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ChooSELove Movement

ChooSELove Movement

By JL Choose Love Movement

Welcome to Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, where amazing things happen when you Choose Love. Consciously change an angry thought into a loving one and watch the world change.

Hosted by: Scarlett Lewis
Produced by: Jean Rossi Wergeles and Dreamvision Radio Network
Music by: Doug Allen
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Currently playing episode

#63 Lyle Vetare (a young man raising awareness about Autism)

ChooSELove MovementApr 11, 2022

00:00
19:44
#110 - Jonathan Lewis, Sr. - "Recognize that we need to teach our kids to co-exist"
Mar 29, 202456:40
#109 - Jenna Moniz of the HeartMath Institute - Do You Know The Power Of Our Heart?

#109 - Jenna Moniz of the HeartMath Institute - Do You Know The Power Of Our Heart?

Scarlett interviews Jenna Moniz, education program specialist for the HeartMath Institute. They discuss the power the heart has to influence all organs in the body based on your thoughts and emotions. Every bodily system syncs with the heart. Using scientific measurements of heart rate variability, the time intervals between heartbeats. High HRV is a result of anxiety, stress and anger and leads to depression, health issues and higher risk of death. High HRV is a result of love and appreciation and results in enhanced well-being, performance, cognition, sleep, your body's ability to relax and recover, resilience, flexibility and adaptability. The goal is heart coherence and order, harmony and stability where your nervous system is synchronized and your bodily systems optimized.  Your brain's function improves with heart coherence and enables you to access the intelligence of the heart that includes higher level thinking and problem solving capabilities. Using the Choose Love formula and changing angry thoughts to loving ones increases HRV and adds to coherence. Your level of coherence can impact those around you bringing peace, or chaos. Learn how to find coherence in this podcast and maximize your potential as well as your students’ potential.


Mar 22, 202401:11:28
#108 - Angela Duckworth, Learn how you can develop ‘grit’ and why you need it to achieve your goals!

#108 - Angela Duckworth, Learn how you can develop ‘grit’ and why you need it to achieve your goals!

Scarlett’s guest for this episode is Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Angela describes grit as having what some researchers call an”ultimate concern”– a goal you care about so much that it gives meaning to almost everything you do. Grit is holding steadfast to that goal even when you fall down and when progress toward that goal is halting or slow. Scarlett and Angela discuss growing hope because a growth mindset leads to optimistic self-talk that then leads to perseverance over adversity. 

 

Scarlett and Angela infuse the Choose Love Formula into the extensive research Angela has dedicated herself to on grit and personal success. This includes having the courage to find what you enjoy, thinking of something you are grateful for to stay positive and strengthen what you want to master, finding a deeper purpose greater than yourself, and having compassion in action which is doing something, not just feeling it. Hope is when we let our pain go and that is strengthened by practicing forgiveness. All of the Choose Love formula values (courage+gratitude+forgiveness+compassion-in-action) lead to the grittiness required to achieve your goals.

Angela Duckworth is an academic and psychologist focusing on achievement, researcher and author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. She is co-founder of Character Lab, a nonprofit whose mission is to advance scientific insights that help children thrive. She is also the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and faculty co-director of the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change for Good Initiative. Her podcast, No Stupid Questions, is part of the Freakonomics Radio family.



Mar 15, 202458:56
#107 - Linda Couch - “We can't always choose what happens to us, but we can take our personal power back in how we choose to respond”

#107 - Linda Couch - “We can't always choose what happens to us, but we can take our personal power back in how we choose to respond”

“We can't always choose what happens to us, but we can take our personal power back in how we choose to respond”

Linda Couch is one of Scarlett Lewis’ best friends and has been an inspiration to her throughout her journey. Linda is a double heart transplant recipient, a kidney transplant recipient, cancer survivor and single mom of Blake. She is also a Go Red Woman for the American Heart Association.This is a story of someone who lives the Choose Love Formula every day as a way of seeing, feeling and being in the world and has inspired Scarlett in her own life and through the loss of Jesse. Linda and Scarlett met at work and have loved and supported each other ever since. Listen to an incredible story that will provide tremendous perspective as well as vicarious posttraumatic growth. 



