Welcome to The Well, a place to nourish your health and spirit.
The Women's Well features ordinary extraordinary women who are leaders, teachers, artists and writers, humanitarians, and community builders. They each have a story of perseverance, and in the telling they shine a light for others.
Well guests come from every background and represent diverse experiences that are surprising, moving, and ultimately empowering. Our conversations are always inspiring.
The Women's Well features ordinary extraordinary women who are leaders, teachers, artists and writers, humanitarians, and community builders. They each have a story of perseverance, and in the telling they shine a light for others.
Well guests come from every background and represent diverse experiences that are surprising, moving, and ultimately empowering. Our conversations are always inspiring.
A new season of conversations at The Women's Well!
Scroll down for episodes:
Scroll down for episodes:
Resources:
"It's hard to understand antiracism without understanding what it means to be racist." ~Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. Click here for his popular book: How To Be Antiracist Dr. Brittany Cooper: teacher, activist, writer. Click here for her website: brittneycooper.com Baratunde Thurston: teacher, activist, comedian. Click here for his TedTalk: How to Deconstruct Racism, One Headline at a Time "...Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?" ~Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love |
Episode 1!
Healing and Forgiveness with Colleen Haggerty, Soul Tender Watch a brief clip on the left. Listen to our entire conversation on Apple Podcast and subscribe: Click Non Apple users: Click At age 17 after being struck by a car and instantly losing her leg, Colleen felt she had to live up to her "heroic" title by bypassing her own anger and grief. She became an athlete who skied, rock-climbed, kayaked and parachuted," trying sports I never imagined trying on two legs." On the 15th anniversary of the accident, Colleen decided on a whim to call the man who'd hit her with his car, to "yell at him" and demand an apology... That was when her healing really began--but not because he did apologize.... More about Colleen! Click Here: www.colleenhaggerty.com to find her memoir, A Leg to Stand On: An Amputees walk into Motherhood, and her Ted Talk: Forgiving The Unforgivable . Episode 2!
Keep Going with Chaquenta Smith Neal and Kendriana Price, Change Makers Watch a brief clip today (Chaquenta speaks first). Listen to our entire conversation and subscribe on Apple Podcast. Click For non I-phone, non I-Pad users: Click "I'm supposed to be here. This is it. Take me as I am." ~Kendriana Price Chaquenta Smith Neal and Kendriana Price are dynamic Black women with clear voices, vision and dedication. They've been champions of diversity in the state of Kentucky for more than a decade, and both are just over 30! When I asked them--despite the exhaustion of personal and cultural racism trauma--if they dare now to be hopeful about the future of equality and social justice in the United States, they both said... "YES." With raw candor, and the wisdom that echoes the most respected emotional health advocates, they each each suggested how people of every race can keep on. Episode 5!
Tuning Inward with Donna Foster, wisdom keeper, Licensed Dietician and Nutrition Counselor Watch a brief clip. Listen to our entire conversation and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Click For non Apple users: Click How do you know when you are being "called" to something bigger than you dreamed for yourself--bigger and more important than you planned for your life? Wisdom keeper, Donna Foster, shares the story of launching a new career in her 60's: "feeling the fear and doing it anyway." Tune in with us, and then tune inward to notice how the YES of your own calling might be beckoning right now. |
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episode 8!
Emotional Boundaries with Dr. Janelle McNeal, Alyssa Erickson, and Ruth Nelson Listen to our entire conversation and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Click For non Apple access: Click Is there an ugly sweater in that gift bag? You’d better appreciate the Granny who knitted it for you! In our final episode at The Well this spring, women from age 19 through 53 talk about emotional boundaries: What they are, why they’re vital (and sometimes not), and how they’re so much about taking up enough space in our own lives. And others. ”Even if I am not someone who imagines myself having fences up, I need to be very comfortable with the fact that other people really, really need and like to have fences.” ~Ruth ”I’m one to always want to say yes...I have to tellyself at the end of the day for my own personal energy threshold that I need to be able to say no sometimes—not something I want to do, it’s something I have to do..” ~Alyssa “I wholeheartedly believe that I am responsible for my own happiness— yup I’m not counting on anyone else to make me happy, that’s my job....There are times when I will do something for someone else that would be to the detriment of my own happiness because of the level of love, or respect, for that person.”~Janelle “I’m really measuring the cost. What is it going to cost me to be a little uncomfortable doing this thing for you that I know you need, and if I can accept the cost of doing this thing, then I give it, no strings attached.”~Lisa Find Dr. Janelle McNeal at TrueNorthLex.com Find Alyssa Erickson at KYHempsters.com |
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episode 7!
On Writing with Margaret Verble, Pulitzer Nominated Author Listen to our entire conversation and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Click. For non Apple access: Click. Margaret Verble, is the author of Maud's Line, a 2016 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Her new novel, Cherokee America, was released in February 2020 and has been praised in the New York Times as a gift to historical fiction lovers especially as "an essential corrective to the racially tinged myths created to justify the annihilation of indigenous cultures and the theft of native lands." In March 2020, Cherokee America won the Spur Award for Best Traditional Western, and was shortlisted for the Reading the West Adult Fiction Award. Her new book, just launched in 2021, When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky, is already winning acclaim. Margaret, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, lives in Lexington, KY. |
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episode 6!
Life Purpose with international SoulCollage® Facilitator Trainers: Judy Heidrich, Licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and, Beth Marcil, Teaching Artist and Fine Artist Watch a brief clip (you’ll hear and see Judy reply to my opening question first.) Listen to our entire conversation and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Click For non Apple users: Click As Oprah has helped us realize for decades: We are each born to a life purpose. The personal work for each of us is to decide what that is, and to get to the business of living it. But at various chapters in our lives as we grow and evolve, and as circumstances change, we don’t always know where to begin. Judy and Beth are companions to people ready for this type of inner work. And added to their expertise, they are specialists who help people discover where the joy in life exists, and how to make more of that too. |
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Episode 4!
The Path to Service with Jennifer Yue Barber, delegate to the United Nations Watch a brief clip. Listen to our entire conversation and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Click For non Apple users: Click Like every one of us who dream, plan, work, sweat, work, work, work, Asian American immigants and citizens also want “for the next generation, a better life.” And often, their wanting and work ethic becomes a blessing for the communities in which they live. This is the very story of Jennifer Yue Barber, and her parents, who carried her home asleep after their restaurant closed nightly—with cooking burns on their hands and faces—keeping faith that their daughter would in fact have a better life while also continuing to contribute to community in her own way. Jennifer is an attorney--a Kentucky native--who served in the U.S. as a United States Delegate to the 75th United Nations General Assembly where she delivered formal statements on behalf of the U.S. government. She advised on foreign policy and negotiated with other delegations to advance United States positions in the areas of human rights and humanitarian aid. |
The Women's Well at Lexington Community Radio (2016-2018):
At The Women's Well with the incomparable, Lt. Col. U.S Marine Amy McGrath, mom of three, wife, candidate for U.S Congress, dedicated to service to the greatest degree.
