WeBeTheChange: Conversations with Evolutionaries
by Colleen Akiko
We Be The Change is your weekly infusion of soulful spark—heart-nourishing conversations to help you navigate turbulent times. Host and Essential Connection Coach Colleen Akiko talks with change-makers about how they live their truth, often against the odds, modeling a way through the noise of the day. When life feels draining, these conversations offer a fortifying home base—stories of resilience, healing, and inspired growth, woven with insights and humor you can easily use in your own day-to-day. You’ll hear compassionate voices cutting through the noise with grounded wisdom, practical tools and intriguing ideas. They remind us that the way we move through the world can ripple out extraordinary transformation. Explore resources and opportunities for connection at SongRise.LIVE, including a complimentary eGuide, Out of
Episodes
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Collage of War Series, Dan Strawn; Pt 3A: Make America Good Again
What does “good” ask of us when the world feels divided? In this episode of Collage of War, I sit down again with my uncle, writer Dan Strawn, for a conversation about war, citizenship, leadership, and the kind of country — and culture — we help create through the way we live. Dan draws from...
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OUR INNER ECOLOGY, Pt. 3: The Fear That We Don’t Matter
What might change when the part of us that believes, I don’t matter, is gently welcomed home? In Part Three of Our Inner Ecology, Colleen Akiko and Jhana Bowen enter tender territory with care: the fear that we don’t matter, and how that fear can quietly keep us from connection. Colleen shares an...
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OUR INNER ECOLOGY; Pt 2: Walking Ourselves Back Home
What part of you has been waiting to be welcomed—not corrected, overcome, or pushed away? In Episode Two of Our Inner Ecology, I continue my conversation with artist and healer Jhana Bowen about the inner parts of us that seek protection, the ways we exile what feels difficult, and the courage it...
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Dan Strawn, A COLLAGE OF WAR; Pt 2: Just Give Them A Different Name
How do we remember the human being beneath the label? In Part 2 of A Collage of War, my uncle Dan Strawn and I talk about one of the simplest ways we can stay human in divided times: noticing the names we give each other, and choosing not to let those names replace the person. This conversation...
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Jhana Bowen Series; OUR INNER ECOLOGY, Pt 1: Protection, Connection & Coming Home
The Intelligence of Protection What changes in us—and between us—when we feel safe enough to connect? In Part 1 of Our Inner Ecology, Jhana Bowen and I explore the natural movement between protection and connection—and how our inner sense of safety shapes the way we listen, communicate, create…
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When War Becomes Background Noise
What happens to the human heart when war fades into daily life? In this three partWeBeTheChange series, A Collage of War, we’ll journey into the historical conscience of war with elder author Dan Strawn. Dan Strawn opens this first episode with a short but potent poem he wrote before the Iraq...
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When the Land Speaks: Sacred Space, Loss, and Spiritual Determination
A fireside conversation with tribal leader Brian “BB” Melendez about land, ceremony, and the evolution of sacred space. Some sacred places are widely recognized by the world. Others are created slowly through listening with responsibility to Spirit, people, and the land. Brian Melendez reflects...
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Leisa Peterson Series: COMING OUT OF THE TRANCE, Pt. 2: Naming the Pattern
What if real strength is refusing the bait—staying human while you name the pattern? In Part 2 of the Leisa Peterson series, Colleen and Leisa get practical about what to do when the world is loud: how to name patterns without feeding fear, practice fierce compassion with real boundaries, and...
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Leisa Peterson Series: COMING OUT OF THE TRANCE; Pt 1: Scarcity, Paradox, and Transcending
What if “transcendence” isn’t about escaping the world—but waking up from its deceptive trance? WeBeTheChange host Colleen Akiko and Leisa Peterson--Wealth Coach, Author and Financial Intuitive, discuss the larger pattern behind our culture’s distress: a scarcity-based trance that keeps people...
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Kari Hagel Series; THE WEB OF WELLNESS: RECONNECTING TO NATURE AND SELF; Pt 1: Nature Deficit Disorder: The Hidden Epidemic
When was the last time you learned from soil instead of a screen? Middle and high school teacher Kari Hagel shares with WeBeTheChange host Colleen Akiko about the rise of nature deficit disorder. Kari, also a Health & Wellness Coach, shows how hands-on ecology—worm bins, a classroom dog…
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A FEARLESSLY FERAL LIFE; Pt 3: From Triggered to Belonging—The Willingness Shift
When the craving hits, what are you actually hungry for? In Part 3 of “A Fearlessly Feral Life,” we get practical about the sober path: the tiny act of willingness that flips the switch, the boundary that protects your peace, and how to tell a trigger from a longing for belonging. We talk family...