Mar 08, 202401:05:55
#106 - Meena Srinivasan - Learn How To Strengthen Our Relationships and Make New Ones
Feb 26, 202401:00:05
#105 - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness - Part 2, What is FASD? Educate Yourself About This Disorder
Feb 12, 202401:00:46
#104- Hawaii Ambassador Dawn O'Brien - Choose Love is the number 1 SEL program in Hawaii

#104- Hawaii Ambassador Dawn O'Brien - Choose Love is the number 1 SEL program in Hawaii


Scarlett’s dynamic and motivational guest is Dawn O’Brien, Choose Love Ambassador for the state of Hawaii. Dawn inspires and leads teachers throughout the state of Hawaii all year long providing "Teacher Refreshers" and music and fun filled events with local DJs that get everyone to their feet and agreeing that “LOVE WINS!” In Hawaii, Choose Love is called Choose Aloha and Dawn’s incredible service has led Choose Love to being the #1 SEL program in the state! Dawn’s energy is infectious as she spreads Jesse’s message of ‘Have a Lot of Fun’ to over 310 schools in Hawaii. Scarlett and Dawn discuss how the Choose Love curriculum works to support students, families and communities to thoughtfully respond by Choosing Love.

When Dawn O’Brien Chooses Aloha and spreads the message of choosing love, she encourages people to find their ‘superpower’ and use it for a greater good. Dawn has recently published her second book, ‘Aloha Always Wins.’ It is based on a bullying incident that Dawn witnessed when she was in 3rd grade. Her story encourages kids to be an upstander, not a bystander. This book starts the important conversation with kids about bullying and how to thoughtfully respond with love. Dawn’s books incorporate Hawaiian culture and language and are incredible ways for parents and educators to meet on the level of the kids. 


Jan 29, 202455:60
#103 - Rick Rood, Choose Love Now Offering Individualized Transformational Coaching for Educators
Jan 21, 202401:02:56
#102 - Jon Romano - Reformed School Shooter Believes Healed People, Heal People, Part 2

#102 - Jon Romano - Reformed School Shooter Believes Healed People, Heal People, Part 2

Scarlett Lewis continues her conversation with Jon Romano who has been released from serving a 17 year prison sentence for carrying out a school shooting in his high school in NY. He continues to heal and begins working in a homeless shelter. A man attacks him one day with knives and he becomes permanently disabled. Jon forgave the man, even advocating for a lighter sentence at his trial. He is trying to figure out how to move forward today and be part of the solution. A solution he says could come from educators never giving up on their students and through their love and caring. He believes social and emotional learning, starting as early as possible, would be helpful. He also believes that educators, parents, and students need to be aware of the resources that are available to them and make mental health a priority. In fact, Jon advocates for talking about brain illness rather than mental illness to reduce stigma and so more people will seek help. People make mistakes, learn and grow from them. We forgive people, as we forgive ourselves and allow them to take what they've learned to help others, and us in the process. 


Jan 12, 202401:01:03
#101 - Jon Romano, Reformed School Shooter Discusses Why - Part 1 Continued

#101 - Jon Romano, Reformed School Shooter Discusses Why - Part 1 Continued

Scarlett Lewis’ guest is reformed school shooter, Jon Romano, who discusses his state of mind when at sixteen years old, he walked into his East Greenbush, NY high school and opened fire. A teacher was shot and injured as staff tried to wrestle the gun away from him. Jon pled guilty and spent the next 17 years in several federal prisons, in the general population. He reveals how he faced depression and a sense of despair at the time of the shooting. Jon wants to raise awareness and resources to direct our attention to the prevention of school shootings by social emotional learning so students can identify their own emotions and communicate with others who are struggling. 

