Aspire with Osha: art, nature, humanity

When the harsh realities of racism and gun violence collide, the result can be life altering. This week's guest, Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon turned congressional candidate, opens up about one such pivotal night that altered his trajectory: the July 7, 2016 Dallas protest shooting.  Amid the chaos of that evening, Dr. Williams found his voice in advocacy, pushing for societal healing and unity in the face of discrimination and tragedy.  As we listen to his journey, you'll feel the weight of history and the urgency of his mission to serve a nation, especially as he reflects on his family's military legacy and the racial barriers they've endured.Our conversation with Dr. Williams doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths that lay at the intersection of professional obligation and racial identity.  His impromptu call for unity, born from the depths of despair and hope after the Dallas shooting, serves as a powerful reminder of the work needed to forge safer communities.  Dr. Williams's experience as a Black man in America and his commitment to ending violence extend into our discussion on the role of empathy and storytelling. It's an exploration of how these tools can lead to profound social change and the importance of acknowledging our shared humanity to overcome health disparities and systemic injustice.By the end of our dialogue, it's evident that Dr. Williams is not only a physician committed to saving lives but also a visionary aiming to reshape the fabric of our society.  He shares insights from his book, "The Bodies Keep Coming" and discusses his aspirations for Congress—where his unique perspective as a trauma surgeon, veteran, and Black American can influence policy for the betterment of all. This episode is an invitation to recognize the potential for change that each of us holds and the critical impact our individual actions can have on the collective journey toward equity and justice. Join us for this powerful episode, and leave with a renewed understanding of the complexities of race, gun violence, and the potential for healing in America.The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches From a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal https://brianwilliamsmd.com/https://drbrianwilliamsforcongress.com/If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Ever wondered how those with over $30 million maintain and grow their wealth while paying bare minimum taxes? Join us as we unveil the dark underbelly of wealth accumulation and preservation with Chuck Collins, acclaimed author of 'Wealth Hoarders'. In a candid conversation, Collins unravels the complex web of the wealth defense industry, detailing how the wealthy maneuver their fortunes off the balance sheets, and shockingly, position the US as their preferred tax haven.  How has the U.S. become the favored country for  Russian oligarchs, criminals and drug lords to hide their ill gotten gains?  The revelations don't stop there. We delve deeper into the grim consequences of hidden wealth on our local communities. Examining the Getty family's tax evasion strategies that ran California a loss of $300 million, the manipulation of South Dakota's trust industry to allow wealth to accumulate forever beyond taxation, and the rising ghost neighborhoods as a result of hidden wealth driving up housing prices - it's all here. And for those seeking solutions, Collins doesn't disappoint. We discuss how the US and UK can spearhead a global transparency system, and highlight revealing films like 'The Laundromat' and 'We're Not Broke'. Get ready for a compelling dialogue that starkly exposes vast wealth disparities and the urgent need for reform.https://inequality.orghttps://www.icij.orghttps://www.chuckcollinswrites.comWatch the trailer for The Laundromat here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuBRcfe4bSoWatch We're Not Broke here - free:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPHlhzRSEnwIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Have you ever wondered if your investments could pack a powerful punch for both your wallet and the world? Dale Wannen, veteran wealth manager and founder of Sustainvest Asset Management LLC, takes us on a deep dive into the transformative realm of sustainable investing. With over two decades of experience, Dale illuminates the journey of sustainable investing, debunking the myth that prioritizing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors means sacrificing financial gains. From using ESG ratings to avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing to highlighting the growing influence of electric and hydrogen vehicles, Dale provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the rapidly evolving investment landscape.Let’s not stop there. We turn the spotlight onto the power of small investors to effect meaningful change through shareholder activism, a compelling topic that often gets overshadowed. Dale unravels how, with the right tools and knowledge, even the smallest investor can influence the trajectories of publicly traded companies. We navigate through the process of compiling shareholder proposals, the role of regulatory bodies, and the crucial importance of casting informed votes. Lastly, we delve into the vast and exciting possibilities that the future holds for sustainable investing. From the burgeoning popularity of robo advisors and AI-driven investing, to the intriguing potentials of cryptocurrency and the metaverse, Dale shares his predictions and insights. His recent book, 'Don't Feed the Clowns: Sustainable Investing for Everyday Life,' serves as a beacon for those looking to align their investments with their values. Join us for this empowering and thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to contribute positively to our planet's future, through informed and responsible investment choices.Sustainvest Asset Management LLCIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

What if our individual actions and social movements could change the course of the climate crisis? Today's enthralling conversation with Chuck Collins, a prominent campaigner and author, challenges us to contemplate this very question. He shares his wisdom on the power of activism, the importance of building resilience, and the urgent need to take action in our fight for environmental justice. Through his new novel, Altar to an Erupting Sun, he prompts us to consider the moral and ethical implications of our current climate predicament.In this conversation, we challenge the unchecked authority of the fossil fuel industry and its impact on our society. We delve into potential forms of resistance like physical disruption, capital divestment, and the exposure of dark money. Our discussion is not just about the global stage, but also about local action. We discuss the commendable sustainability endeavours of Sonoma County, using it as a beacon of hope for other communities. The intricate web of corporate power and money is laid bare as we scrutinize the influence of the Koch Brothers on our political landscape.Join us as we dig deep into the issues surrounding the climate crisis and the struggle for environmental justice. We navigate through the convoluted realms of corporate power, while also gratifyingly highlighting the power of individuals and communities in this battle. So, tune in as we explore the importance of stepping up where we have agency, taking bold action, and driving towards a more equitable society. Chuck Collins' insights are sure to spark your resolve as we strive towards a greener and fairer future.Chuck Collins is a campaigner and storyteller who has worked for decades on environmental and economic justice campaigns.  He is the Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies where he co-edits Inequality.org.  He is cofounder of DivestInvest.org, a global movement to divest from fossil fuels and invest in climate solutions; and trustee of the Post-Carbon Institute and Resilience.org. Author of several books on wealth inequality, including most recently, The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Pay Millions to Hide Trillions -      His first novel, Altar to an Erupting Sun has won high praise. If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Osha and Philip Shepherd discuss Deep Fitness, an anti-aging  exercise practice that builds muscle, promotes the health of every tissue and organ in your body, and brings you into harmony with your body-mind-spirit.  Research has proven that aging can be - at a cellular level - reversed by putting stress on our muscles which then triggers longevity regulators that science has revealed.  Can you just take a magic pill? No. What’s required is to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.  And this is where mindful and embodied presence brings you home to yourself.It does require some effort on your part - but the good news is - our bodies have evolved to protect and repair our DNA - and it only takes 30 minutes once or twice a week to gain the benefits.No matter how old you are, current research shows that you can gain muscle mass and get stronger.  We now know that when muscles are challenged to work, messenger molecules are released that promote the health of every tissue and organ. Science has discovered that strength training is powerful anti-aging medicine.  Philip Shepherd and Andrei Yakovenko co-authored the book:Deep Fitness: The Mindful, Science-Based Strength-Training Method to Transform Your Well-Being in Just 30 Minutes a Week.According to Dr. Doug McGuff, MD. and physiology expert, “Aging and diseases of modern civilization are 100% related to pathological muscle loss that occurs with aging.” Philip Shepherd and Andrei Yakovenko have studied metabolic health and the science of exercise and claim that we can build muscle and increase our fitness dramatically in just 30 minutes a week.  These discoveries are the result of cutting edge research that has proven the powerful effects of this type of exercise training.Prior to co-authoring Deep Fitness, Philip Shepherd created The Embodied Present Process, which he developed over 40 years of teaching embodiment practices and now shares worldwide. His other books include Radical Wholeness and -  New Self, New World.Originally from Ukraine, Andrei Yakovenko worked as a geophysics scientist prior to setting up up New Element Training, a group of strength-training studios in Toronto, Canada. In his ten years of running his gyms he has trained thousands of clients.If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Osha Hayden interviews Andrew Boyd, author of I Want a Better Catastrophe: Navigating the Climate Crisis with Grief, Hope, and Gallows Humor.As the earth passes the tipping point of 1.5°C, and slides into floods, droughts, melting ice caps, and the mass extinction of species, many of us are trying to reckon with feelings of anxiety and despair.  The science is crystal clear, and yet the fossil fuel companies continue to drill for more and more oil. How do we navigate the climate emergency and come to terms with the catastrophic consequences of humanity’s inaction? How do we remain engaged in working to make a difference? Is there still hope?  Could you use a guide to the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it?In his new book, I Want a Better Catastrophe: Navigating the Climate Crisis with Grief, Hope, and Gallows Humor, veteran activist, thinker, doer, storyteller, and CEO of the Climate Clock,  Andrew Boyd navigates between the denial and doom many of us feel to find a third way of approaching our situation: courageously facing the data and its ramifications, and helping people imagine what’s still possible and where we might still exercise agency. You may be thinking, “Oh, no, this is going to be depressing - but my guest, Andrew Boyd, brings, wit, wisdom and gallows humor to our existential questions.Andrew Boyd interviewed 8 leading climate thinkers and heard a whole range of responses to the existential dilemma of the Climate Crisis. In this interview, he shares some of the insights that surfaced.   Some topics that came up in this lively discussion:Where are we now and where are we headed as the climate crisis worsens?How to hope: 4 types of hope4 paths of declineEconomic realitiesThe role of community and equityChallenges and giftsFinding inspiration and even humorMoving forward with renewed hopehttps://bettercatastrophe.com/https://andrewboyd.com/https://www.theclimateribbon.org/https://climateclock.world/“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson MandelaIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

In Part Two, Osha Hayden and Jack Leissring discuss pushing the boundaries of art, creativity and the human condition. Our conversation winds through Leissring’s first foray into design and collecting art as a youth, on to his inspiration for the design of the JCFLA Studio, home of his art collection and the importance of architecture and the shape of our spaces. In this age of the influence of propaganda and advertising psychology, how do we unpack the true from the false, free ourselves from outside influences, and think for ourselves?  Leissring suggests some interesting books on his list of excellent books to read.ABOUTJack Leissring is well known in Sonoma County for his world class collection of art, which he bought over decades, now housed in the JC Leissring Fine Art Collection. In addition to collecting art, Jack Leissring is venerated as a multi-talented Renaissance man who paints, sculpts, designs & builds buildings - He is also a jazz pianist and …. in his spare time- has written and published over 40  books on a variety of subjects. And, by the way, he worked full time as a phy­sician, and formed the Sonoma County Medical Society. In his retirement, he continues to write,  and create art and jazz compositions for piano.  https://www.jclfineart.comhttps://www.jclfineart.com/about.htmhttps://www.jclfa.com/index.htmlIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

In this conversation with Renaissance man, Jack Leissring, we discuss the sacred labyrinth, how it relates to the human condition, and how he has used his passion for art to create a world class art collection.   For Mr. Leissring, the labyrinth, which in mythology, was built to contain the Minotaur - (half-man/ half-beast) - is a potent symbol for the human condition and the search for meaning. Few people know more about the labyrinth than my guest, Jack Leissring, who has built four of them. This is a story about a man who fell so deeply in love with art that he designed his world around collecting art - and creating it.In Part One, we learn about the myth of King Minos and the minotaur and the maze that Daedalus created to contain the beast. We go on to discuss the early influences that shaped Mr. Leissring’s passion for art and design.You will also hear some excerpts of Leissring playing his original compositions on piano.Jack Leissring’s world class collection of over 4000 artworks includes over 470 artists, such as Duchamp’s brother Jacques Villon, John Sloan, James Spitzer, Warrington Colescott, local artist Maria de los Angles,  and Jerrold Ballaine, among many others.  ABOUTJack Leissring is well known in Sonoma County for his world class collection of art, which he bought over decades, now housed in the JC Leissring Fine Art Collection. In addition to collecting art, Jack Leissring is venerated as a multi-talented Renaissance man who paints, sculpts, designs & builds buildings - He is also a jazz pianist and …. in his spare time- has written and published 32 books on a variety of subjects. And, by the way, he had a full time day job as a phy­sician, from which he is now retired.  You can view some of Jack Leissring's art  via these sites:https://www.jclfa.comhttps://www.jclfineart.comIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

In Part 2, you’ll hear how to break through creative blocks with creative liberation fighter and creativity coach, Jill Badonsky. Osha and Jill talk about positive ways to frame the questions we ask ourselves, thus leading to better outcomes. Jill shares how she uses situations that might seem uncomfortable to fuel creative humor and reframe our approach to new projects, groups, events.How do you find your own artistic voice? Osha and Jill explore the path to finding your voice. You can learn about the many options available for exploring creativity in Jill Badonsky’s classes, retreats, Kaizen Creativity Coaching, and the Underground Highway to Creative Results, to name a few. About Jill Badonsky is a nationally recognized workshop leader, award-winning speaker, and author of The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard):, plus the award-winning, The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder and The Muse is In: An Owner’s Manual to Your Creativity.She is an Author/Illustrator, Inspirational Humorist, and Founder of Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching Training. How to find Jill Badonsky: https://themuseisin.com/http://www.kaizenmuse.com/Check out her podcast, A Muses Daydream.Need a good laugh? Watch - Ain’t No Ballerinas in Hip Hop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-poa0ABhe00If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Osha and Jill Badonsky discuss the benefits of creativity and shine light on the creative process.  You’ll get an introduction to the 9 modern day muses and a bodyguard based on Jill Badonsky’s book of the same name.  We discuss- the benefits of creativity - how to protect your creative process- trusting the creative process - finding your flow- having fun with it! How do we cope with the multiple losses we’ve endured with the pandemic and the divisive  politics in our country? Do we shut down - or pick up a brush or pen and show up to create? Jill talks about her Wild Abandon Art process and how it allows people to continue to show up regardless of what’s happening in the world.AboutJill Badonsky is a nationally recognized workshop leader, award-winning speaker, and author of The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard):, plus the award-winning, The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder and The Muse is In: An Owner’s Manual to Your Creativity.She is an Author/Illustrator, Inspirational Humorist, and Founder of Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching Training. How to find Jill Badonsky: https://themuseisin.com/http://www.kaizenmuse.com/Check out her podcast, A Muses Daydream. Need a good laugh? Watch - Ain’t No Ballerinas in Hip Hop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9FeW6tJK94If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

In Part 3 Osha and Amikaeyla talk about how we can transform the lead of hate or despair to the gold of love and peace. Amikaeyla shares more about how she healed herself from the trauma of a hate crime that led to years of rehabilitation. How do you reorient yourself after a painful, traumatizing experience? It is how we move on that defines us, is it not?With so much hatred and division being drummed up by certain media channels, it’s refreshing to hear the positive stories that connect us as human beings inhabiting this beautiful earth together. You’ll hear the story of how an Iraqi refugee woman’s paralyzing trauma was transformed through Amikaeyla’s healing song and presence. And a special bonus: you’ll hear Amikaeyla singing Parana E - Taking it to the Streets.About Amikaeyla GastonProclaimed as one of the “purest contemporary voices” by National Public Radio (NPR), Amikaeyla is a public keynote speaker, performer, educator, and author. She travels the world serving as a Cultural Arts Ambassador for the State Department and is the Founder of the International Cultural Arts and Healing Sciences Institute (ICAHSI) and co-Executive Director for World-Trust.org  Educational Services Organization. Appearing internationally on Television, Radio, and Film with appearances on PBS, HBO and the Sundance Film Festival, Amikaeyla is the winner of twelve WAMMY Awards for Best Jazz, World, and Urban Contemporary Vocalist. Learn more:  https://amikaeyla.com/Watch Amikaeyla’s Ted Talk to see how transformation happens:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw09D3GJrAEFollow Amikaeyla on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Amikaeyla/100063624638333/Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with your friends, like us on social media, leave me a positive review. In deep gratitude, OshaIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Osha and Amikaeyla Gaston continue their conversation on the healing power of music to transcend cultural barriers. We talk about her work as a Cultural Arts Ambassador across the world and how she uses the language of music to build bridges for healing and opening to new perspectives. You’ll hear about one young man whose life was completely transformed. In these times, when bridges to peace are desperately needed, Amikaeyla is lifting spirits and bringing people together across the divides. Her presence is a gift, her angelic voice - a healing tonic for the soul.  Amikaeyla is truly a force for change.Learn more:  https://amikaeyla.com/Watch Amikaeyla’s Ted Talk to see how transformation happens:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw09D3GJrAEHear Amikaeyla speak on building bridges for healing at World Trust:https://www.world-trust.org/amikaeylagaston?gclid=Cj0KCQiAiJSeBhCCARIsAHnAzT8Maxhn7xyIAQW4CSk3uGCiwEEmMq9kHVhmtZDc37rNHR-NWT4PmN8aAkyyEALw_wcBFollow Amikaeyla on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Amikaeyla/100063624638333/Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please like it on social media,  leave a review, tell your friends. With deep gratitude, OshaIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Osha and Amikaeyla Gaston discuss the healing power of music. Come along with us to discover the Power of Music for Healing People and Communities.  On today’s show, you’ll hear the inspiring story of Amikaela Gaston, who uses her powerful voice to initiate healing and peace around the world.You’ll hear about the ancient origins of music and drumming from cultures around the world.About Amikaeyla GastonProclaimed as one of the “purest contemporary voices” by National Public Radio (NPR), Amikaeyla is a public keynote speaker, performer, educator, and author. She travels the world serving as a Cultural Arts Ambassador for the State Department and is the Founder of the International Cultural Arts and Healing Sciences Institute (ICAHSI) and co-Executive Director for World-Trust.org  Educational Services Organization. Appearing internationally on Television, Radio, and Film with appearances on PBS, HBO and the Sundance Film Festival, Amikaeyla is the winner of twelve WAMMY Awards for Best Jazz, World, and Urban Contemporary Vocalist. Bonus feature: Experience the healing energy of Amikaeyla’s music with her song, “Dreamer.”Learn more:   https://amikaeyla.com/If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Supervisor Damon Connolly responds to questions from host Osha Hayden about how to create solutions to the important issues facing Sonoma and Marin County residents.  He is running for the California State Assembly.We talk about ways to address climate change, the drought, diminishing water supply, housing, the Sonoma Developmental Center SDC, and PG&E’s influence on the CPUC, among other topics. As a co-founder of Marin Clean Energy - who also helped create Sonoma Clean Power to provide clean green energy to our communities, Supervisor Connolly has been on the front lines of implementing clean, energy efficient solutions. He is an advocate for empowering residents to install rooftop solar panels.Supervisor Damon Connolly has been on the ground in Marin County of years working on solutions to the pressing issues we face. He was among the first advocates to stand up for making California a sanctuary state for women needing abortions to protect their health.Remember - voting is your superpower! So be sure to get your vote in for this Tuesday’s mid-term election. That’s November 8th. There are lots of super important issues on the ballot including codifying women’s reproductive freedom and the right to choose and have control over their own bodies and lives.Please Vote and let your voice be heard. If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Osha Hayden and Laurelee Roark discuss the healing benefits of psychedelic plant medicine and psilocybin mushrooms. A growing body of scientific research confirms the use of psilocybin for treating issues including depression, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders. Noted author, Michael Pollan’s book, How to Change Your Mind, documents the research and use of psychedelics and its astounding benefits when used in a therapeutic setting. You may have watched his recent Netflix series, How to Change Your Mind. Psychedelics are making news due to the astonishing results which far surpass those achieved through conventional treatments such as anti-depressants. It’s interesting to note research that indicates that the anti-depressant medications when used long term for treatment resistant depression may have no more benefit than a placebo. This research is ongoing and should not dissuade a patient from taking anti-depressants in an acute state of depression. As always, if in doubt, check with a medical professional.We talk about the importance of taking plant medicine with a “Sitter” who is trained as a guide to assist participants in their journeys and help integrate the profound epiphanies that often occur.  Many participants who have experienced a therapeutic guided psychedelic journey have stated that the results were life-changing.AboutLauralee Roark, MA, CCHT,  is a Body Image Therapist, educator and author of two books on  recovering from eating disorders. Beyond Hunger https://beyondhunger.org/ is a non-profit dedicated to providing eating girder prevention and education programs.  Listen to her podcast:  It’s Not About FoodBooks co-authored by Lauralee Roark & Carol Normandi:It’s Not About Food:  End Your Obsession With Food and Weight Over It:  A Teen’s Guide to Getting Beyond Obsessions with Food and WeightListen to other episodes featuring Laurelee Roark:Beyond Hunger: Food, Weight and Healing - Chapter 1 with Laurelee Roarkhttps://oshahayden.com/podcast/beyond-hunger-food-weight-and-healing-body-image-therapist-laurelee-roark-chap1/Beyond Hunger:  Food, Weight and Healing - Chapter 2 with Laurelee Roarkhttps://oshahayden.com/podcast/chapter-2-beyond-hunger-food-weight-and-healing-body-image-therapist-laurelee-roark/Laurelee Roark https://www.laureleeroark.com/If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

In Chapter 2 of Beyond Hunger - Food, Weight and Healing, Osha and  Body Image Therapist, Laurelee Roark, discuss solutions - how to recover from the suffering of obsession with food and dieting and the impossible standards of “beauty.” Laurelee describes a tried and true 3-prong process of recovery and offers guidance for connecting with your body’s wisdom and deepening appreciation of your true source of beauty. You’ll learn about Laurelee's work  with the non-profit,  Beyond Hunger https://beyondhunger.org/  an eating disorder prevention and education program for schools and a highly successful peer education program. AboutBody Image Therapist, Laurelee Roark , MA, CCHT is co-author with Carol Normandi of  It's Not About Food: End Your Obsession With Food and Weight  and  Over It:  A Teen’s Guide to Getting Beyond Obsessions with Food and Weight.  Laurelee RoarkIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Chapter 1 - Do you struggle with your weight? Learn how to end your obsession with food and weight with Body Image Therapist, Laurelee Roark, MA, CCHT - co-author of    It's Not About Food: End Your Obsession With Food and Weight  and                       Over It:  A Teen’s Guide to Getting Beyond Obsessions with Food and Weight.  In Chapter 1, Osha interviews Laurelee Roark on the prevalence and dangers of eating disorders and some of the psychological, social and media factors that have contributed to the rise in the number of people suffering from eating disorders.  Listen to Chapter 2 of this episode to hear about solutions and learn more about strategies for recovery and how to love and honor your body and celebrate your true beauty. Laurelee Roark is a Body image Therapist,  licensed Hypnotherapist,  author and educator specializing in body image and eating disorders.Tune in to her podcast, It’s Not About Food, for more information.Laurelee Roark & Carol Normandi co-founded Beyond Hunger https://beyondhunger.org/ an eating disorder prevention and education program for schools.If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Today’s show is about passion -  I’m talking about the kind of passion that drives you to explore your creativity, to fall in love with a painting or sculpture, to pursue and expand your knowledge and skills and to contribute your own authentic expression to the worldAbout LindaOsha's guest today is Linda Loveland Reid - Artist, Art Historian & Lecturer, and - Theater Director and - published Author. As an OLLI Instructor for both Sonoma State and Dominican Universities, Linda Loveland Reid delivers fascinating lectures and classes on art & artists. She holds a double B.A. in History and Art History from Sonoma State University, graduating cum laude. Linda is an instructor for Osher Lifelong learning institute (OLLI) at SSU and is chair of the SSU OLLI Art Club.We talk about:the path to becoming an artist even when you don’t think you’ll ever be good enoughhow creating art contributes to a person’s lifehow to navigate the diverse rivers of creativitytaking the next big step how to draw out the best in people what can help us step up to the challenges we face in these turbulent timeswhere to learn more about Linda’s art and lectureshttp://LindaLovelandReid.comhttps://www.sebarts.orghttps://olli.sonoma.eduIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Osha and Shugri Said Salh discuss The Last Nomad: Coming of Age in the Somali Desert, a riveting story of survival & spiritual strength by a brilliant Somali American woman, Shugri Said Salh.  We’ll explore the contrast between Nomadic life in the Somali desert and life in the city - and  hear about her harrowing escape from war torn Mogadishu.We’ll  explore the contrast between Nomadic life in the Somali desert and life in the city - and  hear about her harrowing escape from war torn Mogadishu. Above all, this is a story of a strong, resilient woman with a deep heart guided by wisdom and compassion.Steeped in the art of Nomadic storytelling and poetry, Salh learned to weave entertaining tales with vivid imagery and descriptions. The Last Nomad is her first book; she is already working on the next one.As a young girl in the Somali desert, Salh learned to navigate complexity.  Osha Hayden and Shugri Salh discuss how Salh learned to navigate the changing landscape - from her nomadic pilgrimages with her grandmother to find water during the drought season, to dodging attacks by lions and warthogs. Inspired by the independence and strength of her nomadic Ayeeyo, (grandmother), and despite of the loss of her mother when Salh was just six, she excelled.Salh describes the deep cultural and social roots of the Somali tradition of female genital mutilation, bringing a deeper understanding to how this practice is woven into the fabric of life there. Through the characters in her next book, she will illuminate more about the ramifications of female genital mutilation on women’s lives.Balanced between the worlds of the desert and city, Salh learned to adapt to constant change. Her inner strength and xenial family connections helped her survive when the civil war tore her world apart, forcing her to flee and seek refuge as an immigrant. Osha and Salh discuss the signals that that a civil war is brewing.Adapting to a new life, landscape and culture in North America was her next challenge. Then came the Covid pandemic; which thrust Salh, as an Infusion Nurse, into immediate danger in a rapidly changing medical environment. She knew how to adapt, navigate the challenges, and survive. As the last in the line of her nomadic heritage, Salh is inspired to gather the stories of her life and her ancestors and capture them for her own children and entranced readers everywhere.Shugri Said Salh was born in the Somali desert. In 1992, after civil war broke out in her home country, she emigrated to North America. She attended nursing school at Pacific Union College and graduated with honors. When she isn’t writing or telling stories, she works as an infusion nurse. Salh lives in Sonoma County with her husband and three children. Author of The Last Nomad: Coming of Age in the Somali Desert, she is working on her next book.You can learn more about her on her website:  shugrisalh.comIf you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha

Carbon. There’s too much of it in the atmosphere. We feel the effects -  the rising heat - the droughts. We watch as our rivers and reservoirs run dry. What if - we could draw tons of carbon out of the atmosphere and reduce water use at the same time? Osha interviews Barry Vesser of The Climate Center in Santa Rosa, CA about their initiatives to address the climate crisis.  Here's where you can make a difference. We know it can be overwhelming - if you can set aside  just 5 minutes a day to call your  representatives and  urge them to support important legislation, you can help shift our trajectory to a healthier future. If you live in CA, you can call Governor Gavin Newsom to support AB 2649 The Natural Carbon & Sequestration Act. For more info and simple acts you can take to make a difference, go here:  https://theclimatecenter.orgCalifornia is seen as  a world leader in  finding solutions to the climate crisis. Listen to the show and discover some solutions that can make a difference. We have some wind at our back so this is the time to act. Barry Vesser, is the Chief Operating Officer at The Climate Center since 2019.  He is an advocate and organizer - working to educate and promote policies to address the climate crisis. His M.A. is in International Public Administration from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.  Barry Vesser currently leads The Climate Center’s program and policy development and the implementation teams.If you enjoyed this show, please leave a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you! Osha