STOPTIME: Live in the Moment.

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!Ever wonder why a stranger's approval often feels more valuable than our own self-acceptance? This thought-provoking episode explores our collective obsession with external validation and the exhausting mathematics of people-pleasing.We dive into the dangerous equation many of us follow: dividing ourselves into smaller and smaller pieces to meet others' expectations until we're stretched impossibly thin, serving no one well – especially not ourselves. I explore how we've become masters of relationship politics, pretending everything's fine when it isn't, then feeling frustrated when nobody notices our unspoken distress. This growing gap between our authentic selves and our public personas creates a mathematical impossibility – trying to be everything to everybody simply doesn't add up.But there's profound freedom in recognizing yourself as the only common denominator in your life – the prime number that cannot be divided. Consider this: of the 7+ billion people on Earth, most will never know you existed, and of those who do, how many truly know the authentic you? When we shift focus from external approval to internal alignment, we discover that what matters isn't universal acceptance but personal integrity. Yes, standing in your truth means some people won't like what you have to say – and that's perfectly okay. The journey will be messy and imperfect, but gloriously yours. By showing up authentically, you not only reclaim your power but create space for others to do the same. Isn't that a much more fulfilling way to contribute to the world than endless people-pleasing?What might change in your life if you stopped seeking validation from others and started honoring your inherent worth? I'd love to hear your thoughts – share your experiences or reflections in the comments, and if this message resonated with you, please subscribe and share with someone who might need to hear it.If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!Unlock the secrets of profound relaxation and inner peace with our latest episode on yoga nidra meditation. Imagine being guided into a state of restful awareness, where you can completely surrender to the present moment and nurture your body and mind. We'll help you set a sankalpa—a personal intention resonating with your heart's deepest desires—and guide you through an intricate journey of self-awareness. Experience the healing power of visualizing yourself in a serene setting, bathed in a golden, tranquil light, all while using the natural rhythm of your breath as your anchor.Our detailed walkthrough will transport you into a world of stillness as you gently focus on each part of your body, noticing sensations without judgment or movement. From the tips of your fingers to the soles of your feet, our guided meditation is designed to foster a deep sense of peace and rejuvenation. As the session concludes, feel the integration of your sankalpa into your consciousness and carry this newfound tranquility with you throughout your day. Join us on this transformative journey and emerge rested, aware, and whole. Namaste, dear friends, until we meet again.Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!Paul Tazewell has been designing costumes for Broadway, Regional Theater, Film and Television, Dance, and Opera Productions for close to thirty years. He began his Broadway career with the groundbreaking musical, ‘Bring in Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk, directed by George C. Wolfe. Most recently, Paul is known for his work with both of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award winning, Original Broadway productions of Hamilton and In the Heights. He was recently nominated for an Oscar for his costumes for Steven Spielberg's West Side Story.Other feature film credits include; Harriet for Focus Features, Hamilton for Disney+ and the recently released West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg. TV credits include the HBO Original Film; The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks starring Oprah Winfrey, and both The Wiz! Live, and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert for NBC. In 2016, he received an Emmy Award for NBC’s The Wiz! Live, as well as a Tony Award for Hamilton. Other notable honors include two Lucille Lortel Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, a Princess Grace Foundation Fellowship, and The Princess Grace Statue Award.Learn more about Paul : paultazewelldesign.com SUPPORT STOPTIME: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIMEEpisode recorded January 26th, 2022If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!Your mind doesn’t need more pressure—it needs a clean reset.When you’re scattered, unfocused, or pulled in five directions at once, forcing productivity often backfires. This 9-minute guided meditation helps you slow down, reset your attention, and return to focus—without trying to clear your mind or control your thoughts.We begin by settling the body with simple breathwork: a slow inhale through the nose, a gentle exhale through the mouth, and a soft release in the shoulders, jaw, and eyes. From there, we normalize the busy mind and introduce two powerful focus tools you can use anytime—letting thoughts settle like snow in a snow globe, and placing distractions aside like putting a book back on the shelf.Nothing is denied. Everything can wait.At the center of this practice is one question:What deserves my attention right now?You’ll be guided to let the answer arise naturally, then gently gather your attention—like sunlight through a magnifying glass—into one clear point of focus.This is a simple, repeatable reset for clarity, concentration, and calm—whether you’re at your desk, between meetings, or about to begin meaningful work.If this helped, follow or subscribe for more guided meditations and focus resets. Share it with someone who’s feeling overwhelmed, and leave a review sharing what you chose to focus on today.Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!What if your heart already holds the secrets to all your deepest questions? Join me, Lisa Hopkins, as I guide you through a mesmerizing passage from Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet" that will awaken your soul's hidden wellspring. In this deeply reflective episode, we journey through page 65 of this 1923 masterpiece, uncovering timeless wisdom about self-knowledge and the boundless nature of our true selves. Close your eyes if you like and let Gibran's eloquent words transport you to a place where the soul unfolds like a lotus of countless petals.Together, we'll explore the infinite depths of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of embracing evolving truths rather than confining ourselves to rigid paths. Gibran's message is a heartfelt invitation to recognize that self-knowledge is a continuous, ever-evolving journey. Thank you for accompanying me on this spiritual exploration. Stay safe, stay healthy, and always remember to live in the moment.If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!In today's fast-paced world, stress is an all-too-familiar companion for many of us. Whether it's work pressures, personal challenges, or the constant buzz of technology, finding a moment of peace can seem like an elusive dream. Our latest podcast episode, "Transformative Mindfulness and Breathwork for Stress Relief," is here to change that narrative by guiding you on a journey towards inner tranquility and stress-free living. Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!The Birthday Expectation Trap — Why Do We Wait for Others to Celebrate Us?Birthdays come with a surprising amount of expectation.How we’re supposed to feel.How others are supposed to celebrate us.What the day is supposed to look like.In this reflective episode of STOPTIME: Live in the Moment, Lisa shares a personal story from a quiet birthday morning that turned into an unexpected moment of awareness. What began with a simple cup of tea, a card on the counter, and a warm fire in the living room quickly revealed something deeper — the subtle voice in our heads that keeps score.The voice that notices what was done… and what wasn’t.Through this honest moment of self-observation, Lisa explores the expectations we place on others to validate us and asks a powerful question:What would change if we celebrated ourselves instead of waiting for others to do it first?This episode is a gentle reminder that life is made up of moments — and each one is an opportunity to choose how we show up within it.If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!A guided meditation designed to help you move through emotional heaviness using the imagery of a storm transforming into sunlight and a rainbow. This visualization mirrors life's natural cycles of darkness and light, reminding us that transformation often begins in unexpected places.• Beginning in the midst of a storm that represents emotional weight and heaviness• Experiencing the gradual lightening of rain and thinning of clouds as a metaphor for emotional release• Witnessing sunlight breaking through and a rainbow appearing as symbols of transformation and hope• Recognizing that both darkness and light are necessary parts of life's design• Embracing the duality of feeling both grounded and light as we return to awarenessFind a comfortable position, close your eyes, and let the rain come as you trust that the light will follow.Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!The stars were aligned and the universe winked when these three siblings decided to pursue the arts. Join Lisa in this intimate and one of a kind conversation with Josh and Zach of The Brothers Page who are joined by their sister actress/singer/dancer Kylie Liya Page. They have each forged and continue to flourish at extraordinary careers separately and together in music, film, television, and stage and continue to grow and challenge themselves as artists and human beings. Learn more about their unique upbringing and how being siblings has nourished their hearts & souls.The Brothers Page have built their multifaceted career independently by combining their unique sets of skills and honing in on the power of real connection with their fans - a connection that cannot be understated, as their 1.4 million fans from across the globe have supported their weekly covers since 2011. They’ve received accolades from a wide range of renowned talents such as the Jonas Brothers, The Chainsmokers, Maroon 5, One Republic, Portugal. The Man, Josh Groban, and Ellen DeGeneres, and the Page brothers have begun to release their highly anticipated original music. Kylie Liya Page is an actor, singer, dancer who was born in China and raised in New York. As a child, she appeared on Broadway in the 2006 revival of Les Miserables the first national tour of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Her more recent film and TV credits include Darby and the Dead (which will be released next month on Hulu), The Girl from Plainville with Elle Fanning, The Girl in the Woods (currently on Peacock) and Kylie starred in episode 8 of Social Distance for which the New York Times singled her out saying it was one of the stronger episodes and that she gave a sweet and heart-wrenching performance.Listen to Brothers Page on Spotifyhttps://www.youtube.com/user/brotherspageIf you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!What if the first fifteen minutes of your morning could transform your entire day? This guided morning rejuvenation body scan meditation offers exactly that opportunity – a chance to awaken your body with intention rather than reaching for your phone or immediately tackling your to-do list.We begin by finding a comfortable position and setting a powerful intention for the day ahead, asking the simple yet profound question: "How do I want to show up today?" This plants a seed of purpose that influences everything that follows. Then, we guide you through a systematic body scan, starting with your feet and moving upward, bringing awareness, gratitude, and energizing visualization to each part of your body.As we move through the meditation, we pay special attention to areas where tension commonly accumulates – the abdomen, shoulders, neck, and jaw. Through conscious breathing and visualization of golden light flowing through your body, you'll release stored stress while simultaneously filling yourself with vitality. The practice recognizes each body part's unique contribution, fostering appreciation for the incredible vessel that carries you through life.The meditation concludes with a powerful visualization that connects you to both inner and outer sources of energy, leaving you feeling fully awake, present, and prepared for whatever lies ahead. You'll step into your day carrying the affirmation: "I am open to possibility and ready to receive all that today has to offer." This practice proves that just minutes of intentional awareness can radically shift how you experience the hours that follow. Give yourself this gift of presence before the world demands your attention.Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!In this episode Lisa shares how understanding your Regular Unconscious Thoughts (RUTS) can unlock an unlimited supply of Energetic Choice, and how making small shifts will open you up to a more conscious, created life of possibility, growth and gratitude.If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!We guide a gentle morning meditation that uses breath, a soft smile, and memory to cultivate contentment, then expand it with appreciative joy for others. We close with simple ways to spot micro‑joys during the day and carry calm into action.• settling the body and softening judgment• breathing with awareness and smiling through a body scan• reframing meditation as access to joy in the present• recalling a personal moment of happiness with sensory detail• repeating clear affirmations for worthiness and agency• practicing mudita by celebrating others’ happiness• returning to breath and smile to anchor calm• spotting micro‑joys in daily life and reinforcing attention• gentle reentry with stretch, yawn, and a closing blessingSupport the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!What’s behind the headlines—and what happens when purpose, presence, and generosity quietly shape the biggest opportunities?In this episode, I’m joined by tap-dance powerhouse sisters Chloe and Maud Arnold—creators, choreographers, educators, entrepreneurs, and the visionary force behind Syncopated Ladies, the all-female tap ensemble that has amassed over 100 million views online. Their work has traveled to more than 30 countries, with appearances on The Ellen Show, Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and So You Think You Can Dance—and recognition from cultural icons including Beyoncé, Whoopi Goldberg, Shonda Rhimes, and Janet Jackson.But this conversation isn’t about the highlight reel.It’s about the humans behind the headlines—and the small, deeply human choices that often create the biggest turning points. Chloe and Maud share how major breakthroughs have come through everyday acts of care: giving a friend a ride, making space for someone who needs to be included, and leading with mission rather than image.We talk about:Why “being present” is a performance skill—and a life skillThe “make it until you make it… and keep making it” mindset (and the early projects nobody saw)Rejection, resilience, and staying open without getting bitterIdentity, excellence, and the power of being raised with the message: you already belongWhat it means to choose your standards—and protect your energy—while staying generous and groundedThis one is an invitation to slow down, remember what matters, and honor the unseen moments that shape a life.As STOPTIME: Live in the Moment approaches five years of conversations (almost six!), I’m revisiting and re-sharing a few favorite episodes—conversations that continue to resonate and meet us exactly where we are. This one felt especially worth returning to.Thank you for listening—and for being part of this journey.— Lisa 💜If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!Struggling to access your creativity? Feeling disconnected from your inner voice? This chakra meditation offers a beautiful journey back to yourself through energy alignment and guided visualization.We begin by settling into a comfortable position, allowing the breath to naturally deepen as we prepare to travel through each energy center. Starting at the root chakra, we visualize a strong red light grounding us to earth, establishing safety and belonging. This foundation serves as the bedrock for all creative work. Moving upward, we activate the sacral chakra's orange glow, the seat of creative flow and emotional expression, affirming our natural ability to create without resistance.The journey continues through the golden yellow solar plexus, center of confidence and personal power, where we reclaim trust in ourselves and our creative decisions. We then open the heart's compassionate green light, the throat's expressive blue energy, and the third eye's intuitive indigo wisdom. Each chakra, when aligned, removes another barrier between you and your innate creative potential.The meditation culminates in a powerful visualization of a light-filled doorway leading to your personal creative sanctuary—a space within that holds all your inspiration, wisdom, and artistic expression. Here, you can commune with your creative essence, ask questions, and receive guidance directly from your higher self. This sacred inner room remains accessible long after the meditation ends, a permanent resource you can return to whenever creative blocks arise.Remember that your creativity never leaves you—it's always there, waiting for you to create space and alignment to access it. This 20-minute practice offers not just temporary relief but a sustainable pathway to your creative source. Return to it whenever you need to realign, reconnect, and rediscover the vast wellspring of imagination that lives within you.Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!What happens when a world-class performer stops chasing perfection—and starts choosing presence?In this episode, I’m joined by Sean Panikkar, an American tenor of Sri Lankan heritage whose career spans the world’s most renowned opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Albert Hall, La Scala, Carnegie Hall, the Salzburg Festival, and the English National Opera. Many also recognize Sean from America’s Got Talent as a member of Forte, the operatic tenor trio that captivated millions.Sean reflects on how the pandemic reshaped his relationship to his work, his family, and himself. After years of constant international travel, the sudden pause brought him home—and revealed just how deeply he missed the rehearsal room, the creative process, and the joy of making art. That space helped him reconnect to his “why” and renew his gratitude for the work he once risked taking for granted.We explore his unconventional path into music, the mindset that sustains a long and demanding career, and the surprising place where he finds the most joy—not in applause, but in rehearsal and collaboration. Sean shares how releasing the need for perfection liberated him as a performer, allowing him to step onstage with trust, freedom, and presence. As he puts it, live performance is never flawless—but it is always true to the moment.We also talk about reliability, preparation, working smarter rather than harder, and the values that anchor him—especially fatherhood. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder: when we let go of control and fully arrive, we’re often right where we’re meant to be.As STOPTIME: Live in the Moment approaches five years of conversations (almost six!), I’m revisiting and re-sharing a few favorite episodes—conversations that continue to resonate and meet us exactly where we are. This one felt especially worth returning to.Thank you for listening—and for being part of this journey.— Lisa 💜If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!This short, restorative meditation guides listeners through a heart-centered practice designed to help them center themselves and shift their energy in under five minutes.• Quality over quantity: even brief moments of focused breathing can be transformative• Simple body relaxation techniques including softening shoulders, jaw, and forehead• Heart-centered visualization with a warm, steady light that expands with each breath• Gentle physical movements to transition back to daily activities• Reminder that restoration doesn't require lengthy practice, just presenceCarry this sense of calm and restoration with you throughout the rest of your day. Namaste, my friends.Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!What does it actually take to be joyful—not performative-happy, not “fine,” but truly joyful in a way that feels brave, embodied, and real?In this episode, I’m joined by two brilliant storytellers and screenwriters, Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna, whose combined credits span beloved studio and indie projects across animation and live action—including Inside Out, Up, The Good Dinosaur, Captain Marvel, and more. Together, they also host the outstanding podcast The Screenwriting Life.We begin with Inside Out as a doorway—asking which character each of them most identifies with (and why). Lorien claims Disgust: truth-teller, protector, and sharp point of view. Meg surprises us with Sadness—not as an identity, but as a writer’s intimacy with vulnerability, self-doubt, and instinct. From there, the conversation opens into something deeper: the stories we tell ourselves that don’t serve us, and what it looks like to rewrite them.Meg shares an unforgettable moment of meeting her inner critic head-on—visualizing a small red chair and asking that voice to sit down while she moved forward anyway. Lorien speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, the discomfort of receiving praise, and the belief that love has to be earned—then traces how her creative work is helping her practice hope in real time.And then we land on the heart of the episode: joy as vulnerability. Meg offers a powerful reframe—true joy requires courage, because joy opens us up. It makes us visible. It asks us to hope. The two of them explore what it means to be observed again after the pandemic, how community reflects us back to ourselves, and why friendship can be genuinely life-saving.You’ll also hear beautiful distinctions around self-acceptance vs. self-celebration, creative presence, and what “living in the moment” looks like when you’re someone who naturally lives in the future. We close with a playful “What makes you…?” lightning round—stress hunger, curiosity hunger, overwhelm-as-a-signpost, and the small ordinary moments that carry real joy.If you’re navigating self-doubt, trying to receive the good that’s coming toward you, or learning how to choose hope without needing certainty—this one is a gem.If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!What if the real win isn’t the credit list, but the way you show up when no one’s clapping?In this conversation, I sit with actor Philip Anthony Rodriguez to unpack a four-decade career spanning Broadway stages, prime-time television, and voice work—including a Star Wars Inquisitor—and then zoom in on the human core that powers it all.Philip reframes performance as service: a collaborative act that allows audiences to feel, think, and reset. He shares how the pandemic reshaped his process—self-tapes at home, resourcefulness as a daily skill, and gratitude as a grounding practice—and why choosing response over reaction changed everything. The old reflex to bristle at last-minute auditions gave way to a steadier standard: prepare well, conserve energy, and be the professional who delivers. That mindset, he notes, applies far beyond show business—from startups to classrooms.We wander through early breaks, a transformative European tour of West Side Story, and the deliberate expansion of his toolkit—on-camera nuance, action training, voice work—to keep opportunity wide. The heart of the conversation lives closer to home: a father reflecting on his own dad’s tough love, laughing with his son in a grocery line, and realizing that small, unseen moments are the legacy that lasts.We talk presence, confidence without ego, and the courage to let friends call you out when you’re stuck. Along the way, we explore why arts education isn’t optional if we want healthy communities—and how humor, kindness, and curiosity help us stay resilient.As STOPTIME: Live in the Moment approaches five years of conversations (almost six!), I’m revisiting and re-sharing a few favorite episodes—conversations that continue to resonate and meet us exactly where we are. This one felt especially worth returning to.Thank you for listening—and for being part of this journey.— Lisa 💜If the conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your words help others find us. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!Jet lag can leave you feeling untethered—tired and wired at the same time, unsure whether to rest or push through. This gentle meditation is designed to help your body recalibrate after travel, without forcing sleep or wakefulness.Rather than trying to override your system, this practice focuses on orientation. We begin by grounding in the body and noticing where you are now—the quality of light, the sounds around you, the simple fact of being supported. Through natural breathing and subtle cues, you’ll invite your nervous system to register safety and arrival.You’ll be guided to release urgency around “getting it right” and instead allow your internal clock to adjust gradually. This is not about snapping into a new schedule, but about offering your body clear, calm signals so it can update in its own time.Listen after arrival, in the morning or early evening, or anytime jet lag leaves you feeling out of sync. Return to this practice as needed as your body settles into a new rhythm.If this meditation supports your transition, consider subscribing, sharing it with a fellow traveler, or leaving a brief review to help others find their way back into alignment.Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!In this deeply honest and reflective conversation, I sit down with Hanako Greensmith—actor, artist, and series regular on Chicago Fire—to explore what happens between the milestones.I’ve had the joy of knowing Hanako since her training years at Pace University, and here she speaks with remarkable openness about ambition, self-worth, burnout, and the inner work required to sustain a creative life.We talk about the pressure to constantly do more, the belief that rest must be earned, and how easily high achievers learn to equate worth with productivity. Hanako reflects on learning to trust herself without over-preparing, on noticing when familiar patterns no longer serve her, and on what it means to reconnect with creativity beyond external validation.This conversation also touches on:Navigating the “in-between” seasons of an artistic careerThe tension between stability and creative freedomSensitivity as a strength rather than a flawWhy nature can be a powerful emotional and energetic resetLetting go of identities that once felt essentialRedefining success beyond credits, roles, or outcomesAt its heart, this episode is about learning to listen inwardly, honoring what you need now, and allowing yourself to evolve—without rushing the process.A note from LisaAs STOPTIME: Live in the Moment approaches five years of conversations (almost six!), I’m revisiting and re-sharing a few favorite episodes—conversations that continue to resonate and meet us exactly where we are. This one felt especially worth returning to.Thank you for listening—and for being part of this journey.— Lisa 💜If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg