This Morning Walk

Author Elissa Altman joins Libby to discuss her practice of walking, writing, and the themes of her books, including Motherland, which explores her complicated relationship with her mother. She also talks about her upcoming book, On Permission: A Manifesto For Writers, Artists, and Dreamers, which delves into the concept of finding permission in creativity and storytelling. She also discusses the role of walking in her creative process, along with the meditative and healing qualities that walking brings to her life, bringing up familiar themes of walking as a form of art with Libby. For more on Elissa Altman, visit https://www.elissaaltman.com/  Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby and Alex catch up on various topics that have emerged during recent walks. They talk about the importance of paying attention to details in life and the process of letting go and embracing change. They also touch on Alex's upcoming book and the emotions that often come when working with new collaborators.  Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex and Libby celebrate two major milestones together - the release of Alex’s fragrance Heal The Way and Libby getting to write a book about her walking practice and the steps she’s taken to make it a reality. Along the way, they emphasize the importance of enrolling supportive friends in the process of celebrating our triumphs and sharing good news with people who can celebrate and hold space for your dreams. Overall, the conversation highlights the power of surrounding ourselves with positive support,  while being mindful of others' capacities to do so.  Alex’s Fragrance: https://snif.co/products/heal-the-way Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby and Alex share a recent walk taken together on a recent visit to Libby’s home in Massachusetts.  Alex’s Essay “Healing Through Disappointment”: https://alexelle.substack.com/p/healing-through-disappointment Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex’s 16-year old daughter sits down for a special episode of This Morning Walk. With Libby and Alex, she reflects on this period of her life with a level of insight and wisdom that is beyond her years, revealing how she uses journaling as a tool for self-reflection and growth, the necessity of setting personal boundaries as a safeguard for authenticity, and steering clear of the relentless currents of comparison on social media and the ceaseless pursuit of approval that it often brings. Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby shares her personal journey of discovering the missing piece in her life 12 years ago: walking. What started as a desire to simply get outside ultimately became so much more. In this special extended ‘Walking Journal’, Libby highlights the moments in life that led her to start her practice at the age of 50, and commemorates some of the milestones and lessons she’s learned along the way.  Show Notes:  Rise and Write https://www.instagram.com/p/C1EwiToO2kW/?img_index=1 Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex and Libby discuss the concept of being the “strong” friend and the unintended pressure that can often come with it. They explore the importance of setting boundaries and clearly communicating our capacity in relationships and also emphasize seeking reciprocity and mutual support when needed. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging and nurturing intimate relationships  while recognizing the limitations of our energy and time, and how practices like walking can provide the clarity needed to help navigate our intentions.  Show Notes:  Rise and Write https://www.instagram.com/p/C1EwiToO2kW/?img_index=1 Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Light Watkins is a bestselling author of four books, including “Travel Light”, as well as an accomplished meditation teacher. One day a few years ago, he and Libby met over a cup of Chai (what else?) and connected over his nomadic lifestyle and the concept of spiritual minimalism. On today’s episode of This Morning Walk, he explores the idea of extending meditation into daily life and how the benefits of having a regular practice, such as walking, is really all about showing up and having a more holistic viewpoint of every moment in your life. It’s the in-between moments that count.  Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby reflects on turning 62 and the lessons she has learned throughout her life. She and Alex explore the importance of looking forward to the future no matter what your age, and the importance of letting go and making room for what truly lights you up. Their conversation then delves into the challenges of receiving loving compliments and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. Oh, and Libby declares once and for all that cake is better than pie (especially birthday cake).  Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eduardo Garcia shares his journey as a chef and how food has played a significant role in his self-discovery, and ultimately his recovery after a near-death experience. Eduardo reflects with Libby and Alex on the lessons he learned during his long healing process and how he navigates life in a new capacity through trusting that he’s walking on the right path. He emphasizes the importance of releasing in order to receive and honoring where you find yourself in life.  00:00 Introduction and Small Talk 03:12 Eduardo's Background and Work in the Food Industry 06:19 The Role of Food in Eduardo's Life and Self-Discovery 11:56 Eduardo's Near-Death Experience and the Importance of Taking the Long Way 16:16 Lessons Learned from the Healing Process and Navigating Life 19:06 Releasing to Receive and Honoring Where You Are 22:46 The Journey of Honest Ownership of Self 26:16 The Desire to Feed and the Importance of Giving and Receiving 31:22 Releasing Desire to Receive Distribution 34:56 The Importance of Daily Walks and Self-Care 36:21 Closing Remarks and Gratitude Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for a freewheeling conversation on this week’s episode of This Morning Walk! Alex and Libby kick things off with one of their favorite shared loves - tea! - why Libby is giving up oat milk, which leads to the topic of glucose monitoring and the health insights it provides, even as it relates to walking. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of failure and the importance of surrounding yourself by people who allow you to fail.  Note: This episode contains discussions about weight loss, food, and exercise. If that is not something you have the space or capacity for, please feel free to skip this episode. 