Love and Compassion with Gissele

What power does surrender have in helping us be more authentically ourselves? In this conversation, I chat with Daryl Dittmer about what helped him address his addictions, the power of vulnerability, the need for boys to feel all their feelings, and how boundaries can help us be more compassionate towards ourselves and others. 

What if death was not the end? Would we then be able to live more fully and create a world that is more compassionate? I chat with Angel Morgan about connecting to the other side, how to release conflict even with those who have passed over and how forgiveness can help us heal our lives. 

Can you find joy, even when challenges are occurring? In this episode, I chat with Tony Stewart who wrote about his journey of losing his wife to cancer, how they found moments of joy in the chaos, and the aftermath of finding a new relationship.  

With everything that is going on with ICE deportations, in this episode we talk to Andy Semotiuk on the importance of compassion in immigration. He clarifies the different types of people who immigrate into countries, talks about his own past with immigration, offers advice regarding if you are stopped by ICE and reminds us of the importance of kindness in helping us create a better future for all. 

What happens when someone the world has written off is faced with death? Sentenced at 16, Fernando Murillo spent decades in prison, until he began caring for dying inmates in a hospice unit, ensuring no one faced their final moments alone.  In this powerful episode, we ask: Do prisoners deserve a humane death?  Fernando shares what he witnessed inside an inhumane system, how compassion can emerge in the darkest places, and how his journey transformed his understanding of true freedom.

In this beautiful conversation with Aline, we talk about grieving the loss of our pets, we challenge the many misconceptions about love and loss, and discuss the gifts that loss can bring to our lives.  

In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Dr. Jitmoud shares the unimaginable journey of forgiving the man who took his son’s life. Rooted in his faith in Allah, he reflects on the true meaning of forgiveness not as weakness, but as a profound act of strength, surrender, and spiritual clarity. Together, we explore what it really takes to move beyond anger and separation, and to see even those who harm us as part of our shared humanity. This is a conversation about grief, faith in God (Allah), destiny and the radical possibility of love in the face of the unthinkable.

Can a relationship survive separation and come back stronger? In this intimate conversation, a couple shares their journey apart and the unexpected path that led them back together. Along the way, we explore compassionate parenting, women’s rights, travel, and how we can reimagine aging, relationships, and love itself.

Can we create a more compassionate civilization from our current state of fear and division? we sure can, and Robertson Work can teach us how.  In this podcast episode we talk about how to address the fear of the other, what the essential pillars of a compassionate civilization are, and the role the feminine energy plays in helping us create a more loving and kinder world. 

Teen anxiety and disconnection are rising but what if the real solution isn’t more confidence, but more self compassion?  In this powerful conversation, Karen Bluth shares research backed approaches to help teens build emotional resilience and treat themselves with kindness when it matters most.

In this heartfelt conversation with Iona Sky, we explore LGBTQ+ family estrangement, the pain of separation, and what it takes to heal and reconnect. Together we discuss forgiveness, releasing internalized homophobia, and how individuals and organizations can create more inclusive spaces where belonging and reconciliation become possible. A powerful episode about love, healing, and finding a way back to one another.

In this transformative episode, I speak with spiritual teacher Rashi Nayar about shadow work, spiritual awakening, emotional healing, self-love, and our relationship with God. We explore how embracing our shadow selves leads to deeper compassion, authenticity, and inner peace and how learning to love those we perceive as hurtful can radically transform our lives. This inspiring conversation is perfect for anyone interested in spirituality, mindfulness, and learning to love themselves. 

What if educational leadership began with self-worth and compassion? In this powerful conversation, Gissele and Deidre Harris explore compassionate leadership in education and why educator wellbeing is essential for student success. They discuss how self-worth, social-emotional learning, and empathy shape healthier school cultures and more inclusive learning environments. This episode is a must-listen for educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone invested in transforming the education system.

In this heartfelt conversation, Rebecca Schaper shares her experiences communicating with animals who have crossed over, offering comfort to those grieving and a gentle reminder that death may not be the end. We also speak openly about her relationship with her brother who lives with schizophrenia, exploring stigma, love, and the deep importance of compassion. This episode invites reflection on grief, mental health, and the unseen bonds that continue beyond physical life.

In this powerful conversation, I speak with Larry Rosen, Host of The Enemies Project about what it truly takes to bring people together in a divided world. We explore why empathy is essential, how to stop seeing one another as enemies, and how listening can transform conflict into connection.

In this deeply moving episode, Barry Adkins shares how he transformed unimaginable grief into a powerful mission of love and awareness after losing his son to binge drinking. Barry walked more than 1,400 miles to start conversations about alcohol misuse, peer pressure, and the silent risks young people face.

In this episode, author Sabrina Trobak joins Gissele to explore the hidden ways the belief of “not feeling good enough” shows up in our lives. Together, they discuss how to recognize the subtle signs of low self-worth and the importance of acknowledging and feeling difficult emotions. This gentle conversation invites listeners to slow down, get curious, and bring compassion to the parts of themselves that struggle with not being enough.

In this powerful and compassionate conversation, Krysti Beckett and I explore women’s health, sustainable weight loss, pelvic health, and the emotional journey of learning to be kind to your body. From pelvic floor wellness and hormonal balance to body image, metabolism, and self-compassion, this episode invites women to move away from shame and restriction and toward healing, strength, and self-trust. You’ll discover how women’s pelvic health impacts weight, confidence, and daily life, why traditional weight loss culture often fails women, and how practicing self-compassion can be the most powerful health strategy of all. Whether you’re navigating postpartum recovery, perimenopause, menopause, or simply seeking a healthier relationship with your body, this conversation offers hope, science-based insight, and practical tools for real, lasting change. Keywords: women’s health, pelvic floor health, sustainable weight loss, body image, hormone balance, self-compassion, holistic wellness, trauma-informed health, perimenopause, menopause, postpartum care.

Can compassion be trained? In this inspiring episode of Love and Compassion with Gissele, Dr. Olga Klimecki, neuroscientist and compassion researcher joins us to explore the science of compassion and what helps people genuinely care for others, even those they find difficult to like.

Discover how play can transform your relationship in this enlightening conversation with Peter Anderson, “The Playful Couple.” In Choosing Play in Relationships: From Conflict to Connection, we explore practical strategies to turn tension into joy, strengthen intimacy, and reconnect with your partner in meaningful ways. Whether you’re navigating conflict, seeking more fun in your marriage, or curious about building deeper connection, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiring stories to help you bring playfulness, love, and laughter back into your relationship.

Part 2 of my chat with Britton and Carolee and they share their story of trying different types of school systems from Walford and Montesori to Unschooling to determine the path of greatest soul development for their children. We talk about why schools don't focus on skill development such as love and compassion in this episode.

Listen to PART 1 of this podcast episode with Britton and Carolee as they share their struggles in dealing with infidelity with compassion for themselves and their partners. They share how their childhood and upbringing lead them to having issues within their relationship and how a "BIG" decision changed their entire lives and the lives of their children.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Robi Damelin and Layla Alsheikh, two courageous mothers from Israel and Palestine and members of the Parent Circle Friends, who share their journeys of grief, reconciliation, and hope. Through their unimaginable loss, they have chosen love over hatred, showing us what it truly takes to build a more united and peaceful world.  **This episode has been nominated for Best Non-Fiction Podcast award, Yorkton Film Festival, 2026**

Are you struggling at work? Do you wish that workplaces could be more forgiving or more humanizing? Listen to this powerful and moving chat with Dr. Jenn Griggs about ensuring people's dignity, the importance of authenticity, and the power of forgiveness at work.  

In this powerful episode, I sit down with author Vivien Kalvaria to discuss her moving memoir, My Nameis Not Rifka focusing on a remarkable journey of family, trauma, reconciliation and forgiveness.  In this episode we discuss the holocaust, the banality of evil, and the long road to forgiving those who are estranged. 

Tired of red vs. blue? Meet Scott Grace, the Spiritual Dr. Seuss, as we explore how to heal division with humor, heart, and his new book Beyond Red and Blue. Politics, peace, and poetry, this episode has it all, one rhyme at a time!

In this deeply moving episode, Sonny Von Cleveland shares his extraordinary journey of survival and transformation, from enduring childhood sexual abuse and rape in prison to spending 19 months in solitary confinement. But this is not a story about staying broken, it's a story about choosing love over hate. Sonny opens up about the radical act of forgiveness, the power of compassion, and what it truly takes to create a more loving world. We explore healing from trauma, confronting greed and ego, and finding the courage to transform pain into purpose. His message is clear: no matter what we’ve lived through, we all have the power to love. If you're searching for hope, healing, or a reason to believe in the human spirit again, then this episode is for you.

In this inspiring episode, Gissele chats with Dr. Bruno Roque Cignacco, international business consultant, TEDx speaker, university professor, and author of The Art of Compassionate Business to explore how compassion can transform workplaces. With over 30 years of experience guiding global organizations, Bruno shares why leading with heart isn't a soft sell, it’s a strategic growth engine!

How do the spaces we live in reflect the peace we seek within? In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by award-winning interior designer Kim Depole of Depole Designs to explore the power of mindful design. Kim shares how her time with Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and the teachings of Plum Village transformed her approach to space—shifting from external aesthetics to designing from the inside out. We dive into how intentional design can support mental well-being, emotional clarity, and even spiritual growth. Whether you're looking to create a calming home, a sacred work space, or simply live more consciously, this episode offers practical wisdom and soul-centered guidance. 🎙️ Topics we explore: How mindful design fosters peace and presence Thich Nhat Hanh’s influence on creative living Turning everyday environments into sacred spaces Designing for energy, flow, and emotional harmony Creating beauty that reflects inner balance Tune in to discover how to make your space not just beautiful—but deeply healing. Keywords: mindful interior design, Kim Depole, Thich Nhat Hanh, conscious living, sacred space, home wellness, emotional design, Plum Village, spiritual spaces, wellbeing, zen interiors, compassionate design

Can we truly communicate with animals? In this enlightening episode of Love and Compassion with Gissele, world-renowned animal communicator Penelope Smith joins us to explore the world of animal telepathy—a heart-based, intuitive connection that transcends language. Penelope shares how animal communication can foster deep emotional healing, strengthen the human-animal bond, and awaken our innate capacity for compassion. You’ll hear inspiring stories, practical insights, and a powerful message: animals are not just companions—they are teachers, healers, and conscious beings. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode will shift your perspective on what’s possible between species. Keywords: animal telepathy, animal communication, Penelope Smith, animal communicator, telepathic communication, compassion, healing, intuitive connection, love and compassion podcast

hat does it take to bring real compassion into the child welfare system? In this heartfelt episode, we talk with Peter Mutabazi—author, advocate, and single Black foster and adoptive father—about his extraordinary journey from surviving life on the streets of Uganda to fostering over 36 children in the U.S. With raw honesty and deep wisdom, Peter shares the joys and challenges of being a foster parent, the unique barriers faced by Black single men in the system, and why love, safety, and belonging must be at the core of how we care for vulnerable children. This is more than a story—it's a call to action to reimagine the child welfare system with compassion at its center. 🎧 Tune in for inspiration, insight, and a powerful reminder that one person can truly make a difference. #FosterCare #ChildWelfare #PeterMutabazi #NowIAmKnown #CompassionateParenting #Adoption #SocialJustice #Podcast

In today’s evolving workplace, emotional intelligence isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this powerful episode, leadership coach and business strategist Jeff Ma joins us to talk about how love, compassion, and vulnerability are transforming company culture and improving team performance. We explore how to lead with empathy, create a psychologically safe environment, and have honest, difficult conversations at work. You’ll learn how forgiveness, trust, and authenticity can increase employee engagement, reduce burnout, and fuel long-term success. Whether you're a CEO, manager, or team member, this conversation offers actionable insights for building a more human, high-performing workplace.

In this powerful episode, Sean Hemeon opens up about growing up Mormon, coming out as gay, battling addiction, and learning to forgive himself. We explore religion, shame, manifesting, and what it really means to live authentically. A must-listen for anyone on a healing journey.

Do you want to know about the connection between love and money? Do you desire to understand what your passions are and how to live authentically? then listen to this conversation with Ghary D. Won around his experiences with homelessness, how a mindset shift helped him overcome that challenge and how his relationship with abundance changed after a conversation he had with money. 

We are living in a time of great division.  Where rights are being eliminated, and people are struggling more than ever finding common ground. Additionally, people seem to be struggling more internally. They are feeling more burnt out.  Many spiritual traditions claim that love is the answer.  But how? Listen to my chat with Scott Stabile, on the power of love.  We will discuss why choosing love is always the better choice and the connection between self-love and love for others.  A must listen if you are interested in understanding how love can help us heal. 

Do you believe it's possible to raise children without punishment? what would happen if you decided to not use time outs, spanking, or other methods of controlling your children, could they be raised to be good people and have good lives? Join me as I chat with Dr. Rebecca Woulfe, author of the book, The Gift of a Punishment-Free Childhood as she shares her story of raising children without punishment. Listen to her wisdom as she shares the outcome of her experiment in going punishment free. Do not miss this episode you are a parent who wants to do something different.

Are you craving true intimacy? do you have difficulties expressing your needs for intimacy, connection, touch and sex? Then tune into this episode of the love and compassion podcast with Gissele. Today, we talk to Lyuba Venable who is a sex coach focusing on the needs of men and women for greater connection, unity, communication, and love.

Are you dealing with a recent loss? are you experiencing the possible loss of a loved one? if you are, then this podcast episode is for you.  Listen as I chat with Dr. Jan Schwartz, about the three types of intelligence needed to handle the most difficult moments in your life.  In this episode, she shares her experiences in helping her dog, address and heal a terminal cancer.  Do not miss this exciting episode full of wisdom. 

In this episode, I chat with my own sister, Jessica, about her weight loss journey.  She lost 100 pounds and is still going.  We talk about society's view of weight, about her journey in losing the first 20-30 pounds, and how being radically honest with herself, got her on track to living her best life.  Most importantly, we talk about the role of compassion in helping Jessica transform her body. 

In this episode of our podcast, I speak with the incredible Ashley Williams, who was voted top 40 under 40 about the power of mindfulness in helping us return to ourselves.  We talk about how the systems we have created are crumbling, about how mindfulness can positively impact children in the school system, and the about the importance of creating mindful spaces where BIPOC people are welcome!

Currently students and teachers seem to be struggling more within the school system.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was something that the school could be doing to support students, teachers and administrators regarding their daily issues? Well there is! Introducing mindfulness into the school system can go a long way to help support student well being, mental health, education and more! Join me as I speak to Ben Painter who is leading the implementation of mindfulness in the school system. We speak about his perspective on what the schools of the future should focus on, as well as why it is important to have a mindfulness Director on site at every school.  If you are a teacher, student, parent or administrator, don't miss this episode. 

Martin Luther King Jr, said "love is the only power able to transform an enemy into a friend", but how does love do this? How do we embody Jesus' teaching of love thy enemy when other's behaviour is often so hurtful? Listen to my conversation with Christophe Mbonyingabo, Executive Director of CARSA Ministries.  CARSA brings together Tutsi and Hutus who have been impacted by Genocide, in order to practice forgiveness and reconciliation.  Listen to Christophe's wisdom around how people are conditioned to hate and the innovative approach his organization is using to bring people together in love. Do not miss this episode!

Do you wish there was a way to help young people regulate their challenging feelings and emotions in the school system. Do you desire more compassion in how school based behaviors are managed? Can we assist young people have more success, feel less lonely and feel more self-love? Do not miss my enlightening chat with Kara Cosby on the power of compassion in the school system. In this conversation, she talks about her work with the Compassionate School Project (CSP) and how it is helping young people in the US have better personal and professional outcomes.

Are you a people pleaser? Do you say "yes" when you mean "no"? Do you believe that saying no to someone means they will no longer love you, or that they will leave you?  If yes, then this episode is for you! Listen as I chat with Tina O Hoang about people pleasing, what historically led her to people please, and how she talks to herself now to address those tendencies.  We also talk about how the other extreme of being confrontational, is not as different to people pleasing as some may think.  

Listen to this inspiring episode on how mindfulness can help young people flourish in life and in the school system.  Listen to three incredible men share their 20 year journey of teaching mindfulness in schools and the impact their work has had in helping children become more peaceful, compassionate, loving, healthy and balanced.  Their work has been featured in CNN, Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America and so much more. Transcripts available on our website: www.maitricentre.com  

If you are going through a difficult moment, right now, this conversation is for you.  On this podcast episode I speak to Savio Clemente who survived stage 3 cancer, through determination, forgiveness and compassion for himself.  We talk about how he was able to overcome treatment symptoms, and how his journey lead him to completely change his life for the positive.  We also discuss emotions in boys, vulnerability and shame and of course, the importance of self compassion during a healing journey.  Transcripts available on our website: www.maitricentre.com

Listen to Alexi's story of overcoming lung COVID during a time when little was known about the virus.  Listen to how she was able to alchemize this difficult moment into something greater with gratitude and compassion.  We also talk about psychic powers, listening to our bodies, self-care, and the power of compassion.  

**Trigger warning: conversations about SA Listen to this remastered version of my interview with Lara Naughton on compassion during and after a sexual assault.  In this conversation Lara shares how love and compassion saved her life after she was kidnapped while on vacation.  She talks about how compassion changed her, and shares her ideas on how to change systems so that they can work better for both men and women who are involved in SA. 

Almost everyone I know, has a mother wound.  What is that? an unresolved issue with their mother, or mother figure. On this call, you will learn how being compassionate towards ourselves and having boundaries, can help us address our mother based traumas and can help us step into forgiveness.  We also discuss the importance of unconditional love, as well as self-care. 

***Trigger warning*** Listen to this compassionate conversation about shame and sexual abuse from the perspective of a person who hurt others.  In this chat, you will learn about what causes some individuals to hurt others, how shame shows up in our lives, and how loving and being compassionate towards ourselves, can help us shine light to the darkest aspects of humanity.