SPARKS IN ACTION with Donna Sherman

Erin is an award winning journalist, ultra runner, ultra running coach, USA swim coach and mother of three. In this episodeshe shares her personal and professional experiences- triumphs and challenges- along with her deceptively simple "Start Where You Are" philosophy for life and athletics. We had a lot of fun talking. Join us!

At the very end of this recording, before I had time to thank my wonderful guests, my internet connection failed; so, this group of vulnerable and strong women did not the the thank you s their sharing warranted.The title of this episode pretty much sums up what this episode is about. Four of us share little glimpses into our post October 7th lives. We all know that we could speak volumes but for now, we ask that you listen with open minds and open hearts.

Ken does difficult things and in this conversation he shares his WHY and his HOW. But you don't have to climb mountains barefoot or run ultra -marathons in tough terrain to realize your place in our world. This fun, lively and in depth conversation is ultimately about being human, doing our part to keep our inner fire robust so we can bring more positive actions into our world.

Get ready to hit the trails! Join us as licensed wilderness guide Vicki Ferreira shares her expertise and warmth, dishing out smart tips for safe and epic hikes. From local strolls to remote wilderness adventures, Vicki's trail wisdom will elevate your next outing. Tune in and happy trails!"

Words matter. A lot. Kelsey, a highly credentialed licensed psychotherapist and Executive Director of The And Way Center in Austin Texas, is one a mission to promote peace in a divided world by sharing tools that reveal how we speak to ourselves and one another. In this episode Kelsey offers powerful tools that increase our psychological flexibility and promote constructive, heartfelt conversations. We all need more of this.Kelsey's book: The And Way will be released in the fall of 2025.

A five minute reflection.

Randy Freeman, NY State Coordinator for Braver Angels, and Mike Asbury, the Co -Chair of the NY Capital Region Alliance of Braver Angels, have powerful tools and insights that will help you pivot from making assumptions about those who vote differently from you and prompt you to truly listen. We often think we hold the moral high ground over people who support different policies but what happens when we truly listen to opposing points of view? This is their second appearance on Sparks In Action so after listening to this episode scroll to January, 28 2024 to hear more about Braver Angels and their inspiring mission.

Vicki transformed herself, and her life, from being a woman in poor health to a NY State Weightlifting Champion and the founder of Hiker Goddess Adventures. Listen to Vick's inspiring story and the groups she has created to bring people of all hiking abilities together while also giving back to the community. Hiker Goddess Adventures NY Tristate Lady Hiker Goddesses

A short episode with a specific, and very effective, suggestion for those nights when sleep eludes you. Try this one asap!

Listen to this fascinating conversation with renown science journalist Ellen Ruppel Shell; author of Slippery Beast: A True Crime Natural History with Eels. Learn about these mysterious creatures who have confounded ( and astounded) philosophers, biologists and scientists. You will also hear how they are implicated in international crime!

This guided practice is similar to, yet different from, the first "Quell Anxiety & Distractibility" episode and has a better sound quality. Add this to your daily life or to try to listen a few times per week. Reach out if you have any questions. I love hearing from you! https://donnalsherman.com

A few facts about this doubled helixed powerhouse.

What does the Fukushima nuclear site, the Fibonacci sequence and solar tracking all have in common? Sunflowers.

Holly enters the inner worlds of children, teens and adults, who are differently abled with fearless, creative empathy and a powerful, integrative toolkit.

Part 2 of this two part series on Immigration and US Borders. Mo Goldman, Immigration Attorney, walks us through some facts about USA border policies.

We are told by news sources, across the political spectrum, that immigration is a hot button issue that needs fixing. What does that really mean? Mo Goldman, Immigration Attorney in Tucson AZ, sheds some light on this issue in language that is clear and clear-headed. In the next 30 minutes you will get a good walk through some of the realities of the USA Immigration system(s) while also learning about Mo's familys' poignant immigrant story.

Meet Ken Posner and Charlie Gadol of Run Wild, Inc. Run Wild, Inc. have a mission to "raise funds for land conservation and stewardship in the Hudson Valley and beyond by organizing races and other outdoor activities". Ken and Charlie, both passionate distance trail runners, have some interesting tales to tell which include hypothermia and hallucinations from sleep deprivation during extreme long races.

I made this one with no introduction so you can simply get yourself ready (laying down on a bed or mat, covered up and comfortable) push play and go directly into a guided deeply restful state. For more info: https://donnalsherman.com

If you are losing faith in our political landscape due to all the polarization out there, listen to this conversation. Randy Freeman and Mike Asbury came onto the podcast to share the inspiring and impactful work of Braver Angels. Braver Angels is the largest bridging organization in the USA. This is part 1 or a 2 part series. For info: https://braverangels.org About Donna: https://donnalsherman.com

This is good for anyone at work, at home, in school, in athletics; even families can do this together. To reach Donna: https://donnalsherman.com

Meghan Wolff, PhD., MPH is the Health Policy Director at Beyond Plastics. Beyond Plastics is a nationwide project that educates the public on the plastic pollution crisis. in our short conversation Meghan shares a wealth of information, and some concrete suggestions, for how we can all do our part in reducing damage from plastics.

A lively and informative conversation with Michelle Montone, the host of the Fast & Fabulous Podcast about what Intermittent Fasting is, its health and mental health benefits, various ways of implementing the practice, contraindications and more. Michelle is the host of the Fast and Fabulous Podcast.

Nachshon Ben's clear, informed, journalistic perspective is a voice that needs to be heard right now. We discuss current life in Tel Aviv, how to discern "noise" from fact and how to go from getting lost in the ideological rhetoric and move into productive conversations and action.

Ethan Nadelmann, PhD, studied and taught Middle East Politics before moving into the world of international & domestic drug policy; he gives his take on the challenges of the region.

If you can lie down, or recline, please do. You can do this, with positive effect while sitting in a chair if you have to. Do NOT listen to his recording while driving or operating any machinery; your eyes will need to be closed.

Alaina Levine is a professional speaker, career coach and science writer. This is our second SIA conversation and we discuss how to grow through pitfalls such as the perfectionism , comparison, shame and embarrassment all with the goal of embracing our messy selves as we seek to work, serve and earn a living.

Talking with Sy and, reading any of her 35 (!!) books, is always an adventure, an education and a source of genuine inspiration. We talk about many things with an emphasis on all things Turtle. Sy's book: Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, shell by Shattered Shell will be released on September 19. https://symontgomery.com https://donnalsherman.com

This episode covers: How the primary neurotransmitters involved (GABA & Glutamate) in Ketamine Infusion Therapy act on the human brain and body, what a Ketamine infusion treatment might look like in a professional clinic, when Ketamine treatments are contraindicated and more. Jill is a compassionate medical professional with extensive experience as a Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthesist. https://ketaminewellnessinfusionspa.com https://donnalsherman.com

Do you find yourself thinking that your life is filled with too much of the mundane? Listen to this and learn to flip the script. Listen to the very end; keep listening after I sign off. Can you identify the sound at the very end?

How we start our day matters. I've got a behavioral tool for you that will lift your spirts and settle your mind. Let me know what you thinkl. https://donnalsherman.com Link for study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nim.gov/36229489

Veterinarians face enormous stress; however we rarely think about the fact that they encounter death, loss and complex medical decisions on a daily, perhaps even hourly, basis. Dr. Sonja Olson worked in emergency veterinary care for many years and has an insiders understanding of the complexity of practicing veterinary medicine. Sonja is part of a dynamic movement to bring therapeutic services to veterinary professionals and is the author of: Creating Wellbeing and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession. For information about Sonja Olson, DVM  https://sonjaolsondvm.com For information about me: https://donnalsherman.com

Raj Pandya is the Director of the John R. Kirk Planetarium and a lecturer in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the State University of New York in New Paltz, NY. Allyson Sheneman is a student of Astronomy, Biology and Physics and an outstanding presenter of planetarium shows. In our fact-filled, fun and lively conversation they  explore a variety of topics such as the possibility of  intelligent life in the  cosmos, an icy moon of Jupiter that spouts geysers, thoughts about human habitation on Mars, the power of the new Webb telescope and more.   PLEASE subscribe and support this podcast (which is a labor of love with a team of one (me!)) by giving it a review on Apple, Spotify or Google. John R. Kirk Planetarium http://www.newpaltz.edu/planetarium For information about Donna:  https://donnalsherman.com

I want to grow Sparks In Action and to do that I need a minute of your time. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. SIA is an uplifting community service, please help me keep it thriving. Thank you! xoxo

Alaina worked as a science writer and over the years has created a dynamic data-driven, and process- oriented, approach to helping others work and live outside of narrow boxes. She is especially interested in working with people in the sciences( and STEM) who wish to pivot and transfer their knowledge and skills in new directions. Alaina does all of this with humor, color, sincerity and fierce strength. Our lively discussion covers a lot of ground and offers some actionable steps so grab a notebook. Simply listening to Alaina will ignite your inspiration and belief in your capacity to innovate. For more info: https://alainalevine.com About me: https://donnalsherman.com

Liz is a medical doctor, a hospitalist,  who is committed to her patients while also being actively engaged in programs aimed at caring for caregivers. Our first conversation on the podcast happened in May of 2021. In this part 2  we continue to peel back the curtain that divides patient and  health professional. We discuss how medical professionals can attune to their patients vulnerabilities, the post Covid shortage of health care professionals,  how patients can attune to their medical professionals strengths and vulnerabilities, some of the technological and architectural changes that are having positive impact on patient care and some of the systemic changes that are making health care difficult to access. We also talk about the role of genuine gratitude and its impact on health care providers and the patients they care for.  https://donnalsherman.com

Sara is a Professor at  of Psychology at University of California where she directs the Sleep and Cognition Lab.  In this episode Sara lays out a little more about the premise of her book: The Power of the Downstate: Recharge Your Life Using Your Body's Own Restorative Systems and we discuss  steps that will help you  activate more consistent, health-promoting behaviors. Take some notes while you listen  and if you really want to dive deep into how to enhance you innate restorative systems read her book. Sara's website: https://saramednick.com For information about me and my work: https://donnalsherman.com

 Lisa is a  licensed psychotherapist, a long-time teacher of meditation, a fiercely intelligent and compassionate woman who has never shied away from speaking her straightforward truth. Lisa also  happens to be a dear friend of mine. This rich conversation between colleagues and friends was prompted by our shared concern that the often popular approach of "optimization" can be misleading and detract from the enduring insights and wisdom that a non-performance based meditation practice offers us. To learn more about Lisa's work and her book visit: https:// lisadalemiller.com To learn more about me and my work visit: https://donnalsherman.com

Ethan has been involved in progressive international and domestic drug policy along with innovative harm reduction policies for decades. Our lively conversation includes many aspects of all things drug policy such as how justice intersects with drug policy and the human desire to alter our consciousness. We reveal some personal information about our marriage, the dissolution of our marriage and our transition from being married to being supportive co-parents, and good life-long friends. https://donnalsherman.com

Sara, in her down to earth style, shares her vast scientific knowledge about how we can listen to, and utilize, our body's innate rhythmic cycles to increase our overall health. Sara has a vast and deep knowledge of our body's fascinating rhythmic nature and, more than that, she is devoted to bring her knowledge out into the wider world so we can all understand and work with our body's cyclic nature. This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation.For more information about her work: https://saramednick.com

How we start our day matters. Chirps are like sonic hits of gratitude and joy. Listen to this 3 minute episode, try my suggestion and let me know how it works for you. More info and tools: https://donnalsherman.com

This episode falls into the "tools for better living" category of the podcast. This new 25 minute episode moves right into a guided practice that is designed to mitigate mental agitation and physical exhaustion so you can resume your day with a clear mind and settled body. For more info and tools: https://donnalsherman.com

Sy Montgomerys' love for our natural world, and all the creatures in it, has taken her on soul enlarging adventures to distant areas of the earth where she takes readers on deep dives  into the mystery and wonder of the minds and behaviors of fascinating- and wildly intelligent- creatures such as pacific octopuses, hawks, pigs, dogs, amazonian pink river dolphins, tigers, tarantulas and more. Sy's prose is gorgeous with detail and fierce with truth.  She explores the sacred in the natural world and from it, learns to"love like a God.' Listen and be inspired. Read her books and embark on an adventure that will enlarge your heart, feed your mind and light up your wonder and curiosity. https://donnalsherman.com

I wrote this one way back in 2000. "Wild life, life lived wild..."  Let's celebrate it!

 This is designed for mid -day or anytime you begin to feel brain fog, eye strain, mind overdrive or simply want a guided reset. Do not listen while operating a car or any sort of machinery.  You can follow this while seated at your desk or lying on the floor. As always, if you have questions or want to reach out visit my site at https://donnalsherman.com

After a few of us created a story that involved time travel, George Washington, a blue flying horse and a run in with a T Rex I asked Lisa this question this question:  " What's the best thing about being a child?" Here is her response.

Allen Taylor, PHD and Kim Kronenberg, MPH have created an inspiring and uplifting program called STEP-GTP: Science Training Encouraging Peace- Graduate Training Program. This visionary program pairs Palestinian and Israeli Graduate Students so they can do scientific work and research together with the  aim of "reintroducing Israelis and Palestinians to each other" and cultivating enduring professional relationships built on respect and trust.  For information visit https://STEP-GTP.org. You can contact Kim or Allen at [email protected] https://donnalsherman.com

Jimmy shares his rich history in the world of radio and how his path led him to where he is now at the the vibrant, non- commercial Radio Kingston in Kingston, NY.  Radio Kingston (WKNY 1490 AM /107.9 FM) breaks the boundaries of commercial radio and creates a vital and diverse platform for the exchange of information, ideas, inspiration, story telling and community actions with the goal of creating a more  "just and equitable Kingston". To learn more:  https://radiokingston.org

Out of the mouths of kiddos... All I asked was: "What do you think we grown ups need to know?" This is what he said.

If your tank feels empty and you need some juice, here is a stream of good sparks from me to you.