Wisdom Shared with Carole Blueweiss

Noah, my ATV guide in Alaska, joins me on this episode of Wisdom Shared.  Last season, we heard from Noah's mom, Melissa, who talked about her sobriety journey.  In this discussion, Noah courageously shares his difficult journey with pills. He nearly died. He offers advice, hope, and solidarity to others facing similar struggles. His powerful narrative underscores the transformative power of sharing personal experiences in the hopes of helping others. 

National Harm Reduction Coalition

https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html: 

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prevention/index.html

Fentanyl Test Strips

Find Narcan Near You

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, SAMHSA's (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. You can also visit https://www.samhsa.gov. 

Addiction to Sobriety: A Mother's Journey: Noah's mom shares her own addiction story

Anonymous Sister

Overdose Awareness: A Sister's Tribute

Retired FBI Agent Reflects On Opioid Crisis

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

 Sharon "Rocky" Roggio is my special guest - the producer and director of the award-winning documentary "1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture." This film explores the profound impact of a mistaken biblical translation of the word "homosexual" and its consequences on culture, religion, and the LGBTQ community. Rocky shares her personal journey as a Christian lesbian, discussing her efforts to seek acceptance and understanding from her father, a church pastor. Through these conversations, listeners gain insight into Rocky's experiences and the broader implications of this pivotal mistranslation.

1946’s director, Sharon “Rocky” Roggio is no stranger to the implications of a life completely affected by the predominant modern interpretations of the Bible. Growing up lesbian in a Christian household, with a pastor for a father, has prepared her for this expansive undertaking. Rocky’s experience, of anti-gay biblical teachings, has been incredibly traumatic. She is a strong voice, among the growing chorus of LGBTQIA+ Christians who want to cure the world of this damaging narrative. Once Roggio learned of Kathy and Ed’s work, she was compelled to tell this story. This film is part of her attempts to reconcile a relationship with her family and begin to heal.

Sharon “Rocky” Roggio  is an multi award-winning film producer and director living in Los Angeles, CA. She has been a member of three IATSE unions nationwide and has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Radio, Television and Film Her background includes large budget physical production on award winning shows and films such as House of Cards, Parks and Recreation, With Bob and David, Whip It and Red Dawn.   In 2016, Roggio associate produced and production designed GOOK, a feature film that premiered at Sundance in 2017 and Won the Audience Award in the Next Category.   In 2018 when she heard about the 1946 mistranslation in the Bible, Roggio immediately quit all her other endeavors and has focused all her time, money, and resources on producing and creating this documentary. 1946 is Roggio’s directorial debut.

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. Featuring commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators, 1946 is at once challenging, enlightening, and inspiring.  

Watch the trailer.

Watch the full feature film today.

https://www.1946themovie.com/

1946 Roadtrip Across America - We are THRILLED to announce our plan to utilize the award-winning documentary, 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, as a tool for civic engagement and to drive voter registration for the 2024 election. Our mission is to organize 14 free public conferences in US cities impacted by extremist ideologies. The primary objective of these assemblies is to activate the audience to vote as we advocate for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, standing up for democracy and promoting equality for everyone. We will discuss the power of civic engagement to stop evangelical and legislative domination and provide people with a sustainable narrative of compassion founded on research, history, and facts.  AND - We will SHOW THE FILM - followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and director Sharon Roggio! 

• Kathy Baldock CanyonWalkerConnections.com
• Jill Woodward, documentary editor
• Jena Surbu, Writer/Producer
• The Reformation Project
• David Fearon

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

In this conversation with filmmaker and self-described Renaissance Man Stewart Schulman, we discuss his multifaceted career and his collaborations with John Bayless, highlighting projects like One Hand One Heart and the award-winning feature documentary Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless. Schulman shares  Bayless' life from childhood illness and genius piano playing at age four to Julliard as Leonard Bernstein's protege; from his Baptist upbringing to conversion to Judaism; and from playing the piano around the world as a Steinway then Yamaha artist with two hands to his re-invented life post-stroke re-learning to play the piano with his non-dominant left hand.  Stewart's stories about his life and the filmmaking process are delightfully accented by John's music and one-man show, One Hand One Heart.  I hope this episode (and John Bayless episode!) inspires you to see the fabulous film, Left Alone Rhapsody.

