AstrologyZone.com 

August marks the 61st anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s death and even this many decades later, she is still considered one of the most popular icons in all of Hollywood history. Today’s guest Nina Boski deeply explores the circumstances around the mystery of Marilyn’s passing. By utilizing medical reports, and speaking with physicians and other experts, she’s pieced together a fathomable understanding that addresses Marilyn’s mental illness including anxiety and possibly bi-polar disorder. She also explains how Marilyn, a complex and deeply fragmented person, constantly under pressure, became a prisoner to the image of her character. Nina explores further in her podcast “Behind the Icon.” Info: behindtheicon.com. 

How important is faith when it comes to healing? We know science can only explain so much. These concepts can exist together. Lisa continues the interview today with our guest, Dr. Gary Simonds, a retired neurosurgeon who’s treated tens of thousands of patients. Today he talks about burnout in the healthcare system, especially during and after Covid. He explains how we are all constantly depositing or withdrawing energy from our energy bank. When are not replenishing, we can get burnt out. We may feel like we are not contributing. Dr. Simonds has worked with world experts researching physician burnout and our healthcare system. He suggests how stillness and meditation are very beneficial to everyone. Dr. Simonds also describes what the brain actually looks like, its blood supply, and its need for constant oxygen. He talks about how social isolation impairs brain function. It is so important to seek out community. He further discusses the importance of sleep and rest for a healthy brain, and how mindfulness can provide a sense of balance as it can change the brain alignment. 

He stresses the importance of keeping a positive attitude and focusing on resilience. Dr. Simonds suggests practicing gratitude and asks us to think of 3 things we are grateful for throughout the day. He explains how our brains actually have a different chemical reaction when looking for the positive. He suggests considering uplifting material or realizing something as simple as a smile. Sometimes we need to force ourselves to look for the positive. As a neurosurgeon, doctors typically look for the worst-case scenario, so they can plan in advance if something goes wrong. He talks about consciously directing thoughts toward possibilities and solutions. Dr. Simonds, as an expert neurosurgeon, also discusses how to deliver difficult news, while managing expectations.  He’s had to do it so many times, with many patients and families. He explains how it’s all about trust -- a delicate walk between honesty and compassion with empathy.  An expert on burnout and trauma, Dr. Simonds is the Founding Chief of Neurosurgery at the Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (retired) and the author of three non-fiction books. “Death’s Pale Flag” is his first novel and his latest book. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: GaryRSimonds.com.   

What does it take to make a dream come true? As America’s Dream Coach, today’s guest Marcia Wieder explains that we can all have our dreams, hopes, and goals realized. She has coached clients ranging from CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to local Girl Scout Troops and travels the world as an ambassador for dreams.  She firmly believes that “each of our personal dreams matter and are worth achieving.” Today she shows us how to realize our intentions and sets us on the path to making all our dreams really come true! Marcia is CEO and Founder of Dream University and has decades of experience in business and life coaching. Marcia has appeared several times on Oprah, The Today show, in her own PBS-TV special, and has written 4 books with her latest being “Dreams are Whispers from the Soul.” She is the personal Dream Coach to Jack Canfield, stars in “Beyond the Secret” with Bob Proctor, and is a member of the prestigious Transformational Leadership Council.  Info: DreamUniversity.com

Science can only explain so much. Faith also plays a very important role. They are not opposed and can exist together as both strive to find the truth. It’s just a matter of looking at the topic from different angles, according to our guest today, Dr. Gary Simonds, a retired neurosurgeon who’s treated tens of thousands of patients. Today he talks about burnout in the healthcare system, especially during and after Covid. He stresses the importance of keeping a positive attitude and focusing on resilience. Dr. Simonds suggests practicing gratitude and asks us to think of 3 things we are grateful for throughout the day. He explains how our brains actually have a different chemical reaction when looking for the positive. He suggests considering uplifting material or realizing something as simple as a smile. Sometimes we need to force ourselves to look for the positive. As a neurosurgeon, doctors typically look for the worst-case scenario, so they can plan in advance if something goes wrong. He talks about consciously directing thoughts toward possibilities and solutions. Dr. Simonds, as an expert neurosurgeon, also discusses how to deliver difficult news, while managing expectations.  He’s had to do it so many times, with many patients and families. He explains how it’s all about trust -- a delicate walk between honesty and compassion with empathy. An expert on burnout and trauma, Dr. Simonds is the Founding Chief of Neurosurgery at the Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (retired) and the author of three non-fiction books. “Death’s Pale Flag” is his first novel and his latest book. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: GaryRSimonds.com

Would you like to feel much better physically? Would you like to know how to not be sick ever again? Today’s guest, researcher, author, and world-renowned speaker, Dr. Raymond Francis, will discuss breakthroughs that scientifically demonstrate how our cells end up sick and then manifest in physical outward symptoms. He will discuss cutting-edge methods of how to heal your body for good. He will also discuss how using microwaves will change the nutritional molecules in our food and about the effects of electromagnetic frequencies. Raymond Francis is a Doctor of Naturopathy, a chemist, author, and a registered nutrition consultant. Raymond is dedicated to ending the epidemic of chronic disease in America by using revolutionary health technology outlined in his highly acclaimed books, “Never Be Sick Again,” and “Never Be Fat Again.” Info: beyondhealth.com. 

