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A variety of wellness tips is the theme for this hour with hosts Siri Phaneendra and Andrea Smith. Trends without Ends reporter Jack Pawlakos jumpstarts the broadcast with a riveting report on the healing trends for year, especially during Covid-19 including music therapy and timing of light and biology of the human body. In the face of spiraling rates of burnout amongst physicians and other health care professionals, Dr. Greg Hammer created GAIN, a four-step, proven path to personal resilience and happiness.  He describes the GAIN method (an acronym for Gratitude, Acceptance, Intention, and Nonjudgment) and offers remedial therapies for burnout in his new book, GAIN without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals. Dr. Hammer emphasizes the importance of choosing optimism and positivity during these challenging days. The newest reporter to join the Express Yourself! team is Jay Jackson, a thirteen-year old athlete with his segment titled Jay’s Sports World. He discusses how professional basketball has returned in a bubble. Make sure to wear your masks, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash your hands often, and shelter-in-place whenever possible. We want you to be safe, strong, and healthy. Be the Star You Are! is celebrating 21 years of outreach service. Together we will survive!

Bio: Greg Hammer, MD

Greg Hammer, MD  is a pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist, and professor at Stanford University Medical Center. A member of the Stanford WellMD initiative and the Wellness Committee for the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Dr Hammer is currently the Chair of the Physician Wellness Task Force for the California Society of Anesthesiologists. He has been a visiting professor and lecturer on wellness at institutions worldwide and teaches GAIN to medical students, residents and fellows at Stanford. 

Dr. Hammer’s clinical focus is in pediatric cardiac anesthesia and pediatric critical care medicine. His research is in developmental pharmacology and immunology, and he has an active laboratory with multiple ongoing studies in these areas. He has published widely on topics related to pharmacology and perioperative care of children undergoing cardiac and thoracic procedures as well as organ transplantation. Dr. Hammer is a health enthusiast and meditator, utilizing a non-duality and mindfulness-based approach, including the GAIN method.  Dr. Hammer is the author of GAIN without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals. www.GregHammerMD.com

Bio: Jay Jackson

Jay Jackson is the newest and youngest member of the Express Yourself! Teen Radio Team. He is thirteen and lives in California. Jay enjoys playing sports and spending quality time with friends and family. Basketball has always had a special place in his life. As a student athlete with a 4.0 GPA, his dream is to attend UCLA, join their journalism program, and become a sports journalist. He promises that his segments of Jay’s Sports World will be informative and entertaining. Tune in. Http://www.Expressyourselfteenradio.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/125707/well-being-gain-without-pain

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Teen hosts Andrea Smith and Siri Phaneendra are joined by ebullient and talented cast members from the new Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer) directed film, Mighty Oak: Tommy Ragen, Gianna Harris, Rodney Hicks, and Ben Milliken. Mighty Oak is the story of Gina (Janel Parrish, Pretty Little Liars, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before), a band manager who struggles after losing her brother/lead singer (Levi Dylan) in a fatal car accident while traveling to a gig.  A decade later, Gina meets a 10-year-old music prodigy named Oak, played by Tommy, a real-life prodigy whose music inspired the screenplay. Oak possesses the same qualities as Gina’s late brother, inspiring her to reunite the band with Oak as its new front man. The cast talks about the deep chemistry between the actors that evolved during shooting that was transformative and magical. The discussion includes views on reincarnation, music, high school experiences, and the business of acting. Andrea and Siri were thrilled to take candid SKYPE pics with some of the players and recommend the film to everyone. It’s a hopeful, healing, and touching movie for the entire family to enjoy…especially enchanting during this time of sheltering-at-home. Enjoy Tommy’s songs on this episode of Express Yourself!™

Blue Crush  www.mightyoakthemovie.com

Official Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ba40pACGBZ0

Listen to the cast interviewed on StarStyle: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124732/cast-of-paramount-film-mighty-oak-and-author-jo-giese

Bio: Tommy Ragen

Tommy Ragen is a 12-year-old musician, songwriter, producer, and actor. He has released three albums “9, Rocket, and Heart Emoji”. He played the lead role of “Oak” in the Paramount Pictures movie Mighty Oak. Mighty Oak features eight original songs co-written by Tommy and Caroline Corn. He was, also, a cast member on the First National Broadway Tour of The School Of Rock the Musical.

  www.mightyoakthemovie.com

Bio: Rodney Hicks

Rodney is a longtime New Yorker, originally from Philly who now resides in Colorado. He is an Award winning Black Gay

Male Artist. His play FLAME BROiLED had its World Premiere at Local Theater Company in Boulder, CO in the Fall of 2019.

The play was awarded the 2019 Eulipions Fund on behalf of The Denver Foundation. Previous versions of his plays MS.

PEARL’S CABARET and JUST PRESS SAVE were a 2019 and 2018 Semi-Finalist for the Eugene O’Neill Theater Conference.,

respectively. Rodney was last seen on Broadway as Bob & Others in Come From Away; Clarence Norris in The Scottsboro

Boys, Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar (2000 Revival) and the Original Cast of RENT. He currently has a supporting role in

the newly released Paramount Studios film ‘Mighty Oak’ at Drive in’s and movie theaters. Rodney is a peace and love

practitioner/meditator as well as a playwright and actor. www.rodneyhicks.net/ Follow on instagram: @rodneyhickshere Facebook: Rodney Hicks     

Bio: Gianna Harris

Gianna Harris is a 15 year-old singer, musician, actor and dancer. She plays the guitar, piano, bass and ukulele. Gianna discovered her love for performing in 2015 and as an amateur she performed at MSG during the Knicks half-time show and Apollo Theater. Gianna's professional career started in March of 2016 when she got her first big role in Andrew Lloyd Weber's School of Rock on Broadway. In 2017 she graduated from Broadway and joined the touring company of School of Rock. Her most recent role is Emma Biggs in Mighty Oak. When Gianna is not acting she is either writing and recording music, reading or riding her skateboard. Her favorite color is lavender and her favorite dessert is choc chip cookies. Gianna is a huge advocate and voice for Mental Health Awareness and LQBTQ+ Equality. Insta: @thegiannaharris

Bio: Ben Milliken

Born in Manchester, England, Ben was raised in Bilgola Beach located on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Ben, then moved to Los Angeles where we quickly began landing roles in multiple film and television projects, including Universal's "Blue Crush 2". Most recently, Ben landed a role in season 5 of Amazon's hit show “Bosch”.   www.mightyoakthemovie.com

Bio: Sean McNamara

Sean Patrick McNamara is an Irish-American writer, director and producer of the break out hit “Soul Surfer” (Tri-Star Pictures). “Spare Parts” from the Wired Magazine article “La Vida Robot” (Lionsgate), “The Moon and the Sun” (Paramount Pictures), “Raise Your Voice” (New Line Cinema), “Hoovey,” “Field Of Lost Shoes” and many more Feature Films and Television shows have been Helmed and produced by Sean. He is the director of Mighty Oak. www.mightyoakthemovie.com

Official Website: www.mightyoakthemovie.comParamount

Official Trailer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ba40pACGBZ0

Instagram Official Trailer: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAisIDODtla/

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: 

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/125587/cast-of-mighty-oak-the-movie

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Most decisions we make are in fact centered on our finances. Katelyn Darrow and Andrea Smith host a program focused on financial literacy. Katelkyn shares her experience with getting her first credit card and student loans. She advocates to talk to elders to learn more about financial resources. Whitman Ochiai is the producer of the Money Ed Podcast, a financial literacy podcast aimed at young people that strives to impart valuable financial management skills. Whitman explains to Andrea and Katelyn that strong financial literacy can drastically improve one’s success in life and it is important to gain these financial skills at a young age. As a teen, one’s financial priorities should be establishing a Roth IRA, getting a job, and saving as much money as possible so that they can best take advantage of the power of compounding interest. The hosts read the chapter, The Gift of Financial Literacy by Heather Brittany from the book, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens by Cynthia Brian. Learn as much as possible about investing in your future.  It’s never too early or too late to start saving. You’ll have the satisfaction of independence and develop a work ethic that will take you far in life.

Bio:

Whitman Ochiai is the creator of Money Ed, a podcast series for young people aimed at promoting financial literacy, that is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and SoundCloud. Whitman is a rising senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ), where he is the Editor-in-Chief for TJ’s Podcast Network and President of TJ’s Financial Literacy Club. Whitman resides in Northern Virginia with his parents and younger sister Sophie. In his free time, Whitman enjoys tutoring unrepresented middle school students via the program LIFT, singing Italian opera, and hiking. Whitman plans to pursue economics and computer science in college. Money Ed Podcast on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-711067274

Money Ed Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-ed-podcast-series/id1492016348

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/125425/financial-literacy-and-money-ed

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Katelyn Darrow and Andrea Smith address climate change, Coviid-19, and the ecology effects of what’s happening in our world. Katelyn shares that a positive result of Covid-19 has been that nature is beginning to heal itself. Firefighter, storyteller, and author Hersch Wilson talks about how to stay safe during these horrendous fires and other disasters in the USA. His book Firefighter Zen tackles the value of life. Life is short, grab it, and live for today. He advises rising above the calamities to find joy in daily living because everyone suffers. Learn to be brave, asking oneself “what is the bravest thing we can do?” Hersch encourages us to stop the negative self-talk about failing. His mantra is to help people through the confusion and suffering. It is in service to others that we find fulfillment and inner peace.

Andrea, a competitive swimmer and water baby, talks about how climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others. Saving our oceans must be a priority.

Both hosts advocate reducing our carbon footprint and nurturing Mother Nature.

For info on how to prepare for an emergency and put together a Go Bag, visit https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-operation-hurricane-disaste

Bio: Hersch Wilson and his wife, Laurie, became volunteer firefighters in 1986. In his “real job” he is a writer, speaker, and consultant. He has worked as an organizational consultant, pilot, outdoor adventure trainer, professional dancer, and author. He writes for Backdraft magazine and other publications. Hersch Wilson is also a storyteller committed to explaining how First Responding can change how we see and experience our own lives. In the past twenty-five years, Hersch has worked extensively with leadership teams from a variety of organizations including Kodak, IBM Japan, Altria, The United States Postal Service, the CIA, Kraft Foods and Baxter Healthcare to name a few. He has co-written three national business best sellers with Larry Wilson, including the award winning, “Playing to Win!: Choosing Growth Over Fear in Work and in Life.”

In his book Firefighter Zen: A Field Guide to Thriving in Tough Times. he shares hard-won lessons on coping with life’s inevitable difficulties with composure, courage, and compassion. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. More information at http://www.herschwilson.com

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/125312/the-power-of-ecology-and-firefighter-zen

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Survival can be highly dramatic, worthy of the front pages. It can also be ordinary, something we do daily almost without taking notice. Hosts Katelyn Darrow and Siri Phaneendra tackle the topic of survival and wilderness training. Katelyn shares her experiences as a solo female backpacker. She advocates the importance of preparedness whether hiking, camping, or backpacking to thrive survive in the wilderness. Siri and Katelyn interview author Carren Strock about her middle grade chapter book, Secret Survivors, a gripping story about children trapped and struggling to stay alive when a blizzard hits the mountains of Colorado. This powerful story, showcases kids using their ingenuity and working together to survive during a treacherous storm. Carren also discusses writing, turning setbacks into comebacks, and explains how she developed her other fascinating books. The hour ends with the hosts reading, The Gift of Survival, from Cynthia Brian’s awarding winning book, Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, about surviving the second-worst firestorm in United States history. Each time you remain positive in the face of adversity brings you one step closer to being the star you are.

“Wilderness is a necessity…there must be places for human beings to satisfy their souls.” John Muir

Bio:

Carren Strock believes that creativity has no boundaries and that it is only desire and determination that separate those who succeed from those who don't. She is equally at home with a paintbrush and canvas, a needle and thread, a hammer and nails, or a pen and paper, and is as eclectic in her writing as she is in her other interests. While best known for her definitive sociological study, Married Women Who Love Women, now in its third edition, she is also the author of an autobiographical how-to book A Writer’s Journey: What to Know Before, During, and After Writing a Book, an exciting mystery, In the Shadow of the Wonder Wheel, a paranormal romance, Tangled Ribbons, a rhyming picture book in which she has combined both her writing and her painting skills, Grandpa and Me and the Park in the City, a cook book, Potatoes With Appeal: 105 Mouth-Watering Recipes, and a middle grade chapter book, Secret Survivors. http://www.carrenstrock.com 

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/125176/wilderness-and-survival

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The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word “rise” more than 20 different ways, both as a verb and a noun. Hosts Andrea Smith and Siri Phaneendra interview 16-year-old singer-songwriter-musician, Isolde Fair with her poignant new song nominated for Hollywood Music in Media Award, “Rise.” A collaboration between Isolde and her multi-talented parents: her mother, the esteemed pianist and composer Starr Parodi, who co-wrote “Rise” with Isolde; and Jeff Eden Fair, Isolde’s father, who co-produced it with Starr. Andrea and Siri read The Gift of Community from Cynthia Brian’s award winning book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. To be served, we must first serve others. To belong, we must first accept.

In the segment, In the Spotlight, Andrea highlights the courage and activism of John Lewis rising to build community. Look at the communities of your life. Are you adding to the brotherhood and sisterhood of society? From Isolde’s chorus, “We rise until we’re standing. We rise until we’re strong. Our dreams are never ending. We rise until we’re standing.”

What have you done to speak up and speak out?

Bio: Isolde Fair

Isolde Fair first gained recognition at age 13 with her composition and recording “To All The Little Girls.” The lyrics focused on a portion of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 concession speech dedicated to young women: “Never doubt that you are valuable…” The song reached Clinton herself, who wrote online of her appreciation of the sentiments expressed by Isolde. Subsequently, Isolde was courted by numerous media outlets eager to know how such a young girl created such a profound piece of art.  “Rise” focuses on using one’s voice for positive change, and the power that each person possesses to allow our voices to be heard against injustice—the unstoppable drive to never give up. It’s a message for people of all ages, but especially speaks to youth. Isolde has performed as an artist, singing in front of a full orchestra at Lincoln Center in New York City, as well as soloing on violin with members of Cirque du Soleil and in other high-profile situations. With so much raw, innate talent, and a bottomless well of visions and inspirations to draw from, Isolde Fair can only continue to rise.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAEM2YlFMfA&feature=emb_title

Website: https://isoldefair.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/125043/power-of-community-rise

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The root of conflict and distress starts with failed leadership. Recent high school graduate and host Siri Phaneedra was awarded UC Berkeley’s Leadership Award and became an Alumni Scholar at the Cal Alumni Association. She talks about her leadership roles as a teen and then interviews Joan Ramirez, author of Let it Go, Let if Flow Leadership. Joan states that the most important virtue for a leader is humility. Learn from mistakes. Her book will give those in search of leadership positions an insight into people who’ve earned their stripes. It will also teach them the most important step in moving forward: Letting go of past mistakes–at any age. In the Spotlight reporter Andrea Smith offers an inspiring segment focused on our inner leadership powers to increase love and kindness in our world. The key to being an effective leader starts deep within yourself. There are no limits to being human when we express our best and truest versions of ourselves. Be a fearless and transformational leader.

BIO: Joan Ramirez

Joan Ramirez holds a Master of Science in Business, Medical, and Technical Journalism as well as two others in ESL and Education. She has published on a variety of topics from cochlear implants to the economy and has conducted workshops –domestic and foreign–on the nuances of business communications for managers and start-up companies. She is the leader of her own enterprise with training programs (twenty five years of expertise) for entrepreneurs–all levels and also published two other books–Jamie is Autistic: Learning in a Special Way (JLRegen Enterprises) and Go for It Leadership Handbook for All Students (Audible.com). Her autism book is based on her experience as a freelance Autism/ESL elementary school teacher. She also teaches ESL at the college level.

She can be reached at writerjr1044@gmail.com 

For more on Joan’s diverse background, please go to www.joansbookshelf.com

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124907/let-it-go-let-it-flow-leadership

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As part of our Disaster Relief Outreach program, Be the Star You Are!® and StarStyle ®Productions, LLC showcase authors, artists, actors, musicians, and other creatives who have had their performances canceled by Covid-19.

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On Super Smart Sundays, Express Yourself!® ventures to the music mecca of Liverpool, England as Siri Phaneendra interviews actor and rap artist, Royzy Rothschild. His two new singles, Falling featuring Ettie Jayne and House of Cards featuring Lotty are played during the broadcast and available on all the streaming platforms. Royzy writes inspirational lyrics that were born from personal life experiences.  He believes in helping people and shares his insights on what it takes to be a successful musician in a very difficult. He watches a motivational video before beginning each which is a lesson in discipline, passion, and purpose. A favorite memory is playing a concert where he forgot his lyrics, yet the entire audience remembered and sang to him. Also on the program, Siri discusses the various Indian musical modalities and reads The Gift of Music by Jack Pawlakos from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Tune in for great music and authentic advice from a musical artist who works hard and cares.

Bio:Royzy Rothschild

Royzy Rothschild is a rap artist hailing from Liverpool, England, the home of John Lennon and the Beatles. Royzy doesn't play the guitar.  Royzy raps over the beats with sheer lyricism. Royzy started rapping in 1998 at house parties with friends and over the years developed to be the artist he is today with 15 mix tapes and 3 released albums. Royzy's break out album An Only Child LP enjoyed national and international coverage with magazines and radio.  He was signed to Las Vegas record label Brawla with an EP deal. Royzy continued to make great music with a massive concept album called Celeb Name Drop album which gives back to the culture. Royzy has been on 9 UK Tours, he's supported artists like Wu Tang Clan, Devlin, Bugzy Malone, Ms Banks, Furiour 5, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Lunar C, Black The Ripper and more. Royzy has two new singles out Falling featuring Ellie Jayne and House of Cards featuring Lotty from Big Condo Records, available wherever everywhere. A fan favorite for authentic lyricism and truthful lyrics and technique, Royzy never disappoints. www.bigcondo.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RoyzyRothschild

YOUTUBE: https://twitter.com/RoyzyRothschild

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RoyzyRothschild/

YouTube: Tags @RoyzyRothschild @reallottymusic 

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124777/music-with-liverpool-rap-artist-royzy-rothschild

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The history of the world is a result of storytelling over the ages. Long before the written word, oral histories were passed down through the generations. His story. Her story. Arjin Claire and Andrea Smith host this episode as part of Super Smart Sundays. They interview poet/speaker Traci Neal who shares her journey from bullying at school to discovering her abilities to inspire and motivate youth through her poetry and speaking. They also read the chapter, The Gift of Storytelling by Cynthia Brian from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. In her segment, In the Spotlight, Andrea focuses on the positive aspects of this pandemic in the creativity it has evoked with writing, musical endeavors, and art. Both she and Arjin are discovering the time to be artists and storytellers. Every day offers opportunities to discover a new story. We are all the writers, producers, directors, and stars of our own lives. It’s time to launch your production.

Bio: Traci Neal discovers her gift of poetry at age 14, when her middle school teacher wants the class to write a poetry book. She shares her poetry now, at 31, as a way for others to see her heart and her faith. She loves speaking to youth through sharing her life experiences to motivate them. She encourages young people to stand up for what they believe in. Traci Neal is a servant and she chooses to commit her life to helping others. Traci Neal is ready to share her gift of poetry with you. Her gift is where her heart is. Traci Neal uses life experiences, positive techniques, and spiritual guidance to inspire youth to

an impactful journey. Book Traci Neal for all positive, religious, or spiritual events! Listen to her poetry at YouTube: 

www.youtube.com/channel/UCUZfz9W3bxYodkAa5-QWuoQ

https://www.tracinealspeakerpoet.com

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124659/storytelling-and-poetry

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Andrea Smith takes the helm of hosting Express Yourself! Teen Radio and begins by reading the chapter about Time from the book Be the Star You Are! For Teens. She then interviews author Deborah Dolan Hunt as part of our Super Smart Sundays program to give authors an opportunity to discuss their books during Covid-19. Deborah’s book, The Visitor from 4-D by Deborah Dolan-Hunt is a light-hearted science fiction novel geared for middle-graders that is based on the time travel experiments some people believe occurred at the former Montauk Air Force Station. Deborah also discusses her work as a nurse, professor, and the writing life since she is the author of several different books. Andrea finishes the show with her segment of In the Spotlight focusing on climate change. She recently was on a boat in the Channel Islands where a pod of 1000 dolphins were playing. World biodiversity is declining. It is estimated that one-third of corals, freshwater molluscs, sharks, and rays, one-fourth of all mammals, one-fifth of all reptiles, and one-sixth of all birds are heading towards extinction. This doesn’t just affect global ecosystems, but it also affects our food security. The future of our planet greatly depends on us. Once we destroy our planet, we won’t be able to time travel backwards.

Bio: Deborah Hunt

Deborah Hunt is a nursing professor and writer who lives in New York with her family and the incorrigible Chewy.  She loves painting, hiking, gardening, and cooking and often gets her story ideas while walking on the beach at Montauk.  She has completed several online classes on writing for children and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She has published 3 nursing books and several award-winning children’s books. Her most recent book “The Visitor from 4-D” received the Gold Award from Literary Titan and her picture book “Same Inside Different Outside” won First Place in the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and the Gold Award from Literary Titan. Deborah’s forthcoming books include “Dale Earnhardt: Destined to Race”, “No Dinosaurs Allowed”, “Booch the Pooch”, and “Hannah and the Hobgoblins”. http://drhuntsrndigest.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124551/time-travel-and-the-visitor-from-4-d

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As part of our Operation Disaster Relief Outreach Program, Express Yourself! continues to feature Super Smart Sundays celebrating new authors who have had their personal appearances canceled because of Covid-19.

Tech industry jobs are growing fast, offering great pay, career growth, and learning opportunities. Women of color, sadly, have not been able to fully participate in this boom. While there are barriers to overcome, Women of Color in Tech is an indispensable resource for building a rewarding future in tech. Packed with inspiring stories and practical advice, this book shows you how to uncover the resources you need to succeed.  Host Siri Phaneendra interviews author Susanne Tedrick about her practical guide that will help women develop the blend of knowledge and skills needed for getting into tech--and staying there. Siri discusses her start-up, drawmylove.com, a company that allows people to create physical, short-form books. The platform is user-friendly and as simplistic as choosing a template for your specific occasion, customizing a character, and adding personal content. After designing the book from cover to cover, your very own personalized book will be professionally printed, bounded, and shipped right to your doorstep. In segment three, a new reporter, Andrea Smith, joins the STAR Team with her segment, In the Spotlight. Today she discusses the big role social media plays on teen’s mental health in modern times. She contends that even though we are technically more connected than ever, we have never been further apart. Andrea advocates for using social media to make the world a happier place.

Bio: Susanne Tedrick is a technical specialist for a Fortune 50 technology firm. In her work, Susanne helps organizations understand the benefits of creating cloud-native software applications and modernizing their existing IT infrastructure through cloud computing and tackling the complexities that come with the process. Prior to her transition into the tech field, Susanne worked in administrative and operations roles with various companies within the financial services industry. Fiercely committed to community service and increasing participation of women and people of color in STEM educational and professional opportunities, she performs volunteer work for P-TECH and Black Girls Code.S usanne was the winner of CompTIA Association of Information Technology Professional’s 2018 Rising Star of the Year Award and a 2019 nominee for CompTIA Advancing Women in Technology Mentorship Guide Spotlight Award for her dedication in advancing the careers of future technologists. Susanne graduated with a degree in communication systems from Northwestern University and currently resides in New York City with her husband, Paul. webelongintech.com

Bio: Andrea Smith is the newest Express Yourself! Teen Radio Reporter.  Her segment is titled, In the Spotlight. Andrea is a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Southern CA. She loves swimming and participating in everything ocean related. She is also extremely passionate about Model United Nations and knows the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle! www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:

• https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124451/women-of-color-in-tech-and-social-media

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Have you thought about your future career? What line of work will be most fulfilling to you? And most importantly – how and what do you need to do to get there? The American public and the world has seen healthcare heroes in action, saving lives in the wake of COVID-19. There are many heroes amongst us, those who go above and beyond to make this world a better place for others. Besides expressing appreciation for the health heroes on the front lines, radio host Siri Phaneendra interviews pharmacists, authors, and educators Drs. Mary Choy and Michele Kaufman from New York City to discuss the power of reading, networking, and careers. Their love of teaching, writing, and helping others led them to publish their first book, a healthcare career guide for youth, aptly titled, “Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide.” The duo tells us what it’s like to work in the healthcare profession and offer insights for youth to set personal goals that will benefit them for their future and to empower our youth for success.

The Medical Careers Guide provides expert insights and strategies to help readers find their best career path in healthcare...it's like having a personal career panel of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, emergency medical technician, biomedical engineer, art/music therapists, and many more. They advise taking advantage for the free virtual camps online to get more information about a career in the medical professions.

Mary Choy Bio:

Mary Choy is a doctor of pharmacy, educator, and author who lives in New York City. For over 15 years, Dr. Choy has trained countless healthcare professionals and shared her personal strategies for success at different venues throughout the United States. She is the Director of Pharmacy Practice for the New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists. She has been recognized with some of the most prestigious national awards for achieving excellence and exemplary service in healthcare. She has authored numerous articles and her first book, Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide, features inspiring stories from 28 healthcare professionals and has been called “a young adult’s personal career fair.” She loves visiting schools and presenting to kids of all ages. Learn more about her at www.healthcareheroesbook.com; Twitter/Instagram @DrMaryChoy; www.facebook.com/healthcareheroesbook

Michele B. Kaufman Bio:

Michele B. Kaufman is a doctor of pharmacy and medical writer who lives in New York City. She is a Pharmacist at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital Lower Manhattan, where she evaluates ordered medications to ensure patients have the best outcomes. Dr. Kaufman has authored over 300 articles and was a contributing editor for P&T and Formulary Journal for many years. She is also a patent-holder for pineapple-flavored Colyte. She is the recipient of prestigious awards for her significant contribution to clinical pharmacy practice and the medical literature. She co-authored Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide, to demystify the diverse group of healthcare professionals who comprise the modern healthcare team. She plays the saxophone and has played at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Learn more about her at www.healthcareheroesbook.com; Twitter @PharmDGuru; www.facebook.com/healthcareheroesbook

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124329/health-heroes-with-dr-mary-choy-and-dr-michele-kaufman

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When you are resilient, you’ll laugh more, play more, and enjoy a higher quality of significance.  Host Siri Phaneendra brilliantly shares how she bounced backed from adversity to develop strength through love and support of family. She orchestrates a fascinating interview with author of Everything is Not Fine, Sarah Carlson who advises to give oneself time to grieve, space to mourn when times are shattering. A short preview of her novel: High school senior Rose is a pro at using art to ignore her mom’s heroin addiction . . . until Mom almost dies of an overdose, leaving her family in ruin. In the aftermath, Rose no longer has the strength to pick up a paintbrush. But then she discovers the power of admitting everything’s not fine. Siri believes that loving oneself and sharing your love with others helps us build up inner strength that cannot be disturbed by any external circumstances.

