Podcast 140: The Power of Giving with Harvey McKinnon

Harvey McKinnonThis was a wonderful interview with Harvey McKinnon the author of the new book entitled, “The Power of Giving“.

Harvey has a big heart, and loads of passion behind his charitable work. He and the co-author of this book, Azim Jamal,  point out that giving does more than just improve the lives of others; it affects your own life profoundly.  With benefits ranging from the practical–improved health and professional connection–to the intangible–creating feelings of hope and a sense of connection with others–giving is an essential but often overlooked human need.

One of the studies revealed that people who exhibit higher levels of altruism get a “helpers high”, a release of endorphins.  This high can give the immune system a boost, speed recovery from surgery and cut down on those restless nights.   Also thanks to new brain-scan technology, scientists have also discovered evidence that humans are “hard wired” to take care of and help each other.  A British poll of volunteers found that half of those surveyed claimed that their health had improved while they were volunteering.  Twenty percent of them claimed they lost weight, too which is a higher success rate than any diet we know.

If you would like to know more about what you can do to personally to become a giver, then I highly recommend reading “The Power of Giving“.  This book could certainly be transformational in your life if you implement some of the practices that Harvey and Azim outline in their book.

These are simple practices that are proven to awaken you, transform and improve your life in almost every possible way imaginable.   It is not hard to give, and it does not have to be just money.  Your gifts can be of time and your talent, for those are needed just as much as your money.

So relax, and enjoy this wonderful interview.  You can learn more about Harvey and Azim by visiting their website by clicking here.

Podcast 139: The Unhealthy Truth with Robyn O’Brien

Robyn OBrienThis is an interview with author Robyn O’Brien who decided to take some real action when it came to uncovering what ingredients in our foods are making us sick.

Her youngest daughter had a severe reaction to the eggs that she had eaten at breakfast one morning, which required a visit to the pediatrician and a mega dose of antihistamine.  This incident lead Robyn on her long journey of attempting to find the truth about what really is in our foods, and what are we not being told.

In our interview together we discuss the connections to genetically modified foods, and how these foods are allowed in our country but have been banned from European countries.   Just what is the connection between Big Food and Big Money in our country?  And why are harmful food additives still allowed in our food supplies?

Many of the toxins in our foods can be blamed for the alarming recent increases in allergies, ADHD, cancer and asthma in our children. Robyn and I explore these facts and provide you with some startling information about our food supply, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Robyn learned that one out of every three US kids currently suffers from allergies, asthma, ADHD, or autism and the number of children with peanut allergies actually doubled between 1997 and 2002.  So just what is happening to our food supply, and what steps can you take to prevent these statistics from effecting you or your family? “The “Unhealthy Truth” discloses what you need to know.  She provides recipes and actions plans for weaning your family off dangerous chemicals one step at at time.

I encourage you to listen to a very informative interview with the Erin Brockovich of food as she has been referred to by the media.

Robyn is also the founder of a non-profit entitled “Allergy Kids”  where you can obtain more information about her and the work she is doing to expose this important information about our foods and how to keep your family healthy in spite of the startling statistics.

Podcast 138: Return To The Sacred with Jonathan Ellerby Ph.D

Jonathan EllerbyI had a wonderful interview with a very deep and spiritual leader, Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D.  His new book entitled, “Return to the Sacred-Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakenings“,  is a great book.  We explored the 12 Master Paths and Practices that have transformed the lives of countless saints, mystics, masters and the sages since the beginning history.

In Jonathan’s new book, you’ll find what you need to discover your spiritual personality and choose the path that will lead you toward realization of boundless joy and a lifelong journey of meaning.   I had the opportunity in our time together to ask Jonathan about the Mystic Mind-Set attitudes that can assist you in transforming your practice.  I loved the advice that I received from Jonathan.  He said that when your spiritual practice ceases to help you to become more self-aware and spiritually connected, revisit the following list before changing paths:

  1. Compassion: No Harm.  Be kind, empowering, patient and forgive yourself and others as you carry out your practice.
  2. Optimism: No Fear. Always ask yourself, What can I learn from this moment? What am I grateful for? Never let go of hope and the infinite field of possibility.  Don’t let fear change your mind, as it’s only a sign that there’s something to learn, pay attention to, or to heal.
  3. Observation: No Judgment. Self-awareness is key. Observe yourself during your practice, and don’t criticize or judge your experience.
  4. Contemplation: No Striving.  With each new experience in your practice take time to reflect deeply on what it means, what it reveals and what it teaches.   Learn to listen to your innermost thoughts and feelings.
  5. Dedication: No Procrastination. Stay committed and willing.  On some days, enduring discomfort will be all that you can manage.  Focus and dedication are necessary.
  6. Humor: No Ego. Have Fun! Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself or even your deepest beliefs.
  7. Surrender: No Attachment. Let go of constant questioning and controlling.  Let your unique process unfold with your full participation.
  8. Intention: No Doubt.  Your intention isn’t a goal to be fixated on but a deep clarity and longing for what it is you seek.

Jonathan is a wonderful teacher that has written a practical book for the spiritual aspirant who wants to awaken to a deeper level of consciousness and spirituality.  I encourage all of my listeners to check out Return to the Sacred-Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakenings.   Jonathan is very authentic and the content is rich, deep and very moving.

If you would like to learn more about Jonathan his workshops, retreats, books, etc, please visit his website by clicking here.  Enjoy this very special interview with a great spiritual teacher.

Podcast 137: Buddha’s Brain with Rick Hanson Ph.D

Rick Hanson Ph.D.What a wonderful interview with a great author who will enlighten you about the neuroscience associated with the brain.  Rick Hanson’s new book entitled, “Buddha’s Brain-The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom“,  is a fascinating in-depth look at how science is now revealing how the flow of thoughts actually sculpts the brain.  By combining breakthroughs in neuroscience with insights from thousands of years of contemplative practice, you too, can use your mind to shape your brain for greater happiness, love and wisdom.

In my interview with Rick, we explore the brain physiology and how the brain evolved to keep humans safe from external threats; the resulting “built-in negative bias” that creates suffering in modern individuals.  As quoted by psychologist Donald Hebb–“when neurons fire together, they wire together”.  Rick argues that the brain’s functioning can be affected by simple practices and meditations to foster well-being.  Rick states that classic Buddhist concepts such as the “three trainings” of mindfulness, virtuous action and wisdom can help one in attaining greater levels of happiness.

“Buddha’s Brain-The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom” shows you how to:

  • Stress Proof your brain.
  • Practical and proven methods for feeling less irritable, sad and defensive.
  • Simple daily exercises to reprogram the brain to handle stress better.
  • How cultivating love and compassion for self and others combats anxiety.
  • Brain savvy ways to build resilience and inner strength
  • The Five “C’s” (Consciousness, Calm, Contentment, Caring and Creativity)

If you are looking for ways to de-stress your life and to have more peace and harmony, then I highly recommend that you read  Rick Hanson’s new book.  It is written in a  simple and easy to read format that informs and educates you on exactly what to do and how to apply these life changing practices.

If you would like more information, Dr. Hanson has developed a wonderful website with lots of informative articles and tools. You can access the Wise Brain.org website by clicking here.

Enjoy this wonderful interview, and most of all, try some of these practices.  You will be happy that you did.

Podcast 136: The Essential Enneagram with David Daniels M.D.

David Daniels M.D.How many of you are aware of the Enneagram?  I  had been exposed to the concept some time ago, but never really understood the aspects of the Enneagram until my interview with Dr. David Daniels.  He is the expert on the Enneagram and how to utilize it as a tool both personally and professionally.

So just what is it, and how can you use it?  Dr. David Daniels new book entitled, “The Essential Enneagram“, is a wonderful tool that assists the reader in understanding the various personality types that make up the Enneagram.  Dr. Daniels takes the reader through a simple process of identifying  your type and the characteristics associated with your personality type.

The Enneagram is a powerful and dynamic personality system that describes nine distinct and fundamentally different patterns of thinking, feeling and acting.  “Ennea” is Greek for nine and “gram” means a figure or something written.  Each of the nine patterns is based on an explicit perceptual filter and associated driving emotional energy.  These patterns determine what individuals of each personality type pay attention to and how they direct their energy and behavior.

Discovering your Ennegram personal type can help you learn how to bring positive change into your life.  It can help change the way you relate to yourself and others as well as give you a greater understanding of the circumstances and issues facing you.  Moreover, it can give you powerful assistance in integrating the personal and spiritual aspects of your life.

If you would like to learn more about your personality and identifng aspects of your personality that are serving you and others that have the option of changing for the better, then I highly recommending reading Dr. David Daniels new book “The Essential Enneagram”.  It will provide you with useful information to improve your relationships at home and work.    More information about Dr. Daniels and the services that he offers can be obtained by clicking here to access his website.

Enjoy this wonderful interview with a very interesting and knowledgeable man about something that everyone should have knowledge about.

Podcast 135: Kabbalah: The Power To Change Everything with Yehuda Berg

Yehuda Berg This is a great interview with a wonderfully knowledgeable author, Yehuda Berg, who has tremendous passion for helping people understand Kabbalah and how it can help them transform their lives positively.

In my interview with Yehuda, we explore the wisdom of Kabbalah which explains how the world operates according to universal spiritual laws that, like gravity, influences our lives every day at every moment, whether or not we are aware of it’s existence.  The amazing thing is that these spiritual laws affect our lives in a far more profound way than physical laws do. We learn how to act in harmony with these laws so we can learn how to truly control what happens to us and dramatically improve our relationships, health, careers, finances and overall quality of life.

Yehuda and I discuss the power of consciousness, and his beliefs on where consciousness evolves from as to better understand our deeper purpose and connection with a higher spirit. Kabbalah can truly help one find and make a deep spiritual connection.  It provides you with the wisdom, tools and deep understanding to turn your life into whatever you want it to be.  Whether you want to make dramatic changes or just want a better understanding of yourself and the life you’re living.

Kabbalah: The Power to Change Everything is a progressive manual for daily life to awaken consciousness and create personal and global change.  Yehuda Berg examines the problematic areas of politics, religion, environment and economy and demonstrates how everything , no matter how bleak can be transformed by shifting our minds.

You are going to enjoy my interview with a fascinating person with a wonderful perspective on life, on how we can change everything by just changing our minds.

I encourage you to read Kabbalah: The Power to Change Everything if you are exploring your spiritual path and would like to learn more about the power of this ageless wisdom.  It has transformed millions of lives throughout the world, and will transform yours as well.

For more information about Yehuda Berg and Kabbalah Centre International in Los Angeles, CA please click here to access their website.

Podcast 134: Inner Productivity with Chris Edgar

Chris Edgar Author Chris Edgar was an attorney with a busy career before starting an inner journey toward peace, happiness and spiritual awakening.  His new book entitled ,”Inner Productivy-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work“, is about cultivating what Chris refers to as “inner productivity”–the mental and emotional state that allows you to get the most done and find the most enjoyment in your work.

Inner Productivity-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work helps the reader develop the mental discipline they need to get the most out of their work.  Chris offers techniques that range from meditations and visualizations  to forms of conscious breathing to help the reader  hold their attention on projects, reconnect with their passion and overcome fears of limiting beliefs.

In our interview together we speak about our own personal fighting and fleeing from our mental and emotional clutter because of the pain associated with it.  Chris exposes techniques on how we can be with it and learn to let go.

He speaks about:

  • How to enter a “flow” state of effortless attention and efficiency.
  • Quiet stray thoughts and feelings that tend to disrupt our focus.
  • How to stay connected with our passion and motivation in our work.
  • How to transcend fears and limiting beliefs that hold us back from performing at our best.
  • How to stimulate our creativity when we are feeling uninspired or mentally blocked.

If you are like most people today who work in a job where we are under the pressure of the “constant doing” and preforming at our highest level, then Inner Productivity-A Mindful Path to Efficiency and Enjoyment in Your Work is a must read.  Once you pick up this book you won’t want to put it down, for it is going to assist you in finding the inner peace and calm that is so needed when we are under stress and pressure.  It will make you more productive, efficient and effective while at the same time keeping you calm in the eye of the storm.

I hope that you enjoy my interview with Chris Edgar, and if you are interested in learning more about Chris please click here to visit his website.

Podcast 133: Free To Love, Free To Heal with David Simon M.D.

David Simon M.D. In my interview with Dr. David Simon, we explore his new book entitled, “Free to Love Free to Heal: Heal Your Body by Healing Your Emotions”. The purpose behind writing this book was quite simply to help people identify and release the impediments in their ability to give and receive love.

Our ability to give and receive love influences every aspect of our life, including our health.  Dr. Simon shows you how to identify and release the core beliefs and painful memories that contribute to emotional distress and physical illness–freeing you to heal and move beyond the restricting conditions that have been limiting your health and happiness.

As Dr. Simon explains, emotional pain takes many forms: the grief of loss, overwhelming stress and anxiety, major or chronic depression, job burnout, feelings of stuck or trapped, heart break, lingering guilt, regret, fear of trusting again, pent-up anger, worry about the future or shame from the past. In the face of difficulty, most of us do our best to cope with the situation, hold it together and keep going, but we often end up carrying emotional pain that we just don’t know how to heal or release.

This toxic emotional residue gets stored in our bodily tissues, contribution to distress, and ultimately disease. The “Free to Love” process is a systematic process for releasing stored emotional toxicity, restoring the body’s innate capacity for healing and well-being.

Free to Love, Free to Heal is a powerful five-step emotional detoxification process that has helped thousands of people coping with a wide range of difficulties.  If you are personally suffering from the emotional challenges caused by stress, anxiety, fear and depression, then I encourage you to read Dr. Simon’s book for he takes an in-depth look at the mind-body-spirit connection.

You truly can heal your body by healing your emotions, and Free to Love, Free to Heal provides you with the practical tools including the “Seven Laws of Loving Relationships”.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Dr. Simon, and for more information please visit his website by clicking here.