The American healthcare system is dealing with more mental health issues than ever before. What is the root of the uprising in anxiety and mood disorders? Why are more young people, children and teenagers, receiving this diagnosis and what can we do as a society to help understand? Today’s guest, Susan Swick, MD, MPH is the Executive Director of Ohana, the integrated program for child and adolescent mental and behavioral health and healing at Montage Health, and the Vice President and Chief Mental Health Officer at Montage Health. She began her career at Rikers Island, studying the mental health needs of the incarcerated, which led her to studying younger patients, specifically the field of child psychiatry and how these children can be helped at an earlier age. How much is environmental and how much is the neurology of the brain? There is a rise in mental health issues in children. Childhood, from a brain perspective, ends closer to age 25. Skills like socialization, communication, and bonding are still forming until approximately this age. We develop skills prior to this age which can affect our mental health for the rest of our lives. But, there’s good news and treatment is available! It can be corrected using a type of supportive mental health technique using skill-building so children learn to manage anxiety – it’s like a type of mental health “tutoring” so they can manage something new and challenging, even if frightening. It is possible to build skills toward stronger health and mental fitness.  

Dr. Swick also talks about social media and how children become addicted to being online with a dopamine hit, especially in teenagers. Many compare themselves to others and eating disorders may start here. The reward part of the brain also does not mature until approximately age 26.  

Over a distinguished 20-year career as a clinical psychiatrist and educator, Dr. Swick has helped transform how American healthcare systems meet the escalating demand for pediatric and adolescent mental and behavioral healthcare treatment and services. A graduate of Columbia University Medical School, she previously served as Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Newton Wellesley Hospital and as an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. 

 In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Swick is an advocate for the importance of mental fitness and has developed nationally recognized neuroscience strategies to help young people build and maintain a state of emotional health and positive self-awareness throughout their lives. Info: https://www.montagehealth.org/care-treatment/mental-behavioral/ohana/ 

Do frustration, stress, and worry consume your thoughts? Do you want to become emotionally free? Psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Judith Orloff shares her inspiring wisdom and invites us to liberate ourselves by mastering our emotions. In her NYT best-selling book, “Emotional Freedom,” she talks about not just getting rid of fear but learning the skill of courage. That way we can learn to move forward, with patience and compassion. We must acknowledge the negative feelings but keep on moving. She also talks about jealousy and envy and how to transform these emotions. These emotions stem from low self-esteem, but it is possible to work through it. She talks about not being attached to the outcome, but always trying to follow your heart and do your best. If we can do that, we can know we’ve succeeded.  Dr. Orloff addresses loneliness and how it is increasing dramatically, as it’s caused by separation from self, others, and spirit.  But this can be healed through a sense of connection, and she talks about how meditation can help, as well as going out into nature. She further discusses anger, frustration, and sadness and how we can stay in the now, and work through each of those emotions to grow.  

Judith Orloff, M.D. is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA. She is an international lecturer on the interrelationship of intuition, energy, and medicine and has spoken at medical schools, hospitals, and various forums. Some of her books include “Positive Energy Practices: How to Attract Uplifting People and Combat Energy Vampires,” and “Dr. Judith Orloff’s Guide to Intuitive Healing: 5 Steps to Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Wellness.”  Info: drjudithorloff.com. 

When you consider religion and various beliefs, how can we know anything is the truth? What is belief anyway and how can we know that something is true? Might it be irrational to believe in a God or Higher Power? Lisa continues the conversation today with NYT bestselling author Eldon Taylor, Ph.D., who examines these ideas and more. He talks about how there are good people everywhere, who cross all barriers – whether they reject organized religion and spirituality or not.  

Eldon talks about how what you believe can, and does, have a huge impact on the quality of your life — from success in business to success in relationships, from your ability to learn and master new subjects to your ability to heal your own body. In his latest book, “Questioning Spirituality,” he deeply considers the idea of a God and/or Higher Power and how it seems our institutions of higher learning tend to go against this idea. An intellectual elitism exists in which students, and professors, may think that although it’s comforting to consider believing in a God, it’s simply not rational. 

The idea for his latest book started after numerous conversations with Eldon’s college-aged sons, both of whom were studying away at Ivy League schools. Although they grew up with a strong sense of faith, they returned home from university as atheists. 

Students are taught critical thinking in college. This naturally leads to the questioning of religion. Is it possible to be both a critical thinker and hold belief in a Higher Power? Eldon presents both sides of the argument – and proposes that it’s not at all irrational to believe.  

Eldon Taylor has been researching the power of the mind for the past 25 years and is considered to be an expert in the areas of hypnosis and subliminal communication. For more than ten years, Eldon specialized in criminalistics, where he supervised and conducted investigations and testing to detect deception. Today, Eldon is President and Director of Progressive Awareness Research, Inc. He has developed and patented the InnerTalk technology, which has been demonstrated by numerous universities to be effective. Eldon is an award-winning, NYT best-selling author of more than 300 books, and audio and video programs.  Info: eldontaylor.com.  This is Part 2 of the interview.  

 Would you like to be more successful? If you are willing to make powerful changes, author, speaker, and trainer Joe Nunziata can show you how by breaking destructive patterns of behavior. These unconscious patterns are connected to deep emotional energy that must be changed to facilitate long-term success in all areas of life.  But if you’re willing to make the changes, your life will be changed!! Joe Nunziata is an internationally known speaker, breakthrough specialist, energy healer, and bestselling author. He has been delivering his life-changing message at events and seminars since 1992 and has been working in the areas of personal development and human potential for more than 30 years. His unique blend of spirituality, psychology, philosophy, and the power of energy results in revolutionary programs and books. He talks about the “Attractor Sales System” which he explains in his book “Spiritual Selling.” His other books include, “No More Mental Barriers,” “No More 9 to 5,” and “The 7 Keys to Transformation.” Info: spiritualselling.com