Better Place Project with Steve Norris

Imagine swapping cleats for a drum set, and a soccer field for the world stage—Jim "Soni" Sonefeld of Hootie and the Blowfish made that leap, and he's here to recount the harmonic convergence of sports, songwriting, and a life enriched by overcoming personal demons. Soni peels back the curtain on his memoir "Swimming with the Blowfish," narrating the symphony of his life from the first downbeat of "Hold My Hand," through the crescendo of fame, to the hushed tones of his battles with addiction. This conversation isn't merely a backstage pass to music history; it's an intimate look at the rhythm of redemption and the melodies that resonate through life's challenges.As Soni reflects on the indelible influence of his mother's love for classic rock and high harmonies, we're reminded of how the echoes of our upbringing can shape our future compositions. He shares candidly about the shadows cast by alcoholism and the transformative power of facing one's flaws head-on. In these revelations, there's a chorus of vulnerability and courage, inviting us to confront our own hidden selves and to harmonize our authentic stories with the lives we lead.Our journey with Soni takes us from the studio, where the band grappled with capturing their live magic on tape, to tales of camaraderie and cutthroat encounters with fellow musicians. There's a dissonance between the critique of the public eye and the authenticity that an artist strives for, but humor and resilience play through. Soni's story crescendos with a message of hope—a testament to the enduring power of music, the strength of the human spirit, and the belief that each one of us can compose a life of harmony and purpose, one note at a time.To learn more about and follow Jim:www.JimSonefeld.comInstagram: @sonitime64https://www.facebook.com/jimsonefeldTo stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

In this week's episode, Jeff Krasno is back to chat about his new online course Good Stress!  Have you ever felt like modern life is out of sync with our ancient DNA? Journey with us and our guest, wellness maven Jeff Krasno, as we navigate the terrain of evolutionary mismatches and the holistic health practices that can steer us back to vitality. Jeff's revelation of reversing diabetes and his embrace of Good Stress through fasting and resistance training is not just his story—it's a blueprint for anyone seeking rejuvenation at any age. We traverse the healing powers of nature, fasting, and the surprising benefits of welcoming a little discomfort into our daily routine to rekindle our ancestral resilience.From the rise of global yoga communities to the power of simple, in-sync-with-nature habits, our conversation with Jeff peels back the layers on democratizing wellness. We share the backstory of how a post-9/11 need for solace and an unexpected partnership with Oprah sparked a wellness revolution, and the ensuing growth of an inclusive, online yoga collective. The stories from diverse participants are a testament to the emotional resonance of shared wellness experiences. We also uncover the potential of practices like cold therapy and mindful eating not only for our physical health but in training the mind to navigate life's stressors with grace.In wrapping up, we turn our focus to the art of nuanced communication in a world brimming with polarized views. Drawing upon Jeff's encounters and our own, we discuss how empathetic listening can be as transformative as any physical health practice. This episode is an invitation to integrate these strategies into your life, promising a profound impact on well-being. Whether you're looking to optimize sleep, engage in challenging discussions, or simply introduce more plant-based foods into your diet, this episode is a tapestry of insights for a healthier, more harmonious life. Join us for an episode that's as much about fostering a better world as it is about personal transformation.To learn more about Jeff's new course Good Stress, please visit:https://www.onecommune.com/Jeff on Instagram: @JeffKrasnoTo stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

This is a story that inspires, that can instantly give us perspective on our own lives, and how so precious our time here on this earth is, and how it can all be taken away from us at any moment…or we may get lucky and get a 2nd chance.  Well maybe that’s what we all are getting when we hear this story. A 2nd chance to change the way we show up in the world.  A 2nd chance to live our life with joy and gratitude, a 2nd chance to appreciate all that we have, right here and now.Today’s guest is Dr. Darcy Benway.  I’ve asked Darcy to come on the show to share her incredible story of learning one day less than 3 years ago that she had a fatal heart condition and was going to die unless she had a heart transplant.  Imagine being perfectly healthy, an athlete living your best life, to suddenly have a rapid decline and be sitting face to face with death. Darcy is going to bravely walk us through that experience…the days leading up to the transplant, the actual event, and the days thereafter, including dealing with the emotions of knowing that someone had to die, in order for her to live.Also joining us on the show is her cardiologist, Dr. Joel Schilling, who does a fantastic job of sharing what goes on behind the scenes and with the patient before during and after a transplant.  Dr. Schilling is board certified in Cardiology and Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology. In light of April being National Donate Life Month, please consider registering to become an organ donor and give the gift of life.Please visit:https://www.barnesjewish.org/To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

What if we taught the value of kindness, along with math in our schools?What if we ran our businesses with kindness and math as our core principles?What if we lead with kindness, in every single decision we made, and in every interaction we had with others?As James Rhee demonstrates in his new book Red Helicopter - A Parable for our Times: Lead Change with Kindness (Plus a Little Math), leading with kindness and math may just change your perspective on your career, your relationships and your overall purpose in life. Listen to this in depth discussion about how the gift of a Red Helicopter to a young 5 year old ended up changing the trajectory of a women’s clothing store 40+ years later, by transforming the lives of the many who were inspired to do better, to be better. Follow James at:@iamjamesrheewww.RedHelicopter.comTo stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

 This week, I'm privileged to share an enriching conversation with James Rhee, the transformative leader who authored "Red Helicopter:  Lead Change with Kindness (Plus a Little Math)."  In our latest episode of Better Place Project, we traverse the landscape of societal evolution, dissect the true measure of success, and unveil the human side of business often obscured by balance sheets. James, with his unique blend of empathy and analytical precision, provides us with a roadmap for systemic change, drawing wisdom from lessons learned from his parents, the gift of a red helicopter, and the historic turnaround of Ashley Stewart, a plus-size women's clothing chain.The journey to a meaningful life is often laced with childhood truths and the legacies we inherit. This episode peels back the layers of Rhee's personal anecdotes, from the formidable women who've shaped his path to the discomfort with societal elitism. It's a contemplative voyage through the principles that govern a balanced life, where intuition trumps comparison, and the scalability of teaching business concepts becomes apparent. The narrative extends an invitation to listeners, especially the youth and those at life's crossroads, to find meaning in daily work and to embrace success as a deeply human endeavor.We close with a powerful call to action: to nurture kindness in the face of adversity and to understand the complex dance of societal challenges.  Rhee's father's compassionate legacy as a pediatrician and entrepreneur echoes throughout this episode, guiding our discussion on leadership, feedback, and the quiet wisdom of kind business practices. It's not just about the hard-hitting economics; it's the unquantifiable moments of life that bring us together. So join us on this journey, be moved by the stories, and let’s commit to treating each other with kindness, fostering a world that hopefully we will leave someday, better than we found it.To learn more about James, and to order his new book, please visit:RedHelicopter.comTo learn more about the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, please visit:https://curealz.org/Follow James at:Instagram: @IamJamesRheeTo stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, I talk about the benefits of stepping out of our comfort zones.   Every time, throughout my life, when I've taken a big chance, challenged myself to do something I didn't want to do, or taken a huge leap of faith, it ended up working out wonderfully in the end.   So then I thought “I wonder if there’s any research around the benefits of stepping out of one’s comfort zone?  And as it turns out, there is a ton of research out there.  And it’s pretty stinking fascinating.  So that’s what I talk about in this week's episode.  I share with you some of my stories (and maybe a failure or two) of SOOMCZ (Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone), and share with you why, if you’re not doing it already,  allowing yourself, or even forcing yourself to step outside of your comfort zone might just change your life! To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

In this week’s solo episode, I’m going to pull back the curtain on Ayahuasca – I’m going to talk about what it actually is, why I felt called to do it, why it’s not for everyone (I want to say that right up front), at least perhaps not right now in your life, and I’m going to share intimate details about my experience traveling to the rainforest of Costa Rica for an ayahuasca plant medicine retreat, consisting of 3 ayahuasca ceremonies.  And I’ll tell you right now, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

Davidji is an internationally recognized meditation expert, stress-management counselor, corporate trainer and author of the award-winning Secrets of Meditation: A Practical Guide to Inner Peace & Personal Transformation, and of the upcoming book on managing your stress through meditation: Destressifying: The Real-World Guide to Personal Empowerment, Lasting Fulfillment, and Peace of Mind. He created the 21-daymeditation challenge, and his voice can be heard on more than 300 guided meditations,including his best-selling CD, Fill What is Empty; Empty What is Full, and his latest release, the critically acclaimed Ayurvedic opera Journey to Infinity with sound healers SacredFire.After a 20-year career in business, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, davidji begana new journey to wholeness, which he found through meditation. He apprenticedunder Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon, serving as the Chopra Center COO, LeadEducator and then as the first Dean of Chopra Center University, training more than200,000 people to meditate and certifying more than 1,000 meditation teachers.He has since left the Chopra Center to travel the world teaching the practicalintegration of meditation, mindfulness, conscious choice making, and ancient wisdominto our real-world, modern-day experiences. For more than 12 years davidji hashelped thousands of people around the world to be more reflective and less reflexive,make better decisions, sleep better, enhance their relationships, experienceabundance, and live a purpose-driven life.davidji is a certified Vedic Master, and every month, throughout the world, he hostsempowerment workshops, life-change immersions, exotic spiritual retreats, andteacher trainings.To learn more about davidji:https://davidji.com/Buy davidji's books:https://davidji.com/books/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/flowofloveInstagram:@davidjimeditationTo stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

How can we create a better world for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren,  if we make poor choices in the person who is to lead us?Donald J. Trump is the biggest threat to democracy in the history of the United States.  He is now leading Joe Biden in the polls and if he ends up being re-elected, the United States may never be the same again.In this episode, Steve breaks down the reasons why, with the "Big Lie," 4 criminal indictments and 91 charges, authoritarian wanna be Dictator Donald Trump is not a politician, but a dangerous cult leader causing great harm to America, most likely irreparable harm if he succeeds at becoming president again.But the solution to this problem is NOT to try and talk to or convince Trump worshipers that he is a dangerous man. That is a plan to fail, and it's far too late for that.  But there are other steps that we can take to ensure that our sacred democracy remains in tact.  But is it too late?To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

In this week's episode, Steve sits down with Debra Berndt Maldonado and Dr. Robert Maldonado to talk about all things Jungian Psychology including the importance of doing shadow work, tips for facing your shadow, imposter syndrome and how to overcome it, the power of spiritual goals, accessing you inner archetype, the difference between our personal unconscious and collective unconscious, what we can learn from our dreams and so much more!Debra Berndt Maldonado CCHT, CMJCI, is the CEO ofCreativeMind. Debra is a Certified Master Jungian LifeCoach Instructor and a Clinical Hypnotherapist. She is theauthor of the bestselling books “Let Love In” and “Like aSpark From Fire.” Debra believes that, no matter what hashappened to you or whatever odds were against you, youcan change your life, find fulfillment in love and success,and experience true happiness.Robert Maldonado, PhD is the President of CreativeMind.He is recognized internationally as a human behavior andrelationship expert. He has had a life-long interest inJungian Psychology, including the study of dreams,mythology and comparative religion. Robert's academictraining includes neuropsychology, neurodevelopment,social neuroscience, and multicultural psychology.Debra and Robert have helped thousands of peoplearound the world improve their personal relationships,increase their income, create their dream business anddiscover their life purpose using the CreativeMindMethod. Their vision is to create a conscious world,free from conditioning, where people can experiencelife in all its fullness.To learn more about Debra and Dr. Rob, please visit:https://www.creativemindlife.com/For the free 3-Video coaching series, please visit:https://www.creativemindlife.com/about/To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the significance of cultivating joy. Yet, it is in those moments of shared laughter, the simple pleasures that bring a smile, that we find resilience and strength. Joy is a transformative force, capable of turning mundane days into extraordinary memories.The importance of joy extends beyond mere happiness; it nurtures our mental and emotional health. It acts as a remedy for stress, a balm for the soul in times of adversity. By embracing joy, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute to a positive ripple effect, spreading happiness to those around us.Ultimately, we are responsible for creating our own joy in our life.  But how do we do that?  In this short, solo episode, Steve walks us through his Top 9 Tips for Creating Joy in Your Life.Give it a listen and start creating more joy in your life!Meditation Links:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oefYByVeSU&list=PLmtQGVCjGqE_O2rQu1IHk-HPpdSvX_Ad9&index=8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TcF_Sow3r8&list=PLmtQGVCjGqE_O2rQu1IHk-HPpdSvX_Ad9&index=5https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtEpngNbLIE&list=PLmtQGVCjGqE_O2rQu1IHk-HPpdSvX_Ad9&index=14&t=4shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2zdUXve6fQ&list=PLmtQGVCjGqE_O2rQu1IHk-HPpdSvX_Ad9&index=19To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

In this week's episode, Steve sits down with intimacy expert, Tantra Teacher, and Relationship Coach, Magda Kay to talk about all things sex.   Magda has written a brand new book titled No More Faking it: A Woman’s Guide to Getting the Love, Pleasure and Fulfillment She Deeply Desires – And Steve & Magda leave nothing on the table in this conversation.  They talk about tantra sex, orgasms, why some women aren’t having orgasms and how to fix that, They talk about F Power, what that means and the 4 inner voices that women and men have that can help us properly follow our intuition.  Magda shares tips on how to spice up a stagnant sex life, goes over the benefits of sleeping naked, and so much more!To learn more about Madga, please visit:https://magdakay.com/To follow Magda on Instagram:@MagdaKayOfficialFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/MagdaKayOfficialYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@MagdaKayTo order a copy of her new book:https://www.amazon.com/No-More-Faking-pleasure-fulfillment-ebook/dp/B0C23QYPHW/ref=sr_1_1To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

Dr. Terence Lester is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author who is the Founder and Executive Director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization focused on raising poverty and homelessness awareness and community mobilization.He’s known for nationwide campaigns that bring awareness to homelessness, poverty, and economic inequality. His awareness campaigns have been featured on MLK50, CNN, Good Morning America, Essence Magazine, TEDx, TVONE, Creative Mornings, USA Today, NBC, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) National Magazine, NBC News, AJC, Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, and Upworthy. These campaigns have been viewed by millions of people worldwide.Terence has authored seven books and three traditionally published works, including: I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People, When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together, and All God’s Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity, all with InterVarsity Press.He also has a children’s book coming out with IVP Kids that he co-authored with his fourteen-year-old daughter, Zion Lester, which deals with homelessness, belonging, inclusion, and encouraging children to serve others with empathy and compassion.Terence has also received numerous awards for his community activism, including being named one of Atlanta’s top 500 leaders by Atlanta Magazine, being named one of Coca-Cola’s History Shakers, receiving the National Urban League Humanitarian Award, Brawny Giant Award, the American Express NextGen Award, the SCLC Social Advocacy Award, Atlanta Voice’s 50 under 50, the True to Atlanta Award presented by the Atlanta Hawks, Fulton County Schools Service Award, and Plywood People’s Innovator Award.To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

In this Encore Presentation of a Special Edition Holiday Episode from 2021, we compiled responses from 18 different guests of the podcast this year who answered the question "What is your favorite holiday tradition?"We received so many wonderful answers from all across the board, and even a few holidays and traditions that we've never heard of, from different cultures around the world.You'll here answers from Anaise and Carine Kanimba (Daughters of Paul Rusesabagina, real life hero of the movie Hotel Rwanda), Bailey Richardson (One of the first employees at @instagram), Caroline Rose (3 Time Stage 4 Cancer Survivor), Christy Harrison (Best Selling Anti-Diet Author), Dr. Chloe Carmichael (Psychiatrist and Author), Dr. Christian Heim (Psychiatrist/Preventative Mental Health Expert), Eric Winters (Author /Wellness Coach), Freddie Fuller (The Singing Cowboy), Hema Vyas (Psychologist and "Heart Whisperer"), Linda Bjork (Founder of Hope for Healing), Missy Bellinger (Co-Founder of A Shelter for Cancer Families), Paul House and Angie Gade (HouseInTheWoods.org), Robin Parrish (Co-Founder of Ecstatic Dance LA), Dr. Shad Helmstetter (Best Selling Author), Stephen Sayer and Chandrae Roettig Gomez (Professional Swing Dancers), Terence Lester (Activist, Author, Founder of Love Beyond Walls), Woody Fairthcloth (Founder of Emergency RV), and Zach Correa (Founder and CEO of LemonGRAFT).To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

In this Holiday / Christmas Bonus Episode from 2020, Erin & I chat about our own holiday traditions growing up and what we look forward to the most about the holidays. We even take a trip down memory lane and listen to clips of some Norris original Christmas songs from the 90s and early 2000s. That’s right, we have our own Christmas album. Hehe! Pour yourself some eggnog or hot cocoa and enjoy this holiday special!To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

Daniel Blevins is a salon owner, social media influencer, LGBTQ+ advocate, activist and founder of Stand In Pride.  Daniel and his husband of 22 years reside in rural East Tennessee. He’s a proud father of two children and three grandchildren.Daniel founded the Facebook group Stand In Pride in early 2021, the group has since grown to over 60k members, with members in over 70 countries. The success of the group has gained national and international recognition in news publications including USA Today and People magazine as well as being featured on NBC news and The Today Show.Outside of the salon and advocacy work he enjoys spending time with his family, painting, gardening and volunteering with local charity organizations.Stand In Pride Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1058795144614107Follow Daniel on Instagram:@the_zombie_danTo stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

In a world that often seems divided by lines drawn in blood and conflict, I find myself at a crossroads. The Israel-Gaza conflict, a longstanding and painful struggle, has once again erupted into headlines and social media feeds. As the world debates and takes sides, I have taken a side.  I have made my choice, but it's not a choice between Israelis and Palestinians. It's an altogether different choice.The Israel-Gaza conflict is a deeply complex and emotional issue that has defied resolution for generations. Innumerable lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and families torn apart. The cycle of violence, while it may ebb and flow, persists. It's easy to be swayed by the prevailing narratives and to feel the pressure to pick a side, to become a cog in this destructive cycle. But I've finally come to the realization that I do need to pick a side.  And I choose Love.Credit to Reuters for history of Gaza passages used in this episode: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gazas-centuries-war-brief-history-2023-10-30/To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

This week on the podcast, I talk about a book I’ve recently read that I’ve been wanting to read for years, and I finally put in my queue and read it.  It’s a legendary book called Autobiography of a Yogi by the one and only Paramahansa Yogananda.  Steve Jobs was so inspired by this book that he gave hundreds of copies of it away at his funeral in 2011. This episode is my humble attempt to share some pearls of wisdom or top takeaways that I got from the book, which is chock full of precious insights on different facets of the human experience. I will share my insights from the book on impermanence, the search for truth, the power of meditation and Kriya Yoga, the universality of spirituality, the guru-disciple relationship, the illusion of material success, the reality of miracles, and the journey of self realization.  But perhaps the "must-listen" moment is the part where I share the "Cauliflower Robbery" Story!To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

This is my birthday week, so, I’ve decided to do an episode on my top tips for staying young.  When I decided to do this episode, I googled “Tips for staying younger….” And I couldn’t believe it.  Virtually every article was about how to LOOK younger.  Good Housekeeping has 19 ways to LOOK younger, readers digest has 47 simple ways to look younger, and they all talk about “use this skin cream, this moisturizer, this sun screen, take supplements, use this hair conditioner etc.  It’s all about focused on Looking younger:  I’m talking about how to FEEL younger and BE Younger in your heart.  What’s the point of looking young if you don’t FEEL young and you aren’t actually living like a young person.If you work on doing things that make you feel younger, you will have a young energy about you, and you will therefore act and “look” younger.  Looking younger will be a byproduct of feeling younger, AND you’ll be enjoying your life along the way. To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

I am so honored to have Dr. Terence Lester back to chat about his thought-provoking new book, All God’s Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity.In this Part 1, Steve & Terence cover topics such as:Terence's near fatal auto accidentHis receiving his Ph.D.The inspiring story that was the impetus for launching Love Beyond WallsDismantling unrecognized prejudice"The Talk" that Terence and other black parents have to have with their childrenSteve shares his white privilege storyTerence's take on "color blindness."Black history and the importance of it being taught accurately in schools to future generationsThe controversy of removing confederate statuesMuch more!Dr. Terence Lester is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author who is the Founder and Executive Director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization focused on raising poverty and homelessness awareness and community mobilization.He’s known for nationwide campaigns that bring awareness to homelessness, poverty, and economic inequality. His awareness campaigns have been featured on MLK50, CNN, Good Morning America, Essence Magazine, TEDx, TVONE, Creative Mornings, USA Today, NBC, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) National Magazine, NBC News, AJC, Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, and Upworthy. These campaigns have been viewed by millions of people worldwide.Terence has authored seven books and three traditionally published works, including: I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People, When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together, and All God’s Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity, all with InterVarsity Press.He also has a children’s book coming out with IVP Kids that he co-authored with his fourteen-year-old daughter, Zion Lester, which deals with homelessness, belonging, inclusion, and encouraging children to serve others with empathy and compassion.Terence has also received numerous awards for his community activism, including being named one of Atlanta’s top 500 leaders by Atlanta Magazine, being named one of Coca-Cola’s History Shakers, receiving the National Urban League Humanitarian Award, Brawny Giant Award, the American Express NextGen Award, the SCLC Social Advocacy Award, Atlanta Voice’s 50 under 50, the True to Atlanta Award presented by the Atlanta Hawks, Fulton County Schools Service Award, and Plywood People’s Innovator Award.To learn more, please visit:https://terencelester.org/https://www.lovebeyondwalls.org/Instagram: @imterencelesterTo stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com