January 26, 2018
"I've lost friends in combat. What I've learned is how lucky I am to be alive, and that I owe it to them to make a [positive] difference. I ask myself what am I going to do with this one and beautiful life."
In her 20 years as a Marine, Amy flew 89 combat missions, landed on aircraft carriers, was called to action on September 11, and has had to look death directly in the face more than a few times. All of this has seasoned her as a leader who abides by honor and excellence, and has made her a world citizen. All of this training and experience has made her a profound warrior of American values, literally.
As we delve into the vital conversation about the way excellence in leadership is cultivated, Amy confides that integrity, honor, character, and trustworthiness "are the values you LIVE in the dark, and when no one else is looking; I try to live them everyday."
Passionate about healthcare, diversity, foreign policy and defense, and, serving the needs of her constituents, Amy wants to be our voice on Capitol Hill. She has our back.
AmyMcGrathforCongress.com
and on Facebook: Amy McGrath
Listen below (three 14-16 min. segments):
January 26, 2018
"I've lost friends in combat. What I've learned is how lucky I am to be alive, and that I owe it to them to make a [positive] difference. I ask myself what am I going to do with this one and beautiful life."
In her 20 years as a Marine, Amy flew 89 combat missions, landed on aircraft carriers, was called to action on September 11, and has had to look death directly in the face more than a few times. All of this has seasoned her as a leader who abides by honor and excellence, and has made her a world citizen. All of this training and experience has made her a profound warrior of American values, literally.
As we delve into the vital conversation about the way excellence in leadership is cultivated, Amy confides that integrity, honor, character, and trustworthiness "are the values you LIVE in the dark, and when no one else is looking; I try to live them everyday."
Passionate about healthcare, diversity, foreign policy and defense, and, serving the needs of her constituents, Amy wants to be our voice on Capitol Hill. She has our back.
AmyMcGrathforCongress.com
and on Facebook: Amy McGrath
Listen below (three 14-16 min. segments):
At The Women's Well with my co-hosts today, Lydia Jacobs and Dr, Janelle Mcneal, and guest Donna Pollard, mother, peaceful-fierce activist warrior, survivor of childhood marriage, leader.
October 20, 2017
At 14, after her father died, Donna's mother sent her to a youth facility because of her "rebelliousness." There, a staff member more than twice her age, groomed her for a romantic relationship with him, and they married less than two years later with her mother's written consent, easily over-riding Kentucky's marriage law age of 18. It wasn't long before they had a child together, a girl.
Manipulated by him and forced to drop out of high school, Donna knew she had to leave this man, her perpetrator, the day her infant daughter witnessed his abuse and thought it was a game. Today she champions rights for underage girls across our country and is trying, inch by inch, to help pass legislation that will protect them.
While Donna's story is a difficult one, her personal philosophy to "reframe" hardship into something meaningful, is profoundly inspiring for all of us no matter what the challenge.
More about Donna at: SurvivorsCorner.org
Lexington Resources: Greenhouse17.org; The Nest Lexington.org
Louisville Resources: HomeoftheInnocents.org; CenterforWomenandFamilies.org
National Resources: Tahirih Justice Center.org; Unchained At Last.org
Listen below:
October 20, 2017
At 14, after her father died, Donna's mother sent her to a youth facility because of her "rebelliousness." There, a staff member more than twice her age, groomed her for a romantic relationship with him, and they married less than two years later with her mother's written consent, easily over-riding Kentucky's marriage law age of 18. It wasn't long before they had a child together, a girl.
Manipulated by him and forced to drop out of high school, Donna knew she had to leave this man, her perpetrator, the day her infant daughter witnessed his abuse and thought it was a game. Today she champions rights for underage girls across our country and is trying, inch by inch, to help pass legislation that will protect them.
While Donna's story is a difficult one, her personal philosophy to "reframe" hardship into something meaningful, is profoundly inspiring for all of us no matter what the challenge.
More about Donna at: SurvivorsCorner.org
Lexington Resources: Greenhouse17.org; The Nest Lexington.org
Louisville Resources: HomeoftheInnocents.org; CenterforWomenandFamilies.org
National Resources: Tahirih Justice Center.org; Unchained At Last.org
Listen below:
Lisa celebrates her half-century milestone birthday this month and kicks it off as a GUEST on WLXU's sister show, Aging Adventures with Lydia Jacobs.
June 3, 2017
Grab a cuppa and listen in to a warm and intimate conversation about how your Women's Well host, Lisa Miller, overcame her own demons and insurmountable obstacles, and somehow found herself in the process.
For her, what started out as a survival plan would become the long and winding-road in her "earth school" education in motherhood, self-acceptance, wisdom, leadership, happiness, and yes, radio.
Today, she wants every woman to own her strengths and to be compassionate around her weaknesses because therein lies the nourishment for empowerment and profound health, and we're all in it together, hell yes!
Listen below:
June 3, 2017
Grab a cuppa and listen in to a warm and intimate conversation about how your Women's Well host, Lisa Miller, overcame her own demons and insurmountable obstacles, and somehow found herself in the process.
For her, what started out as a survival plan would become the long and winding-road in her "earth school" education in motherhood, self-acceptance, wisdom, leadership, happiness, and yes, radio.
Today, she wants every woman to own her strengths and to be compassionate around her weaknesses because therein lies the nourishment for empowerment and profound health, and we're all in it together, hell yes!
Listen below:
At The Women's Well with former First Lady of Kentucky, Jane Beshear, grandmother, teacher, advocate for health and wellbeing, tireless warrior for literacy, community builder, equestrian, graceful leader.
May 20, 2017
"When Steve decided to run for Governor in 2007, it was not on my priority list, but he said to me:
'My dream was always to serve as Governor and I thought I would never get it.' I couldn't say no."
Jane Beshear, who lovingly spearheaded so many Kentucky programs during her 8 years as First
Lady, admits that though she stepped into leadership "reluctantly", once there, she felt an imperative duty to help citizens.
Listen below:
May 20, 2017
"When Steve decided to run for Governor in 2007, it was not on my priority list, but he said to me:
'My dream was always to serve as Governor and I thought I would never get it.' I couldn't say no."
Jane Beshear, who lovingly spearheaded so many Kentucky programs during her 8 years as First
Lady, admits that though she stepped into leadership "reluctantly", once there, she felt an imperative duty to help citizens.
