OCt 06: Dr Samantha Montano & Disasterology–Dispatches From the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis
“At the start of every disaster movie, is a scientist being ignored.”
Dr Samantha Montano became passionate about studying disasters after spending years in New Orleans, working with various nonprofits on recovery efforts, related to Hurricane Katrina and the BP Oil Disaster.
Disasterology is part memoir, part expert-analysis. Dr. Montano shares insights on how climate crisis impacts what we call ‘natural disasters’. She discusses how media, politicians, and communities can hinder and help in such disasters. Why disaster resilience is the responsibility of every citizen. And what happens to those left behind after networks turn off their cameras.
About Dr. Samantha Montano
Dr. Samantha Montano has a B.S. in Psychology, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Emergency Management. She is currently an assistant professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She’s been interviewed in the New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Los Angeles Times, and published in the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, among others. Dr Montano is the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from The Frontlines of The Climate Crisis.
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SEP 29: You Are Not Alone with The Anxiety Sisters’ Survival Guide
How You Can Become More Hopeful, Connected, and Happy
More than one in three of us suffer from anxiety, and despite anxiety being highly treatable, only 36% of suffers seek help says the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Today’s guests have lived with anxiety their entire adult lives, so much so that it shaped the work they were driven to do. Abbe Greenberg and Maggie Sarachek, aka The Anxiety Sisters, say you are NOT alone–even though it may feel that way.
We discuss what living with anxiety is like, what we can do about it, and how feelings of isolation are often accompanied by shame, which stops people from seeking help.
About The Anxiety Sisters
Co-founders of The Anxiety Sisters online community, and co-authors of The Anxiety Sisters’ Survival Guide.
Maggie Sarachek’s expertise is counseling, and teaching people to find strength through community. As a social worker in a New York City high school, she specialized in the development of youth leadership, as well as counseling individuals and families.
Abbe Greenberg has two degrees in the communication field, a certificate in Adult Education, and a Masters in Creative Writing. In addition to a 25-year career as a professor, Abbe has been a divorce mediator, a Myers-Briggs trainer, and communication consultant.
Continue readingSEP 22: Letting Go of Nothing with Peter Russell
Relax Your Mind & Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature
Letting Go of Nothing is packed full of real world wisdom and empowering practices. Today, Peter Russell shares some of his approaches to help us release thoughts and feelings that block happiness, impede growth, and hinder self-acceptance.
We discuss why there is no such thing as ego. The difference between emotions and feelings. How imagination can get in the way of happiness. And why Peter says “Think of letting go as, not another thing to do, but as an un-doing of holding on.”
About Peter Russell
Peter Russell is an author, speaker, and thought leader on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. He has degrees in theoretical physics and psychology, a masters in computer science, and extensive studies in meditation and eastern philosophy. Peter Russell has authored 12 books. His latest Letting Go of Nothing: Relax Your Mind and Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature is a special Eckhart Tolle Edition.
Continue readingSEP 15: Robert Dugoni with The World Played Chess
A story of hope, breaking away, shaping a life, finding one’s place in the world
Robert Dugoni returns to talk about his latest novel The World Played Chess, a coming of age story told from three different perspectives and timelines.
We explore the story behind the story, and what drove Robert to tell it. He shares why it’s his most personal work to date. Where he gathered inspiration for his characters and research on Vietnam. And what Robert means by “life’s not a straight line”.
About Robert Dugoni
Robert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series. He also wrote The David Sloane series, Charles Jenkins series, and several stand-alone novels including The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell (listen to podcast). More about Dugoni’s books and The World Played Chess.
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SEP 08: Stephen Kurczy’s journey to understand The Quiet Zone
Unraveling the Mystery of a Town Suspended in Silence
What if there’s a place where you can totally disconnect from everyday tech? Where you’re not supposed to use cell phones; where forest hikes are never interrupted by ringtones or one-way conversations? Where getting lost means using a map because GPS won’t work?
When Stephen Kurczy began his three-year quest to understand The Quiet Zone, he figured a community based in quiet would be idyllic. He hadn’t owned a cell phone for 10 years, so he’d fit right in … right?