To be resilient means to bounce back quickly. Throughout life we will all encounter difficulties and circumstances requiring us to be flexible. The faster we can recover from our mishaps and turn negatives into positives, the quicker we’ll be able to move forward. It is not what happens to us that matters, it is how we react to the event.

“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again” Nelson Mandela

BIO: Sarah J. Carlson writes contemporary young adult books that delve into complex, real-world problems. Professionally, she is a school psychologist supporting the success of children with behavioral and mental health needs and helping to promote resilience in children who have been exposed to trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Sarah lives outside Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, two young children, and an energetic terrier. Her works include All the Walls of Belfast and Everything’s Not Fine.  sjcarlsonauthor.com

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124194/strength-and-resilience

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“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” Franklin Roosevelt

Rachel Glass hosts a show focusing on teen challenges. She begins by reading then resonating with the chapter, The Gift of Youth by Victoria Whitebread from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Rachel also reads the chapter she wrote for the same book titled, The Gift of Self-Love and provides an update on how she has grown and changed since writing the chapter. Her chapter’s purpose is a call to action for people to individually look inward and be thankful. People across the country are facing real issues like hunger, poverty, and racism, and it’s not as simple as just staying positive and being thankful. We must help and love others.

Author of For Teenagers Living with a Parent Who Abuses Alcohol/Drugs, Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer, is interviewed. Edith was inspired to write her book after she was approached by teens after they read her newspaper column, The Young World.  The book answers many questions including: What causes alcoholism? What can I as a teenager do to protect myself from abuse? Where can I get help? Should I stay at home? How can anyone expect me to concentrate in school? Why do I fight with my parents even when they are sober? Where can I go for help?

Edith wants everyone to remember:  You are not alone.  You can do so much with your life. You do NOT have to be a prisoner of your circumstances. Establish a healthy lifestyle. There is help.

Bio: Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer

Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer is an author/journalist/lecturer whose articles have been published both here and abroad including in The Sunday New York Times, Elle, Denver Post, Toronto Star, Neue Zuercher Zeitung (Switzerland), Berlin Tagesblatt (Germany). Her books have been published by Simon&Schuster,  Follett, Hazelden Educational Material, Association Press and others. She has been invited to talk on local TV talk shows in Michigan, Colorado, New York, and on national TV shows such as Good Morning America, and such radio shows as Health Line, Harvard School Of Public Health. She has lectured at various colleges and institutes including Chautauqua Institute, Touro College, Long Island University, Colorado Mountain College.  Her writings are collected by Simmons College Archive of Women Writers. She was a Selected Judge for Colorado Independent Publishers Association Book Awards 2012 and selected in 2017 as Winner-Matt-Kramer-Award-Excellence-Journalism. Edith lives in Colorado where she likes to hike, snowshoe, and teach at Colorado Mountain College. She travels frequently to New York, Boston and when possible abroad.  To write her books she sequesters herself in such writer colonies as Dorland Mountain Arts Colony and The Atlantic Center for The Arts. She loves to connect with her readers via her web sites and by talking at libraries and on radio and TV shows. www.answersforteens.com  www.thedrinkingwomanrevisited.com 

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124072/teen-challenges

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What does adventure mean to you? Veteran radio host and BTSYA volunteer, Rachel Glass spearheads this exciting program about experiences and adventures. As part of our Super Smart Sundays, Rachel interviews author C.R. Kahme about her Libbie Lyndton series. The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island has always been a retreat from the modern-day world.  For C.R.’s main character, Libbie Lyndton, the Grand Hotel is far more than that - it was both a paradise for a horse-loving girl and a mystery that begged to be solved. C.R. is a great storyteller and fills us in on the joys and beauty of Mackinac Island. They also discuss dyslexia and how anyone with any disability can still do what she/he loves. Rachel also reads Cynthia Brian’s chapter, the Gift of Adventure from the book Be the Star You Are! 99 gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference.  (www.StarStyleStore.net) To expand who you are, look for the adventure in all things. Life is an involuntary bungee jump. Open yourself to the experience, savoring every sensation and crying out with joy and exhilaration. Rachel shares tips about how to stay safe and have an adventure at home during Covid-19. Celebrate your aliveness and your health. Make every day an adventure.

Bio: C.R. Kahme

Being an author carries heavy responsibilities and ecstatic joys. A lifetime of careers all centered on my visual acuity and deficits in my ability to grasp the meaning of the written word, now known to be called Dyslexia.  Being a strong "Left-Brained' artist with a talent for finding color in every aspect of life, I found that words have become my color palette. Beginning my professional life as an interior designer, I began writing a "Dear Decorator" column for a New York newspaper and went on to become a reporter, and then a freelancer for Cape Cod Home magazine.  The love of horses and a lifetime of memories generated from joyful moments spent on Mackinac Island, Michigan where all transportation is horse "driven". created the raw material for the rich sharing of history and fantasy through the pages of the Libbie Lyndton Adventure series. Her current books include Libbie Lyndton and the Looking Glass

Libbie Lyndton and the Lost Room

Libbie Lyndton and the Midewiwin

And more books to come.

crkahmeauthor.com 

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123957/adventure-and-experiences

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The climate revolution is the global transition to a clean energy, low-carbon future, saying “yes” to life. What’s good for our planet is also good for human beings—especially the smallest and most vulnerable ones. Host Arjin Claire interviews author Mary DeMocker about climate change and discusses her book, The Parents Guide to Climate Revolution. Mary advocates for blocking a new fracking operation which helps the climate, and also protects our kids’ drinking water from hundreds of chemicals that fracking injects into groundwater. Cultivating awe in nature makes children more likely to protect it, but it also makes them happier people. Reducing materialism is good for the planet and family budgets and closet-space, but it’s also good for our souls. Planting trees captures carbon.  Arjin reads the chapter, The Gift of Nature by Cynthia Brian from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, which offers ways we can save our planet and our population. Listen to the scientists. We don’t have much time.

BIO: Mary De Mocker

Mary DeMocker’s book, The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution: 100 Ways to Build a Fossil-Free Future, Raise Empowered Kids, and Still Get a Good Night’s Sleep (foreword by Bill McKibben) is a 2019 Oregon Book Award finalist and has been recommended on NPR and in The New York Times. DeMocker is co-founder and former creative director of 350 Eugene, with whom she designed and co-led youth-centered climate protests featured on PBS NewsHour, ArtCOP21, and in an Avaaz video shown to world leaders at Paris climate talks. She has written for The Sun, Spirituality & Health, EcoWatch, Sierra, The Oregonian, and Common Dreams. For book reviews, interviews, articles, or photos of the author’s block-long art installation protesting Oregon’s proposed gas pipeline, please visit www.MaryDeMocker.com.

Listen at voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123824/climate-revolution

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“The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.” -unknown

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Host Siri Phaneendra interviews Nadalie Bardo, Founder of It's All You Boo, a personal development blog, that helps you plan your goals and become a more positive, productive person. The duo discusses how to create colorful, imaginative vision boards to help you manifest your destiny and how to visualize your reality. Productivity is doing something in a timely manner. Contrary to popular belief, humans were not meant to multi-task but single-task. During Covid-19, set personal goals that will benefit you in the future. Read a book, journal, paint, cook, garden, clean, learn a language. Do things that will help you feel empowered. Focus on what is going to create growth and gives you a positive thought for the future. Siri shares her thoughts about the future and reads, The Gift of the Present, by Cynthia Brian from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World (www.StarStyleStore.net), to remind us to plan for the future, but LIVE for today!

“"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. (or woman) Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.  Today is a gift. That’s why we call it “the present.” Alice Morse Earle

Bio: Nadalie Bardo is here to help you slay your goals, so you can pursue your boss life with confidence + action. As the Founder of It's All You Boo, a personal development blog, she curates the very best content to keep you motivated and inspired to slay your goals in life and business. Nadalie is the creator of the Slay Your Goals Planner, the only planner dedicated to helping you actually achieve your goals. Take her FREE Goals Quiz here and discover what area of your life you should focus on. 

It’s All You Boo: https://itsallyouboo.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsallyouboo/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadaliebardo 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nadaliebardo/ 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itsallyouboo/ 

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123695/plan-your-future-with-blogger-nadalie-bardowell

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From veteran journalist, Yasin Kakande, expelled from two Middle East countries because of his daunting investigative reporting, comes the real story of why Africans flee their beloved homelands for unfamiliar and uncertain surroundings with his book, Why We Are Coming. Host Siri Phaneendra talks with Yasin about his amazing journey to combat corporate greed, exploitation, political greed, and the plight of migrants worldwide. Economic, social, and political conditions in his own country of Uganda made living there impossible. Yasin provides glimpse of the migrant crisis and asks us to acknowledge that migrants need to be allowed to live and work legally in a country to be productive citizens. Siri also offers a method to meditation and shares her family’s exodus from India and their struggle to become US citizens. Why We Are Coming is a book that sheds a light on a very vulnerable population. Immigrants have always added value to the economy and culture of a country. America was built by immigrants.

BIO: Yasin Kakande is an International journalist, migrant activist TED Fellow and author of a new book on the historical and contemporary reasons for African immigration, Why We Are Coming. As a migrant from Uganda, first in the Middle East and now in the U.S., Kakande strives to fill in a migrant’s voice in the ongoing global debate over refugees and migrants. His previous two books The Ambitious Struggle (2013) and Slave States (2015) chronicled the abuses and exploitation of migrants, who work in the Middle East. He works as a freelance international journalist, including assignments for Thomson Reuters and Al Jazeera, and is a frequent contributor to many digital publications and websites. https://yasinkakande.com/

Read his article in the Boston Globe on Immigrant Caregivers on the frontlines to fight Covid 19. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/01/opinion/immigrant-caregivers-front-lines-protecting-seniors-contracting-coronavirus/

Read about Yasin in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/opinion/coronavirus-essential-workers-immigrants.html?referringSource=articleShare

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123577/immigration-why-we-are-coming-with-yasin-kakande

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Host Siri Phaneendra was born into a very strict vegetarian family.  With that mindset instilled from a young age, she found solace in gardening and nature. In a raised bed, she planted tomatoes, chilis, zucchini, broccoli, and more. She talks about the nutritional value of eating a rainbow of vegetables and fruits. She interviews Lucia Rivera, an intern with The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on vegetarianism and veganism and the interrelated issues of health, nutrition, ecology, ethics, and world hunger. Lucia talks about being a vegetarian Latina, the challenges for teens, and instructs us on the differences between being vegan, pescatarian, and vegetarian. Many people choose to be vegetarian to protest the abuse of animals, others choose this lifestyle for health reasons, or because they can’t afford meat or fish.  Reporter Katelyn Darrow wraps up the show by focusing on being a vegetarian to save the environment. She states that she prefers to say that her food choices are mostly plant based. Living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is a deeply personal choice. Whatever the reason, people are choosing to exclude meat from their diet.

-VRG Bio: Lucia Rivera is a teenager from Southern California. She has been vegetarian for 9 years and is a long distance intern for the Vegetarian Resource Group. Lucia is part of several student organizations at her school and spends time volunteering in her community.

The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on vegetarianism and veganism and the interrelated issues of health, nutrition, ecology, ethics, and world hunger. In addition to publishing the Vegetarian Journal, VRG produces and sells cookbooks, other books, pamphlets, and article reprints. Our health professionals, activists, and educators work with businesses and individuals to bring about healthy changes in your school, workplace, and community. Registered dietitians and physicians aid in the development of nutrition-related publications and answer member or media questions about the vegetarian and vegan diet. Since 1982, VRG has made it easier to be vegetarian and vegan by working with individuals, consumer groups, food companies, health professionals, government agencies, academic institutions, food services, professional organizations, and other relevant constituencies.
 

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  Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123457/vegetarian-lifestyle

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The healthier we are the more we can enjoy our elder years and the more we can pass down the wisdom that each one of us has gained over our lifetimes. How can an integrative approach to medicine help us age gracefully? Hosts Siri Phaneendra and Brigitte Jia join Dr. Bonnie McLean O.M.D., A.P., M.A., B.S.N, an award winning Doctor of Oriental Medicine and author of Integrative Medicine: The Return of the Soul to Healthcare, to find out how we can stay healthy through this Covid-19 crisis and beyond. Brigitte is studying to be a physician and shares her thoughts on the medical field. Siri talks about how virtual reality is playing a growing role in the healthcare industry. Virtual reality is a technology that creates a stimulated, artificial environment as it helps to diagnose diseases and treat illnesses.

A salute to all healthcare workers as heroes for their selflessness and dedication. Thank you.

“Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity.”  Hippocrates

Bio: A graduate of Duke University School of Nursing in 1967, Dr. McLean practiced nursing for 20 years.  She received her MA in Counseling from Pepperdine University in 1976 and her Doctorate in Oriental Medicine in California in 1986.  She has been in the healthcare field for over 50 years.  She was awarded Top Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture in 2019 and Top Holistic Healer of the Decade 2020 by the International Association of Top Professionals, Wall Street, N.Y. Author of Integrative Medicine:  The Return of the Soul to Healthcare. Bonnie conducts her acupuncture practice with a holistic approach (body, mind, and spirit.)  Using acupuncture as her primary tool, she also incorporates hypnosis, guided imagery, energy medicine (Reiki, Pranic Healing, essential oils, flower essences, and homeopathy), energy psychology (EFT), and shamanic healing. Her specialties include stress-related disorders (anxiety, depression, insomnia, trauma ), pain issues, women's health, immunity, rejuvenation, and longevity.

http://www.spiritgatemedicine.com and Integrativemedicine:thereturnofthesoultohealthcare.com

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123325/integrative-medicine-with-dr-bonnie-mclean

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"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction."  John Crosby

Host Arjin Claire reads Karen Kitchel’s chapter on mentorship from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World which asks us what we can offer someone who needs guidance. Be the Star You Are!® 501c3 has invited Authors Guild members with new books to be interviewed on our programs with Arjin interviewing Angie Rooker for her novel, Enchanted Sacred Garden: Dragon, a powerful story about being true to ourselves, self-acceptance, and illustrating how the choices we make impact the magic we wield. Angie discusses the power of art and writing to mentor others and discourage bullying behaviors. Katelyn Darrow chronicles her personal experiences indicating that mentors are incredibly important as they can help set you down a life path. She relates how mentors have assisted her with every aspect of her life including her career in journalism. Katelyn is giving back by being a mentor to others.

We all have talents to share. Be a Mentor!

Bio: Angie Rooker is an author, poet, and mixed media artist who lives in Kansas with her husband, daughter, and two fur babies. Having worked in the field of youth advocacy for over thirteen years prior to becoming a published author, Angie dedicates her energy toward encouraging others to build their connection to their voice, personal strengths, and potential to make a positive difference in the world.

Angie loves sharing her magical imagination with her family and continuously enjoys playing in and exploring the world of creativity.

Connect more with her magic at www.adreamercreations.com, https://www.instagram.com/adreamercreations/, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AdreamRcreations

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123217/mentorship-and-enchanted-sacred-garden-dragon

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After watching a series of brain-related TED Talks for her neuroscience class, host Brigitte Jia extracted fascinating facts about the brain and this new, exciting field of study. She shares her own experiences with neuroscience research and discusses the surprising science of happiness. Dallas Woodburn guests with her debut novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, a love story set in Hawaii, with a dash of mystery and magic, about living each day to the fullest. Kirkus Reviews raved, "… captivating and moving. A dazzling, emotional story of love, loss, and living in the moment.” Dallas talks about writing as a form of self-car, a way to connect with oneself in a nurturing way in our chaotic lives. For those who want to write, she encourages writing for 30 minutes every day. And during this covid-19 lock-down, her respite is to go in nature because even if you can’t be with humans, you will be with living entities. Siri Phaneendra rounds out the hour with the best herbs and spices for increased brain health. Get your turmeric on! What’s the best week you’ve ever experienced?

BIO: Dallas Woodburn is an author, writing coach, and "book doula" who is passionate about spreading the joys of reading and writing. Her debut YA novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, is being published by Month 9 Books this month. She has also written extensively for newspapers and magazines, hosts the popular book-lovers podcast “Overflowing Bookshelves” and leads the organization Write On! Books. Dallas lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Allyn and their one-year-old daughter Maya. She developed a Book Club Kit that is available for free on her website, www.dallaswoodburnauthor.com for anyone who is interested in reading the book with a group! www.dallaswoodburnauthor.com

www.yourbookbreakthrough.com

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123086/the-brain-and-the-best-week-that-never-happened

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Brigitte Jia hosts a meditative hour that includes research on the neuroscience behind staying connected during the lockdown of the corona virus. Forced isolation studies conducted on animal species that have definitive social orders have returned results that evidence a hugely negative impact on subjects’ brains, cognition and physiological conditions that is replicable in human cohorts. Brigitte discusses long distance planning using Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc.  If you’re looking for activities to engage in with long-distance friends and family during the quarantine period, you can try some of the following:

• Watching movies together via Netflix Party

• Hosting weekly remote “book clubs” as you both read from the same novel

• Holding weekly art sessions via Zoom

• Cooking or baking together in a video call

• Group Zoom study sessions for high school and college students

• “Ordering” dinner together - getting the same items from restaurants with similar offerings - and eating over video call

• If you’re a musician, playing duets and ensemble pieces over video

Excerpts from Richard Wagamese's Embers, a collection of calming prose meditations, is read to help ease stress during these trying times.  Connect, communicate, celebrate.

Stay calm. Stay home. Stay safe.

“Life isn’t something you leave home to do. It’s what you accomplish within the walls of your haven. That’s what allows you to greet the world with an open heart and reach out and embrace living in all its richness, variety and staggering wonder.” - Richard Wagamese, Embers

BIO: Brigitte Jia is a second-year undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University, majoring in neuroscience on the pre-medical track. Under the guidance of Dr. Sheila Collins at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she is investigating the interaction between the mTORC1 complex and the protein kinase-activated pathway mediated by cardiac natriuretic peptide-binding and cyclic GMP in skeletal muscle. Brigitte is also interested in the link between the rate of nonshivering thermogenesis and circadian rhythms of the peripheral adipose tissue clock system. She continues to learn more about science and medicine as she pursues her Bachelor's degree! She has been a dedicated volunteer with Be the Star You Are!® since her freshman year of high school. www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/122978/quarantine-communication-and-contemplation-with-brigitte-jia

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“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.” Brian Tracy

• Times of chaos and uncertainty bring out the best and worst in people. We believe in effective altruism and our hosts, Joven Hundal and Siri Phaneendra explain how scattering kindness and being altruistic is bringing people together during this Covid-19 pandemic. To bring a bit of light-heartedness and fun to the show, they interview author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong about her newest book, Pop Star Goddesses, a compendium of 35 incredible female popstars, whose energies, virtues, and vices make them our role models, whether we’re getting ready to walk onstage or into a meeting. With her energetic flair, Jennifer highlights Beyonce, Pink, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez and more and matches them to revered mythic goddesses. Pop Star Goddesses explores the significance of 35 of music’s biggest goddesses and examines what they have represented through their lives and careers, as well as what they have meant to critics and fans. The human spirit is resilient. Tune in to bounce back and be a goddess.

• Bio: Jennifer Keishin Armstrong grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, where she spent most of her time putting on shows in her parents’ garage, studying TV Guide, devouring Sweet Valley High books, lip-synching to Debbie Gibson, and memorizing every note of every George Michael song. This finally came in handy when she got a job at Entertainment Weekly, where she worked for a decade. She now writes for several publications, including Billboard, New York, Refinery29, and Dame. She is the author of Sex and the City and Us: How Four Single Women Changed the Way We Think, Live, and Love, the New York Times bestseller Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything, and Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted: And All the Brilliant Minds Who Made The Mary Tyler Moore Show a Classic. jenniferkarmstrong.com, @jmkarmstrong on Twitter and Insta

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• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/122817/altruism-and-pop-star-goddesses

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How do you connect with your friends, family, and colleagues during this time when we are sheltering at home? Veteran reporter and host, Rachel Glass, shares tips on the importance of staying in touch through text, phone, chat, video, and writing letters with hosts Arjin Claire and Siri Phaneendra. Author, speaker, podcaster, blogger, and branding expert, Priya Florence Shah, joins the conversation from India to discuss happiness, women’s empowerment, climate change, journalism, and careers. Priya addresses fear and how to overcome it while imparting wisdom that people of all ages can utilize today. Arjin wraps up the hour with an installment of Innovation Nation discussing the role of non-profits and charities providing services to any population or people that might not have access to those services otherwise…the ultimate outreach.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

-Winston Churchill

BIO Priya Florence Shah is the award-winning publisher of Naaree.com, an author, podcaster, and one of the top Digital Marketing Experts in India, helping clients go from Unknown to Well-Known through her Online Branding Agency at BlogBrandz.com. Her vision is to inspire and empower Indian women to become financially and emotionally independent. Priya is the author of Devi2Diva, an emotional self-care book for women.

She won the REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra Silver Award - the global civilian honours given by the international confederation of NGO (iCONGO) in partnership with the United Nations to people across the globe for relentless courage.

She publishes blogs, podcasts, creates online courses, and offers coaching and consulting to help her audience overcome their limitations, reclaim their power, achieve the freedom they deserve and live their best lives. https://www.naaree.com, https://www.priyashah.com, BlogBrandz.com

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Listen at Voice America, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/122676/outreach-with-guest-priya-florence-shah

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“With any new medium, the full power is only unearthed with experimentation.” Entrepreneur/computer scientist Sebastian Thrun

Siri and Kenneth lead an informative and lively episode focusing on being an entrepreneur, experimenting, and start-ups. Siri shares her start-up of a digital build-a-book platform where a person designs a personalized, customized book for a special someone for a special occasion, Draw My Love. www.DrawMyLove.com .

The teens interview Trevor Blake about his newest book, Secrets to a Successful Startup: A Recession-Proof Guide to Starting, Surviving, and Thriving in Your Own Venture. Trevor Blake built five successful startups and sold them for more than $300 million. He’s written a complete instruction manual that covers everything the budding entrepreneur or existing business owner needs to know to build the career or business of their dreams. Start with a winning idea. The idea has to be that no one has thought of it before. Technology has changed so much in the last twenty years that it can be overwhelming to contemplate starting an adventure. We have access to so much information that it is important to stand out from the crowd. 82% of businesses fail because of lack of cash flow. Founders of ventures who start with the WHY,, win the HEARTS of the people. The ability to make optimal decisions is the key attribute in the beginning. His book is a step-by-step guide for getting from an idea to a surviving company…and then onward to a multi-million-dollar success and financial independence.

Kenneth piggy backs on the information that Trevor spoke about. He talks about balance and putting more focus on your work. He was fascinated to learn that social media is not so helpful because there is so much noise out there. Plus, with social media, the individual is competing against giants with deep pockets. It’s difficult to get your voice heard. Both Siri and Kenneth like the idea of a fluid environment allows for more personal time. There is no failure, only lessons to be learned. Keep on going.

Bio: Trevor G. Blake is the author Secrets to a Successful Startup and Three Simple Steps. He founded and served as CEO of three different medical technology companies, which went on to sell for nine-figure sums. He’s written a complete instruction manual that covers everything the budding entrepreneur or existing business owner needs to know to build the career or business of their dreams. Unlike the many theoretical guides out there, this is a practical handbook based on Blake’s wildly successful in-the-trenches experience. It incorporates leading-edge strategies that cover every aspect of running a business — including funding, developing systems, and marketing. Blake presents in-depth insight into managing effectively, maintaining cash flow, and adapting to the changing needs of customers in volatile economic times. His proven methods will give you the confidence to take the entrepreneurial leap and turn your winning idea into an efficient, profitable company.

He lives near Seattle, Washington. www.trevorgblake.com

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Listen at Voice America, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/122490/encore-experimentation-and-start-ups

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“-No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

~Eleanor Roosevelt

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The mega best-selling author and role model to millions, Dr. Bernie Siegel joins radio hosts Katelyn Darrow and Siri Phaneendra to discuss feeling proud of accomplishments and being the best “you” possible. Katelyn shares her struggle with “imposter syndrome” despite numerous awards and accolades offering tips on how to re-wire our thinking. Siri encourages us to walk in the woods, exercise, journal, and meditate to overcome self-doubt and become more centered. Dr. Bernie Siegel offers stories from his years as a medical professional as well as personal tales of trials and tribulations. Two new books will be published soon, No Endings, No Beginnings about mystery of life and a novel, Three Men, Six Lives focusing on past lives. Tune in to see why you’ll want Bernie to be your CD: Chosen Dad. Be proud of yourself. You are enough. You are a STAR!

Bio: Dr. Siegel, who prefers to be called Bernie, retired from practice as an assistant clinical professor of surgery at Yale of general and pediatric surgery in 1989 to speak to patients and their caregivers. In 1978 he originated Exceptional Cancer Patients, a specific form of individual and group therapy utilizing patients’ drawings, dreams, images and feelings.  In 1986 his first book, Love. Medicine & Miracles was published. This event redirected his life. In 1989 Peace, Love & Healing and in 1993 How to Live Between Office Visits followed with his fourth book in 1998 Prescriptions for Living. He wants to help people fix their lives before they are broken, and thus not have to become strong at the broken places. He has penned other books since and maintains his home, a cross between a family art gallery, museum, zoo and automobile repair shop, where he and his wife and co-author, Bobbi, raised five children. www.BernieSiegelMD.com.