Listen below:
At The Women's Well with the Parenting Paradox team: Dr.s Katherine Stone, Ph.D., and Laura Bonzo-Sims, Ed.D.; moms, dedicated advocates for raising well-rounded kiddos, educators.
May 13, 2017
At ParentingParadox.org, Katherine and Laura have combined their decades of experience with growing children (and their parents!) to create a reliable blueprint for raising happy, goal-oriented, resilient people. And it begins in early childhood, yes it does.
Parenting children to become independent adults seems to be equal parts healthy boundaries and consistency, role-modeling, flexibility, good communication, and problem solving. Mix in doses of artful parenting wisdom and enough outdoor creative playtime and voila, you've got yourself a child with better than average odds of handling life's ups and downs through the stages of emotional and academic growth into adulthood.
Tune-in to our unedited conversation below:
May 13, 2017
At ParentingParadox.org, Katherine and Laura have combined their decades of experience with growing children (and their parents!) to create a reliable blueprint for raising happy, goal-oriented, resilient people. And it begins in early childhood, yes it does.
Parenting children to become independent adults seems to be equal parts healthy boundaries and consistency, role-modeling, flexibility, good communication, and problem solving. Mix in doses of artful parenting wisdom and enough outdoor creative playtime and voila, you've got yourself a child with better than average odds of handling life's ups and downs through the stages of emotional and academic growth into adulthood.
Tune-in to our unedited conversation below:
At The Women's Well with Cindi Gardner and Ashley Renton, cancer survivors and warriors, wives, mothers (and grandmother), educators, women who have found meaning in hardship.
April 29, 2017
To questions about how life is different now that their cancers are in remission, my guests generously share their personal stories.
Busy and successful business owner, Ashley (middle in photo), explains the importance of staying dedicated to her health and her precious family time: "Time really does heal, so it's easy to go back to life the way it was before. But I don't want to forget that I was stressed out before. Stress is a contributor of cancer, I do it different now. I show up for what I'm doing versus worry about tomorrow and the next day--to be present and enjoy what's happening in the moment."
And for Cindi (far left in photo), who notices her conscious gratitude flowing through the littlest interactions, life is more often about "contentment" and the little things.: "I think I was grateful for things before, but there's a deep gratitude now that comes---and many times a day I send out thank you, thank you."
Though cancer diagnosis are common unfortunately, most people don't know how to help, support, nor talk to those undergoing treatment therapies. Two courageous and reflective guests help us with some answers.
Listen below to our unedited conversation below (there's a 10 second break about 20 minutes in):
April 29, 2017
To questions about how life is different now that their cancers are in remission, my guests generously share their personal stories.
Busy and successful business owner, Ashley (middle in photo), explains the importance of staying dedicated to her health and her precious family time: "Time really does heal, so it's easy to go back to life the way it was before. But I don't want to forget that I was stressed out before. Stress is a contributor of cancer, I do it different now. I show up for what I'm doing versus worry about tomorrow and the next day--to be present and enjoy what's happening in the moment."
And for Cindi (far left in photo), who notices her conscious gratitude flowing through the littlest interactions, life is more often about "contentment" and the little things.: "I think I was grateful for things before, but there's a deep gratitude now that comes---and many times a day I send out thank you, thank you."
Though cancer diagnosis are common unfortunately, most people don't know how to help, support, nor talk to those undergoing treatment therapies. Two courageous and reflective guests help us with some answers.
Listen below to our unedited conversation below (there's a 10 second break about 20 minutes in):
At The Women's Well with The University of Kentucky LexEngaged Freshwomen, students, impassioned community service activists, mentors to elementary school students, excited about their future.
March 11 , 2017
Listen to my conversation with 9 terrific women and their professor, Dr. Rosie Moosnick, Director of LexEngaged, about their mentorship with William Wells Brown students and the way they teach kids about the influence of the African American community on the horse industry in Kentucky.
More about LexEngaged: www.lexengaged.as.uky.edu.
Listen below, two 20 minute segments:
March 11 , 2017
Listen to my conversation with 9 terrific women and their professor, Dr. Rosie Moosnick, Director of LexEngaged, about their mentorship with William Wells Brown students and the way they teach kids about the influence of the African American community on the horse industry in Kentucky.
More about LexEngaged: www.lexengaged.as.uky.edu.
Listen below, two 20 minute segments:
At The Women's Well with Remy Hendrych, peace-maker, nutrition coach, bone-broth expert, WOOFER, community garden leader, urban ninja, healed.
January 26, 2017
Remy healed herself from type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, orthorexia, anxiety and depression. How?
She left corporate America including consulting for Paramount, Disney, CBS, and gave herself the freedom to create her own daily schedule, a schedule dearly aligned with her emotional and physical needs; she left a vegetarian and carb. loading lifestyle and traded it for the anti-inflammatory benefits of bone broth; she decided to intentionally live closer to the earth; she found role models and mentors she could emulate; and she approached the preparation of her food in a whole new way:
When she cooks for others, she first follows her heart to the people who are stewards of the land that grows the food.
Find Remy at www.HuntGatherSaute.com and at www.UrbanNinjaProject.com
Our unedited audio is below (there are two "breaks" about 10 seconds each).
January 26, 2017
Remy healed herself from type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, orthorexia, anxiety and depression. How?
She left corporate America including consulting for Paramount, Disney, CBS, and gave herself the freedom to create her own daily schedule, a schedule dearly aligned with her emotional and physical needs; she left a vegetarian and carb. loading lifestyle and traded it for the anti-inflammatory benefits of bone broth; she decided to intentionally live closer to the earth; she found role models and mentors she could emulate; and she approached the preparation of her food in a whole new way:
When she cooks for others, she first follows her heart to the people who are stewards of the land that grows the food.
Find Remy at www.HuntGatherSaute.com and at www.UrbanNinjaProject.com
Our unedited audio is below (there are two "breaks" about 10 seconds each).
At The Women's Well with Jodi Chmielewski, yoga teacher trainer, owner of Sterling Hot Yoga, wife and new mother, travel adventurer, retired overachiever.
December 10, 2016
Find Jodi, and her classes and trainings right here: Sterling Hot Yoga
"I played professional softball and learned how to make mistakes, and also learned that mistakes happen 7 out of 10 times."
Jodi approaches her personal goals and relationships they way she did as a young athlete and professional coach, with the grace in knowing that success takes practice. And today, "success feels like peace." As a business owner and wellness leader in Lexington, she shares this sincerely with everyone she knows, and they listen!
