WeBeTheChange: Conversations with Evolutionaries

What if real strength is refusing the bait—staying human while you name the pattern?In Part 2 of the Leisa Peterson series, Colleen and Leisa get practical about what to do when the world is loud: how to name patterns without feeding fear, practice fierce compassion with real boundaries, and create safety together without pretending we all agree. You’ll hear grounded language for staying regulated, holding complexity, and remembering that collective healing isn’t built through individual heroics — it’s built through human beings choosing steadiness and care on purpose.Make sure to check out Leisa's Substack, Equal Stakes, and connect with her at wealthclinic.com. If you’d like a free place to relax and reflect in community, visit SongRise.live and click the Bowl of Light Café link at the top.

What if “transcendence” isn’t about escaping the world—but waking up from its deceptive trance?WeBeTheChange host Colleen Akiko and Leisa Peterson--Wealth Coach, Author and Financial Intuitive, discuss the larger pattern behind our culture’s distress: a scarcity-based trance that keeps people reactive, divided, and exhausted. (Do we detect a familiar Ugh?)Leisa shares how her decades in finance—and her decades on a spiritual path—converged into a new way of seeing: paradox is now the training ground. We explore what it means to hold fear and keep moving, to seek unity and keep boundaries.And we remember that love is a rich, roll-up-your-sleeves practice to cultivate over time.Visit Leisa at wealthclinic.com; resources at SongRise.live

When was the last time you learned from soil instead of a screen?Middle and high school teacher Kari Hagel shares with WeBeTheChange host Colleen Akiko about the rise of nature deficit disorder.Kari, also a Health & Wellness Coach, shows how hands-on ecology—worm bins, a classroom dog, gardening and even mapping water with a drone—restores attention, engagement, and belonging.In Pt 1 of The Web of Wellness, students move from apathetic to curious. If post-COVID disconnection feels familiar, this episode offers down-to-earth ways to re-root at school, at home, and wherever you can be in nature.Visit Songrise.LIVE for Bonus Content and your free eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light.

When the craving hits, what are you actually hungry for?In Part 3 of “A Fearlessly Feral Life,” we get practical about the sober path: the tiny act of willingness that flips the switch, the boundary that protects your peace, and how to tell a trigger from a longing for belonging. We talk family dynamics and codependency, the medicine of community (AA rooms and beyond), and what it means to choose fellowship—and freedom—over the old loop.If you’ve ever reached for a numbing habit, this episode offers a grounded reframe, a breath, and a next step back into yourself.Connect with Colleen at SongRise.live and type "Gift" at the bottom of the page for your free eGuide, "Out of Your Head, Into Your Light."

Welcome to We Be The Change and this second segment of the series A Fearlessly Feral Life with Rev. Karen Linsley. In Part 2 we dive into New Thought as a grounded path for recovery—where principle is not bound by precedent and healing means changing our thinking to change our life. Karen traces sobriety from her Thanksgiving‑day treatment intake in 1986 to ministerial training, interim ministry, and writing A New Thought Journey Through the 12 Steps.Join our conversation about what New Thought is, and how it becomes a practical engine for recovery by integrating 12‑Step wisdom with consciousness, choice, and oneness. In these volatile times, such pragmatic spirituality becomes embodied freedom, not just abstinence.If this strikes a familiar chord, feel free to share below--e.g., what belief shift most supported your recovery?You're invited to access supportive Bonus Content, fresh resources and the FREE eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light at SongRise.LIVE

“How can I release old survival mechanisms to create a truly beautiful life?This powerful question is the heartbeat of today's conversation. We’ve all carried patterns from the past that once helped us survive, but now keep us from fully living.I am delighted to have my friend and neighbor with us, reverend and author, Karen Linsley. Her personal journey of how she stepped away from 20 solid years of addiction is a testament to choosing principle over precedent. Join us as we explore recognizing our power to choose and completely step out of addiction into a fearlessly feral life of freedom.Soon we'll be releasing episode #2, where we discuss higher yet very practical principles that beckon us towards a happier life.Until then, make sure to check access supportive Bonus Content, fresh resources, and your FREE eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light, at SongRise.LIVE.