We can listen to Jon’s story and see him as a human being in pain. When we understand his thought process, unmet needs, and level of pain, we learn how and why school shootings happen. Instead of simply blaming, we can proactively prevent school shootings by offering assistance to kids like Jon who are struggling. Scarlett and Jon discuss positive action steps that we can take today. Listen to this powerful 2 part podcast.



Jan 02, 202401:00:35
#100 - Jon Romano, Former School Shooter Discusses Why, Part 1

#100 - Jon Romano, Former School Shooter Discusses Why, Part 1

Scarlett Lewis’ guest is reformed school shooter, Jon Romano, who discusses his state of mind when at sixteen years old, he walked into his East Greenbush, NY high school and opened fire. A teacher was shot and injured as staff tried to wrestle the gun away from him. Jon pled guilty and spent the next 17 years in several federal prisons, in the general population. He reveals how he faced depression and a sense of despair at the time of the shooting. Jon wants to raise awareness and resources to direct our attention to the prevention of school shootings by social emotional learning so students can identify their own emotions and communicate with others who are struggling. 

We can listen to Jon’s story and see him as a human being in pain. When we understand his thought process, unmet needs, and level of pain, we learn how and why school shootings happen. Instead of simply blaming, we can proactively prevent school shootings by offering assistance to kids like Jon who are struggling. Scarlett and Jon discuss positive action steps that we can take today.





Dec 18, 202301:00:10
#99 - Brenda Zofrea - Why We Should NOT Teach our Kids about Stranger Danger

#99 - Brenda Zofrea - Why We Should NOT Teach our Kids about Stranger Danger

Scarlett Lewis’ guest is Brenda Zofrea, from LET'S B SAFE which is research-based, non-fearful, easy-to-teach program to provide parents, teachers and children with the knowledge they need to help prevent the sexual abuse, abduction and sex trafficking of children. For over 20 years, educator and child safety expert, Brenda Zofrea, has been creating customized programs for prevention education that works.

Let’s B Safe gives children the knowledge to stop or prevent this from happening and Brenda explains how the fear-based ‘stranger danger’ that we have been teaching our children decreases their ability to ascertain real fear from not.  Brenda wants children to recognize strange behavior in anyone, not just strangers. Scarlett and Brenda discuss how we can be more thoughtful as parents about where we put our trust and teach our children that as well. This important podcast will teach you how to empower your children with the knowledge they need to be safe and create family safety rules. https://www.letsbsafe.com/



Dec 04, 202359:08
#98 - Dr. Ned Hallowell - How To See the Pattern of ADHD
Nov 15, 202351:20
#97 - Dr. Roy Lubit - How To Deal with Childhood Trauma

#97 - Dr. Roy Lubit - How To Deal with Childhood Trauma

Scarlett and her guest, Dr. Roy Lubit, board certified child, adolescent and forensic psychiatrist, discuss using the Choose Love program for educators to help put lessons into life for a child’s safety, health and well-being. They also talk about identifying a child that needs extra help beyond more attention at home and what support the school can provide for that child. This is especially important for children who have suffered childhood trauma and abuse. 

Many victims feel they are to blame and do not speak up to anyone until their adult years or never tell anyone but deal with the trauma themselves. Adults are a symbol of safety and it’s too frightening for a child to think that their source of safety is not protecting them and then that shame, blame, guilt goes into adulthood unless it is addressed. Scarlett and Dr. Lubit discuss the importance of being present as parents and educators for our children. Dr. Roy Lubit says, “Improving someone’s social skills and reconnecting with people is as important as trauma focused therapy. The amount of emotional support from people and the depth of the support is important for their future well-being.”  


Nov 01, 202358:07
#96 - Dr. Peter VanAmburgh, Stepping Off First: How To Lead Effectively

#96 - Dr. Peter VanAmburgh, Stepping Off First: How To Lead Effectively

Scarlett and Dr. Peter VanAmburgh discuss incorporating transformational leadership into all aspects of our lives including schools, homes, and communities. By being the first to 'step off' which is the origin of the concept, leaders can facilitate positive change, inspire, motivate and cultivate trust. They discuss how to facilitate change within an organization, positive attitudes and engagement. Using leadership theory and illustrative stories from Dr. VanAmburgh's military experience, the audience will understand how to incorporate Dr. VanAmburgh's philosophy of leadership: "A leader's role to help make other people successful."