Passionate about physical and emotional health, Jodi leads by example and offers 5 No Cost Ways to Live in Wellness:
1) Take Stock
2) Take Time for Yourself
3) Nourish Yourself (which includes greens as well as donuts)
4) Move Every Day
5) Be Grateful
For the details of each wellness tenet, and our light-hearted conversation, listen below to our unedited audio:
December 10, 2016
Find Jodi, and her classes and trainings right here: Sterling Hot Yoga
"I played professional softball and learned how to make mistakes, and also learned that mistakes happen 7 out of 10 times."
Jodi approaches her personal goals and relationships they way she did as a young athlete and professional coach, with the grace in knowing that success takes practice. And today, "success feels like peace." As a business owner and wellness leader in Lexington, she shares this sincerely with everyone she knows, and they listen!
Passionate about physical and emotional health, Jodi leads by example and offers 5 No Cost Ways to Live in Wellness:
1) Take Stock
2) Take Time for Yourself
3) Nourish Yourself (which includes greens as well as donuts)
4) Move Every Day
5) Be Grateful
For the details of each wellness tenet, and our light-hearted conversation, listen below to our unedited audio:
At The Women's Well with Jill Braun Haas, nature lover, yoga teacher, mother of a special needs child, self-care warrior role-model, champion of the present moment.
November 21, 2016
In 2009, Jill's daughter was born with a seizure disorder that would permanently alter her development. While caring for a medically fragile infant was challenging enough, the realization that she would have to let go of the dream she had for raising a "happy, easy-going" family, brought its own burden.
"Living in the basement--the term my husband and I have for survival mode--was robbing me of my Light, robbing me of myself."
Emotionally, spiritually, and physically, Jill struggled for years until she had a revelation one weekend just a few years ago.
Today she and her husband Keith, and their beautiful Sylvia, represent the best of peace and stability in the face of continuous life challenge.
Find Jill and her yoga classes at SolidRootsYoga.com
Don't miss our unedited conversation broken into two segments with no commercial breaks. Listen below:
November 21, 2016
In 2009, Jill's daughter was born with a seizure disorder that would permanently alter her development. While caring for a medically fragile infant was challenging enough, the realization that she would have to let go of the dream she had for raising a "happy, easy-going" family, brought its own burden.
"Living in the basement--the term my husband and I have for survival mode--was robbing me of my Light, robbing me of myself."
Emotionally, spiritually, and physically, Jill struggled for years until she had a revelation one weekend just a few years ago.
Today she and her husband Keith, and their beautiful Sylvia, represent the best of peace and stability in the face of continuous life challenge.
Find Jill and her yoga classes at SolidRootsYoga.com
Don't miss our unedited conversation broken into two segments with no commercial breaks. Listen below:
At The Women's Well with Erin Skinner Smith, mother, therapeutic yoga teacher, owner of The Om Place, author, wellness warrior.
October 29, 2016
What does a healthy sex life have in common with weight-training and quinoa? Few topics were off limits with my friend and colleague, Erin Smith, co-author of Sensible Wellness for Women: Following the Four after the Big FOUR-OH. She's a leader in wellness who teaches that mindfulness in daily life can truly affect the level of health in our very cells and our drive for happiness.
An expert in yoga, anatomy, and nutrition, she knows that it's not just stretching, strengthening, moving and nourishing the body that determines health, it is our very thoughts that can directly "light us from within," determine the quality of our well-being, and affect longevity.
Enjoy our unedited two-part interview/conversation below (one of my favorites of the year). Note: There are a few "station breaks" that are about 10 seconds in length, including the pause between parts one and two. This is the commercial-free version of our interview:
October 29, 2016
What does a healthy sex life have in common with weight-training and quinoa? Few topics were off limits with my friend and colleague, Erin Smith, co-author of Sensible Wellness for Women: Following the Four after the Big FOUR-OH. She's a leader in wellness who teaches that mindfulness in daily life can truly affect the level of health in our very cells and our drive for happiness.
An expert in yoga, anatomy, and nutrition, she knows that it's not just stretching, strengthening, moving and nourishing the body that determines health, it is our very thoughts that can directly "light us from within," determine the quality of our well-being, and affect longevity.
Enjoy our unedited two-part interview/conversation below (one of my favorites of the year). Note: There are a few "station breaks" that are about 10 seconds in length, including the pause between parts one and two. This is the commercial-free version of our interview:
At The Women's Well with Deniese Woolfolk, mother, licensed massage therapist, role model for profound healing.
October 1, 2016
"Before being rushed into emergency surgery to clip the aneurysm in my brain, I thought I was superwoman---I had a good job, I was raising three daughters, I had just bought a house. And then after, I had no job because with short term memory loss you can't work in a car factory accidentally leaving steering wheels off cars. And they were dark, dark days---sometimes I couldn't leave my house. The medications I was on made me anxious, depressed, and made me sleepwalk. When I could finally drive, a lot of times I didn't know where I was---had to call my family and tell them the landmarks I could see so that they could give me directions to get home. That was three years.
And then I realized I could pull myself out of this darkness."
And she did.
More about Deniese and her professional therapeutic offerings at this link: http://www.subtleenergymassage.com
Don't miss my conversation with this extraordinary woman who leads the way in every day miracles and who wants to help others heal. Listen to our unedited audio below (note: there are a few "station breaks" that are about 10 seconds in length. This is the commercial-free version of our interview):
October 1, 2016
"Before being rushed into emergency surgery to clip the aneurysm in my brain, I thought I was superwoman---I had a good job, I was raising three daughters, I had just bought a house. And then after, I had no job because with short term memory loss you can't work in a car factory accidentally leaving steering wheels off cars. And they were dark, dark days---sometimes I couldn't leave my house. The medications I was on made me anxious, depressed, and made me sleepwalk. When I could finally drive, a lot of times I didn't know where I was---had to call my family and tell them the landmarks I could see so that they could give me directions to get home. That was three years.
And then I realized I could pull myself out of this darkness."
And she did.
More about Deniese and her professional therapeutic offerings at this link: http://www.subtleenergymassage.com
Don't miss my conversation with this extraordinary woman who leads the way in every day miracles and who wants to help others heal. Listen to our unedited audio below (note: there are a few "station breaks" that are about 10 seconds in length. This is the commercial-free version of our interview):
At The Women's Well with our resident volunteer clinical psychologist, Dr. Janelle McNeal, mother, and champion of mindfullness.
September 10, 2016
Most people deal with some form of anxiety. It can be situation specific, or a pervasive general feeling of discontent.: "Anxiety feels a lot like wearing really uncomfortable shoes."
But don't worry, we're far from being doomed by it.
Tune in to our unedited, always light-hearted conversation below (there are a few "station breaks" that are about 5-10 seconds in length).