Must embodying authentic Presence have to look like the Mona Lisa?Welcome to the final segment of our series, LIVING AS A PORTAL OF PRESENCE: The Inner Work that Changes the Outer World. In this soulful yet earthy conversation, host Colleen Akiko and spiritual counselor, Brenda Heldoorn explore the internal struggle of navigating global and personal chaos while staying anchored in love. They explore some under-the-surface questions, like:How do I witness the dialogue between my fearful Head and my knowing Heart?What's the difference between forgiving and pardoning someone?How can I transform an unfriendly inner reaction?What is the "activity of truth" for me?Can I shift from fear to forgiveness--without minimizing my pain? Whether you’re seeking clarity, connection, or a spark of hope, We Be The Change introduces you to everyday people who are creating a brighter, more compassionate world. Thanks for your engagement! Feel free to reach out for your complimentary eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light at SongRise.LIVE. And remember: your own inner shift is a beautiful and mighty catalyst for outer change.

How can a little notebook disarm the ego’s grip?In this short but potent episode, spiritual counselor Brenda Heldoorn shares a surprising exercise with host Colleen Akiko that dismantled her negative self-talk. With openness and humor, she names the “Doom Loop” for what it is, and offers a direct pathway through the grand illusion.We explore how victim language sneaks into our thoughts and conversations, and how awakening to our spiritual brilliance may mean walking a quieter path. One where we no longer bond with others over our shared suffering, but the joy of discovering our shared light instead.Brenda also shares a sweet metaphor of her dreaming dog that reminds us: when we awaken from the collective nightmare, there is no scolding—only welcome.If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in repeat stories, you’ll appreciate the kind of medicine that doesn’t require years of analysis—just your willingness to listen... and maybe a little notebook.Take a quick break. Tune in; breathe...And remember: Bonus content, music, and your free eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light awai at Songrise.LIVE.

What if our total collapse could pivot us to our most radiant becoming?In this vulnerable, luminous continuation of Brenda Heldoorn's conversation with Colleen, we explore what it truly means to surrender—not as defeat, but as a threshold where rock bottom becomes sacred ground.Brenda shares her lived experience of a suicide attempt that became a catalyst for profound awakening—a moment that could have ended everything, but instead began the real journey home.Together we move through the terrain of unraveling false beliefs, and the mysterious grace that meets us in non-resistance. Brenda’s story reminds us that staying present through the pain in our most broken moments can lead to a realization of our wholeness.For supportive bonus content, journaling prompts, and songs that support this kind of inner work, visit Songrise.live. You’ll find resources for opening, awakening and thriving--including a complimentary eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light.-------------------------------------------------------------------Content Note: This conversation touches on a suicide attempt and the journey of profound healing that followed. It is shared with gentleness—to bring understanding to the reality of despair and to the grace that can arise through surrender and presence.If you or someone you love is in crisis, please reach out for immediate support in your country or region:United States: Dial or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)Canada: Call or text 988 or visit 988.caUnited Kingdom: Call Samaritans at 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgAustralia: Call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.auInternational Directory: Visit findahelpline.com for a full list of free, confidential helplines worldwide

Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders, believing you had to face every challenge alone?Join host Colleen Akiko and her guest, spiritual director and counselor, Brenda Heldoorn--who reveals her pivotal moment of absolute surrender that led her to deep healing and a new path.In this first segment of the four-part series, you'll witness how astounding power can be released in surrender. As you glean inspiration for your own journey, you'll gain real-life understanding to more fully embrace Presence to navigate life's struggles with clarity, grace, and even joy.For Bonus Content, your FREE eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light, and supportive resources, visit Songrise.LIVE.

How are the new energetics asking you to increase capacity?Enjoy this exhilarating conversation with host and Essential Connections Coach Colleen Akiko and sacred artist, teacher and "well-being generator" Daniel Strawn. In this final episode of the series, Navigating the New Energetics, you'll hear about perturbation, real “insulation,” the Blue Princess, and a near-death vision of Earth’s new domain of pure potentiality—aka the New Light.Share your thoughts, explore more resources, and receive your free eGuide—Out of Your Head, Into Your Light—at Songrise.live.

What if you were designed to handle more light—but need to upgrade your wiring first?This We Be The Change episode is a fun yet profound conversation, exploring the intersection of spirituality, development, energetics and collective consciousness. Join host Colleen Akiko and sacred artist and teacher Daniel Strawn as they discuss silver and gold forces, ritual vs. ceremony, sacred architecture, and the journey into humanity's new light. Perfect for seekers of spiritual growth, energy awareness, and a deeper understanding of our evolving world.Find FREE Bonus Resources and a complimentary eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light, at SongRise.LIVE. Your subscription helps keep this podcast ad-free. Thanks for telling others about We Be The Change, and sharing your comments!

How can “God’s Word” be used to justify harm–such as the mass murder and intentional starvation in Gaza?What unfolds when scripture is weaponized by fear, and how can faith return to love?In host Colleen Akiko’s candid conversation with Rev. Tim Boeve, we explore heaven, hell, and the heart of the Bible—not as dogma, but as a call to embody compassion and courage–living love in a fractured world.This episode is for anyone drawn to reimagine faith—not as fear-based dogma or an escape from hell, but as embodying the fierce compassion of Jesus, bringing heaven to earth, and rediscovering how love can heal our fractured world.This is We Be The Change—where we remember that changing the world begins by changing ourselves. Find bonus content, resources and your free eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light, at Songrise.live.

What if the dysfunctions we witness and experience are largely due to missing connections for soul growth opportunities? Explore the intersection of electromagnetic energy, ancient spiritual wisdom, science and the transformative power of mentorship.Join We Be The Change host, Colleen Akiko and sacred artisan and teacher, Daniel Strawn in Part 3 of the series, Navigating the New Energetics.Discover how unity consciousness, emotional balance, pentagramic understanding and pineal gland activation can unlock your highest human potential and spiritual awakening.Access Bonus Content for subscribers at Songrise.live – where you can also request your special eGuide gift, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light.

In a world obsessed with output and achievement, what does it mean to allow wellbeing to be generated from within?In this second segment,The Electrical Aspect of Human Being, host Colleen Akiko continues the series, Navigating the New Energetics, with sacred artist and teacher Daniel Strawn. They explore the mosaic of Daniel’s lived experiences and teachings to colorfully emblemize the hardware circuitry of human being .Using pentagramic color energetics as a map of development, they describe identifying an organic baseline of reality to move from fragmentation to wholeness.Through storytelling, spiritual insight, and grounded metaphor, this episode invites you to reawaken your inner compass and reclaim the generative power of your own hands, breath, and being.You’ll hear why active investigation is so vital in navigating the current energetics. And the difference our mentors make in our continuous personal development and resilience.If you’d like to connect with bonus resources that parallel this series with Daniel Strawn, just go to the subscription page at Songrise.LIVE

How do we make sense of all the information fragments flying around us?How do we discern what's going on in us and outside of us?Welcome to this new We Be The Change series, Navigating the New Energetics. In this opening segment, Finding Our Bearings in Uncertainty, host Colleen Akiko talks with Daniel Strawn—sacred artisan and artist, teacher, mentor, and a lifelong spiritual explorer.This first segment invites you to feel into the field of Daniel–who had kidney failure In 2019 and was on dialysis for more than two years until his younger brother gave him his kidney. You’ll hear Daniel share about natural law and the human design and ecology that we inhabit--laying the foundation for the in-depth teachings on Navigating the New Energetics he’ll be sharing during this series.Enjoy feeling how Daniel’s creative path flows with his spiritual curiosity into his unique expressions as an "Artistic Wellbeing Generator." As one gallery owner wrote, “If you look at Daniel Strawn’s art work and it makes you smile, then Daniel has accomplished what he set out to do."Feel free to invite others to this substantive series and please share your thoughts and questions with us! Just head over to SongRise.LIVE where you can also access Bonus Content, fresh resources and the FREE eGuide, Out of Your Mind, Into Your Light.

The Earth has recorded its HOTTEST. YEAR. EVER.When I heard that on the Stephen Colbert Show, I wondered... How do the EPA decision-makers and other climate deniers bury their heads in such sizzling hot sand?What if all the truth questers met at the top center of the media bias chart, to explore together the most neutral, current and reliable information there is. Who's got the grit for that?I'm having a hard time convincing myself that folks in the current administration are humane enough to be human. I think they’re actually large furless kangaroos, with pockets way bigger than their hearts.Here's a suggestion for all of us: LET'S GET PERSONAL.As in, let's get personally connected with the Earth. Not, worship the Earth like it's a really big idol. Instead, let's get outside and touch a tree in a way that allows the tree to touch us back."We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it" —Barack ObamaMany years ago I heard author and columnist Thomas Friedman give a commencement speech at Yale. True to form, he said a lot of profound things. Guess what advice he closed with? "Call your mother."Hmmm... Call your mother. See how she's doing; tell her you love her. Planetarily speaking, we can check in and thank our Mother for holding up our feet every time we take a step. For providing fresh water to wash our every sort of scrape we get. Thank her for never being late in giving us our next breath, and showering us with flowers when we've had a rough winter.Instead of drilling into her marrow for the liquid black gold that buys extravagance and brings extinction, what if we expressed our appreciation by finding kinder ways to meet our needs?Hello, Mom . . . how are you? Sorry I'm late. Need help with anything?To download my "Mother, Mother" song, go to: http://colleenakiko.bandcamp.com/

What if change isn’t about fixing, but about listening?Join host Colleen Akiko and Tessa Lynne Alburn: spiritual guide, energy mentor, author and Soul Connection Coach, for this final segment of our Coming Home to Soul series, The Practice of Becoming: Soul Habits, Brain Retraining, and Inner Trust. We'll explore how to recognize old patterns, form new habits, and honor the whispers of your soul. Hear how the principles of applied kinesiology in scuba technique can help open the connection with our deepest Self. And how a kind holistic approach takes care of the one who uses it.You can connect with Tessa and access her current offer and soul-connecting resources at TessaLynneAlburn.com. Access supportive resources and Bonus Content for your unique path at SongRise.LIVE --including a complimentary eGuide, Out of Your Mind, Into Your Light.

What does feeling safe have to do with connecting with your soul? Join Tessa Lynne Alburn and Colleen Akiko in this episode, From Survival to Sovereignty, to hear empowering truths and techniques for calming and retraining the brain, moving beyond trauma and becoming more present for an uplifted life. Tessa Lynne Alburn has been guiding visionary women back home to their soul, helping them reignite their inner light, and embody their feminine power for over 25 years as a Master Facilitator, Personal Power Coach, Energy Specialist and Creator of the Soul Light Healing Method. She's currently offering Roadblock Release Sessions to Embrace Your Inner Power and Clear the Path to Your True Potential at TessaLynneAlburn.com When the person we most need to trust is as close as our own heart, it's important we learn how to simply connect. Thanks for listening and sharing your thoughts! You're invited to access supportive Bonus Content, fresh resources and the FREE eGuide, Out of Your Mind, Into Your Light at SongRise.LIVE

How can I walk the mystical path with practical feet?If you're craving deeper meaning but feel unsure of how to walk a spiritual path in a grounded, real-world way, you'll enjoy this soul-nourishing conversation with host Colleen Akiko and Tessa Lynne Alburn: spiritual guide, energy mentor, author, master facilitator and Soul Connection Coach.For more than 25 years Tessa has supported women consultants and entrepreneurs to live an ideal life through a system of reigniting soul, embodying their feminine power and raising their energy into the highest vibration so they can live authentically while walking the mystical path.Hear about soul loss, soul retrieval, feminine wisdom, and the mystical journey of coming home to yourself. Discover what it means to reclaim the parts of you once left behind and reconnect with the love, wholeness, and guidance always waiting within.You can connect with Tessa and access her wonderful, soul-connecting resources at TessaLynneAlburn.comExplore supportive resources for your sacred path of transformation at SongRise.LIVE --including rich Bonus Content for subscribers, like My Journal of Soulful Connection, with reflective prompts to deepen your journey.Want to enjoy a FREE, fortifying appetizer? Your complimentary eGuide, Out of Your Mind, Into Your Light--awaits you at SongRise.LIVE It's a friendly invitation with practical tips to pause the overthinking, connect with your true self, and embody the Evolutionary Luminary that you already are.Sacred stories. Soulful wisdom. Real change, from within. Welcome aboard!

Because of the rich visuals woven into it, this episode is best watched if possible. FOR THE VIDEO OF THIS EPISODE, CLICK HERE. Or click HERE to view this episode on Substack.This is Colleen Akiko, your We Be The Change host. This special video episode is part of a Zoom conversation last February with an incredible artist--and my beloved Aunt, Bernice Strawn. At 95 she was still radiating joy and insight, sharing about the dynamics of visual form and the invisible energies that bring them to life.Just two months later, Bernice made her transition.She was like a second mom to me, and it feels like such a gift to share this glimpse into her world--her art, her spirit, and the deep inner presence that she carried through it all. In our conversation, you'll hear stories about her spirit boats and her sunflower years, and the way welding and sculpting became forms of meditation for her.From sketching radio programs as a little girl, to her life with my uncle Mel--her husband, fellow artist, and environmental advocate--Bernice shows how creativity isn't just about technique. It's about tuning in, feeling your way and letting a process unfold--mistakes and all.If you've ever felt disconnected from your creative spark or wondered how to bring more presence and ease into your expression, I think you'll find something special here that speaks to you.Access related content, resources--and your eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light, FREE at SongRise.LIVE“The Spirit is among us and we need to live like that.” --Bernice Strawn

Do you ever wonder what makes a story sacred, and what your sacred stories might be?Join host Colleen Akiko with shamanic initiate, sacred storyteller and Certified Heartmath Trainer, Jim Eaglesmith in the final episode of the WeBeTheChange series, A RED HEART.By now you've heard about some of Jimi’s difficult challenges–including getting struck by lightning. How does he keep showing up in such a healing, purposeful and even light-hearted way?Listen and find out.You can reach out to Jimi, share your thoughts, and access a FREE eGuide Gift--and extra’s from Jimi, through SongRise.LIVE. See you there!

What does your heart know that your mind has forgotten?This is the third segment of A Red Heart, called The Power of Pause; Heart Breathing, Listening and Healing, where Colleen Akiko talks with Jim Eaglesmith, shamanic initiate and Certified Heartmath Trainer. They explore the scientifically proven use of Heart Breathing, and how simple it can be to bring ourselves into the multi-beneficial state of coherence. Jimi exudes the glow of elder wisdom, sharing what he continues to learn on his healing journey, after being struck by lightening 20 years ago. Discover in this episode the simplicity and power of taking the pause--stepping back and using our third ear listening. This could shift our outcomes more than we realize. Hear how taking our coherence to a higher level has more value now than ever. Breathe with us! Let us know how heart breathing feels for you. Feel free to respond from wherever you’re hearing this podcast, or reach out directly at Songrise.LIVEYou'll find diverse resources there, as well as Bonus Content for subscribers. And a FREE Thank You Gift for listening: the eGuide, Embracing Your Evolutionary Luminary—a soulful invitation to pause the overthinking, rest and reconnect with your true self.Join us next week for the fourth and final segment of the series, A Red Heart, with Jim Eaglesmith. Until then, wishing you a heart full of joy!

What happens when elder wisdom meets youthful fire?In Part 2 of the We Be the Change series, A Red Heart, Colleen Akiko talks with featured guest Jim Eaglesmith--shamanic initiate, HeartMath trainer, and beloved “grandpa” to groups of school kids.Jim Eaglesmith was told decades ago to “Go awaken the heart of humanity through loving service.” He shares how the wisdom of age and the passion of youth are now converging to co-create a vision rooted in love, service, and the heartbeat of Mother Earth.Jim and Colleen reflect on what it means to “feed the field” with intentional acts of kindness, reverence for the natural world, and interfaith unity. They explore the heart as a messenger—transmitting cellular wisdom to the brain.Imagine the first and last generations walking side by side, co-creating the world to come.If this episode stirs something ancient and newly alive within you, we’d love to hear.Touch back via SongRise.LIVE for your Free Resource: Embrace Your Evolutionary Luminary, our gift to help you clarify, remember and reconnect with who you truly are.

