HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo

There is no way to avoid the pain that comes with the death of a loved one. I was reminded of that recently when my step father passed. He made it almost 93 years. A good life. My dad… too soon. Only 61 from a massive heart attack. It was traumatic, to say the least. But when violence is part of the equation, a lot of unanswered question remain. And in 1998, my dear friend Kristina Filler was confronted with many. Still to this day, in fact. Gun violence. Murder. And in a blink, her father was gone. Why? It's been over 20 years since Kristina lost her dad to senseless gun violence. And since that time the stages of grief have propelled her into activism. Amplifying the message to "Hold Your Fire", the t-shirt campaign she created that has raised over $12,000 in just four years for Everytown for Gun Safety. But what's different about Kristina is that she's doing her best to make activism "less of a drag" and even fun. Is this possible? I think so. I've witnessed it first hand as I also share a loss from gun violence. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Kristina gets real about her approach to fighting for tougher gun laws. As a mom now, it's the rocket fuel that makes her message even more meaningful with a bit of a punch to get the powerful point across…glitter included. You'll find out how she's making activism easy and practical so anyone can make a difference. Including you. Because when it all boils down to it, there's always humor behind the healing…complete with funny shorts. You'll have to listen to hear more about that. Plus how you can "Hold Your Fire" and support keeping our country (and kids) safe and guns off the streets. If you would like to be part of the change, support Everytown for Gun Safety and sport one of Kristina's Hold Your Fire shirts, you can purchase them at bonfire.com/hold-your-fire. All proceeds go to Everytown. You can also Text 644-33 to receive actionable text alerts from Everytown. It makes activism easy and practical. Connect with Kristina on Instagram @kstar810 or on her website kristinafiller.com If you or someone you know needs additional support and want to know how Hilary can help you on your healing journey, connect with Hilary and set up a call to find ways to turn your own traumas to triumphs and HUG it Out for healing. Connect here: https://hilaryrusso.as.me/hugitout HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilisticallyspeaking.com

In the wake of another school shooting and to amplify the message during Gun Violence Awareness Month, Hilary revisits her conversation with Sandy Hook Elementary mom, Scarlett Lewis. Scarlett's six year old son Jesse was murdered in 2012 during the massacre at the Newtown, Connecticut elementary school. She's devoted her life to fighting for change with an important message left by her son which sparked the Choose Love Movement. This movement is one that Hilary is also an ambassador of and why you're hearing this conversation today. This episode is part of a two part series on Gun Violence Awareness. Andwhile the stories and methods are advocacy are different, what sparked the need for change was loss due to senseless gun violence that is running rampant in the America. To learn more about the Choose Love Movement and to join the incredible organization for change, visit chooselovemovement.org Want to make a change? Share this episode with one other person. And consider subscribing and leaving a rating and review on HIListically Speaking wherever your headphones take you. If you find that you need support changing on your own healing journey and would like to learn more about what Scarlett and Hilary talked about with Havening, you can find out more on Hilary's website https://www.hilaryrusso.com/havening and set up a complimentary discovery session. HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilisticallyspeaking.com