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/122410/dr-bernie-siegel-and-pride

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“With any new medium, the full power is only unearthed with experimentation.” Entrepreneur/computer scientist Sebastian Thrun

Siri and Kenneth lead an informative and lively episode focusing on being an entrepreneur, experimenting, and start-ups. Siri shares her start-up of a digital build-a-book platform where a person designs a personalized, customized book for a special someone for a special occasion, Draw My Love. www.DrawMyLove.com .

The teens interview Trevor Blake about his newest book, Secrets to a Successful Startup: A Recession-Proof Guide to Starting, Surviving, and Thriving in Your Own Venture. Trevor Blake built five successful startups and sold them for more than $300 million. He’s written a complete instruction manual that covers everything the budding entrepreneur or existing business owner needs to know to build the career or business of their dreams. Start with a winning idea. The idea has to be that no one has thought of it before. Technology has changed so much in the last twenty years that it can be overwhelming to contemplate starting an adventure. We have access to so much information that it is important to stand out from the crowd. 82% of businesses fail because of lack of cash flow. Founders of ventures who start with the WHY,, win the HEARTS of the people. The ability to make optimal decisions is the key attribute in the beginning. His book is a step-by-step guide for getting from an idea to a surviving company…and then onward to a multi-million-dollar success and financial independence.

Kenneth piggy backs on the information that Trevor spoke about. He talks about balance and putting more focus on your work. He was fascinated to learn that social media is not so helpful because there is so much noise out there. Plus, with social media, the individual is competing against giants with deep pockets. It’s difficult to get your voice heard. Both Siri and Kenneth like the idea of a fluid environment allows for more personal time. There is no failure, only lessons to be learned. Keep on going.

Bio: Trevor G. Blake is the author Secrets to a Successful Startup and Three Simple Steps. He founded and served as CEO of three different medical technology companies, which went on to sell for nine-figure sums. He’s written a complete instruction manual that covers everything the budding entrepreneur or existing business owner needs to know to build the career or business of their dreams. Unlike the many theoretical guides out there, this is a practical handbook based on Blake’s wildly successful in-the-trenches experience. It incorporates leading-edge strategies that cover every aspect of running a business — including funding, developing systems, and marketing. Blake presents in-depth insight into managing effectively, maintaining cash flow, and adapting to the changing needs of customers in volatile economic times. His proven methods will give you the confidence to take the entrepreneurial leap and turn your winning idea into an efficient, profitable company.

He lives near Seattle, Washington. www.trevorgblake.com

Listen at Voice America, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/122214/experimentation-and-start-ups

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The word science derives from the Latin word scientia, meaning "knowledge”.  Host Kenneth Jeon opens this installment about science with an article written by Be the Star You Are!® volunteer and radio personality, Brigitte Jia where she describes neuroscience with the joint roles of depth and breadth in understanding how the brain creates the individual.  He then interviews former attorney and current author of Earth Speaks Up, Mary McNerney, about to earth’s vibrations and energies that enable us each to re-awaken our skill and ability to listen to Earth and work together with her in a fundamental new way. We learn how each one of us can engage with Earth and work collaboratively to benefit not only our planet but ourselves. During the segment of 20/20 Vision, Kenneth discusses his perspective on science with the changes in science fiction since the “Golden Age” of Sci-Fi of the 1950s and 60s.

“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” Isaac Asimov

Bio: Mary McNerney earned her law degree from Georgetown University, had a fellowship with the UN Commission on International Trade Law, and then worked for many years as a corporate and international lawyer in Boston and Prague. It was not her plan to write this book. She never imagined that the Spirit of the Earth would one day unmistakably, clearly, and shockingly speak to her. Mary says that the experience has put her on an entirely different trajectory than she ever envisioned as a corporate lawyer. She shares “In a wild and wonderful way I instead became a messenger on behalf of our planet Earth.”  Mary now lives in Massachusetts together with her husband and horses. She enjoys riding her horse through the woods and fields and being more deeply with the many dimensions of nature. www.marymcnerney.com

Listen at Voice America, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/122073/science-and-the-earth

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“A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings.” Hippocrates

Brigitte Jia recounts her teenage angst with body image and eating as she found a way to be healthy. She interviews author of The Clutter Remedy, Marla Stone, and asks her about ways we can organize our life to be happier, healthier, and clutter-free. There are many valid approaches to getting rid of stuff and creating neat and tidy spaces. But like many diets, most of these approaches fail long-term. That’s because lots of us like our stuff. Marla makes it clear that we should always keep the items we use and love and not worry about becoming a minimalist. She advocates organizing and de-cluttering that reflects and suits the individual, and not some “expert’s” ideal. In Innovation Nation segment, Arjin Claire challenges us to think about how innovation relates to healthy eating and healthy living. It is not just the food that has changed, but the concepts behind the food.

“He who has health has hope. He who has hope has everything.” Arabian proverb

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Listen at the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/121907/heathy-eating-healthy-living

BIO: Marla Stone, MSW, is the owner of I-Deal-Lifestyle Inc., which provides decluttering, design, corporate training, and lifestyle coaching services. She is a former social worker and psychotherapist turned professional organizer who helps people live an ideal lifestyle by getting to the root of their mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental challenges. She lives in Orange County, California. www.i-deal-lifestyle.com

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While some people think of angels as being sweet, loving, heavenly beings who sit around singing and playing the harp, author of  The Angel Experiment, Corin Grillo (http://www.CorinGrillo.com) assures listeners that angels are powerful allies who are always available to help them manifest the health, wealth, and life of their dreams. Hosts Katelyn Darrow and Siri Phaneendra talk to Corin about how to communicate with angels, and how to have angels help with our everyday lives. Katelyn shares the chapter she wrote, The Gift of Kindness, from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, (https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books)

and provided insight into the charity she founded when she was just eleven, Angels Community Outreach (https://angelsoutreach.org/). Siri reported on archangels and guardian angels and told a true story of a human angel coming into her life. Whether you believe or not in these heavenly beings doesn’t matter. Invite the divine to help you in your life daily. Seize the opportunity to receive loving support, deep healing, and expedited manifestations of pure goodness.

Bio:

Corin Grillo is the author of The Angel Experiment and founder of the Angel Alchemy Academy. A trained psychotherapist, angel channel, healer, and teacher, Corin has helped thousands of people all over the world go from angel-curious to angel-powered. She lives in Northern California. Visit her online at http://www.CorinGrillo.com. Listen to her interview on StarStyle® Radio: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/119291/the-angel-experiment-mind-training-noise-pollution

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/121738/angels-amongst-us

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“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” -Mother Theresa

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment. 

Host Katelyn Darrow shares how to get clarity and peace of mind to ride oneself of anxiety, stress, and to help with connecting with others. An in-depth interview with Tom Voss and his sister, Rebecca Nguyen, authors of the book, Where War Ends, provides insight into moral injury and how mindfulness and meditation can alleviate the pain. Tom served as an infantry scout in the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment’s scout-sniper platoon. While deployed in Mosul, Iraq, he participated in hundreds of combat and humanitarian missions. Through a newfound interest in meditation, he gained understanding that eases the pain of the past and offers real hope for healing in the present. Simple breathing exercises gave Tom what medication, therapy, alcohol, and drugs couldn’t: the chance to heal a soul he didn’t even think he had anymore. He pursued meditation training and discovered sacred breathing techniques that shattered his understanding of war and himself — and moved him from despair to hope. Voss’s story will give inspiration to veterans, their friends and family, and survivors of all kinds.

He now teaches meditation to help veterans everywhere.

BIOS:

TOM VOSS served as an infantry scout in the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment’s scout-sniper platoon. While deployed in Iraq, he participated in hundreds of combat and humanitarian missions. Voss’s journey across America was captured on film by Emmy®-nominated documentary filmmaker Michael Collins. The film, which has enjoyed theatrical releases in New York and Los Angeles and been screened at dozens of film festivals nationwide, is called Almost Sunrise. In November 2017 Almost Sunrise was broadcast nationally as part of the P.O.V. documentary series on PBS, resulting in an Emmy nomination. Voss is the co-author with his sister, Rebecca Anne Nguyen of Where War Ends. He lives in Ventura, California. More information at www.themeditatingvet.com

REBECCA ANNE NGUYEN, Voss’s co-author of Where War Ends, and sister, is an author, travel writer, award-winning screenwriter, and digital content strategist. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. https://www.rebeccaannenguyen.com/  

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/121624/meditation-and-mindfulness

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Hosts Katelyn Darrow and Kenneth Jeon discuss productivity and hindsight and how to get a clear vision in 2020. Katelyn shares her top tips to increase productivity which include starting with the most challenging tasks firsts, making lists, unplug, and taking breaks. The hosts interview author of Letters to Freedom, Dr. Patti Ashley who ascertains the best way to know what we want is to use a little hindsight to determine what it is that we don’t want. Patti talks about her familial relationships, how journaling helped her to write her book through her sorrow, healing shame, expressing grief, authenticity architecture, and creating vision boards for the future. Kenneth’s Hindsight 2020 takes us to the movies with the newfound recognition and status of foreign films, including Korean film Parasite that is sweeping the awards seasons.

BIO: Dr. Patti Ashley International workshop presenter, author, speaker, psychotherapist and Authenticity Architect brings unique insight into the identification and treatment of trauma, shame, grief and dysfunctional family patterns. Her signature model of Authenticity Architecture creates long-term changes in the brain and central nervous system, breaking through barriers to personal freedom and authentic growth, and excavating the truth of self-love, belonging and connection.

Her thirty-five-plus years of experience includes developing and teaching continuing education courses for physicians, hospital wellness programs, universities and other private organizations; and counseling individuals, couples, families and groups in mental health agencies, psychiatric hospitals, and private practice settings.

Patti holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in psychology from the Union Institute and University.  She is the author of Living in the Shadow of the Too-Good Mother Archetype (2014) and Letters to Freedom (2019) and the upcoming Shame-Informed Therapy: The Art and Architecture of Reconstructing the Authentic Self (scheduled for release Fall, 2019.)

Dr. Ashley offers in-person and on-line counseling, educational seminars, and international retreats. For more information, or to contact Dr. Ashley please visit www.pattiashley.com.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/121441/productivity-and-hindsight

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“Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.” ― Paulo Coelho

Teens have more distractions and responsibilities than ever before. Overwhelm has become a word that is foremost in every teen’s vocabulary. Katelyn Darrow hosts a critical program that will help all listeners to overcome feelings of overwhelm. Reporter Brigitte Jia launches this episode with personal stories and common obstacles of daily life. Finding support is essential. Resilience doesn’t mean putting on a strong front. Depression and mental illness don’t discriminate. Even in the most picture-perfect life, confusion and turmoil are often lurking beneath the surface. For a teenager in a world where anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses are commonplace, life can sometimes feel impossible. Katelyn interviews author of Beneath the Surface, Kristi Hugstad, who  provides information, encouragement, and tactical guidance Whether or not you or someone you love is suffering from any of these issues, it’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs of mental illness and know where to turn for help. Katelyn closes the show with prompts for her favorite stress relief method, journaling.

Kristi Hugstad is the author of Beneath the Surface: A Teen’s Guide to Reaching Out when You or Your Friend Is in Crisis. Ever since her husband completed suicide in 2012, after years of struggling with clinical depression, by running in front of a train, she has dedicated her life to helping to abolish the stigma of mental illness and suicide. A certified grief recovery specialist and a grief and loss facilitator for recovering addicts at South Coast Behavioral Health, Kristi frequently speaks at high schools. She is also the host of The Grief Girl podcast and lives in Orange County, California. Visit her online at https://www.thegriefgirl.com

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/121295/overcoming-overwhelm

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“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” ― Winston S. Churchill

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Hosts Kenneth Jeon and Brigitte Jia interview Olympic Bronze Medalist, Kim Vandenburg focusing on the theme of success. Kim says that one has to fail to succeed and explains what she learned from her failures. Having fun is critical to success and she makes sure the students she teaches are happy, enjoying the process, and empowered. Giving 100% effort and learning from mistakes is the meaning of success for Kim. With swimming, she has made life-long friends from around the world. A chapter is read from Be the Star You Are!® for Teens by Dr. Bernie Siegel where he encourages readers to do what will make you happy and success will follow. Arjin Claire offers a segment of Innovation Nation where he explains why wars have helped nations overcome obstacles to survive including the telegraph, longer-range weapons, ironclad warships, naval mines, the Gatling gun, the first ambulance, the Space Age, Velcro, and vaccines. Innovations lead to success in a multitude of different ways, and more are constantly on the horizon. Failure is the best teacher to success.

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“Happiness is success. A successful life is your choice.” Cynthia Brian

Bio: A California native, Olympic bronze medalist Kim Vandenberg specializes in both the butterfly and freestyle. Kim swam for Campolindo High School in Moraga, Orinda Aquatics, and UCLA Bruins. She is a two-time gold medalist from the 2011 Pan American games in the 200 butterfly and the 4x200 freestyle relay, a silver medalist from the 2007 world championships in the 200 fly and a three-time national champion in the 200 fly. Vandenberg saw the benefits of training abroad and viewing the world’s different training methods.[6]Vandenberg has also taken time to inspire and teach aspiring swimmers from around the world. Since competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she has traveled the world giving motivational talks and teaching swim clinics and private lessons to international schools throughout the United States, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America. She continues to swim for the New York Athletic Club and is based in Brooklyn, New York.  https://www.kimswimstudios.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/121111/success-with-olympian-kim-vandenburg

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Affirmation is a fundamental need of all humans. Brigitte Jia launches 2020 with an episode centered on affirmation. Affirmation is a doorway to the heart and the soul. Brigitte reads the chapter, the Gift of Affirmation, from Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. (https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store) She then talks about when to affirm and when to offer emotional support in another form to others and offers stories from her own life about her struggles with self-esteem and being kind to herself. It is especially important to affirm those you love with a voice of truth, including yourself. The secret is to notice what is positive about others and then tell them about it. Become a cheerleader and cheer them on. 

It’s important to let people know that you appreciate them and care about them. Cherish them and praise them often. And praise yourself…you are worth it! Be your authentic self, always.

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/120964/the-power-of-affirmation

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Henna Hundal reads The Gift of Mentoring by BTSYA volunteer Karen Kitchel from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. De La Salle High School junior varsity water polo coach and Founder of Green Air, an energy solutions company, Nicholas Donzelli, converses with Henna about his philosophy about the importance of mentoring. Henna interviews her personal mentor, Founder of Be the Star You Are!® and producer of Express Yourself!®, Cynthia Brian, to find out why mentors are necessary to success and how to establish a beneficial mutual relationship. Cynthia finds out more about Henna’s radio show where Henna is currently interviewing 2020 Presidential candidates. (www.thehennahundalshow.com) Both guests agree that to achieve your dreams and goals, it is essential to have a mentor to guide and ground you, holding you accountable, focused, and on the right path. Mentorship empowers us to accept the struggles.

Listen at the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118595/mentoring-with-henna-hundal-nick-donzelli-and-cynthia-brian

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“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.”

Erma Bombeck

Those who do not volunteer believe that those who do are driven by warm-hearted intentions and pure purposes. However, people volunteer for hundreds of different reasons. Host Brigitte Jia reads The Gift of Volunteering by Katie Choo from the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World,and offers her insights on personal volunteering experiences. She then engages in a riveting conversation with journalist Christina Adams about her book, Camel Crazy, and the effects of camel’s milk on autism. Adam’s excellent book makes the case for camel milk’s medicinal value and for treating camels with the respect, compassion, and even reverence that they deserve from humans. In the final segment, Arjin Claire talks about how innovation and volunteering work well together. Social media can be used as an outlet for volunteering in so many different ways—to document the progress that you’ve already made as well as the progress you are making. 

Bio:

Christina Adams, award-winning author of the memoir A Real Boy, is a journalist and speaks on autism, writing, culture, and camels. Her work has been featured by National Public Radio, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Gulf News, Dubai One, OZY, WebMD, Tata SKY TV, Global Advances in Health and Medicine, and more. She lives in Orange County, California. www.christinaadamsauthor.com. Christina Adams was also interview by Cynthia Brian on StarStyle: Listen https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118836/camel-crazy-skin-savvy-aging-in-place

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/119520/volunteering-autism-camel-crazy

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“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw

Being earnest and being playful are not antonyms. To be successful, we need both traits. Host Kenneth Jeon interviews a former Express Yourself! Reporter, Isaiah Rankin, who is now the hip-hop musician known as Zaya. Zaya blends new school modern rap with his own San Francisco Bay Area local taste, delivering a sound that aims to immerse the audience through his lyrics. Drawing comparisons to West coast artist Lil Mosey from his hyper upbeat melody, Zaya even some echoes of Juice Wrld. Zaya is dedicated to his craft and strives to make the best music possible. Although he is in the infancy of his career, he advises others to follow their passion, work hard, and be dedicated so that life can be a play day. Kenneth reads Cynthia Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Play, from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World,  then discusses the evolution of entertainment with livestreaming which originally gained popularity with gaming but grew into numerous lifestyle channels and programs including art, politics, cooking, and more. No matter how old you are, incorporate play as an integral part of your daily life, both at home and at work, and you’ll find yourself happier, healthier, and a beacon of positivity.

Take a break. It’s recess time.

BIO: Born in 2000, Isaiah Rankin always had a desire for making melodies that he and his friends could sing and dance to. It started as making beats and freestyling in high school and even writing raps for his girlfriend. The recording name for Isaiah is “Zaya” given to him at a young age by his family members. Isaiah is influenced by artists like Drake, Juice Wrld, and local Bay Area rappers such as SOB. Music wasn't always in his plans. After playing multiple years of high school football, Isaiah went on to play at Washington St. University. He chose to pursue music and found it to be his true calling. In the early stage of his career creating official music, he hopes to touch people with his own personal story. Instagram: 9ninezaya

SoundCloud Profile: Zaya

SoundCloud Profile link: https://soundcloud.com/user-409028589

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/119379/play-and-music

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• For most of us, the holidays are a time to eat, drink and be merry with good friends and family. Holistic veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., joins host Kenneth Jeon to offer pet lovers tips to refresh your pet IQ and offers some helpful hints so the Yuletide traditions are as merry for you as they are for your pets. Dr. Carol wrote the book, Naturally Healthy Dogs and Naturally Healthy Cats. Dr. Carol has the information on everything from homemade treats to making sure your pet is comfortable in inclement weather. (Info visit  http://ChagrinFallsPetClinic.com)Kenneth reads Cynthia Brian’s chapter on The Gift of Nature from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. (Shop books at https://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store) Kenneth also discusses environmentalism in political landscape and his dog shares a bark to wish everyone a happy holiday.

Bio:

Dr. Carol Osborne is a world-renowned integrative veterinarian, author and entrepreneur. A pioneer in anti-aging medicine and longevity research for pets, she created and patented PAAWS: Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System for dogs and cats. Dr. Carol holds both the dog and cat scientific patents. She authored international best sellers, Naturally Healthy Dogs and Naturally Healthy Cats. Currently, Dr. Osborne offers traditional veterinary care integrated with natural holistic therapies, diets and remedies for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center & Pet Clinic located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Dr. Carol is also a popular media personality and has been a frequent guest on FOX & Friends, The Today Show, Good Day L.A., and Discovery’s Animal Planet. She’s also been featured in USA Today, The L.A. Times, Ladies Home Journal, Woman’s World, InStyle, and the New York Daily News.

For more about Dr. Carol, visit her online at http://ChagrinFallsPetClinic.com

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/119162/nature-and-holidays-with-your-pet

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Brigitte Jia, musician and show host, brings an hour of music appreciation and learning to Express Yourself!™  From the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, Brigitte reads The Gift of Music by Jack Pawlakos followed by interviews with four guests. Kia Portekas is the music teacher who introduces her young students, Ethan Dohrmann, Easha Ashraf, and Helena Häber. Kia’s book, Making Music with Your Child is designed for music and elementary teachers, parents, and children, and highlights simple, effective activities to build musical skills and awareness, while providing ways to encourage freedom, self-expression, and individuality. The teaching method helps cultivate in the whole child, unique forms of expression and communication. promotes the processes of thinking, creating, and reinforces self-esteem and the joy of learning. You’ll hear musical arrangements performed by each individual during the break. Whether it is just one person, or thousands, the gift of music has the ability to bring people together and make their lives better as a whole. Music truly is a gift to be shared. A gift, that keeps on giving.

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” 

― Victor hugo

• BIO.- Kia Portafekas

Kia Portafekas, musician, composer, teacher, and author inspired children from Shanghai to Lincoln Center to create and play their own compositions. Graduate of Queens College (Aaron Copland School of Music), Mannes Conservatory, and New York's famous Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. Kia takes music instruction to a creative level, combining color, sound, movement, improvisation, and imagination to heighten children's self-expression and encourage individuality. She teaches children, leads experiential group workshops, trains teachers and parents in dynamic ways of integrating music and creativity into their lives. Kia wrote Making Music With Your Child, published by MMB Music, Inc. and funded in part by a grant from National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. https://www.musickia.com/

• BIO: Ethan Dohrmann

Ethan Dohrmann is 13 years old and has been playing piano for 6 years.  He started in first grade with Kia in an afterschool music program and has developed a gift for composing his own pieces.   Has a passion for classic composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach.  He has a fondness for Jazz, Contemporary and classics pop and rock.  Ethan performs songs at local retirement centers in the North County San Diego area during his summer breaks.  Ethan’s other performance pieces include songs by Queen, Elton John, and Frank Sinatra. Ethan attends Double Peek School. Piano has become an outlet for Ethan which allows him to find his happiness and peace when he plays the piano or composing.  Ethan hopes to develop his gift further by learning how to produce and record his own songs. 

• BIO: Easha Ashraf

Easha Ashraf, age 14-year-old, attends High Tech High Mesa in San Diego. She has an immense passion for music. She has been singing since she was 8 years old.  She has been the lead singer for the past 3 years for Music Pillars Rock Band. She performed the national anthem at the Poway Parade in 2016 and the Cinco de Mayo Trail Run since 2017. She listens to all kinds of genres, but her favorite playlist includes Twenty-One Pilots, Panic! At the Disco, blink182, and her favorite musical composer is Lin- Manuel Miranda. Easha is fluent in English, Spanish, and Urdu. She is also interested in science and literature, and her favorite Marvel characters are Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel. She recently started composing her own music and hopes to inspire young people like her to follow their dreams.

• BIO: Helena Häber

Helena Häber (@helenafromphx) is a 19-year-old musician,

filmmaker, and tea enthusiast from Phoenix, Arizona. She is a

recent graduate from Arizona School for the Arts, where she

played flute and piano. Helena is now studying Filmmaking at

Columbia College Chicago. You will frequently find her dancing to

Diane Coffee and making eggs for breakfast. She is perpetually

seeking joy. helenafromphx.strikingly.com, https://song.link/album/s/4isPJzEHYlrFLTGWILQqHy

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/119047/express-yourself-112919

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“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.” Lucille Ball

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Kenneth Jeon and Brigitte Jia welcome the ebullient Dr. Tom Worthen, editor of the empowering book. I Am Me: Teen Artists and Writers Speak Out on Being Yourself . Award winning art is paired with poem, both created by teens, to help shake off negative influences and realize it is okay to be themselves. Each piece of art is skillfully matched with writing to reflect the attitude of a generation of teens who want to fit in, yet, feel inadequate due to societal pressures. The book is an optimistic look at the struggles that youth face and a creative way to express what they are feeling. The Gift of Optimism by Cynthia Brian from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World is read and discussed  as Kenneth and Brigitte share their views on how being more optimistic has impacted their lives. You don’t have to achieve “perfection” tp be “perfect!”

Bio: Tom Worthen has a Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication and has been the editor at Creative Communication since 1993. Aside from the yearly anthologies published by Creative Communication and Celebrating Art, Tom was also editor of Broken Hearts Healing: Young Poets Speak Out on Divorce. Broken Hearts Healing received national recognition from Voices of Youth Advocacy (VOYA) and was a Book Sense pick by the independent bookstores of America. It has been used by hundreds of school counselors to help youth cope with the feelings created by experiencing a divorce. Tom, known as “Dr. Tom” to his students, teaches at Utah State University where his Speech and Debate teams have won several national championships. He lives with his wife and family in Smithfield, UT. Website: https://www.i-am-me-teen.com/

Social Media:  https://www.facebook.com/IAmMeTeen/   https://twitter.com/IAmMeTeen   https://www.instagram.com/IAmMeTeen/

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118745/optimism-with-i-am-me

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"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction."  John Crosby

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Henna Hundal returns to Express Yourself!® to host this important episode focused on mentoring. She reads The Gift of Mentoring by BTSYA volunteer Karen Kitchel from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Henna interviews her personal mentor, Founder of Be the Star You Are!® and producer of Express Yourself!®, Cynthia Brian, to find out why mentors are necessary to success and how to establish a beneficial mutual relationship. Cynthia finds out more about Henna’s radio show where Henna is currently interviewing 2020 Presidential candidates. (www.thehennahundalshow.com) De La Salle high school junior varsity water polo coach and Founder of Green Air, an energy solutions company, Nicholas Donzelli, converses with Henna about his philosophy about the importance of mentoring. Both guests agree that to achieve your dreams and goals, it is essential to have a mentor to guide and ground you, holding you accountable, focused, and on the right path.  Mentorship empowers us to accept the struggles that are inherent to achieving greatness.  There’s no progress without struggle.   