I love stories. Watching them.  Telling them. They’re journeys that open our minds—our hearts—and show us new ways of thinking.  

I aim for my work to be entertaining and socially relevant—challenging perceptions and inspiring ‘change’.  It’s how we grow.  

People I work with have called me a “Renaissance Man”—because I’ve explored many different creative mediums to broaden my skills as a writer, director and producer. They also tell me I bring an even-keeled temperament to the table, keep my work environments professional and enjoyable, and get the job done right.    

Contact me with questions.  I look forward to working with you in the future.  

https://www.stewartschulman.com/

Act Two MediaWorks

Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless

• Watch the trailer for Left Alone Rhapsody.
• Watch at Reel Abilities Film Festival in New York City on April 4th, with a live performance by John Bayless on April 8th Free Tickets Here
• Watch at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 10th Tickets Here
• Watch at the Jewish Film Festival of Pittsburgh on May 2nd, with a live performance by John Bayless Tickets Here
• Watch the Long Island Premiere on May 9th at the Jeanne Rimsky Theater , with a live performance by John Bayless

John Bayless – One Hand One Heart: My Life & My Music This new ‘one-man-one-hand only’ play—with music by Gershwin, Bernstein, Puccini, Mancini, Rachmaninoff, Rodgers, Legrand and the world-renowned concert pianist, John Bayless, himself—takes audiences on the journey of John’s remarkable life. John talks openly about his highs and lows, and his determination to create a second act for himself as an artist.

The play begins with a 4-year-old John becoming a musical prodigy in his hometown of Borger, Texas, which sets him on a life-long adventure and a 30-year career as a concert pianist, which is suddenly halted by a debilitating stroke. John shares the "hell" he faced, post-stroke, trying desperately to journey back to life  to be an artist in a new way. His spiritual awakening led him to his unbelievable comeback, concertizing with his left hand all alone!  This inspiring one-man show evokes laughter and tears, showcasing John’s astonishing musicianship, as he shares his amazing life-story.

Music featured in the episode:

• That's It! composed by John Bayless  with Robert Freedman, featured in One Hand One Heart
• Winter Tableau  composed by John Bayless, used in collaboration with choreographer Heidi Latsky
• Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin, reimagined for one hand by John Bayless

Heidi Latsky Dance

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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

My special guest for this episode is pianist John Bayless, whose story is featured in the incredible documentary Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless. In our conversation, John reflects on life before and after his stroke.  Post-stroke, John's resilience shines through as he embarks on a remarkable path of self-recovery and discovery. Teaching himself to play with just his left hand, he defied the odds and embraced a new chapter. John's story and music  make this episode a must-listen, just as the documentary is a must-watch.

John Bayless is an internationally renowned concert pianist, composer, improviser, and prolific recording artist.  A protégé of Leonard Bernstein and a Yamaha artist, John is a crossover artist known for how he blends classical training and piano technique with popular music in imaginative improvisations. Despite a debilitating stroke halting his illustrious 30-year career, John refused to surrender. Instead, he embarked on a second act, teaching himself to play with just his left hand. This story is brilliantly shared in Stewart Schulman's documentary Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless. 

Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless

• Watch the trailer for Left Alone Rhapsody.
• Watch at Reel Abilities Film Festival in New York City on April 4th, with a live performance by John Bayless on April 8th Free Tickets Here
• Watch at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 10th Tickets Here
• Watch at the Jewish Film Festival of Pittsburgh on May 2nd, with a live performance by John Bayless Tickets Here
• Watch the Long Island Premiere on May 9th at the Jeanne Rimsky Theater , with a live performance by John Bayless

The John Bayless Fund for Brain Research

Yamaha's Disklavier

Music featured in the episode:

• Circle of Life, from the album "Circle of Life: The Music of Elton John in the Style of Bach"
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,  from the album "Circle of Life: The Music of Elton John in the Style of Bach"

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

In this poignant episode, Jacob Moench shares the challenges and joys of parenting his son Samuel, who has epilepsy and autism. The episode explores how Jacob and his wife support each other and prioritize time for their other children. Jacob also talks about his company, which offers genetic testing for preventative illness, and we discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of DNA analysis for family planning. Despite the challenges, Jacob reflects on the profound impact Samuel has had on their lives, considering him an enormous blessing. This episode offers  a powerful exploration of the unique challenges and love that characterize Jacob's journey as a parent of a child with special needs.

Jacob Moench is an entrepreneur in the medical industry devoted to preventative genetic testing.  He is a devoted husband to his wife of 12 years.  He and his wife have four beautiful children, including their oldest, Samuel, who has Autism and Epilepsy. Jacob enjoys playing with his children, basketball, hiking, piano, cooking, and creative writing.

Jacob's blog: https://fathertospecialneeds.blogspot.com/

Jacob's business: https://physiogenomic.com/

Contact Jacob

Finding Cooper's Voice

Forever Boy: A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy

Mark Rober's Video about his autistic son

Steele's Army - Facebook page  of an epilepsy family that Jacob recommends

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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

In this episode, Lynn Greenberg and her son Jonathan, co-authors of Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure, share insights into Jon's journey with dyslexia. Emphasizing the transformative impact of education post-diagnosis, they discuss the power of creativity and the hidden gifts of neurodiversity. Jon, who views dyslexia as a superpower, aims, along with his mother, to inspire and empower neurodiverse children through their storytelling. This episode is a valuable resource for parents and teachers, offering insights and guidance for a more inclusive and understanding approach.

For the visually-minded who prefer to listen and read or for those who need closed captioning, watch the transcript video on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/qYBVQJqdfo8

• Defining terms:
  • dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia
  • neurodiversity
• The Windward School
• The Orton Gillingham Approach

Lynn Greenberg is the happiest wife, mom, and grandma. A very retired attorney who loves to cook, exercise, and read, she has seen how positivity with feelings and differences can allow children to grow into happy, productive adults. During COVID-19, when many families were living together with an abundance of unscheduled free time, Lynn and her son Jonathan, who has dyslexia, began to work on the concepts and ideas for Robby. As ideas developed, they became increasingly invested in the character, his story, and the impact this endeavor could have on others. 

Born with dyslexia, Jonathan Greenberg could not read and write like many other children his age. So, instead of giving in to frustration, Jonathan used his struggle as a catalyst for creativity, expressing his ideas through art. Having overcome his learning difficulty, Jonathan has fallen in love with reading. Robby the Dyslexic Taxi And The Airport Adventure exemplify Jonathan’s passion for writing and illustration. Together with Lynn, his mother, and his writing partner, they are already thinking of other stories featuring neurodiverse characters that complement this book. 

Facebook: Creative Cab Co.

Instagram: @creativecabcompany

Website: robbythetaxi.com

Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure on Amazon

Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure on Bookshop.org

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

Join me as I welcome back Amy and her daughter, Lizzie, for an insightful discussion. In this episode, we delve into Lizzie's harrowing encounter with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), exploring the severe implications and her journey to recovery. Amy shares the critical moments that led to her life-saving discovery of Lizzie's condition and her quick response. We also discuss Lizzie's candid reflections on managing her menstrual health post-TSS, the challenges she faced during her recovery, and the significant changes in her life post-illness, including the recommendation to avoid tampon use. This episode serves as an eye-opener on the crucial aspects of TSS and menstrual health awareness.

