The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper

Steve talks Star Wars, connection points and just how different the universe might have been had he been the Chosen One and asked to sit next to The Emperor AKA George Lucas. This fun solo (as in Han) episode is like an exploration of the cave on The Dagoba System (Yoda's swampy home) except it's scarier. Because you look into the deep crevices of Steve's Star Wars influenced mind and that is way scarier than facing Darth Vader.  

I was so honored to interview former L.A. Times reporter and Amazon MGM executive Lorenza Muñoz in this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. Lorenza is an incredible entrepreneur on a mission to create connection, community and collaboration together to create even bigger Ripples in the world. Connecting as human beings is in our evolutionary nature. It is fundamental to our human experience and essential for flourishing. Obviously, this is not news. Communities throughout history have gathered around fires, told stories, bonded, reflected on spiritual needs–together.  But these societal norms have slowly been eroding for a variety of reasons. Community seemed like it was much easier to find only a few decades ago, whether it was through religious institutions or neighborhood gatherings or long held traditions. The lingering trauma of COVID isolation we all experienced, the distraction of social media that seeks to replace in person connection with a virtual one have made the need for connection urgent. As human beings, we need to socialize in order to understand our connection to the world around us. The premise behind Artemis Muse Productions is threefold: •Bring back the concept of community–live and in person. •Catalyze groups and individuals around issues, themes, art or ideas through vibrant gatherings and discussions. •Advance company or individual business initiatives and ideas through curated gatherings. Artemis Muse is a connector-catalyst, ready to spread ideas, to create experiences that light up our emotional, artistic needs and to instigate change. INSPIRATION: Salons: Back in the 17th and 18th Century, Salons were held (mostly led by women) in Paris and other European cities to discuss ideas, science and politics. These women were friends with the artists and writers and intellectuals. Some were patrons of the arts. But mostly, they provided exposure to artists and thinkers and served as catalysts for some of the radical ideas that led to the Enlightenment. Harlem Renaissance: The cradle of Black intellectual and artistic thought. A movement that continues to reverberate today with its thought leaders like Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston and others blazing a path for Black influence, thought and art. Georgia Douglas Johnson, a poet and writer who hosted the S Street Salon in Washington DC, was particularly influential. Her Saturday Nighters were legendary gatherings where women’s rights were discussed, anti-lynching action was hatched and literary minds expanded in a supportive, safe environment. Mexico City: My personal inspiration came through osmosis. Within my own family, there were salons hosted by my Great Aunt (affectionately called Toe). She was a maverick for her time and place, deciding not to marry and instead to follow her own career path in Mexican society. For nearly two decades, Toe held court in her beautiful apartment overlooking Mexico City with writers, intellectuals, bankers, artists and thought leaders. My grandmother also developed and cultivated community. For nearly 70 years, she was at the center of a group of women (jokingly) called “Las Intocables,” or “The Untouchables.” They were a fearsome group of 12 or so women who were best friends and saw each other through life and all of its changes, rituals, happy moments and tragedies. They were also the group to know for any woman hoping to enter into the tight knit world of Cuernavaca, a city about 1 hour south of Mexico City that became a weekend destination and globally renown resort town. I learned about community through my family, but I began to nurture and lead community gatherings professionally during my time as the head of member relations and awards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. When I arrived in 2015, my mandate was to create outreach and opportunities for the members to feel more connected to each other and the institution. We needed to find ways to open up the membership to more women and underrepresented groups who, historically, had not been invited. We needed to create events and gatherings that brought together our members several times a year–not just through the Oscars. We were successful in creating the first ever annual gathering of female members in Los Angeles, New York, London and other cities–complete with a grant award for female filmmakers. We ushered in a new era of inclusivity, with the organization’s Board of Governors becoming more diverse in gender, race and ethnicity than ever before–nearly 50% female by 2020 compared to less than 10% in 2015 among many other accomplishments. It was at the Academy that I realized that no matter how rich or how famous you might be, a sense of belonging, of feeling seen and valued, is essential for any human being. Be sure to check out her website and let her know one thing that stood out or inspired you about what she shared in this episode: https://thelorenzamunoz.com/

After watching and listening to Molly Carroll's TEDx Talk, I instantly felt that she is one of a kind. I'm repeatedly screaming in my head, "She's a Rippler!" We featured Molly's talk in one of our TED Ripples for our Connect + Grow Ripple Coaching membership. To say it was a hit with our members would be an understatement!  Here's the link to her TEDx Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/molly_carroll_the_need_for_human_connection_and_why_it_starts_with_ourselves I admire the way Molly is unafraid to show vulnerability to prove a point. She's courageous enough to unveil the flaws and imperfections of being human. She's kind enough to share a glimpse of her life to provide an authentic view of how she stepped through these hurdles through human connections. That's why finally having Molly Carroll as a special guest for The Ripple Effect Podcast is such a BIG deal to me. If this is your first time hearing about Molly, let me give you a little background of her awe-inspiring work. Holding a master's degree in counseling psychology, Molly Carroll uses her expertise to spread positive Ripples through therapy, writing, corporate speaking, training, and podcasting. Molly authored two nonfiction books, Cracking Open and Trust Within: Letting Intuition Lead. Both of her books are heavily inspired by her personal experiences. In 2021, she launched a podcast called Cracking Open, with topics revolving around stories of inspiring people around the globe and how a "cracking open" moment changed their lives forever. Despite having a lot on her plate, she still manages to take on the role of a caring mom to her kids.  If you want to dive deeper into her work or to be a part of the Cracking Open Coaching, visit the links below! LinkedIn: Molly Carroll, MA, LPC Facebook: Molly Carroll Instagram: @mollycarrollinc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mollycarroll282 Website: https://molly-carroll.com/

When you think of the words "light" and "color," the first things to probably pop out of your mind are the color wheel or the kindergarten book that explains the basic concept of colors to kids. But did you know that light and colors go beyond what you see? In today's episode, join me and Leanne Venier as we talk about the science behind the healing aspects of light and colors! Leanne Venier is an award-winning Artist, Engineer, Eastern Medicine Physician, Inventor, and Expert in the Science of Color & Light Therapy. With all these expertise and experiences combined, she invented the REDjuvenator, a clinically proven red light therapy device with healing and anti-aging capabilities. It's not just all talk! She has received numerous awards for her contributions to healthcare in  the studies of color, light, and energy medicine. If you're ready to benefit from the power of knowledge and technology, listen to the full podcast episode! Start  a Ripple with Leanne via Instagram: @leannevenier via Facebook: Leanne Venier International via LinkedIn: Leanne Venier via her websites: www.CatalyticColor.com www.leannevenier.com  

I’m excited for you to meet our special guest Jen Mac! I’ve been following her on social media for a while now, and her work never ceases to inspire me. It took me a lot of courage to reach out to her, but she finally graced us with her presence here at The Ripple Effect Podcast. She is a life coach, a speaker, a principle-driven woman, and a Rippler of positivity. Our guest for today is none other than Jen Mac! Like most of us, Jen’s career and personal life didn’t have that impeccable start. She has to go through rough patches to get where she is today. Listening to motivational words hits different when it comes from someone who went through what they preach. It’s easier to relate to! In this episode, we talk about how Jen got past the hardest journeys in life by taking baby steps and starting at the smallest goal. BIO: Jennifer Macaluso-Gilmore (better know as Jen Mac) is a life coach for women wanting to fulfill their potential personally and/or professionally. With over two decades experience teaching & coaching, Jen's work & expertise has been featured in many publications including The New York Times, Forbes, Psychology Today & LearnVest. Learn more about Jen's work at: jen-mac.com   #achievemore #smallwins #babysteps #lifecoach #motivation #newrelease  

Tune in to The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper for a compelling episode titled From Digital Handshakes to Lasting Bonds: The Ripple Approach! Embark on an enlightening journey as we delve into the transformative power of genuine connections in both personal and professional realms. In this episode, we unravel the essence of the digital handshake, the dynamics of online communities, and the profound impact of creating a Ripple of opportunities through authenticity. Discover the strategies and insights that can lead you to forge meaningful relationships, meet remarkable individuals, and catalyze growth beyond your imagination. Whether you aim to expand your network, escalate your business, or simply soak in the wisdom of extraordinary guests, this episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge to deepen your connections and propel you toward unstoppable success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to transform every interaction into a significant connection and every chance into a milestone of achievement with this powerful episode!  #authenticconnections #digitalhandshake #rippleeffectgrowth #communityImpact #unstoppablesuccess #steveharper #rippleeffect #podcaster #keynotespeaker

You may recognize Melissa Knowles from her time on The Morning Express with Robin Meade on HLN, or her many times anchoring for CNN. Or maybe, you remember her from the Live Free or Die Hard movie with Bruce Willis. She stole the show on that one, in my opinion. I have been a fan of Melissa Knowles for as long as she's been gracing our television and movie screens. Maybe it's her incredibly positive energy or her amazing sense of humor that first got my attention. But it is her good heart and her amazing soul which just radiates from her that kept me watching.  Melissa is one of those people you can't help but feel uplifted by. As she graces our Instagram and TikTok feeds (follow her @knowlesitall) feeds, she is a shining example of someone who goes out of her way to create a positive Ripple in the world. She's honest. She's direct. She's funny as Hell. And she will probably make you wish you had worked out just a little bit harder (Soul Cycle, can you just make my girl your spokesmodel already?) and had that extra something something of whatever she takes in the morning to vibrate at some high level. I am deeply honored she agreed to come on The Ripple Effect Podcast. I am a huge fan not because she's famous but because she is a good person and a Rippler through and through. I could not wait to have this conversation with her.  Learn more about Melissa and her work at melissaknowlestv.com Here's Melissa's official bio: Melissa Knowles is an exceptional entertainment news personality with an impressive two-decade career in live and scripted broadcasting. Most recently, Melissa was the entertainment news reporter for "Morning Express with Robin Meade" and a valuable contributor to "CNN New Day." Melissa's daily segment, 'What's Poppin', was a captivating dive into the latest breaking pop-culture news, featuring her distinctive conversational style, quick wit, and polished storytelling. Beyond her regular entertainment news duties, Melissa frequently anchored both 'Morning Express with Robin Meade' and 'Weekend Express with Susan Hendricks,' showcasing her versatility and expertise. Melissa is renowned for her vibrant personality, which shines through the screen, creating a genuine connection with her audience. Her career commenced as a reporter for Channel One News, laying the foundation for her remarkable journey. Prior to joining the HLN/CNN on-air team, she hosted the daily entertainment news and pop-culture show 'Trending Now' at Yahoo! News. Her work extended to major events like The Summer Olympic Games in London and Super Bowl XLVII for Yahoo! Sports, where she demonstrated her adeptness at delivering high-profile sports coverage. Notably, Melissa has also served as a correspondent for BET News, covering significant events such as the presidential inauguration in 2013 and the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, displaying her versatility in news reporting. Her sports reporting experience includes a stint at Fox Sports, where she covered the Detroit Pistons, and an anchor role for 'Big 12 This Week' on ESPNU. Additionally, she worked as a sideline reporter for the ESPN family of networks, offering in-depth coverage of college sports. Melissa's educational background is rooted in journalism, as she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Melissa and her family have made Atlanta their home. Beyond her broadcasting career, Melissa, along with her husband Scott, is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. Their dedication to non-profit educational initiatives is instrumental in closing the opportunity and achievement gap for economically disadvantaged children, underscoring her passion for making a positive impact beyond the screen. Melissa Knowles is a multi-talented, dedicated professional who continues to captivate audiences with her charisma and expertise.  

In this captivating episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Steve Harper is joined by the amazing Lark Meadow, a co-founder and CEO from Aeon Blue Technologies. Lark shares her inspiring journey from the film industry to the forefront of climate technology. Lark shares her unexpected but incredible transition into the world of climate tech, fueled by her brother's (Doc) groundbreaking invention that transforms air and water into fuel. This technology promises a sustainable future and encapsulates the essence of innovation with its potential to revolutionize the energy sector. Lark's narrative is a testament to the power of curiosity and the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. Her transition from film to climate tech was driven by a desire to contribute to something larger than herself, a theme that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs and changemakers. The conversation delves into the technical marvel of their venture, Aeon Blue, which focuses on creating clean fuel and carbon capture solutions, aiming for a 600% carbon-negative impact. Her team's approach is not just about innovation but also accessibility and affordability, aiming to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructures and consumer habits. Lark's story is a compelling reminder of the impact each of us can have on addressing global challenges simply by Rippling our commitment and support to supporting and leveraging sustainable initiatives in our daily lives. Listeners are invited to explore Aeon Blue Technologies and the remarkable strides it's making in addressing climate change. Lark's journey is not just inspiring but a wake-up call for all of us to contribute to a sustainable future in whatever way we can. To learn more about Aeon Blue Technologies, go to their website - https://www.aeonbluetechnologies.com/ To connect with Lark go to LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larkmeadow/

In this interview, Jenn Breisacher discusses her passion for transforming education and creating a positive impact in the classroom. She shares some of her inspiration behind leaving the classroom to start her own thing and create even bigger Ripples as CEO of her firm Student-Centered World. Jenn shares the importance of small changes in teaching methods and can completely transform a school one educator at a time. Jenn emphasizes the need for work-life balance for teachers and how separating the job from their personal life is essential to avoid burnout. She also shares the support of her family, especially her husband, Shawn, who clearly deals with blood better than she does (joke), plays a significant role in her journey as an education change-maker and entrepreneur. The conversation delves into Jenn's long-term vision of training teachers worldwide in student-centered teaching methods and her upcoming book, "The Classroom Dichotomy." She believes that the power of small changes in teaching can and will lead to a positive Ripple Effect in education. Jenn and Steve also discuss the challenges in education today, the importance of teacher buy-in, and the need for a ground-up approach in implementing new methods rather than a top-down mandate.  You can't help but be inspired by Jenn's dedication to improving education and inspiring teachers to create meaningful change in their classrooms. She is no doubt changing the world one teacher, one classroom, and one student at a time. Talk about a Ripple Effect! Learn more about Jenn and her company - https://www.studentcenteredworld.com/about/

The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper launches, COVID and all, today! So before the first episode of the new season, Steve has something to say. Who is Fenius?