Dr. Peter VanAmburgh started 1Mission Leadership when he retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel after 28 years of demanding leadership assignments in Long Range Surveillance, Special Forces, and Intelligence units. He holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University, Master’s degrees from Kennesaw State University and the U.S. Army War College, and is a graduate of a host of military schools including Special Forces, Ranger, Jumpmaster, HALO, and the Counterintelligence Special Agent course. He has the benefit of possessing unique technical competencies as well as experience leading large organizations and highly skilled multinational teams in combat operations, humanitarian missions, and other activities in over 15 countries around the world. In addition to his military service, he also served as police officer for three years, worked in various industries for five years, and has over six years of teaching experience at undergraduate through doctoral level. His work bridges the strategic to the tactical, and his teaching is as valuable for senior executives as to their first line supervisors. He is a master at strategic planning, deciphering culture, and developing action plans that deliver results. He is also a lifelong learner who lives his favorite mantra, “If you are not getting better – you must be getting worse.” His passion is passing on the hard-learned lessons from the battlefield, boardroom, classroom, and the street, to the next generation of global leaders.

Check out Dr. VanAmburgh’s website: https://1missionleadership.com



Oct 23, 202301:06:29
#95 - Kathryn Goetzke, Hopelessness is the Single Most Powerful Predictor of Violence

#95 - Kathryn Goetzke, Hopelessness is the Single Most Powerful Predictor of Violence


Scarlett Lewis’ guest is Kathryn Goetzke, founder of the Shine Hope Company. They discuss why hope is foundational for all of us. Kathryn has dedicated her life to growing hope within individuals by letting everyone know that we all experience hopelessness and how to find our way back to hope. Hopelessness is the single most powerful predictor of violence as well as suicide. Kathryn shares her personal story of losing her father to suicide that put her on a mission to teach everyone around the world the 'how' to hope, based on research that hope is a teachable skill.

Hope is predictive of retention, performance, productivity, and engagement, and is a protective factor against anxiety and depression. The first step is to take our power back by pausing and thoughtfully responding with love instead of reacting. We need to learn to control the 90 seconds between stimulus and response. The second step is to cultivate healthy habits including diet and exercise to help us during stressful events. The third step is action and goal setting. You are more likely to achieve something if you write it down and check in with someone on how you are achieving these goals.

Additionally, hope is a precursor to happiness and resilience, meaning we need to activate hope to feel happy and have resilience. Hopelessness is learned through adversity and is often a consequence of oppression and discrimination; hope is also learnable, but only if we teach it. Listen to this podcast to find out how to activate hope within yourself, your school and community!  www.theshinehopecompany.com


Oct 10, 202301:03:43
#94 - Dr. Douglas Waite, Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

#94 - Dr. Douglas Waite, Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Scarlett Lewis’ guests for this podcast are Dr. Douglas Waite, developmental pediatrician, Melissa Jacobus, mother of 2 children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and Jenn Wisdahl, Chief Operating Officer of FASD United and mom to 3 with FASD. FASD is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of lifelong medical diagnoses that can occur with prenatal exposure to alcohol, even prior to recognition of pregnancy. Highly prevalent, occurring in up to 1 in 20 school aged children, but often unseen or unrecognized, Dr. Waite describes what fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are and how they can be diagnosed. Scarlett and her guests discuss the need for more awareness of FASD as well as the funding to provide training for the medical community. That training is the starting point for getting recognition of this disability. The FASD community and The Choose Love Movement can work together to offer kids the coping and social skills over and above what is taught in the homes and schools. 