00:00 Introduction and Tea Talk 01:11 Discussion on Different Types of Milk 03:17 Glucose Monitoring and Weight Loss Journey 08:51 Weighted Vests and Strength Training 10:34 Mindfulness and Tea Drinking 16:18 Continuation of Weighted Vests Discussion 22:03 Reflection on Failure and Quitting 30:34 Importance of Failing and Having a Safe Space 39:36 Wrap-up and Conclusion Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby and Alex welcome fellow WalkStar Caitlin Patrick as shares her journey of starting a walking practice and how it has evolved into a spiritual and healing practice. She discusses the challenges she faced when her beloved grandmother suddenly passed in 2023, and the profound impact walking had on her during that season of grief and loss. Caitlin emphasizes the importance of community and trust, and Alex recounts a very a memorable walk that they had while on a retreat in Arizona. Caitlin also explores the concept of restoration and the need to hold oneself through difficult times. The conversation concludes with reflections on the power of walking as a path of healing and alignment. Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby and Alex welcome fellow Walkstar and breathwork coach Jamila Reddy as she shares her journey through the path of grief and healing. Jamila shares how she cultivates peace and joy amidst loss and reminds us that if grief is inevitable, beauty, joy and healing should be, as well. Her vulnerability paves the way for a conversation on intentional healing and moving through grief with grace. Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the word that will guide you in 2024? This episode features walking journals from fellow Walkstars sharing their intentions for the year, including Joanne from Mississippi, who finds solace and purpose in 'growth' through gardening and walking; Andrea in Atlanta, as she holds 'safety' close, and Jeremy in Kathmandu, who cherishes 'gratitude'. Their stories, along with others who have embraced words like 'soft' and 'easy', create intention and mindfulness in 2024, underscoring the collective spirit of the ‘This Morning Walk’ community.  And as we walk together, the support and engagement of our listeners mean the world to us! This episode is a reflection of that gratitude, and we’d love to continue to hear your words and walking journals throughout the year. Send your own 1-minute walking journals to podcast@thismorningwalk.com.  Let’s walk into 2024 together with stories, reflections, and a community that grows stronger with each step. Walk on, Walkstars, and cherish the fresh newness that each day brings. Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the calendar flips to 2024, Libby and Alex invite you to join in embracing a unique approach to resolutions—one that involves selecting a word or feeling to guide your steps in the year ahead.  We’d like to hear what you intend to feel in 2024 for a future episode of This Morning Walk.  Send a 1 minute audio walking journal to podcast@thismorningwalk.com by Wednesday, January 9 for potential inclusion in an upcoming episode!  Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libby and Alex are joined by actress, podcast host for the OWN Network, and fellow Walkstar Ashley Blaine Featherson Jenkins. Ashley opens up about the role walking plays in her life, how it’s helped her find peace from body dysmorphia, and how the profoundness of walking can be traced back to her ancestors.  Be sure to stick around to the end of the episode, as Alex and Libby discuss the word that will guide them into 2024, and offer encouragement to discover what that individual word is for you.  Check out Ashley’s podcast Trials To Triumphs from the OWN Network, wherever you get your podcasts.  Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s easy to celebrate momentous occasions and achievements in life, but on this episode, Alex and Libby reflect on celebrating the smaller moments in life, as well as being present in the smooth-sailing moments, not just in times of chaos.  Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling children’s book author Roda Ahmed joins Libby and Alex to discuss what she’s walking through in the wake of her eldest daughter’s move to college, and how she prioritizes celebrating important milestones for those who are most important to her.  Visit https://www.rodaworld.com/ and https://www.hightreepublishing.com/ to check out Roda’s books and projects! Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The inspiring Rhonda Ross joins Alex and Libby to discuss how she uses walking as a means to feel and identify emotions, which in turn promotes personal practice and intentional living. A multi-talented singer, songwriter, and personal power coach, this conversation uncovers the importance of emotional autonomy, and the subtle art of aligning our thoughts as a powerful act of self-care, which ultimately leads to community care.  Listeners of This Morning Walk can access her Crucial First Step micro-course at the following link to FEEL BETTER through the POWER of THOUGHT: https://rhondaross.ck.page/ Rhonda Ross is an Emmy-Nominated Actress, Grammy-Nominated Songwriter and Motivational Singer who helps people FEEL BETTER through the POWER of THOUGHT. As the only child between Diana Ross and Motown founder, Berry Gordy, Rhonda is quick to acknowledge the luck she was born into having two of the world’s most influential people as her parents. However, partly as a result of comparing herself to them and their accomplishments, Rhonda felt constantly controlled by what other people expected of her and what they said to and about her. For years, she painfully struggled with insecurity, self-esteem and feelings of being unfulfilled. Finally, she embraced The Power of Thought and kindly released others from the burden of making her happy as she took the Crucial First Step to FEELING BETTER. You don't have to be born into a family of global icons to find yourself contending with the pressures of external expectations. So many of us struggle to feel better in the midst of our own tumultuous worlds. Now, through her invigorating music, inspiring keynotes, and impactful courses and workshops, Rhonda empowers others with tools and strategies to activate, implement and strengthen their emotional independence through the Power of Thought so they can feel better, no matter what life throws at them. Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere   Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this season of giving thanks, Alex and Libby invite listeners to share their own walking journals to reflect on gratitude. Hear from Walkstars all over the world - New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and more - as they give thanks for community, family, enduring friendships, and recovery.  These walking journals are an invitation for you to walk in gratitude this season, and if you’d like to send in your own walking journals, send a 2 minute audio note to podcast@thismorningwalk.com  Keep in touch:  https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle  Libby Instagram: @parkhere     Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits:  Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Hara Noda / Aligned / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You’re Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices