This episode starts with laughter, and then dives deep into what it means to live agelessly, to be an elder, and how to prepare as a collective for what we're currently facing.
The incredible husband-and-wife team, Sedena and George Cappannelli, share their wisdom and talk about the powerful new PBS television series, Ageless Living, they've co-produced/directed.
Find more about the PBS Ageless Living series here.
Beloved Zen Buddhist teacher and author Henry Shukman shares more about his book, One Blade of Grass: Finding the Old Road of the Heart.
Topics range from how Zen Buddhism can help us navigate these chaotic times to the importance of becoming ordinary.
As always when Henry Shukman is the guest, you'll think a bit deeper, and perhaps expand your point of view ... just a wee bit.
Celia Owens, world traveler, activist, organizer, and artist, and Sue Faerman, university professor emeritus in management and leadership for non-profits and NGO's, have a lively discussion with Melanie.
How volunteering is the new dating, maintaining optimism in a chaotic world, the service experience and so much more are highlighted in this episode.
Part II of Trauma & the Climate Crisis continues with Renee Elsen, a survivor of the devastating 2018 Paradise, CA fire and subsequent climate refugee.
Trained as a social worker and school counselor, Renee brings a sophisticated point of view to the trauma she experienced as a result of the fire.
She's transparent, articulate, and passionate about helping folks understand how a collective trauma such as the climate crisis can intersect with individual trauma.
Renee Elsen, survivor of the devastating 2018 Paradise, CA fire and subsequent climate refugee, shares her very personal account of that morning.
Trained as a social worker and school counselor, Renee brings a sophisticated point of view to the trauma she experienced as a result of the fire.
She's transparent, articulate, and passionate about helping folks understand how a collective trauma such as the climate crisis can intersect with individual trauma.
This is Part I of a two-part show.
The 17-year-old political activist, passionate climate protector, Sunrise Movement and YUCCA member, spoken word poet, artist, and fabulously articulate Artemisio Romero y Carver is back in the studio.
Art as an element of self-expression, the connection of art and activism, social reform, and all sorts of other big ideas are discussed in this fast-paced show.
Remarkable musician, educator, and all-around super cool guy, Jamey Tate, shares his thoughts on all things music. Including that, from his perspective, the arts are our connection to humanity.
Recorded somewhere in French Polynesia, sailing to Moorea.
What happens when we say "Yes!" to something, and it ends up being a terrific experience? Listen in to how Melanie met Andrea Heckman.
Andrea is a filmmaker, photographer, author and lecturer. She earned a doctorate in anthropology and art history, and has researched indigenous traditions, festivals and rituals for over 35 years.
In 1996, she was Fulbright scholar in Peru. A longtime world traveler, Andrea shares stories of her many adventures.
Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney, co-founder of the Anna, Age Eight Institute, continues the discussion regarding the national epidemic of adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, and childhood trauma.
Topics include the effects of scarcity mentality, the systemic flaws across a myriad of child welfare agencies and how to begin fixing them, and the 100% Solutions Spot.
Dr. Courtney suggests the focus should be on three areas:
ACEs, the Adverse Childhood Experience study, has changed how we understand childhood trauma. New Mexico ranks as one of the most dangerous states for children in the country.
Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney, co-founder of the Anna, Age Eight Institute, helps us understand how adverse childhood experiences often lead to trauma, and how the repercussions can be felt community-wide.
She and Melanie talk about solutions, as well, in this first of two parts.
Anna, Age Eight Institute here
The fierce, fiery, passionate and articulate social justice champion, Anita Otilia Rodriguez, returns for another thought-provoking show.
Anita is a painter, storyteller, award-winning author of Coyota in the Kitchen, social activist, and co-founder of the Taos Healing and Reconciliation Institute and Project.
She riffs on being a "half-breed," a ninth-generation Taoseno, historical and collective trauma, the paradox of healing, and yes ... even more!
Melissa Spamer -- licensed psychotherapist, advanced yoga trainer and teacher, licensed massage therapist AND Ayurvedic practitioner -- shares some of her in-depth wisdom and knowledge.
The sacredness of the body, healing her own trauma, compassion and women's empowerment are some of things she and Melanie touch upon.
He describes himself as just a "regular old guy who paints." But ERic Luplow is much more than that.
He's a spokesman for art and music and learning to live with infant TBI (traumatic brain injury) and creativity.
Plus, he's just plain ole' a lot of fun.
Come along with Melanie and ERic in this thoughtful, deep episode.
ERic Luplow's Facebook page here
Diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, guest Susan Balkman shares stories and insights from her own journey.
National dementia expert and author Dr. Jytte Lokvig is also in the studio for another thoughtful, and yes, fun! episode.
Santa Fe Alzheimer's Cafe, founded by Dr. Jytte Lokvig here
Dr. Melanie Harth's website here
Inspired by, and in collaboration with young Swedish climate activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greta Thunberg, the Sunrise Movement is an American youth-led political movement that advocates political action on climate change.
Today's guest is Artemisio Romero y Carver, artist, spoken word poet, member of YUCCA (Youth United for Climate Crisis in Action) and the Sunrise Movement Santa Fe. He's impassioned and uber-articulate about the challenging issues facing upcoming generations.
Sunrise Movement Santa Fe Facebook page here
Dr. Melanie Harth website here
Allegra Love, immigration attorney and CEO of Santa Fe Dreamers, talks immigration law, the weaponizing of the legal system, and the politics of racism and xenophobia.
It's big, bold, deep -- a don't-miss episode.
Santa Fe Dreamers Project website here
Santa Fe Dreamers Project Facebook page here
Melanie's free meditation to help you reduce stress, anxiety and overwhelm here
Kim Martindale, long-time art show producer and antique Native American art lover, shares his views on beauty, the healing power of beautiful objects, and similarities and differences among various art traditions around the world.
Kim is especially articulate about beautiful objects of art.
Melanie's free guided meditation for anxiety / stress reduction here
Valerie Plame's backstory is so powerful that a Hollywood blockbuster film was made about it, starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn (called Fair Game, the title of Plame's memoir).
Former CIA covert operative, expert in nuclear proliferation, mom of twins, and now ... running for Congress, Valerie Plame has a lot to say about political madness, the “catastrophic” unraveling of the Iran nuclear deal, cognitive diversity, speaking truth to power, and moving beyond trauma to thriving in a whole new life.
“I have a voice, and I’m going to use it."
Doug Lynam, author of the popular book, "From Monk to Money Manager: A Former Monk's Guide to Becoming a Little Bit Wealthy -- and Why That's OK", is back for another lively show about your finances.
Topics include how good political systems increase wealth, wealth-creation school programs, and what it looks like to have an abusive relationship to money.
money, finances, wealth, financial ptsd, money archetypes, poverty and stress, retirement planning
Listen in as the inimitable Kate Reynolds, licensed psychotherapist and mindfulness expert, coaches Melanie through one of latest and most powerful mindfulness training tracks -- mPEAK (Mindful Performance Enhancement Awareness & Knowledge).
"Mindfulness is not a pet rock. It's the foundation of how to participate in our own health and healing."
Santa Fe Center for Mindfulness here
Melanie Harth's website and free guided relaxation meditation here
Elite ultra runner, contributing editor and former managing editor at Outside Magazine, writer and author Katie Arnold discusses her critically acclaimed memoir, "Running Home."
Katie's inspiring story of how she dealt with the grief of losing her father is a heart-warming one.
"Grief has its own topography, jagged and unpredictable. In the beginning it was like dragging myself up a vertical face, the surface loose and slippery, trying not to slip backwards into darkness."
Running Home: A Memoir, by Katie Arnold
more about Melanie, and her free relaxation meditation to help ease anxiety and overwhelm here
Dr. Mary Littrell, author and head of the Selection Committee for the International Folk Art Market, shares stories from Guatemala and the Maya women's art collective, Multiflores.
Women's empowerment through innovative art-making, the transformation of personal identity, and social entrepreneurship are the focus of this episode (along with a wee bit of fundraising for KSFR).
more about the International Folk Art Market here
more about Melanie, and her free relaxation meditation to help ease anxiety and overwhelm here
Artisans and artists around the world are often forced by circumstances of poverty and isolated geography to create beauty from nothing.
This is true for many of the artists featured at the world's largest folk art market -- Santa Fe's International Folk Art Market.
This episode features Peggy Gaustad sharing stories of remarkable group of Cuban artists.
Can art-making and beauty help heal trauma? Listen in.
more about the International Folk Art Market here
more about Melanie, and her free guided meditation to help ease anxiety and overwhelm here
The inimitable Bill O'Hanlon is back in the studio talking about his adventures learning how to become a songwriter.
His long and illustrious career as a psychotherapist, international speaker, author of almost 40 books now includes performing musician and songwriter.
It's fun, it's fast, it's full of ideas about staying happy and healthy and young.
more information about Bill O'Hanlon here
Karin Lubin shares her passion for catalyzing peace & harmony on the planet through her book My Life Through the Seasons, A Wisdom Journal and Planner.
In this light-hearted episode, hear about the five aspects of well being (physical, relational, financial/career, mental, spiritual); how to build emotional resilience; and integrating the divine feminine with the sacred masculine.
Lots of laughter, lots of interesting ideas.