Guests: Nicholas Donzelli

Nick Donzelli graduated from the United States Naval Academy as a systems engineer with a minor in nuclear engineering. He is an entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of an energy solutions company in Northern California called Green Air. It is time to Go Green! As head coach of the De La Salle junior varsity water polo team, Nick strives to mentor and empower his players with integrity, truth, confidence, and a can-do attitude. Nick is happily married and the father of four children who inspire him daily to make a difference on the planet. In fact, Nick’s son Isaiah who is now 19, was the youngest reporter ever on Express Yourself at age 12 with a segment called Nature Calls. Be the Star You Are! 501 c3 charity is grateful to Nick for being a supporter of outreach programs. Nicks definition of Proverbs 12:15 is:  “A man who counsels with himself, counsels with a fool.” Don’t be a fool and think you can achieve your goals and dreams on your own; seek guidance, be willing to sacrifice, and never quit working towards your dreams! Find a mentor! www.gogreenair.com

Guest: Cynthia Brian

Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best selling author of several books, TV/Radio personality/producer, lecturer, and enrichment coach specializing in acting, media, writing, speaking, and life success. Cynthia is the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 empowering women, families, and youth through increased literacy and improved positive media messages. (www.BTSYA.org) Since 1998, she has produced and hosted the radio broadcast, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® heard LIVE Wednesdays from 4-5pm PT on the Voice America Network. (www.voiceamerica.com/show/2206/be-the-star-you-are) She is the creator and producer of Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio broadcasting Sundays at 3pm PT. (www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself) She is honored to have mentored thousands of teens and adults, including her own two children. In her spare time, Cynthia can be found working in her garden or playing with her barnyard of adopted animals. www.CynthiaBrian.com

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118595/mentoring-with-henna-hundal-nick-donzelli-and-cynthia-brian

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“Let not the seasons, nor the sun nor the stars nor the moon, or planets make a timetable for your life.” Frank A. Carlyle

Life expectancy has changed dramatically since the time of the Roman Empire when the average lifespan was twenty-two to twenty-five years.  In 1900, the world average was 30. Fast-forward a hundred years where the average man is expected to live to 75 and woman to 80.  Siri reads Cynthia Brian’s chapter from Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Brigitte and Siri introduce author of Earth Frequency Melissa Alvarez who explores unique locations that are overflowing with the positivity of the planet's energy. In her book you will discover visualizations and exercises designed to increase intuition and the dynamic power of a place. The hosts end this episode with personal expectations for longevity. 

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that counts. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

BIO: 

Melissa Alvarez is a bestselling, award-winning author who has written ten books and nearly five hundred articles on self-help, spirituality and wellness. As a professional intuitive coach, energy worker, spiritual advisor, medium, and animal communicator with over twenty-five years of experience, Melissa has helped thousands of people bring clarity, joy, and balance into their lives. Melissa teaches others how to connect with their own intuitive nature and how to work with frequency for spiritual growth. Melissa is the author of 365 Ways to Raise Your Frequency, Your Psychic Self, and Animal Frequency. Melissa's books have been translated into Romanian, Russian, Chinese, French, and Czech. She lives in South Florida with her family, dogs, and horses. 

 http://www.MelissaA.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissaalvarezauthor

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118378/longevity-and-earth-frequency

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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”Dr. Seuss

An historic event transpired for this broadcast when our guest, Kyle C. A. came into the studio for this interview with host Siri Phaneendra. Siri began the show by reading The Gift of Literacy by Kimberly Morgan from the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World available at www.StarStyleStore.net. Studies show that children who are read to during the first few years of their life have a larger vocabulary, score high on standard tests and have advanced mathematical skills. We listen to alternative pop artist, Kyle C. A.’s single, “Save Yourself”, a soulful, choral, alternative feeling composition relating to the tragedy of 9/11, an event that happened before Kyle was born. Siri asks Kyle questions about his rise in the music world. In Innovation Nation, Arjin Claire sheds light on literacy while taking us back to 1440, the Dark Ages, when few people could read or write then catapults us into the techno age of today where global literacy hovers at 86% of the population. Read, lead, succeed! To be a leader, you must be a reader! 

BIO: An alternative pop musician who advanced from his YouTube vlogs and comedy skits, Kyle CA gains more attention with every heart-tugging ballad released. Born in Lehi, Utah, and currently settled in Mesa Arizona, he teaches himself piano and music  production, through his time spent watching YouTube tutorials and practice through musical covers. With little to no formal musical training he manages to throw down contemporary masterpieces and steal the mood of every listener. He recently participated in a competition hosted by Radio.com to be the opening act for the Hollywood Bowl in California. He was 2nd place in his semi-finals group and now Is in the running for a chance to be the opening act for Alice Cooper in December. 

https://www.YouTube.com/kyleca

https://www.instagram.com/kyleausti.n/?hl=en

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: 

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118226/literacy-and-pop-artist-kyle-ca

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Asya, Siri, and Brigitte co-host a somber show that provides preventive awareness and critical information about human trafficking and suicide. Asya provides listeners with an in depth look at the horrors of modern day slavery. Human trafficking is a global crime worth about $150 billion dollars per year that is happening in our own communities.  Because human trafficking is not talked about as often as all the other atrocious events on the news, many people don’t understand what it is along with the physical, psychological and social impacts on the trafficked individual. Brigitte and Siri interview LeAnn Hull discussing LeAnn’s journey to create Andy Hull’s Sunshine Foundation after the suicide of her son with the goal of sparing others of the pain and anguish of suicide. Her book is How to Live when You want to Die. LeAnn advocates active listening to those around us as they may be crying our for help. Impacting many children, teens and adults, the Foundation talks about coping skills, triggers, and tools to use during difficult times, all with a “You Matter” approach. This interview is an informative, heart-felt conversation that will save lives. Tune in.

Bio: LeAnn Hull

LeAnn Hull was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and has been married for 39 years, raising four children. Never at a loss for words, the opportunity for her to run for Congress provided a platform to voice her desires for a greater business community and better fiscal responsibility in our country. After many campaign speeches and debates, it became evident that speaking was one of

LeAnn’s gifts and passions. Having the ability to make a difference in people’s lives through inspiration and motivation was extremely satisfying.

Andy Hull’s Sunshine Foundation was created in 2013 to raise awareness of suicide prevention while providing coping skills to deal with life’s challenges. Within months of her son Andy’s transition, LeAnn Hull established Andy Hull’s Sunshine Foundation,

inspired by her son’s nickname. The Foundation has sparked a worldwide movement with their yellow “YOU MATTER” wristbands. To date, over 200,000 wristbands have been distributed, at no cost. With suicide rates rising, the wristbands

are a tangible reminder of the foundation’s important message. https://andyssunshine.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118096/human-trafficking-and-suicide-prevention

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“Because without our language, we have lost ourselves. Who are we without our words?” ― Melina Marchetta, Finnikin of the Rock

Katelyn Darrow and Brigitte Jia spend time discussing the topic of language with Katelyn’s recent experience living in Japan. She was able to learn the basic phrases while struggling with pronunciation, grammar, sentence structure, because Japanese is vastly different from English! Despite her lack of verbal and written communication, Katelyn was struck by the ability to communicate in other ways and the eagerness that Japanese people had when corresponding with her. Brigitte reads The Gift of Language by Vann Ackerman in the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World whereby Vann attempts to learn Russian so she can read Tolstoy’s War and Peace in its original language! As a neuroscience major, Brigitte gives us a glimpse into our brains and language from a neuroscience point of view. Language is a higher order function that requires multiple associations across various neocortical regions. The human brain is the size of an average primate’s, however, language is unique to human beings, perhaps due to the way certain synaptic connections are structured in our brains. Speak up, speak out, express yourself!

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/117795/language-and-culture

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 https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/117646/kindness-poetry-and-host-reunion

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“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” Dali Lama XIV

With two of our former longtime hosts, Henna Hundal and Katelyn Darrow back on this program to discuss kindness with Kenneth Jeon, a fun family reunion atmosphere permeates. Henna has recently graduated from Harvard, Katelyn is beginning her senior year at UCLA, and Kenneth is in the process of writing college applications in his final high school year.  Katelyn reads her very moving chapter, The Gift of Kindness from the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World and gives us a glimpse of her time working empowering teen girls in Japan this past summer. Kenneth and Henna then interview twenty-one year old poet, Katherine A. Martinez, who wants to awaken others to their own inner power to accomplish their dreams through her book of poetry, The Awakening of the Subtle Flower. She stated, “the ability to be transparent allows us to bloom.” Katherine reads one of her intimate poems from her book. Kindness is about the small moments of listening, stopping, caring, and being in the moment.

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“The best portion of a good man’s life is the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness.”  William Wordsworth

Bio on Katherine A. Martinez:

Born in El Salvador yet raised in California, her family moved to the United States when she was about 2-years-old. Now at 21, Katherine A. Martinez, is bringing her light and passion to people’s lives through her personal book, poetry and be being her authentic self. She began performing live poetry to audiences in 2017. Her brand, A Flower Bloomed, is a metaphor for seeing her life as a flower. This idea gave her life a new meaning and shifted her perspective to welcoming all obstacles as great lessons. From this realization, she began writing her first book, The Awakening of the Subtle Flower. She believes if the world will do what they love, it will bring more love, peace and understanding to the world. She wants to change human beings into realizing their full potential by awakening their own inner power. From Katherine’s book and merchandise, she hopes to instill her brand’s message as a cry for self-love for people to be authentic, raw, open, and vulnerable to ultimately believe in their worth and potential. As she has stated, “the ability to be transparent allows us to bloom.” She hopes to continue to inspire people with her light to help make others light shine brighter. Katherine will soon be releasing her podcast series around her idea of “A Flower Bloomed” titled, Fuel + Bloom, where she will be partaking in raw, authentic conversations to fuel your mind so you may bloom for the rest of your life. 

• Website: www.katherineamartinez.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aflowerbloomed/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherineamartinez/Krds:

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/117646/kindness-poetry-and-host-reunion

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“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” Joseph Campbell

Are you joyful? Were you bullied as a child? It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. Kenneth interviews ebullient and empowering world-renowned Vincent Genna, a  triple powered psychic, medium, and spiritual teacher to learn how he guides people not only to recognize what is preventing them from healing or attaining their dreams, but the necessary steps to get there. Vincent combines his early background as a professional actor and singer, a Masters in Clinical Social Work and his Hospice experience helping more than 500 patients through the dying process, with his uncanny skills as a metaphysician to enlighten and assist. Kenneth also reads the chapter, The Gift of Joyfulness, by Cynthia Brian from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World and shares his personal experiences. Arjin Claire joins the conversation with Innovation Nation focusing on video games. Who would have thought that video games are no longer a simple pastime played only by teenagers but rather one of the largest e-sports in the world with purses in the millions. New technologies emerge and innovators continue to push the envelope and find creative ways to utilize it to help those that can benefit from it. And as a result… innovation is bringing joy.

Spread the joy!

BIO: Vincent Genna

Vincent Genna, MSW is known as the “tell-it-like-it-is” and “truly authentic” Spiritual Teacher and Psychic Therapist. He combines his extraordinary psychic abilities, academic credentials, and genuine all-loving approach to provide healing for body, mind and spirit. As a Psychic Therapist, Vincent uses his more than 36 years of training, research, and experience in the Metaphysical, Psychology, and Spiritual fields to dive deep into your psyche to release blockages, resistances, and self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors so you can fulfill the life of your dreams. Thousands of followers around the world have been inspired by Vincent’s warm and genuine keynote presentations on self-love and self-mastery for notable international organizations, as well as his numerous interviews on major radio and television networks. Currently, Vincent can be heard hosting his own weekly radio show called Stop Stopping Yourself! on the renowned Unity Online Radio.  

Website: www.VincentGenna.com           

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/VincentGennaMSW/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vgbelieve   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/vinnygenna

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/117496/joyfulness-and-psychic-healer-vincent-genna

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Writer Douglas Adams wrote “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity”. Although first responders would never say they are heroes, for those of us who experience their bravery and selflessness, we know they are filled with integrity. It’s little surprise that soldiers, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, emergency room nurses, and other first responders suffer immeasurably as a result of what they see and experience. Our hosts Kenneth and Siri interview Captain Dan Willis with his book of BULLETPROOF SPIRIT: The First Responder's Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Hear, the first book to offer assistance and support from a nondenominational spiritual perspective to first responders and their family and friends with a chapter on PTSD . “Trends without Ends” reporter, Jack Pawlakos talks about current trends affecting and influencing integrity. He repeats the clever quote “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” Finally Kenneth and Siri read Cynthia Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Integrity, from the book,  Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Walk your talk and respect first responders. Your life depends on them.

Bio:

Dan Willis served as a police captain, homicide detective, wellness unit coordinator, and SWAT commander. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and the FBI National Academy. He currently instructs nationwide on trauma, PTSD, and the process of healing. Captain Dan Willis is author of BULLETPROOF SPIRIT: The First Responder's Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart - Revised Edition. He lives in San Diego, CA, and his website is www.FirstResponderWellness.com.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/117352/integrity-and-bulletproof

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It’s not often that you meet a pop star potential who is genuine, authentic, and looks at life with a positive viewpoint. Enter Canadian musical artist, Valdii with his international radio debut of two new songs, “Toxic” and “Comfortable”, both based on personal experiences. Host Kenneth Jeon finds out how Valdii got started and how his music has evolved. When he was asked about what he would have done differently in hindsight, Valdii responded, “Nothing. I have no regrets. Everyone has a destiny to live.” Nicely uttered!

Kenneth reads Courtney Cheng’s chapter, The Gift of Hindsight, from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, and also Brigitte Jia’s newspaper article about the 20th anniversary of Be the Star You Are!® happening on September 9th. Jack Pawlakos closes out the hour with his closing segment “Trends without Ends” talking about what is going on now and what we can look forward to in the future of music! Music sales have surpassed $19 billion with paid subscriptions to platforms such as Spotify or Apple music in 2019. Global music is more accessible than ever before, as well as the ability to connect with local artists. It’s an exciting time to listen to music!

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Be the Star You Are!®  Donate to help our outreach programs, including Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio: https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: 

https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

“Hindsight is always 20/20.” Billy Wilder

Bio: Valdii

One of Canada’s most promising pop prospects, Valdii has made a name for himself as a skillful songwriter capable of turning out radio-ready chart hits. After studying music in his native city of Toronto, Valdii was swiftly spotted by Warner Music, who signed him up to a major-label deal. His debut release with his pop band called Eleven Past One, ‘The World is Ours’, became a gold-certified smash hit that announced the arrival of a major talent on the global music scene. Since then, he’s gone from strength to strength, working with high-profile producers while honing his skills as a live performer. Despite its dark subject matter, Valdii’s ‘Toxic’ remains a bouncy and uplifting anthem that deals with real-life issues through a pop-focused context. Listen to the international radio debuts of “Toxic” and his newest single, “Comfortable“ on Express Yourself!™.  

https://www.valdii.com/

https://www.instagram.com/valdiiofficial/

https://twitter.com/valdiiofficial

https://www.facebook.com/ValdiiOfficial/

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/117219/pop-singer-valdii-20th-anniversary-of-btsya-and-hindsight

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“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”-Buddha

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It may be possible to be happy without robust health, but why not enrich your body, mind, and spirit? Hosts Kenneth Jeon and Siri Phaneendra interview crystal junkie and author, Jolie DeMarco about her book High Vibe Crystal Healing. Jolie shares 11 crystals that bring optimum wellness. She explains how to harmonize our energy fields for whatever we need on a particular day. Kenneth’s 20/20 segment highlights the effects that various TV shows and movies have on our well-being. The hosts read The Gift of Health by Cynthia Brian from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. The take aways: watch your diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink water, exercise regularly, sleep and rest, reduce stress, shun fast foods, wear sunscreen, laugh a lot, and love more And buy a few special crystals to enhance your frequencies and project positive, loving energy.

You will only have one body in this lifetime. No replacements, no refunds. Rock it!

BIO: Jolie DeMarco is a spiritual lifestyle expert- in all things Metaphysical. She’s an inspirational speaker, author, professional grounded intuitive and renowned Crystal Healer. Some call her a “Crystal Junkie.” She is an extraordinarily gifted Clairvoyant channel, Medium, Reiki Master, and Master Meditation teacher.  Jolie also owns two crystal shops in Florida where you can buy healing stones and gems. Her book is High Vibe Crystal Healing:  Crystal Frequencies and Body Layouts that will Rock Your World! http://crystaljunkie.com/

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/117096/health-and-crystal-healing

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“Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.” Albert Camus

In the former USSR, personal freedom was not evident. As Americans, we often take our numerous freedoms for granted. Host Brigitte Jia reads The Gift of Freedom by Cynthia Brian from the book, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. She expands on what freedom means to her as a college student. After reading Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking in college,guest, Dr. Dravon James became a lifelong student of the power we all have to create the life we want and author of the book, Freedom is Your Birthright. She talks about personal freedom and inner peace, as defined as: Wholeness. Completeness. Nothing missing. Nothing broken. Totality. In World Watch, Joven explores the role of parenting in allowing children the freedom to explore passions and experiences while being aware of the outcomes. Believe you are free, and your chains will be broken.

“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” Toni Morrison, Beloved

BIO: Dr. Dravon James is an inspirational speaker, radio host, and author of Freedom is Your Birthright. She is the founder of Everyday Peace, a platform for her to help and inspire others to build the life of their dreams. Using her successful pharmacist skills, she brings light into other’s lives by sharing her Everyday Peace message. She also hosts her own weekly radio show “Everyday Peace” on Unity Radio. Besides authoring the book, Dravon is the happy mother of two teenagers, a wife of 23 years, and an actress whose career credits include a recurring role on HBO’s acclaimed “The Wire”, many stage plays, and independent films. She continues to inspire and teach what she knows to be the most effective tool for transforming, creating and building a spectacular life—tapping into Everyday Peace. http://www.drdravonjames.com/

Instagram- @everydaypeace

https://www.facebook.com/everydaypeacewithdrdravonjames/

Twitter- @drdravonjames

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/116967/freedom-and-peace

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“By grace I live. By grace I am released. By grace I give. By grace I will release.”

A Course in Miracles

Hosts Siri and Kenneth read and discuss The Gift of Grace from Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Interviewed author, Priest, and empath .Raven Digitalis enriches our understanding of empathy with his new captivating guide, The Everyday Empath. Raven talks about what it means to experience high levels of empathy in daily life. He shares stories from his teen years, travels to India as well as information about working with Tarot cards. He believes in using our healing gifts with friends and family and serving others while maintaining a strong personal balance. Arjin joins the conversation with an enlightening glimpse on how grace and empathy are utilized by big companies like Ford, Amazon, and Disney for innovation. Empathizing with the end-users allows a company to comprehend what people really want and need, instead of what they think consumers want or need. 

“The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances” - Aristotle

Raven Digitalis (Missoula, MT) is the author of The Everyday Empath, Esoteric Empathy, Shadow Magick Compendium, Planetary Spells & Rituals and Goth Craft (Llewellyn Worldwide). He is the co-founder of a nonprofit multicultural temple called Opus Aima Obscuræ (OAO), which primarily observes NeoPagan and Hindu traditions. Raven has been an earth-based practitioner since 1999, a Priest since 2003, a Freemason since 2012, and an empath all of his life. He holds a degree in cultural anthropology from the University of Montana and is also a professional Tarot reader, DJ, card-carrying magician, small-scale farmer and animal rights advocate. www.ravendigitalis.com, www.opusaimaobscurae.org

www.facebook.com/ravendigitalis

www.facebook.com/opusaimaobscurae

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/116849/grace-and-empathy

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Do you know what “Giver’s Glow” is? It is the feeling of happiness that you experience after performing an act of generosity. This program will give you that glow when you hear the discussion between Billboards’ top dance club artist Inaya Day and host Kenneth Jeon. Her song One World debuts and she even sings a few bars from various hits. As a musician, her instrument of choice is her vocal chords and she directs a choir in Brooklyn, too.  Kenneth Jeon reads Kateyln Darrow’s touching chapter, The Gift of Giving, from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World that focuses on a magical holiday. Start giving to allow your brain to release dopamine and endorphins providing a sense of euphoria, tranquility, serenity, and inner peace. Let others know you truly appreciate even the smallest things about them. Make a donation to Be the Star You Are!®. https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 . Feel the glow!

• “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

• Maya Angelou

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• ·         Bio (Max 800 characters) Inaya Day is an icon of the dance industry, having worked with Frankie Knuckles, Crystal Waters, Louie Vega, Queen Latifah and P Diddy. Named as one of Billboard’s Greatest Top Dance Club Artists, she is best known for her instantly recognisable vocal appearances on tracks such as ‘Horny ‘98’ by Mousse T, and her explosive rendition of ‘Nasty Girl’ by Prince. A multi-talented house vocalist with a flourishing career continues to go from strength to strength, Inaya Day is one of dance music’s most beloved voices.  Inaya Day’s latest single is a celebration of love and freedom. Recorded to celebrate Pride Month and to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising – a series of demonstrations that were instrumental in advancing the gay liberation movement and laying the foundations for the contemporary battle for LGBT rights – the track is an uplifting, joyous carnival of sound. https://www.facebook.com/inayaday

• https://twitter.com/INAYADAY

• https://www.instagram.com/inayaday/
  http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/inaya-day/14749325

• To Book Inaya:  https://mn2s.com/booking-agency/live-roster/inaya-day/

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/116700/giving-and-singing-with-inaya-day

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Are you hard yourself? Does that little voice inside your head scream at you? It’s time to take a breath and be gentle with yourself. Host Brigitte Jia reads the chapter, The Gift of Genetlenss by Dallas Woodburn from the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World followed by an interview with the author, writing coach, and new mom herself, Dallas Woodburn. As a "Book Doula" and founder of the 90-Day Book Breakthrough Program, Dallas offers many concrete suggestions for young writers on how to put pen to paper while being kind to oneself, even when juggling many responsibilities. Brigitte shares personal tips and tricks on how to stay calm and collected while learning to be gentle. How do you define self-love and self-care?  Are you being compassionate and gentle with yourself? Let go of self-deprecating behavior and treat yourself with acceptance and kindness.

“There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.” —Han Suyin

BIO: 

Dallas Woodburn is a renowned author, editor, speaker, and in-demand writing teacher. She is the recipient of the national Congressional Award Gold Medal, the national Jefferson Award for Community Service, and the international Glass Woman Prize. A passionate champion of young writers, she founded Write On! Books in 2011. Dallas wrote The Gift of Gentleness for Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. She is the author of the award winning book Woman, Running Late, in a Dress and the forthcoming The Best Week That Never Happened  as well as being a devoted new mom and book doula, helping people write the books that are burning inside them. Find out more about Dallas and her work at http://writeonbooks.org

www.yourbookbreakthrough.com

Facebook: @writerdallas 

Twitter: @dallaswoodburn 

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/116567/gentleness-with-dallas-woodburn

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Brigitte Jia and Katie Choo know first hand about animal shelters, wildlife rescue centers, medical labs, and veterinary clinics. Brigitte worked at animal shelters both in Berkeley,California and Nashville, Tennessee and is able to compare the differences in how animals are treated. She also works with mice in a hospital training laboratory where she has gained a deep respect for the value that lab animals provide for human health and medical breakthroughs. And she believes in the humane and kind treatment for all creatures. Katie is studying animal behavior, evolution, and science in Texas and is working in veterinary hospitals, a wildlife rescue center, as well as animal shelters. She explains the difference between the human interactions in each of the settings. In wildlife rehabilitation, for the protection and safe release of these creatures the #1 rules of engagement are: 1.do not let the animal imprint on you. 2. do not fall in love with the animal. 3. do not let the animal fall in love with you.  In shelters and vet clinics, more bonds are created between people and their charges. Brigitte reads Cynthia Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Farming, from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, providing more insight into the world of farming and caring for all creatures great and small. 

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/116441/farming-and-animal-connections

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The ebullient The Windy City Nanny, Florence Ann Romano, joins host Siri Phaneendra in a lively discussion about caring for children, what it takes to be a nanny, and the importance of family relationships. Florence is the author of Nanny and Me, a sweet, educational story that helps families introduce a new caregiver to their home. Siri reads the The Gift of Family by Asya Gonzalez from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World and shares personal stories about her supportive family. Brigitte Jia and Kenneth Jeon shine in the 3rd segment talking about family movies, otherwise known as four-quadrant movies. Four-quadrant movies are called four quadrant movies because they appeal to all four general movie-going audiences: men, women, under-25-year-olds, and over-25-year-olds. The duo appreciate the universal appeal of these movies while sharing some of their favorites. 

Bio: Florence Ann Romano, The Windy City Nanny™ (www.WindyCityNanny.com), is a dedicated philanthropist and former nanny who has always had a special place in her heart for children. Romano worked for over 15 years as a nanny, beginning as a ‘Mommy’s helper’ at the age of 11. She shares her experiences in Nanny and Me (Mascot Books, May 2015), her beautifully illustrated debut book for children making the transition from being cared for solely by their parents to having a nanny in their home.

Born and raised just outside of Chicago, Romano earned a degree in performance theatre at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. She is the CEO and Owner of Kindred Content - a full service video production company based in Chicago. She has served as President and Founder of a nonprofit board dedicated to autism awareness and now serves on the Executive Board of the Children's Research Fund at Lurie's Children's Hospital.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/116300/celebrating-family-with-the-windy-city-nanny

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“Yet there are moments when the walls of the mind grow thin; when nothing is unabsorbed, and I could fancy that we might blow so vast a bubble that the sun might set and rise in it and we might take the blue of midday and the black of midnight and be cast off and escape from here and now.” ― Virginia Woolf, The Waves

With a name like “ExXxoticc” one would expect an unpredictable interview. You are in for a marvelous surprise when Brigitte and Siri interview this young rising rapper. ExXxoticc may be exotic but she is down-to-earth, approachable, and authentic. The conversation flows about how she began her career, identified her stage name, and what “escape” means to her.  Opening her latest single with a plea to God, ExXxoticc captures her struggles in sound with a dark and dirty banger that stands out as one of 2019’s heaviest releases. Built on a snarling trap beat and a menacing piano riff that backs up her potent lyricism, ‘Die’ is living proof that ExXxoticc smacks harder than anyone else in the rap game.The chapter on Escape from Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World is read and discussed while Brigitte explains how she escaped anxiety and the pressures of a first year at university. This is an evocative, thrilling hour of young expression.

