The Idea Fountain: Life Changing Conversations

Nature is a gift. This year I was able to witness one of the most beautiful things I've ever been able to experience - the chrysalis and evolution of a monarch butterfly. In 2018 "California had plunged to only 20,456 butterflies - a drop of 86% since last year" said National Geographic. It's time to reconnect with the planet and save the butterflies before it's too late. Songwriter, Artist, Record Producer, Humanitarian, and Butterfly Farmer Koool Kojak tells us how.

Service: 2020 has been a powerful time to think about making sacrifices and standing up for what you believe in. Whether you use your voice, protest, donate, or give back…. How are you in service. What if you had to risk your life for something you didn’t necessarily believe in? 

In this episode we talk to my Dad about his experience getting drafted to Vietnam, how he has continued to serve, and also his thoughts on defunding the police. As always we filled the (Zoom) room up with people I love for a fireside chat and some unbelievable stories! Enjoy!

Everything has changed. In a blink we realize what we took for granted. I miss Dodgers games, yoga class, and Friday Morning Hike Club. In this episode of the Idea Fountain Kevin Carroll talks about the void left in our lives from the absence of sports and play during Covid-19. If quarantine has you in a rut - taking a few lessons from Kevin’s Rules of the Red Rubber Ball may be exactly what you need. 

“There is something in this interview for everyone that lives in LA or even people who ever thought of visiting LA!! There needs to be a part 2!!” - Says Julian, my boyfriend, who was completely enamored with my guest Julio Shampoolio. There is also something in this interview for anyone with grey hair or anyone thinking about emotionally dying their hair a new color during quarantine. There is something in this interview for anyone feeling disconnected, questioning what is happening with the world, and trying to find their purpose or style in a really difficult time. Everyone knows hair stylists often double as therapists so it felt like the perfect time to interview mine. Julio Shampoolio is the owner of Melrose’s Shampoolio Salon and The Roaring 90s vintage. I have a daily calendar that serves up mantras and the other day it said “I share my knowledge and resources with all of Life.” That’s essentially what the Idea Fountain is - my knowledge and resources. Every month I interview someone who has changed my life. This month - it’s Shampoolio… enjoy!

International Women's History Month has been overshadowed by this pandemic and crisis moment. Still, I think it's more important than ever to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. In this episode I'm joined by Jennifer McGarigle from Floral Art, Patty Rodriguez of Lil Libros, and LaLa Romero of Bella Dona as well as a living room full of talented bosses in the game. I've always worked for a corporation and I'm in awe of these women for bringing their dreams to life. I learned a ton from our chat and left incredibly inspired and thankful for my tribe of strong women. March and International Women's History Month may have been overshadowed by Coronavirus but we will KEEP celebrating!

Break glass in case of emergency! Whether you have been in a crisis lately, have a friend in crisis, or feel like the world’s in crisis this episode about support is for you! 2019 at times felt like a heavy year. It made me realize that connection has meant more to me than ever lately. Liz Hernandez is the Creator and Host of Wordaful. Wordaful was inspired by the idea that words are powerful. Liz and I often get together for long talks about life. This time we did it, as a fireside chat, with a group of friends at the house. I’m excited to share it with you for the latest edition of The Idea Fountain!

It’s the biggest week for music - Grammy Week!!

It was important for me to do this episode to not only discuss how you can get involved and be a Grammy Member…. also I really wanted to focus on getting involved.

In an election year it’s more important than ever to have a voice. 

A lot of people have strong opinions about politics and awards shows - but… if you’re not voting or getting involved nothing ever is going to change.

I am a Governor for the LA Chapter of the Recording Academy and think it’s a privilege to advocate on behalf of my favorite artists and creatives. The music industry is changing FAST - and if we’re not involved in the conversations about the future - who will be?!?!

If you want to get involved in the Recording Academy do it today. You need to apply by March 1st. More details in this episode or on the Idea Fountain page.

No matter what I hope this episode inspires you to get involved and use your voice this year. We need people who care, speaking up for what matters, and connecting more than ever.

Happy New Year!! If you know me you know.... a party trick of mine has always been the ability to do numerology. I recorded a special edition of The Idea Fountain with the woman who taught me everything I know - Karen Cornell!! We'll break down how you can figure out your personal year, what 2020 means for you, and practice by reading some celebrity birthdays and also Idea Fountain listeners. Enjoy!!

Here’s to unplugging over the holidays.

This month on The Idea Fountain Max Stossel, from the Center for Humane Technology, did a fireside chat about screen time which turned into a bit of a therapy sessions for all involved.

Max said “Social media didn’t create our problems but it poured gasoline on them.” Removing likes, 5G, internet trolls, parenting, emotional intelligence, AI, creativity - we covered it all in this episode.

I know it always feels good to tape an episode of the Idea Fountain live with a group of friends at my house. The personal connection is a highlight much more than just liking photos on my phone. Still, I love connecting and staying in touch with people on line. Less time on screens will be a 2020 New Years Resolution for me. Wishing you more of whatever you want in 2020!

Every year at Thanksgiving canned food drives are arranged. Many people like to serve meals at the Union Rescue Mission DTLA. There are an estimated 60,000 homeless people in the Los Angeles area year round. It’s a number so large it can be hard to wrap your mind around. Recently, I met one man named Wendell Blassingame. He’s the City Councilman for Skid Row. He was once homeless. Now every day, for the past 17 years, he’s set a table up at San Julian Park to help people. Talking with Wendell has changed my life. Normally I record each episode of The Idea Fountain in my house as a fireside chat. This month we took the conversation down to Skid Row with sirens, loud music, and commotion for one of the most priceless episodes to date. I hope you get half as much as I did from Wendell in our conversation about Humanizing Homelessness.