The FASD community and FASD United need your help! Send a note to your senator/house rep and let them know that we need change now with the FASD Respect Act. The FASD community needs ‘nurturing, healing, love’ now more than ever’. Help us be part of the solution! https://fasdunited.org/

Senate bill 3946

House bill 1800

Check out Melissa Jacobus’ book, The Accomplice, The Invisible Disability of FASD. Her book mirrors the story of many families and the outcomes when our systems of care don’t recognize or support people with this highly prevalent disability. . https://www.amazon.com/Accomplice-Melissa-Jacobus/dp/1665300035


Oct 01, 202358:47
#93 - Tom Smalley - Turning His Struggle into Strength, Living with OCD

#93 - Tom Smalley - Turning His Struggle into Strength, Living with OCD

Scarlett’s guest is Tom Smalley, the founder of Struggle Into Strength. He is a mental health advocate, performance coach and weightlifter. Tom shares a powerful story when he stood up to his college coach’s bullying behavior that made headlines in the national news. He forgave his coach and chose love over fear instead of anger and hatred which is what we teach at the Choose Love Movement. Tom and Scarlett discuss how we as a society can show that vulnerability can actually be our biggest strength. 

Scarlett and Tom discuss his diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and his struggle to overcome his adversity with proper treatment and medication. His mission statement is ‘striving to break the negative stigma around mental health by showing that internal struggle does not make you weak, and that our struggle can actually be turned into our greatest strength.’ 

Tom says he is not an activist, he is an advocate. He wants to educate others in a loving way instead of getting angry at those who don’t understand his OCD. Scarlett talks about how you reach and make a more meaningful connection with more people with love and it is something that connects us all. His mission is to get kids diagnosed sooner and get the treatment they need faster by getting more people trained to work with kids who suffer from OCD. 


Sep 27, 202301:02:08
#92 - James Harvey - Mayoral Candidate for Memphis
Sep 25, 202358:03
#91 - Steven Munatones - Learn How Kaatsu Can Reduce Anxiety

#91 - Steven Munatones - Learn How Kaatsu Can Reduce Anxiety

Kaatsu, Japanese: 加圧, is a device that improves circulation through a unique blood reduction practice that Scarlett has found effective. 


Join Scarlett as she speaks with Kaatsu CEO, Steve Munatones as they discuss the process, research and stories. Scarlett Lewis strives to bring the latest evidence based services to advance our childrens’ health and wellness. In this endeavor she tries different implements and methods to see if they work and then introduces them to the world through the Choose Love Movement. These are evidence based processes that help reduce anxiety and pain, facilitate great sleep, nurture wellbeing and heal and have included Tapping and Havening as well as others.


Steven Munatones is the CEO & co-founder of KAATSU.  The Harvard graduate worked in Japan in the 1980's and 1990's as the only American in a Hitachi R&D campus with 6,500+ Japanese.  He was mentored for 13 years by KAATSU inventor Dr. Sato and a team of cardiologists at The University of Tokyo Hospital as part of the 22nd Century Medical Project.  He was a NCAA Division I water polo player and swimmer, a Guinness World Record holder, and an inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and International Ice Swimming Hall of Fame.  He served as an NBC commentator at the  2008 Beijing Olympics and has written books on swimming and KAATSU.


KAATSU is a Japanese word which means "additional pressure", a concept invented by Dr. Yoshiaki Sato in 1966.  KAATSU ushered in the BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) market and remains its leader.  KAATSU protocols were invented in Japan; its products are engineered and designed in California. KAATSU is a state-of-the-art automated pressure system that safely optimizes blood circulation for health, fitness, rehabilitation, and recovery.  KAATSU equipment consists of a small smart compressor and pneumatic, stretchable bands which are placed around your arms or legs.  The bands inflate and deflate in a scientific sequence based on patented algorithms that boost circulation, improve hormonal balance, and develop muscle tone in a time-effective manner with a minimum of effort. KAATSU is the pioneer in the emerging Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) market.  


Sep 20, 202301:04:22
#90 - Quentin Williams, Become One CommUNITY

#90 - Quentin Williams, Become One CommUNITY

Scarlett Lewis’ guest on this episode of the Choose Love podcast is 

Quentin Williams, Founder of Dedication to Community (D2C).