BIO: ExXxoticc

Hailing from the Bronx but based in LA, ExXxoticc writes and records music that she describes as “the killer of the elephant in the room” – big, bold and boundary-breaking, her tracks brim with vitality and aggression. It’s not something she often shares, but there’s one fact about ExXxoticc that speaks volumes about her inspiration: her godfather is none other than Tupac Shakur. Friends with her mother, the legendary rapper died on the same day she was born. She’s since been deeply influenced by his music, seeing him as not just an inspirational figure but a creative idol, honoring his legacy with her music. You can hear Tupac’s honest, authenticity and devotion to his craft in every one of her tracks, as she releases her deepest feelings and emotions with every rhyme.

“My music-making process is always fun: that’s where me and the beat collide and become one. When I write I unleash myself in the rawest way possible.”

Twitter - https://twitter.com/thementalshawty

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TheMentalShawty/

Snapchat – Krysebeautiful

Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/TheMentalShawty

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/116170/escape-with-rapper-exxxoticc

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“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people”

Anonymous

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Do you celebrate diversity? Hosts Kenneth Jeon and Brigitte Jia sparked a lively conversation reading Maria Wong’s chapter on diversity from Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World as Maria described growing up Chinese Mexican. Award winning voice actor and radio/TV producer, Marc Cashman, spark excitement as he discusses the numerous roles and opportunities for voice talent. When a spot needs a Thai speaker, unlike 20 years ago when casting would have to find someone that could hopefully fit the part here in America, because of technology today, talent can be booked and work directly from Thailand. When asked what his favorite jobs are, Marc immediately retorted that the jobs he is passionate about are the ones where he makes no money and instead is voicing a public service announcement for a worthy cause. Marc also provides insight on what it takes to become a voice talent, no matter your ethnicity, age, or gender. Kenneth and Brigitte remind us not to forget ecological diversity as species on our planet are disappearing.  

BIO: MARC CASHMAN is one of the few people in the commercial production business on “both sides of the glass”—as an award-winning Radio and TV commercial producer, as well as a working voice actor.  

Voice President of Cashman Commercials, Marc creates and produces music and copy advertising for Radio, TV and Internet, and has won over 150 advertising awards, including the prestigious CLIO, on behalf of hundreds of ad agencies and clients across the country. 

Voted one of the “Best Voices of the Year” by AudioFile Magazine three times—and an Audie winner—Marc is a veteran voice actor with 40 years of studio experience in Radio, TV and Internet commercials, foreign film dubbing, animated series, video games, and over 150 audiobooks. Author of one of the best-selling books on voice acting, “V-Oh!  Tips, Tricks, Tools and Techniques to Start and Sustain Your Voiceover Career,” Marc is currently represented by numerous talent agencies around the country. 

www.cashmancommercials.com

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Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:  https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/116054/diversity-plus-voice-actorproducer-marc-cashman

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“Any instance of inequality is worth writing about, sighing about, crying about, even laughing about.” So writes teen Zahra Hasanain in her chapter on equality in the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, which is read and discussed by hosts Brigitte and Siri. Singer/songwriter Dylan Lloyd joins the conversation to talk about the back story of his new single, “If I can’t have you”. Dylan is contemplative, caring, and passionate about his work with influences that range from Michael Jackson to Elton John to Sting and many others. He is making an album that will feature his work solely on the piano. Dylan is a musical artist you’ll want to follow and support. Kenneth rounds out the hour with his 20/20 Vision segment focused on equality in films with the hot-button issue of minority representation in the entertainment industry. This is an hour that you won’t want to miss. 

“When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression”- Unknown

Bio: Dylan LLoyd

For internationally recognized singer-songwriter Dylan Lloyd, the journey started with a music publishing deal in 2009 with BMG Rights Management. Since that point in time, Lloyd’s career has been an exemplary product of consistency and longevity. With hundreds of new Monthly Listeners on Spotify a day, and 10 consecutive charting records on the iTunes Charts to his name, Dylan Lloyd is steadily becoming one of the best up-and-coming pop artists of this generation. His new single, “If I Can’t Have You” is soulful and heartfelt. Spotify: Dylan Lloyd

Instagram: @dylanlloyd1

Twitter: @dylanlloyd1

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:  https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/115940/equality-with-singersongwriter-dylan-lloyd

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“The greatness of a community is most accurately measure by the compassionate actions of its members.” Coretta Scott King

How do we define community? Is it a group of people coming together? Is it a place? Host Kenneth Jeon reads Joven Hundal’s chapter from the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World that illustrates the value of being part of a community where we can learn, socialize, and grow. In 20/20 Vision, Kenneth dissects the Hulu comedic sitcom, Community, where community college students come from a variety of lifestyles and backgrounds, each with their own distinct personality and create characters with a strong sense of kinship. Producer Cynthia Brian joins the conversation focusing on artists around the country who have flourished by establishing independent art organizations in downtrodden areas. By bringing artistic talent and opportunities to a neighborhood, the locals thrive and the investment in the community becomes a social and economic asset.

Bio: Cynthia Brian

Cynthia Brian is the producer and host of the award winning live weekly radio broadcast StarStyle® heard on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel. She also created and produces the young adult program, Express Yourself!™ where teens talk and the world listens. (www.BetheStarYouAreRadio.com) She is Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 literacy and positive media charity (www.BTSYA.org), New York Times bestselling author of eight books, is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, personal growth consultant, actor, producer and host of radio and tv shows, columnist, designer, gardener, and lifestyle coach. Cynthia believes that we have the ability and the responsibility to bless this planet with our talents and gifts. When she is not writing, producing, performing, hosting, speaking, traveling, or coaching, you’ll find her in the garden with her adopted menagerie of barnyard animals.

(www.CynthiaBrian.com)

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel:  https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/115801/community

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“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear––not absence of fear.” 
Mark Twain

Do you meditate? Would you like to? What about bringing meditation into the classroom? Hosts Kenneth Jeon and Siri Phaneendra interview William P Meyer about his transformative book, Three Breaths and Begin.  Get a deeper awareness and move through feelings with meditation.  A teacher can use meditation every day in the classroom, on field trips, for sports assemblies, and more to help students connect with themselves and their world. A small circle that starts with 8 people can grow to include an entire student body when youth recognize their power, express curiosity, and reflect through meditation in nature, journaling, creative writing, art, and music. The hosts read chapters on courage from two books in the Be the Star You Are!® series and Siri shares her personal experiences with daily meditations, including the fact that meditating has helped her be more successful on exams. If you enjoy traveling, there are many places in the world where the energy is powerful. Be intentional when creating your meditation space and enjoy the results. Slow down, take three breaths, and begin. 

Bio: WILLIAM MEYER has long taught history, economics, and humanities in urban and suburban high schools, where he has also taught meditation in a variety of forms. He has worked with fellow educators in workshops and professional development courses, is the author of two published middle-reader novels, and is currently working to augment his MA in education from Harvard with a PhD from NYU. More information at BillPMeyer.com.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/115668/courage-and-meditation

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“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear––not absence of fear.” 
Mark Twain

Do you meditate? Would you like to? What about bringing meditation into the classroom? Hosts Kenneth Jeon and Siri Phaneendra interview William P Meyer about his transformative book, Three Breaths and Begin.  Get a deeper awareness and move through feelings with meditation.  A teacher can use meditation every day in the classroom, on field trips, for sports assemblies, and more to help students connect with themselves and their world. A small circle that starts with 8 people can grow to include an entire student body when youth recognize their power, express curiosity, and reflect through meditation in nature, journaling, creative writing, art, and music. The hosts read chapters on courage from two books in the Be the Star You Are!® series and Siri shares her personal experiences with daily meditations, including the fact that meditating has helped her be more successful on exams. If you enjoy traveling, there are many places in the world where the energy is powerful. Be intentional when creating your meditation space and enjoy the results. Slow down, take three breaths, and begin. 

Bio: WILLIAM MEYER has long taught history, economics, and humanities in urban and suburban high schools, where he has also taught meditation in a variety of forms. He has worked with fellow educators in workshops and professional development courses, is the author of two published middle-reader novels, and is currently working to augment his MA in education from Harvard with a PhD from NYU. More information at BillPMeyer.com.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/115668/courage-and-meditation

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“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in

moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at

times of challenge.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Conveniences of the past are not the conveniences we rely on today. Joven Hundal hosts with readings from Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World plus a riveting exploration of global conveniences in his segment of World Watch. Surprisingly one of his most prized conveniences is keeping a journal, either on paper or digitally. Joining Joven is his cousin, Arjin Claire, reporter for Innovation Nation, where he chronicles innovations such as roller suitcases, metal water bottles, dishwashers, appliances, mobile phones, the internet, and the focus of his segment…food packaging. A fascinating portrayal of how far we have come with comfort and convenience!

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“Each one writes history according to his convenience.” - Jose Rival

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/115517/gifts-of-convenience-and-appreciation

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“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” - George Bernard Shaw

It’s no surprise that art being created today often heavily revolves around exploring the intricacies of communication. What does the film The Shape of Water by Guillermo Del Toro have to do with communication? Host Kenneth Jeon brings us a 20/20 Vision discussion of societal exploration and relationship-building while host Katie Choo shares the different communication challenges that living in Texas for her first year of college brought versus the four years of high school. A humorous dorm event at Rice is called “Screw Your Roommate” whereby dates are set-up by roommates for one another and a positive experience depends on the level of roommate connectivity and communication.

The Gift of Communication by Courtney Cheng from the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World is read and discussed with the takeaway that communication favors openness and honesty. Perhaps it is time to put less weight on digital mediums and savor the value of face-to-face conversations and interactions.

“Communication is a skill that you can learn. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.” Brian Tracy

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/115286/express-yourself-052619

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“The more of me I be, the clearer I can see.” - Rachel Andrews

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Young people are under a lot of pressure to choose their careers and determine what they want to do with their lives early on. Brigitte Jia and Kenneth Jeon tackle the subject of clarity with Brigitte expressing her struggles with her first year of college choices. Even if things seem clear, they aren’t always right - don’t be afraid to change if you feel you need it. Shawn Anderson, Author, Speaker, and founder of The Extra Mile is the special guest who encourages us to not accept mediocrity and to not give up. How do you determine when you are going in the right direction? he asks. Clarity comes in the moment when you are honest with yourself. Open your eyes, ears, and heart.  Be an ordinary extraordinary. Debuting today is reporter Arjin Claire with his segment Innovation Nation. Innovation is something that is all around us all the time, but most of the time, we don’t even notice it unless it’s changing our experience. Innovation is an essential part of our lives - from the simple toothpick to the technically amazing computer.  Be clear and innovate!

BIO: Shawn Anderson: Author, Speaker, founder of The Extra Mile

As a motivator, Shawn Anderson is the guy that walks the talk. A business success, a 7-time best selling, "Motivational" and "Self-help" author, a world traveled adventurer who has pedaled the U.S. on a bike twice, run a 100-mile race, created adventures in close to 50 countries (including having walked across England, Ireland, Japan, Spain, Portugal and Italy), Shawn has inspired, motivated and empowered tens and tens of thousands of people.  No one delivers the “go the extra mile” message more powerfully than the guy who has inspired world record holders, big city mayors, media outlets around the world, and everyone in between. Shawn offers three Program Ideas to boost, inspire. and motivate your team towards SUCCESS! These are the: Flip the Switch (a 1-day program for organizations seeking a boost); Soar Mastery (a 6-week program for organizations seeking results); And, Ultimate Transformation (a 21-week program for organizations seeking change). WWW.ShawnAnderson.com, www.extramileamerica.org

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Bio:  Arjin Claire

Arjin Claire, an Express Yourself! reporter of Innovation Nation, is a curious and enthusiastic 9th grader in the Sacramento area. He’s a competitive soccer player, loves the drums, is an avid esports gamer, competes on his high school Mock Trial team and is always up for a healthy debate! He’s also a reporter and Business Manager for his high school’s award-winning newspaper, The Octagon. His motto to school (and life) is...never shy away from asking why.http://www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com 

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/115165/clarity-and-innovation

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“The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.” Lao Tzu

Rachel Glass, one of the five original reporters that launched Express Yourself!™ in 2011 sits behind the microphone to host this inspirational and intuitive hour focusing on awareness. She interviews literary agents, publishers, producers, and authors Bill and Gayle Gladstone discussing how books lead to increased awareness. A critical take-away from the conversation is the importance of following one’s calling. If a person wants to write a book, they need to be disciplined, focused, want to do it for the right reasons. The desire to make money does not top the list whereas helping others and making a positive difference in the world is the priority. Rachel reads the chapter penned by Tristan Boardway titled The Gift of Awareness from the book published by Waterside and authored by Cynthia Brian with young contributors, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. When we are present, being in the moment, we will begin to be more consciously and instinctively aware. Awareness is trusting ourselves with our innate intuition. She also reads the insightful chapter she wrote on Self-Love. Accept and love yourself and you’ll have enough to share with others. 

Bio: Bill Gladstone: 

Bill Gladstone founded Waterside Productions, Inc. in 1982 and has personally placed more than 5000 titles with dozens of publishers. He has represented stars of the technical world ranging from Peter Norton to Linus Torvalds and was responsible for selling the first “For Dummies” book, Dos for Dummies by Dan Gookin, which led to the phenomenal series selling over 200 million copies. Mr. Gladstone is also the author of DR. AND MASTER SHA: MIRACLE SOUL HEALER, the best-selling novels THE TWELVE and THE POWER OF TWELVE, co-author with Jack Canfield of THE GOLDEN MOTORCYCLE GANG as well as producer of the film TAPPING THE SOURCE and co-author of the book TAPPING THE SOURCE (released in paperback as THE COMPLETE MASTER KEY SYSTEM). Mr. Gladstone is the host for the public television series Inside Wellness and also the series Soul Healing Miracles with Dr. and Master Sha. www.waterside.com

Bio: Gayle Gladstone

Gayle Gladstone is publisher of Waterside Productions Inc.. Gayle was manager for Hoyt Axton the musician, actor, and songwriter. Gayle is also a television and film producer. Her award winning film TAPPING THE SOURCE has been an international success. Gayle is active as a mother and grandmother and devotes her time to many philanthropic causes. Gayle is especially interested in raising awareness and helping people connect and find happiness so they can live lives of purpose and meaning helping others. www.waterside.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/115042/awareness-with-bill-and-gayle-gladstone

BTSYA IS A TOP ON PROFIT!

 http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

JUST PUBLISHED: Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World and Growing with the Goddess Gardener. Available at www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

Details on all books at HomeTown Reads: https://hometownreads.com/books/be-the-star-you-are-millennials-to-boomers

YouTube book announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ru354Mhvu0&feature=youtu.be

Read our BTSYA newsletter: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/2967939721/288055965/ac7221bc2f/

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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”  Edgar Degas

Brigitte is Back! Resident BTSYA artist, Brigitte Jia co-hosts with Kenneth Jeon with lively discussions and in depth analysis on the meaning of art. Brigitte wrote the chapter, The Gift of Art in the new book by Cynthia Brian, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World which both hosts read aloud. Kenneth offers his 20/20 Vision segment relating his favorite films on how to see art as a way of tapping into the core of human existence. The hosts believe that art is a way to examine human emotions and thoughts without being bound by physical or even conceptual restrictions. Brigitte shares the inside scoop of her first year of college living in “the Art Dorm” and how the expression of art differs from her high school days. Both Brigitte and Kenneth are also musicians lending another nod to artistic endeavors and the value to individual joy. Brigitte and Kenneth are a dynamic duo of creative prowess! Live your art!

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/114911/the-gift-of-art

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“There is more hunger in the world for love and appreciation than for bread.”

Mother Teresa

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The more we appreciate the little things in life, the more big things will appear that enhance and empower us. All three books in the Be the Star You Are! series boast a chapter on Appreciation. Kenneth Jeon kicks off this episode by reading Joven Hundal’s chapter on Appreciation from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. He chronicles his grandparents immigrant story and how appreciative he is of their sacrifices. Kenneth then reads from the first book, Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts and interviews author and producer, Cynthia Brian who reads a heartwarming appreciation chapter from book 2, Be the Star You Are! for Teens. The take-away from this uplifting show is how powerful gratitude and appreciation are. Try it out. Give a compliment, smile more, write a letter, show your appreciation. 

Buy the trilogy of books with autographs at http://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. 

BIO: Cynthia Brian

Cynthia Brian, Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 literacy and positive media charity, New York Times bestselling co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, author of Be the Star You Are!®, 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS,  Be the Star You Are!® Millennials to Boomers, Growing with The Goddess Gardener, The Business of Show Business, The Blessing of Love and Relationships, and Miracle Moments®, is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, personal growth consultant, actor, producer and host of radio and tv shows, columnist, designer, gardener, and lifestyle coach. She is the producer and host of live weekly radio broadcast StarStyle® heard on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel and produces the young adult program, Express Yourself!™ where teens talk and the world listens. 

When she is not writing, producing, performing, hosting, speaking, traveling, or coaching, you’ll find her in the garden with her adopted menagerie of barnyard animals. Cynthia Brian GROWS people.

(www.BetheStarYouAreRadio.com)

(www.CynthiaBrian.com) 

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/114761/the-gift-of-appreciation

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“Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” Groucho Marx

Dogs. Companion dogs. The best non judgmental, good listeners after a tough day at the office, great motivators to humans to get up off the couch and go to the park! Kenneth Jeon interviews Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce about their newest collaborative book, Unleashing your Dog. Unleashing Your Dog builds on the latest research in canine science and provides many practical ways that allow dogs to exercise their senses, in addition to exercising their brains and their muscles.They bust the myths, provide the science, and most of all share the happiness and joy that a dog brings. Kenneth reads the chapter, The Gift of Animals by Heather Brittany from the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World to bring awareness about the importance of including animals in our lives. If you are an animal lover, you will love this broadcast! Tune in to walk your paws!

Bios:

Marc Bekoff is professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado. He is a former Guggenheim Fellow and has received the Exemplar Award for long-term contributions to the field of animal behavior from the Animal Behavior Society. Marc writes regularly for Psychology Today and has published 31 books including The Emotional Lives of Animals. He lives in Boulder, Colorado. More info at www.MarcBekoff.com 

Jessica Pierce is an Affiliate Faculty at the Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School. She is the author of nine books, including The Last Walk: Reflections on Our Pets at the End of Their Lives and Run, Spot, Run: The Ethics of Keeping Pets, has published essays in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Guardian, and is a regular contributor to Psychology Today. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and an M.T.S. from Harvard University and now lives in Colorado. More information at www.JessicaPierce.net 

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: 

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/114651/its-a-dogs-world-the-gift-of-animals

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“You can't always measure the effects of activist work; you just have to wish and pray that the message gets through.” - Yoko Ono

Joven Hundal and Kenneth Jeon spearhead an episode of Express Yourself! dedicated to activism. Besides discussing personal experiences, they read Brigitte Jia’s chapter from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, then introduce Pris-K, the French R & B singer songwriter with the release of her single, Know My Name. This song is inspired by female empowerment, and Pris-K’s observations on being a woman in today’s modern society. While she wants men to have agency, Know My Name explores, in Pris-K’s words,“how easily women can be judged or put in categories, because of the way they look.” The powerful anthem explores what it means to be beautiful and sends out a call to women everywhere to stand up and believe in themselves no matter what they’re up against!

 Bio: Pris-K is a 28-year-old Ghanaian music artist raised in Strasbourg, France. Growing up she listened to a diverse mix of music including: Aretha Franklin, Aaliyah, and Yemi Alade. Inspired by Janelle Monae and Stefflon Don, PRIS-K is one of the next generation’s most talented R&B artists, writing contemporary pop that draws from the spirit of soul and urban music. Currently living in England, Pris-K is working on singles for a forthcoming EP Release . https://www.instagram.com/prisk_officialmusic/  

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pris-k 

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/114525/activism-and-r-and-b-singer-pris-k

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“We can not always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” Franklin Roosevelt

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” John Crosby

Youth and mentoring…the two go together like bread and butter. Kenneth Jeon showcases these two chapters from the new anthology,  Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, before interviewing the internationally renowned electric dance music writer, producer, and artist SZABO. You’ll hear the new single he wrote and produced for the Russian singer Dila “Go Do You”, about a woman rising through adversity and doing what she wants and needs to do - while at the same time telling everyone else to quit judging her and to go and take care of themselves. "So go do you.. I'll do me too".  Szabo bridges the gap between dynamic club-ready sounds and chart-topping musicality. He has valuable advice for young people just starting out and is a mentor to artists. Check out his tracks and start dancing!

BIO: SZABO is an EDM Pop Artist/Songwirter/Producer originally from Australia and based in London, United Kingdom. He can be found in studios and on stages around the world with chart-topping tracks from Starley, Volt &State, Instereo, Tom Staar and Sweet California, achieving in excess of 700 million total streams. His name is attached to numerous certified platinum releases including Starley’s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 ‘Call On Me’, which he vocal produced, as well as Spain’s Sweet California’s No.1 double platinum selling album Head To The Stars, on which he co-wrote 2 songs. His song writing credits can be found on releases by prominent dance labels including Protocol (Nicky Romero), Revealed (Hardwell), Axtone Records, Ultra Records and Armada Music. SZABO has recently released 3 singles with TMRW music (formerly Ministry Of Sound Australia). Each of his 3 singles have had over 1.7 million streams on Spotify along with multiple playlist features and a peak at #2 on the Australian Viral Top 50, this includes the track HEAVEN which has now broken 2 million streams. On his latest single GO DO YOU, SZABO teams up with performing and recording artist DILA to deliver a dark EDM/Pop record.

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www.szaboofficial.com

Instagram: www.instagram/szabomusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/officialszabo

Facebook: facebook.com/szabomusicofficial

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Sfa6q3hJQmNsaLi9DozYi?si=NI9QrfX8SrCn7Ny-B7gXaw

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/szaboofficial

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/114219/szabo-on-youth-and-mentoring

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Have you always dreamed about writing a book? Meet a teen, Cassandra Sage Briskman who was published at age 16 and won numerous awards for her first book, “If you Wish” a frothy contemporary update on a Cinderella storyline. Hosts Joven Hundal and Kenneth Jeon read the chapter on writing by author of Swearing off Stars, Dani Wong from the anthology, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, and interview Cassandra about her journey in becoming a published author. Her main character, Ella is an ordinary teenage girl whose father just happens to be a rich and famous film director. Ella is miserable and life sucks. There are struggles and challenges along the way combined with surprises, rewards, and self-awareness. If You Wish confronts bullying, drug abuse, and LGBTG rights in a story that is anything but a fairy tale. 

Kenneth winds up this episode with a segment about screenwriting. Joven is also published and Kenneth is investigating the movie industry. These teens have bright futures! Write on!

“Writing is its own reward.” Henry Miller

Bio: Cassandra Sage Briskman

Cassandra Briskman is a teenage Young Adult Author who splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City. She has loved fairy tales ever since she was a little girl. With the help of her publishers Bill and Gayle Gladstone her dreams of becoming a published author have come true! 

Her first novel, "If you Wish" was released in September, 2016 and soon after won the 2017 West Region-at-Large Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Key Award. 

As with Cassandra’s next book “Green Eyes” her stories are relatable, cleverly-captured teenage struggles with real time tragedies, joys and obstacles that have come-to-the-rescue mental and emotional themes that captures the hearts, encourages thoughtful awareness while inspiring the reader. Good for male and female alike. 

 cassandrasagebriskman.com

Instagram - @cassandrabriskman 

Listen at Voice America Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/114052/the-gift-of-writing

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The Gift of Wings

“The man who has no imagination has no wings.” - Muhammad Ali

“Wings are not only for birds; they are also for minds. Human potential stops at some point somewhere beyond infinity.” - Toller Cranston

Are you looking to spread your wings and fly? Joven Hundal hosts an inspirational hour interviewing “WOW Mom” Ellen Mongan, contributor to the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. After reading her chapter, The Gift of Wings from the anthology, they discuss the power of faith, parenting, advice for teens, lessons learned, patience, and living in this fast paced modern world. Ellen is an authentic woman who cares about people, especially youth. In the last segment, Joven reads the Gift of Self Love by Rachel Glass. In order to fly, we have to love ourselves first. Make sure to pick up a copy of  Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World at http://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store with all proceeds benefitting Be the Star You Are!® charity. Get inspired with words of wisdom.

“If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.” Coco Chanel

BIO: Ellen Mongan is a Christian writer and motivational speaker. She is one of the hosts of WOW podcasts. Ellen writes a monthly column for the Augusta Chronicle Newspaper. She is a blogger for Catholic Mom, Women of Grace and Elizabeth Ministry International. She is the Founder of Little Pink Dress Ministry, Women-fest Conferences, Sisters in Christ and also Moms Best Wisdom Ministry. She speaks on radio and television as the Titus II Crew. She goes where God calls her to go and does what he asks her to do through His grace. Invite Ellen to speak on your radio, television show, moms group or church. Would you like to host a Women-Fest or start a Bible Sudy?

Ellen Mongan is the wife of Deacon Patrick Mongan M.D. They have seven children, four son in laws, a baby in heaven and thirteen grandchildren. The vocation of wife and mother led her to her ministry. This is the most important role of all. www.littlepinkdressministry.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113906/the-gift-of-wings

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“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” - Sherry Anderson  

Volunteering and community service is often associated with directly helping others in dire need, like helping save lives at a hospital or cooking food for the hungry. Kenneth Jeon hosts and interviews Becca Tankersley and Dominic Maciel from LionsHeart, a nonprofit organization focused on inspiring teens to volunteer in their community, creating a new generation of leaders that are dedicated to positive social impact and providing needed resources for causes that ignite their passions. Katie Choo, author of the chapter on Volunteering in the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, joins Kenneth to discuss the importance of volunteer work. The importance of helping others without expecting anything in return can’t be stressed enough, however regardless of the reason why one volunteers is important to help others. Be the Star You Are! offers numerous volunteer opportunities, virtual and in person.

Email info@bethestaryouare.org for more information. 

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“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s
compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.”Erma Bombeck

Bios:

Becca Tankersley is the Executive Director of Lion's Heart and responsible for all major decisions for Lion’s Heart, and reports to the Board of Directors. She also currently serves as a member on the OneOC Nonprofit Advisory Council in Santa Ana, California. She became involved in the nonprofit world at a very young age; her first memory volunteering is at 5 years old. After high school Rebecca did a year of AmeriCorps with City Year Rhode Island. It was there that she realized there was no other career path for her, and she dedicated herself to a lifetime of service. She founded a LGBT rights organization at the age of 20, while attending Wilmington University earning her degree in Organizational Dynamics (Nonprofit Management.)

She began her career with the American Cancer Society and came to Lion's Heart from the Girl Scouts of Orange County. She is extremely passionate about community service and founded the Orange County chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. She currently lives in Anaheim Hills with her husband and house rabbit, Albus.

Dominic Maciel is serving his second year of service as a CalSERVES AmeriCorps VIP Service Enterprise Fellow. As an AmeriCorps Fellow, Dominic works to develop a volunteer program that supports and expands the services that Lion’s Heart provides, specifically through education outreach. He is also the host of the Lion's Heart podcast, TOBY Talk.

Listen at Voice America Empowerment : 

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113766/the-gift-of-volunteering

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“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding” - Leonardo da Vinci

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment” – Buddha

Kenneth Jeon and Joven Hundal tackle two big issues of today’s hectic lifestyle; being understanding and living in the present. They read two chapters on those topics from the anthology Be the Star You Are Millennials to Boomers, Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World followed by a lively discussion. In World Watch,J oven states that although our world is thriving, we have to address the challenges of demoralizing injustice across the globe, institutional racism, sexism, income inequality, and poverty if we want future generations to thrive. In 20/20 Vision, Kenneth dives into the Audrey Hepburn 1961 Hollywood classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a film that envelopes the themes of the present and understanding.

“"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. (or woman) Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.  Today is a gift. That’s why we call it “the present.” Alice Morse Earle

“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” J.K. Rowling

Listen at Voice America Empowerment : https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113614/the-gifts-of-understanding-and-the-present

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Siri and Joven host this episode of Express Yourself! with a theme of Truth. They interview Marc Lesser, who blended his leadership experience running a Zen monastery kitchen, leading mindfulness trainings for Google engineers, and starting and running the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute to write the new book, Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader, Lessons from Google and a Zen Monastery Kitchen.  Marc shares experiences from his life while listening to what the teens have to say about theirs. The Gift of Truth by Henry Ammar from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World is read by the hosts and in the final segment, they share their definition of truth. An exhilarating hour of sharing and mindful training with an insightful, humble human.

Bio: Marc Lesser is a CEO, Zen teacher, author, and leads trainings and talks worldwide. He has led mindfulness and emotional intelligence programs at many of the world’s leading businesses and organizations including Google, SAP, Genentech, and Kaiser. He is currently CEO of ZBA Associates, a company providing mindfulness-based leadership trainings and creating community by supporting ongoing groups. Previously, he served as CEO and co-founder of the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute, whose core programs he helped develop within Google. Marc was a resident of the San Francisco Zen Center for 10 years and former director of Tassajara, Zen Mountain Center. He currently leads Mill Valley Zen, a weekly meditation group. Marc has an MBA degree from New York University and is the author of Less: Accomplishing More By Doing Less and Know Yourself, Forget Yourself. More information at MarcLesser.net.

Listen at Voice America Network: 

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113452/mindfulness-google-and-the-gift-of-truth

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Traveling is one of the most educational, informational, and entertaining method to understand the cultures of the world. Kenneth Jeon interviews the effervescent Spanish musician, Kubo, who introduces her newest single ‘Tapitipita’, released on Valentine’s Day 2019. It follows hot on the heels of her debut, ‘Happy Simple People’, an instant hit that accumulated half a million views on YouTube within weeks of its release. Kubo has lived in many countries and speaks numerous languages. Her new video is electrifying and her interview showcases her vivacious personality and her love of music. Speaking about her latest single, KUBO says “The ‘tapitipita’ effect is an indescribable feeling you get in moments when you feel love, excitement, desire, and happiness all at once…”Katie Choo offers an Aim to Shoot with careers that provide travel opportunities including teaching, photography, sports, writing, designing, bartending, airlines, and tour guiding. Finally, Kenneth reads the chapter The Gift of Travel by Elizabeth Aguilar from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World.

Listen to Kubo’s music, watch her video, and celebrate traveling!

BIO:   

KUBO is a Latin artist. Her music is fiery pop with soaring vocal melodies, and a contemporary EDM-style production. Drawing on her mixed musical background, and a range of inspirations she has crafted a mix of bangers and ballads that are set to dominate the global pop scene. Kubo is not only a talented recording artist, but an electrifying live performer: the buzz around her live shows earned her invites to perform at several Billboard showcases across North and South America, following a sold-out tour across Chile and Mexico in 2018.

Her latest single celebrates these emotions through her exceptional vocal talents, dance-inspired production, and irresistible party vibes.  ‘Tapitipita’ was created by Kubo to describe a concept dreamed up by Kubo – expressing feelings of joy, excitement and passion.

 https://www.instagram.com/kuboofficial_/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/497Dw1xqDLK5kcU2h1dkMa

https://www.facebook.com/KuboOfficial/

 Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment: https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself

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Direct link: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113321/the-gift-of-travel-with-latin-pop-artist-kubo

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Would you love your family to feel more relaxed, centered, and grateful? Joven Hundal and Jack Pawlakos interview Deborah Myers, an energetic Acupressurist and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner who has taught thousands of adults and kids self-help acupressure. The Daily Clean Your House Flow is an easy to use flow that is effective for reducing stress, providing pain relief and strengthening the immune system. Deborah created an animated video of the Daily Flow to address a need for youth of all ages to enjoy more stress-free lives. www.deborahmyerswellness.com

The Gift of Gratitude from the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, is read and discussed. Kenneth Jeon brings another installment of a film that exemplifies thankfulness.

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Bio: Deborah Myers empowers wellness, transforming stress and pain into balance and health. Health at your fingertips comes alive in her programs and workshops for the classroom and workplace. Deborah is an Acupressurist and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner and has been in private practice for over 20 years. She is founder and director of Deborah Myers Wellness and Health at Your Fingertips.

She is the author of the Easy Self-Help Acupressure Book Series and the creator of the Daily Clean Your House Flow animated video, a program that allows people of all ages to enjoy more stress-free and productive lives. www.deborahmyerswellness.com

Deborah@deborahmyerswellness.com

www.facebook.com/DeborahMyersWellness

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Listen at 3pm PT on Voice America Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113141/deborah-myers-wellness

https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself 

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“There’s only one story in the world and it’s your story.” Ray Bradbury
 

Former teen host, Asya Gonzalez returns to Express Yourself! to co-host this fun program revolving around storytelling with producer, Cynthia Brian.  We find out Asya’s “+ 21 story” since she’s been busy with college. Turns out besides studying communications, she has been focusing on painting cars. Check out instagram for her car story or to commission your own car creation at cakefaceandcars.

Between segment one and two, you’ll be treated to the new single from his upcoming debut album Stolen Hearts & Stolen Cars, We are Golden by English pop singer, Jack Walton.  Jack has established his presence in the UK pop world as a fresh and vital talent with a promising future ahead. Find Jack on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jwaltonmusic_/.

The ladies read the chapters, The Gift of Storytelling by Cynthia and The Gift of Family by Asya, from their newly published anthology, Be The Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers: Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in A Changing Digital World, which is available now at www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store . Asya presents a segment centering on the principles of communication. Telling a story is an effective strategy in communication. Individuals will engage more and relate to a story if it has a human feel to it.

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Family is not an important thing, it is everything.” Michael J. Fox

What’s your story?

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113028/storytelling

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Hosts Katie Choo and Kenneth Jeon investigate the arena of sports. Katie adds her own twist on the theme of Sports with an installation of her segment "Aim to Shoot,” which will explore the various career options for sports-lovers, ranging from sports agents, to analysts, to many other professions. Kenneth looks at sports photography and the images conveyed in his segment “20/20 Vision.” They read and discuss the sports from a millennial viewpoint water polo player, Katie Lyons chapter, the Gift of Sports, from Cynthia Brian’s book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. (www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store)

Play on!

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Listen at Voice America Network Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/112538/the-gift-of-sports

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“I’ve realized that most of my best ideas have followed a good night's sleep.”

Thomas Edison

Sleep is one of the most important things of which we have control that can enhance our mood, health, productivity, happiness, libido, and keep our weight in check.  Lack of sleep can produce heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and heart attack.  Kenneth Jeon and Siri Phaneendra host a program about the importance of sleep. David Lynch films with their dream sequences is the focus of Kenneth’s 20/20 Vision while Siri concentrates on the stages of sleep and the benefits of getting adequate “zzz’s”. Both read the chapter, The Gift of Sleep by Cynthia Brian from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. (www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store) Start getting 7-9 hours of sleep daily and you’ll feel incredibly alive and wonder why you didn’t implement this ritual earlier. You’ll be praising the benefits of sleep and looking forward to the restorative qualities.

Listen at https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/112537/the-gift-of-sleep

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“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.

~Anne Frank

“Smiling is a critical component of happiness. It’s a natural response that reduces stress, makes us more attractive, lowers our blood pressure, and confirms our joy, love, and acceptance of others. Since the beginning of time, artists, musicians, authors, and activists have documented the power of a smile. Kenneth Jeon and Siri Phaneendra host a lively discussion on the benefits and importance of smiling. Kenneth focuses on visual significance of smiles and the science behind how and why people react when witnessing smiles. The feel-good neurotransmitters - dopamine, endorphins, serotonin all simultaneously release when we smile. Siri shares evidence that smiling helps us live longer, happier lives. The both read the chapter by Cynthia Brian on The Gift of Smiles from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. (www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store)

“When you are smiling, the whole world smiles with you!” Louis Armstrong

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/112535/the-gift-of-smiles

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“For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice.  And to make an end is to make a beginning.”~T.S. Eliot

As Express Yourself! enters its 8th year in weekly broadcasting, and Be the Star You Are!® celebrates 20th years as a 501 c3 literacy and positive media charity, Founder of Be the Star You Are!® and Creator/Producer of Express Yourself!™, Cynthia Brian, highlights the importance of service, volunteering, and the impact of radio with  Jelina Liu and Henna Hundal, both college students and former hosts that began on this broadcast while in high school. Jelina Liu reads her chapter, The Gift of Service, Henna Hundal reads her chapter, The Gift of Radio, and Cynthia reads Katie Choo’s chapter, The Gift of Volunteering from their new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store

Intentions, lists, and plans are recommended for designing achievable goals for this new year. What a great way to kick off 2019! Tune in.

Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/112473/new-year-service-volunteering-and-radio

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English teen pop star, Lydia Singer, chats with Express Yourself! hosts, Jack Pawlakos and Joven Hundal about her journey into the music world. Inspired by the trials and tribulations of teenage-life, 16-year-old Lydia inspiringly put together this EP, Rebellious Teen, while studying for her exams, and sings about the roller coaster of feelings she has experienced. We listen to her single, Out of Control. Jack, an accomplished harmonica player, reads the chapter he wrote for the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, about his legendary performance at age 12 playing music with some of the world’s leading harmonica musicians at a mega event. Siri Phaneedra weighed in about the benefits of listening to music to distress, focus, and be healthier.

Tune to listen to Lydia Singer as a young English chanteuse is born as a USA sensation.  Express Yourself! launches a teen STAR in Lydia Singer,

Bio:

Lydia Singer is a multi-talented singer-songwriter from Buckinghamshire, England. She began her singing career at the age of 9 when she entered her first singing competition and won leading to her following this up with a performance at the Milton Keynes Theatre.

Lydia has been turning heads within the music industry with her distinctive pop-vocals and song-writing skills since she was a young child and wrote her first songs at the age of 13. She is a frequent performer on BBC Cambridge Introducing and has also been featured by BBC Three Counties, Westside Radio, MKFM, Secklow Sessions, Vibe FM, Wandsworth Radio, Riviera FM, and Hype Radio. 2018 saw the release of Truth Hurts which Lydia performed live on BBC. More performances at London Fashion Week show continued and, during June 2018, a trip to Beijing, China for the China-Sino Pop Music Summit proved to be a successful introduction to the Chinese market. One Top 10 and two 20 Music Week Club Chart hits in 7 months, not bad for a 16 year old singer/songwriter!

https://www.lydiasinger.com/

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Listen at 3pm PT on Voice America Empowerment: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/112216/encore-english-teen-pop-star-debut-and-the-gift-of-music

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Christmas is about community, friends, and family. Jack Pawlakos and Kenneth Jeon ring the Christmas bells and herald in the New Year. In 20/20 Vision, Kenneth talks about how Christmastime provides an interesting setting for films. Besides the classics, he especially likes the special narrative elements of Home Alone, Gremlins, Batman Returns, and as a non-conventional Christmas movie, he recommends The Empire Strikes Back. Jack’s favorite is Elf. Both agree that The Nightmare Before Christmas can be both a Halloween and holiday film. Guest, Karen Ktichell, reads her chapter, The Gift of Adoption, from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. In the chapter she relates the difficulties and joys of adopting a baby girl from Paraguay during the Christmas season. Karen also shares tips on how we can all scatter kindness during this holiday season. In Trends without ends, Jack gives us the latest trends for Christmas and New Year’s including rainbow hued trees, going to religious services, drinking less alcohol, sleeping more, and getting fit, with a focus on classes for older adults.

From everyone at Be the Star You Are!®. Express Yourself!®, Starstyle® Productions, llc, and Voice America, we wish you a very happy holiday and bright New Year!

CHRISTMAS GREETING FROM BTSYA: https://youtu.be/QnSRW7nDSUI

BIO

Karen is passionate about helping those in need. As President of the Cheerful Givers nonprofit organization, she helped to bring birthday gifts to more than one million less fortunate children. Karen writes a monthly post in the Be the Star You Are!® newsletter. Prior to that, she created a corporate university at BI Worldwide. Currently she serves meals to the homeless, is a job coach, teacher, writer, mentor, and Mom to two wonderful kids. www.scatteringkindness.com

Listen at Voice America Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/112280/scattering-kindness-at-christmas-and-new-year

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Joven Hundal and Kenneth Jeon discuss Self-Love. In 20/20 Vision Kenneth portrays self-love and growth through film and visual storytelling about montages in movies such as Rocky, Moonlight, La La Land, the Wolf of Wall Street, and other movies.  English  pop star, Jack Walton, guests to discuss his experience playing on the English X-Factor, the meaning of fame, the process of songwriting, influences, and his newest single, Kept Me Safe. “This song is about love. When things are tough, love and support can really make the difference between survival and losing all faith in yourself.”

Jack Walton’s latest single is an emotional statement about love, loss, and romance. With earnest lyrics and stunning vocal delivery, Jack weaves a story of passion around his heartfelt guitar playing, set on top of contemporary electronic beats and production. The American debut of the single is played between the segments! The gift of Self-Love by Rachel Glass from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World is read and discussed.

Bio: Jack Walton

Jack Walton has been writing and recording original music since the age of 11, initially refining his talents as a performer while playing gigs around his hometown of Castleford. Since finding fame on The X Factor 2014, Jack Walton has established himself as an accomplished solo artist and an exceptionally talented songwriter and performer in his own right, receiving support from Louis Tomlinson. After being scouted by several major labels, Jack decided to sign with indie imprint and production house The House of Nanchang, where he would maintain complete creative control over his music: he is passionate about writing music that he believes in.

“I’ve been so inspired by how my fans have supported me over the years. Their love has kept me safe – that’s what this song’s about.”

Jack’s thoughtfully crafted songs have earned him consistent acclaim from critics and fans alike: he has been praised for his reflective lyrics and evident musical talent. Not only a talented vocalist, Jack a multi-instrumentalist, playing several instruments across his recordings. Since his television debut, he has shared a series of singles that show a gifted artist developing a unique and powerful sound: most recently, the romantic EP “Runaway”. “Kept Me Safe”, his latest single, has firmly established his presence in the UK pop world as a fresh talent with an exciting future ahead of him. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0dJB7OyYA0

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/jwaltonmusic_/?hl=en

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jwaltonmusic

Listen at Voice America Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/111170/jack-walton-english-pop-star-and-self-love

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Teens have been given a bad rap throughout generations. But what do the teens themselves think of their portrayal in the media and the perception of their activities? Jack Pawlakos and Joven Hundal host an insightful program with reporter Kenneth Jeon to speak about their personal experiences. In general, entertainment is darker with more mental health issues profiled. According to a 2018 report from Mental Health America, the rate of youth with Major Depressive Episode (MDE) increased from 11.93% to 12.63%. More awareness is being raised about the issue, and movies and shows have seemingly begun to reflect that awareness. Statistics are indicating the today’s youth bring more diversity, empathy, and inclusivity to their real lives, however, TV and movies don’t always show the positive sides, but instead use dated stereotypes. Youth are globally connected today and tomorrow they will be the leaders of the world. Let’s show them respect!

“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.” 

― Aldous Huxley

Listen at Voice America:

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/111024/portrayals-and-perceptions-of-todays-teens

Watch Joven on TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm5GQq__fF4

BTSYA IS A TOP ON PROFIT!

 http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

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Express Yourself! hosts and reporters, Siri, Joven, and Kenneth go into the lab to talk about science and the importance of continued research. Elizabeth Aguilar’s chapter, The Gift of Science, from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, by Cynthia Brian is read and discussed. If you enjoy the science of science, you’ll be enraptured with this hour. “Science is a process of investigating. It’s posing questions and coming up with a method. Science is delving in.” Sally Ride

Listen at Voice America Kids: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/110692/the-gift-of-science

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Responsibility connects your life to a bigger story. To gain responsibility is to gain awareness, not just of your own self, but, others as well. Joven Hundal and Kenneth Jeon read chapters from Be the Star You Are!® (www.CynthiaBrian.com/books) and then interview the leading voice on the power of the “go the extra mile” message, Shawn Anderson.  In 2009, in order to symbolize the "go the extra mile" message, Shawn Anderson (a non-bicyclist) pedaled 4,000 miles ocean-to-ocean, interviewed 200 people along the way whom had been identified as having gone the extra mile, and then gave $10,000 of his own money to the people and organizations whose stories most inspired him. The momentum of this unique day has continued to build each year since, and on November 1, 2018, 552 mayors and cities made the "Extra Mile Day" declaration and recognized the value of the extra-mile volunteers who were making a difference in their community.

Be responsible for yourself and others and go the extra mile.

“When you accept 100% responsibility for your experience, you gain 100% of the power to create the experience you would choose.” Alan Cohen

BIO: Shawn Anderson

Shawn is a #1 ranked motivational author, unlimited thinker, and lifetime entrepreneur with a history of inspiring others. A seven-time author, Shawn is also the creator of Extra Mile Day...a day recognizing the power we each have to create positive change when we "go the extra mile." (On 11/1/18, 550 cities made the declaration and recognized local extra-mile heroes.) His books include The Four Fibs, SOAR to the Top!, Amicus 101: A Story About the Pursuit of Purpose and Overcoming Life’s Chaos, Extra Mile America: Stories of Inspiration, Possibility and A Better Life: An Inspiring Story About Starting Over

Shawn walks his talk. Besides having inspired tens of thousands through his speaking and writing (including an inspirational speaking tour in the Philippines attended by 20,000 attendees), Shawn’s built a million dollar company, pedaled a bike solo across the U.S. (twice), and created adventures in 45+ countries including having walked border-to-border across six (England, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy and 750 miles around Shikoku, Japan.) 

Still...he believes his greatest adventures and success are waiting to be lived. www.ShawnAnderson.com

www.ExtraMileAmerica.org 

Listen at Voice America Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/110691/the-gift-of-responsibility-and-the-extra-mile-man-shawn-anderson

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Would you love your family to feel more relaxed, centered, and grateful? Joven Hundal and Jack Pawlakos interview Deborah Myers, an energetic Acupressurist and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner who has taught thousands of adults and kids self-help acupressure. The Daily Clean Your House Flow is an easy to use flow that is effective for reducing stress, providing pain relief and strengthening the immune system. Deborah created an animated video of the Daily Flow to address a need for youth of all ages to enjoy more stress-free lives.

The Gift of Gratitude from the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, is read and discussed. Kenneth Jeon brings another installment of a film that exemplifies thankfulness.

Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving filled with joy, health, and gratitude.

Thank you from the STAR Team at Express Yourself! and Voice America Kids network.

Bio: Deborah Myers empowers wellness, transforming stress and pain into balance and health. Health at your fingertips comes alive in her programs and workshops for the classroom and workplace. Deborah is an Acupressurist and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner and has been in private practice for over 20 years. She is founder and director of Deborah Myers Wellness and Health at Your Fingertips.

She is the author of the Easy Self-Help Acupressure Book Series and the creator of the Daily Clean Your House Flow animated video, a program that allows people of all ages to enjoy more stress-free and productive lives. www.deborahmyerswellness.com

Deborah@deborahmyerswellness.com

https://www.facebook.com/deborah.myers.7982

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/110626/gratitude-and-deborah-myers-wellness

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When Alise Cortez shares her information, the world is motivated! Jack Pawlakos and Siri Phaneendra host a program that begins with the Gift of Radio chapter by former Express Yourself! host, Henna Hundal from the book by show producer, Cynthia Brian, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers. (Buy copies with FREE shipping at http://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store) Alise Cortez (www.alisecortez.com) enlightens audiences with her astute insight into building a life of purpose, at home, at play, and at work. The teens learn how to find their passion and purpose to be their best unique selves with guidance from coach Alise. Jack wraps up the hour with his Trends without Ends segment by talking about trends that can help us be more purposeful and productive such as implementing the “Two Minute Rule”. If you are looking to be inspired to find your passion and discover your purpose, you have come to the right place. Join our hour of power!

Alise Cortez

BIO: Having developed her expertise within the Human Capital / Organizational Excellence industry over the last 20 years, today Alise Cortez, PhD is focused on helping companies, leaders, and individuals across the globe to more meaningfully and purposely connect with their work to achieve greater fulfillment, more impactful results, and harmonic work-life integration. She also works with students and teens to help them discover and aim their strengths and empower their academic, relationship, and work pursuits. She is a sought-after speaker, consults with organizations, and conducts workshops to increase employee engagement, performance, and leadership effectiveness.

Dr. Alise Cortez is a Consultant, Published Author, Radio Show / Podcast Host, and Purpose/Engagement Catalyst based in Dallas, Texas. www.alisecortez.com

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/110502/radio-and-purpose-with-alise-cortez

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In her American debut, English teen pop star, Lydia Singer, chats with Express Yourself! hosts, Jack Pawlakos and Joven Hundal about her journey into the music world. Inspired by the trials and tribulations of teenage-life, 16-year-old Lydia inspiringly put together this EP, Rebellious Teen, while studying for her exams, and sings about the roller coaster of feelings she has experienced. We listen to her single, Out of Control. Jack, an accomplished harmonica player, reads the chapter he wrote for the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, about his legendary performance at age 12 playing music with some of the world’s leading harmonica musicians at a mega event. Siri Phaneedra weighed in about the benefits of listening to music to distress, focus, and be healthier. 

Tune to listen to Lydia Singer as a young English chanteuse is born as a USA sensation.  Express Yourself! launches a teen STAR in Lydia Singer,

Bio: 

Lydia Singer is a multi-talented singer-songwriter from Buckinghamshire, England. She began her singing career at the age of 9 when she entered her first singing competition and won leading to her following this up with a performance at the Milton Keynes Theatre.

Lydia has been turning heads within the music industry with her distinctive pop-vocals and song-writing skills since she was a young child and wrote her first songs at the age of 13. She is a frequent performer on BBC Cambridge Introducing and has also been featured by BBC Three Counties, Westside Radio, MKFM, Secklow Sessions, Vibe FM, Wandsworth Radio, Riviera FM, and Hype Radio. 2018 saw the release of Truth Hurts which Lydia performed live on BBC. More performances at London Fashion Week show continued and, during June 2018, a trip to Beijing, China for the China-Sino Pop Music Summit proved to be a successful introduction to the Chinese market. One Top 10 and two 20 Music Week Club Chart hits in 7 months, not bad for a 16 year old singer/songwriter!

https://www.lydiasinger.com/

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/110379/english-teen-pop-star-debut-and-the-gift-of-music

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Joven Hundal, Jack Pawlakos, and Kenneth Jeon don their invisible cloaks to dive deeply into the motivations behind scary movies. Kenneth Jeon brings us his 20/20 Vision with insight about Night of the Living Dead, regarded as the first big indie movie, as it found huge success without a Hollywood studio. Since a lot of people already have horror classics on their bucket list, Kenneth showcased three funny, light-hearted films including Shaun of the Dead, What We Do in the Shadows, and TV show, Gravity Falls. Horror mixed with humor will have you laughing out loud. In World Watch, Joven goes back in history to the origins of Halloween in Celtic Ireland. Celts would wear costumes made out of animal skins and animal heads as masks. In Trends without Ends, Jack brings us the current Halloween costume trend: “Ugly Halloween Sweaters”, a one off of the  “Ugly Christmas Sweaters” tradition. Halloween is big business. The most popular candies for Halloween are Reese’s peanut butter cups, Snickers, Twix, Kit Kat, M & M’s, Nerds, Sour Patch Kids and Skittles. This year it is predicted 185 million people in the United States will be celebrating Halloween, and the total spending for decorations, costumes, and treats for this frightening fun ends up at a whopping nine billion dollars!!

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/110209/trick-or-treat

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“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” - Vince Lombardi

With anything you attempt, you can become good, or at least competent in as few as 20 hours, or achieve excellence in 10,000 with practice, practice, practice. Jack Pawlakos and Joven Hundal host an insightful program on the importance of positive practice. The chapter of The Gift of Practice by Brigitte Jia from the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World where Brigitte recounts the consequences of not preparing for an important audition. Award winning author and nurturing writing coach Dallas Woodburn reads her chapter, The Gift of Gentleness, then offers advice for young aspiring writers as she shares personal experiences with being gentle and positive with creatives. Dallas helps people give birth to the books that are burning inside them through her acclaimed 90-Day Book Breakthrough Program (www.yourbookbreakthrough.com) In Trends without Ends, Jack provides the research on the necessity of practice. The biggest hurdle to mastering any skill is yourself!

