In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, Susanna talks with Amanda Gore about what it truly means to choose joy, connection, and love in our everyday lives. An internationally renowned keynote speaker, author, and founder of The Joy Project, Amanda shares how her own heroine’s journeys through professional success, financial loss, heartbreak, divorce, and starting over in new countries have shaped the wisdom she now teaches.

Together, Susanna and Amanda explore the ways our unconscious thoughts influence how we experience the world and how learning to pause can give us the freedom to choose how we respond. They discuss Amanda’s PAIJE framework, the importance of self-worth, gratitude as a pathway to joy, and the ways fear and judgment can keep us disconnected from ourselves and others. Amanda also shares the story behind her book Joy Is an Inside Job, her journey toward inner peace, and the profound lesson she learned when losing her voice and hearing forced her to slow down and simply be.

Episode Highlights

00:45 – Introducing Amanda Gore and her work with joy, connection, and emotional intelligence.

04:19 – Amanda shares how she went from physiotherapist to internationally renowned keynote speaker.

12:13 – Amanda explains PAIJE: perception, assumption, interpretation, judgment, and expectation, and how our unconscious thinking shapes our experience.

24:21 – Amanda explains her metaphor of the “malware” that can corrupt the source code of who we are, as well as the story of how Joy Is an Inside Job came to her after the death of her mother.

41:39 – Amanda shares the one message she hopes listeners remember: consciously choose love over fear.

Get To Know Amanda Gore

Amanda Gore is an internationally renowned keynote speaker, author, and founder of The Joy Project. For more than 30 years, she has combined humor, storytelling, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence to help people create greater joy, connection, trust, and resilience in their lives and workplaces. A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Amanda is also the author of Joy Is an Inside Job, a book that explores the beliefs, fears, and patterns that can keep us disconnected from the joy within us. Her work encourages people to become more conscious of their thoughts, pause before reacting, choose love over fear, and create deeper connection with themselves and others.

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Email: [email protected]

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In this insightful and deeply reflective episode, Susanna talks with Lani Peterson about the transformative power of story and how the narratives we carry shape our understanding of ourselves and our lives. As a psychologist, storyteller, and story consultant, Lani shares how more than 25 years of working with people from all walks of life has revealed that every person is living a hero's or heroine's journey, whether they realize it or not.

Together, Susanna and Lani explore how stories become tools for healing, connection, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of pausing to reflect on life's unexpected twists, recognizing the gifts we've gained through our experiences, and choosing to move forward with greater intention. This conversation is a reminder that our stories are not simply records of what has happened to us. They are living guides that help us discover our strengths, embrace our purpose, and step courageously into whatever comes next.

00:48 – Introducing Lani Peterson and her work as a psychologist, storyteller, and story consultant.

03:12 – Lani explains why every person is living a hero's or heroine's journey, as well as the importance of pausing to reflect on life's experiences in order to recognize the strengths and gifts we've gained along the way.

11:02 – Lani shares how storytelling creates healing, connection, and transformation across diverse communities, from healthcare professionals to those experiencing homelessness.

27:23 – Lani explains why owning and sharing our stories allows us to better understand ourselves and connect more deeply with others.

35:16 – Lani shares the message she hopes listeners will remember: pause, reflect, claim your gifts, and move forward with intention.

Lani Peterson is a psychologist, storyteller, story consultant, and coach who has spent more than 25 years exploring the power of story as a catalyst for transformation. Throughout her career, she has helped CEOs, physicians, scientists, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, military families, incarcerated individuals, and people experiencing homelessness discover the deeper meaning within their personal and professional stories.

Drawing on psychology, narrative practice, mythology, and the Hero's Journey, Lani helps individuals recognize the strengths they've developed through life's challenges and use their stories as tools for healing, connection, and growth. Her work invites people to pause, reflect on where they've been, and intentionally choose how they want to move forward.

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In this warm, reflective, and deeply moving episode, Susanna talks with Alyson Shelton about the power of storytelling, reclaiming our voices, and the quiet courage it takes to believe our stories are worth telling. An award-winning screenwriter, essayist, and editor, Alyson shares the origin story of her beloved Instagram Live series, Where I'm From — inspired by George Ella Lyon's iconic poem of the same name — and how a simple invitation during the pandemic grew into a gathering of over 250 writers and poets sharing pieces of who they are.

Together, Susanna and Alyson explore the idea of the heroine's journey as it played out in Alyson's own life: answering an unexpected call, stepping out of the background and into her voice, and building a space defined by generosity rather than gatekeeping. Alyson reflects on her friendships with George Ella Lyon and writer Fred Furst, the surprising vulnerability she's witnessed even in seasoned, published writers, and the deep interconnectedness she feels with every story she receives. Full of honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom, this conversation is a gentle reminder that no story (including your own) is too ordinary to matter.

00:41 – Introducing Alyson Shelton and her work as a screenwriter, essayist, and editor

03:48 – How Alyson's Instagram Live series, Where I'm From, began — inspired by George Ella Lyon's poem and a prompt from Fred Furst

15:36 – Susanna and Alyson trace the heroine's journey through Alyson's own "ordinary life" and the call that led her to start the project

20:30 – What Alyson has learned from hosting 250+ writers: the power of invitation, and why she refuses to gatekeep

30:31 – The one message Alyson hopes listeners carry with them

Alyson Shelton (she/her) is a Writer, Editor & Host. She is an award-winning screenwriter and essayist whose work has been widely published, including in The New York Times and Ms. Her writing is anthologized in collections such as No Contact: Writers on Estrangement and The Loss of a Lifetime: Grieving Siblings Share Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope, which she also co-edited.

Alyson is best known for her Instagram Live series inspired by George Ella Lyon's poem "Where I'm From", where she has hosted over 250 writers and poets — many of whom don't consider themselves writers until she helps them find that voice. She is also the writer and creator behind the comic book Reburn, featuring heroine Mae, illustrated by Elise McCall and colored by painter Hillary Jenkins.

Alyson believes deeply in the power of invitation, the freedom that comes from resisting gatekeeping, and the idea that every single person's story is extraordinary.

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Buy Now: The Loss of a Lifetime: Grieving Siblings Share Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope
Kickstarter: Reburn Volume 1: Our Lady May

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In this joyful, heartfelt, and inspiring episode, Susanna talks with Rhayne Thomas about following your passions, embracing what makes you unique, and finding ways to bring light into the lives of others. A blues singer, actor, author, breast cancer survivor, and lifelong advocate, Rhayne shares the remarkable story behind her movement, PrunesAreSexy!, and how a childhood love of prunes evolved into nearly fifty years of fundraising, awareness, and support for cancer survivors around the world.

Together, Susanna and Rhayne explore the power of persistence, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, and how one conversation can change the course of a life. Rhayne reflects on overcoming a difficult childhood, the unwavering support of her husband, and the countless creative projects she has launched in service of others. Through laughter, storytelling, and plenty of prune enthusiasm, this conversation reminds us that our quirks can become our greatest gifts when we have the courage to share them with the world.

00:46 – Introducing Rhayne Thomas

03:15 – Rhayne shares the origin story of her lifelong love of prunes and how National Prune Day was born.

06:09 – The evolution of PrunesAreSexy! and how a personal passion became a global fundraising and awareness movement supporting cancer survivors.

16:33 – Susanna and Rhayne share the story of their chance meeting in an airport and the friendship that grew from a single conversation.

21:55 – Rhayne discusses her special-edition PrunesAreSexy! glasses collaboration and discusses using creativity as a force for fundraising and connection.

36:02 – Rhayne reveals the one message she hopes listeners will remember.

Rhayne Thomas, entertainer, inspirational humorist and breast cancer survivor, born and raised in The Bronx, has been a volunteer spokesperson and fundraiser for cancer and breast cancer since 1976.

Born and raised a Bronx, NY girl, Rhayne Tomas has a serious passion for fun, healing, laughter and Prunes. Yes, the fruit! She is a Blues vocalist, actor, author, voluntary spokesperson and fundraiser for cancer/breast cancer. Being grateful and blessed with so many gifts, she has always focused on making others feel alive through her voice and sense of humor, which led her to create her all-encompassing wellness and thought-provoking company, “PrunesAreSexy!” over 15 years ago.

Anyone who knows her knows she is “an experience junkie” because she believes the world is full of wonderful things everyone should see, feel, do, and eat, and she doesn't want to miss any opportunity to inspire others who also inspire her!

On July 15th, 2021, Rhayne became a 10 year cancer Survivor and that milestone made it very clear to her there’s a lot more work for me to do with her continued Warrior Spirit!!

Owner of “PrunesAreSexy!”, “Prunes! Making YOU Run for breast cancer!” and “National Prunes Day, June 15th", Rhayne’s ultimate goal is to inspire through laughter and prunes, her all-time favorite fruit. “People judge it from the outside when all the beauty is on the inside. Like people. If we can move past physical judgments, the world would be so much happier!”

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In this thoughtful and expansive episode, Susanna talks with John P. Schuster about what it truly means to answer your deepest calling and the inner work required to live it. Drawing from decades of experience as a coach, teacher, and author, John shares how his work has evolved from traditional coaching into what he calls “coaching from the mystic core,” a practice rooted in spirituality, presence, and deep inner awareness.

Together, Susanna and John explore the connection between inner mastery and outer impact, and why lasting change in the world must begin within. They discuss the role of meditation, intuition, and spiritual practice in helping us quiet the noise of everyday life so we can hear what is calling us forward. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we are not separate from the wisdom we seek. It already lives within us, waiting for us to listen.

00:47 – Introducing John P. Schuster
04:22 – John shares his journey from traditional coaching into spiritually informed “mystic core” work.
15:58 – John and Susanna explore the concept of inner mastery and outer impact, and the five core energies of purpose, wisdom, love, growth, and self-realization.
31:49 – John shares what he hopes listeners will remember from this conversation.

John P. Schuster is a leadership coach, teacher, and author with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and organizations connect with purpose and create meaningful impact. He has taught at Columbia University and the Hudson Institute, where he has guided leaders and coaches in deepening their work. John is the author of Answering Your Call: A Guide to Living Your Deepest Purpose and continues to explore the intersection of spirituality and coaching through his work with the Mentora Institute. His approach invites people to look within, cultivate presence, and trust the wisdom that emerges from their own inner life.

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In this insightful episode, Susanna sits down with conflict resolution educator and content creator Shannon Thompson, who shares her transformative journey from education to facilitating meaningful conversations around conflict. Shannon discusses her passion for making complex conflict dynamics accessible through practical communication tools and her experience in mediating high-stakes discussions.

Throughout the episode, Shannon articulates the importance of emotional regulation in conflict situations and the necessity of empathy in communication. She reflects on her career transition, addressing the fears and challenges that accompany stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Together, Susanna and Shannon explore how personal growth can emerge from navigating conflict and the courage it takes to continue on one’s journey, no matter how daunting it may seem.

01:14 – Introducing Shannon Thompson
18:21 – Susanna and Shannon explore the dynamic of conflict resolution in educational settings, particularly IEP meetings.
25:10 – Shannon discusses the importance of empathy and understanding in conflict situations, managing impostor syndrome, and staying persistent through challenging transitions.
35:47 - Shannon shares what she hopes listeners will take away from her conversation with Susanna about the relationship between emotional regulation and effective communication.

Shannon Thompson is a conflict resolution educator dedicated to helping individuals navigate challenging conversations with clarity and confidence. Through her work as a mediator and content creator, she translates complex conflict dynamics into digestible lessons, focusing on practical communication skills that foster understanding and resolution.

With a passion for bridging knowledge gaps in conflict resolution, Shannon’s efforts are aimed at empowering everyday people to engage more meaningfully in their personal and professional lives.

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In this thoughtful and expansive episode, Susanna talks with interdisciplinary artist and embodied listening practitioner Wenlin Tan about the deeper meaning of listening and how it can transform the way we relate to one another and to the natural world. Wenlin shares how her path has woven together psychology, behavioral health, participatory art, and ecological awareness, leading her to develop practices that invite people to listen beyond language through movement, rhythm, and sensory attention.

Together, Susanna and Wenlin explore the idea that listening is not simply hearing another person speak. It is a relational act that requires presence, curiosity, and humility. Wenlin describes her work along the River Po in Italy and explains how her creative process is guided by the five elements and the cycles found in nature. This conversation opens a doorway into a different way of being in the world, one where listening becomes a practice of connection with ourselves, with others, and with the places we inhabit.

01:02 – Introducing Wenlin Tan
14:47 – Susanna and Wenlin discuss what it means to listen beyond words and why listening is fundamentally a relational practice.
34:45 – Wenlin describes the difference between “listening to” someone and “listening with” them, using the metaphor of musicians accompanying one another.
55:40 – Wenlin reflects on what she hopes listeners will remember about the power of attention, presence, and listening.

Wenlin Tan is an interdisciplinary artist and embodied listening practitioner whose work explores the intersection of participatory art, ecology, and relational awareness. Drawing from a background in behavioral health and psychology, she has spent more than fifteen years facilitating workshops and group experiences across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Her practice invites people to listen beyond language through movement, rhythm, and sensory attention, cultivating deeper relationships with one another and with the natural world. Based in Turin, Italy, Wenlin’s current research unfolds along the River Po, where she continues to explore creative ways of listening to place and community.

Wenlin's Website
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In this imaginative and heartfelt episode, Susanna talks with Wendy Ulmer about bravery, creativity, and the courage to follow unexpected downloads. Wendy shares stories of the life leaps that shaped her journey, from driving alone across the country on what she calls her “Courage Quest,” to reading a deeply personal story at her father’s funeral, to sending a manuscript onto a slush pile that would launch her publishing career.

