Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

My guest today is Lynda Baldauf, co-founder of the Swedish dishcloth Three Bluebirds. With mindfulness, humility and an open heart, Lynda and her Finland-born husband Lasse, started their company in 2013. Their Eco-friendly cleaning cloth replaces paper towels, rags and sponges, absorbs 20 times its weight and lasts 6-9 months. The cloth is made in the US with sustainable wood pulp, certified organic cotton and water-based inks so they are 100% compost-able with zero waste.  You never know what a chance meeting will offer. I'm grateful that the stars aligned for me to meet Lynda in a crowded NYC holiday market; it was a gift to be in her kind presence and resonate with her positive energy. In addition to being inspired by Lynda's conscientious dish cloth, I was inspired by Lynda, as I learned about her life, her choices, her adventures and the grace and integrity infused in all she has experienced. I was delighted to meet this lovely woman, as well as incorporate a tangible product like Three Bluebirds Swed

On this week's episode, I share a simple story that reminds us how much kindness matters. There is a powerful ripple effect in one small act of kindness. Genuine kindness aligns us with our true nature. It feels good to be both the giver and receiver of kindness. May this episode remind you that even in the midst of our chaotic current events, the simple act of kindness can move us to tears, water our souls, and help us be more fully present to what truly matters. Enjoy the podcast! 

On this week's episode, we celebrate our 400th episode. I acknowledge the key role as producer that my husband Paul plays. I am so grateful for all he does to help me develop, support and sustain this podcast dream of mine. I also celebrate the growing grassroots movement that rallied over 8 million people to show up for No Kings 3 Protest on March 28th. I share some of the lyrics sung in the singing resistance groups all across the land. The words capture what shores me up in these troubling times. As we celebrate 400 episodes, may we all find small and large ways to stand in solidarity with neighbors, friends, strangers… to lead with love, nurture compassion, protect each other, rise up, march for freedom, sing resistance and fight for justice. Enjoy the podcast! 

My guest today is Sheri Reuveni-Ulrich. Sheri had been a speech therapist for nearly 25 years with special needs individuals, primarily on the autism spectrum. She also had a love for baking and often incorporated baking as an experiential activity for her students. Her "ah ha" moment occurred when she stepped back from the kitchen and witnessed her non-verbal students humming, laughing and finding their voices, while baking cookies. That ignited her desire to create a bakery, where she could provide meaningful employment to individuals on the spectrum.  Rising Above Bakery, started in Sheri's home, is now a hidden gem in Nyack and Sheri hopes to expand to locations in Bergen County, NJ. Become a customer, a volunteer or open an account to supply their delicious, high quality, baked goods in your deli, grocery, restaurant or coffee shop. Sheri is also demonstrating that individuals on the spectrum can be reliable, engaged employers. Help the bakers, Sheri and their dreams rise above their challenges.  Chec

On this week's episode, I explain the importance of Saturday March 28th's No Kings 3 Protest. Research says that if 3.5% of the population actively participate in sustained peaceful protest, the people can topple an authoritarian regime. And we have an authoritarian regime that desperately needs to be toppled! 3.5% of our country's population would be 12 million people.  Let's show up and peacefully take to the streets and encourage everyone we know to come be a part of the 12 million people, gathering in solidarity to unite, resist, and restore our democracy. Check out the Show Notes for links to NoKings.org to find an event near you as well as links to Robert Reich's IG clip that I transcribed and key grassroots groups Indivisible, HandsOff, MoveOn, Womens March and 50501, all helping to organize our inspiring resistance movement. Enjoy the podcast!  Links: No Kings 3 Website IG: @rbreich indivisible.org/ indivisiblerockland.org/ www.handsoffnyc.com front.moveon.org/ www.fiftyfifty.one/ w

On this week's episode, I build on the poem I shared last week titled Because by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. The poem is about opening our hearts, even when the world around us temps us to close it or protect ourselves from all the anguish and pain. The poem encourages us to make love matter even when it is easy to fall into despair. I've let that poem seep into me and it inspired me to look up more pieces on heart centering and tenderness. May we sit at the altar of our heart. May we breathe deeply, listen compassionately. May we embrace the tenderness that tunes us into our truth, the tenderness that frees us, the tenderness that blesses our aliveness. Check out the show notes for links to Wendy Heckert's Heart Space: A Meditation Poem as well as Mark Nepo's  short essay This Tenderness. Enjoy the podcast!  Links: Heart Space by Wendy Heckert This Tenderness by Mark Nepo