BIO: Dallas Woodburn is an author, writing coach, and "book doula" who is passionate about spreading the joys of reading and writing. Her collection of short stories Woman, Running Late, in a Dress (Yellow Flag Press) won the 2018 Cypress & Pine Short Fiction Award and her debut YA novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, is forthcoming from Month 9 Books in 2020. She has also written extensively for newspapers and magazines. Dallas lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Allyn, and they are expecting their first baby in November. www.dallaswoodburnauthor.com, www.yourbookbreakthrough.com

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/110076/the-gift-of-practice-and-gentleness

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Work/life balance is the hot topic these days as so many working people burn out after years on a job they hate. What’s the answer? More play time! Hosts Jack and Siri read chapters from two books in the Be the Star You Are! series penned by Cynthia Brian (http://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store)that will pump your energy and get you singing happy times. In Trends without Ends, Jack shows us studies on play that offer six skills that are built when we play. Joven chimes in suggesting that our favorite ways to “play” could be in sync with a potential career option. As teens and adults we need to pay attention to what we love and gear our lives towards those things that will bring us joy. Surround yourself with playful individuals who tap into their inner clown.  Give yourself permission to invite leisure and purposeless pleasure into your routines. Recreate joyful memories of a magical childhood, or invent new expressions of recreation.  No matter how old you are, incorporate play as an integral part of your daily life, both at home and at work, and you’ll find yourself happier, healthier, and a beacon of positivity.

Being earnest and being playful are not antonyms. To be successful, we need both traits. Take a break. It’s recess time.

‘Your “to do list” for today: laugh and play!

​

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/109943/the-gift-of-play

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Founding Express Yourself! host, Steven Zhou returns to co-host with Joven Hundal for a discussion on perseverance. Jack Pawlakos presents his segment Trends without Ends, suggesting that persistence can be learned. Perseverance has been rebranded as “grit”/! For the 25th anniversary of his book, The Life You Were Born to Live, Dan Millman joins the conversation sharing his knowledge where work reinvents the meaning of success, and outlines the path to a peaceful heart and warrior spirit — at work, at home, in everyday life. Dan tailored the content and language of this discussion to fit the needs, interests and themes of youth, offering insightful stories and inspiring wisdom for the ages. www.PeacefulWarrior.com.

Steven and Joven end the show with a visualization from the book, by Cynthia Brian to assist us all with helping us achieve goals by mentally picturing them. www.CynthiaBrian.com/books

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/109804/the-gift-of-perseverance-and-dan-millman

Bio: Dan Millman, former world-champion gymnast, coach, martial arts teacher, and college professor, is the author of seventeen books published in twenty-nine languages and shared across generations to millions of readers. His internationally bestselling book Way of the Peaceful Warrior was adapted to film in 2006. His book The Life You Were Born to Live is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2018!

Dan speaks worldwide to people from all walks of life. He lives in New York City. http://www.PeacefulWarrior.com.

Listen to Dan on StarStyle: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/108769/dan-millman-life-you-were-born-to-live-healthy-college-teens-mo

Watch Joven on TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm5GQq__fF4

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“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

We can view our glass as half empty or half full. No matter who we are or where we come from, we will all have days that we just want to crawl under the covers and hide our heads. Joven Hundal and Jack Pawlakos set the tone by reading Cynthia Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Optimism from the newly published book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers . Author Lehman Riley who writes books for kids to help them overcome difficult situations with his Papa Lemon series joins the conversation. A racially diverse group of caring kids travel back in time to learn about our nations heritage and their own importance in the world. Kenneth Jeon talks about optimism, in relation to one of his favorites movies: The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Accept the rockiness of life. Make the best  of your happy moments and they will get you through as they replay in your mind.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss”

Bio: Author Lehman Riley Biography

Lehman was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  During his childhood he was always fascinated with his grandfather, Papa Lemon.  Papa Lemon always made Lehman feel like the most important child in the world. Unfortunately, Papa Lemon passed away in 1973. However, he remained in his thoughts every day. As an adult, he was inspired to write a children’s series book featuring Papa Lemon as the main character.

Lehman formed his publishing company, Matter of Africa America Time Corp., with his cousin and business partner Paul Dixon in July 2004 and published his 1st book in September 2004. There are currently 8 books in the Papa Lemon series. 

Lehman currently reside in Minneapolis with his wife Tracy. He has four adult children, DuVale, Nareece, Andrea and Tianna and one grandchild Zorah. www.papalemonedu.com

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/109683/the-gift-of-optimism

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“ Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

The choices each individual makes every day contribute to the health or the sickness of our earth. One of the most important things we can do for ourselves and for our children is to bring nature into our daily routines.  hosts Joven Hundal and Jack Pawlakos read the Gift of Nature by Cynthia Brian from Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating the Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. They then interview Day Schildkret, founder of Morning Altars to discuss the connection of nature with art. Day has built nature-based art installations at festivals and venues globally. He works weekly with teens and believes they are the most important generation and the most burdened. Kenneth Jeon looks at nature through the lens of a camera with informative tips on how to capture the emotion inside the photo. Nature is the way into the new world.

​

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

BIO: Day Schildkret

DAY SCHILDKRET is internationally known for Morning Altars

and has inspired tens of thousands of people of all ages

across the globe to forage, build, and be awed with Earth Art. Day is igniting an international movement by sharing the art, teachings, and spirit of Morning Altars as a tangible spiritual practice that renews and redeems our relationship to wonder, creativity, nature connection, generosity, and impermanence. As an educator and public speaker, Schildkret began his career teaching teenagers and mentoring them to connect spiritually with a deeper nature connection. He won the prestigious Helen Diller Award for Excellence in Education with his popular ‘Fire Circle’ class. He teaches a 7-step practice that renews and redeems our relationship to nature, creativity, mindfulness and impermanence. With over 59k followers on Instagram, over 25k on Facebook, and workshops and installations worldwide, Morning Altars is bringing ephemeral art to the collective human imagination. https://www.morningaltars.com

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/109560/the-gift-of-nature

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Hosts Joven Hundal and Jack Pawlakos launch the eye-opening third installment in the Be the Star You Are!® book series, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Cynthia Brian answers questions about how the book was created and why this book is necessary to bridge the gap in the generations. Joven reads the two chapters that he wrote for the book, The Gift of Appreciation and The Gift of Community and Jack reads his chapter, The Gift of Music. Kim Carlson who also contributed to Be the Star You Are!® for TEENS joins the group to read her contribution of The Gift of Re-Discovery. To hear each author read his/her chapter brings the words to life.

Contributors to this book herald from many races, religions, regions, and political viewpoints yet each share a common value––a deep desire to help readers understand that every challenge can be an opportunity for growth and change. 

Buy books now at http://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store with 100% of the proceeds outreach projects of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 including the radio broadcast, Express Yourself!

BIO: Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World

In Be the Star You Are!® series, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, you will discover 55 true stories about life’s greatest gifts as told by 31 incredible individuals. Each chapter ends with an inspirational quote and a simple, fun exercise to help you embrace your inner star qualities to live a fuller, meaningful life. No matter which generation you were born into, you will gain a better understanding to bridge the gap between Boomers and Millennials while being empowered to join their ranks of greatness.

Cynthia Brian’s purpose in creating the Be the Star You Are!® series is to illuminate a simple fact––we were not created equal. We are far better. We are unique. We are individuals. We each have the ability and the responsibility to use our talents, genius, and strengths to sparkle, shine, and make a positive impact in this small galaxy we call Earth. We must strive to be the stars we were born to be. 

100% of the proceeds from the sale of the books purchased via http://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store will be donated to Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 literacy and positive media charity. http://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

Listen at Voice America Radio: https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself

​https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/109456/celebrating-the-gifts-of-positive-voices

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     A long life is a life well spent. - Leonardo da Vinci

Is there a secret to longevity? Hosts Joven Hundal and Jack Pawlakos investigate how to live a long, meaningful life. They interview the award-winning author, Mack Borgen who talks about Volume I in his book series Dead Serious and Lighthearted -The Memorable Words of Modern America,1957 to 1976. The books will help lift the spirit of our country to lessen the discord and rancor of our national conversation.while enticing readers to study history. In the chapter on Longevity from the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers we learn that, although there are no guarantees in life, by embracing a healthy lifestyle filled with love, laughter, hobbies, recreation, friends, and family we can decrease the cellular deterioration leading to premature aging caused by stress. In Trends without Ends, Jack looks at the aging population and prospects for the future with advances in gene therapy, technology, medicine, and artificial intelligence.

Bio: Mack W. Borgen is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a national award-winning author for his prior books, The Relevance of Reason – The Hard Facts and Real Data about the State of Current America (Volume I – Business and Politics) and Volume II – Society and Culture) which were released in 2013. Both books won a number of national book awards.

He is a native of Montana and was raised in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest. Upon graduating from the University of California (Berkeley) with Honors in Economics, he delivered the last university-wide student commencement address before heading east to law school.

Upon graduation from law school, he went on to serve more than four years in the U.S. Army. Thereafter, he lived and wrote in Europe for a brief period, and then returned to the West Coast where he began a long career in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Orange County, California simultaneously practicing law and writing about various economic, political, and social matters.

Over the last four years, he has devoted much of his time to the writing the three volumes of Dead Serious and Lighthearted - The Memorable Words of Modern America – (Volumes I-III). The books present those Memorable Words” – the real currency of American life – which by their passion eloquence, prescience, or wisdom frame our history and reveal our past. The author hopes that the books will help, in their own quiet way, lift the spirit of our country and help lessen the discord and rancor of our national conversation.

Over the years he has also taught adjunct professor courses at Rutgers University (Camden, NJ) (The History of the Labor Movement), the University of Virginia (The History of the Supreme Court), and various law courses.  www.mackwborgen.com

Listen at Voice America Radio: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/109219/the-gift-of-longevity

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“A child who reads will be an adult who thinks”  - Sasha Salmina

Increasing and improving literacy in the USA is a mission of Be the Star You Are!® Joven Hundal hosts this program about literacy launching the show with the chapter, The Gift of Literacy by Kimberly Morgan from the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers (buy autographed copies at www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store) 36-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 5-time GrandSLAM champion, bestselling author, and award-winning teacher, Matthew Dicks, provides perspective on the power of storytelling with his new book, Storyworthy. Storytelling is a skill that can help us in every aspect of our lives. Matthew encourages us to find a story in the simple moments of living. Reporter Kenneth Jeon talks about the importance of pictures and visuals to increase literacy as they are generally more accessible and easy to understand. He asserts that Videos and pictures provide an alternative, probably more appealing medium to which people can relate the words they read and from which people can practice their analytical skills.

“Reading gives you a new perspective on life” - Roald Dahl

Bio:

Matthew Dicks is a bestselling novelist, thirty-six-time Moth StorySLAM champion, and five-time GrandSLAM champion. In addition to his widespread teaching, writing, and performing, he cofounded (with his wife) Speak Up, which produces sold-out storytelling performances throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York at least once a month. He lives in Newington, Connecticut. His website is www.MatthewDicks.com.

Listen at Voice America Radio: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/109096/the-gift-of-literacy

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“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams 

Joven Hundal hosts a lively hour focused on leadership. He reads and dissects chapters on leadership from new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomer as well as the first book in the series, Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. Father/daughter co-authors of two books, Dave and Jessie Gerber, give their insights on what leadership means for both adults and teens. Their goal is to help kids, parents, and families stay safe while having the ability to talk about a difficult subject with more ease…and see actually how to get it done! Leadership means being responsible for yourself and your charges. Successful leadership skills don't just happen; they come as a result of a determination to earn them. A leader's job is to inspire, to motivate, to make it easy to do the right thing. A good leader knows how to gather the most intelligent and knowledgeable people for the task at hand, then get out of their way and let them create magic.

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” - Alexander the Great

Listen to Dave Gerber on Cynthia Brian’s StarStyle® radio on the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/107719/dave-gerber-with-leadership-and-conflict-resolution-free-range

Bio: Dave Gerber

Dave Gerber, President and Founder of Synergy Development and Training, LLC, is a change catalyst, a futurist motivating leaders and individuals to become the best version of themselves to strengthen relationships, save money and generate revenue. Dave Gerber is a passionate speaker, Executive and Leadership Coach, Learning Expert, Master Trainer and Author (even has an instructor level black belt under a Martial Arts Hall of Famer.)  Dave has presented to, trained and coached more than 10,000 executives, managers and individuals across the United States. His talent for simplifying complex ideas into elegant solutions is a gift that leaves the people he supports with actionable learnings that can be implemented immediately. http://conflicthealer.com

BIO Jessie Gerber

“Jessie Gerber is a bright, intuitive girl with great interpersonal skills, a heart of gold and someone fun to be around. She has a variety of different experiences from trying all different sports, playing different instruments, traveling outside of the united states several times and helping her dad to write two books on self-defense for kids including, “L.I.F.E. Line Self-Defense: For Kids From a Kid!” She is starting “Jessie’s Sitting Service” as she loves kids and wants to help parents to make their lives easier.”

​

Listen to this interview at Voice America Kids:https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/108972/the-gift-of-leadership

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Siri Phaneendra hosts this broadcast focusing on language. Reporter of 20/20 Vision, Kenneth Jeon, reminds us that languages aren’t just limited to spoken or written words. He brings us examples of film language, a tool that plays with the audience. Guest authors Wayne Kealohi Powell in Hawaii and Patti Miller in British Columbia, Canada cultivate the spirit of Aloha with their book Hawaiian Shamanistic Healing. Aloha refers to the divine spirit of love that flows through all things. How can we cultivate the aloha spirit in our lives? Caitlin Sim offers that language is how we communicate with one another, and how we express our desires and wants. The ability to “properly” articulate one’s thoughts is a skill that many people strive for, because the more “intelligent” a person sounds the more likely they’re able to gain something they wish to have.  She dissects the 1960s, Flowers for Algernon, originally a short story and later adapted into a full-length novel to show the struggle between intellect and emotion, between being considered “smart” and having meaningful relationships with others.

 “Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savour their songs” - Nelson Mandela

BIO: Wayne Kealohi Powell

Wayne Kealohi Powell is the Founder and Senior Instructor of Hawaiian Shamanic Bodywork, an educational vehicle focusing on the Highest wisdom of the soul's ability to create health and abundance in ones life. Kealohi is a Holistic Health Educator, Motivational Speaker, Minister, Author, Kumu Lomi and Touch For Health Instructor, an Alakai of the Order of Huna International, a Songwriter and Recording Artist. Kealohi has traveled for over 2 decades, sharing Hawaiian Shamanic Bodywork & The Body Tune Up over the USA and Canada, Costa Rica, Fiji, Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom. www.ShamanicBodywork.com

Bio: Patti Miller

Patti Miller is a promoter of joy, bliss, and deep healing.  Her training is extensive in Hawaiian Healing techniques, and she has practiced and taught Hawaiian Healing for over 10 years.  Patti offers Hawaiian massage sessions at Casaroma Wellness Clinic in Gibsons BC Canada.  She also works in the clinic and assists customers with a variety of stress and pain reducing treatments.  She teaches workshops on Hawaiian Massage and Healing in BC Canada. www.ShamanicBodywork.com

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/108847/the-gift-of-language

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“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”  - Aesop

Host Katie Choo introduces our newest host, Siri Phaneendra who begins the show by talking about how kindness knows no boundaries. She gives examples how teens can offer acts of kindness in small ways to express gratitude and caring. The organization she began to help terminally ill children is called You and I Give. Guest author, Ann Todhunter Brode explains how to discover how to listen to, understand, respect, and work with our body’s innate wisdom in everyday living with A Guide to Body Wisdom. Learn how to deepen your intuition and spirituality, enhance your creativity and personal power, become more emotionally savvy, and heal old wounds.

Joven Hundal rounds out the hour with a fascinating segment of World Watch focused on diplomacy Joven believes that diplomacy is analogous to kindness in that it is a way to promote peace, cooperation, respect, acknowledgment, and kindness to one another

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa

Bio: Ann Todhunter Brode has been an Aston Patterning practitioner and body-oriented therapist in Santa Barbara for over forty years. A recognized master in her field, Brode writes down-to-earth, compassionate articles on the challenges & rewards of living consciously in the body. In addition, she has produced the beautiful body-centered CD Body Breath~ Three Guided Meditations. Her new book, A Guide to Body Wisdom- What Your Mind Needs to Know About Your Body (Llewellyn Worldwide) can be found online or at local bookstores.

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/108739/kindness-and-body-wisdom

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“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” Joseph Campbell

While maintaining a healthy diet and exercising is crucial to a healthy lifestyle, studies have proven that being joyful is just perhaps even more crucial. Not only does it reduce stress, but having a positive attitude actually makes you far more productive. Hosts Jack Pawlakos and Katie Choo discuss the difference between happiness and joyfulness, offering personal thoughts on how they find joy in their life. It can be playing with your dog, watching the stars, listening to crashing waves, baking a cake. The hosts read two chapters, the Gift of Joyfulness and the Gift of Integrity from the anthology, Be the Star You Are!® Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World by Cynthia Brian. Siri Phaneendra shares how nature and meditation brings joy to our lives. We need to get away from social media and electronics to balance our daily life through allowing nature to be our teacher. Step outside and feel the joy!

“Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home... it's your responsibility to love it, or change it.” Chuck Palahniuk

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/108583/gift-of-joyfulness

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“If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.” Harvey Mackay

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Integrity is the characteristic of being honest and showcasing strong moral principles, even when no one is looking.  Hosts Katie Choo and Jack Pawlakos interview reporter Siri Phaneendra and author Alice Boyes to delve into reality of having integrity. Siri believes that we must reflect on our behavior and speech every single day and be truthful. Dr. Alices Boyes offers simple strategies to get out of your own way and enjoy your life more with her newest book, The Healthy Mind Toolkit. She helps us overcome self-sabotaging habits in domains including thinking and self-talk. self-care, organization, money, work, and  relationships. Jack ends the hour discussing  the recent decline in people’s integrity attributed to increased usage of social media and electronics making it easier to get away with actions that are not  moral. A positive example of integrity was with the recent rescue of the boys and coach trapped in a flooding cave in Thailand. Everyone worked together for the common benefit of all.

Bio: Dr Alice Boyes was a clinical psychologist in her native New Zealand from 2008 to 2013 before turning to writing.  She has written two books - The Anxiety Toolkit published in 2015 and and The Healthy Mind Toolkit published in 2018 - and is a popular blogger for sites including Psychology Today and Harvard Business Review.  Her research has been published by the American Psychological Association.

Her latest book, The Healthy Mind Toolkit, is focused on how people can get out of their own way and overcome self-sabotaging habits in domains including thinking and self-talk. self-care, organization, money, work, and  relationships. https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Mind-Toolkit-Simple-Strategies/dp/0143130706

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/108443/the-gift-of-integrity

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Is hindsight 20/20? Is there a balance between foresight and hindsight. We can’t be stuck in the past. We can learn from our mistakes, move on, and improve our future. Hosts Katie Choo and Joven Hundal interview Jan Mundo who shares her powerful, personalized, comprehensive program  to relieve migraines in The Headache Healer’s Handbook. In step-by-step instructions, she helps readers: discover and prevent the triggers and patterns that perpetuate their headaches and migraines; stop their pain on-the-spot; and transform their lives. In her caring and compassionate voice, she makes her techniques accessible to both occasional headache sufferers and those who have long felt misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Reporter Siri Phaneendra provides insight into hindsight as an opportunity to get to know yourself, to be patient with yourself, and to ultimately love yourself. Debuting as a reporter, Kenneth Jeon brings a new segment called 20/20 vision by talking about the special way films provide an avenue for reflection.

“Before, you are wise; after, you are wise. In between, you are otherwise.” - David Zindell, The Broken God 

BIO: Jan Mundo has been healing headaches for more than forty-five years. She didn’t plan to become a healer, but as a young woman embarking on her spiritual path in 1970, she learned she could relieve headaches, including her own migraines, with her hands. 

Mundo developed a mind-body program that teaches headache sufferers how to relieve and prevent their headaches naturally — without drugs and their side effects.

In The Headache Healer’s Handbook Mundo makes her techniques accessible to both occasional headache sufferers and those who have long felt misunderstood and misdiagnosed. As one of her clients expressed, “After thirty years of struggle, I feel as if I have a new lease on life.”

Jan Mundo has held programs at medical centers, universities, and corporations including Kaiser Permanente, Stanford University, and Apple. She is a certified Somatic Coach and massage therapist with advanced training in multiple healing modalities. She lives in New York City. More information at www.TheHeadacheCoach.com. 

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/108324/hindsight-foresight-and-healing-headaches

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In this show, host Joven Hundal deals with the topics of Independence as well as Summer to celebrate both the beginning of summer as well as the Fourth of July. Joven starts the show by reading a chapter from one of Be the Star You Are's anthologies. The chapter is by Express Yourself! producer Cynthia Brian and explores her journey to find the true meaning of freedom and independence as she goes behind the Iron Curtain for months in the USSR, Latvia, and Poland. Next, Joven interviews authors Helga Hedgewalker and Estelle Daniels, who have come out with the book Color a Magic Spell: 26 Picture Spells to Color and Manifest. They talk about what exactly magic and spells are, how similar they are to positive thinking and reinforcement, and how to best tailor your experience with their coloring book to improve your well-being. Finally, reporter Caitlin Sim brings back her segment Ode to Literature where she talks about the classic novel Their Eyes were Watching God. She discusses the themes behind the novel, the novel's relevance today, and the context in which it was first published.

Bios

Helga Hedgewalker is a visionary artist, Gardnerian High Priestess, and Witch with decades of professional experience in print design, illustration, book design, package design, web graphics, and advertising. She is a founding member of the Minneapolis Collective of Pagan Artists, and co-owner of The Spirit Parlour, a shop and blog of magic, mysticism, and spirituality that can be found at SpiritParlour.com.

In her spare time Helga works in large-scale painting on canvas, digital collage, costuming, and designing coloring books. Her recent works can be seen at HelgaHedgewalker.com. She also loves creating ritual tools, making seasonal crafts, and swimming. Someday she plans to become a mermaid and swim far away...

Estelle Daniels is the author of Astrologickal Magick (Weiser, 1995), a guide to timing your life using astrology, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Wicca (Crossing Press, 1998) and Essential Wicca (Crossing Press, 2001), books on the religion and practice of Wicca, written with her late spouse, Paul Tuitean. She also wrote Tarot Lore and Other B.S. (Jester Studio Press, 2014), Breaking the Rules Tarot: The Book of Interpretations (Jester Studio Press, 2016), and Practical Tylering: A Field Magick Manual (Jester Studio Press, 2017). She co-designed Breaking the Rules Tarot Deck with Peggy McDowell (Jester Studio Press, 2016).

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/108099/independence-and-coloring-for-summer

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“To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” -Buddha

Health is a diverse topic with many nuances to explore. Hosts Joven Hundal and Jack Pawlakos do just that in a Gift of Health edition of Express Yourself! The teens start the program with an edition of Jack's segment Trends without Ends, where they discuss both positive and negative health trends regarding teenagers and the general populace. They go on to interview HIIT pilates instructor and wellness coach Melanie Kotcher as she discusses her line of work and how she first got into it. They learn how pilates can affect all aspects of one's life, and how to improve their own well-being through different coaching processes that Kotcher champions. They also discuss how to best motivate people, especially teens, to exercise and yearn to improve themselves. Finally, Joven and Jack interview new reporter Siri Phaneendra about the art of meditation and how to best tailor one's own meditation experience to meet their desired needs.

“There's nothing more important than our good health - that's our principal capital asset.” - Arlen Specter

Bio: Melanie Kotcher is a HIIT Pilates Instructor and Wellness Coach for busy women and men looking for quick, effective, and sustainable solutions to tighten/tone, lose weight, release stress, gain confidence, and of course, have fun. Melanie holds a Pilates Mat Certificate from Equinox’s Pilates Teacher Training Institute and an Advanced Diploma in Coaching from the New York University School of Professional Studies. Her customized individual wellness programs include HIIT Pilates training in the comfort of your own home, a shopping list, meal plan, dining out guide, and an optional wellness coaching enhancement (which can also be booked as a stand-alone service). Wellness programs and workshops are also offered for corporations, nonprofits, and private group parties. Melanie has always had a passion for fitness and strongly believes that practicing mind/body balance can produce life-changing effects. Combining her various personal and professional life experiences into a comprehensive wellness program, Melanie’s approach is practical, time-efficient, highly-effective, and most importantly, personal. www.melaniekotcher.com 

Listen at Voice America Radio: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/107979/the-gift-of-health

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“Grace is what picks me up and lifts my wings high above and I fly! Grace always conquers! Be graceful in everything; in anger, in sadness, in joy, in kindness, in unkindness, retain grace with you!” 

― C. JoyBell C.

What is grace? Is it as the dictionary defines the noun as smooth movement or goodwill? Is it politeness or a divine allotment of talent or blessing? Host Joven Hundal tackles this ethereal subject with grace! Brand new reporter, Siri Phaneendra describes her life with dancing the Bharatnatyam. She says that “with my hand gestures, I can depict anything from a lion to the feeling of superiority to a lotus or even an elephant.” Siri shares information about her nonprofit, You and I that provides services for terminally ill children and her A.I. app. Joven reads two chapters about grace, both written by Cynthia’s. Cynthia Cheong wrote a chapter for the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers, and Cynthia Brian wrote the chapter for the original book in the series, Everyday brings opportunities for grace — open your heart and let grace shine in. 

Bio: 

Siri Phaneendra is 15 years old and is currently a junior in Dublin, California. 

Siri is a professionally trained Bharatanatyam dancer, an Indian classical dance. She fell in love with this form of dance at the age of five and since then, her journey of life revolves around dancing. She has performed Bharatnatyam on TV and many other public venues. In addition to her passion for dancing, Siri enjoys playing musical instruments, including guitar, piano, and clarinet. She is also a student in the Engineering and Design Academy at her high school. During her freshman year, she was placed in the top three in the Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair for creating an artificial-intelligence facial recognition security app. 

To give back to the community, Siri founded You and I Give, an organization that provides services and raises funds for terminally ill and special needs children. In her current project, Siri is in the process of raising funds for the terminally ill children in George Mark Children’s House in order to provide financial support to cover patients’ costs of hydrotherapy sessions, bereavement for families, and medical devices.

Siri wants to pursue her dream of being an entrepreneur. She is also the founder and CEO of a stealth start-up business. She is in the process of starting an e-commerce company that enables people to express their love to their loved ones in a tangible, personalized, and comical way. 

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/107665/the-gift-of-grace

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“For it is in giving that we receive.”

― Francis of Assisi

Sometimes our wishes and fate connect while the universe does the rest of the work. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal start the program by reading former host and multi-talented teen journalist’s chapter, The Gift of Giving from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. They share their own experiences with being generous, giving, and helping those less fortunate. We then travel to Greece to hear of the synchronistic experiences of American novelist Alysia Helming as she unveils the first book in the Protogenesis Book Series. In Protogenesis: Before The Beginning, cultural fiction and ancient mythology converge in modern-day Greece.  Before Alysia traveled to Greece for research she found a photo online of a man for whom who protagonist is modeled. Coincidently she meets the man, Kostas Martakis, an award-winning Platinum Greek Recording Artist, Model, Television Star and Actor. Protogenesis has been selected to be featured in the United Nations’ (UNESCO) 2018 World Book Capital Event in Athens and is supported by the Greek Consulate.  Ah Greece!

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly" a #proverb that describes perfectly the core substance of the #Protogenesis story! 

BIO: American novelist Alysia Helming is the best-selling author of the Protogenesis Book Series, she is President of Protogenesis Media, and Executive Producer for Footsteps in Athens and Meet Me In Greece, an American reality-based TV series which is currently in development with Trifecta Entertainment.  With her extensive business background in renewable energy, Helming currently serves on the Board of Pristine Sun, and has over 25 years’ experience as CFO to four companies. She provides internal and external advisory services to CFOs & CEOs for Fortune 500 companies. https://www.alysiahelming.com 

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/107508/gift-of-giving-and-greece

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“There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.” —Han Suyin

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When is being gentle a strength and when, if ever, is it a weakness. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Katie Choo tackle this big question with reporters Joven and Henna Hundal. We hear the chapter, The Gift of Gentleness, by Dallas Woodburn from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are!® Millennials to Boomers read by Brigitte and Katie who recall coaches who were critical and hurtful. Many times the tiny voice in our heads is cruel to ourselves.  In World Watch, Joven focuses on the negativity we encounter daily from news sources and encourages us to subscribe to positive, truthful journalism.  Henna recounts her volunteer work at a Children’s Hospital where it is critical to treat infants with tender care. We all need to embrace gentleness, compassion, and understanding while offering words of encouragement and support to others. And of course, give yourself the same courtesy and love.

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Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/107431/the-gift-of-gentleness

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If you ate today, you have a farmer to thank.

As of the last census, only one percent of Americans are farmers. With the global population expected to exceed nine billion by 2050, farmers will have to grow sixty percent more food to feed the masses.  Who and where will these additional farmers come from?

From a farming family, Henna Hundal returns from Harvard University to co-host with Brigitte Jia about this crucial topic. The program begins with a reading from the forthcoming book, Be The Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers: Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices written by Cynthia Brian and continues with the thoughts of our hosts on the importance of re-introducing our technological society to the graces of an agrarian life. Farmers are disappearing. The USDA reports that 6.6. million acres were lost between 2008-2015 and it continues to decline. Henna chats about being raised on an almond farm in central California and the pride that her family takes in feeding the world. Brigitte offers an insightful look at farming through her Art Attack segment.

If you want to eat, grow your own food!

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“Let us never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization.” Daniel Webster

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Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/107261/the-gift-of-farming

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“Every act of communication is a miracle of translation.” ― Ken Liu, The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories

Brigitte Jia hosts a fascinating episode of Express Yourself focusing on the benefits of communication and the best way to become a better communicator. Courtney Cheng’s chapter, The Gift of Communication from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers by Cynthia Brian sheds light on the challenges communicating via text, email, and other tech sources can be, especially when navigating relationships. Dr. Tina Tessina, author of numerous books plus the 4th edition of How to Be a Couple and Still Be Free, joins Brigitte for a lively discussion on how to create open and honest communications with others by first knowing exactly what you want out of every experience.  Dr. Tessina encourages couples to work together to create a loving, sustainable, healthy, and equal partnership to be treasured. Brigitte ends the hour by offering tips on staying in touch with friends from school during breaks or after graduating through establishing connection networks, both social media and closed platforms. Most of all, she advises, cherish the face to face time and be real!

Author Bio: Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D. (www.tinatessina.com) is a licensed psychotherapist in S. California since 1978 with over 40 years’ experience in counseling individuals and couples and author of 14 books in 17 languages, including It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction; The Ten Smartest Decisions a Woman Can Make After Forty; Love Styles: How to Celebrate Your Differences, The Real 13th Step , How to Be Happy Partners: Working it Out Together and How to Be a Couple and Still Be Free.  She writes the “Dr. Romance” blog (drromance.typepad.com), and the “Happiness Tips from Tina” email newsletter.  Online, she’s known as “Dr. Romance” Dr. Tessina appears frequently on radio, TV, video and podcasts. She tweets @tinatessina 

Listen Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/107123/the-gift-of-communication

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“The more of me I be,

The clearer I can see.”

― Rachel Archelaus

Do you have clarity of purpose and direction? Host Brigitte Jia launches the program with the chapter on Clarity penned by Bud Bilanich from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers by Cynthia Brian.  Your definition of success is what’s right for you – not anyone else. Bud advises to take time and think about your clarity of purpose.  How do you define success for yourself?  Keep that purpose and definition of success in mind as you make life and career decisions.

The book “Bye, Bye Black Skin” by Janae Washington touches on the challenges young black women and girls have encountered and have to overcome. It’s an uplifting story about a young Black girl who goes to a predominantly other race school and is teased because she looks different. Her mother shows her how to overcome bullying and love herself and the skin she’s in.

We may look different, but we are the same inside. Clarity is beautiful!

Bio: Janae Washington was just a little girl with a lot of big dreams. She aspired to be a book writer, an obstetrician, and a fashion designer! After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Marketing, she decided that she wanted to dedicate her life to inspiring other little girls to be anything they want to be, and to empower them with love and confidence. She remembered her early childhood years being the girl that hated her appearance and being extremely insecure…so she went on a quest to help build up the next generation of little ladies. With her first book, Bye Bye Black Skin, she set out to reach millions and help them love themselves as they are. Janae hopes wit every book you are inspired to live a purposeful life.  Snapchat/Instagram:@thelifeof1janae
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1339903181 

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/106986/the-gift-of-clarity

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 “I think... if it is true that there are as many minds as there are heads, then there are as many kinds of love as there are hearts.” ― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal start the show with Zahra Hasanian’s Hope Heals segment to discuss her activism implementing diversity at her school through her EquiTeam program. Zahra works passionately to move the campus forward with a progressive empathetic vision.  People need to be uncomfortable until change can occur.Author and blogger, Lee Wind joins the conversation with his soon-to-be published (October 2018) crowd funded book that was too controversial for traditional publishers, Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill. It’s the book Lee wanted to read when he was a teen. “To fix his life, a bullied and closeted 15-year old boy goes public with real historical evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another guy—triggering a backlash and media firestorm that might destroy everything he cares about.” A snippet of Maria Wong’s chapter , the Gift of Diversity from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers is read explaining how she grew up Chinese Mexican. Diversity is essential in this time and age. People’s different passions, interests, and beliefs are what will make the world a better place, one that lends new opportunities to individuals and provides brighter futures for the next generations.

Bio: Lee Wind

Lee Wind is an author, blogger, and make-the-world-a-better-placer. He’s the openly gay founding blogger of “I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the Hell Do I Read?,” an award-winning blog about books, culture, and empowerment for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Questioning, and Queer youth and their Allies. For over ten years, readers from 100+ countries have racked up 2.4 million page views—and counting!       

In his "Clark Kent" jobs he is the Director of Marketing and Programming at the Independent Book Publishers Association and the official blogger for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. His Superhero job is writing, inspired by our world’s amazing—and untold—LGBTQ history.

Lee’s YA novel, “Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill,” was too controversial for traditional publishing, so Lee crowd-funded both publishing the book and donating hundreds of copies to LGBTQ and Allied teens!

http://bit.ly/QAAFDB

Read a serialized version: http://www.leewind.org/2017/09/a-secret-from-history-two-books-and.html  www.leewind.org

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/106851/the-gift-of-diversity

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“When ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another. No more walls.” Anais Nin

Joven Hundal hosts a fascinating program that speaks to the elements of escape. He reads Malika Demings chapter from the new book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World where she writes about escaping from a turbulent childhood environment and her dreams of the future. J. Finn Wake joins Joven with her first novel, Cry of the Seals, which is all about communicating with our friends under the sea and how that would change our lives. For many, communicating with marine life would be a dream come true. Scientific research has recently been conducted on how dolphins speak to one another, and the idea of possibly communicating with these marine mammals is potentially transformative. In World Watch, Joven examines the plight of refugees as millions upon millions of people are displaced from their family homes. Be encouraged that escape is possible. Enjoy an escape  under the sea. 

Bio: J Finn Wake

As a longtime freelance writer, J. Finn Wake has written hundreds of feature articles for regional magazines and newspapers, as well as essays in the Cup of Comfort series, writing under the name Jennifer Finn Wake. She has always been drawn to water.  As a child, she often pretended to be a mermaid in her neighbor’s swimming pool, swimming with legs glued together and wishing she could develop the ability to breathe underwater.  As a young woman, she swam with seals in the Sea of Cortez and snorkeled with sea turtles and schools of fish off the coast of Hawaii, always in constant wonder of the underwater world around her and the creatures that live there. She is currently the editor of a weekly newspaper and lives with her husband and two teenage sons in the San Francisco Bay Area.  This is her first novel. jfinnwake.com

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/106738/the-gift-of-escape-and-cry-of-the-seals

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“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” - Martin Luther King Jr

“Any instance of inequality is worth writing about, sighing about, crying about, even laughing about. The collective conscious of the human race is asleep until people force its eyes open, refusing to let them escape into dreams of a better world until they can confront and cure the injustices of this one,” writes Zahra Hasanian in the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers that host Joven Jundal reads and discusses in this important episode about equality. Joven interviews authorMary DeMocker about her book The Parent’s Guide to Climate Revolution, 100 ways to build a fossil-free future, raise empowered kids, and still get a good night’s sleep. Mary encourages us to say yes to life with the global transition to a clean energy, low-carbon future. She shares dozens of wide ranging ideas and activities to be part of this necessary revolution — from embracing simplicity parenting, to freeing themselves from dead-end science debates, to teaching kids about the political power of creative protest, to changing their lifestyle in ways that will bring their family together, improve moods, and also reduce their impact on the earth. In the segment Ode to Literature, Caitlin Sims talks about the role of equality and how people use books as a platform to convey a message about society at the time specifically exploring the social inequality in Harper E. Lee’s famous novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

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“There cannot be enduring peace, prosperity, equality and brotherhood in this world if our aims are so separate and divergent, if we do not accept that in the end we are people, all alike, sharing the Earth among ourselves and also with other sentient beings, all of whom have an equal role and stake in the state of this planet and its players.”- Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Bio: Mary DeMocker is the cofounder and creative director of the Eugene, OR, chapter of 350.org. She uses the arts to fight for a livable planet and is the author of The Parent’s Guide to Climate Revolution, 100 ways to build a fossil-free future, raise empowered kids, and still get a good night’s sleep.. Mary DeMocker’s writing on conscious parenting and climate activism has appeared in The Sun, EcoWatch, Mothering.com, Spirituality & Health, Oregon Quarterly, The Oregonian, and ISLE (Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment) a quarterly journal published by Oxford University Press. She lives in Eugene, OR. More information at www.MaryDeMocker.com.

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/106580/the-gift-of-equality

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“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” —George Santayana

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Family IS everything! Today’s episode of Express Yourself! with hosts Joven Hundal and Katie Choo brings the importance of family to the forefront. They first read the chapter by former EY host Asya Gonzalez from Cynthia Brian’s forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are!-Millennials to Boomers Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World then interview the energetic award winning author of several books, Dorothea Jensen. Her newest book is A BUSS FROM LAFAYETTE, and “buss” means a kiss from the historical figure Lafayette.  Her first historical novel for kids, THE RIDDLE OF PENNCROFT FARM, is still being used in classrooms around the U.S. Dorothea regales listeners with fascinating stories of her life as a writer of fun family historical fiction. In the final segment Joven and Katie read a heart-wrenching story published by radio host Brigitte Jia about parents stratospheric expectations of their children and how children attempt to live up to them. A beautiful homage to parenting, family, and history that you won’t want to miss.

Listen at voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/106437/family-first

Bio: Dorothea Jensen was born in Boston, and grew up in Chillicothe, Illinois. (This is the same little town where Johnston McCulley, the writer who created Zorro, grew up many years earlier.) She majored in English Literature at Carleton College and earned a master's degree in Secondary Education at the University of New Mexico. She has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South America, tutored refugees in ESL, taught junior high and high school English, and written grant proposals for arts organization. She performed light opera for a number of years in Philadelphia (Gilbert & Sullivan Players) and in Minneapolis (Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company and Ex Machina Baroque Opera Company. A mezzo and/or contralto, she usually lost the hero to the soprano. dorotheajensen.com
     abussfromlafayette.com

 She and her husband have three grown children and six grandsons.

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“There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid. “  L .Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Courage is not just physical bravery. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal launch this episode by reading the chapter, The Gift of Courage by Afsana Rahman from the forthcoming book, Be the Star you Are! Millennials to Boomers Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World by Cynthia Brian. Afsana writes about the courage of speaking up about any injustice. We cannot stay in silence. Author Rebecca Donovan guests to share her passion for writing for teens to give them a voice. Her inspirations often come from songs, her characters are flawed, yet grow with courage and determination. Her newest stand-alone novel is What If. What if you had a second chance to meet someone again? What choice would you make? Rebecca Donovan advocates for young people to be able to express themselves. There are different types of courage, ranging from physical strength and endurance to mental stamina and innovation. Be courageous!

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.”  Maya Angelou

BIO:  Rebecca Donovan

Rebecca Donovan is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the highly-acclaimed Young Adult trilogy, The Breathing Series, with novels: Reason to Breathe, Barely Breathing, and Out of Breath, along with her stand alone novel, What If. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia and lives in a quiet town in Massachusetts with her son. Excited by all that makes life possible, she is a music addict, concert junkie, impulsive traveler, and is willing to try just about anything once. Rebecca is a hopeless optimist who hates winter and is addicted to Mountain Dew! rebeccadonovan.com

Listen at : https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/106289/the-gift-of-courage-with-rebecca-donovan

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“The vision is that people should have the ultimate in convenience. Being able to get the things they care about.”    Bill Gates

Millennials don’t remember a time without all of the tools of expediency. We are steeped in comfort and convenience while waiting anxiously for the next exciting invention that will enhance and augment expediency.

Hosts Joven Hundal and Brigitte Jia read Cynthia’s Brian’s chapter, The Gift of Convenience form the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers and they interview dating and makeover expert Kim Seltzer to help people work on image, charisma, and flirting. Everyday is different as she works with clients to boost their self esteem. She does virtual makeovers helping men and women all over the world unveil their most attractive self. Whether it’s updating your image or transforming your dating life, her philosophy is simple… work from the inside-out to achieve your goals and boost your self-confidence.

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“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in

moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at

times of challenge.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Bio: About Kim

With a vat of knowledge and experience as a therapist, certified style coach, dating coach, and matchmaker, Kim Seltzer has helped hundreds of people find lasting love and connection and build valuable relationships using her unique “confidence makeover” process. Using an outside-in approach, Kim has changed hundreds of lives by changing their style, emotional and social intelligence using her signature formula, “The Charisma Quotient,” working on body language, first impressions, image and messaging and how it impacts attraction. This Los Angeles-based expert travels the country helping people discover confidence, charisma and connection as a speaker at National Matchmaking Conferences, eHarmony, Neutrogena and iDate, as well as her own annual conference series for men and women, The Makeover Blueprint. Kim is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and DigitalRomance.com, with appearances in Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Reader’s Digest, AskMen, Fox News Magazine, Yahoo Shine and the Washington Examiner, among a myriad of other publications. You can also find Kim as a frequent co-host on the podcasts The Art of Charm with Jordan Harbinger as well as past episodes on the traveling live dating show The Great Love Debate, and in her new cable reality dating show, The Romance. You can also listen to her now on her own podcast, The Charisma Quotient. www.eliteimagemakeovers.com

Listen at Voice America Network, Kids Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/106156/the-gift-of-convenience-and-confidence

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“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” ― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

It’s a time of rebirth. A renaissance of nature. Winter has waned and spring has sprung. Cherry blossoms, daffodils, and warmer weather are finally here. Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal begin th program with Robert Frost’s poem, “A Prayer for Spring”. Then read Cynthia’ Brian’s newspaper article, “Spring Forward” as they converse about what springs means for them. They also discuss political events of spring and a world view of what’s occurring. Katie Choo brings “Aim to Shoot” talking about college visits during spring break, standardized school testing, stresses that await, and most of all what it means to her––archery season.

Whatever springs means to you, listen to the croaking frogs, inhale the fragrant air, and take pleasure in this lovely time of year!

Pick up a copy of Cynthia Brian’s newest book, Growing with the Goddess Gardener for a happy dose of spring tips at http;//www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

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Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/106057/springtime

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We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community. Dorothy Day

Do you live in a big city or a small town? Consider the constants in your life that are unique to your community. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Katie Choo read and discuss Joven Hundal’s chapter The Gift of Community from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are! for Millennials and Boomers.

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a nation to build that village, and a world to found that nation. Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of numerous books, graces the broadcast with boundless amounts of humor, hope, and optimism as he retells stories of people warding off death and living fully.  When you need inspiration, buy any of his books that reflect his love for people and animals. In the final segment, Katie suggests that the careers we choose and the work we do in our fields and jobs have a huge impact on community development and success.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measure by the compassionate actions of its members.” Coretta Scott King

BIO Dr. Bernie Siegel: For many, Bernie needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all over our planet. In 1978 he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician, who has cared for and counseled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by an illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our society grapples with today. He continues to assist in the breaking of new ground in the field of healing and personally struggling to live the message of kindness and love. Bernie has been named one of the top 20 Spiritually Influential Living People on the Planet by the Watkins Review. Bernie’s prediction is that in the next decade the role of consciousness, spirituality, non-local healing, body memory and heart energy will all be explored as scientific subjects. http://berniesiegelmd.com

Listen at Voice America Radio: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/105854/community-with-dr-bernie-siegel

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By any proper civilized standard (but what does that mean now?) we are objects of horror. But our nerves are completely steady. And we are still alive.”

― Pat Barker, The Ghost Road

• Is post traumatic stress disorder really a disorder or is it an illness? PSDT is defined as a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and to the outside world.” Hosts Brigitte Jia and Katie Choo interview Rosemary Sword, co-author of The Time Cure” to find out what PTSD is and what can be done to overcome the challenges.

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects as many as 25 million Americans. Whether the scars come from living through war combat, a natural disaster, a tragic accident, or childhood abuse, people with PTSD struggle daily; and often, traditional therapies don't work. The exciting new approach detailed in The Time Cure, rooted in Dr. Philip Zimbardo's Temporal Theory and developed by Dr. Richard and Rosemary Sword, helps PTSD sufferers stop living in the negatives of the past, look forward to a more positive future, and enjoy the present.

Guest Bio:

Rosemary Sword is co-developer of Time Perspective Therapy (TPT) and coauthor of The Time Cure, 2012; The Time Cure Therapist Guidebook, Wiley 2013; Time Perspective Therapy: Transforming Zimbardo’s Temporal Theory into Clinical Practice, Time Perspective Theory, Springer 2015; and Living & Loving Better, McFarland 2017. She writes a popular blog column for PsychologyToday.com and contributes to both AppealPower.com (European Union online journal), and Psychology in Practice, a new Polish psychological journal. She is also developer of Aetas: Mind Balancing Apps (discoveraetas.com). In conjunction with Forum Media Polska, Rosemary conducts online TPT training world-wide.  timeperspectivetherapy.org

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/105740/overcoming-post-traumatic-stress

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“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

When you shut your eyes and ponder the future of our globe, what does it look like? Hosts Joven Hundal and Katie Choo investigate technology and trends that seem like science fiction today but could be reality tomorrow. Author of Monople, Bailey Stone Barnard, explores this theme metaphorically in the novel through the hero's persistence in building his machine, a monopolopic inductor able to send matter through space and time. He also explores the idea of being unable to hold onto life’s perfect moments while immersed in them, and the artist’s constant battle to balance contentment with fulfillment. If nothing else, writing the novel has taught the author to pick his battles carefully, so as not to let life’s perfect moments disappear. Brigitte Jia shares art attack with a look at the future of art.

BIO: The poet needs only what the poet dreams…at least that’s what the author has been telling himself. Bailey Stone Barnard has been telling stories in his head all his life and eventually he started writing them down. He has written passionately his entire adult life, authoring dozens of short stories, two novellas, three short plays in verse, and hundreds of poems, in addition to the novel Monopole.

Since 2007, Bailey has been a staff editor and social media manager at the luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report in Los Angeles, where he is now editor of its website.  

Bailey's areas of expertise are technology and transportation—which he applied very directly to creating the future world within Monopole—with interests that include physics, engineering, politics, psychology, and music. Writing is his only true passion. https://www.plightofthepoet.com/author

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/105578/future-world

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“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” —Thomas Merton

• • • What is art? Do you think of paintings, sculptures, animation, or museums? What about music, dance, acting, cooking, voice, nature?  Culinary arts and performing arts are definitely forms of art. Hosts Brigitte Jia and Joven Hundal notice the small things influence what we all consider as art. Brigitte also reads from her chapter, The Gift of Art, from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are!® for Boomers and Millennials.  Joven finds that history and art are connected.  Brigitte recounts her phenomenal and unique experiences playing violin with Davies Symphony, touring in the UK and Chicago, playing alongside Ariel Horowitz and Amos Yang, recording for Torchlight, playing at Carnegie Hall, and more exciting artistic adventures. 

Appreciate art for what it is: creativity, skill, and expression.  Yes, Express Yourself!

Listen at Voice America Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/105433/the-gift-of-art

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Are you aware of your world, the people, and the opportunities around you? Debut host, Jack Pawlakos, and host Katie Choo tackle the topic of awareness from many different perspectives. They read the chapters, The Gift of Awareness, from two Be the Star You Are!® books, both with varied takes on what awareness is and how we can see more clearly. From Cynthia Brian’s chapter in the book, Be the Star You are!® 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference, (www.CynthiaBrian.com/books) they unveil the mysteries of the world around us and the enormity of the universe. From Tristan S.. Boardway’s chapter in the forthcoming Be the Star You Are!® for Boomers and Mlllennials, they look at awareness as being more in tune with telepathic energies in order to communicate. Katie uncovers unusual career opportunities in her Aim to Shoot segment and they also talk about social and political awareness, 

“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” ― Nathaniel Branden

Listen at Voice America Kids: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/105118/the-gift-of-awareness

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“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” ― Voltaire

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Through stories of their experiences, host Joven Hundal’s grandparents have instilled in him fundamental values. He is appreciative of all that his family has endured in order to make the lives of their children better. He reads his chapter The Gift of Appreciation from the forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are!® for Millennials. Energetic guest, Jennipher Walters, CEO and co-owner of Fit Bottomed World, was one of the first on-line companies to promote positive body image. Jennipher discusses her inspirations, struggles, and motivations with humor and simple tips for healthy living. Brigitte reads Cynthia Brian’s chapter on Appreciation from Be the Star You Are!® 99 gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. 

Both Brigitte and Joven consider themselves extremely lucky and privileged to be growing up in America with a strong support system. 

“There is more hunger in the world for love and appreciation than for bread.”Mother Teresa

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Jennipher Walters Bio: CEO and co-owner of Fit Bottomed World Jennipher Walters! Jennipher is the co-author of The Fit Bottomed Girls Anti-Diet, co-host of the Fit Bottomed Girls Podcast and Editor-in-Chief at Fit Bottomed Girls, Fit Bottomed Mamas and Fit Bottomed Zen. She has several fitness credentials under her belt: Jennipher is an ACE-certified personal trainer and health coach, and was named as one of the top 100 influencers in health and fitness by Greatist in 2016 and 2017. Jenn has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and an MA in health journalism from the University of Minnesota. She has also written for numerous online publications including Shape magazine, The Huffington Post and SparkPeople. In her free time, Jenn can be found doing HIIT workouts with her husband, making a mean green smoothie, running laps around the neighborhood with her daughter, standing on her soapbox to advocate body positivity and snuggling with her pup. https://fitbottomedgirls.com/about-us/, 

Listen at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/104989/the-gift-of-appreciation

 http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

6 Years of Broadcasting: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3532062

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“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” Immanual Kant

Humans and animals are one family. Katie Choo brings us a plethora of information about the numerous careers available and they are not all vet related. In World Watch, Joven Hundal focuses on domestic wild animals such as sea otters, seals, and sea lions, cougars, bison, crocodiles, alligators, eagles and megafauna. Hosts Katie and Brigitte interview animal advocate, Heather Brittany, who wrote the chapter, The Gift of Animals, for the Be the Star You Are! for Millennials series. Heather reminds us that animals don’t judge, they love unconditionally, teaching us to be responsible, patient, and caring.

Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

― Anatole France

BIO

Heather Brittany is a certified Bar Method instructor with degrees in English, Communications, and Women's Health. From 2002-2016 she co-hosted the segment T42 on the lifestyle program StarStyle-Be the Star you Are! with Cynthia Brian. She has been an advocate for all animals since childhood, having been surrounded by all kinds of animals since she was young. She wrote the chapter, The Gift of Animals for our forthcoming book, Be the Star You Are!® for Millennials. Formerly Heather worked as a reproductive health assistant and is currently working in the wine industry touting the wellness benefits of a daily glass of vino. She and her husband are owned and loved by their dog, Dolce. Look for her children’s book, The Adventures of Dolce Perro coming soon! www.StarStyleRadio.com