Yasmin Azad is the author of Stay, Daughter, an engaging memoir of how a young Muslim girl grew up in Sri Lanka in the 1950s and ‘60s, and how she came to America after seeing what happens when cultures collide. Kirkus Reviews named her book as one of the best of the year.

Azad was among the first group of girls in her Muslim community in Sri Lanka to go away to university. Stay, Daughter draws on her experiences growing up in a close-knit, conservative society which had to deal with the challenge of reconciling the rules of Islamic orthodoxy with the freedoms and innovations of the modern world.

Born and raised in the Galle Fort, Sri Lanka (previously Ceylon) by a traditional Muslim family, she lived in what was a former colonial fortress, inhabited by Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and the Christian descendants of the Europeans who had colonized the island. Muslims are a 10% minority population in Sri Lanka, which is a Buddhist-majority nation. Her primary education was at Catholic schools run by Irish nuns, but her favorite teacher was a Hindu.

She came to America in the late 1970s and lived in Connecticut. She and her husband moved to Massachusetts and raised their three children there.

Azad had worked for over 20 years as an award-winning mental health counselor. She has a deep interest in the special and emotional repercussions on societies (both positive and negative), when women are raised in highly individualistic cultures as opposed to those that stress the importance of family and community.

She has been interviewed by, or featured in, numerous media outlets, including BBC World News, The National Magazine, Perspective Magazine, Daily News in Sri Lanka, and Sunday Island, in Sri Lanka.

Azad earned her BA in English from University of Ceylon, MA in English from University of Connecticut, and MA in Psychology from Fitchburg State college. She lectured in English for three years at University of Kelaniya, in Sri Lanka.

When she’s not writing essays and articles, she is gardening or practicing mindfulness meditation.

    After my divorce, I developed a deep connection with God and myself and experienced more understanding of my purpose, and the areas in my life that needing healing. However, I also began to recognize, my weaknesses and my strengths. That's what ignited my passion for conservation, and wanting to impact the world in a positive way. I've spent the past 2 years, seeking clarity, becoming a better mother, a better listener, and having more appreciation, even in my struggles.

    My advice can go beyond raising awareness; I can empower individuals to take meaningful action. I'll share practical tips for reducing their self doubt, making conscious choices in their daily lives, and bringing to the light their self worth and their ability to transform their lives. If we all took time to enhance the natural born gifts we have, and use it for good, how much more healed people would exist?

    I believe in fostering genuine connections with people. During the show, I'll encourage listeners to share their own experiences, challenges, and successes , and how they to can add to this suffering world. Together, we'll explore innovative ideas and celebrate the positive impact each individual can make. It will be an enriching and empowering experience for all.

Dear BBS:

My name is Anthony M. Tooton (IV) and after communicating with Donald he recommended I make a pitch! About three-and-a-half months ago, the following Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) article blasted out over the Internet, and my life - for better or worse - change overnight: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6816459

The relief which came along with ‘going public’ (while not mentioning names, or seeking retribution, when the incident which is mentioned in ‘public,’ there, for the first time) is palpable!

I want to let people know that PTSD, no matter it’s cause, can uproot and derail one’s life in the blink of an eye, however, there is ALWAYS a way out - Always.  Therefore, I would like to share my story to as wide an audience as possible - with the intention to help as many as provided the opportunity to!

There are many things which helped me along the way.. in a nutshell they are: New Friendships/ Unlikely Strangers/ Music/ and that which we don’t know exists. 

I thank you for the chance to share the above amd look forward to sharing much much more!

Sincerely,

Anthony

437.262.9872

Hailing from St. John's, Newfoundland, Anthony M. Tooton is a filmmaker and media developer specializing in the documentary format. Tooton graduated OAC from the prestigious Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada and eventually attended film school in Toronto, after winning an entrance scholarship. He cut his teeth with his 2006, 52-minute documentary film, "Restaurants are not Democracies!" which followed the irrepressible restaurateur Michael Carlevale and his esteemed colleagues: Franco Prevedello, John Maxwell, Peter Oliver, Massimo Capra, Aristedes Pasperakis, and Stephen Ricci - at the 'establishment' restaurant Prego Della Piazza. In 2012, Tooton analyzed an aspect of the cultural relevance comedy plays at the Eastern most point of North America - Newfoundland & Labrador - with his 28-minute NTV Comedy Special: "At Humour's Edge!" In addition, Tooton co-produced and edited an NTV Special relating to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with a piece on Jeremy Bennett. Tooton co-produced, co-directed and edited the documentary short 'Moment of Inspiration' which took a look at the life of Sr. Frederick Banting, in London, Ontario. He is now moving forward the recently completed, 70-minute, Tooton's Photography: In The Business Of Making Memories, which focuses on the story of his great-grandfather (of the same name) who immigrated to Newfoundland from Damascus, Syria; created a renowned relationship with Kodak founder Mr. George Eastman; and established Tooton's Photography - which processed and printed in excess of 100 million rolls of film, over its 90 year lifespan.

About Doing My Own Talk Show 

About My Own Talk Show 

From over 30 years as a professional Energy Healer and Spirit Communicator, Alicia holds knowledge from high Spirit Encounters that few can claim. From Global Dynamics, to the mystery of Consciousness, Alicia brings extraordinary teachings and 'Spirit Insight' to your audiences. 

Her training as a journalist gives her a unique skill to communicate in simple terms the secret world behind everyday challenges and problems.

An expert on Soul Purpose, Consciousness Evolution and Energy Healing, your audience will receive tools, experience transcendence, and feel new hope to inspire their hearts and minds.

Alicia has authored over 20 courses, has had 1.5 Million views on her YouTube channel and is a regular guest on Consciousness Tele-Summits.

After four decades of spiritual mastery training and teaching, Alicia Power passes on her knowledge of 'Awakening Deliberately'. 

Alicia's channeled courses and tele-seminars activate your inner divinity, your ascension - while teaching your logic to understand your journey.

With a journalism background, Alicia translates high spiritual knowledge into everyday useable tools that anyone can use. 

Love to speak on my foundation, The Parlay Foundation. We have raised money to help pay off tuition for more than 100 HBCU students through a campaign we do online called "I Got 5 On It Fridays". My followers give $5 every Friday and the money goes to HBCU Students facing financial difficulties. I am equipped to speak on anything relating to Black Culture, Music, Politics, and News.

Reaux Fareal is a 2x National Spoken Word Winner, a published author, a singer with more than 500k streams, a Film Director with a film on Amazon Prime, an Activist, and Motivational Speaker in New Orleans, LA.

Connection Medicine: 4 Reasons to Embrace It

Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman, the pioneering physicians from the groundbreaking film “Forks Over Knives,” are helping thousands find better health through WeHeal, a virtual platform that combines ever-important nutrition and lifestyle choices with a component that is lacking in all the buzz - Connection Medicine. 

Connection Medicine offers a unique approach to achieving well-being. This holistic discipline has gained recognition as a vital component of health care. 

Dr Alona Pulde and Dr Matthew Lederman weigh in on the four compelling reasons to consider exploring this growing discipline:

1.Mental and Emotional Well-being: Connection Medicine recognizes that meaningful relationships, community engagement, and support networks can improve mental and emotional health. By prioritizing these connections, individuals can experience improved mental resilience.

2. Enhanced Physical Health: Research shows that strong social connections are linked to better physical health outcomes. Individuals with robust social support networks tend to have lower rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease and obesity. Connection Medicine encourages the development of healthy relationships and emphasizes the role of social support in promoting better physical health.

3. Stress Reduction and Resilience: As a result of today's fast-paced lifestyle, stress has become a significant health concern. Connection Medicine offers strategies and practices to mitigate stress and build resilience. Mindfulness, meditation, and other mind-body techniques foster self-awareness and equip individuals with valuable tools to manage stress effectively.

4. Sense of Belonging and Purpose: Connection Medicine recognizes the need for a sense of belonging and purpose. It encourages community involvement, promotes personal growth, and fosters meaningful connections between individuals. This approach helps people experience a greater sense of purpose in their lives and contributes to overall life satisfaction and fulfillment.

Dr Lederman says “Poor lifestyle and food choices affect health. So does being disconnected from others, as proven by the effects of isolation during the Pandemic. We know that a compassionate, authentic connection with ourselves and others is a fundamental cornerstone of health, and science shows it has a unique and equally powerful impact on physical biomarkers and outcomes, including cholesterol, blood sugar, chronic pain, microbiome, and more.  Without connection, attempts to improve diet and other areas of our life can be futile.”

Please let me know if I can get you more information about WeHeal methodology as outlined in their recent book “Wellness to Wonderful,” practical advice to transform health and how it changes lives, or set up a time for you to chat with Matt and Alona.

Touted as doctors of the future by Dean Ornish, MD and with their work supported by many experts including Sanjay Gupta, MD, Dr Alona Pulde and Dr Matthew Lederman combine conventional Western medicine, Chinese medicine, Lifestyle medicine, Nonviolent Communication, Polyvagal Theory, and Trauma-Informed, Somatic Principles & Pain Reprocessing to create their groundbreaking health paradigm.

They have been successful corporate leaders, starred in the life-changing documentary Forks over Knives, lectured for eCornell, served as adjunct medical school professors and corporate medical advisors, and are NY Times bestselling authors.

They have co-authored six books, including The New York Times Bestseller Forks Over Knives Plan, Forks Over Knives Family, and Keep It Simple, Keep It Whole. They co-authored The Whole Foods Diet and The Whole Foods Cookbook with John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market.

Most recently they co-authored, “Wellness to Wonderful,” interweaving medical science, psychology, spirituality, and life wisdom to help people achieve lasting health, vibrancy, peace, and joy. They consult for various companies and serve on advisory boards for organizations including Lifesum, Center for Nutrition Studies, and Network for NVC.

Alona Pulde, MD is a board-certified practitioner of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine & Family Medicine Physician. She is particularly passionate about supporting clients with nutrition and women’s health. 

Dr. Matthew Lederman, MD is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician & CNVC Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication. He is particularly passionate about integrating mind-body health treatment and providing second medical opinions for patients with persistent chronic disease.

After ten years of serving Whole Foods Market as a corporate Vice President, helping launch their national comprehensive medical & wellness centers, coaching and retreat programs, and integrated hospital and insurance networks, Dr. Pulde and Dr Lederman moved on to co-found their new venture, WeHeal, which is the culmination of decades of learning and practical experience organized into an easily accessible program that does everything just short of guaranteeing lasting health, joy and satisfaction in your life.

You never know you are in a cult, you only know you were in one. I unwittingly married into a small religous cult. Twenty years later, our cult leader, the mysterious "Uncle Robert" had brainwashed me and my entire family, engineered the destruction of my marriage, and collapse of my family. But I escaped and recovered, thanks to my friends, family, and Christian faith. I also spent years trying to rescue my children, breaking a multigenerational curse. I wrote about my bizarre experience in my Amazon best selling memoir Stop The Tall Man, Save The Tiger. Cults control through secrecy, paranoia, and isolation. After being silenced for so long, I am now speaking out about the dangers of small religious cults.

A story teller first and foremost, Peter is the author of the Amazon best seller Stop The Tall Man, Save The Tiger, which tells the story of his escape from a tiny religious cult. He is a regular podcast guest and public speaker, sharing his story and the dangers of small cults to audiences around the world.

Peter’s first book, The Blue Team, is a novel about faith and basketball and conquering your greatest enemy.

Prior to his writing career, Peter was a sports broadcaster for over 20 years telling the stories of great athletes all over the world, while working for CBS, ESPN, OLN, and other networks.

He now lives near Bozeman, Montana with his children and several pets and is working on the sequel to The Blue Team.

Gratitude: The Foundation of Happiness 

Interview Op: Greg Hammer, MD, Stanford University Professor, Physician, Best-Selling Author, and mindfulness expert, discusses the importance of Gratitude on your journey to Health and Happiness.

The constant onslaught of traumatic events displayed in the media and on the news has generated an overarching feeling of despair that has become the new norm. In this era of social, political, and economic unrest, it’s easy to be fearful, depressed or overwhelmed as we try to navigate the hardships of our day to day lives.  But what if one small step like expressing gratitude could change the stress of all of that? Well, it can, and Gratitude is available every moment of every day.  Gratitude can also be one of the most powerful tools for staying healthy and centered as it takes you on the superhighway to happiness.  

Talk Points:

A member of the Stanford WellMD initiative, Dr. Hammer is the former Chair of the Physician Wellness Task Force for the California Society of Anesthesiologists. He has been a visiting professor and lecturer on wellness at institutions worldwide and teaches GAIN to medical students, residents, and fellows at Stanford. 

Dr. Hammer’s clinical focus is in pediatric cardiac anesthesia and pediatric critical care medicine. His research is in developmental pharmacology and immunology, and he has an active laboratory with multiple ongoing studies in these areas. He has published widely on topics related to pharmacology and perioperative care of children undergoing cardiac and thoracic procedures as well as organ transplantation. Dr. Hammer is a health enthusiast and meditator, utilizing a non-duality and mindfulness-based approach, including the GAIN method.