There are certain people that are just born to be on stage. Telly Leung is one of them. Hilary met Telly almost two decades ago when they did The King and I with Lou Diamond Phillips as the lead. Since then, "leading man" is something Telly is quite familiar with and it's a perfect fit. From Aladdin on Broadway to other notable roles that include the Broadway revival and national tour of Rent, Godspell, Allegiance and In Transit...he's done it all. And if you're a fan of the TV show Glee, it's hard to think of The Warblers without Wes. But what Telly has learned during his devotion to the performing arts is that it comes with a responsibility. Especially when you're the star. On this episode and in honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, HIListically Speaking, Telly opens up about placing race and diversity center stage. The importance of mental health and sharing your story. And why taking a giant leap into new territory as a director is crucial for conscious conversations to exist; not only for the arts, but for mind, body and spirit as well. Plus, Telly goes public for the first time about about an experiment that nurtured his mental and physical health. Something he's only shared with close family and friends...until now. The curtain is rising and you are front row and center. Enjoy the conversation with the incredibly talented leading man, Telly Leung. To connect and stay up to date on Telly, check out his website tellyleung.com and follow him on social @tellyleung. The book Telly was reading, The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace. If you enjoyed this conversation, Subscribe to HIListically Speaking and leave a rating and review wherever your headphones take you. If you find that you need support changing a habit or behavior, you can set up a complimentary discovery session with Hilary to see how she can support you on your healing journey. You can find out more on her website https://www.hilaryrusso.com/havening HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Edited by David Sais Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care". While those words are attributed to Teddy Roosevelt, when business coach, consultant and recovering corporate lawyer Claudia Williams shared them during her conversation, you can just felt it from the heart. She's the kind of person you want in your posse. In fact, when she was part of The Hershey Company's legal team, she actually had what she called, "The Chocolate Posse". It was a place where ideas flowed and friendship, mentorship and leadership was always present. Or as she calls it "Friendtorship": the pillars that make a good leader in the workplace as well as the home. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Claudia shares her story: The lessons she learned as a child in a home. One she says was filled with love, but also domestic violence and divorce. How she vowed to create a positive space personally and professionally. And how her own child's words lead her to make the biggest decision yet…leaving "The Sweetest Place on Earth" to follow her heart. But not before learning the secret behind the Reece's Peanut Butter Cup. Connect with Claudia: Website: http://claudia-williams.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiamwilliams Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/execcoachclaudia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExecCoachClaudia Twitter: https://twitter.com/execcoachclaud Pay it forward and pass this episode along to a friend. And consider subscribing wherever your ear buds take you. Leave a review on Apple Podcast and I may give you a shout out on an upcoming episode! Join the free Brain Candy Challenge during Mental Health Awareness Month. Daily videos are posted all month long on Hilary's TikTok and Instagram. HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Edited by David Sais Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com

I feel like my body can't make up it's mind! I remember saying those words when I had my first series of hot flashes. In fact, I shared it quite openly on social media. It was like being in a hot yoga studio one minute and then...gone. What the hell is happening? Incoming! Welcome to the world of perimenopause. On this hilarious episode of HIListically Speaking, I sit with my hormonal sisters Julia Granacki and Ellie Dvorkin Dunn, hosts of the podcast Circling the Drain as we get to the bottom going through the changes. From symptoms and options to friendships and dating. And what it means to stay calm and cool before the period comes to a complete halt. Ready to give Circling the Drain a listen? You can find it on all podcast platforms and on their website. Connect with Julia and Ellie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Interested in holistic health coaching? My gift to you... sample a free class from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. IIN is where Julia and I received our certification. My Link: https://click-myl.ink/y9scjjsb and Use this code: HRUSSOXIIN GET BRAIN CANDY & WAYS TO BE KIND TO YOUR MIND DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX⁣ https://www.hilaryrusso.com/braincandy⁣ DISCOVER HAVENING TECHNIQUES TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS⁣ https://www.hilaryrusso.com/training⁣ ⁣ BOOK HILARY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT OR ATTEND!⁣ https://www.hilaryrusso.com/events⁣ ⁣ Pay it forward and pass this episode along to a friend. And consider subscribing wherever your ear buds take you. Leave a review on Apple Podcast and I may give you a shout out on an upcoming episode! HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Podcast: @hilisticallyspeaking Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com

You need help. We all do. Simply put, you can't do alone. When it comes to tackling the big upsets in our life, support is not only important, it's a must. For the longest time, Jamie Hess was fighting the urge to ask for help. And her addictions were getting the best of her. Then she woke up. And even though she's considered one of the most recognizable influencers in the wellness space, she still struggles with addictions every day. The secret to empowering herself and others…just ASK. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, get to know the gal behind @NYCFitFam and The Big Ask. Jamie will share her own story of addiction and how it took her down the rabbit hole. But also the road to recovery when she finally said "enough is enough". Plus she answers listeners questions, shares more on how you can put kibosh on that food shaming and the importance of accountability to live your best life. Join Jamie for a free month in The Big Ask Society and tell her Hilary sent you. thebigaskmethod.com If you need additional support in altering your thoughts, moods and behaviors rapidly and permanently with Havening, set up a complimentary call with Hilary and learn how to HUG it Out! holistically. https://hilaryrusso.as.me/hugitout Liked this episode, pay it forward and share with a friend. And consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcast. HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Edited by David Sais Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com

When you're in a state of anxiety, stress, overwhelm or panic... calm is not an option. You just can't be in both states at the same time. On this very special unedited and raw episode of HIListically Speaking, Hilary opens up about her personal journey. How making some difficult choices can create the space for calm and clarity, even when confidence is lacking and it feels like you are letting others down. Because, as Hilary says, saying "no" to others means sometimes saying "yes" to yourself. From this intimate and inspiring conversation with you, dear listener, you'll discover why letting go can be the release you needed to come back stronger and better. Why asking for what you need can provide you with the support you deserve. And holding space for others is truly the most beautiful gift we can give. If you're in the overwhelm and need support, connect with Hilary and set up a complimentary call to learn how to be kind to your mind and HUG it Out with Havening. It's helped her and her clients. When is now the right time to get help too? hilaryrusso.com/havening If you think this episode will touch, move and inspire someone you know, pay it forward. And consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcast. HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com

There's a lot of responsibility that comes with being a circus ringmaster. In many ways it's a dance between your performers and the audience. A trust. And for decades, Johnathan Lee Iverson has taken that trust very seriously. A peculiar genius of his own that he doesn't take lightly. So, when he moved from Ringling Bros into the Omnium Circus, a "Bold New Circus" where inclusivity, diversity, multi-sensory is always center ring, his devotion took things to the next level. On the second part of the series "Finding Your Peculiar Genius", Johnathan share more about the traumas and triumphs of circus life. Especially within the disabled or rather the multi-able community. Something close to my own heart and you'll find out why. Plus, you'll meet a number of performers through the stories Johnathan shares and what it means to dream big and have a platform to express yourself authentically. Plus, a chance of a lifetime opportunity to join Johnathan and the cast at the Omnium Circus on May 14th at the Queens Theatre in NYC. All you have to do is purchase just one ticket, then post it on your Instagram and tag @hilaryrusso, @thelastringmaster and @omniumcircus. You'll be entered for a chance to join us center ring to meet join the circus after the show. Connect with Johnathan by visiting his website bigtopvoice.com Come to the Omnium Circus for a chance to meet Johnathan and the cast. Purchase tickets here: https://omniumcircus.org/ If you think this episode will touch, move and inspire someone you know, pay it forward. And consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcast. HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Edited by David Sais Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com

There's magic in the air when you go to the circus. If you've ever been and I hope you have, you know the pure excitement that comes over you from the moment you take your seat until the very end. Much of that comes from the unbelievable gift of peculiar genius you are watching inside the ring. Every act, pure wonder filled with thoughts of "how did they do that"? Johnathan Lee Iverson gets to witness that wonder every time he steps into the spotlight. After all, when you're the big voice under the big top, it comes with well..big responsibilities. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Johnathan shares more about about circus life. How his own journey began and how it was never part of the plan. What it means to find your own peculiar genius and what one special circus is doing to find the I'mpossible in each and every one of us. Plus, listeners will have a chance to meet Johnathan and the Omnium Family Circus. Listen for details. Connect with Johnathan by visiting his website bigtopvoice.com Come to the Omnium Circus for a chance to meet Johnathan and the cast. https://omniumcircus.org/ If you think this episode will touch, move and inspire someone you know, pay it forward. And consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcast. HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Edited by David Sais Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com

Doug O'Brien has never been too far from therapy. After all, he spent years as a musician....which, it in itself therapeutic. But, after playing some of the greatest musical venues in NYC, a shift in his life turned his focus to another form of emotional well-being. And what started as a hobby became a thriving career. Internationally recognized as an expert in Ericksonian Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Havening, Doug shares more with Hilary and listeners about his journey into mental health. But, also how the lessons he learned from music are always one note away. You'll also discover the impact behind the power of persuasion and why words matter. And the true power behind slowing down and finding the perfect beat that can help you live a happier, healthier life. Find out more about Doug O'Brien and his work and to download "Be Your Best at Self-Hypnosis, visit his website. He also offers a self-hypnosis audio meditation, when you subscribe to our mailing list. You can also connect with him on Facebook. What's Doug Reading: How Music Works by David Byrne Interested in listening to our conversation on the Essential Coaching Skills Podcast, Check out Episode 22 of Doug's Podcast here. Interested in learning more about Havening Techniques and how Hilary can support you on your healing journey? Connect with her at hilaryrusso.com/havening If you think this episode will touch, move and inspire someone you know, pay it forward. And consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcast. HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Edited by David Sais Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilaryrusso.com