Among the hippies, mountain men, and electrosensitives, he also discovered the darker side of this Appalachian region — unsolved murders, Nazis, a government spy facility. Can you say conspiracy theories?
About Stephen Kurczy
From the muddy jungles of Cambodia to the dense rain forests of Brazil, award-winning investigative journalist Stephen Kurczy, reported stories from around the world for The Christian Science Monitor, The Economist, The New York Times, and other publications. The Quiet Zone is Stephen Kurczy’s debut nonfiction book.
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SEP 01: Dr David Weill with Exhale-Hope, Healing, & a Life in Transplant
Memoir of a top transplant doctor who rode the emotional rollercoaster of saving and losing lives — until it was time to step back and save his own.
Dr. David Weill joins us to talk very openly about his painful journey with major burnout — something that’s impacting Americans in droves right now. He discusses the importance of selfcare, decisions he had to make, experiences that changed his life. And some of the challenges of transplant medicine from the perspective of doctors and patients.
About David Weill, MD
David Weill is the former Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Disease and the Lung Transplant Program at Stanford. He is currently the Principal of Weill Consulting Group, which focuses on improving the delivery of transplant care. Dr. Weill’s writing has appeared in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek. And he’s been featured on media platforms such as CNN and the Wall Street Journal. Exhale: Hope, Healing, and a Life in Transplant is Dr. Weill’s first book.
Continue readingAUG 25: It’s Elemental-The Hidden Chemistry in Everything with Dr. Kate Biberdorf
“Dr. Biberdorf shows that science is everywhere & it’s fun!” — Bill Nye
STEM trailblazer Dr. Kate Biberdorf smashes stereotypes as a leader & mentor for women & girls entering the world of science.
Kate the Chemist’s new book is as dynamic as its author. It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything shares fascinating insights into things we may have been told, but never quite understood, such as: How fat leaves the body. Do humans really give off pheromones? Do aphrodisiacs really boost libido? From eating breakfast and putting on makeup, to baking a pie and sipping your morning coffee, Dr. Kate Biberdorf shows that chemistry is pretty cool … and the more you know, the more you understand.
About the Author
Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a scientist, science entertainer, and chemistry professor at The University of Texas. She has a PhD in inorganic chemistry from The University of Texas, and has published her work in Catalysis, Science, and Technology. Her 6-book series for kids with Penguin Young Readers breaks down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching those who might otherwise be intimidated by science. She has appeared on The Today Show, Wendy Williams Show, and Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
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AUG 19: NYT Bestselling Novelist Heather Gudenkauf Shares Summer Reads
5 books to read & authors to look out for
Heather Gudenkauf takes a break from her busy schedule to share four of her summer reading recommendations with us — from laugh-out-loud funny to darker suspense, crime, and mystery.
And to complete the list we’re adding Heather’s most recent thriller, This is How I Lied.
Grab a pen and notepad, and listen up!
About Heather Gudenkauf
Heather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence, These Things Hidden, Not A Sound, and This is How I Lied. Heather has worked with students of all ages during her career and continues to work in education as a Title I Reading Coordinator.
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AUG 18: Yoga to Support Immunity with Melanie Salvatore-August
Mind Body Breathing Guide to Whole Health
#1 New Release in Homeopathy & Preventive Medicine
Can yoga really boost your immunity to create healing change? Science says a resounding YES, and Melanie Salvatore-August joins us to share insights from Yoga to Support Immunity: A Mind Body Breathing Guide to Whole Health.
Melanie shares how the practices in her book helped heal her own autoimmune disease. How yoga creates resilience and directly supports immune function. Why clarity is key, a strong foundation necessary. And how transitions and regular practice can make the difference between stress, illness, and pain versus wholistic heart-filled wellness.
About Melanie Salvatore-August
In addition to raising three growing boys and managing a homestead, Melanie Salvatore-August is a 30-year veteran yoga and meditation teacher, and teacher trainer. She is a Reiki Master and author of three books — Fierce Kindness: Be a Positive Force For Change, Kitchen Yoga: Simple Home Practices to Transform Mind, Body & Life. And Yoga to Support Immunity: A Mind Body Breathing Guide to Whole Health.
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