In this episode, Florence Williams shares the profound benefits of being outdoors and in nature, offering you a fresh perspective on self-care and a path toward increased well-being. Discover the scientific evidence that proves how spending time in nature makes us happier, healthier, and even more creative. In this episode, you'll be able to... Recognize the many benefits of spending time in nature and how they're backed by scientific evidence That 15 minutes in a forest environment can reduce o...
Jun 30, 2023•35 min•Ep. 617
When Suleika Jaouad received a devastating leukemia diagnosis at the age of 22, her life took a very unexpected turn into adulthood. Viewing her long hospital stay from the lens of a journalist, Suleika began a daily diary, ultimately fashioning her own reflective world. Through her writing, she found not just a lifeline, but a sense of purpose and agency, living out the essence of post-traumatic growth. Suleika's commitment to actively seeking meaning amidst her significant health challenges is...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 616
Rohan Gunatillake shares how his love of stories allowed him to discover the power of inhabiting different characters and exploring themes of his own life through their tales. This discovery led him to create a wonderful podcast that blends storytelling and meditation for a more meaningful experience for his listeners. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily life without disrupting your schedule Learn to notice and use your reactions to anything ...
Jun 23, 2023•51 min•Ep. 615
John Kaag is a renowned philosopher and author who brings fresh insights into the timeless wisdom of Henry David Thoreau. With impressive academic achievements under his belt, including teaching writing at Harvard and serving as a professor at UMass Lowell, John possesses a unique perspective on Thoreau’s philosophy regarding work and intentional living. Drawing inspiration from his own life’s journey and the challenges of balancing personal fulfillment with professional obligations, John invite...
Jun 20, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 614
If you have ever been in a situation where another was willing to harm you for their own benefit, then abuse has happened and that person has become an abuser. In this episode, we talk about the process leading up to this abuse, helping listeners to identify warning signs. We also offer practical advice that empowers survivors to take back control and find healing after abuse has occurred. In this second of a two-part conversation on abuse of power, join us to learn how to establish healthy boun...
Jun 16, 2023•52 min•Ep. 613
In this episode, Mark Coleman shares the many benefits of spending time in nature and explores several mindfulness practices that cultivate joy, wisdom, and wonder in your life! You'll discover: How we need to practice paying attention to what’s right in our lives rather than what’s wrong How mindfulness is always in service of wisdom, understanding, and freedom Why we need to widen our lens to be able to see what else is “here” How nature invites us to be in the present moment in a joyful and e...
Jun 13, 2023•58 min•Ep. 612
Abusers seek to isolate their victims and implement tactics to keep them silent and thinking that it’s “all in their head” or somehow their fault. However, when we talk about our experiences as victims of abuse, any false sense of shame is lifted and the experience is normalized; abuse becomes easily recognizable— and something we know how to stop. In this first of a two-part conversation, Ginny and Brandi share their personal stories of living through abuse, and how they survived. They share ho...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 611
With a wealth of experience in collecting life stories, Bruce Feiler has become an expert in identifying personal values in the search for fulfilling and purpose-driven work. As a best-selling author and engaging speaker, he inspires his audiences to dig deep, unearth their own personal stories, and chase their dreams rather than follow someone else’s path. In this episode, Eric and Bruce Discuss the Search for Meaningful Work and… Defining “workquakes” and developing strategies for navigating c...
Jun 06, 2023•59 min•Ep. 610
After the loss of someone we love, we’re inevitably faced with the question, “How do I live with this grief?” In this episode of “Something to Normalize,” Ginny and Brandi offer some answers to this question. Through research and personal experiences with grief, they share strategies, powerful bits of wisdom, and practical tools they’ve discovered. They also discuss how they’ve applied these tools in their own lives, and what was most helpful in their process. This is the second in a two-part se...
Jun 02, 2023•57 min•Ep. 609
Dr. Ken Duckworth is not only an expert in the mental health field but he has experienced firsthand the challenges of having a loved one suffering from mental illness. This experience inspired his work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), advocating for awareness, research, and better access to mental health care. Ken continues to work to fight the shame and isolation surrounding mental health conditions and to promote openness and compassion in the journey toward wellness. In th...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 608
In this special two-part episode of Something to Normalize, Ginny and Brandi each share their stories of losing someone central to their lives and the grief that followed. Grief can be a complex, unpredictable, overwhelming, and isolating experience. And there are so many misconceptions about what it “should” be like. What’s worse than grieving the loss of someone you love and then feeling isolated or wondering if the way you’re grieving is somehow wrong? In this episode, Ginny and Brandi explai...
May 26, 2023•52 min•Ep. 607
Dr. Thomas Insel, a highly respected mental health expert, found inspiration in an honest comment from a frustrated family member. He was speaking to a group of mental health advocates about the advances in research and treatment when a man stood up to tell him that their family’s house was on fire, and Insel was only discussing the chemistry of the paint. This striking remark compelled Insel to reevaluate his priorities and look for ways to make a real impact on mental health care. He went on t...
May 23, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 606
Have you ever felt like this? That showing vulnerability is weakness, that asking for help is a sign of incompetence, or that everyone else has the very thing you’re struggling with all figured out? These misconceptions can lead us to isolate ourselves and feel shame about our own struggles. Ginny and Brandi are here to share the power of normalizing our human experiences and how it can dissolve shame and create meaningful connections between us. This is the first episode of a special 5-episode ...
May 19, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 605
Eric and Quan Barry discuss the power of intentionality in life and art and some of the important themes that show up in her writing. Quan shares her insights on the importance of consciously feeding our thoughts and actions in positive ways. The conversation delves into the importance of creativity, the role of gratitude in personal growth, and the challenges of staying open to new experiences, as well as... How attention is a form of deep listening The importance of living a deliberate life Ho...
May 16, 2023•53 min•Ep. 604
Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist with a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise in the field of mental health. Having faced mental health challenges himself, Dr. Palmer has a unique understanding and empathy for those who struggle with mental illness. His determination to make a difference in the lives of others is fueled by witnessing his own mother’s battle with mental health and the impact it had on their family. Grounded in both personal and professional experience, Dr. Pa...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 603
Ralph De La Rosa explains how there is an important connection between nature and mindfulness. He encourages listeners to engage with nature in mindful presence and open their hearts to the natural healing force of the environment. In this episode, you’ll learn how connecting with nature can be a simple yet impactful way to improve mental and emotional health, and also… How connecting to nature fosters healing and resilience Why spending time in nature more readily draws our attention to mindful...
May 09, 2023•59 min•Ep. 602
Nikki Eisenhauer suggests that practicing mindfulness, being present in the moment, and consciously minimizing distractions such as excessive scrolling can help reduce inner chatter. She mentions the need for repetition and consistency in making these lifestyle changes, as well as replacing old, unhelpful habits with new ones that encourage a serene, focused state of mind. You'll Also Discover: How to take control of your personal journey by embracing responsibility and fostering growth Masterin...
May 05, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 601
Meet Laura Cathcart Robbins, an inspiring writer and speaker who advocates for representation and inclusivity in addiction recovery for people of color. Laura has transformed her personal journey into a message of hope and resilience that has touched the lives of countless individuals. Her powerful storytelling, vulnerability, and candid approach to her writing have made her a sought-after personal essayist and author of a captivating memoir. Laura's passion for promoting empathy and understandi...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 600
April is National Poetry Month and we put together this special episode to pay tribute to the late poet, Mary Oliver. Special guests James Crews, Danusha Lameris, Ross Gay, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, and Ginny Gay will read one of their favorite Mary Oliver poems and share why the poem is meaningful to them. Whether you are a fan of Mary Oliver's work or are just learning about her for the first time, we hope you'll be inspired by some of the beautiful poetry in this episode! For more on this ep...
Apr 28, 2023•31 min•Ep. 599
Get ready to dive into a conversation with Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan, two inspiring individuals known for their incredible ability to guide others towards living an unscripted life. Together, they make a dynamic duo that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace your own unscripted life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to distinguish between intuitive and habitual responses that lead to making more informed decisions in your life. Understanding what it means to be living in a le...
Apr 25, 2023•59 min•Ep. 598
In This Episode, You'll Learn: Learning to not resist the pain and grief of a terrible loss to find healing What it means to trust in life, even when the worst thing comes true How poetry embraces life’s greatest paradoxes Asking the question “is this the path of love?” Using the word “Hello” as a way to greet what’s going on within her How to embrace the unknown and cultivate trust during life's unpredictable moments Learning to boost personal growth and mindfulness with the help of powerful ma...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 597
In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to utilize our five senses to more deeply connect with the world Why exploring the world through your senses to experience life more vividly and playfully. How sensory experiences are a meaningful way to connect with others. Keeping a “5 Senses Journal” as a useful tool as a form of appreciation How to elevate everyday moments with heightened sensory awareness techniques. Why sharing impactful sensory memories with others can foster deeper connections Understan...
Apr 18, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 596
In This Episode, You'll Learn: How we can discover unique ways to approach discomfort and uncertainty that leads to personal growth and creativity. Recognizing the significance of small acts of kindness and acknowledging progress in life. Why finding simple beautiful things can be powerful and can help us through grief or difficult times How humor can be the bridge that connects joy and grief Learning to be present with ordinary things broadens our appreciation for them How being willing to ask ...
Apr 14, 2023•59 min•Ep. 595
In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why it's important to keep asking questions, even when the answers may keep changing The challenge of going through a big life change and not expecting clear answers How looking back through your past can bring clarity to where you are and who you are now Staying open and curious when life is challenging is what keeps you from being stuck. Learning to work with and quiet the loud inner critic Why investigating and taking responsibility for your own role in relation...
Apr 11, 2023•53 min•Ep. 594
In This Episode, you'll learn: How poetry and writing can be a spiritual practice Recognizing the feeling of joy and aliveness that comes from ordinary moments How inspiration can come from the practice of just showing up Why fear is a regular companion on any creative journey The importance of nurturing our inner life and spirit How self compassion is about embracing whatever comes up within you Why it's important to create a regular practice for whatever brings you joy How poetry can hold both...
Apr 07, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 593
In This Episode, You'll Learn How his “delight” project was about learning to pay attention Discovering that joy and delight are abundant if you are looking and paying attention Defining joy and all that accompanies this profound emotion How talking about joy and gratitude helps with the difficulties in life The importance of laughter and how it connects us to joy Why we need to slow down and listen to our bodies How busyness is a way of avoiding or escaping How writing can be a tool for self di...
Apr 04, 2023•57 min•Ep. 592
In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your attitude and how you pay attention is so important when it comes to mindfulness Understanding the 3 important pillars of mindfulness: intention, attention, attitude How have a mindfulness practice prepares the mind for learning Why shame stifles our ability to learn and grow How we can learn to remember to practice mindfulness by developing daily habits The question you can ask yourself in the morning to prime your mind to look for the good throughout the ...
Mar 31, 2023•44 min•Ep. 591
In This Episode, You'll Learn … Why we need to honor the history of our ancestors like Harriet Tubman How struggle and hardship are universal and also necessary to learn and grow How Spring came to explore and write about the spiritual nature of Harriet Tubman The lesson and legacy of Harriet and how we can learn to break free from the “prisons” of our mind Defining internal, outer. and ultimate abolitionism and the significance of each phase How the north star symbolizes a guiding light of hope...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 590
In This Episode, You'll Learn: Exploring the complexity of emotions within us and how our choices feed into that: How to navigate caregiving and its unique challenges How can we better understand the multiplicity of feelings and desires inside of us How the process of writing can allow you to process and find distance from tough emotions The challenges in accepting aging and mortality How paying attention is critical in both creative endeavors and in life The importance of staying curious and un...
Mar 24, 2023•52 min•Ep. 589
In This Episode, You'll Learn How to investigate suffering and learn how to work with it in a fresh way Why we need to explore the impact of greed, shame, and other "giants" in our daily lives Understanding the power of apology and how it can help us move away from shame and toward freedom How to start bring our actions in alignment with our values to guide your spiritual path Learning to how to acknowledge your trauma and also take responsibility for healing To Learn More, click here See omnyst...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 588
