Susan Perry reveals how Aikido principles extend beyond the mat into everyday life. She explains "beginner's mind" and how Aikido's philosophy of blending rather than opposing can transform conflicts. Perry offers insights on cultivating inner peace and applying Aikido wisdom to achieve harmony in daily interactions.  Susan Perry, Ph.D., is a 6th-degree black belt in Aikido, philosopher, author, artist, and teacher. With nearly 50 years of Aikido practice, she has dedicated her life to understanding and sharing the most profound principles of this martial art. Perry is the founder of Aikido Today Magazine. She is the author of The Hidden Power of Aikido: Transcending Conflict and Cultivating Inner Peace (Park Street Press, 2024), Aikido Talks, Conversations with American Aikidoists (Arete Press, 2001) and Remembering O-Sensei, Living and training with Morihei Ueshiba (Shambhala Publications, 2002)Interview Date: 8/23/2024      Tags: Susan Perry, Aikido, conflict resolution, personal transformation, beginner's mind, virtue ethics, Aristotle, Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei, martial arts, inner peace, breath work, Japanese philosophy, Personal Transformation, Philosophy, Spirituality

Casey shares personal and historical highlights of the complexity and ecological importance of the ocean's depths. She reports on her dive to the Twilight Zone (600-3300 feet) that is filled with bioluminescent creatures that sparkle and glow. Despite these delights, Casey points to the terrestrial bias and lack of funding for ocean exploration compared to space.  Susan Casey is a premiere chronicler of the aquatic world. Most recently she traversed the globe and gives first-hand accounts of joining scientists and explorers on dives to the deepest places on the planet. She stands in for us with her insightful questions of the lives and motivations of marine geologists, marine biologists, and oceanographers who are searching for knowledge in this vast unseen realm. She takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of deep-sea exploration, from the myths and legends of the ancient world to storied shipwrecks, to the first intrepid bathysphere pilots, to the scientists who are just beginning to understand the mind-blowing complexity and, most importantly, the ecological importance of the home of the quadrillions of creatures who live in realms long thought to be devoid of life. She is the author of several books including Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Survival and Obsession Among American’s Great White Sharks (Henry Holt 2005), The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean (Doubleday 2010), Voices in the Ocean: A Journey into the Wild and Haunting World of Dolphins (Anchor 2016) and Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean (Doubleday 2023)Interview Date: 8/5/2024.    Tags: Susan Casey, ocean, bathysphere, bathyscaphe, submersibles, ocean depths, twilight zone, William Beebe, Otis Barton, Mariana Trench, Wyville Thompson, John Murray, deep sea mining, bottom trawling, ghost nets, Patrick Lahey, Victor Vescovo, Tonga Trench, hydrothermal vents, Ecology/Nature/Environment, History, Science, Technology, Travel

Sunny Strasburg, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapy, discusses the vital integration of art and healing. She explores the PANTHER protocol for effective psychedelic therapy, emphasizing preparation and attunement. Strasburg highlights the potential of psychedelics like ketamine and MDMA in treating mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The conversation also delves into the transformative 'hero's journey' framework, showcasing how trauma can lead to profound personal growth through community and shared experiences.

Here the many complex dimensions of home are explored including the human need to find a home in nature. Andrews says,” Once you find a home in nature, you are never lost.” She also shares insights on those caretaking family members and other loved ones to age in place including those who choose to die at home and many other aspects of home. Valerie Andrews is a writer, editor, and seminar leader specializing in Jungian psychology and the inner life of home. She’s a graduate of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance and the editor of the digital magazine Reinventing Home: Culture, Creativity, Character. She’s also a contributor to many journals and magazines and was the host of the PBS documentary featuring Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul. She is the author and editor of A Passion for This Earth (Harper Collins 1994) and Sanctuary: The Inner Life of Home (Editor) (Chiron Publications 2024)Interview Date: 7/19/2024.   Tags: Valerie Andrews, Jungian psychology, Sisyphus, Kaiser ACE study, plus-one proton, Ursula Le Guin, aging at home, Peggy Fleming, In the Evening of Life, Grassland Woman, Mary Reynolds Thompson, Eckart Tolle, James Hollis, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Gilda Frantz, storage lockers, Bayo Akomolafe, Starhawk, Community, Personal Transformation, Psychology

Thisdeep dialogue is rich with metaphors, bringing a sharp focus to imaginative healing possibilities for these threshold times. Meade regales us with many myths that illustrate how we can heal the multiple cracks in the world by finding our own gifts, our own ways to work meaningfully in the world, and how we can pour our gold into the cracks of the world. He distributes regular podcasts and his many books include The Genius Myth (GreenfirePress 2016), Why the World Doesn’t End: Tales of Renewal in Times of Loss (GreenfirePress 2012), Fate and Destiny: The Two Agreements of the Soul (GreenFire Press 2012), Awakening the Soul: A Deep Response to a Troubled World (GreenFire Press 2018)Tags: Michael Meade, soul, Hamlet, truth, backlash, dharma, war in Vietnam, fasting, Gandhi, Satyagraha, solitary confinement, eldering, the Goddess Clotho, River of Forgetfulness, Aletheia, initiation, rites of passage Mythology, Social Change, Politics, Indigenous Wisdom, Philosophy, Community

This writing process takes the raw material of our lives and transforms it into healing. Heller shares her journey of leaving home when she was thirteen years old and living on the streets to later guide others to use generative writing for self-discovery. Generative writing will reveal your inner wisdom for healing, creative magic, and personal transformation.  Meredith Heller is a poet, singer-songwriter, avid nature lover, and educator with degrees in writing and education. She leads writing workshops online and in person. She also teaches in schools, juvenile detention centers, women’s prisons, and wellness retreats. She is the author of. Write a Poem, Save Your Life: A Guide for Teens, Teachers, and Writers of All Ages (New World Publishers 2021) and Writing by Heart: A Poetry Path to Healing and Self-Discovery (New World Library 2024)Interview Date: 6/14/2024.  Tags: Meredith Heller, homelessness, poetry, generative writing, radical honesty, ancestors, prayer, the Moon, Health & Healing, Personal Transformation, Writing

Despite our strongest intentions, there are common reasons we may find ourselves defeated in our efforts to make sustainable changes in eating and exercise. Segar gives us new frameworks to finally achieve our goals as she outlines areas of behavior based on the science of sustainable change.  Michelle Segar, Ph.D., is an award-winning researcher at the University of Michigan and health coach. For nearly three decades, she has pioneered methods to create sustainable healthy behavior changes that are being used to boost patient health, employee well-being, and gym membership retention. She advises global organizations on these issues and delivers keynotes and trainings. Her books include: No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness (Harper Collins Leadership 2015) and The Joy Choice: How to Finally Achieve Lasting Changes in Eating and Exercise (Hachette Go, 2022)  Interview Date: 6/16/2023      Tags: Michelle Segar, sustainability, behavior change, habits, motivation, mindfulness, exercise, eating, self-compassion, flexibility, Health & Healing

Our present media landscape poses significant challenges in the current political climate as they continue to exacerbate the perception that most U.S. citizens are hopelessly divided. Research shows this is not the reality. Outlined here are examples of many groups that have built alliances and have crossed boundaries to build a better future for all.  Diana McLain Smith, Ph.D. has worked with families, organizations, communities, and in some of America’s most iconic businesses and entrepreneurial nonprofits. She has developed an approach that converts debilitating intergroup conflict into constructive outcomes. This work is known as Leading through Relationships (LTR™). She’s a former partner at the Monitor Group and former chief executive partner at New Profit. Her approach is to educate practitioners to develop the skill for engaging and fact-based dialogues, learning from different perspectives, and partnering across boundaries. Her books include Divide or Conquer: How Great Teams Turn Conflict Into Strength (Portfolio 2008), The Elephant in the Room: How Relationships Make or Break the Success of Leaders and Organizations (Jossey-Bass 2011) and Remaking The Space Between Us: How Citizens Can Work Together To Build A Better Future For All (Ballast Books 2024) Interview Date: 7/5/2024     Tags: Diana McLain Smith, Not in Our Town, Derek Black, Eli Saslow, friendship, Billings Montana, Patrice O’Neil, Allison Gornick, Media, Social Change/Politics

Guy Finley is the founder and Director of the Life of Learning Foundation. He explores deescalating painful disagreements and fights in our relationships and gives us tools to transform anger and blame into healthy and fulfilling communication. He shows us a way to stop old, negative patterns in their tracks and leads us into a landscape in which we can deepen the loving bond between ourselves and our partners. He is the author of many books including The Secret of Letting Go (Llewellyn Publications 2008), The Secret of Your Immortal Self: Key Lessons for Realizing the Divinity Within (Llewellyn Publications 2015), The Essential Laws of Fearless Living (Red Wheel/Weiser 2008), Forever Free CD set (Llewellyn Publications 2009), Life is Real Only When You Are (Audible Audio Edition 2014) and Relationship Magic: Waking Up Together (Llewellyn Publications 2018)Tags: Guy Finley, life-long learner, life-long learning, lifelong learning, Aesop’s Fable, fear, McKeever the dog, patience, blame, anger, coercion, Sir Laurens Van der Post, Spirituality, Relationship, Philosophy, Personal Transformation

In this conversation, Sarah Anne Shockley, an author who has navigated the complexities of chronic pain, shares her transformative insights on healing. She discusses the challenges of living with thoracic outlet syndrome and the emotional toll of managing pain as a single parent. Shockley emphasizes a holistic approach, urging listeners to reframe pain as a guide rather than an enemy. Through journaling and creative expression, she advocates for a compassionate relationship with one's body and emotions, fostering resilience and understanding in the face of chronic conditions.