The Ten Things To Do When Your Life Falls Apart

Daphne Kingma is a best-selling author, teacher and undisputed expert on matters of the heart. For our last show of 2011, I wanted to replay my conversation with Daphne about her newest book, The Ten Things To Do When Your Life Falls Apart. Daphne offers sound wisdom in how to navigate the challenges that come your way. Visit http://www.daphnekingma.com/ for more information about her work. Daphne is also on our Advisory Council...and a dear friend.

As we celebrate the start of a new year, may we open ourselves more fully than ever before to the power of Love to transform our lives and our world.
May the dawn bring for each of us a new way of seeing and being.
May we experience the power and blessing of peace.

From my heart to yours, rb

Scott Russell Sanders and "A Conservationist Manifesto"

Scott Russell Sanders is one of my favorite authors. He writes beautiful prose and never fails to stir the soul and imagination. In his book, A Conservationist Manifesto, Sanders outlines the practical, ecological, and the ethical grounds for a conservation ehtic. It's time that we "savor and preserve the world instead of devouring it."

I love having deep conversations that matter. Scott Russell Sanders is a powerful voice for the Earth and I believe this interview will inspire you to action.

Visit Scott at http://www.scottrussellsanders.com/

Parker J. Palmer and 'Healing the Heart of Democracy'

"We the people" need to find the courage to create a politics worthy of the human spirit. Parker J. Palmer shares how in this week's interview. His newest book, Healing the Heart of Democracy, is not about blaming "them", our elected officials in Washington, D.C., for our country's problems. Instead, it is an appeal to rebuild the neglected infrastructure of democracy - the fabric of local life and the habits of the heart that sustain it - to help restore a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."

Here is a soul-searching, deeply thoughtful, and well-grounded manifesto that proposes practical and hopeful ways of doing exactly that.

Learn more about the inspiring work of Parker J. Palmer at - http://www.couragerenewal.org/

Enjoy the conversation!

Dr. Patch Adams....healer, activist and clown

Patch Adams rarely grants interviews so we were thrilled that he agreed to come on our show. His lifetime quest is to transform the healthcare system in which all people are covered, regardless of income level. Doctors and patients in his model relate to each other on the basis of mutual trust and patients receive plenty of time from their doctors.

While in the mental hospital as a younger man, Patch made two decisions: to serve humanity through medicine, and to never have another bad day! He travels around the world sharing the healing power of love and speaking out against social injustice. Visit Patch at - http://www.patchadams.org/

May you be inspired and challenged as you listen to the interview.

The Happiest Man in the World - Matthieu Ricard

Matthieu Ricard found himself part of the Parisian jet set as a young man, only to reject that lifestyle. The son of the great French philosopher Jean-Francois Revel, Matthieu was born in France in 1946 and eventually earned a Ph.D. in cell genetics at the renowned Institute Pasteur.

In 1967, Matthieu left science behind to move to the Himalayas and become a Buddhisy monk = and to pursue happiness, both at a basic human level and as a subject of inquiry.

Ricard is the author of The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet, Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill and his newest work, Why Meditate? - Working with Thoughts and Emotions.

Neuroscientists did numerous brain scans and brain wave measurements on Matthieu and discovered that parts of his brain associated with positive emotions were unusually active. A British paper nicknamed him, "The Happiest Man in the World." His website is - http://www.matthieuricard.org/

Two powerful people in broadcasting - Sheri Salata & Bill Siemering

Sheri Salata is President of Harpo Studios and served as Executive Producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show. She shares her favorite highlights of the show's 25 years and favorite moments on-air and behind the scenes. Sheri is also helping to promote a beautiful book just released, The Oprah Winfret Show: Reflections on an American Legacy.

Bill Siemering was a founding member of the National Public Radio (NPR) Board of Directors and author of the network's original mission and goals. Bill led the development of All Things Considered and helped launch Fresh Air with Terry Gross to a nationwide audience. He is now President of a great organization - Developing Radio Partners.

Sheri and Bill are great examples of people using the power of media to create personal and social change in the world. They are using their talents and gifts to help people think differently. They are...in their own way....bringing love to life!

Into the Heart of Life with Tenzin Palmo

Jestsunma Tenzin Palmo was raised in London and became of the the first Westerners to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. The popular book, Cave in the Snow, chronicled her journey of living in a cave for 12 years for meditation, the last 3 years in strict retreat.

She has been a passionate voice in promoting the status of female practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism. On this week's radio show, Tenzin Palmo will talk about her amazing journey and insights from her newest book, Into the Heart of Life. You can visit her at - http://www.tenzinpalmo.com/

Heaven Below with singer/songwriter Peter Mayer!

Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet - songs about interconnectedness and the human journey; about the beauty and the mystery of the world. I have listened to his music for years and it's a delight to have conversation with Pete again, on this week's show.

His newest CD, Heaven Below, is music for the soul and will inspire your heart. This humble social change artist from Minnesota is a gifted wordsmith and poet. He has an ability to truly 'see' what's most important in the world and reminds us to enjoy the awe and wonder of it all.

Enjoy the interview posted on "This Week's Show' webplayer. Visit Pete at - http://www.petermayer.net/

On This Week's Show - Judy Collins!

Legendary singer Judy Collins has been a social change artist for 50 years! Her songs, Both Sides Now and Send In the Clowns, are iconic and she was nominated for an Academy Award (along with Jill Godmillow) for the documentary film, Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman, about her classical piano instructor, conductor Antonia Brico.

We talk about her life, music, relationships and activism. Judy has a new book coming out - Judy Collins: Sweet Judy Blue Eyes. My life in Music.

It was a joy to have Judy on our show...and to play some of her music. I hope you enjoy the broadcast!
Her website is - http://www.judycollins.com/

Julia Butterfly Hill & Loung Ung on This Week's Show!

Environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill is a powerful voice for love in action. For 738 days, Hill lived in the canopy of an ancient redwood tree, called Luna, to help make the world aware of the plight of ancient forests. Julia's life story is currently being devloped as a dramatic feature film. http://www.juliabutterfly.com/

Loung Ung is a Peace activist and is a survivor of the killing fields of Cambodia. Her memoir, "First They Killed My Father" published by Harper Collins, became a national best seller. http://www.loungung.com/

These amazing women will also be the keynote presenters at the Women Like Us Foundation Tea, October 20th at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from 1pm to 4pm. For info - http://www.womenlikeusfoundation.org/

Be inspired by "This Week's Show"!

Carrie Newcomer and the Spirit of Her Music!

Social Change Artist, Carrie Newcomer, is an amazing talent and is one of the definitive voices of the Heartland and progressive spirituality. She is releasing her fifteenth album, Everything is Everywhere, and it's hot! It's a beautiful fusion of east and west featuring Carrie's unique sound along with the music of Amjad Ali Khan and family....great artists from India.

There will be two special CD Release Concerts:
October 14th in Bloomington, Indiana at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater
October 15th in Indianapolis at Second Presbyterian Church.

Visit http://www.carrienewcomer.com/ for more information and enjoy this week's radio show!

Healing the Heart of Democracy with Parker J. Palmer

At a critical time in American life, Parker J. Palmer - bestselling author, thought-leader, teacher, activist and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal - brings a powerful and stimulating new book, Healing The Heart Of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit.

This is Parker's third visit to our radio program and I always learn new ways of thinkiung from this amazing man. He is our "This Week's Show" and you might want to take notes! I certainly did.

Visit him at - http://www.couragerenewal.org/

Irish singer/songwriter & peace activist Tommy Sands

A legend in Ireland and known throughout the world for his songs and messages of peace, Tommy Sands has been described by respected US magazine Sing Out! as "The most powerful songwriter in Ireland if not the rest of the world."

This week's show with Tommy was powerful and inspiring. Toward the end of the interview, he shares a touching story about helping a young woman find and create her song.

We also include two of his best songs - "Your Daughters and Your Sons" and "There Were Roses."

Tommy's website is - http://www.tommysands.com/   Enjoy the broadcast!

Peacemaker and musician Yuval Ron on this week's show

Yuval Ron is an Oscar winning composer, world-music artist, educator and peace activist. It's a delight to have him on this week's radio show. He has such compassion for this world...and passion for the music that he creates. He has taught and performed all around the world and it's a joy to have Yuval and his Ensemble come to Indianapolis and perform on September 18th through the 21st. Visit him online at http://www.yuvalronmusic.com/ for more information. And enjoy the interview!

The Evolution of Faith with Philip Gulley

Author and Quaker minister, Philip Gulley, makes a return visit to share his newest work, The Evolution of Faith: How God is Creating a Better Christianity. You can listen to our conversation on This Week's Show webplayer. Phil will inspire you and challenge you toward a new way of thinking about Jesus and contemporary christianity. Phil is the coauthor of If Grace Is True and If God Is Love and bestselling author of Front Porch Tales.

You can visit him online at http://www.philipgulley.org/

Remember that you can listen to each show online right after it broadcasts on Saturday morning!
Our Featured Show is my conversation with Dr. Path Adams on healthcare reform.

Be kind to yourself, love to all, rb

The Future of Love......

I've been a fan of Daphne Kingma's work for many years now and she always offers great insights as a guest on the radio show. This week's show features a new conversation with Daphne on her groundbreaking book, "The Future of Love - The Power of the Soul in Intimate Relationships."

At a time when over half of all marriages are ending in divorce, Daphne, a well-known therapist and relationship expert, has recognized that our traditional ways of thinking about relationships are no longer working. I believe this week's interview will give you hope and also challenge you with new ways of thinking about intimate, soulful relationships. Check out her website - http://www.daphnekingma.com/  and listen to the show with an open heart.....and see where the journey takes you!

John Shelby Spong calling for a New Reformation

This week's show is with a guest who makes his third visit....Bishop John Shelby Spong. I always find him insightful, inspiring and he will challenge you to think. I love people like that! Spong, whose books have sold more than a million copies, was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2001.

This visionary leader is considered the champion on an inclusive faith by many, both inside and outside the church. Spong has also been a strong proponet of feminism, gay rights, and equality within both the church and society at large. Towards these ends, he calls for a New Reformation, in which many of Christianity's basic doctrines should be reformulated.

A visiting lecturer at Harvard and at universities and churches worldwide, Bishop Spong delivers more than 200 public lectures each year to standing-room-only crowds.

Thanks for visiting this site...and I hope you'll enjoy the interview. His web address is - http://www.johnshelbyspong.com/

Welcome.....

Welcome to the new site for JourneysFire Productions. What do Dr. Patch Adams and Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard have in common? First, they both represent what being a visionary leader AND social change artist is all about. Although on different lifepaths, Adams and Ricard are committed to using their creativity in making a difference in the world....and to the fusion of the inner work of heart WITH outer service in the world.

And, they're not afraid to dream big! My son used to say, "dream big or go home." We are living in a time when we all must have the courage to dream big...and then act on those dreams. Patch made two decisions when he was in the mental hospital as a younger man: to serve humanity through medicine, and to never have another bad day! Matthieu walked away from the Parisian jet set life he had years ago, to pursue a path of compassion and altruistic love for humanity. Both arrived at a defining moment in their lives....and they discovered their destiny and have never looked back!

Both have also been guests on our radio show. The Featured Interview posted is with Patch Adams. This Week's Show is my conversation with Matthieu Ricard. Listen at your leisure and may you be inspired and challenged to know that there is another way of living. We're bringing love to life....one broadcast at a time.