Together, Susanna and Wendy explore intuition, walking as a creative practice, dragons as catalysts, and the mysterious way stories arrive when we are willing to listen. Wendy reflects on opening her “heart box,” trusting the ideas that come, and embracing the identity of a brave adventurer. This conversation is a reminder that creativity requires courage, that inspiration asks us to let go, and that each of us is called to cross thresholds in our own way.

01:02 – Introducing Wendy Ulmer
08:08 – Wendy shares her “Go West” download and the solo road trip that became her Courage Quest.
10:16 – The story behind Poppy’s Campfire and how a slush pile submission led to her first published book.
15:57 – Dragons, downloads, and the surprising origin of The Call trilogy.
25:18 – Wendy talks about writing The Marsh and the idea of the “heart box.”
30:30 – Wendy shares her final words of encouragement for the listeners.

Wendy Ulmer is a former public-school music and English teacher with 21years experience. Prior to teaching, she was a Registered Music Therapist, working in both clinical and public-school settings. Wendy earned a BS in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College and a Masters in Education in the Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University.

She is the author of 10 books for children, including The Journals of Anterg, inspired by the village in Pennsylvania where she grew up. Today Wendy lives on Arrowsic Island, near Bath, where she can be found combing the beach for treasures or roaming through the woods looking for dragons.

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In this rich and moving episode, Susanna talks with Annie Schneiderman Valliere about legacy, calling, and the power of remembering the women who came before us. Annie shares her own Heroine’s Journey alongside the extraordinary life and influence of her great-aunt, Rose Schneiderman, a pivotal leader in the American labor and women’s rights movements. She also reflects on growing up with the presence of Rose in her family, the slow and determined work of writing her biography, and the moment she felt Rose’s power moving through her.

Together, Susanna and Annie explore immigration, labor history, women’s dignity, and the lasting impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This conversation is a reminder that our personal stories are inseparable from collective history, and that honoring where we come from helps us understand who we are and how we are called to act in the world today.

00:49 – Introducing Annie Schneiderman Valliere
08:32 – Annie reflects on feeling Rose Schneiderman’s influence as part of her heritage and identity.
10:23 – Annie shares more about the immigrant roots of Rose Schneiderman and how early hardship shaped her activism.
13:50 – Susanna and Annie discuss the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and why its legacy still matters today.
29:49 – Annie talks about “Bread and Roses” and what Rose believed every worker deserved.
45:42 – Annie recites “Bread and Roses” and shares a message she hopes listeners remember.

Annie Schneiderman Valliere is a writer, singer, therapist, and social worker who has spent more than a decade researching and writing about her great-aunt, Rose Schneiderman, one of the most influential labor organizers and women’s rights leaders of the early twentieth century. Annie’s work weaves together personal memory, cultural heritage, and historical research, illuminating the ways family stories shape our values, purpose, and sense of justice. Through her writing and music, she keeps alive the legacy of women whose courage helped transform labor rights and women’s lives in America.

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In this heartfelt episode, Susanna talks with Rev. Holly Reid about the long, persistent call that led her from decades of nursing into full-time ministry. Holly shares how a quiet inner tapping became impossible to ignore, the financial and emotional hurdles she faced in midlife, and the transformative experiences that shaped her work in prison hospice and pastoral care. Her story is one of courage, faith, and learning to leap into the unknown, reminding us that a Heroine’s Journey can begin at any age and often unfolds through unexpected doors, deep compassion, and a willingness to say yes to what’s calling.

00:46 – Introducing Holly Reid
08:11 – Holly describes the persistent “tap, tap, tap” she felt from God, the car ride where she bargained, and how that tapping finally quieted down.
13:55 – Holly talks about leaving nursing to attend seminary, missing her first CPE placement, and how that “closed door” led her exactly where she needed to be.
26:23 – Holly shares her ongoing work with the hospice group at the Maine State Prison and the powerful lessons that her journey has brought to her.
38:07 – The biggest takeaway Holly wants every listener to remember.

Rev. Holly Reid is an ordained United Church of Christ minister and registered nurse with nearly four decades of experience in community health and pastoral care. After following a midlife call to ministry, she earned her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and now serves as pastor of The Neighborhood in Bath, Maine. Holly is passionate about community, compassionate presence, and restorative justice, and she continues her work at the Maine State Prison supporting incarcerated men who provide hospice care. Her ministry is grounded in dignity, connection, and a deep belief in the possibility of transformation.

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