The Human Spirit

Adventure is exciting because it’s a journey into the unknown. But what’s interesting is that while we take an outward leap through perhaps travel or a job, adventure often leads to transformation within. It’s not so much seen, but felt and sensed through the experience. In today’s episode, Barbara takes us along as she recounts one of her past adventures and shares how it was such a pivotal point in her life. Which begs the question – what kind of journeys make the most impact? How does this happen? And why?...Let’s discover more together as we dive into the story...

Why do we sometimes go through the fall, the struggle, the challenge, just to then move into the rise, the growth, the actualization. And how do we do this with grace and with understanding? This isn’t an answer, or a road map, but instead a story. A story about the resiliency of spirit and the tenacity to advocate for positive change even in the face of great loss and suffering.

Mother nature. Such beauty, such incredible power, but it comes with the capacity to cause havoc in our lives. This is Amber’s story, her name, which translates to Electra, or electricity, fully encompasses her own power, her strength, and perseverance. But one summer’s evening when she and mother nature collide, she’s put through the most harrowing experience of her life.

We all have dreams. Potential futures where everything we wish for comes to pass. But if we dream it, is it destined to come true? How do we know if it’s meant to be? Or when to let go? Or are we supposed to pursue our dreams until the very end? On today’s episode, you’ll hear about how one dream pointed a woman in a completely different direction. A calling. Onto a new life path. But some roads can be more challenging than others…

Where does resilience come from? How does it manifest in the darkest of times?  This episode is about how Judy Steinweiss, a woman who's endured many hardships, has continually made it through, and risen above, in order to make the most out of life. How has she done it? Listen to hear her story. Hope you enjoy!

In this episode, I interviewed members of the non-profit organization WMN Unite, which focuses on the sustainability of women, namely through education, outreach, and most of all by fostering of a profound sense of community. You'll hear from Nicole Sturomski, the founder, along with different members who continue to build their community and support each other in their businesses, relationships, health & wellness, and educational opportunities. Hope you enjoy the episode!

In this next episode, I interviewed my friend, Vivian Kurutz, the founder and director of the non-profit organization, Harlem Wellness Center. Its mission is to close the racial equity gap in holistic health, by providing the diverse NYC community access to a variety of wellness programs. The center also has a racial healing hub which features speakers who share their experiences in order to advocate for truth, healing, and transformation. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Vivian. She spoke her truths about starting a non-profit, both the struggles and triumphs, the impact, along with unique insights that she discovered on her journey. Hope you enjoy the episode!

In this next episode, I interviewed Susan Kullman, a somatic educator, passionate about helping people connect with their body and mind through movement. In our conversation, she talked about her own healing journey, how she went from being sick in the hospital to discovering the mindbody connection, getting well again, and her intention to share what she’s learned with others. I found myself fascinated and intrigued by her perspective on life and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did.

In this next episode, I interviewed Krishan Patel, a longtime friend who I met back in college almost 20 years ago. In our conversations over the years Krishan and I have often discussed the seriousness and absurdities of life through deep contemplation with both humility and humor. So I thought he'd be a natural fit to bring onto the show. We spoke about some of the challenges he's experienced including dealing with tumultuous life changes, time management, and of course the importance of chocolate milk...

In this first episode of the podcast, I interviewed Kara Lim, a professional singer and vocal coach. I learned about her passion for singing and teaching, some of her own personal struggles with perfectionism along with the beautiful transformation that developed along the way. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and be sure to listen to the very end where she sings a short piece for us.