Connecting the Thoughts

Vonia connects with Patrick Hinds and talks parenting, coping as extroverts and how he will be spending this year's Pride. Listen to Patrick on the Obsessed Network where you will find True Crime Obsessed and Obsessed with Disappeared.

Vonia connects with Xavier Rice on the state of our country, the fight for equality and our health and the faith that keeps him going. Follow Xavier on Instagram @mr.mamma_riceLinks to places to donate and support equality and Black Lives Matter. "White supremacy won't die until White people see it as a White issue they need to solve rather than a Black issue they need to empathize with."  @TeachMrReed Twitter

In this episode Vonia talks with high school senior, Isabella Mendoza about her journey since school was closed due to COVID-19. Classes are still happening but only online, and as the date to graduates speeds closer, this year is nothing like she and her peers expected. For Seniors like Isabella who are experiencing these unprecedented times, are learning to cope with not having their support group around and the shocking changes that continue to drive their once laid out path and the joyful celebrations of all their hard work. This can be traumatic for a generation that "already suffers from high levels of anxiety," But though its is hard to see the end of all this, Isabella is a great example of someone who is doing their best to roll with the punches and understands that these sacrifices need to be made in order to do what is necessary for the good of our communities. The Connecting the Thoughts family want to send big hugs to all the kids out there but especially the graduating seniors. 

If you've ever planned a wedding you know how much work it truly takes to make that special day happen. Today Vonia connects with bride, Courtney Andresen, who managed to have a wedding of her dreams despite the circumstances. You can follow Courtney Andresen on Instagram @courtandresen. Recorded on May 12, 2020

Will the cities we know and love ever be the same after Covid 19? Vonia connects with Carrie Hearns as she opens her heart and takes us through life as an American living in Dublin, Ireland and how she copes and remains hopeful for the days to come. 

"Treat every day like a rehearsal. It's ok to make a mistake, ask questions and even see if you can try that again". In this episode Vonia connects with Bradley Beahen, a musical director, actor and teacher, who shares his story and experiences with us. Hearing his journey is incredibly moving, entertaining, heartwarming and ultimately comforting. Follow Bradley on instagram @Bradley_Beahen or his website www.bradleybeahen.com

As he celebrates his 20 year anniversary of living in Manhattan, Mike Jensen connects with Vonia on how living in the city has changed during these unprecedented times, his fears for the health of his family and he expertly leaves us with some wonderful recommendations of Films and TV Series that will entertain, enlighten and just make us feel better. Follow Mike on instagram @mikejensen77Listen to his awesome Sex in the City podcast, We Couldn't Help But Wonder to bring joy during dark days. 

Vonia connects with Broadway performer Satomi Hofmann. In this episode we talk the importance of community, loving mother earth and Ms. Satomi herself serenades all you insomniacs out there with a lullaby. I know Phantom of the Opera is greatly missed, but we lucked out with a little taste from a member of the team on Connecting the Thoughts. Thanks for listening.  You can follow Satomi Hofmann on Facebook here. Follow and support one of her favorite charities Broadway Hearts to keep the love flowing.

2 full time parents + 2 small children = divvying up the duties and keeping it real. Join me as I connect with Nick Zappas. Nick is a person who loves his family, his work and his passion for creating music, good times, and...generally being bad ass! Entertaining and heart warming, this connection is not to be missed. Thanks for listening!You can follow Nick Zappas on instagram @casuallydissatisified 

Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada is one of the most beautiful places on earth. As the winter and spring rain clouds finally lift, our guest Josh Epstein is resisting temptation to run in the sun and staying home safe with his wife and 4 month old baby. 

Join me as I connect with Andrea Reuter from Helsinki, Finland during these incredible times we are living in. Andrea is a film producer for one of the largest independent production companies in Finland producing some extraordinary work such as Tom of Finland and more to come. We had a wonderful conversation talking through isolation, finding closeness from a far and being eternal optimists. 

Connect with us as I chat with new mom and production manager Mona Lessnick who is experiencing the pandemic from Berlin, Germany. Listen as we discuss day to day life, how it is with little ones and how the government is handling it all. 

Working in the film industry in New York as the head of make-up for one of my favorite shows, HBO’s High Maintenance as well as an incredible writer, Sarah Graalman shares stories of isolation, breaking bread from a distance and experiencing her birthday alone but not alone. Connect with us as we get to some real talk in the time of Corona.  Follow Sarah Graalman on Instagram @SarahStaines and enjoy her work at www.sarahgraalman.com.

Parents of young children go through it on the daily, but parenting young ones during the pandemic and trying to hold your own panic together is this man's white squall. Vonia connects with creative dad, Tim Gehling and talks through protecting his family while trying to keep the days as normal seeming as possible. For some really original parenting hacks, listen on. Date of recording is April 1, 2020

For a free-spirited, hyper-active, adventure seeking person, Safer at Home may be one of the most difficult experiences to have happened. Raised on the gorgeous island of Guam, where a jungle backyard was her playground, Jessica Mesa now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two energetic boys. She has created a community with her blog, Sunsets with Kids, Cultivating Mental Wellness Through Outdoor Play. "I seek adventure, green plush trees, or any experience that lends me the opportunity to show my children that there's too much joy in the outdoors."  ​Vonia connects with Jessica Mesa to talk about navigating jobs, homeschooling and alternatives to the outdoor play she and her family are accustomed to. Follow Jessica on Instagram @sunsetswithkids or www.sunsetswithkids.com as her family journeys through Southern California and beyond. Date of Recording March 31, 2020

Staying inside, keeping your immunity up and flattening the curve is the power we all have right now, but for the ICU Nurses and all medical personnel and First Responders, they are on the front line risking to taking care of us. Vonia connects with Zaneta Wright to talk about her experiences in critical care, fears of not having proper protection to keep safe and her ever present love and belief in the human spirit. To Zaneta and all Medical Personnel and First Responders, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Date of recording is April, 4 2020

It can be challenging to take care of our health on a normal daily basis but add the stress and restrictions that come with the times were are living in now? God help us all. Vonia connects with Megan Zimak and Robyn Schmidt of R+M Health and Wellness to talk about ways to keep your immunity up and stress levels down by nourishing your body and mind. Connect with us in this episode as we chat through life thus far. Follow Megan and  Robyn on instagram @rmhealthwellness PROMO SPECIAL for listeners of Connecting the Thoughts: Enjoy 15% off any program by using the code: CONNECTING15Quarantine mini program: Program runs 30 days and is a “light” version of our typical coaching with a focus on wellness and immunity support in addition to avoiding the “quarantine 15”.RM Health + Wellness, LLC provides health and wellness accountability coaching for men and women ages 18-55 looking to lose weight and improve their overall health.  They provide customized meal plans, daily coaching and accountability 7 days a week to ensure clients meet their goals. 100% virtual, they connect with clients via text multiple times a day to support them in their health and wellness journey. Their dietary philosophy is focused on eating a primarily plant-based diet of real, whole foods with the addition of lean proteins and healthy fats. You can learn more at www.RMHealthandWellness.com   

Losing a loved one is hard in itself, but grieving from a socially acceptable distance can be excruciating when you live across the country, especially when gatherings are not allowed and are being postponed and canceled. Vonia connects with Rosie Guarino and talks about navigating one of the biggest hardships she’s ever had to face, her experience working from home and the cancelation of a competitive Karaoke League (yes that’s a thing and yes I’m going to join one as soon as they start up again). Connect with us in this episode as we chat through life thus far. Date of recording is March, 28 2020Follow Rosie on instagram @rosieguListen to the podcast Am I an A-hole to continue the journey with this delightful soul. For some Dance Hall Workout fun check out @Atsuko you WILL NOT regret it!