For the visually-minded who prefer to listen and read or for those who need closed captioning, watch the transcript video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F_rYxdV3Qwc

• WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME
• Removing the shame and stigma from menstruation
• 5 Things You Need to Know About Common Tampon Ingredients
• THE TAMPON: A HISTORY
• Sisters nearly die within days of each other after using 'super plus' tampons
• 5 Tampon Myths You Should NOT Believe
• https://www.twitch.tv/mamadoctorjones

• Days for Girls
• Days for Girls Holiday Gift Guide
• Days for Girls NYC Chapter Instagram

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

Join us in a touching conversation with Amy and her daughter Lizzie as they share their experiences with 18-year-old Mathew, who was diagnosed with autism. Amy discusses the challenges of raising Mathew, including how eliminating certain food dyes helped reduce his aggressive behavior. Lizzie shares insights on being an older sister to a sibling with autism, highlighting the unique bond they share. This episode offers a candid look into a family's journey with autism, filled with challenges, love, and resilience.

For the visually-minded who prefer to listen and read or for those who need closed captioning, watch the transcript video here: https://youtu.be/NLxFbGl-0vY

• Dye-Free Kids Facebook Group
• Hidden Talents ABA
• Marcus.org
• Food Color and Autism: A Meta-Analysis
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Needs to Know book
• The Impact of Artificial Food Dyes on Autism & ADHD
• Contact Amy: [email protected]

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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Production Assistant and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

EPISODE SUMMARY

This is a  replay of a previously released episode, for Blindness Awareness Month. In this episode, we meet Josh Burch, a 48-year-old man who was born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Josh talks about the challenges of growing up blind and shares how he navigates a world built for sighted people with the help of technology and his guide dog, Lou. We also hear more from Josh's stepmother, Julie Burch, and learn how they inspired and learned from each other, and how their relationship has changed over time. 

Some learning gems from this episode: Don't pet a guide dog, (he or she needs to focus on guiding). Once out of harness, you can pet the dog; iPhones have an option called "VoiceOver"  which anyone can use; If you meet a blind person, don't assume they need help, ask first; Do not spoon-feed or coddle people who are blind, they are like sighted people and just need more assistance; Support groups are great like Lighthouses for the Blind; Encourage independence and build confidence; Good manners, awareness of posture and exercise matters; Tough love sometimes requires patience but it beats sympathy.

For the visually-minded who prefer to listen and read or for those who need closed captioning, watch the transcript video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIy4DpLWE94

RESOURCES:

• Guiding Eyes for the Blind
• Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Daytona, Florida
• JAWS, Job Access With Speech screen reader tool
• Lighthouses for the Blind - local chapters can be found across the country
• iPhone accessibility features
• Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
• 8 Everyday Items Originally Invented for People With Disabilities

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Anne Sullivan

FIND AND FOLLOW JOSH: 

• Josh Burch: [email protected]

FIND AND FOLLOW JULIE:

• Julie's Mindfulness Art Facebook Page
• Julie's Author Facebook page
• Julie's Author Website
• Subscribe to Julie's mailing list for information about upcoming books, nature, recipes, and life with Josh

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh

EPISODE SUMMARY

This is a  replay of a previously released episode, for Blindness Awareness Month. Julie Burch is an accomplished author (pen name: Juliet Brilee) and stepmother to Josh, who was born blind. Now 48 years old, he lives independently with his seeing-eye dog, Lou. In this episode, Julie shares what it was like to raise a blind child. She introduces us to how she helped Josh spatially map his environment,  and talks about how the brain's map differs for people who have vision versus people with no vision. Julie is a mindfulness coach, and she emphasizes the importance of patience, embracing "failure," using tough love to support independence, and enhancing the senses through mindful practice.

For the visually-minded who prefer to listen and read or for those who need closed captioning, watch the transcript video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PNWizDEn30

In the next episode, Dr. Blueweiss interviews Josh, who shares his perspective on life in a world built by sighted people.

FIND AND FOLLOW JULIE

Julie's Mindfulness Art Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/julieburch4art

Julie's Author Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Jbrileeauthor

Julie's Author Website
https://julietbrilee.com/

Subscribe to Julie's mailing list for information about upcoming books, nature, recipes, and life with Josh.

• https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/
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• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh