The Empowerment Show

“My body is not me. Its mine.” Dahn Yoga How are you treating the vessel carrying you around? Are you giving it love and care or are you filling it with no so good things? In this episode we learn the importance of conscious eating and taking the time to cleanse our digestive system. Caring for our bodies also includes clearing our minds through meditation, using deep breathing for stress relief, releasing our monkey mind chatter, and acknowledging our emotions without judgment. Robin Westen talks about having a respect for our bodies and learning how to care for it properly. Robin received an Emmy Award for the ABC health show FYI. She is currently the medical director for Thirdage.com, the largest health site for baby boomers on the web. She is the author of the Harvard Medical School Guide Getting Your Child To Eat (Almost) Anything, Ten Days to Detox, V is for Vagina (coauthored with Alyssa Dweck, MD), and her most recent books The Yoga-Body Cleanse: A 7-Day Ayurvedic Detox to Rejuvenate Your Body and Calm Your Mind and The 2-Day Superfood Cleanse: A Weekly Detox Program to Boost Energy, Lose Weight and Maintain Optimal Health. She’s written featured articles for dozens of national magazines including Glamour, Vegetarian Times, Psychology Today, SELF, Cosmopolitan, and others. Robin has been practicing yoga, meditation, and cleansing for over fifteen years.    Listen in to this lively discussion of what it takes to be health mentally, physically, and emotionally.

At 26 Melissa Pettignano is launching her second book and her first album. She is a shining example of how a positive attitude and a deep faith can help us move mountains. The Empowerment Show host Melissa Heisler and Melissa Pettignano discuss how to be a driving force to bring good into the world. Even when others may attack you, responding with love, understanding, and compassion can heal wounds. Staying positive brings more positivity into your life. Through forgiveness we free ourselves from negativity and create a space for self-care. Through understanding and accepting our differences and similarities we can come back together as one human family. Learn more about author and performer Melissa Pettignano, the People of Distinction Humanitarian Award, and the charities she supports including the Homelessness Group and Persecution International Christian Concern. What can you be inspired to do today?

Plain Jane: The Shockumentary is no normal documentary about a woman with disabilities. Because Jane Hash is no ordinary woman. Jane was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a condition which is manifested by extremely brittle bones. At birth, Jane had twenty-six broken bones and was not expected to live three hours. By the time she was in high school, she had broken two hundred bones. But she doesn’t want your sympathy nor does she want praise for making it through her daily routine. As she says, “I don’t have a degree in sitting on my ass.” What Jane wants is for you to see those with disabilities differently. To see them as people first, not as a resource for what activist Stella Young calls “Inspirational Porn” or as weaklings who need to be rescued. This is not a story of coping with a disease. Jane’s story is about an empowered woman living the life she chooses, making films, starting companies like Classy Little Fashions, and leading a fun and adventurous life. Jane is inspirational not because of her disease but because of her message of acceptance, the courage to try new things, and the desire to live life to the fullest. Listen in to this fun and thought-provoking interview. Then view Plain Jane: The Shockumentary for some eye-opening laughs.

Robin Marvel had a troubling childhood including domestic abuse, parental kidnappings, drug abuse, and homelessness. She never learned to have self-worth. Robin turned to alcohol and partying when she was fifteen years old to receive validation and attention. This led to a teenage pregnancy which motivated her to not be a statistic and to make a better life for her daughter. Because she was an adult too early between caring for her parents and then her own child, she fell back into drinking in her 20’s wanting to experience the freedom of childhood she didn’t have earlier. This relapse became her true wake-up call to make a change.  She said, “This is not how my story is going to change.” Robin is the author of Life Check: 7 Steps to Balance Your Life joins the Empowerment Show to talk about choice, understanding, forgiving oneself and others, loving oneself, acknowledging self-worth, uncovering the lessons, and moving forward. As food pantries were very important in Robin’s youth, she and her husband started United Hands of Change which encourages people give them a hand-up not a handout. Are you ready to break the cycle of abuse and alcoholism, release your victimhood, and make a real change in your life?

At one time in our life or another we feel like we don’t fit in. We feel like an outsider, like we don’t belong. We don’t feel understood and, even worse, we begin to feel like there is something wrong with us. It does not matter if you feel excluded due to your ethnicity or religion, or if you feel outside society because you are lesbian, bi-sexual, gay, transgender, queer, kink, or polyamorous, the result is the same. You feel excluded by mainstream society. In addition to this you may not have the same rights and privileges as others. Rami Henrich, LCSW, and Cindy Trawinski, Psy. D, of Lifeworks Psychotherapy in Chicago join The Empowerment Show to talk about ways we can accept others and ourselves on a deeper level. By fully seeing and embrace who we are, we can begin to move past our inner marginalization providing us with a platform to change societal marginalization. Listen in to this discussion about marginalization between and within groups, inner marginalization, and how deep democracy may be able to help make a change to how we accept ourselves and others. By recognizing our underlying humanity, we can all start putting Rami Henrich, L.C.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker and a Diplomate in Process-oriented Psychology (or Process Work), as well as a founding partner of LifeWorks Psychotherapy Center and North Shore Psychotherapy Associates.  Rami has studied, taught and applied Process-oriented Psychology as developed by Arnold Mindell, Ph.D., for over 13 years.  She has a special interest in working with relationship difficulties and those who identify as living an alternative lifestyle.  Rami is also a certified Imago Relationship Therapist. Cindy Trawinski, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, a Diplomate in Process-oriented Psychology (also known as Process Work) and a certified Imago Relationship Therapist.  She is a founding partner of LifeWorks Psychotherapy Center and North Shore Psychotherapy Associates and has offices in Skokie, IL.  Cindy is the former CEO of the Process Work Institute, in Portland, OR and a member of the International Association of Process-oriented Psychology (IAPOP), in Zurich, Switzerland. Cindy is also an assistant professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she teaches courses on Diversity and Multicultural Issues.

Ever have someone walk into the room and you can feel their anger – or their joy? Do you know people who seem to always have great opportunities just happen to them? And others who always get the short end of the stick? Could your life be affected by what you are unconsciously projecting? In Donna Scott-Nusrala’s new book, The Energy of Emotion, she shows how the emotion energy we project can affect our lives for better or worse and how we can reprogram our emotions to create a better life. We broadcast energy through our emotions. This can be either positive or negative. The more positive energy we have the more we attract positive energy. Negative energy attracts those things we don’t necessarily want. Most of the time we are not aware of the emotional energy we are projecting and how that affects our life. But there is a way to change your broadcast and change your experience. By acknowledging how your energy affects your life you can then be empowered to make a difference in your life. You do not have to be a victim of circumstances nor do you have to attack yourself for what you are unconsciously bringing to you. Once you accept that you have created unconsciously what you have in your life based on what you have learned and experienced in the past, you now have the power to make new choices and broadcast what you really want to receive. Listen in to this eye-opening and life changing show.

Neil Findlay says he is just, “An ordinary person out there doing some stuff.” But he is so much more than that. Both Neil and his wife have dedicated some of their working years and now their “retirement” to helping children around the world.  They are both an inspiration for what we can all accomplish. One of the groups Neil assists is Project Madagascar. The primary goal of Project Madagascar is to educate street children, starting at age 5, to help them out of the cycle of poverty. The children in this part of Madagascar have literally nothing and especially no hope, unless we can help. Project Madagascar organizes trips where you can learn about this interesting culture while helping those without. Neil does not only help those in developing countries but also those who need his home country of Australian. Unfortunately there is a very large drug and alcohol abuse issue in Australia, especially with teens. Related to this is also depression, fatigue, violence and suicide. Like many of the underground issues in developed countries like the United States, these are they types of issues that don’t get media coverage. There are many in the world in situations which are or feel hopeless. The question is, are you being called to help? Perhaps it is time to think about who you are? What do you value? Who are you outside of your job? Is it time to think bigger? Is it time to find out ways to make a difference in the world? Learn how you can help with Project Madagascar, Red Frogs, and Metro Church Toowoomba. Learn more about Neil: website and The Mentor’s Diary. What are things you can do locally and beyond to make a difference in someone’s life? 

As I was working on this show and post, a Sly & The Family Stone song came on the radio There is a blue one who can’t accept the green one For living with a fat one, trying to be a skinny one And different strokes for different folks At the same time I was alerted to an anti-Gay Christian group who is refusing letter with the Harvey Milk stamp. Ah, we still have so much to learn about inclusion and diversity. Check out this informative interview with Elizabeth Williams-Riley the President and CEO of the American Conference on Diversity. In this discussion we explore how implicit bias affects the way we relate to others and how our self-work on removing our prejudice can create a ripple effect in our community. There are so many messages coming to us every day with blatant and subtle bias and assumptions about those who are different than us. It does not matter if the different is nationality, regionality, gender, sexual preference, disability, or socio-economic status there are implicit biases we all have consciously or unconsciously which affect how we act and react to others. By becoming aware of our implicit biases and how they affect our relationships we can decide if we want to keep them or if we want to learn a new way of being together. Technology is also helping us as a society to become aware of our implicit biases. A recent instance of this is the Instagram post and audio recording of the racial remarks made by the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling. In the past comments such of these may have been made between a few individuals who have the same beliefs. Now the comments can be broadcast, commented on by people around the world, and hopefully used to help educate us as a society about our implicit biases. Elizabeth says, "We've come a long way as far as people being disenfranchised, but we're not dealing with implicit bias." Listen in to learn how you can work on your own implicit bias, help the collective responsibility to make changes to our biases, and support school, community, and business programs which empower individuals to make changes around them. You can learn more about these programs and become involved at www.AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org or by calling 732-745-9330 Together we can recover from bias and racism and learn to truly embrace our unique social identities while accepting those of others. 

Our current society is based on one and then the masses. There are rating systems, popularity contests, gurus and their followers. The culture has taught us to doubt ourselves and to look for answers and expertise outside of ourselves. We believe that there is just one top position and that is what we should strive and fight for. Our belief is that we need someone else to tell us how things work or that we are worthy. We have lost trust in our self and our self-knowledge. Feminine Leadership is a style and a viewpoint. It is not anti-men. It is not part of any religion or belief system. Feminine Leadership is new, or actually, an old way to approach the world. Feminine Leadership teaches us to know our internal power release our need and desire for ratings. This style of leadership helps us to come back in touch with our strength, inherent power, and unique talents. In trusting ourselves and expressing our unique voice, we can then be a more collaborative society. We would stop competing on one aspect and would instead learn to recognize and respect our unique gifs and how they come together for the whole. Eliana Gilad has been learning to trust her inherent power for more than 20 years. The columniation of her learnings will be a series of books called Miriam’s Secret based on the biblical figure who prophesized Moses’ birth. In the first book, Revealing the Ancient Wisdom of Feminine Leadership, Eliana explores what Feminine Leadership is and how all of us, men and women, can benefit from this point of view. For years, Eliana has focused on Voices of Eden which is a living experiment to connect and express our inner voices. In uncovering, releasing, embracing, and sharing our unique voices we can come together. Through Voices of Eden and her books, Eliana helps us to reconnect with that inner knowing, with the intuition we were born with and to learn how to use it to make our lives more joyful and free. Listen in to this eye-opening discussion and learn how it can change how you see the world.  www.VoicesofEden.com          www.ElianaGilad.com

Breast cancer thriver, Sue Bock, joins The Empowerment Show to talk about how to make the most of life’s transitions. Sue supports people going through transitions like empty nesters, divorce, sandwich generation, and cancer survivors. What they all have in common is intense stress and feeling overwhelmed. Sue shares her personal experience and how she learned the importance of sharing a serious illness. Many of us don’t want to bother or worry others with our challenges and problems, but it is important to ask for help. It is important because one needs support during a major illness because we can’t do what we used to. It is important to also ask for and receive help because providing a ride or a meal may be the only way for our loved ones to show how much they care. Receiving help is as important to the patient as it is for the giver. “Breast cancer doesn’t define you. It frees you to arrive at different choices.” For Sue, breast cancer opened her eyes to a new way to be. She was no longer a nurse. She now had the title of patient. It was hard for her to lose professional role and didn’t know who she was without. It awakened her to the importance of not being defined by a role or situation. You are not your job title. You are not your role as parent or spouse. You are you. By removing the labels you can release yourself to be truly you. This is a great lesson for anyone going through a transition, including those who are in job transition, that we are not a label or a title. Sue Bock offers a book specifically to help those who are on the path to being a cancer thriver, Life After Cancer Ebook Be sure to listen until the end of this uplifting show for a special offer from Sue. To take advantage of the offer you can reach Sue at: 925-806-0316, [email protected]

After a back surgery, Neva Balduff’s blood pressure dropped very low and doctors told her family things were grave. But not for Neva because she was not in her body. Hearing the words, “Let it go, let it go, set it free, set it free,” Neva then ascended into the sky. She did not experience a tunnel or a bright light. Instead two guides showed her the earth as she had never seen it before, an unimaginable beauty. She then experienced unconditional love and the promise, “My friend, there is so much more.” Afterward she was afraid to tell her story. She was afraid of what her friends, family, and church community would say. In time, however, she began to tell her story and met others who experienced a near death experience but were also afraid of sharing their experience with the public. This event changed her life forever. It changed her outlook on life and the way she led her life. One of the ways it changed her life is she began to receive music. The music would appear as a thought in her mind and then she would work to record what she heard. This was just one of the ways there was “so much more” ahead for her. Decades later her husband had a heart arrhythmia and fell. He survived but was never the same mentally. His could function in some ways, but his thinking was not clear. Like many spouses turned caretakers, the experience was difficult for Neva. All too often an illness is as hard or harder on the caretaker than the patient. She turned to prayer and meditation for support. Then she began waking up in the middle of the night with a compulsion to write. The words that came through her were not her own. They were a comfort to her during this time of stress. She collected these poems into the book, Uncommon Prayers for an All-too-Common Journey, so that others could feel the support and relief she did through these words. Now at 80 years old she has removed all fear. She is no longer afraid of death as she believes it is simply a transition to another form of life. She still expects “so much more” and knows she will receive it as long as she is an open channel for inspiration. Her goal and wish for us is that we “Leave this earth more fully alive than you have ever been.” Listen to this inspiring and thought-provoking interview. 

In this talk Kirk Rhoads focuses on managing addictions, the importance of a community, and what we can do to reduce the amount of sexual trafficking occurring. Kirk was born in Columbus, Kansas in a family of 5 with a Christian background. His parents’ separation and divorce led to his interest in the Buddhist practice after researching a book on Buddhism in the local library. This new study sparked a fire in his spirit. After High school he worked for one year as a welder, but felt unfulfilled.  He returned to the University of Kansas to complete his studies. Kirk wanted to travel and pursued work in the Peace Corps where he volunteered in Guatemala for 2 years. Fascinated by the oriental culture, he returned to the US and began studying and practicing Zen at the San Francisco Zen Center. Kirk’s desire to learn more took him to Japan in 1985, where he worked there as an English teacher and subcontractor. While on a business trip to Seoul, Korea, he fell in love with his future wife who was born in the Philippians and they raised two children in Japan. His family returned to the US in 1997 and started a family business with his brother. Kirk has extensive knowledge on a variety of topics including, cross-legged seated meditation, yoga, cardio vascular and weight fitness center training, social-environmental-human rights activism, LinkedIn and other Social Media development. Sexual Trafficking Resources Trafficking Hot Line 1-888-373-7888 Polaris Project Shared Hope Covenant House Truckers Against Trafficking

Do you have a hard time explaining your business? Do potential customers have a hard time finding the value in your service? Do you have difficulty answering the question, “why you”? Listen in as Joie Gharrity founder of No. 113 BRANDING explains the importance of a professional pitch and how to craft your own. Joie worked in the Hollywood entertainment industry for more than 15 years at top companies, such as The Walt Disney Company and Sony Pictures, in film, television, original web content, and branded entertainment. She was encouraged and taught techniques and strategies by high-level mentors on how to express her unique point of view in both her professional and personal life, which she refers to as her “brand.” As her brand grew stronger she gained greater visibility, presence and impact, which in turn gained her greater influence and rewards in her field. She was hand-picked by the ABC Studio President to join the Stage 9 team which launched the first multi-media startup business for The Walt Disney Company. After returning to the Bay Area, Joie was inspired to launch No. 113 BRANDING. She integrates her techniques and strategic branding vision with both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry for her clients. Her techniques and strategies gain them greater influence and higher levels of success. Joie Gharrity is committed to helping professional women around the world leverage their unique personal and professional brand. Listen in as she shares her 5 Steps to Creating a Successful Professional Pitch.

A young mother experiences a difficult birth and illness of her first child and then a difficult choice when her own illness affects her next pregnancy. Learn how writing became a saving grace and sense of hope during this difficult time. Devon Volkel is now a 30 year old stay at home mom to a wonderful little boy named Gauge. After a very hard start into this world, Gauge reminds her daily of what strength really is. When her son was only three, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and has been in treatment ever since. Thankfully the cancer is in remission. But unfortunately just when they thought things were looking up, Gauge was diagnosed with Type One diabetes. After yet another terrifying stay in the hospital, their little family fights on. Through it all, writing was Devon’s solace. Writing is her passion. It continues to be her bliss and light whenever she experiences the darkest corners imaginable. The world she created on the page is the light in her dark. Devon hopes in sharing her stories she can bring light to many, many more. Devon’s first book, A Witch’s Aura, can be found on Goodreads, Amazon, and Penrose Publishing. Listen in as author, writer, and cancer survivor Devon Volkel talks about hope, determination, and recovery.

The other week I spoke to a group of entrepreneurs. I felt great about the talk, until I saw pictures of the evening posted online. At just under five foot tall, I am officially in the overweight category of my BMI. Usually I am ok with my body, and then sometimes I see a picture. Cathryn Michon was recently quoted in a Huffington Post article, “A recent survey in Glamour Magazine reveals that 97 out of 100 women have at least one negative thought about their bodies every day, which leads me to ask, ‘Really? Only one?’ and also, ‘are the other three women asleep?’” There have been many stories lately about how women in the media are often photoshopped to make them into the “perfect woman.” These unrealistic expectations for the female body can do major damage to a girl’s or women’s self-esteem.  Thankfully there are those who are trying to bring a more realistic view of women into the media. It is time for us to see ourselves in person and on the big screen for who we are, warts and all, so we can embrace and love our authentic self. I was lucky enough to have Cathryn Michon, writer, director and star of Muffin Top: A Love Story, join The Empowerment Show to talk about her film, women in Hollywood, and how women view their bodies. We discuss how women are portrayed, how they are missing in major film roles, and how they are missing behind the camera. The story Cathryn shares is not one of negativity but of hope. There is something we can do to help have more realistic female characters in film, increase the number of major roles for women, and increase the number of films made by women. 52% of the movie-going public are women. It is time for women to use their buying power to show studios that we want more films made by, with, and for women. Start today by supporting wonderful films like Muffin Top: A Love Story and Not Dead Yet. Use your purchasing power to change the face of women in media. Listen below for an engaging discussion of women in film.  

Empowerment means the power of choice. Empowerment is about courage. It is the belief that we are in control of our experience. Empowerment is not about labeling good or bad, but about actively choosing what makes us happy in each and every moment. The journey to empowerment and great health is not linear and there is no quick fix. The journey is cyclical. There is a progression. We make a commitment, we make progress, we overcome new challenges, and we repeat. Each time, we move inch by inch to a better and better life. Our purpose is to experience the good, the bad and the ugly. Each challenge is an opportunity to go deeper.  Challenges are not setbacks but new lessons to help us expand and grow. After years of my own physical and emotional health issues, I finally found relief through a mystical trip to Peru, but Shamanism was not the answer to a joyful healthy life. The answer is that I – You – We all have great health available to us right now. We have the power to uncover and embrace this health – mentally, physically, and emotionally. To uncover our health, we first need to accept that we are not broken. Yes, we may not be feeling our best, but we are not broken, diseased, or a victim of circumstances. So much of our culture is focused on disease – having it, preventing it, suffering from it. Because of this, we see ourselves as broken, imperfect, and hopeless. In fact, we are not broken or hopeless.  We are simply out of alignment.  Beliefs, thoughts, perspectives, and actions are blocking us from our perfect health. The process of healing is to rediscover our health. Health is about making choice after choice to get us closer to alignment and what truly makes us feel good. I am a recovering Type-A and am passionate about helping others release their stress, uncover perfect health, and embrace a more joyful life. We are all survivors in one way or another. Through our survival we are given tools to help, support, and comfort others. When we know we are not alone, it gives us the courage to make changes in our life.  We all have a powerful message. Through our stories we empower. Listen to this engaging episode to learn the impetus of The Empowerment Show and Melissa’s mission to help empower individuals to empower themselves and others. Big thanks to Jennifer Welker as she takes the guest host role so I can take the hot seat and share more of my journey and beliefs.

When is a children’s book not a children’s book?  When on the surface it is fun and engaging, but below the surface it promotes creativity, scientific knowledge, and being in touch with the senses.  Listen in to this fun conversation with author Donna Scott-Nusrala as she leads us through her collection of engaging, entertaining and inspiring children’s books. More than just words on a page, Donna’s books are a feast for one’s imagination.  These books actively engage children by connecting with the senses of sight, sound, taste, touch, and intuition.  The stories are not just told but are felt deeply and completely. A former school teacher, Donna educates and expands a child’s thoughts, perceptions, creativity, and connection.  Whether she is teaching the metric system, helping a child understand the expansiveness of love, introducing vibrational frequencies of attraction, or expanding their imagination, the stories are engaging and fun. Listen in to learn more about her books and how they can benefit the child in your life.  I know you will enjoy it Gazillions, Bunches, Oodles and Tons.

What are the signs of child abuse? How can you prevent child abuse? What should you do if a child tells you there is abuse? How to deal with shame of the child and guilt of the parent after abuse? There are staggering statistics that one in four girls and one in six boys have been sexually abused before they turn eighteen years old. An alarming 73% of child victims don't tell anyone they are being sexually abused for at least a year and another 45% of victims keep it to themselves for at least five years, while still others NEVER disclose their abuse. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect of children are difficult subjects to discuss with children and for children to raise with their parents and teachers. There are ways to make it easier for everyone involved. Smart Steps and other programs can come to a school for body safety education. There are also powerful child advocacy centers whose expertise and compassion can help a family when there is a case of abuse. Most importantly, empowering children, building their self-esteem, and letting them know their voice is honored and heard can be the most powerful tool against abuse. If you are a child experiencing abuse, know you are not alone. Visit Ginger’s site 4URKids for more information and resources. If you are in immediate danger go directly to law enforcement, dial 911, call The National Child Abuse Hotline (800-4-A-Child, 800-422-4453), or go to your local Department of Child Services or Child Protective Services Agency. Listen to this empowering discussion about what we can do to make a difference in our children’s lives. 

There is a lot of talk these days about the healthcare system and what can be done to provide more insurance to individuals in need.  But what if the concept of insurance was actually one of the problems with the United States healthcare system?  What if the problem was seeing Western medicine critical care as the fix to functional health problems?  What if the problem is our reliance on diagnostics versus the knowing of our own body? When I was experiencing major medical issues a decade ago, medical professionals and specialists performed a myriad of diagnostics but none could determine my illness, because at that time there was no diagnosable illness.  I was in the preliminary stages of illness.  I had just noticed that I was not functioning as well as I had before.  If I would have followed normal thinking, I would have simply taken more and more painkillers until years later the intensity of my symptoms lead to a major breakdown of my systems to a point doctors could remove organs or prescribe medications.  Thankfully, I looked for other ways to improve my well-being before it became too severe.    Learn how my experience is just one of many individuals who are not served by our current viewpoint on healthcare.  Listen to this powerful episode of The Empowerment Show when Melissa Heisler is joined by Anatoliy Pak to discuss the Healthcare System Loop of Self-Destruction.  Learn how our current system is based on critical care which leads to individuals waiting until they are truly ill before seeking care, leading to more complications and higher costs.  Learn how to rely on your body’s warning signals versus medical diagnostic tools. Change your thinking: Focus on being healthier versus just being sick less Focus on your wellbeing versus diagnostics See human health from a broader viewpoint Western medicine is a powerful tool to save lives with critical care, but is not meant for daily care Explore a variety of approaches and modalities which can help you maintain daily health

There are so many who suffer in silence.  They are afflicted by a pain that others can not see, yet it is debilitating.  Their eyes and nervous systems can be affected.  They can be nauseous to the point of throwing up.  These individuals have vertigo, dizziness, and other vestibular disorders. Their illness could have come from an injury or it is chronic.  Many turn to medication which can help suppress the vestibular system and therefore the pain, but the medication can also cause grogginess. Dr. Michele Kehrer uncovers the root cause of the vestibular disorder and then can remove the symptoms in as little as two visits.  She can help patients get off their medications, be released from their disorder, and return to the life they want to live. Listen in to this episode of The Empowerment Show to learn more about Dr. Michele Kehrer and how she can help those with Vestibular Disorders.

From an early age Rae Luskin allowed her life story to be written by someone else.  All she heard and believed where what her family, society, and the media told her: “Don’t aim too high.” “Be happy you have a job.” “You can’t be too thin.” “Don’t tell anyone you were abused.” “You have the perfect life, you should be happy.” After years and years believing someone else’s truth, Rae finally decided to write her own life story – and change the life stories of others.  She is now a speaker, author, artist, and activist.  She stands up for those who have been bullied or sexually abused.  She navigates the world as an independent, happy, single woman.  She navigated the complex health care system for an ailing mother.  And she started a new business at the young age of 62. Listen to The Empowerment Show below to hear Rae’s inspiring story and to learn how to move from Stuck to Unstoppable.  Rae will share with us seven (7) ways to change old patterns and spark new breakthroughs.  Hope you enjoy this inspiring and empowering episode.   Are you a Reluctant Leader?

There are so many wise old sayings out there that are powerful – and that can also trigger many of my clients.  One of them is when one door closes another door opens.  It is a true statement.  It can be a powerful to believe.  It can give hope. It can also be angering when the time between the one door closing and the other door opening is long and drawn out seeming like an eternity with no end.  It is frustrating to be in that dark hallway between what was known and is now gone, and what exciting new opportunity is on the horizon but has not yet materialized.  It is a difficult time especially when the transitional time revolves around one’s job.  There are added stressors of financial stability and self-worth. Has a guiding dream lost its spark? Has once inspiring work begun to feel stale? Does your work or your life feel too small for what you are becoming? Have you found yourself forced into a time of career transition? Do you dream of work that is more true, more vital and more fully you? Is what is next for your professionally unclear? Listen as Rikk Hansen, one of the nation’s leading mid-career renewal experts, talks about that dark place of questioning, confusion, and the unknown, and how to move into a new success map for what is next. This is a terrific episode for anyone who is re-evaluating their career, who has been thrown into a job search, or who is exploring the idea of being an entrepreneur.  Learn how to navigate that dark hallway, tune into the truth of what is next for you, and, as Rikk says, become your Brilliant Next.

We all know someone with charisma pouring out of every pore.  The moment they walk into the room, their energy and presence are immediately felt by everyone.  They walk the earth with a spotlight on them at all times.  Then there are the rest of us.  The introverts, those of us that are shy, the wallflowers, individuals with deep understanding, compassion, and connection but on a one to one level.  Obviously public speaking comes easily to those who live in the spotlight, but what about the others?  What if you are one of those with a message to share but not a voice to share it? Catherine Johns, Chicagoland radio personality turned speaker, has the answer.  In her new book Show Up & Shine:  Simple Steps to Boost Your Confidence & Charisma Catherine explores practical ways for all types of people to boost their confidence through practical techniques. Listen to The Empowerment Show below to explore how to exploit your natural tendencies and become the powerful speaker you can be.  Wouldn’t you like to increase your confidence and charisma?  Learn: Ways you can improve your presence, even if you are a wallflower How charisma can be learned and tips to improve your charisma How your physical presence can grow your confidence and shrink your stress on a physiological level

Sometimes our challenges seem insurmountable.  Between a tyrannical boss, needy children, and inattentive spouse we feel like we have daily battles to fight.  However these are all external battles.  What if our battle was with our own body? Imagine being born with cerebral palsy and being restricted in the use of the right side of your body.  Imagine the physical challenges that would come from that ailment.  Then imagine the social stigma, especially as a child, you would receive.  Imagine the challenge of finding a job and being able to function in your position.  These are all challenges Paul Delger faced and overcame.  Paul has battled these difficulties with a strong faith in God, a strong will and a sense of humor.  Paul now speaks to groups to motivate people to face their challenges with a fighting spirit.  Listen below to learn about Paul’s “fighting spirit” and how you can awaken your own.  Everything can be overcome.

Debra knew that her daughter Sara was bound for great things.  But no one else seemed to agree.  Not the doctors who said she would never speak or walk.  Not her teachers who thought her best hope was becoming a bagger at a supermarket.  Debra and Sara knew differently and now Sara in her 20’s has been named one of the Top 40 Under 40 in Richmond Virginia and has spoken to groups around the world.  Sara also has Down syndrome. Sara and her story have affected those near and far to her changing the course of their lives.  One person thus affected is her mother Debra who wrote in The Mobility Resource,  “I believe that God does not make mistakes when a child with Down syndrome is born.  Instead many people with Down syndrome are great teachers – if we stop and listen to their wisdom.  Disabilities are part of life.  We need to embrace the lessons that we are taught by our abilities and disabilities.”  Debra’s experience not only affected her viewpoint on life, but also her career. In an effort to show all her daughter and others with disabilities are capable of, Sara founded TecAccess which helps businesses ensure their products and websites are truly usable by those with disabilities by hiring individuals with disabilities to test them.  The world of marketing has advanced to include many different ethnicities in their marketing and product development, yet the community of people with disabilities (PwD) is largely underserved.  It is TecAccess and Ruh Global’s goals to give PwD more of a voice in the marketplace and the world.

Eliana Gilad joins us from Jerusalem especially for Christmas week to share with us the power and history of sound.  Eliana is a motivational speaker, teacher, composer, performer and founder of Voices of Eden Ancient Healing and Transformational Music. She is dedicated to her life’s work to revive the conscious use of voice and rhythm as natural healing instruments.  Eliana is a frequent keynote presenter, teacher and performer at healing music, medical, and peace conferences throughout the world including the UN, The Chopra Center, and TEDx.  She is also author to Rhythms of the Natural Voice – Sound Healing with Hebrew Meditation Workbook and Quiet in the Eye of the Storm:  Living Peace in a War Zone.  Sound is the essence of all matter and the spark of all creation.  It emerges from a place of silence and exists without cognitive thought.  Sound is our essence and our soul.  This is why, when we are disempowered, it is said we have “lost our voice.”  Our voice, our sound is the expression of our soul.  This is also why there is such a fear of public speaking, for when we speak we vulnerably express our soul, our being to others.  Listen below to learn more about sound and how its role in ancient times is reemerging.  Learn how sound created through friction and conflict mirrors our own life and transformation and encourages us to embrace conflict in order to find harmony and peace.  Experience for yourself the power of sound coming out of silence as Eliana plays a piece for empowerment.  Be empowered to look inside yourself for answers instead of the quick fix promises of outside forces.  You can hear more of Eliana’s music on YouTube or download it from her own site, and you can also learn about her upcoming book, Miram’s Secret. Be sure to share your thoughts and reactions to our discussion and this ancient healing music.

Are you leading an inspired life?  A life where you are fulfilling your passion and purpose.  A life where your unique gifts support and give to others.  Susyn Reeve hopes so and if you are not, she can show you how. With 40 years of experience as a Leadership & Executive Development Coach & Mentor and Self Esteem Expert, Susyn Reeve helps individuals from Fortune 100 companies as well as physicians, attorneys, and educators find their Inspired List.  She now also supports those looking for their inspired life through her best-selling book, The Inspired Life:  Unleashing Your Mind's Capacity for Joy, and her radio show, The On Purpose Show: Your Path to Fulfilling LifeWork. During this engaging show, we talk about our core inherent purposes, how to uncover them, accept them, and manage their transformation over time.  Susyn and I discuss how to avoid regret and attacking ourselves for wasted time so we can focus on starting to live our inspired life now.  Susyn provides examples of others who found that their “outside” success was unfulfilling propelling them toward finding their inherent purpose-driven success.  Learn how commitment, intent, and acknowledgement can lead you to the life you dream about. If you find yourself unhappy with your current life and career, listen in to learn how you too can find your passion-filled, purpose-based inspired life. If success was guaranteed, what would you be doing?

Each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, she learns she is worth less. – Myra Pollack Sadker As I was browsing The National Women’s History Project website, I ran across this quote.  It was so powerful to me – especially in light of the incredible story of Mala Yousafzai.  Mala is a teenage girl who was just nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.  At the age of 14, she stood up for everyone’s right to education, at the risk of her own death.  It is a powerful story, but she is just one of many amazing women through the ages. Unfortunately the accomplishments and courageous actions of so many women have been minimized, erased or ignored over the years.  Women have done much, but they never seem to receive the attention they deserve.  More importantly than the achievements of one woman is the realization of how a womanless history has led to women to believe they are less than men. Listen below for an eye-opening discussion with Barbara Joan Zeitz women’s historian, author and presenter as we explore the importance of women’s history and how to keep our stories alive. We will also touch on some important women who have been forgotten and recently revived in the book, A Thesaurus of Women From Cherry Blossoms to Cell Phones.  Women like the 1964 Olympic gold medalist who could not obtain a US college athletic scholarship because none existed for women or like 17th century Mexican who wanted to pretend to be a boy so she could go to school.  Like the woman who developed occupational safety and health standards for others while she worked under gender-abusive standards or like the scientific women behind the DNA helix and wireless communication technology but never received credit. The Empowerment Show

More and more women are taking the leap and starting their own business.  It could be a brand new idea, a franchise, a direct sales business, or some other configuration but women are stepping out from the “My Girl Friday” role and into being their own boss.  It is amazingly powerful and inspirational to watch and witness.  But it is also uncharted territory for so many. For so long the world of business has been a man’s world, the old boys’ network if you will.  As more and more women are stepping into leading roles in business there is a great need to find support, education, and camaraderie from those going through the same thing.  Personally I host a Small Business Empowerment Group to help individuals through the ups and downs and ins and outs of business ownership.  It is open to all people no matter of gender or business.  It is a great and powerful group, but it does not do for women what B.I.G. does. B.I.G. stands for Believe Inspire Grow and this networking group for women does just that.  There are elements of the traditional networking group and there is the potential for building strong power partners.  But B.I.G. is more than that.  There is a very strong educational component to the group.  This is not solely a lead generation group.  B.I.G. focuses on growing the knowledge and talents of women business owners.  It is a strong nurturing environment where women can learn, grow, share, support, and brainstorm with other women. Learn more about his unique group by listening to Vickie Anderson, B.I.G. Chicago Regional Leader and Hoffman Estates Pod Leader, and Diane Beaulieu, Carol Stream Pod Leader on The Empowerment Show.  Hear first-hand experiences of these two business owners and learn how the B.I.G. concept has help them and the other women business owners in their group.

You may be asking yourself, "What is a magician doing on The Empowerment Show?" The answer is that Joe Diamond's magic empowers us to open our minds, awareness, and sixth sense. Joe's brand of magic blends technique with showmanship, but his special ingredient is a touch of intuition. During performances he reads minds, pulls intimate details about a person just by holding one of their items, and uses audience members to guide him using only his sixth sense. And he has done amazing things. While blindfolded he has completed a corn maze, found a coin in a movie, and found a coin in a cemetery where he then proceeded to "read" the gravestone.  He likes to call his brand of magic "paranormal" because it is outside the normal, but it is not supernatural or extra-natural. What Joe does is use genuine intuition to tune into his audience so he can gather information from them. He is quick to say that he does not talk to the dead or commune with any spirits, but does receive guidance from another source. An ability we can all utilize with some awareness and practice. Awareness, or lack thereof, also plays an important part in his and most magic. When we are focused on the facts or the main event, we often miss out on what is happening during transitions. In our lives by being more aware, we can see those things we often miss and may be more important than where we are focusing. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, watching Joe perform can encourage you to question what you see, what you believe, and what is possible. Open your mind and listen to the lively discussion with Joe Diamond Paranormal Magician below. Then be sure to check out his website or see him live in Chicago. The Empowerment Show

Back in the day, Oriental doctors were only paid when their patients were well.  Individuals would come to the doctor on a regular schedule to receive acupuncture and herbs to help them maintain their health.  If they fell ill, the doctor would then work for free until the patient was well again. What a different concept from our Western allopathic medicine that focuses only on illness.  Many of us believe that we only see a doctor when we are ill.  Our current paradigm has trained us to seek help only when we are not feeling good then we accept the medication or surgery the doctor prescribes. Imagine instead if we made wellness our priority.  We could spend every month, week, day, and hour ensuring that we were eating well, exercising, resting, and de-stressing.  Think we would have better, more consistent health?  Imagine not being down for the count and having to recover from being ill.  Imagine instead having stable consistent good health every day of your life.  It is possible. Listen to the full interview with licensed acupuncturist and nationally certified herbalist Lindy Camardella to learn a new way to think about health, wellness, and what you can do to maintain consistent good health.  You will also learn about Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day focused on increasing the progress, promise, and benefits of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.  For more information check out the AOM Day site. The Empowerment Show

“From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring  For those who know me, they know my story of a physically illness being the catalyst to my path to personal and professional growth. Hitting my low point allowed me to take action and to make the changes in my life that were needed. It was difficult and I don’t wish it on anyone, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today without going through what I did. There are so many of us out there; exhausted, dissatisfied, doing for others and not taking care of ourselves. We push ourselves through the day making something or someone more important than our wellbeing – until our bodies tell us they have had enough. Or perhaps we hit a certain age that makes us reflect where we have been and where we are headed – and we are disappointed. Dreams we had have disappeared. Results we had hoped for did not materialize. We feel stuck. But there is hope. From the ashes the true happy, joyful, peaceful, successful us can arise. I am joined by Regina Essel who too has felt physically ill, emotionally drained, and feeling as if her best days were past - that the future was all downhill. And here how she turned it around. Learn how she not only regained her physical and emotional health, but used it to propel her to help other women to empower their personal and professional lives. Regina believes that women can and should have it all – and on their own terms.

On The Empowerment Show I like to keep the stories positive and helpful.  But life is not always positive.  Many of us have suffered amazing amounts of pain, suffering and abuse.  That is unfortunately Stacey Giovanni’s story. Stacey is the survivor of childhood abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.  At a tender age of 15 Stacey left an alcoholic home. She then lived on the streets and battled to stay alive trying to make her way in the world. However her story is not one of heartbreak, but hope.  The book No Time for Tears: A Survivor’s Tool Kit for Healing was written by Stacey in the hopes of helping others overcome abuse.  The book is a tribute to the vast amount of women that are still struggling with abuse on a daily basis. In her journey of life's struggles and healing she has shared how she not only overcame the trauma of abuse but managed to survive and thrive. Her mission now is to let others know that there is a way out and a light at the end of the tunnel. Now free of trauma she makes it her life's work to inspire, educate and empower. Learn how Stacey Giovanni has turned a painful life into one of hope and inspiration.  The Empowerment Show

This week I had the honor of working with a local networking group.  Together we uncovered the group’s personal brand.  There are so many networking groups out there, this group wanted to stand out.  They wanted to really promote what made them special.  The key to finding what made them special was getting to the heart of the group.  We did this by identifying Who, What, How, and Why. Who do they serve?  Not everyone, but those people they truly relate to; their tribe if you will. What do they provide?  Not just networking but those value-added, what’s in it for me benefits. How do they do it?  What are they ways they provide what they provide? Why do they do it?  What is their mission?  What is their heart? This is the process I took the network group through to find their authentic voice.  There is a similar process I use to when I am working with a client who is looking for their career or to start a new business.  We start from within and identify their unique authentic self and build forward from there. Joie Gharrity founder of No. 113 Branding integrates her techniques and strategic branding vision with both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry for her clients.  Her techniques and strategies gain them greater influence and higher levels of success along with more confidence in their personal and professional lives.   Are you in sales?  Do you have your own business?  Are you looking to differentiate yourself in your job?  Do you feel you don’t know who you are?  Listen to learn more about personal branding and how it can help you personally and professionally. 

Women are known for taking care of others.  Our biology is based on bringing others into the world and nurturing them.  There is such a blessing to that experience.  Whether it is our own children or raising a child for another, it is an amazing experience and responsibility to care for another.  However the frequent downfall is that women are so often caring for others that we have forgotten to care of ourselves. As a life coach, I see this again and again.  The women I work with are so often focused on providing for others that they have forgotten to care for themselves.  Their health, well-being, happiness and goals are put on hold while taking care of others.  And there is a wonderful gift in giving to others.  It is a beautiful testament to the goodness of the soul.  Yet, unfortunately so often the gift is at the sacrifice of the giver.  Or one finds it difficult to give the same gift to others. This was the case for Rebecca Bloomfield.  The first time she found herself without a partner, she was driven to ensure the quality of life for her children.  She pushed herself to find a job that would not only support her family, but ensure her children could receive all of the luxuries other children could.  But the second time she discovered she was a widow, she was alone. The second time she didn’t have anyone else to provide for since her children were grown.  This time the only person she had to care for was herself.  And it was difficult.  She had never put herself first.  She had didn’t have the wellbeing of a helpless child to guide her.  This time she had to find the strength and reason to fight for her.  She had to discover that she was worth it to push herself make a living and to create a new life.

My first conscious memory that we had a responsibility to the environment was in the form of two public service announcements.  The first was a Native American crying by the side of the highway telling me not to litter.  The other was Smokey the Bear telling me that, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”  Obviously a lot has changed since then.  The importance of education has not.  Awareness is one of the first tools I teach my clients.  Without awareness, there is no change.  Without change, our current habits can cause permanent detrimental issues for us and those around us.  One of those issues revolves around how we treat Mother Earth. Mother Earth is a resilient being.  She has the ability to shift and change and evolve as we humans create new pollutants and unnatural forms that do not easily or quickly break down.  She is a more powerful being than we are.  But we don’t have to make it tough on her.  And if we leave it up to her, she could make catastrophic changes that would affect the human race. Simple awareness is needed.  Are we creating in unison with the earth or are we creating things that harm the current environment?  Are we doing all we can to recycle, reuse, or repurpose what we purchase?  Are we consciously consuming?  Simple changes in our daily habits can make large impacts to the planet we call home. Nancy Pearlman is no stranger to the world of environmental education.  She coordinated the first Earth Day in Southern California back in the 1970’s.  ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTIONS, her international weekly radio series, was started in 1977 and is now the longest-running environmental radio series in the country, with over 2,000 shows to date.  As Executive Producer and Host of the three-time EMMY-nominated environmental television series ECONEWS, Nancy covers every ecological issue.  Over her forty year career she has worked with hundreds of conservation organizations, serving as administrator, founder, member of advisory councils, participant, and member of boards of directors. She founded the Ecology Center of Southern California in 1972 and Project Ecotourism in 1993, Humanity and the Planet in 2001, Earth Cultures in 2004, and Nancy Pearlman, the Eco-Traveler in 2007.   Listen to Nancy Pearlman on The Empowerment Show to discussing the power of environmental education.

“There are roughly the same number of Americans who are obese as those who don’t know where their next meal will come from.”  Kimberly Burnham said that and it blew my mind. Obesity is the result of a wealthy culture who can indulge in opulent meals.  But the United States’ obesity problem is also the result of the quality of food available at prices the less fortunate can afford.  With dollar menus on every corner, those pinching pennies are more likely to choose a fast food high fructose corn syrup burger than investing in organic produce.  Although this may save them money in the short term, it may be doing damage to their future health. The quality of the food we eat is so important to our wellbeing.  There are 18 million Americans with diabetes, some due to genetics and some due to the quality of the food they are consuming.  What we eat not only affects our physical bodies but also affects our ability to think, reason, relate, create, and manage stress.  The food we eat directly affects our brain’s function.  Poor input equals poor output. I have experienced this myself again and again.  It is more fun, easier, and less expensive to make the easy choices of pre-packed foods versus grabbing whole organic food.  There is no problem grabbing one’s favorite comfort food now and again.  But I have noticed personally that when processed foods become the majority of my diet that my mind slows and sadly my emotions are less stable. Thankfully there is a resurgence in the desire for and availability of healthy, organic foods.  Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is beginning to be more widely known.  CSA’s are a direct line between the farmer and the consumer.  This not only provides healthy, locally grown produce to families, but also supports the small family farms which provide the food.  I have been a CSA member over the last few years.  Sometimes there is a weekly pickup of produce or fresh meat at someone’s home or there are some CSA’s that will deliver directly to your house.  It has been exciting to be part of the program.  First, it makes meal planning easier.  Every week I receive a bushel of fresh produce and that becomes what we eat.  No thinking of what to buy; it just shows up.  Second, it has introduced me to foods I may not have tried otherwise.  I never would have dared to buy a kohlrabi and now it is one of my favorite vegetables.  Finally, I feel better.  Having an abundance of healthy vegetables at every meal makes me feel better. Join me on September 3 to learn more about sustainable foods and how where your food comes can affect your life, when I am joined by Kimberly Burnham.  Kimberly, also known as The Nerve Whisperer, is the contributing author of Pebbles in the Pond/Transforming the World One Person at a Time and Communicating.Across.Boundaries of faith, work, culture, values and more.  Kimberly joins us from the 330 mile Cross-USA Fundraising Bicycle Ride in support of Hazon sustainable food and transportation solutions.

One of the first times I remember recognizing my body’s capabilities was when I learned about broken bones. When someone breaks an arm, I assumed they went to the doctor and the physician fixed them.  In fact, what happens is the doctor simply sets the arm and keeps it immobilized so the bone can grow back in the right place and in the right way.  The doctor only aids in the body’s own ability to heal itself. Over the years, I have been afflicted by different health issues. At one point of my life, I went to a string of Western-trained physicians to determine what was causing my pain. They could not diagnose me yet they wanted to do surgery or pump me full of pills to see if that may help.  It was at this time that I began to explore alternative ways to think about our bodies, our health, and healing. This search led me to many different modalities.  One of the most recent is Applied Kinesiology.  When I see Dr. Midge Dempster she “talks” to my body and asks it what it needs.  Really, she does.  Through muscle testing she can determine where the root issue is and then asks the body what supplements are needed to bring my body’s systems back to perfect health.  But she does not just work through supplements, she also resets my brain. Many injuries are not current ailments but the brain’s replaying of previous accidents.  I see this every day with my life coaching clients.  They may have had a difficult relationship 10 years ago, but they are replaying the same situation in their current relationships because their mind is replaying the story of before.  Amazingly the brain does the same with our physical ailments.  Our brain replays a pain and our bodies relive it.   Listen to Dr. Midge Dempster on The Empowerment Show to learn more about the doctor who listens to you and your body, and how your body can heal itself. 

Communication can be difficult.  Misunderstandings, misconceptions, and assumptions abound.  We hear what we want to hear and not what is said.  We react with our past emotions and memories versus reacting to the truth of the moment.  We misinterpret and we get hurt.  We feel fearful of speaking our truth and being ridiculed or abandoned. Talking to one another is something we do every day.  Whether we do it in person, over the phone, online or via text, we are in constant communication with each other.  But how much of that communication is productive?  And how much of what we say or don’t say causes issues with our relationships? It does not matter if we are talking about our personal relationships or business relationships, improving our communication skills can improve our all our interpersonal relationships.  When we are communicating well, we can get more done.  When we can talk to each other better, we can learn new things.  When we can truly hear another, we are gifted with insights we would not have otherwise had.  When we learn to truly communicate with each other we can find peace, joy, happiness, and love. Over the years I have worked hard at improving my communication.  First I learned to listen.  Truly listen.  Not listen while I crafted my response.  Not listen and interrupting to defend myself.  Not pretending to listen while I created my grocery list.  But truly listening intently to who is speaking and giving them my full focused attention. My second lesson was learning how to distinguish between what was really being said and what I thought was being said.  We all have our own personal way to view the world.  Our past experiences, backgrounds, likes and dislikes, hurts and challenges have all affected how we interpret situations.  This is often what causes issues in relationships.  Our partner says one thing and our filters change the meaning before it reaches us.  Then an argument erupts over a misunderstanding.  Learning to truly hear the other and to be able to express how a comment unintentionally triggers us can save many a marriage and business partnership. Learn how to communicate better in your relationships at work and home when The Empowerment Show is joined by Brian R. King best-selling author of five books, including Perfect Moments in Relationships: Lessons in Connection for Work, Family, Love, and Life. Brian says, “Relationships can be more difficult to navigate than the ocean at night during a hurricane. Now try doing it with touches of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and other challenges. This has been my struggle, but also my greatest gift.” Discover Brian’s proven methods to improve your communication skills and your relationships. 

My guest on The Empowerment Show in June was Danielle Girdano. One of her many accomplishments is that the Dallas Business Journal named her in the 40 Under 40 Business Professionals for 2013. I am very happy for her and she deserves the distinction. When I heard she was recognized I thought, “Wow, I would love that designation.” But then I remembered I would not be eligible. I am over 40. For a split second I felt sad that this was not an accomplishment I could earn. Then I got over it. Unfortunately so many others don’t. Not Dead YetJust last week I was speaking to a client who was comparing himself to others in his field. He felt he had not accomplished what others had at the same age or younger and he felt like a failure because of it. I have heard this story many times from many different clients. In their minds they have created a number by which they need to accomplish A, B or C. Then when that age comes and goes, they throw in the towel. They think their life is over. At 40, 50 or 60 they are done living. This is when I tell them the story of Louise Hay author of You Can Heal Your Life and founder of Hay House Publishing. On Louise’s 80th birthday speaking to a crowd of hundreds, she proclaimed this would be her best decade ever. It is a phrase I like to use myself now. As fate would have it, next week’s Empowerment Show is focused on overcoming the perception of age. In talking about Not Dead Yet, Susan Hess Logeais the writer and producer of the film said, “We may be over 40, but we’re not dead yet. We may be changing, but we embrace that change as opposed to mourning it and withdrawing.” I asked the cast and director to be on the show not only because the content of their movie is relatable and uplifting to women of a certain age, but because the movie was inspired by their own experiences of being held back because of their age. Not Dead Yet was inspired by the real-life frustrations of Susan and her two costars, Betty Moyer and Sherilyn Lawson. All three women have experienced not only dwindling meaty roles for women of their age, but then also had to watch actresses decades younger being cast in them. After years of frustration, Susan decided to stop attending casting calls she was not chosen for and instead decided to write a script for herself. In collaboration the three women crafted a movie as Betty said, “[to] allow us to do everything we’ve always wanted to do, but never got to.” They created their own second chance. What number is holding you back? You are not dead yet. Are you ready to make this your best decade ever?

I love the title of this new book by Tara Truax because so many aspiring entrepreneurs have probably felt that way one time or another. Who the Hell Am I to Start a Business could refer to the fear first time entrepreneurs feel.  Perhaps someone has a great idea but is not sure they can make it a reality.  Someone else may be ready to branch off on their own but is terrified to take the first step.  There is a lot of fear attached to starting a new business.  There are the personal doubts of our own abilities.  There is the fear of losing that regular paycheck and relying on our own abilities and the gifts of the marketplace to provide us with income.  There is fear of the unknown. The phrase “who the hell am I to start a business” comes up again as the entrepreneur gets underway and realizes how much there is to be done and how much knowledge they may be missing in certain areas.  Very few businesses start out with a full professional staff.  Most times the entrepreneur is left wearing the hat of sales, marketing, product development, customer service, accounting, legal, human resources, and every other role necessary to keep the company alive.  This is when the phrase changes in meaning to, “what was I thinking?” Yet there are entrepreneurs starting new businesses every day.  Whether the business is bringing a new product to life, sharing one’s expertise through providing a service, or becoming a franchisee each and every day, there are individuals ready to say, “Yes, I am ready to start a business.”  It is exhilarating and terrifying.  It is freeing and overwhelming.  It is rewarding and exhausting.  And for many there is no other option.  Starting that new business is what their heart and soul is driving them toward. I am proud to call myself a serial entrepreneur.  It is not for everyone, but for those who catch the bug, there is no other way.  Listen below to explore starting your own business with author and business coach Tara Truax. If you have been thinking of starting a business or have just put your toe in the water, this will be a wonderful way to learn the ins and outs of owning your own business. 

After the loss of his unborn child, John Bader himself was lost.  As he writes in his book, The Responsive Universe: "Like the wind causing chaos on the ocean before my eyes, my mind was in an uncontrollable tailspin.  Just days ago, I had witnessed my wife give birth to my lifeless son.  A small strand of amniotic flesh had wrapped around his umbilical cord and had suffocated him to death.  The doctors told us the chances that amniotic band syndrome could affect a healthy unborn baby was one in thirty thousand.  I was in shock.  All that I had dreamed of – holding my little boy in my arms, playing baseball, and watching him grow into a man and a father of his own – had been dashed away.  Like autumn leaves falling from a dormant tree, I watched the winds of change whip my happiness away, bringing a cold, heartless winter down on me.  As I held his lifeless body in my arms, I felt sad for myself and a deeper sadness for my wife.  Minutes after the still birth, the doctor allowed us time with our son.  Annamarie watch me with puffy red eyes as I looked into my son’s lifeless face.  As she watched me say goodbye, I could not imagine what she was going through; to have carried this baby for six and a half months and have to say goodbye on his birthday?  It was all inconceivable.  Would I wake up from this bad dream?  We were good people.  How could this happen to us?" This heart wrenching tragedy was not the end of John’s joy.  It actually became the impetus of his reawakening.  The depths of depression and despair became the catalyst for his search for answers which ultimately led to his awakening.  For the next few years, John spent his time studying the major religions in search of answers, understanding, and peace.  Through his search he found not only the answers he was looking for, but daily practices to aid him through the ups and downs of life.  Now he not only uses these tools for his own happiness, but also teaches others how to find peace in the most difficult situations. Learn more about John Bader’s journey and how he found solace in the practices of Buddhism.  Learn how the Nine Mandala’s hold tactical daily practices you can use to uncover your own power, resiliency,and joy.

Is there something you are afraid of? Is there something you are afraid to face? Dale Spencer had to face his fears, in order to recreate his life. Dale was leading the life of an average college student when at the age of 20 an unforeseen injury changed his life forever. Left paralyzed, Dale had to adapt to new ways of doing everyday tasks, getting around, interacting with people, finishing college and entering the workforce. He shares of he needed to come to terms with his dependence on others and how his injury changed the path of his life. By using simple techniques to keep his fear in check and his mind focused, Dales has been able to achieve his life goals. Dale has triumphed over adversity and risen to the top of his profession, he continues to give back to his community, grow and take on new challenges. There are four key areas where the emotion of fear dwells: professional, social, mental and physical. Dale has identified the necessary building blocks to overcome fear and achieve success, regardless of what form fear takes. Now Dale’s mission is to help all of us realize we have the necessary tools to achieve success, regardless of our circumstances. Dale now speaks for the ThinkFirst Injury Prevention and how he found a new purpose in educating others in critical thinking and problem solving. Learn more about Dale.

After a being misdiagnosed by thirty (30) doctors and experiencing side effects from the fourteen (14) medications, Dr. Archana Lal-Tabak took back her health and completely healed naturally. Today she now helps others return to health using modern and ancient techniques. We do not need to be a victim of our genes. We are not powerless in changing our experience of life and health. We have innate knowledge as to own healing capabilities. Dr. Archana Lal-Tabak Dr. Archana Lal-Tabak Modern medicine and insurance separate us into parts when in truth all of our systems overlap and intertwine. There is no separation between mind and body. When we can begin to look at ourselves from an overall perspective, we can find healing not solely from medications but from changing nutrition, community involvement, detox, exercise, meditation, creativity, and a host of other options. Our minds and bodies are continuously sending us messages. By learning to hear and respond to these messages, we can find ways to make positive changes in our lives through lifestyle changes. Instead of masking pain, there are ways to listen and learn from one’s discomfort in order to make long-lasting changes to the level of health we experience. Listen to this powerful conversation about the Mind-Body Connection to learn about psychoneuroimmulogy and Indian Ayuveda, to learn how our gut and our heart receptors are providing as much insight into our health as our brains, and how we have the ability to go “beyond our genes” by affecting how our genes express themselves. Dr. Archana Lal-Tabak and Melissa Heisler discuss new findings about ancient healing practices and how you can use these to take back your health.

In 1968 a film came out with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda about two widows with eight and ten children respectively coming together and making a large merged family. It was a box-office success. And it was based on a real family, but it wasn’t the real story. True North by Tom NorthTom North, child number eleven of twenty in the Beardsley family, tells the full story in his book, True North – The Shocking Truth about “Yours, Mine and Ours.” The loving family portrayed in the film differed dramatically from the actual Beardsley family. The North children were adopted and their names were changed to Beardsley. But, it wasn’t one big happy family as the movie depicted. The stepfather’s violence, abuse, and even sexual abuse created a life of intimidation, confusion, turmoil, fear and depression for the North children. All hope seemed lost as Tom realized that he was caught in a prison and there was no way out. When he finally left home, he traveled on a journey of survival, self-discovery, and healing. Tom shares what it was like to grow up in that family, taking the road less traveled through child abuse, domestic violence and despair, to hope, and eventually to self-discovery and a fulfilling life. Listen in as Tom talks about his experience, the book, and how he is now dedicated to helping people realize their true identity and their potential for healing. Tom is an Official Supporter of National CASA for Children. Buy Tom's book here and 10% of National CASA Voices for Children. If you are a child experiencing abuse, know you are not alone. Visit Ginger’s site 4URKids for more information and resources. If you are in immediate danger go directly to law enforcement, dial 911, call The National Child Abuse Hotline (800-4-A-Child, 800-422-4453), or go to your local Department of Child Services or Child Protective Services Agency.

Imagine leaving the United States for a grand adventure. Then learning what you really signed up for was more like a prison sentence where all your rights were revoked. This is what happened to Sheila Flaherty, a psychologist, who lived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a year when her husband was transferred there. Coming from a land of privilege and a profession of distinction, Sheila found herself now treated as powerless chattel. But fate intervened as she began to counsel women in secret. East of Mecca by Sheila FlahertySheila Flaherty said, “I have always been passionately drawn to righting injustice. While living in Saudi, my compassion led me to practice counseling secretly, helping to empower the American and Saudi women I met. This experience fueled my passion for writing East of Mecca, a novel about women within the confines of a violent, oppressive, male-dominated society.” Sheila is no stranger to oppression. She saw it in the separation between those of different skin colors growing up in the South. She experienced the condemnation of some religions toward some individuals. She lived through the women’s rights moment in the USA experiencing harassment, support, discouragement, and empowerment. But she said that she never truly felt oppression until she was a woman in Saudi Arabia. Now Sheila uses her writing to empower others, no matter their situation. “I write so I can enlighten and inspire and empower others to action. My ultimate goal is to take the majority of my profits from my writing and provide funding for women and girls to meet their most profound needs.” I am excited to have Sheila Flaherty on The Empowerment Show to talk not only about her novel, but about her personal experiences and her drive and commitment to empower others.

The other day a client of mine told me about a Facebook page, Delicious Dames Community Group, where she had been lurking for a few months. She finally had the courage to share her personal story about her eating disorder and weight loss. It was a big risk for her as she assumed there would be judgment, ridicule and attack. Instead she received a series of supportive comments on her courage and also a slew of others who said her story had strengthened their own resolve to talk and take action to toward their own self-love and health. Delicious Dames How often do we hide our pain or our challenges? How often do we sit in quiet solitude feeling disconnected and alone? How often do we think we will be attacked for exposing who we really are? More times than not I discover the opposite. When we take the risk to share our stories, when we expose our secrets, when we have the courage to share what we have overcome, others are amazed, supportive, and empowered by us. It is not easy though. We all have that little voice that tells us we are not good enough. It tells us that we are broken because of our perceived failings or difficulties. But when we take the risk to share, we find instead that we are heroes and inspirational role models for others. One such role model is Revecka Jallad who spent thirteen years in the fashion industry as a personal shopper and stylist. During that time she learned how powerful that industry is as it led to the realization of and recovery from her own eating disorder. She decided to not only share her own story, but to provide and outlet for others to share their stories along with support for others with body image issues. Delicious Dames is a website and Facebook forum focused on helping shape the perceptions women have of themselves, the media, and overall body wellness. www.itsmylifeinc.com/empowerment

“I was 29 and wheezing going up stairs!” Danielle Girdano was morbidly obese, smoking two packs of cigarettes a day and getting almost no physical activity. When Danielle realized that the XXL shirts and shorts were becoming too tight on her 5’4” frame she realized she needed to make a life change for her self-esteem and her health. “You have to make a commitment to yourself; nobody can make the decision for you. When you are honest with yourself and realize you only wear elastic shorts in the dead of winter because you can’t fit into jeans or regular pants it is a sobering reality!” Danielle Girdano, President of D’Fine Sculpting and Nutrition Danielle Girdano, President of D’Fine Sculpting and Nutrition Fast forward and now Danielle is helping others to take back their health. She focuses on bringing movement back to those in sedentary corporate careers. Recently she worked with the Chicago Sky. But she did not work with the WNBA players, she helped their office staff to regain their health. What I found fascinating about her program was the all-around results the participants received. Of course there was weight loss, but there was also improved balance, flexibility, and heart efficiency. What I love about Danielle’s purpose is she is not just focusing on helping people to change their waistlines and body fat index. She is also very focused on the emotional well-being her clients. Self-esteem and joy go hand in hand with good physical health. One does not necessarily beget the other. But it is sure difficult to be in a great mood if one is having difficulty moving around in their daily routine. Learn more about Danielle’s inspirational story, the stories of those she has helped, and her desire to bring wellness to corporations. Could you use the inspiration to take back your health?

I watched a wonderful film the other day, Opening Our Eyes: Global Stores about the Power of One. The movie shows individuals all across the world and close to home who are making a difference. Whether they are opening orphanages and schools in Nepal, providing clean water in Peru, or helping the teen homeless population in Australia these average people are having a major impact in the lives of others. Although their stories are amazing I often find them to be so far away from what I feel I am called or able to do. Could I take my life’s savings and invest it in a community on the other side of the world? Could I stand up to politicians to help those without a voice? Could I have the courage to take on an enormous project? The answer is truthfully no. But there is something I can do. Opening Our Eyes This movie starts out with a quote from Helen Keller I had never heard before, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” I cannot do everything so I will not refuse to do what I can. What a powerful statement. How often do we see the major issues of the world and feel powerless? How often do we say, “I am just one person what affect can I have?” We cannot do everything, but there is something we can and should do. Look around you. Look in your own backyard. Look at your own family, friends, and community. What is there that you can affect? What is there that you can control? What is it that you can do to make the world just a little bit better? It does not have to be grandiose. One of the other points the Opening Our Eyes movie makes is that it only takes one degree for hot water to turn to boiling. What is that one degree for you? Perhaps it can be helping out a family member or friend in need. Perhaps it is volunteering in your local community. Perhaps it is smiling at the cashier when you are buying groceries. All of this has an impact on our world and how we experience it. Here are two ways you can make a difference: Find ways to volunteer in your local community. Check out HandsOn Suburban Chicago if you are in the Chicagoland area. Hands On is a hub for volunteer activities linking local non-profits with those who want to give back. What I love is that they offer a myriad of ways to give back. If the idea of working a soup kitchen doesn’t interest you, maybe you want to help out by creating a local community garden. Perhaps there is a skill you have like website design or accounting that could be a huge benefit to a non-profit; you can volunteer your time and expertise. Host a screening of Opening Our Eyes to inspire those around you. The filmmakers Gail Mooney and Erin Kelly are also looking to film more stories for an additional movie or potentially a television series. If you have connections which could assist them or if you would like to help through a donation, contact these wonderful women.

Social Enterprise has much been on my mind lately. The concept is so foreign to the Wall Street “Greed is Good” I grew up with in the 1980’s. Social Enterprise is where for-profit business is blended with a non-profit giving back element. Sometimes it takes the form of a non-profit which creates a for-profit arm to self-sustain its mission. Sometimes it is a for-profit business that adds in a generous focus on heart and humanity. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Some Social Enterprises are like Tropical Smoothie Café which for the past seven years has hosted National Flip Flop Day to benefit Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine is the only retreat in the nation whose mission is dedicated to impacting children with life-threatening illnesses, and the families and siblings who help them through it. In 2013, the Camp will serve as many as 800 children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the country, free of charge. Camp Sunshine is able to help so many in part due to Tropical Smoothie Café’s fundraising efforts. To date, Tropical Smoothie Café has donated $1.5 million to Camp Sunshine, sending 750 children and their families to experience the camp. Last year, Tropical Smoothie Café raised $400,000 for Camp Sunshine and the company plans to exceed that number in 2013 by raising $500,000. Plus Tropical Smoothie Café locations nationwide collectively gave away close to 200,000 smoothies for the cause, which equated to approximately $1 million in free smoothies. The old business model used to be either / or. Either a corporation is for profit or it is not for profit. Today many businesses are both / and. They are both for-profit and have a giving back element. These new businesses aim to be profitable and to benefit the larger community. Take a look at the businesses around you and notice how many are more than just money-making enterprises. Take a look at your own business. What are ways you can or are giving back to your community? What are ways you can support those where you live or support the causes you believe in? Share with us your thoughts on Social Enterprise and how you see this new role of business.