I share a deeply inspiring poem on this week's episode. My niece shared the poem with me and her great-uncle shared it with her and he claims that the poem so beautifully captures his beloved wife who died last year. So this poem is charged with loving hands, open hearts and wisdom from this world and beyond.  May we take love seriously. May we give love wildly. May we be gentle with our insufficiency. May we stay open in the face of indifference, anger, cruelty and fear. May we love as if love matters, as if the world depends on it. Enjoy the podcast! Links: Meet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

On this week's episode, I describe how soothed I was by the shades of turquoise in the Bahamas. For twelve days on a small island in the Bahamas, these gorgeous colors evoked mystery, boldness, vibrancy and calm. I can't explain why, but turquoise nourished and healed my body, mind and spirit.  May we hold onto to colors, images and words that calm our nervous system, quiet our minds and drop us more fully into the present moment. May we envision life as joy. May we see that life is service. May we behold that service is joy.  Enjoy the podcast!

My guest today is Arianna Injeian. And what an honor to shine light on Arianna, who is shining light on so many others; what an inspiring woman! Her background in Medical Anthropology, Sociology, and Public Health allows her to look at systemic health, particularly in the area of women's reproductive care. In undergraduate school, she started off with a dual major in anthropology and biology. Her love for travel and learning about other people and cultures, brought her to a masters program at the University of Amsterdam, where she had another dual major: medical anthropology and public health.  She is currently at the University of Alabama in yet another dual degree program, for a Masters in Public Health (which she recently completed) and a Ph.D. in Bio-Cultural Medical Anthropology. Her dissertation is a comparative analysis of reproductive health and fertility care in both Alabama and Argentina. Arianna has completed her course work, along with her research in Alabama and is now spending 6 months in Arge

My guest today is LoraKim Joyner, a passionate protector of parrots, who knows that the health of one is interconnected to the health of all beings. LoraKim received her B.S in Avian Sciences, her Doctorate in Veterinarian Medicine, a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, which led to meaningful work in bird conservation throughout Central and South America. Years later she saw the need to address human well-being and obtained her Masters in Divinity and was ordained a Unitarian Universalist minister and became certified in NonViolent Communication.  LoraKim's expansive experience covers, bird education, research and conservation, parish ministry, co-founder of the non-profit organization One Earth Conservation and leading transformational projects in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guyana, Suriname and Paraguay. Her mission and motto is "Unconditional Solidarity" with the acronym U.S., which  reflects that it takes all of us to protect parrots, protect people and protect our planet! Get a literal and

My guest today is Pascale Jean-Gilles. Pascale and I bumped into each other last week at two local events: a high school student-led protest in solidarity with Minneapolis in our town and at the County Legislature Building with hundreds of people showing up to support the "Safety and Dignity for All ACT", a bill to ensure guardrails with ICE agents in our county. Having known Pascale since she was 2 years old, it was a pure delight to reconnect with her and learn about who she is as a thoughtful, compassionate, dedicated young woman.  Pascale is Chief of Staff for NY State Representative, Mary Jane Shimsky, District 92, as well as an elected Trustee and Deputy Mayor for the Village of Nyack. She is invested in local politics, personal growth and cares deeply about meeting the needs of her community. I loved hearing what influenced Pascale to go to law school, the lessons she learned about her NJ clerkship in criminal court, her experience as communications director, campaign manager and director of outreach

On this week's episode, I propose that mea culpa is a good place to start as we honor Black History Month. The Latin phrase mea culpa is an exclamation of apology or remorse, admitting that one has caused harm. For true racial healing to happen in this country, I long for us to own up to the threats, controls and discrimination embedded in our country's systems. I am relieved to notice more white people expressing their own forms of mea culpa, as they are dedicated to learning, open to admitting harm, and willing to take responsibility. That feels like a meaningful way to celebrate Black History Month. Check out the Show Notes for links to Marianne Williamson's proposal for reparations as well as an insightful IG account from Kellie Snider, an older white woman, who reminds white people to remain curious and disciplined in our current political climate.  Enjoy the podcast!  Links: Marianne Williamson talks about reparations IG: @kelliesnider.art

My guest today is Beth Ellen Adubato. I met Beth last month and was so impressed with her background and dedication to making a positive impact in the world. From her own personal experience of being sexually assaulted in college, Beth has championed women's issues for decades and created an organization that supports women of domestic violence. She has been a journalist, researcher and professor of criminal justice, at both Saint Peter's University and Rutgers University, training her students to be critical thinkers, who care for others with empathy.  Beth now feels compelled to serve her state on a larger scale and is running for Congress in New Jersey District 7. Her run for Congress reflects her values, determination and strength, embodying what it means to be a courageous leader who speaks the truth and stands up to injustice. I am so grateful that someone with Beth's experience wants to throw her hat in the political ring. If you live in NJ-7 or know people who do, please share Beth's info and let's

On this week's episode I honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and celebrate this inspiring civil rights leader and his work for racial equality and social justice. I feel it's imperative to be reminded who Martin Luther King, Jr. was and what he fought for, particularly amidst our current toxic atmosphere of erasure. I highlight 10 significant facts about Dr. King, and play an audio clip of what Dr. King had the audacity to believe. It moved me deeply, as a child, to hear Dr. King speak and now 60 years later, I marvel at how poignantly his words resonate for us at this moment in time.  May we reflect today on King's legacy. May Dr. King's sacred activism, motivate us to stand up for justice. May we carry on his inspiring work to invest in treating Black Americans, Native Americans and all our immigrant brothers and sisters with equity and dignity. Happy MLK Day!!!  Enjoy the podcast!  Links:The King Center 10 Facts About Martin Luther King

On this week's episode, I describe the word Justice that I've chosen for 2026. I want this word to be integrated into my thoughts, words and actions this year. I want justice to guide me, inspire me, and empower me to advocate for fairness, accountability, and restorative relationships. Yes, I will start with myself, but, oh how I want to live in a world where justice is upheld and can radiate throughout this country.   May 2026 be a year where injustices are no longer tolerated and people are held accountable for their dehumanizing behavior. May we work in solidarity to cultivate social justice, racial justice, economic justice, criminal justice and climate justice! What word have you chosen to for guidance and growth? May your 2026 word enlighten, uplift and inspire you. Enjoy the podcast! 

On this week's episode, I mark the beginning of our podcast's 9th year and reflect on the 5 people I honored and the 45 stories I shared from 2025. It was a very challenging year personally and politically, yet I trust that there are spiritual lessons and opportunities for learning and healing. May we all practice restoring humanity, dignity, compassion and justice. Blessings for a healing, engaged, empowering year. May you be safe and healthy, and join me in searching for the mysterious, wondrous ways the Universe is conspiring to help us evolve, help us to live more authentically, more joyfully. Blessings for the courage, grace and wisdom needed for 2026.

In addition to the wide range of emotions, this past week, I've also felt humbled. Humbled by my friend, Wayne who is living with the brutal disease ALS. Paul and I spent 4 days and 4 overnights with Wayne, while his wife was out of town. I am humbled by the human spirit that can still nurture a positive attitude, despite being so physically limited. Humbled by resilience, the choice to remain grateful and generous. Humbled by the aides who make personal sacrifices to show up with kindness, patience, and professionalism.  Humbled by what this brings out in my husband, in me, as we expand the best of us. Humbled by the wisdom in this quote by Arnaud Desjardins: "By feeling gratitude towards life, I move towards light, wholeness, universal energy, love. I move beyond the bounds of my own life and discover that I am an expression or form of universal life, of divine energy."  Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I acknowledge how full the month of December can be. Are you also finding this month to be full with holiday preparations, full with things to do, full with parties and events to attend, and full of emotions? It can be exciting and stressful. Our bodies will partner with us in the overwhelm and help carry the full load for us.  May we be present to the fullness of life, the hurt, pain, tenderness and generosity. May we allow ourselves to feel deeply. May we nurture ourselves in our vulnerability. May we embody love, truth, and justice and allow those words to dwell among us in this very full month.  Enjoy the podcast!

On this week's episode, I share how my week reflected the snowball effect captured in the humorous children's book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff and brilliantly illustrated by Felicia Bond. One thing leads to another and another and another, and before you know it, a simple gesture set off tasks, projects and investment well beyond what we initially intended.  It began with the clearing out of kitchen shelving, then the kitchen pantry, then a new hinge for a cabinet door, which reminded us that the kitchen window needed replacing. Listen to see what unfolds from there! I'm guessing you might be able to relate! Let's keep a sense of humor when the ball gets rolling! Here's to dealing with home improvement projects and knowing that when you give a mouse a cookie, the story is not over! Enjoy the podcast! 

On this week's episode, I reflect on all the change that happens around us and the wisdom of learning to embrace change. There are the changes in season, temperatures, clothes and food, changes in friendships and activities. I also noticed when organizing my Holiday Card list, how many people changed homes so I needed address updating. I was struck by the number of loved ones who have died this past year. Their absence has an impact on me along with a web of other people, all experiencing changes without these individuals in our lives.  I am comforted by the Buddhist teaching on impermanence, that everything that comes also goes, everything that lives must die, and everything that is created will crumble. Change and self-discovery are intertwined. May change not be feared but a force that propels us forward. There are plenty of changes that I embrace wholeheartedly and plenty that I resist, so may we honor the life long journey we have to practice embracing change. Enjoy the podcast!