I Remember with Eileen Fein

In this episode I talk with Doug McIntyre, noted opinion columnist with the Southern California News Group, about writing the next chapter of his life. Listen to the questions Doug has asked himself, and lessons he has learned from that are driving the narrative of this chapter. Then consider how you want to write the next chapter of your life.   Doug's writing appears every Sunday in the Los Angeles Daily News, Orange County Register, Long Beach Press Telegram and many other newspapers. Visit Doug's website to learn more about him. 

I this I Remember interview, I'm speaking with the talented, lovely sister team of Arwen Evans and Ashley Wheelock, authors of the amazing children's book, We Toot.  As I’m sure you’ve noticed, children’s books targeted to girls – all pinks, princesses and ponies – haven’t kept pace with the women’s movement or evolving gender expectations. That’s why these women wrote We Toot, a feminist fable about farting.  Yep, We Toot is a fart-joke laden whodunit with a powerful message of body positivity, self-acceptance and female friendship.  The short picture book features a diverse cast of quirky girls, inspired by our five girls and their friends.   As you will hear in today's interview, Ashley's and Arwen's moments of connection, individually and as sisters, led them to a place where the creation of this book answered a purpose they held in the hearts - to help all little girls grow up proud of their amazing bodies and all that they can do.    Kirkus reviewed We Toot and said, "Sure to provoke giggles, this delightful tale also helps girls to revel in their bodies." Check out We Toot's fun video trailer to get a feel for this book and its story, and then get the little girl in your life a copy at Amazon. 10% of all profits go to Girls, Inc. Pass the We Toot message along by posting a picture of your little girl holding We Toot or even better post her giving a video review on your IG and FB accounts so she can share what she thinks about tooting! Tag it with @wheelock.ashley @arwenhanna @sandiesonke @houseoftomorrowbooks and let's change the world one toot at a time.

In this episode I talk with author Kat Kronenberg, children's book author about the spark she felt to become a children's book writer and the learnings she has gained on her journey - that the power of a smile can help us rise above pain and help us live our best life.    Kat's newest book, Love Big, is currently #1 on Amazon's children's book - let's keep the powerful momentum of this book's message moving forward. All proceeds from the sales will go to support other people’s dreams at www.we.org, www.grameen.org, and www.donorschoose.org. You can read more about Kat on her website.   

In this episode I share a funny story of a big question - Was I was in labor? Subscribe to hear more stories and let your breath give you the answers that live inside, just waiting for you to ask the right questions. 

Recorded in 2018 I'm reposting this episode in 2021, in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. In this episode I talk with 30-year veteran and retired FDNY lieutenant, James J O'Donnell, about his time at Ground Zero and the days, weeks and years that followed September 11, 2001. Listen and journey back to a time when the world shifted in trauma, and first responders working in the bubble of Ground Zero found solace and connection in the outreach and prayers of the world. Also hear about how a group of parents moved past anger to honor their sons of valor through public service.  As we say we will never forget, I urge you to read James's book, Sons of Valor, Parents of Faith, found on Amazon, to find inspiration and help future generations understand the human factor of that day - how those who lost their lives did so in service and how the world showed up to honor them. 

In this episode I'm speaking with artist Katie Swatland about the importance of making time to create stillness and connect to the creativity that lives within.  After years of crafting her art, Katie found herself far from the initial spark that inspired her to set out on the journey to learn to paint in the first place. She was disconnected from her own internal compass, and wished to reconnect with the sacred space within and finally bring together a collection of paintings that had been living in her imagination. Katie knew that if she were able to create from a sacred space, something drastic had to be done. So she began a journey inward. She turned her phone off, put up an automatic ‘out of office’ reply on her email, withdrew from social media, friends, family and colleagues, and focused solely on her art and allowed  herself time to explore without distraction or outside influence.  Think Eat, Pray, Love at home! Today, Katie has re-opened her studio doors, and is sharing her complete collection,  ‘Alchemy Visions.’   As she brings the final three paintings into being, the reasons why she felt so passionate to dedicate herself to the creation of this collection will be revealed. Her hope is that they may offer a contribution, even in the smallest way, that will prove helpful to others. Katie believes, and I agree, they we are all in this journey of life together. Her hope is that her work will contribute in a way to benefit the greater whole.   You can follow Katie, and be inspired, on her Instagram account and Facebook, and watch her work in progress on YouTube. 

In this episode, I'm talking with Steph Dreyer a purpose-guided, perseverance-backed, positivity advocate, mom and wife.  Diagnosed with a rare disease called Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, Steph has learned the how to use purpose, positivity, and perseverance to stay healthier than expected, enjoy life, and help others.  Through her story you will learn that you are stronger than you think - thanks to the gift of connection.  You can listen to a speech she gave to the NIH about LAM! here: https://youtu.be/XiPWzpw6OiQ  Talk about being strong! You can learn more about LAM and the LAM Foundation here: https://www.thelamfoundation.org/

In this episode I talk with self professed "charity geek" Tim Andrew.  Tim shares his life long story of giving and connection through charity work, and how that has sustained him through the roller coaster of life.  Tim will be continuing his Appalachian Trail hike to raise funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish America, and challenges everyone to push themselves, just a little, to do a hike and build connections with people and nature that will help lift us up the roller coaster of life.  You can donate and support his hike on his Tim Andrew Make-a-Wish America web page. 

In this episode I talk with Ken Elkinson, pianist, composer and winner of the 2016 ZMR Award for Best Electronic Album, about how his connection to music has supported and provided direction to the journey of his life, and the lives of those around him. People like Tim Andrew a Connecticut fireman, who calls himself “a charity geek." Tim will be taking Ken's music along with him on his playlist as he hikes the Appalachian Trail to raise funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ken’s most well-known project to date is his ongoing Music For Commuting series – music composed specifically to help calm angry drivers. The project, which currently consists of 140 tracks has been featured in over 100 press outlets globally including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, CNN, USA Today and the BBC.  To learn more about Ken, his music and next projects visit his website. 

In this episode I'm talking about what I think we all have - a  snow globe of childhood. What am I talking about? It's that tiny slice in time in your childhood that will always be perfect no matter what else comes along in your life.   It holds people, a place, maybe objects, scents and experiences that made you feel seen, special and safe, and leaves out all the bad stuff.   It's the globe that you can shake and have play perfectly the same in your mind every time.  When the snow falls in your globe you feel that same feeling of being seen, special and safe. I think we all have one and need one, and I believe our breath can help us expand our globe to include more moments of love, joy and peace that we may have forgotten along the way.    

In this episode I am talking about the Space Shuttle Challenger, and the moments of connection it has had with her over the course of more than three decades.  On that 1986 mission, NASA wanted to find an "ordinary person," a gifted teacher who could communicate with students while in orbit. Christa McAuliffe, a social studies teach from Lanham, Maryland was selected from more than 11,000 applicants. She would be the first teacher in space.  Because of this, I and millions of other kids watched this event unfold live. It was exciting to be together, all focused on the same thing, all feeling the same thing - joy. The joy of reaching for the stars.  Yet, as President Reagan said at the crew's memorial, sometimes when we reach for the stars, we fall short. But we must pick ourselves up again and press on despite the pain. Decades later, I can now appreciate these words and find peace in them. That our lives are a journey towards fulfillment, and on that journey there will be moments of suffering and love, of pain and joy, and of grief and peace. It is how we connect with each other during these moments that matters most on our journey. Because connection is our life’s purpose.   

In this episode I talk with award winning playwright, screenwriter, author and physicist Michael Long about his moments of connection from 2016 - a year of big beliefs and big chances that led to a big call. Listen and journey back to a time when moments of connection were found in the process of creation itself. Find Michael's new book, a #1 New Release on Amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble - The Molecule of More: How a single chemical in your brain drives love, sex and creativity - and will determine the fate of the human race. And read more about Mike on his website.

In this episode I share my moments of connection from the Bicentennial - a year of great transition in my 7-year old life - that included growing new friendships, the celebration of a nation's spirit, surviving a hot summer on army cots in the basement, and the lost beauty of wax paper. Listen and journey back to a time of simple middle class joys and remember your own moments of connection with family and community.   

In this episode I share my moments of connection from a year when everything was extremes - a blizzard, a blackout and the Son of Sam. Listen and journey back to 1977, a time when life was filled with the unknown and what was known - love, joy and peace - mattered more than ever.  

In this episodes I share my memory of being pulled up on stage at The Geffen Playhouse to perform with celebrity master magician, actor, and sadly, recently deceased, Ricky Jay. Listen and honor a man who showed her, through his sleight-of-hand, the magic of doing what you love. Subscribe to listen more stories that you help you find your magic. 

In this episode I share my moments of connection from a trip to Africa - Kenya and Tanzania - in early 2000. Sit back and journey into an experience of big sky, of time that moves at its own pace, to people who appreciate connection, and a landscape and its creatures that live in balance and peace with each other. Then visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to learn more about the wonderful work they do with orphan elephants and how you can support that work through the purchase of their newest book - The Unsung Heroes.  

In this episode I share my moments of connection across a 50 year journey to finding true beauty. From chef and best selling author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, Samin Nosrat's amazing laugh, to Eileen's 5-year old daughter's passion for accessories, to the nurturing love of her Mom (enter Morgan Fairchild's book, Superlooks), Eileen shares how women have helped her understand and see true beauty through the power of joy, love and peace. Listen and consider own your journey with beauty. What do you see and feel when you look in the mirror? 

In this episode I share my moments of connection living in Chicago in the early 90s. Listen and experience the stillness of a cold run along Lake Michigan, the swing of Frank Sinatra to get you through a double shift, and the no questions asked love you hope for when you know it's time to come home. 

In this episode I talk with Eric Dezenhall, CEO of Dezenhall Resources, a nationally recognized high-stakes communications firm representing corporations and institutions facing controversy. Eric is the author of nine books, including his most recent, Best of Enemies, co-authored with Guss Russo. Listen and journey back to a time of loss, love and learning for Eric and hear about the unlikely connection between about a CIA officer, KGB agent, and of all people, Robert DeNiro, who helped the KBG agent stay alive in a Russian prison. Eric's new book, Best of Enemies: The Last Great Spy Story of the Cold War cab be ordered today on Amazon.com.

In this episode I talk with Lesley Wolff, founder and teacher of the Fresh Faces Stand Up Comedy Workshop, who can be found making people laugh and helping them enjoy themselves at the World Famous Hollywood Improv. Named "the Comic Fluffer" by LA Weekly's Top 100 people, Lesley creates a fun nurturing environment for people to showcase their work, and has helped so many people over the years find their comedic voice. Listen and journey back to a year when every day became opposite day for Lesley, and her connection to funny was cut off. Hear her share, very openly, her experience of postpartum depression and how the people in her life, and a burrito, helped her find her way back to herself.