What does it mean to walk the Red Road—and how does it begin?In this episode of We Be the Change, Colleen Akiko opens the series A RED HEART, with shamanic elder, musical edu-tainer and Certified Heartmath trainer, Jim Eaglesmith (aka Jimi Ji). Jimi shares his journey of walking away from the spotlight to a heart-purifying sweat lodge, pivoting his path to the Red Road.Enjoy Colleen and Jimi’s rich conversation about choosing integrity over ambition, third ear listening, humbling himself to indigenous wisdom, and awakening to the calling of a red heart. Can a single moment of clarity change the entire course of your life? Jimi shares how one moment of surrender redefined his path—and may inspire yours.Feel free to bless us and others with your comments. Also, if you’d like a complimentary micro eBook and Guide, we’d be delighted to email it to you. It’s called, Embracing Your Evolutionary Luminary, an autobiographical story with Yoda that explores the question: what if the change you seek... is already here? Touch back at SongRise.LIVE

In honor of Memorial Day and all who have valiantly served for "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," may this song, Let Freedom Ring, help keep the dream kindled in this storm.This song came through me shortly after Election Day. Recording it was like riding a bronco--its meter made abrupt turns with math equation time signatures. I released it quickly, with its faint echoes of familiar patriotic music.On post Election Day evening, I had scanned my Facebook feed and saw an image that a dear friend shared of a roaring red tsunami. My eyes couldn't look away. My stomach queased, my heart constricted, and my DNA screamed.Images of traumatized people resembling my birth family flashed on the life-sized screen of my mind. The Manzanaar Internment Camp monument is two hours down the road, with its glossy museum of visual assurances that such an atrocity would never happen again.I remember standing in the drafty wood-planked quarters where families who’d been seized were forced to live in the high desert's windy subzero temperatures.These were my tribe--the Japanese Americans. Allowed to fight for a country that stripped them of their dignity.I feel sadness and gratitude welling up around my Japanese mom, who passed in 2017. Though she'd worked many years for a bank in the United States, her green card had long expired. The thought that she could have been among those deported and treated inhumanely is too painful to hold. I think of the many dear ones who now anxiously live in this reality, breath by breath.Seeing the red wave image back in November brought forth whole-body tears for the horrific devastation it signaled for so many. Out of that sorrow, the song Let Freedom Ring emerged. This song chronicles my heart navigating through the valley of the shadow of death, led by an angel's message to be awake in this surreal, tragic dream.May we dig deep and reach high, drawing from the Wellspring that nourishes us through change into true freedom.--Colleen AkikoP.S. You can click HERE for my song discography and other musical resources. Thank you! 🙏🏽💕My Country ’Tis of TheeCried in a dream to meFor Thee I singMigrants were runnin' hardChased with guns near and farFamilies were grievingDearest ones were leaving While tidal waves of blood Broke in an angry floodFrightened and betrayingThen I heard an angel saying:"The life you see is more than what it seemsFind yourself awake inside the dreamSee yourself awakeFeel yourself awakeBe yourself awakened in this dream”In Truth forever standBreathing Grace with the landHealing wounds with kindnessLoving through the blindnessMy Country ’Tis of TheeWhispered in hope to me:Let freedom ringLet freedom ringcopyright © 2024 by Colleen Akiko

What if the sacred practice of surrender isn’t just giving up—but tuning in?In this intimate closing episode, we enter the labyrinth of surrender—guided by supportive ancestral presence, the body’s wisdom, and nature’s quiet invitations.Join this final segment of the series Individuality of Universality, where Colleen Akiko and Matthew Hara discuss somatic listening, support systems, and releasing control.What topics would you like to hear about in future WBTC episodes? Colleen and Matthew mentioned a few possibilities--such as, how to connect with the right mentor for you, music as a vessel for holistic integration, and taking care of the temple of the body.May this episode be a connection point. May you feel supported on the path.For more resources and the FREE eGuide, Out of Your Head, Into Your Light, please reach out to Colleen at Songrise.LIVE And check out what Matthew has cooking at MatthewHara.com.Enjoy one of Matthew's songs at the end.

What if your feet could teach you how to come home to yourself? This is the third segment of the series, Individuality and Universality with spiritual teacher and yogi, Matthew Hara. In The Wisdom of Embodiment we unpack the illusion of spiritual ego and the temptation to "dress up the mind" with spiritual words, as we more fully appreciate the profundity of the feet and becoming like a little child. Listen and reflect with us on how spiritual depth isn't found in escape—but in grounding, unlearning, and the simple act of showing up in your own body.Enjoy mining conversational gems around the essence of yoga, honoring the descent of the Universal into body, and reclaiming how being in non-resistance transforms everyday life into sacred practice. For related Bonus Content and your invitation into the WBTC community, visit SongRise.LIVE.

"How can I trust my body’s wisdom over my mind’s story?"In Part 2 of Individuality & Universality we explore the mystical nature of being in the body without identifying with the mind, which leads to suffering. We hear how non-resistance and practices like Yoga ultimately reconnect us to truth, our heart, and awakening--as embodied Presence. Relish this animated conversation with Matthew Hara and host Colleen Akiko, titled, "Come Home to the Body." For related bonus content and your invitation into the WBTC community, visit SongRise.LIVE.

After years of depression and addiction, Matthew Hara went from being “Oscar the Grouch” to a globally recognized spiritual guide, songwriter and yoga teacher. In this episode of We Be the Change, Matthew talks with host Colleen Akiko about the pivotal moments that sparked his awakening—beginning with an unexpected meditation on a San Diego beach. Matthew’s raw journey through fear, darkness and rejection offers gleaming insights on maintaining compassion, sensitivity and living from the heart.In a murky world resistant to change, enjoy this series with Matthew Hara for wondrous clarity into your own transformation.Bonus Content available at SongRise.LIVE

Inspired by the timeless words of Saint Francis of Assisi, I offer this song as a musical healing balm in the earthly loss of Pope Francis. May his radiant example of kindness, compassion and true leadership continue lighting our way through the volatility of our times.Yesterday was my Aunt Bernice's last earthly day of life. She was 95 years young; a beautiful artist and the matriarch of our family. A lifelong Catholic believer, Bernice was blessed in her last hours to receive the Pope's Easter Blessing through the mass on her hospital room TV. The poignant, sacred timing holds my heart in awe.May we honor the Christ-ness of Pope Francis by embodying his Easter blessing's words of peace, freedom and compassion. May we live in utter gratefulness as instruments of God's peace.I Am Thy instrument of peace Where there is hatred, I sow love Where there is injury, pardon Where there is doubt, faith Where there’s despair, hope Where there is darkness, light Where there is sadness, Joy O Divine may I not so much seek To be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to loveTo be love, to be LoveFor it is in giving we receive It’s in pardoning we are pardoned And it is in dying we are born to eternal, eternalLifeadapted from the Prayer of St. Franciscopyright © 2024 by Colleen Akiko

This is part five of the five part series Connecting with Donna Apidone. In this episode, Fear: A Stop Sign or a Doorway?, you'll hear encouraging stories for navigating life's volatility with presence, humor, and real hope.From fear to freedom, and identifications to reinvention, this conversation with Donna Apidone and Colleen Akiko reminds us that the heartful stories we carry—and the ones we choose to create, can guide us through even the most unpredictable chapters.

When was the last time you asked: What’s next for me?In this 4th segment of the series, Making Connections with Donna Apidone, we explore TransForMission—a five-step framework for personal transformation that Donna began in the wake of loss. This class and book have been guiding seekers and lifelong learners toward meaning and purpose for over 20 years.Discover what can happen when a room full of people commit to the sacred work of becoming who they really are.We also learn about the uncanny evolution of the popular book and podcast, Drive-Time Meditations--perfect for setting a centering tone during commutes.This conversation is about transformation that lasts—what it takes, what it gives, and why it never stops deepening. If you’ve ever wondered what your life is here to say, this episode will speak to you.

This is part three of the five part series Connecting with Donna Apidone. In this conversation, you'll hear how Donna cultivated real connections with her many NPR Morning Edition guests--even when she thought she didn't like them!The purposeful compassion beneath these connections also infuses how and why she still listens to a LOT of news--every day! Her stories and perspective show us how we can hear news stories with an empathetic heart--which brings about more change than we may realize.Hear valuable tips towards the end for finding the most reliable news sources.

This episode, Interfaith Ministry and Bridging Worlds, is Part 2 of the series, Making Connections with Donna Apidone. Here we follow Donna's path to ordination through an interfaith seminary in New York City, while still hosting Morning Edition.Fueled by her desire to connect more deeply with herself and others, Donna experienced what continues to help her bridge diverse perspectives and people groups through nurturing genuine connection--in both ministry and media. We hear how she makes speaking to 100,000 people a personal experience.We also discuss how we all have the capacity to embrace our vulnerability, and how that leads to meeting people where they are, deepening our empathy and cultivating real connections.

Join me, Colleen Akiko, in this series Making Connections with Donna Apidone—a voice many know from NPR’s Morning Edition, but whom I cherish as a deep thinker, a storyteller, and a truly radiant person.In Part 1: An Unlikely Beginning, we hear how Donna started her career in broadcast journalism by ignoring common sense advice.We move on from there to explore the art--and heart, of navigating difficult conversations with grace, curiosity, and authenticity.If you’ve ever struggled with hard conversations—whether in personal relationships, at work, or within yourself—this episode offers wisdom and tools to help you navigate them with more ease. Tune in for a heartfelt and empowering discussion!

In this final episode of Rising Through Trauma Into Healing, we explore how totally serving a less-than-perfect leader can reflect our own unclaimed power within, and become a catalyst for growth. This fourth segment, Healing From Betrayal by Discovering Our Indweller, explores how the deep pain and trauma of betrayal can mirror our unhealed inner wounds. We discuss how losing faith in a leader, ideology, or relationship may feel devastating, but it can also clear space for authentic wisdom.Angelika brings us on an inner Hero’s Journey, where we discover surprising allies and learn to trust our Indweller--our deep knowing, our inner Guide, where the answers we seek emerge in stillness and awareness. From there we shift into LIVING our truth for the most lasting ripple effect in the world.We end this series with a joyful Angelika song, celebrating the continuous unfolding of being fully present.

This third segment of Rising Through Trauma into Healing, finds us lingering at the veil between the earthly and the afterlife, in Cherishing Wholeness and Purpose in Life. Angelika gives a fortifying message to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Feel free to share it with a dear one who may be questioning how deep pain can open into deep transformation. We discuss the empowerment of realizing our purpose for being here, and the real value of doing our inner work. Healing happens through staying present, not trying to escape. Also, have you ever considered the hurtful impact of giving your inner child spiritual lectures? Hmmmm... We discuss how cherishing EVERY aspect of ourselves makes all the difference. Angelika also introduces a deeply effective healing modality, Cognitive Movement. Enjoy this animated conversation infused with joyful wisdom for transforming our personal and collective realities. And remember, if you'd like to continue processing the content in your quiet moments, journaling prompts are available on the Bonus Content Page at Songrise.live.

In our second segment with Angelika Schafer, Embracing Pain in Transformation, you'll hear insights on the profound shifts in consciousness currently occurring on Earth. Angelika also opens her own story around food addiction and its roots, and a personal experience that demonstrates the wholistic nature of inner healing. We explore the interconnectedness of all beings and the power of nonresistance--accepting all our emotions as part of the human experience. Angelika also shares her life lessons in how our conscious evolution requires intention, effort and grace.You'll come away with inspiration for setting new patterns in difficult times, and some practical tools for transformation. We're uplifted as we celebrate our living, co-creative relationship with the Divine as expressed in Angelika's healing work--an open door for us all!

This is the first of a four-part series titled: Angelika Schafer: Rising Through Trauma into Healing. I'm excited to introduce my dear friend, Angelika Schafer. She's a generous soul who overflows with profound wisdom and global experience as an integrative coach, healing practitioner, recording artist, teacher, retreat leader and interfaith minister. In this segment, From an Ocean of Pain to the Power of Song, we discover how pain can be transformed into purposeful healing. Angelika describes her journey that began in post war Germany, of transmuting the pain of ancestral and personal trauma into Self-discovery and healing--first for herself, then others through her music and other modalities like Cognitive Movement. You may find yourself seeing how your own hardships might hold seeds of growth and transformation as well. And how healing itself is an ongoing journey--one that took Angelika from Germany to Alaska, India, and where she now lives off the grid in northern California.As Angelika shares about her purpose in healing through music, you'll savor a taste of this in one of her ethereal songs at the end.Feel free to access some Self-reflective journaling prompts for this and all episodes on the Bonus Content Page at Songrise.live.

What is We Be The Change about, how did it germinate, and who's the lady asking questions behind the mic?