On this week's episode, I answer the question I've often been asked in the past couple of months: "Now that you've retired, does that mean you are ending the podcast?" And my reply is "No! I am here to stay and so is the podcast!"

In confirming that the podcast is here to stay, I explain what motivated me to start the podcast, what the podcast means to me and the gifts this podcast provides. I am committed to continuing to focus on the light and all that uplifts and inspires me, even through all the challenges we face. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I reflect on the fullness of my summer and the welcome of comforting regular routines. May you take a moment to reflect on your summer and notice what fills you with gratitude. May you welcome the return to the Fall routines. Let these routines comfort and ground you this season. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I join the chorus of people paying tribute to our iconic, American treasure, Dolly Parton. You can't help but be impressed with how she lived her life, her talent and kindness. She was humble, business savvy, grounded in compassion, invested in humanitarian values, and had a fabulous sense of humor. Dolly had a positively profound impact on and off stage.

May we all find ways to honor Dolly Parton by loving more deeply, giving more freely and keeping joy alive. May we all honor Dolly's love legacy. Check out the Show Notes for links to Dolly tributes from Heather Cox Richardson, Jessica Craven, Mel Robbins, Rosie O'Donnell and a clip of Dolly singing with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Enjoy the podcast.

Links:
Heather Cox Richardson

Jessica Craven

Mel Robbins

Rosie O'Donnell

Dolly with Ladysmith Black Mambazo "Peace Train"

On this weeks episode, I reflect on how intimately intertwined death and life are. One informs and impacts the other. From my childhood to late teens and early adulthood memories, to recent experiences of facing the death of people I love, I have learned to be present, feel the depth of emotions and look for opportunities for acceptance and personal reflection.

Nature teaches us about how natural, organic and integrated death is in life. Perhaps, we can envision that our death will inspire new life for others, as the dead trees in the woods give life to 100s of microorganisms. May we cultivate peace in our mind and in our way of life, so our own death has a better chance of being a peaceful one.

Check out the show notes for a link to The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and a link to my father's obituary. Enjoy the podcast.

Links:
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche

Stephen Kerry Carr obituary

My guest today is Dena DeRose. Dena Is a compelling, innovative jazz singer and pianist. In addition to her busy international touring schedule, Dena has been a professor of Jazz Voice at the Institute of Jazz at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria for the past 20 years. Dena has led clinics and workshops around the world. Her passionate ability to embody the heart and soul of music as a performer and educator is remarkable. She describes her students as inspiring her, I can only imagine how profoundly Dena inspires her students.

Check out the Show Notes for links to Dena's website, tour schedule and booking manager, Jay Nachowitz of Preferred Artists (a recent podcast guest). Mark your calendars for September 11 and 12th, to join me in hearing Dena perform with her trio, with Matt Wilson and Martin Wind, at Mezzrow in NYC. Enjoy the podcast!

Links:
denaderose.com
jazzvoice.com
preferredartists.net
Mezzrow-NYC

On this week's episode, I share how invigorated I was after 6 days of hiking in Yosemite National Park. I've had Yosemite hiking on my bucket list for 50 years and am delighted I finally experienced a section of it's profound peace and awesome beauty. I felt healthy, strong and empowered walking in the high altitudes, through shaded forests, over sunny granite, and up and down rocky switchbacks. I was so uplifted and inspired by the mountains, meadows and lakes and trust that this intimate communion with nature will live in me forever.

May you find refreshment this summer in lakes, rivers, pools and/or oceans. May you let nature's peace flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I describe my appreciation for evening strolls. In addition to the physical benefits of walking after dinner, evening strolls provide an opportunity to process our day, enjoy our surroundings and nurture an easeful, gentle unwinding of the day.

When my kids were young, we took evening strolls, that later turned into adventure walks but it has been about 25 years so I am happy to return to this simple practice. I am grateful that my husband and I are carving out time 4-5 days per week to add evening strolls to our self care routine. May you try out an evening stroll or an adventure walk and delight in what unfolds for you. Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, having just returned from 12 glorious days in Greece, I am filled with gratitude. A week-long yoga retreat, plus 4 additional days on a nearby island were a fabulous way to kick off my retirement. My beloved God-daughter, Aliya runs the retreat and is a gifted, inspiring leader, who creates a very special experience for women from around the world.

I am still absorbing all the magic of Greece: sparkling waters, dolphin sightings, delicious food, playful energy, hearty laughter and soul sister connections. How grateful I am to return to Greece after 45 years, to soak up all the beauty and wonder, while being so fully nourished in body, mind and spirit. May you be feeling gratitude for whatever summer experiences you are having. Enjoy the podcast!