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A FEARLESSLY FERAL LIFE; Pt 2: New Thought--A Powerful Call into the Heart of Recovery
Welcome to We Be The Change and this second segment of the series A Fearlessly Feral Life with Rev. Karen Linsley. In Part 2 we dive into New Thought as a grounded path for recovery—where principle is not bound by precedent and healing means changing our thinking to change our life. Karen traces...
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Karen Linsley Series: A FEARLESSLY FERAL LIFE; Pt 1: Addiction-Free Principle Over Precedent
“How can I release old survival mechanisms to create a truly beautiful life? This powerful question is the heartbeat of today's conversation. We’ve all carried patterns from the past that once helped us survive, but now keep us from fully living. I am delighted to have my friend and neighbor with...
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LIVING AS A PORTAL OF PRESENCE, Pt 4: The Authentic Presence that Allows
Must embodying authentic Presence have to look like the Mona Lisa? Welcome to the final segment of our series, LIVING AS A PORTAL OF PRESENCE: The Inner Work that Changes the Outer World. In this soulful yet earthy conversation, host Colleen Akiko and spiritual counselor, Brenda Heldoorn explore...
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LIVING AS A PORTAL OF PRESENCE, Pt 3: Moving Beyond the Doom Loop
How can a little notebook disarm the ego’s grip? In this short but potent episode, spiritual counselor Brenda Heldoorn shares a surprising exercise with host Colleen Akiko that dismantled her negative self-talk. With openness and humor, she names the “Doom Loop” for what it is, and offers a…
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LIVING AS A PORTAL OF PRESENCE; Pt 2: Embracing the Inner Shift
What if our total collapse could pivot us to our most radiant becoming? In this vulnerable, luminous continuation of Brenda Heldoorn's conversation with Colleen, we explore what it truly means to surrender—not as defeat, but as a threshold where rock bottom becomes sacred ground. Brenda shares…
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Brenda Heldoorn Series, LIVING AS A PORTAL OF PRESENCE: The Inner Work that Changes the Outer World; Pt. 1: Pain As A Gateway to Transformation
Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders, believing you had to face every challenge alone? Join host Colleen Akiko and her guest, spiritual director and counselor, Brenda Heldoorn--who reveals her pivotal moment of absolute surrender that led her to deep healing and a new…
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NAVIGATING THE NEW ENERGETICS; Pt 5: The Next Bandwidth of New Light
How are the new energetics asking you to increase capacity? Enjoy this exhilarating conversation with host and Essential Connections Coach Colleen Akiko and sacred artist, teacher and "well-being generator" Daniel Strawn. In this final episode of the series, Navigating the New Energetics, you'll...
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NAVIGATING THE NEW ENERGETICS, Pt 4: Spiritual Awakening into Humanity’s New Light
What if you were designed to handle more light—but need to upgrade your wiring first? This We Be The Change episode is a fun yet profound conversation, exploring the intersection of spirituality, development, energetics and collective consciousness. Join host Colleen Akiko and sacred artist and...
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Beyond Fear and Dogma: Living Love in a Fractured World
How can “God’s Word” be used to justify harm–such as the mass murder and intentional starvation in Gaza? What unfolds when scripture is weaponized by fear, and how can faith return to love? In host Colleen Akiko’s candid conversation with Rev. Tim Boeve, we explore heaven, hell, and the heart of...
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NAVIGATING THE NEW ENERGETICS, Pt 3: Unlocking Spiritual Growth
What if the dysfunctions we witness and experience are largely due to missing connections for soul growth opportunities? Explore the intersection of electromagnetic energy, ancient spiritual wisdom, science and the transformative power of mentorship. Join We Be The Change host, Colleen Akiko and...
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NAVIGATING THE NEW ENERGETICS; Pt 2: The Electrical Aspect of Human Being
In a world obsessed with output and achievement, what does it mean to allow wellbeing to be generated from within? In this second segment,The Electrical Aspect of Human Being, host Colleen Akiko continues the series, Navigating the New Energetics, with sacred artist and teacher Daniel Strawn.…
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Artist Daniel Strawn Series, NAVIGATING THE NEW ENERGETICS; Pt 1: Finding Our Bearings in Uncertainty
How do we make sense of all the information fragments flying around us? How do we discern what's going on in us and outside of us? Welcome to this new We Be The Change series, Navigating the New Energetics. In this opening segment, Finding Our Bearings in Uncertainty, host Colleen Akiko talks…
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How's Mom?
The Earth has recorded its HOTTEST. YEAR. EVER. When I heard that on the Stephen Colbert Show, I wondered... How do the EPA decision-makers and other climate deniers bury their heads in such sizzling hot sand? What if all the truth questers met at the top center of the media bias chart, to…
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COMING HOME TO SOUL, Pt 3: The Practice of Becoming: Soul Habits, Brain Retraining, and Inner Trust
What if change isn’t about fixing, but about listening? Join host Colleen Akiko and Tessa Lynne Alburn: spiritual guide, energy mentor, author and Soul Connection Coach, for this final segment of our Coming Home to Soul series, The Practice of Becoming: Soul Habits, Brain Retraining, and Inner...
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COMING HOME TO SOUL, Pt 2: From Survival to Sovereignty
What does feeling safe have to do with connecting with your soul? Join Tessa Lynne Alburn and Colleen Akiko in this episode, From Survival to Sovereignty, to hear empowering truths and techniques for calming and retraining the brain, moving beyond trauma and becoming more present for an uplifted...
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Tessa Alburn Series, COMING HOME TO SOUL; Pt 1, Healing, Wholeness & the Sacred Path Back to Self
How can I walk the mystical path with practical feet? If you're craving deeper meaning but feel unsure of how to walk a spiritual path in a grounded, real-world way, you'll enjoy this soul-nourishing conversation with host Colleen Akiko and Tessa Lynne Alburn: spiritual guide, energy mentor,...
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The Dance of Art, Faith and Resting in Love: Bernice Strawn's Legacy of Creativity and Connection
Because of the rich visuals woven into it, this episode is best watched if possible. FOR THE VIDEO OF THIS EPISODE, CLICK HERE. Or click HERE to view this episode on Substack. This is Colleen Akiko, your We Be The Change host. This special video episode is part of a Zoom conversation last…
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A RED HEART, Pt 4: What's Your Sacred Story?
Do you ever wonder what makes a story sacred, and what your sacred stories might be? Join host Colleen Akiko with shamanic initiate, sacred storyteller and Certified Heartmath Trainer, Jim Eaglesmith in the final episode of the WeBeTheChange series, A RED HEART. By now you've heard about some of...
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A RED HEART, Pt 3: The Power of Pause; Heart Breathing, Listening and Healing
What does your heart know that your mind has forgotten? This is the third segment of A Red Heart, called The Power of Pause; Heart Breathing, Listening and Healing, where Colleen Akiko talks with Jim Eaglesmith, shamanic initiate and Certified Heartmath Trainer. They explore the scientifically...
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A RED HEART; Pt 2: The First and Last Generations: Co-Creating a New Vision
What happens when elder wisdom meets youthful fire? In Part 2 of the We Be the Change series, A Red Heart, Colleen Akiko talks with featured guest Jim Eaglesmith--shamanic initiate, HeartMath trainer, and beloved “grandpa” to groups of school kids. Jim Eaglesmith was told decades ago to “Go…
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Jim Eaglesmith Series: A RED HEART; Pt 1: Third Ear Listening & Choosing Soul Over Spotlight
What does it mean to walk the Red Road—and how does it begin? In this episode of We Be the Change, Colleen Akiko opens the series A RED HEART, with shamanic elder, musical edu-tainer and Certified Heartmath trainer, Jim Eaglesmith (aka Jimi Ji). Jimi shares his journey of walking away from the...
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LET FREEDOM RING and My Screaming DNA
In honor of Memorial Day and all who have valiantly served for "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," may this song, Let Freedom Ring, help keep the dream kindled in this storm. This song came through me shortly after Election Day. Recording it was like riding a bronco--its meter made…
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INDIVIDUALITY & UNIVERSALITY; Pt 4: Walking with Our Ancestors: A Journey of Surrender and Support
What if the sacred practice of surrender isn’t just giving up—but tuning in? In this intimate closing episode, we enter the labyrinth of surrender—guided by supportive ancestral presence, the body’s wisdom, and nature’s quiet invitations. Join this final segment of the series Individuality of...
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INDIVIDUALITY & UNIVERSALITY; Pt 3: The Wisdom of Embodiment
What if your feet could teach you how to come home to yourself? This is the third segment of the series, Individuality and Universality with spiritual teacher and yogi, Matthew Hara. In The Wisdom of Embodiment we unpack the illusion of spiritual ego and the temptation to "dress up the mind" with...
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INDIVIDUALITY & UNIVERSALITY; Pt 2: Come Home to the Body
"How can I trust my body’s wisdom over my mind’s story?" In Part 2 of Individuality & Universality we explore the mystical nature of being in the body without identifying with the mind, which leads to suffering. We hear how non-resistance and practices like Yoga ultimately reconnect us to truth,...
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Matthew Hara Series, INDIVIDUALITY & UNIVERSALITY; Pt 1: ☹️ Oscar the Grouch's Abrupt Awakening 😊
After years of depression and addiction, Matthew Hara went from being “Oscar the Grouch” to a globally recognized spiritual guide, songwriter and yoga teacher. In this episode of We Be the Change, Matthew talks with host Colleen Akiko about the pivotal moments that sparked his awakening—beginning...
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PEACE PRAYER SONG: In Loving Commemoration of Pope Francis
Inspired by the timeless words of Saint Francis of Assisi, I offer this song as a musical healing balm in the earthly loss of Pope Francis. May his radiant example of kindness, compassion and true leadership continue lighting our way through the volatility of our times. Yesterday was my Aunt...
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MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH DONNA APIDONE; Pt 5: Fear: A Stop Sign or a Doorway?
This is part five of the five part series Connecting with Donna Apidone. In this episode, Fear: A Stop Sign or a Doorway?, you'll hear encouraging stories for navigating life's volatility with presence, humor, and real hope. From fear to freedom, and identifications to reinvention, this...
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MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH DONNA APIDONE; Pt 4: TransForMission & Drive-Time Meditations: Centering On Your Purpose
When was the last time you asked: What’s next for me? In this 4th segment of the series, Making Connections with Donna Apidone, we explore TransForMission—a five-step framework for personal transformation that Donna began in the wake of loss. This class and book have been guiding seekers and...
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MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH DONNA APIDONE; Pt 3: Create Change by Hearing the News with Compassion
This is part three of the five part series Connecting with Donna Apidone. In this conversation, you'll hear how Donna cultivated real connections with her many NPR Morning Edition guests--even when she thought she didn't like them! The purposeful compassion beneath these connections also infuses...
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MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH DONNA APIDONE; Pt 2: Interfaith Ministry and Bridging Worlds
This episode, Interfaith Ministry and Bridging Worlds, is Part 2 of the series, Making Connections with Donna Apidone. Here we follow Donna's path to ordination through an interfaith seminary in New York City, while still hosting Morning Edition. Fueled by her desire to connect more deeply with...
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MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH DONNA APIDONE Series; Pt 1: An Unlikely Beginning
Join me, Colleen Akiko, in this series Making Connections with Donna Apidone—a voice many know from NPR’s Morning Edition, but whom I cherish as a deep thinker, a storyteller, and a truly radiant person. In Part 1: An Unlikely Beginning, we hear how Donna started her career in broadcast…
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RISING THROUGH TRAUMA INTO HEALING; Pt 4, Healing From Betrayal by Discovering Our Indweller
In this final episode of Rising Through Trauma Into Healing, we explore how totally serving a less-than-perfect leader can reflect our own unclaimed power within, and become a catalyst for growth. This fourth segment, Healing From Betrayal by Discovering Our Indweller, explores how the deep pain...
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RISING THROUGH TRAUMA INTO HEALING; Pt 3, Cherishing Wholeness and Purpose in Life
This third segment of Rising Through Trauma into Healing, finds us lingering at the veil between the earthly and the afterlife, in Cherishing Wholeness and Purpose in Life. Angelika gives a fortifying message to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Feel free to share it with a dear one who…
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RISING THROUGH TRAUMA INTO HEALING; Pt 2, Embracing Pain in Transformation
In our second segment with Angelika Schafer, Embracing Pain in Transformation, you'll hear insights on the profound shifts in consciousness currently occurring on Earth. Angelika also opens her own story around food addiction and its roots, and a personal experience that demonstrates the…
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Angelika Schaefer Series, RISING THROUGH TRAUMA INTO HEALING; Pt 1, From an Ocean of Pain to the Power of Song
This is the first of a four-part series titled: Angelika Schafer: Rising Through Trauma into Healing. I'm excited to introduce my dear friend, Angelika Schafer. She's a generous soul who overflows with profound wisdom and global experience as an integrative coach, healing practitioner, recording...
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About this show
We Be The Change is your weekly infusion of soulful spark—heart-nourishing conversations to help you navigate turbulent times.
Host and Essential Connection Coach Colleen Akiko talks with change-makers about how they live their truth, often against the odds, modeling a way through the noise of the day.
When life feels draining, these conversations offer a fortifying home base—stories of resilience, healing, and inspired growth, woven with insights and humor you can easily use in your own day-to-day.
You’ll hear compassionate voices cutting through the noise with grounded wisdom, practical tools and intriguing ideas. They remind us that the way we move through the world can ripple out extraordinary transformation.
Explore resources and opportunities for connection at SongRise.LIVE, including a complimentary eGuide, Out of
Hosted by
Colleen Akiko
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