September 10, 2016
Most people deal with some form of anxiety. It can be situation specific, or a pervasive general feeling of discontent.: "Anxiety feels a lot like wearing really uncomfortable shoes."
But don't worry, we're far from being doomed by it.
Tune in to our unedited, always light-hearted conversation below (there are a few "station breaks" that are about 5-10 seconds in length).
At The Women's Well with guest CD Collins, spoken-word musician, writer, speaker, Appalachian activist, Certified Peer Specialist.
July 30, 2016
CD was 10 years old, traveling with her family in their station-wagon to Red River Gorge for a day of adventure, when a gas-line explosion nearly derailed her future. With severe body burns and a lifetime of coping, her trauma, art, and activism are present in almost everything she does. In her work as a mental health service professional, she helps others to heal.
In discussing the intersection between life and writing, she says, "The deeper you go into the personal, the more universal you're going to get. You've got to go as deep as you can go."
Find out more about her work by clicking here: CDCollins.com
Listen to our unedited interview below. There are two brief (5-10 seconds each) breaks in this audio.
July 30, 2016
CD was 10 years old, traveling with her family in their station-wagon to Red River Gorge for a day of adventure, when a gas-line explosion nearly derailed her future. With severe body burns and a lifetime of coping, her trauma, art, and activism are present in almost everything she does. In her work as a mental health service professional, she helps others to heal.
In discussing the intersection between life and writing, she says, "The deeper you go into the personal, the more universal you're going to get. You've got to go as deep as you can go."
Find out more about her work by clicking here: CDCollins.com
Listen to our unedited interview below. There are two brief (5-10 seconds each) breaks in this audio.
At The Women's Well with guest Dr. Sylvia de la Rosa, engineer, leader in the transgender community, speaker, community builder.
June 25, 2016
Born a boy, Sylvia was just four years old when she realized she was stuck in the wrong body after admiring the beautiful women of the Ice Capes show. But even barely out of toddlerhood, intuitively she knew her parents would be disappointed in her for wanting to be a girl. After decades of mental and physical pain trapped in a male body, Sylvia medically transitioned 6 years ago in order to live the life she was always meant to live as a female. While her story is a happy one today, she faced life and death challenges along the way.
Her pay-it-forward philosophy has her speaking on behalf of the trans community in Lexington, and for 6 years she's been the face and voice of TransKentuky as the organization's president. Visit TransKentucky for more information: www.TransKentucky.com.
Don't miss her moving story below. There are three brief silent breaks in the conversation, no longer than 15 seconds each.
June 25, 2016
Born a boy, Sylvia was just four years old when she realized she was stuck in the wrong body after admiring the beautiful women of the Ice Capes show. But even barely out of toddlerhood, intuitively she knew her parents would be disappointed in her for wanting to be a girl. After decades of mental and physical pain trapped in a male body, Sylvia medically transitioned 6 years ago in order to live the life she was always meant to live as a female. While her story is a happy one today, she faced life and death challenges along the way.
Her pay-it-forward philosophy has her speaking on behalf of the trans community in Lexington, and for 6 years she's been the face and voice of TransKentuky as the organization's president. Visit TransKentucky for more information: www.TransKentucky.com.
Don't miss her moving story below. There are three brief silent breaks in the conversation, no longer than 15 seconds each.
At The Women's Well with guest Brenda Sims Bartella Peterson M.A., grandmother, wife, minister and spiritual guide, author, motivational speaker, make-lemonade-from-lemons-warrior-goddess.
May 25, 2016
Brenda doesn't believe in victimhood, instead, she courageously finds meaning in the hardship of her experiences.
With a voice that is both moving and clear, her memoir, No Rehearsal, tells a riveting story:
"I asked my mother once if we were just poor, or poor white trash?
'Don't ask, honey, you don't want to know.'
I guess I got my answer."
Brenda explains, "While experiencing sexual abuse, physical abuse, instability, poverty, and more than my fair share of grief and loss, my journey revealed abundant blessings along the way. Upon reflection, it's impossible to weigh the good times or the bad times as a better teacher in the quest to live an authentic life."
Her website can be found here: BrendaBartellaPeterson.com
Don't miss our compelling conversation. Listen below:
May 25, 2016
Brenda doesn't believe in victimhood, instead, she courageously finds meaning in the hardship of her experiences.
With a voice that is both moving and clear, her memoir, No Rehearsal, tells a riveting story:
"I asked my mother once if we were just poor, or poor white trash?
'Don't ask, honey, you don't want to know.'
I guess I got my answer."
Brenda explains, "While experiencing sexual abuse, physical abuse, instability, poverty, and more than my fair share of grief and loss, my journey revealed abundant blessings along the way. Upon reflection, it's impossible to weigh the good times or the bad times as a better teacher in the quest to live an authentic life."
Her website can be found here: BrendaBartellaPeterson.com
Don't miss our compelling conversation. Listen below:
At The Women's Well with guest Alexis Meza, Lexington Community Radio's Administrative Manager, morning radio show host, social media specialist, and everything-to-keep-things-running employee, community and national activist representing undocumented students.
April 20 & 27, 2016
Beginning with her walk as a little girl from Mexico across the U.S border, Alexis tells her amazing story:
"I was a week away from turning nine at the time I crossed la frontera alongside my mother and then four year-old brother. The only thing we took from home was a small diaper bag with some limes, crackers and a blanket. Walking was easy for the first few hours. My young body didn't think too much of it until tiredness became unbearable. There was no water to ease my thirst; all I could do was hold on to my mother's hand. The night was loud with animal howels. Twice we ran as fast as we could to hide from the police. Bushes sheltered us from getting caught. The fear of getting left behind was real. The Coyote who charged $1,000 per person to shepherd us, was not going to turn back or wait for anyone. It's sometimes hard for me to realize that it really happened and that at a young age, I was already a survivor."
But hers is a story of triumph through hardship that has shaped her passion for leadership in the Lexington Latino community and beyond. Since high school, and now at just 25, Alexis is a voice for her generation and intentionally adds her "little grain of salt to the whole national movement" for students of the Dream Act ( Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors).
And, she doesn't "believe in victimhood" but rather, intends to "do" life with a positive attitude no matter what the challenge, because "hardship should never be a label".
More about DACA: click here.
I can't say enough about how much I adore Alexis, and I'm moved by her zest and perseverance. Listen below, begin with the audio on the left:
April 20 & 27, 2016
Beginning with her walk as a little girl from Mexico across the U.S border, Alexis tells her amazing story:
"I was a week away from turning nine at the time I crossed la frontera alongside my mother and then four year-old brother. The only thing we took from home was a small diaper bag with some limes, crackers and a blanket. Walking was easy for the first few hours. My young body didn't think too much of it until tiredness became unbearable. There was no water to ease my thirst; all I could do was hold on to my mother's hand. The night was loud with animal howels. Twice we ran as fast as we could to hide from the police. Bushes sheltered us from getting caught. The fear of getting left behind was real. The Coyote who charged $1,000 per person to shepherd us, was not going to turn back or wait for anyone. It's sometimes hard for me to realize that it really happened and that at a young age, I was already a survivor."
But hers is a story of triumph through hardship that has shaped her passion for leadership in the Lexington Latino community and beyond. Since high school, and now at just 25, Alexis is a voice for her generation and intentionally adds her "little grain of salt to the whole national movement" for students of the Dream Act ( Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors).
And, she doesn't "believe in victimhood" but rather, intends to "do" life with a positive attitude no matter what the challenge, because "hardship should never be a label".
More about DACA: click here.
I can't say enough about how much I adore Alexis, and I'm moved by her zest and perseverance. Listen below, begin with the audio on the left:
At The Women's Well with Chrysalis House guests Sherry Jackson, Office and Community Relations Director, and Karen McLain, Peer Support Specialist and Outreach Coordinator, Mothers.
April 13, 2016
For 37 years, The Chrysalis House in Lexington has been an outstanding non-profit organization that can stand proudly among many others in our nation. The largest and oldest licensed treatment facility for pregnant and parenting women in the Commonwealth, it provides integrative healing for substance addicted women.
We laughed and cried together in this conversation as Karen (pictured, right) shared the details of her own recovery from substance dependency that started at age 15, and began to heal at age 36 after she was imprisoned.
More about Chrysalis House: http://www.chrysalishouse.org
Listen to our conversation below:
April 13, 2016
For 37 years, The Chrysalis House in Lexington has been an outstanding non-profit organization that can stand proudly among many others in our nation. The largest and oldest licensed treatment facility for pregnant and parenting women in the Commonwealth, it provides integrative healing for substance addicted women.
We laughed and cried together in this conversation as Karen (pictured, right) shared the details of her own recovery from substance dependency that started at age 15, and began to heal at age 36 after she was imprisoned.
More about Chrysalis House: http://www.chrysalishouse.org
Listen to our conversation below:
At The Women's Well with guest Dr. Janelle McNeal, licenced clinical psychologist, mother, champion of mindfullness.
April 6, 2016
Replenishing the emotional tools in your medicine bag of tricks ensures that when you most need them, they'll be available and effective! Today at The Well we look at grief and loss of all types, from sending our kids off to school, to losing a loved one.
And by the way, "falling apart" and "the ugly cry" are normal and expected no matter how many tools in your bag.
Connect with Dr. McNeal here: http://www.janellemcneal.com
Join us here for Dr. Janelle's humor and coping strategies, and to replenish your most vital personal tools. Tune in below:
April 6, 2016
Replenishing the emotional tools in your medicine bag of tricks ensures that when you most need them, they'll be available and effective! Today at The Well we look at grief and loss of all types, from sending our kids off to school, to losing a loved one.
And by the way, "falling apart" and "the ugly cry" are normal and expected no matter how many tools in your bag.
Connect with Dr. McNeal here: http://www.janellemcneal.com
Join us here for Dr. Janelle's humor and coping strategies, and to replenish your most vital personal tools. Tune in below:
At The Women's Well with guest Teresa Belluscio, mother, Director of Services for Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at Eastern Kentucky University, Board Certified Coach.
March 30 2016
With over 20 years of experience and service, Teresa is passionate about helping college students with disabilities to thrive.
"I have so many stories of students who struggled through prescribed methods of classroom learning that just don't fit everyone. They are actually bright and talented young people who become more confident as they figure out their own solutions. With a little help, they start to realize that the answers are within them, and because they know that there's an adult who sees their talent, they find the space in themselves to succeed."
This radio show host enjoyed a few personal light-bulb moments during this interview. I'm grateful as well as inspired! Listen below:
March 30 2016
With over 20 years of experience and service, Teresa is passionate about helping college students with disabilities to thrive.
"I have so many stories of students who struggled through prescribed methods of classroom learning that just don't fit everyone. They are actually bright and talented young people who become more confident as they figure out their own solutions. With a little help, they start to realize that the answers are within them, and because they know that there's an adult who sees their talent, they find the space in themselves to succeed."
This radio show host enjoyed a few personal light-bulb moments during this interview. I'm grateful as well as inspired! Listen below:
At The Women's Well with guest Mae Suramek, mother, Executive Director of The Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center, fearless leader in social justice, founder and owner of Noodle Nirvana.
March 23, 2016
Tragically, 1 out of 5 Kentucky women experience sexual violence in their lives at some point.
In her four years as Executive Director of The Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center, Mae has fought tirelessly to help change this in our state, a statistic that is higher here than in the rest of the country. With a mission to eliminate sexual violence, the BRCC, in its 44th year, stands out as an intervention and prevention non-profit for people of all ages. A Crisis Hotline is managed by volunteers 24 hours a day: 800-656-HOPE
Interestingly, on her first day of work years ago, she wrote her resignation letter, dated 5 years ahead in the future. Why? Find out, listen below:
March 23, 2016
Tragically, 1 out of 5 Kentucky women experience sexual violence in their lives at some point.
In her four years as Executive Director of The Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center, Mae has fought tirelessly to help change this in our state, a statistic that is higher here than in the rest of the country. With a mission to eliminate sexual violence, the BRCC, in its 44th year, stands out as an intervention and prevention non-profit for people of all ages. A Crisis Hotline is managed by volunteers 24 hours a day: 800-656-HOPE
Interestingly, on her first day of work years ago, she wrote her resignation letter, dated 5 years ahead in the future. Why? Find out, listen below:
At The Women's Well with guest Dr. Janelle McNeal, licenced clinical psychologist, mother, champion of mindfullness.
March 2, 2016
The Well's resident psychologist, Dr. McNeal, helps us understand the genesis of unhealthy perfectionism, and how to aim for more balance. Often seeing the connection between perfectionism and depression--even identity crisis stemming from the p word--Dr. McNeal operates from a therapeutic mindfulness perspective that companions freedom from this narrow life-view.
So what's a woman (man, girl, boy) to do? "Aim for the middle--it's a target that won't be constantly moving based on the expectations of others."
Connect with Dr. McNeal from this link: http://www.janellemcneal.com
We're fortunate to have her bring perspective, listen below:
March 2, 2016
The Well's resident psychologist, Dr. McNeal, helps us understand the genesis of unhealthy perfectionism, and how to aim for more balance. Often seeing the connection between perfectionism and depression--even identity crisis stemming from the p word--Dr. McNeal operates from a therapeutic mindfulness perspective that companions freedom from this narrow life-view.
So what's a woman (man, girl, boy) to do? "Aim for the middle--it's a target that won't be constantly moving based on the expectations of others."
Connect with Dr. McNeal from this link: http://www.janellemcneal.com
We're fortunate to have her bring perspective, listen below:
At The Women's Well, with guest Theresa Barry-Greb, PT, MS, Conscious Evolutionary Coach, Certified Reiki Practitioner, Certified Emotional Brain Training Provider, mother to adult children, lover of healing work.
February 17, 2016
"Most stories I've heard about spiritual awakening and a happier life have come from profound emotional struggle. But we can re-wire our brains to live from a calm and peaceful place--to self-regulate away from a fight/flight/freeze brain state, to a peaceful brain state where there are more internal resources for the situation."
Having managed devastating tragedies in her own life, including a car accident that has left her sister in a semi-conscious state for 18 years, Theresa facilitates healing therapies from a place of authentic compassion and professional skill.
Find Theresa and her many course offerings and individual therapies at TheFacilitativeHealingCenter.com, and at (859) 494-5851.
Listen below:
February 17, 2016
"Most stories I've heard about spiritual awakening and a happier life have come from profound emotional struggle. But we can re-wire our brains to live from a calm and peaceful place--to self-regulate away from a fight/flight/freeze brain state, to a peaceful brain state where there are more internal resources for the situation."
Having managed devastating tragedies in her own life, including a car accident that has left her sister in a semi-conscious state for 18 years, Theresa facilitates healing therapies from a place of authentic compassion and professional skill.
Find Theresa and her many course offerings and individual therapies at TheFacilitativeHealingCenter.com, and at (859) 494-5851.
Listen below:
At The Women's Well, with guests Catherine Simmons, LMT, Certified Personal Trainer, sustainable agriculture activist, world traveler, and Wendy Eneking, APRN, ANP-C, Integrative Health Expert, mother to growing children, lover of horses.
February 3, 2016
Well, when your Well guests just happen to show up this way, you know you're a well matched team. (see photo!)
These experts representing the necessity of diversity and integration in preventative health care, complement each other in important ways at The Women's Well.
Around the topic of intervention and healing, Wendy says, "medical doctors and practitioners are here to support your own effort in healing, but you have to be in it part way--don't just take a supplement or medicine because someone says you should--long lasting healing comes when you're invested in your well being." Singing the praises of natural curative herbs like tumeric, a root plant that science has shown to slow the progression of alzheimers, tumors, and general inflammation in the body, Wendy provides a wealth of valuable integrative information
Catherine, who has worked as a professional massage therapist for 16 years has seen miraculous improvements in people who utilize massage regularly: "Sometimes they come in barely walking and are told they need surgery, and through deep tissue work and stretching they get off the table healed or nearly healed."
Contact information: Catherine 859-489-4263; Wendy 859-846-4445 and www.TheMidwayCenter.com
Listen below for guidance and insight (and don't forget your daily pro-biotic since "80% of your immunity stems from the health of your digestive tract." Yah, you heard them.)
February 3, 2016
Well, when your Well guests just happen to show up this way, you know you're a well matched team. (see photo!)
These experts representing the necessity of diversity and integration in preventative health care, complement each other in important ways at The Women's Well.
Around the topic of intervention and healing, Wendy says, "medical doctors and practitioners are here to support your own effort in healing, but you have to be in it part way--don't just take a supplement or medicine because someone says you should--long lasting healing comes when you're invested in your well being." Singing the praises of natural curative herbs like tumeric, a root plant that science has shown to slow the progression of alzheimers, tumors, and general inflammation in the body, Wendy provides a wealth of valuable integrative information
Catherine, who has worked as a professional massage therapist for 16 years has seen miraculous improvements in people who utilize massage regularly: "Sometimes they come in barely walking and are told they need surgery, and through deep tissue work and stretching they get off the table healed or nearly healed."
Contact information: Catherine 859-489-4263; Wendy 859-846-4445 and www.TheMidwayCenter.com
Listen below for guidance and insight (and don't forget your daily pro-biotic since "80% of your immunity stems from the health of your digestive tract." Yah, you heard them.)
At The Women's Well, with guest Dr. Lesley Iwinski, mother to adult children, physician, founder of the Parent and Family Enrichment Center.
January 27, 2016
"Parenting is so challenging, and we can't help but parent from our own childhood baggage."
At the non-profit Parent and Family Enrichment Center in Lexington, The Redirecting Children's Behavior Course teaches parents how to formulate their own parenting skills for their kids up through age 12, and, if spouses take the course together, it "strengthens their marriage because they become a better team."
In order for parents to know how to best communicate with their kids, Dr. Iwinski guides them to understand the developmental stages their children pass through, and she encourages us to let go of the stigma around taking a parenting class since "it's a delight to bond with other parents going through the same parenting stages especially when we each think that everybody else has it together--then you come to realize how your own spirit is nurtured through learning these new skills. Parenting classes don't have to be a should, but rather, a joy"
She can be reached through at www.EnrichingFamilies.org, and at (859) 333 3053, and through e-mail [email protected]
Listen to her reassuring voice below:
January 27, 2016
"Parenting is so challenging, and we can't help but parent from our own childhood baggage."
At the non-profit Parent and Family Enrichment Center in Lexington, The Redirecting Children's Behavior Course teaches parents how to formulate their own parenting skills for their kids up through age 12, and, if spouses take the course together, it "strengthens their marriage because they become a better team."
In order for parents to know how to best communicate with their kids, Dr. Iwinski guides them to understand the developmental stages their children pass through, and she encourages us to let go of the stigma around taking a parenting class since "it's a delight to bond with other parents going through the same parenting stages especially when we each think that everybody else has it together--then you come to realize how your own spirit is nurtured through learning these new skills. Parenting classes don't have to be a should, but rather, a joy"
She can be reached through at www.EnrichingFamilies.org, and at (859) 333 3053, and through e-mail [email protected]
Listen to her reassuring voice below:
At The Women's Well, with guests Sharon Tessandori and Erin Smith, yoga therapists and studio owners/savvy small- business women, leaders in mind-body health, mothers to daughters.
December 23, 2015
As the new year is upon us, mental/emotional health is a priority here at The Well, so my guests through January are sharing their expertise with a focus on the dimensional aspects of well-being. Today, listeners were also treated to the theme of "being awake in your own life."
My guests Sharon (BarefootWorks.com) and Erin (OmPlace.net) lead by example and live what they teach. For a hearty dose of wisdom, and for support in your own goals toward happiness, health, and balance, listen below:
December 23, 2015
As the new year is upon us, mental/emotional health is a priority here at The Well, so my guests through January are sharing their expertise with a focus on the dimensional aspects of well-being. Today, listeners were also treated to the theme of "being awake in your own life."
My guests Sharon (BarefootWorks.com) and Erin (OmPlace.net) lead by example and live what they teach. For a hearty dose of wisdom, and for support in your own goals toward happiness, health, and balance, listen below:
At The Women's Well, with guests Emily Crockett and Valerie McSparin, radio show hosts, mothers to growing kids, crafters, and, R.N., and Girl Scouts Troupe Leader, respectively.
December 16, 2015
We're one big happy family at Lexington Community Radio, so it was no surprise that my sisters in wellness, Emily and Valerie, who host Girl Power on Mondays at 10:00am, would discuss the very issues that mean so much to us here at The Well, as well!
They host with a big heart for humor. As Valerie puts it, "It's crazy humor and it's off the cuff. You have to laugh at life."
Seasoned leaders in community service, Emily and Valerie also discuss with me: making mistakes, good communication, their superpowers, what it's like to host a radio show, and making it all work.
Listen below:
December 16, 2015
We're one big happy family at Lexington Community Radio, so it was no surprise that my sisters in wellness, Emily and Valerie, who host Girl Power on Mondays at 10:00am, would discuss the very issues that mean so much to us here at The Well, as well!
They host with a big heart for humor. As Valerie puts it, "It's crazy humor and it's off the cuff. You have to laugh at life."
Seasoned leaders in community service, Emily and Valerie also discuss with me: making mistakes, good communication, their superpowers, what it's like to host a radio show, and making it all work.
Listen below:
At The Women's Well, with guest Cam Holzer, Chaplian and Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor (CPE) at U.K Hospital, mentor, lover of art and beauty in nature.
December 9, 2015
Cam was a Head Chaplain in New Orleans during and after the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, and saw up close the way that providence and chaos live side by side in our lives. " That much horror, and that much beauty at the same was more than I ever thought I'd bear witness to in my lifetime.
Life is the invitation to live with the both-ness of it."
She's now Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor at U.K Hospital in Kentucky. If you're interested in a career in pastoral counseling, visit the ACPE website for information, and feel free to contact Cam directly at [email protected].
Listen below:
December 9, 2015
Cam was a Head Chaplain in New Orleans during and after the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, and saw up close the way that providence and chaos live side by side in our lives. " That much horror, and that much beauty at the same was more than I ever thought I'd bear witness to in my lifetime.
Life is the invitation to live with the both-ness of it."
She's now Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor at U.K Hospital in Kentucky. If you're interested in a career in pastoral counseling, visit the ACPE website for information, and feel free to contact Cam directly at [email protected].
Listen below:
At The Women's Well, with guest Mollie Rabiner, sculptor and artist, Community Division Director at Latitude, community holder.
December 2, 2015
As a teacher to every level artist (from beginner, to college graduate and master), Mollie believes in the concept that "art heals." Speaking from her own experience specifically, she found that making art wasn't just part of a therapeutic process when traumatic repressed memories surfaced, but that "making art was a lifesaver that partnered me through the healing process."
When asked how she would guide the average person wanting to bring more creativity into their life, she says, "If you want to, you can. It doesn't matter what it looks like, if you are happy doing it, you're there. There's nothing better than those moments you're with yourself--it's the closest you can be to truth--there's no room for the critic (in that space). The critic has nothing to do with what you're are making." Listen below, and then go make something:
December 2, 2015
As a teacher to every level artist (from beginner, to college graduate and master), Mollie believes in the concept that "art heals." Speaking from her own experience specifically, she found that making art wasn't just part of a therapeutic process when traumatic repressed memories surfaced, but that "making art was a lifesaver that partnered me through the healing process."
When asked how she would guide the average person wanting to bring more creativity into their life, she says, "If you want to, you can. It doesn't matter what it looks like, if you are happy doing it, you're there. There's nothing better than those moments you're with yourself--it's the closest you can be to truth--there's no room for the critic (in that space). The critic has nothing to do with what you're are making." Listen below, and then go make something:
At The Women's Well, with guest Pamela Dae Perlman, criminal defense attorney, community builder, actor, dog lover, novelist.
November 11, 2015
"I percolated my first book for about 10-15 years--just kept going back to it--and finally brought it to a mentor at the Carnergie Center and said to her, 'Tell me this is crap so that I can move on'. So she reads this thing and says, 'Sorry, I have bad news, it's not crap and in fact is publishable.' I was more than a little surprised."
Pamela's, a federal criminal justice attorney in Kentucky, is currently shopping her first novel to publishers. It's called, After the Race, and she hopes for publication in the coming year. Look for her pen name, Pamela Dae, and visit her book review site in the meantime: www.daeandwrite.wordpress.com
There weren't enough minutes in our hour together for all the stories she could tell, like the one about the mongoose, convicted felons, and why she blames Steven Foster's musical for her love of dogs, so we'll have to wait for her next visit. Until then, listen below.
November 11, 2015
"I percolated my first book for about 10-15 years--just kept going back to it--and finally brought it to a mentor at the Carnergie Center and said to her, 'Tell me this is crap so that I can move on'. So she reads this thing and says, 'Sorry, I have bad news, it's not crap and in fact is publishable.' I was more than a little surprised."
Pamela's, a federal criminal justice attorney in Kentucky, is currently shopping her first novel to publishers. It's called, After the Race, and she hopes for publication in the coming year. Look for her pen name, Pamela Dae, and visit her book review site in the meantime: www.daeandwrite.wordpress.com
There weren't enough minutes in our hour together for all the stories she could tell, like the one about the mongoose, convicted felons, and why she blames Steven Foster's musical for her love of dogs, so we'll have to wait for her next visit. Until then, listen below.
At The Women's Well, with guest Beth Ruggles, Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, mother, wife, retired veterinarian, golfer, pianist.
November 4, 2015
"I was 35 and could hardly lower myself into bed."
With a background in science, and having healed her own debilitating illness, Beth provides Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching to men and women in Lexington.
Trained through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Beth offers free initial sit-down consultations to adults interested in improving an array of health issues. Beth can be contacted through her website www.TrulyNonToxic.com.
At 9 minutes and 20 seconds (into this interview), Beth describes her infant daughter's early onset puberty, and how one dietary adjustment cured the shocking malady.
Among many things, we discuss the meaning of holistic health, denial, the courage to take control of symptoms, the most toxic ingredients consumers should avoid, and how to live pain-free and happily. Listen below: