Have you ever heard the saying, 'Busy as a bee in June?”  Well, that couldn’t be more fitting for the story we’re exploring today.  

On Unconditionally Her: Conversations, join Karen Shayne and Becky Reid as they speak with author of Bees In June, Elizabeth Bass Parman  as she invites us into the enchanting town of Spark, Tennessee, during the summer of 1969—a time when the world watched in awe as humans took their first steps on the Moon. But in Spark, magic is afoot in a more earthly way.

In today’s world, conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation are more important than ever. As we navigate challenging times marked by division and uncertainty, education remains one of the most powerful tools for fostering understanding, healing, and meaningful change. In this very special episode, Sandy Williams is joining me as we honor and welcome longtime educator Cindy Fain, whose dedication to learning and community engagement offers valuable insights into how education can bridge divides and create a more inclusive future.

Often in life, we are gifted the opportunity to step outside our comfort zone and experience something transformational.  That happened to me recently when I was musically introduced to an artist by the name of Radhika Vekaria.   If I had to describe Radhika, I would start by saying she is a musical visionary whose work transcends cultural and creative boundaries. Drawing inspiration from her heritage and personal challenges, she creates art that is as universal as it is intimate, connecting people through shared emotions and experiences. Radhika’s incredible work has earned her acclaim across the globe – and with a few folks we’ve heard of - solidifying her place as a dynamic force in the creative world including her nomination for a 2025 Grammy for Best New Age Ambient and Chant Album. A captivating soul on every level.  Enjoy our time with a truly and deeply inspirational woman.

In a world that often glorifies grand achievements and monumental milestones, it's easy to overlook the significance of small things. However, the true essence of a fulfilling and balanced life often lies in the minutiae. The small things, those seemingly insignificant actions and moments Hold immense power in shaping our daily experiences and overall well being.

Whether it's a brief moment of mindfulness, a kind word, or a simple act of self care, these small actions can accumulate to create a profound effect. They build habits, they nurture relationships, and they continue to contribute a sense of purpose and contentment. Embracing the small things encourages us to live in the present, find joy in the mundane, and appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.

Joining me today is one of our favorite gals, Susan Campbell, and she will share with us how doing the small things can transform our lives in subtle yet profound ways, reminding us that greatness often comes in the most unassuming forms.

It's a chair every musician, artist, composer, and producer wants to be sitting in. On February 4th, 2024, Carla Patullo found herself sitting in that very chair, waiting. Then her category was announced and her name called. The Grammy was for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. The win that night found Carla with a plethora of mixed emotions.b Knowing what this could mean for her career was one thing, but the reason behind the album win was far more profound. Most people didn't know the full backstory of the album So She Howls. For Carla, years of healing came with that small, coveted golden trophy. Years of fight, years of struggling to find resilience, and years of reclaiming oneself manifested in that most beautiful and extraordinary way on that stage, that night. As Carla said her thank yous to those who held her hand along the way. Today, we welcome the incredible Carla Patullo to Conversations. A time to chat, to learn, to feel, and to heal, and we do it with the music.

Old friends are like warm hugs.  You can pick up a conversation right where you left off never once skipping a beat. That’s how I felt when I reconnected to do a catch up with Leanne Jamison.  It had been a while with life being as busy as usual, but within ten minutes of our call, it was like throwing on your favorite robe and houseshoes, getting comfy and grabbing your favorite cocktail and see who could laugh the loudest and the longest.  Within a few minutes of our call, we connected over the conversation of gratitude.  Seems that morning both of us pretty much had the same experience with our thoughts on living in gratitude.  So, today, with my sweet friend Leeanne Jamison, we’re gonna talk about living life with extreme gratitude.  With us two, who knows where this might go.

In the quiet corners of life, we often encounter individuals whose stories resonate like gentle melodies of bn the spring. Today, we step into the world of June, a widow I interviewed just two Christmases ago and a woman whose spirit deeply touched my soul.  As we sit down to chat, we unravel the woven threads of a beautiful and enduring connection to her late husband. Through her words and memories, June paints a portrait of love that withstands the test of loss and grief. We hear about the spirit of her community and how it played a role in her healing.  Finally, we will hear how her husband's memory serves as a poignant reminder that love, in its purest form, has the power to inspire and uplift even in the face of profound sorrow. Join us as we delve into June's story of her love of “fine things” while we explore the resilience of the human heart and the timeless beauty of a love that will forever live on in a little town called Clinton. 

How often in our lives do we explore the profound connection between our inner selves (our soul) and the ever-changing landscape of our lives?   Life can be surprising at times sometimes and the whiplash of unexpected changes can often send shockwaves down to the the core of our being. How does our soul respond to these shocks, and what happens to our sense of identity in the process?   Today on the show we are going to explore a personal narrative with a friend you and I have grown to love as he shares his own experiences of adjustment during times of change.  The reflection and growth I must say is pretty beautiful as he shares how he has coped and even learned to thrive in the face of life-altering shifts  Join us as we share insights about navigating soul shocks, understanding how they shape our identities, and finding the strength to adapt to life's inevitable changes. exploring how disruptions can lead to a transformative journey.

have you ever thought the clutter in your head and heart makes as much or more difference as the clutter on the desk or in your desk drawer? Well, it does.

Today we're diving into the fascinating topic of organizing. Not just our physical spaces, but also our mental, spiritual, and emotional spaces. Our guest is Sara Skillen. Sara is a certified organizer life coach. She's an author, a speaker, and the founder of Skillset Coaching. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and has recently embarked on a new journey as an interfaith spiritual director. And We're going to learn how staying organized and spiritual health Go hand in hand.

This conversation will be insightful and thought-provoking. So if you're looking to create a solution to your real-life order, or if you want to just expand your mind about how the stuff behind the stuff affects our lives, you found the place.

Reach Sara at Sara Skillen at skillsetcoaching.com

Today's podcast is slightly different in tone due to the significance of this day. Exactly one year from today, The U. S. will exercise its most treasured and valuable act of democracy, the power to vote.

This podcast embraces today's understanding there's never been a time in history that voting has been more important, especially for women. This podcast talks about the significance of the 19th Amendment and how it is crucial to understand the significance of women's participation in the democratic process and in the time it takes to listen to this podcast - 12 minutes and 28 seconds - a single vote can change history.

Join Karen Shayne as we gear up for 2024 and embrace our right to vote.