A native Californian, Joel Christopher Payne’s story starts with a life changing moment at the age four that would change the course of his life forever. Joel tells us, “My earliest memory that inspired my career came when I was riding on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and I looked up to my mom and said, Look Mom! Look how real the robots are!! At which point my mother without hesitation replied , – son, those are the waiters at the Blue Bayou… You’d think I was destroyed… but it was in that moment that I realized just how amazing Walt Disney really was. I couldn’t tell difference between the fantasy and the real thing and I knew that I wanted to learn how to harness this kind of unique magic!”  

Disneyland and Disney feature animation would ignited a lifelong passion in Joel that would lead him to inspire others through his own style of breakthrough art.
While Payne didn’t have any formal artistic training, at age 20, he would embark on a 22 year career that would be forge through the fires of on-the-job experience. “When I started doing digital art, computers could only handle 16 colors!” His passion would bring him to design elaborate worlds for 3D TV shows, Triple “A” video games, and multiple virtual reality rides. Industry training required perseverance in acquiring the skills and discipline that would prove to serve him well in future endeavors on his path to artistic
freedom.

In 1993, Joel’s big break would come from a company called ‘New World Computing’ a game company known for the popular “Might and Magic” Series.

His talents were manifested in the service of building the worlds for six videos games over the next several years. His very first game project “Heroes of Might and Magic” became critically acclaimed and is currently on it’s 7th sequel.

In 1995 Joel would become one of the youngest video game directors pioneering techniques is Digital Set creation three years before Robert Stromberg would coin the phrase “Digital Backlot.”

In 1996, Joel finally got his chance to work with Disney on “Disney’s Virtual Jungle Cruise” ride still in operation in Florida’s Disneyquest.

Responsible for creating the rides river rafting track and 3D backgrounds, Payne learned from Disney Imagineers about the power of storytelling, color and lighting techniques that he still uses in his paintings today.

From 1996 to present day, Joel would go on to build 3D worlds for Steven Spielberg’s “Sky Pirates”, Art Directing Disney’s Atlantis the video game, Mortal Kombat:Shaolin Monks, Max Steel and Star Ship Troopers:Roughnecks, Silent Hill:Homecoming and Baldur’s Gate:Dark Alliance. He would also score film music for world renown Stan Winston.
In 2008 Joel would head up Universal Studios very first virtual version of their world famous Backlot facades creating digital doubles of the famous “Back to the future courtyard” and in 2009 Joel’s company Digital Backlot would design 75 original 3D characters for the project Growums.

Featured on the show “The View” Joel not only animated the growums characters, but like Walt, voiced several of the lead characters to the tune of more than 100 cartoons.

In 2011 Payne began in earnest his dreams of pursuing a fine art career. With inspiration and influence from his Disney and entertainment pedigree. Joel Payne has a new found energy and dedication for his inventive new form of mixed media artwork dubbed “Believable Fantasy” a hybrid of 3D modeling and traditional oil painting techniques. His original painting technique creates a level of depth, color, lighting and detail that has collectors asking how it was achieved.

Taking cues from artists like Norman Rockwell and Thomas Kinkade, Joel blurs the line between the real and fantastic.

When asked about his latest works Joel said, ‘Every painting that I do, I want to have the word “WOW” be the thing the viewer expresses most because this is what I felt about Disneyland as a little boy. I want folks to walk by my artwork and fall into it, live in it and escape for a while. I think this is why I began creating this type of magic in the first place, to make the illusion as believable.

Following the murder of his son in 1995, Azim Khamisa founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF.org), which started a subsequent forgiveness movement that has reached millions.

He has received over 80 local, national and international awards amongst which are: In 1997 he received the National Crime Victims Special Community Service Award presented by President Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno, In 2002, he received Search for Common Ground’s pres­tigious award alongside Desmond Tutu and Ted Koppel In 2004, he participated in the Synthesis Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama which was hosted by Pope John Paul at his summer palace in Castelgandolfo, Italy and in 2006 he was given the “Spirit of Crazy Horse Award” from the Reclaiming Youth Network alongside Mohammad Ali. In addition, Azim has been the recipient of the California Peace Prize in 2003 and the Pepsi Freedom Heroes Award in 2006. He has received several other Peacemaker of the Year awards.

Azim has served as TKF’s founder and leader for over 27 years. He is an emissary of peace and an international inspirational speaker with over 700 keynotes, including one to 300,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial at the Stand for Children Rally organized by the Children’s Defense Fund, as well as a speech to the United Nations General Assembly at the High level forum on the culture of peace.

Azim serves on the Board in the capacity of Vice Chair for the Institute of Noetic Science (www.noetic.org). IONS was founded 49 years ago by Edgar Mitchell who was the 6th man to walk on the moon and is a leading global institution on researching consciousness.

With a strong passion to share his message with the youth and to inspire nonviolent leaders become proactive as peacebuilders, Azim, in addition, has given over 1,000 presentations to over a million students worldwide. He is a published author of five books: Award-winning Murder to Forgiveness (being made into a feature film) ; From Forgiveness to Fulfillment, From Fulfillment to Peace and The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit: How to bounce back from life’s hardest hits co-authored with Jillian Quinn and published by Random House. His 5th book “Leadership for the greater good – A guide for truth to power champions” recently released in May 2020. He has been featured countless times in local, national and international media. In November 2018, Azim spoke for the TEDWomen conference that has been viewed by over 1 million viewers: go.TED.com/azimandples.

Azim was born in Kenya of Eastern roots and educated in England in mathematics and finance and has over 45 plus years’ experience in international finance. Azim lives in La Jolla, California and is the proud father of daughter Tasreen and grandfather of Shahin, Khalil and Miya.

From technology to artistry to production to show design to wellness, there are few people who understand the complete spectrum of the music industry. Laura Escudé is one of these rare individuals. She’s the creator of The TransmuteTM Accelerator under the umbrella of The TransmuteTM Academy, Founder of Electronic Creatives and an Ableton Certified Trainer since 2008. To sum up, Laura Escudé is a Future Classical artist blending music, tech, and consciousness. Synthesizing her skills as a classically trained violinist and technical prowess as an avant-garde electronic producer, Escudé infuses neo-classical & sleek futuristic style with raw emotion elicited with her musical machines.

Based in Los Angeles, Escudé is an artist, innovator, entrepreneur and live show designer with a deep understanding of complex technology, a profound passion for music and art and a unique talent for fusing the two. Career highlights include performing in the GRAMMY Premiere band, programming and designing shows for Kanye West from 2009-2017, opening for Miguel on his 2015 Wildheart tour and building a thriving international business populated by top-tier professionals.

But while Escudé’s life and work are dynamic, her ultimate goal is simply to inspire.

As an artist, Escudé executes this mission through music. She’s released myriad albums, singles and EPs under the name ALLUXE, synthesizing her skills as a classically trained violinist and her prowess as an avant-garde electronic producer. Now making music under her own name, Escudé released the Transmute EP, her most intimate work to date, capturing the sound and feel of a woman who’s examined the darkest parts of herself and come out the other end transformed. Escudé’s live performances are known for their sleek futuristic style and the raw emotion she elicits from her musical machines. She’s done official remixes for artists, including M83 and Poliça, with her violin playing featured on albums by Big Grams, Kanye West, Jay Z and many more.

Technology is a second language for Escudé, who became the world’s first Ableton Certified Trainer in 2008. In 2012, she founded Electronic Creatives, using her skills to hire and train programmers and playback engineers for artists including Logic, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Big Sean, Charli XCX, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Electronic Creatives has hosted several playback engineering training programs over the years, with the latest being MASTERTRACK Worldwide.

These creative applications of technology have made Escudé one of the world’s most in-demand live show designers. She’s brought massive productions to life for artists including Kanye West, Jay Z, Bon Iver, Missy Elliot, Herbie Hancock and television megabrand American Idol. Escudé toured extensively with these shows, collaborating with artists to create fresh, thrilling experiences for audiences worldwide.

It was while on tour that Escudé learned the challenges of staying healthy on the road. In 2016, tour burnout landed her in the hospital. She was exhausted, stressed, and not sure how to get better. It was a low point that forced Escudé to take a break from work and focus on her health. This physical, mental, emotional and spiritual process involved letting go of unproductive habits and thought patterns, facing her fears and giving up aspects of her life that didn’t serve her. Escudé was soon not just better, but for the first time in her life truly thriving.

The experience inspired Escudé to help others, particularly live performers, optimize their own health and well-being. In 2017, she launched The TransmuteTM Retreat, a week-long workshop incorporating yoga, meditation, nature, live performance workshops and community performances. In 2019, she launched The TransmuteTM Accelerator online course to help artists accelerate their live performances using technology, and in 2021 launched The TransmuteTM Academy, a community dedicated to Ableton Live + Music Tech Courses & Events to help artists continue their growth in music and business, in addition to The TransmuteTM Academy Masterclasses with special guest presenters 2x month. The TransmuteTM Accelerator is a year-long program, with launch events featuring top industry experts, such as Suzanne Ciani, The Album Leaf and Sudan Archives.

Escudé released a new EP titled “ENOUGHNESS” in May 2021. ENOUGHNESS was born out of her deep journey of quiet reflection and recovery during the past year, an exploration of self love, and emerging the other side with a deeper enjoyment of life. For Escudé, music is the most inclusive space. It is her intention for this EP to be a journey and space to cultivate knowing, healing and for transformation.

With all Escudé has achieved in the realms of music and technology, it’s clear why she’s been called “the best in the world at this job.” Escudé continues to propel forward this three-tiered platform of Future Classical music artistry, tech and consciousness and it just keeps getting better.

Cristian E Bettler is a Mexican-American entrepreneur and film producer renowned for his critically acclaimed works, including “The End of Poverty?,” “Pirate for the Sea”, “The Big Fix,” “Down to Earth,” “Hecho en México,” and “Water Wars.”

With a history of co-founding successful companies in media, digital distribution, and technology, Bettler’s work has always revolved around the nexus of Technology, Entertainment, and Education.

With a track record as a producer and distributor of over 300 independent films and documentaries, Bettler is renowned for seamlessly merging technology, education, and the arts.

He is also the co-founder in numerous media, digital distribution, and technology companies, including Conscious Media, Good Vibe Media, and Cinema Libre Studio.

Beyond the silver screen, Bettler is known for his skill in creating immersive environments that seamlessly blend technology, education, and the arts, serving as a catalyst for human progress through shared narratives. Bettler

has gained recognition for his expertise in designing immersive multimedia experiences and content strategies for prominent brands such as Puma, Hurley, Billabong, and Air France.

In recent times, he co-founded Oomph Technologies, a visionary venture studio dedicated to harnessing the potential of cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Realities (XR), and Web 3.0 (W3). Oomph Technologies focuses on incubating and accelerating innovative technology solutions and uplifting stories that contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Alyosha Barreiro is a dynamic electronic music artist, sound explorer, and speaker who blends the ancient with the modern. With a background from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Alyosha has captivated audiences across Mexico and internationally with his innovative approach to electronic music, combining live instruments with cutting-edge sound design.

Upon returning to Mexico, Alyosha embarked on a solo project that merges electronic music with traditional instruments, creating a unique auditory experience. His work has earned him a reputation for delivering powerful performances at some of the most iconic venues and festivals.

Alyosha’s notable achievements include:

Glastonbury Festival, England, 2023
Vive Latino, Foro Sol, CDMX, 2019, 2023
Zen Experience Tulum, Tulum, Mexico, 2023
Teatro Juárez, Guanajuato, 2019
Museo de la Música de Viena, Puebla, 2019
Puebla Sensorial, Zócalo Puebla, 2019
Cumbre Tajín, Veracruz, 2019
Hollyfest, Charlotte, USA, 2019
Fiesta Mexicana, Milwaukee, 2018
SXSW, Austin, TX, 2018
Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City, 2018
Weltmuseum Wien Reopening, Heldenplatz, Vienna, Austria, 2017
ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2017
September 15th Celebration, Veterans Park, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2016
Rotofest, Cuenca, Ecuador, 2016
FILAH, Anthropology Museum, Mexico City, 2015
Posh Festival, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, 2015
Vth Sun Inaugural Festival, Texcoco, State of Mexico, 2014
XXII Ambaró Festival, Atlacomulco, State of Mexico, 2014
XX Festival Luminaria, Atizapán De Zaragoza, State of Mexico, 2013
XXXI Arts and Culture Festival, Toluca, State of Mexico, 2012
The Bicentennial Independence Celebration, Mexico City, 2011
Central Stage at the Angel de la Independencia, Mexico City, 2010
The Day of the Dead Celebration, Zócalo, Mexico City, 2010
Interactive Economics Museum (MIDE), Mexico City, 2010

Throughout his career, Alyosha has been commissioned to create music for significant events such as the inauguration of the Estela de Luz and has performed in front of over 100,000 spectators at the Bicentennial Celebration. His performances span across Mexico, the USA, Latin America, and Europe, reflecting his global appeal and the universal resonance of his music.

It is my honor to serve as Golden State Republican Women President.  This year promises to be transformative to Republican women in California and we are excited to start the groundwork!

These last two years have seen unexpected changes in California and in our country which have led to a decline in our culture and traditional way of life.  We are now committed to blunt the attacks on our republic and to restore in our state the values of faith, family and freedom we have long cherished.

In contrast to the current progressive culture which continues to divide Americans, creating  a growing sense of malaise and discontent, GSRW offers hope for a brighter tomorrow… and that tomorrow begins today!

There has never been a time when our message has been more needed nor more welcomed!  California is looking for strong leadership and direction that will guide us back to the personal freedoms and opportunities that once made our state golden.

As divided as Californians appear to be, there is much more that unites us.  Our citizens want secure borders, quality education, safe streets, a return to law and order, free and fair elections, respect for our military, police and first responders, and the freedom to practice our faith openly without fear. Republicans highly value the dignity of the individual and of all human life.

Our basic tenets bind us together and have weathered the test of time throughout our country’s history.  Yet as world history goes, we are still a young nation.  We have relied on our Constitution and foundational documents which have kept us strong and free for over two centuries.

There are those whose primary aim, however, is to destroy our government, our laws and our very way of life.  Our inaction makes them bolder and more dangerous than ever! That is why there is no greater urgency than at this time to unite with one goal and one voice.  We must motivate, educate and activate.

We in Golden State Republican Women welcome women of all ages, all ethnicities, and all stripes of Republican values and we ask you to join us in this fight.  Unity is our strength and together we must and we WILL win!!  A win for California is a win for the United States of America.

More About Golden State Republican Women

In 2023 a group of 47 politically active Republican women in California saw the need for a new statewide Republican women’s group in the state.  Our group wanted to participate in politics by pulling together thousands of women in the state of California who share our same values, are interested in and excited by conservative politics, have a positive mental attitude, and the ability to be kind to one another.

At this pivotal time in California history it is vitally important that all Republican women have a voice and a platform to work with the California Republican Party to effect critical changes that will restore our state to its values of faith, family and freedom.

On August 2nd and 3rd, after many planning meetings on Zoom, and after naming our organization the Golden State Republican Women, we met in person to gel together our desire to found a strong Republican women’s statewide organization.  Lead by President Janet Price, 1st VP Gretchen Cox, and other hard-working women, the Golden State Republican Women pored over ideas, wrote a set of Bylaws, voted on a logo, and met in sub-committees to discuss and plan the foundations of our alliance.

Golden State Republican Women (GSRW) applied for a charter at the California GOP, and was accepted to apply.  There was a floor vote on October 1, 2023 at the CAGOP Convention in Anaheim and GSRW obtained our charter on that date!

We further plan to:

Bring dozens of independent Republican women’s clubs together as a unifying organization and support our wonderful, hard-working Republican officials and candidates in California.
GSRW will provide the opportunity to engage with, support, and influence Republican legislators, representatives, political experts and other local, state, and national leaders.
GSRW will conduct leadership training events.
GSRW will continue to provide regular legislative updates on bills, vital statewide information, a quarterly newsletter, and an informative website.
And Golden State Republican Women will work hard to attract young, Republican women,  as well as women of all ages and ethnicities in California to our organization.

The 18 Founding Clubs of Golden State Republican Women and Their Regional Locations

REGION 2 – Thank you to Regional Director Tabitha Gomez
Chico Evening Republican Women 
Sacramento Republican Women

REGION 4 – Thank you to Regional Director Barbara Hallmeyer
Clovis Fresno Republican Women
Kings County Republican Women
Merced County Republican Women

REGION 5 – Thank you to Regional Director and 3rd VP Nancy Wofford
Conejo Valley Republican Women 
Westlake Village Republican Women
Simi Valley / Moorpark Republican Women
Thousand Oaks Republican Women

REGION 6 – Thank you to Regional Director and Parliamentarian Pro Tem Valerie Evans
East San Gabriel Valley Republican Women
Valley Unity Republican Women

REGION 7 –  Thank you to Regional Directors Val Emick and Gale Hunt
San Bernardino Republican Women
San Gorgonio Pass Republican Women

REGION 8
Capistrano Valley Republican Women
Fullerton Republican Women
La Habra Republican Women

We wish to thank each of these Founding Clubs, because they have been the “wind beneath our wings”.  These ladies have been the most supportive, active, willing to help, and exceedingly kind “Republican Women” as can be possible!  Thank you so much!

We also wish to thank our Planning Committee members, without whom we would not have been able to take up such a monumental task.  Thank you, Ladies!  We’re going to bring conservative values back into state leadership in California!  Now let’s go get ’em!  

Meet Jeff Yaun. The general manager for TradeHome Shoes - Appleton
When Jeff is not providing THE BEST customer service or making people laugh, he is spending time with his family & friends. Jeff has been with TradeHome for over 23 years, and would love to meet each and everyone of our customers. Come stop by and meet everyone’s favorite shoe salesmen, and our favorite general manager. 

Congressman Dan Goldman is an attorney who, before running for office, served as lead counsel in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump and as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. He has written about, and provided expert analysis on, significant topics ranging from criminal justice reform to the Special Counsel’s investigation. In law school, Goldman contributed to Michelle Alexander’s seminal book, The New Jim Crow, which addresses the inequalities in our criminal justice system.
As lead counsel in the first impeachment of Donald Trump, Goldman directed the strategy of the investigation and led the closed depositions and questioning of witnesses during the Intelligence Committee’s open hearings. He oversaw the drafting and publication of the Select Committee’s 300-page report on the investigation, ‘The Trump-Ukraine Impeachment Inquiry Report’, which exhaustively detailed Trump’s efforts to extort Ukraine for his personal benefit. Goldman also presented the Report in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. Finally, he served as lead counsel for the House Impeachment Managers during the Senate trial of Donald Trump.

During his 10-year tenure as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, Goldman focused on organized crime and white collar prosecutions, representing the United States in all phases of the federal criminal process, from investigation through appeal. Goldman conducted and supervised hundreds of investigations involving racketeering, murder, money laundering, gun trafficking, firearms, narcotics, extortion and loansharking offenses, securities fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, health care fraud, tax fraud, and other white collar crime.

From 2012 to 2014, Goldman was Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime Unit. From 2014 to 2017, he served as Senior Trial Counsel in the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, during which time he prosecuted and convicted Billy Walters, a well-known sports gambler, for insider trading.

Goldman has also provided expert legal analysis on network and cable television, and was a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice in 2019.

Goldman has worked extensively with organizations dedicated to increasing opportunity and bolstering democracy, including LIFT Communities, the American Constitution Society, the Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity at Columbia Law School, Stanford Law School, and the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs at Yale University, among others.

Goldman currently resides in lower Manhattan with his wife, Corinne, and their five children, who attend school in both the Manhattan and Brooklyn portions of the 10th District. He is a graduate of Yale College (B.A. 1998) and Stanford Law School (J.D. with distinction 2005). He clerked for the Hon. Charles R. Breyer in the Northern District of California and Robert D. Sack in the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

BIOGRAPHY
Jim Bramlett, "The No Hassle King," is a distinguished business executive, author, and dynamic speaker. His books, "Stop The Hassle" and "The Unconventional Thinking of Dominant Companies," explore market leadership strategies. Bramlett's presentations, rooted in these principles, offer a unique and engaging approach to business success.

Known for his interactive and energetic speaking style, Bramlett combines humor with relevant, industry-specific examples to create memorable experiences for his audience. While his expertise lies in logistics and transportation, the universal appeal of his content makes him an ideal speaker for diverse business audiences.

Bramlett's unconventional approach and compelling subject matter position him as an effective keynote or motivational speaker, capable of inspiring and educating professionals across various sectors.

MISSION
Jim's vision is to empower these leaders with the unconventional thinking and strategies outlined in his books, "Stop The Hassle" and "The Unconventional Thinking of Dominant Companies." Through engaging speaking engagements and personalized mentorship, Bramlett guides CEOs in scaling their businesses exponentially.

By fostering this elite group of business leaders, Bramlett aims to create a ripple effect of positive change. His vision extends beyond individual company success to encompass broader societal impact, believing that well-scaled, ethically-led businesses can be powerful forces for global improvement. Bramlett's unique approach combines business acumen with a passion for making the world a better place, one CEO at a time.

THE METHOD
I understand how it feels to be deeply passionate about your company, but need more than passion to make it successful.

From my own “in the trenches” failures and successes, I finally cracked the code on how the big brands crush their competition. If you constantly stress over the marginal-to-little growth of your company. If you are worried about the growing number of competitors that your potential customers seem to be finding. I can take you from stressed and worried to confidence that your business is continually in high-growth mode, relieved that you no longer have to cut prices to attract the right type of customers, and encouraged that customers quickly understand that you are their best option.

Death has always fascinated me because I wondered what was next. I collected dead animals in the neighborhood; turtles, birds, fish, and squirrels so that I could study them up close and try to figure out why they no longer responded, breathed, or moved. In respect of the animals, I would bury them in the backyard after my studies concluded. From time to time I would dig up the carcasses later to see if they were still there.

I was raised Catholic, and in grade school, as an altar boy, I used to love to get a notice to get out of school to work at a funeral. I wanted to get as close to death as possible so that I could try to better understand it. What was that body doing just lying there? Where has the life force gone, the soul? Why were the relatives of the dead so sad if they believed in God, angels, heaven, eternity, and all that stuff? The church could not answer my questions though; it was always about having faith. I knew that God was not what I was taught, so I spent many years exploring many religions only to find that the best place for me to connect with God was in nature.

My quest for understanding death, and therefore life, continued throughout my teens and twenties with my pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in biology. I figured that I could study living things on the cellular level to get a better understanding of the life force. Cells are very complicated and fascinating little energy changing systems. Cells convert energy, use energy, and create more cells; little life factories. Perhaps I was on to something. But a very important experience happened to me my last year of college, one that would change me forever. I was asked to join my premedical classmates in preparing a cadaver for the next term anatomy class. I will never forget “the body” being wheeled into the lab. Amazing! To hold the heart, the center of our feelings, in my hands and feel and see with my own eyes that it really exists. The human brain, an organ unmatched by anything man could create with all its grooves and valleys, the center of logic, analysis, and thought within my hands. But what about the organ called the soul? I knew it was not in my anatomy book, but there had to be an organ, something physical that I could feel and see associated with the soul. To my disappointment there was not such organ. So how can “the body” in front of me no longer sustain life if it had all the organs, chemicals, and cells, to live?

My quest for the life force continued in graduate school as I decided to pursue the study of life on even a smaller level; molecular biology! I wanted to understand how life functioned on a smaller degree within our bodies. Was there something in the DNA, RNA or proteins that could help me understand the soul, the spirit, or some life force? An important law of nature is that in biological systems the structure of things determines their function. But ultimately I always come back to the word “energy”, whether studying the body, a cell, or DNA. So, our physical body is composed of organs which are energy, cells which are energy, and molecules which are energy too. But my greatest lesson in graduate school did not come from within the lecture halls or the laboratories; rather it came from a child! As a graduate student at Roswell Cancer Institute, I had to complete service hours as part of my academic program. My assignment was with Elizabeth, a beautiful nine year old girl with blonde locks, confident blue eyes, and a smile that warmed my heart. She was a leukemia patient, and had spent several months at the institute getting radiation and chemotherapy. Elizabeth wanted to play Candy Land and I agreed. As I got lost in Lollipop Woods, and then got stuck in Molasses Swamp, Elizabeth made her way to Candy Castle winning the game. She told me that all the older people were afraid of her because she was dying. With a deep gulp, and a panicked look on my face, she assured me with a grin that I should not be afraid of her because she was going to heaven, and she was going to get to take better care of her mom, dad, and little brother. I was shocked at the candor that this little soul possessed. How can she smile with the pain and suffering she has been experiencing, and knowing too that death was right around the corner?

The next week, I returned for my service duty, and found Elizabeth waiting for me, as if she knew when I was coming back. This time she had The Game of Life in front of her, and I somehow knew this was not by chance. With another angelic smile she told me it was my spin at life. From new children, pay days, family trips, and taxes due on our journey to Millionaire Estates she sensed my fear of her death; a 9 year old girl. She spoke freely throughout the game about climbing over rainbows, fingerpainting the sky with God at sunset, singing with angels, and dancing a polka with grandpa in heaven. I could only respond with a half smile and a nod. She was so sure, so at peace with her situation, and knew without a doubt that these things would come to be. She asked me the most difficult question of my graduate program; how can I make sure mom and dad understand? I told her to tell them what she told me, and show them with the same smile.

The following week I came to play with Elizabeth again, but she was not at her usual table. One of the nurses came over to tell me that Elizabeth passed that Tuesday, with a smile and the faith of an angel. The tears of a twenty-three year old could not be held back. I wept, not so much for Elizabeth, rather my tears were for me, since I had so much to learn, so much trust to gain, and so far to grow. I was so overwhelmed that this little soul taught me so much about life over Candy Land and The Game of Life, the most significant lesson of my graduate program!

Science provided only some of the answers I was interested in. Physics is demonstrating that everything in the universe is energy; known as “the field”, or the mind of God. The field is an intimately interconnected field of energy and everything in the universe. Our bodies, thoughts, and feelings are all part of it. There is an interesting concept known as entanglement in which things that have been connected physically, and then separated act as if they are still linked (think how this applies to your loved ones that have crossed over!!!!).

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it is eternal. If this is so, then every thought, emotion, memory, feeling, and experience is eternal. Our consciousness exists with no limitations. The only limitation is the physical aspect of us. I was learning that God and energy were synonymous.

So after reading many books related to God, energy, nature, mediumship, and alternative healing, attending workshops, and meditating for hours, I began to touch the surface of a whole new interesting world invisible to the eyes, but open to the heart; the world of spirit. The most astonishing law of all was the realization of the continuity of life; that we are eternal aspects of God!

My career took me on the path to discover more about natural law and life, I worked in the biotechnology field for seven years and then taught college biology, and anatomy at four colleges. My emotional intelligence was enhanced tremendously as a dean of students at an art college, and then a college for alternate and complementary medicine.

As a medium and intuitive, I provide you with the opportunities of communicating with your departed-loved ones and spirit guides. It is a very healing and enlightening experience to have a spiritual reading so that you receive a better prospective about your life, your soul’s journey, and to maintain your connection to those that have crossed over to the world of spirit.

As a teacher and college administrator, I provide active learning experiences so that we can expand our consciousness, apply and develop our intuitive abilities, connect with our spirit guides, and realize and understand the unlimited power we possess. My workshops are designed to engage you in individual and group exercises, meditations, discussions, exploring and developing your intuitive abilities, and to help heal. Workshop sizes are limited to less than thirty so that each participant can receive specific and individual attention needed to expand, grow, and develop their abilities.

Besides my spirituality, my passions in life include actively participating in fitness activities, especially running, yoga, cycling, swimming, and weight lifting. I have been a personal trainer for many years, and enjoy helping others learn how to take care of their bodies. Music, theater, hiking in nature, star gazing, and eating chocolate cake are also frequent delights.

Please enjoy this site and I encourage you to share your ideas, concerns or inspirations. Create a great life for yourself.

Much Peace,
~ Geof

Eileen M. Collins is a former astronaut and a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. She retired from the Air Force in Jan 2005 and from NASA in May 2006 after a 28-year distinguished career. A former military instructor and test pilot, Collins was the first female pilot and first female commander of a space shuttle.

"Return to Flight Mission" after the tragic loss of Columbia. She has logged more than 6,751 hours in 30 different types of aircraft and more than 872 hours in space as a veteran of four space flights.

Collins currently serves on several boards and advisory panels, is a professional speaker and an aerospace consultant. She is married with two children.

Collins is also a member of the Air Force Association, Order of Daedalians, Women Military Aviators, Women in Aviation International, U.S. Space Foundation, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Ninety-Nines.
 

Diane Black is a licensed professional counselor who has always had a heart for children. She was drawn into child advocacy when she visited a residential treatment facility and saw first-hand the inadequate level of care the children received and the deplorable conditions.

Over the years, she testified for dozens of abused children within the court system, and treated hundreds of children who had experienced trauma during her time in private practice. Her formal education includes an undergraduate degree in social work and a master’s in education, with a specialty in counseling and development.

Diane visited the Russian Embassy where she had the privilege of discussing the issues of international adoption with high-ranking diplomats. She was later interviewed extensively by the Russian media. In the United States, she was interviewed by the Voice of Russia radio station in New York. Diane began studying the craft of writing when life put her into a story she felt needed to be told. 

Eliza has been performing readings for over 20 years. She has touched the lives of many with the intuitive messages from our guides including past loved ones.

Eliza has experienced intuitive abilities since she was a very young child and was able to visualize and hear messages for and from her family. A tragic accident occurred when she was 18 years old involving the deaths of her brother and father which motivated Eliza to further develop more of a connection with those on the other side.

Since then, Eliza has helped others connect with past loved ones providing loving intentions and counsel for others. Eliza also is a writer, occupational therapist and mother of two.

Contact Eliza for a very confidential, personal and inspirational intuitive reading. Reading are available in person or on the phone. Group readings are also available.

“Live your Life to the Fullest”
-  Eliza Rey, Certified Medium and Speaker and Author.

Melba is a special lady who is loved by her family and countless people in her life and church (Cross City Church - Dallas, Texas) today.
From University graduation, to IMF Journeyman work in mass- media radio offices and churches in Mexico City, to church work in Indiana and back to Texas, *Melba has always sought God to be “in tune” with His purpose for her life! 
With a deep love for God and her country, she has also worked with children and family ministries and understands these needs in our nation today! 

Quote from Melba, “I want to thank you for the opportunity to share how God can use all of us regardless of our age, to serve him, to be obedient and to be available to listen to those who need some listening ears.”

Hope Easton is a multifaceted musician. Classically trained on the cello, she has opened her horizons to improvising, writing and singing while playing the cello. She enjoys writing songs on the guitar and piano as well. Hope has performed, toured and recorded with many artists, including Adele, Reba McEntire, One Republic, Sheryl Crow, XAmbassadors, Richard Marx, Kenny Loggins, Eric Benet, Garth Brooks, Don Henley (The Eagles), Al Stewart, Lawrence Juber of The Wings, Il Volo, Leroy Sanchez,

Brandi Carlile, Marco Antonio Solis, Frank Ocean, Alex Band from The Calling, Nick Palance, and toured North America(2x) with Hollywood artist Sheila Nicholls.

Hope has recorded and performed on American Idol, The Voice, The Late Show, studio sessions as well as a few National Commercials.

In the classical world she has performed for and with the legendary, Lorin Maazel, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Christoph Eschenbach, Joshua Bell and Cho-Liang Lin. She was spotlighted ( performing solo) as a teenager on the PBS program Musical Encounters which won many awards. She won many competitions and soloed with orchestras as a teenager.

Hope also participated in many of the big music festivals: Norfolk Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Banff, Sandor Vegh Festival ( U.K.), Taos Music Festival and Meadowmount School of Music. She graduated with distinction in Cello Performance from New England Conservatory and followed there with a Fulbright Scholarship to the U.K.

Hope has recorded for numerous composers for TV and film including David Majzlin, Robert ToTeras (Critical Hit), Andy Grush: The Newtown Brothers (Magic Man, she played the whole score; Home Depot commercial, The Haunting of Hill House- Solo, Christopher Lockett (Sci- Fi), Christopher Cano, Shane Prather and many others.

Hope also performs often in chamber music settings, as well she has her own group, Sonos Chamber Players who perform in and around Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Diego for both private and corporate events, fundraisers as well as on TV. . SonosChamberPlayers.com

Hope continues to perform classical concerts in the Los Angeles area.

She has performed often with community orchestras all around the Los Angeles area, including The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Westside Orchestra Downey Symphony, Jazz Symphonic Orch, Culver City Orch, African American Orchestra and Torrance Symphony. She performs with many singers as a soloist, including some of the most prominent Cantorʼs in Los Angeles.

Hope has a large library of music videos on Youtube/Hope Easton from Classical Chamber Music ( and solos) to Jazz, Pop, Electric instruments and of course her own music videos.

Teachers: Nella Hunkins, Stephen Geber, Allan Harris
New England Conservatory Graduate: David Wells
Fulbright Scholar U.K. Ralph Kirschbaum San Francisco Conservatory , Irene Sharp

From a childhood in a strict, religious Mennonite community, to leading a healing movement during his youth, to experiencing financial hardship and living in drug-filled slums, to becoming an advisor to heads of Fortune 500s and billionaires, to eventually working with one of the world’s most renowned private islands, Josh’s journey has been, unusual to say the least.

Fueled by his yearning for awakening, his story is about embracing disillusionment as the pathway to enlightenment.

Josh currently lives on the island of Tahiti with his wife and youngest son.

Entrepreneur, Author & Hyperbaric O2 Treatment Advocate for concussions. Founder of HBOT Revolution.

HBOT Revolution is a leading provider of hyperbaric oxygen chambers, dedicated to enhancing health and wellness through cutting-edge technology. Founded by a visionary leader, our community-first ecosystem supports offices in scaling hyperbaric oxygen therapy awareness. Our diverse range of 21 models ensures personalized solutions for homes, offices, and wellness centers. We prioritize safety, quality, and value, offering portable chambers that empower users with convenient, self-administered treatments. Join us in revolutionizing wellness and unlocking the healing power of hyperbaric therapy.

My guest Antonia Lawrence is a transformative healer and spiritual guide whose deep-rooted connection to her cultural heritage fuels her extraordinary abilities. A multidimensional channel, she seamlessly blends quantum healing, psychic insights, shamanic practices, sound therapy, and somatic movement to facilitate profound holistic transformation. Antonia's mission is to empower individuals to ascend to their highest potential, aligning them with their authentic purpose and unlocking the doors to a life of abundance and multidimensional consciousness. Join her on this journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment as she inspires others to anchor more light into the world.

The Honorable Tom McMillen is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the LEAD1 Association, which represents the athletic directors and programs of the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Founded in 1986 as the Division 1A Athletic Director’s Association, the LEAD1 Association has 130 members located in 41 states. While the mission of the LEAD1 Association remains the same in its dedication to the success of student-athletes, both in the classroom and on the playing field, for college and afterwards, the appointment of McMillen has ushered in a new era with the rebranding of the association with the name LEAD1 Association and the move of the headquarters to the Washington, D.C., area to be close to our nation’s policymakers. Essential to the direction of the LEAD1 Association under McMillen’s leadership is influencing how the rules of college sports are enacted and implemented, advocating for the future of college athletics, and providing various services to its members such as pooled purchasing arrangements to deliver better arrangements on goods and services.

McMillen, as a high school student, was the most highly recruited athlete of his era and the second high school student ever to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. While in high school, he was appointed to serve by then-President Richard Nixon on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, the youngest Presidential appointee ever. At the University of Maryland, McMillen was an All-American basketball player and still holds the school record for career scoring average. During his time at Maryland, McMillen was a member of the 1972 Olympic basketball team that refused to accept a silver medal after its controversial and disputed championship game with the Soviet Union. After graduating as valedictorian of his class at the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, McMillen was selected as a Rhodes Scholar (the first from the University of Maryland) and attended Oxford University where he received a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He then played eleven years in the NBA with the Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Bullets, finishing his career in 1986 as the first and only active professional athlete to run for Congress.

From 1987 to 1993, McMillen served three consecutive terms from the Fourth District of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives. During his first term in Congress, McMillen was honored with an appointment to the Board of Overseers of the United States Naval Academy. In Congress, McMillen served on the Energy & Commerce Committee; the Banking, Finance, and Urban Committee; and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. He was the cosponsor of the Student Right-to-Know Act, which required colleges and universities to disclose the graduation rates of its students and student-athletes. McMillen was also selected unanimously as president of the freshman class of the historic 100th United States Congress.

After leaving Congress, McMillen was appointed by then-President Bill Clinton as Co-Chair of the President’s Council on Fitness and Sports. He also founded several publicly traded companies and has been a successful entrepreneur. He was a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Maryland System, the Founding Chairman of the National Foundation on Physical Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, and the author of Out of Bounds, a book examining the influence of sports on ethics.

In May 1988, McMillen was inducted into the first Capital One Academic All-American Hall of Fame as a charter member. In 2002, the 50th anniversary of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), McMillen was chosen as one of the ACC’s Top 50 players of all time. In 2010, McMillen was inducted into the University of Maryland Alumni Hall of Fame and in 2013, he was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

McMillen was also a founding member of the Knight Foundation’s Commission on Intercollegiate Activities that investigated abuses in college sports.  His op-eds and other articles have been published in periodicals such as The New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly, USA Today, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, among many others.

About Frank A. Roberson
BLACK RHINO GROUP, LLC

Black Rhino embodies the extensive experience and expertise of seasoned executive protection agents, investigators and counterintelligence threat analysts. In the past, our team has experience protecting elected officials, military leaders, high profile CEO’s and ultra high net worth individuals around the world.

Our elite team of protectors and investigators excels in delivering high-level protection and background services to address a diverse spectrum of threats. Whether you require protection for your family, mitigation of risks such as, specialized threat assessments or advance planning, Black Rhino offers professional services professional services dedicated to safeguarding and protecting people.

OUR SERVICES

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION 
BACKGROUND CHECKS
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS SEMINAR (Classroom Setting)

FRANK A. ROBERSON, CEO, CSO

Executive Protection Agent

Counterintelligence Threat Specialist

Private Investigator

Over his 20 year career as an executive protection agent, Frank has protected elected officials, high profile CEO’s and ultra wealthy individuals and families. He is a sought after expert on protection advance operational strategies and protective intelligence.
Frank serves on the exclusive Board of Executive Protection Professionals, is a Texas licensed Personal Protection Officer, Certified Security Manager & Private investigator.. Frank also serves as a member of the National Security Policy & Analysis Organization and Society for Defense and Strategic Studies. Frank’s presentation on identity theft, reputation management and situational awareness is a fun but powerful in-depth look at what we call the “Black Rhino” that can affect our everyday lives and those around us.

Recently, Frank has been added to the speaker series with the Strategic Warfare and Tactics Club, a counterintelligence organization who hosts the Counterintelligence & Insider Threat Conference.

Frank lives in Arlington, TX with his wife, Christy and their four dogs. When he has down time, Frank plays golf and  draws custom cartoons for his successful online cartoon business.