Quentin is a former FBI agent, federal prosecutor and thought leader trying to connect those who today seem to be the most disconnected. Quentin is the founder of Dedication to Community (D2C). This organization is a national non-profit that educates and empowers communities through skill-building workshops and ongoing forums designed to improve understanding and foster relationships while pursuing healing, reconciliation and unity. Its experts work with government agencies and the private sector by training and advising on critical issues in public safety and law enforcement, as well as diversity, belonging and equity.


Scarlett and Quentin discuss how we are stronger together and that love is the ultimate connector of people. Quentin is a great example of someone that chooses love as a living by teaching others his recipe for reconciliation:


  • Listen (beautifully)

  • Learning (hearts open)

  • Understanding (empathy is born + action = compassion)

  • Acknowledgment (of mistakes so we can learn going forward)

  • Action (to form meaningful relationships)


Quentin believes that if you live these five ‘ingredients’, then the rest will come organically. Listen to this inspiring podcast as Scarlett and Quentin talk about connection.


Sep 12, 202356:01
#89 - Elisabeth Rohm, Don’t Give Your Pain Too Much Power

#89 - Elisabeth Rohm, Don’t Give Your Pain Too Much Power

In this episode, Scarlett Lewis’ guest is actress Elisabeth Rohm. Elisabeth is also an entrepreneur and restauranteur with a heart for philanthropy. But most importantly, Elisabeth is a mom. She founded Respect Talks where she offers an open forum and invites thought leaders to spark poignant conversations addressing today’s biggest issues, Elisabeth’s Respect Project is an invitation to have an honest conversation and listen to each other’s suffering, joys, successes and how we can work together to find the strength to work through our pain. We need to realize that we have different perspectives and we need to really listen and show up for each other. 


Elisabeth is working on a movie based on Scarlett’s book, Nurturing, Healing, Love. Mass shootings are an essential topic of our time and Elisabeth wants to share how Scarlett’s book focuses on how we should not judge each other, find forgiveness and dedicate ourselves to the mental health of our children and live a life of Nurturing, Healing, Love. Scarlett and Elisabeth discuss how we can move through life by navigating the complexities of human emotions. 


Scarlett and Elisabeth talk about having the courage to be present with one another and show that you care. It takes courage to choose love over fear and forgiving others allows you to be the true version of yourself. Elisabeth truly has a heart for Choosing Love which, if you are a fan, you already know and if you’re just meeting her, you will find out! 



Aug 28, 202353:09
#88 - Casey Secor, Suzerain Capital Defense - What's the connection between Choose Love and capital defense?

#88 - Casey Secor, Suzerain Capital Defense - What's the connection between Choose Love and capital defense?

“Every person is more than the worst thing they have done. 

They are: Sons. Daughters. Fathers. Mothers. Brothers. Sisters. Uncles. Aunts.”

What’s the connection between Choose Love and capital defense? EVERYTHING. Individuals that don’t receive ‘nurturing healing love’ or learn essential life skills to manage their emotional pain can end up on death row. This is where the story of Choose Love and Suzerain begins. Scarlett Lewis’ special guest is Casey Secor, CEO, Senior Staff Attorney for Suzerain Capital Defense. 


Scarlett met Casey while he was working on the Parkland Shooting trial last year. This tragedy occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida where 19 year old Nikolas Cruz, an expelled former student, came back to the school and killed 17 people and injured 17 others on February 14, 2018. Scarlett and Casey hope that working together they can create a new framework that can be used to change how we interact with one another, better recognize how others are struggling, reduce mass violence, and increase love and understanding. 


Aug 15, 202358:47
#87 - Julie Rumrill - Finding Mary: A Journey of Reclamation
Aug 02, 202301:03:60
#86 - Dr. Sally Goldberg believes that ‘Nurturing, Healing, Love’ is the solution to prevent school shootings.

#86 - Dr. Sally Goldberg believes that ‘Nurturing, Healing, Love’ is the solution to prevent school shootings.

Dr. Sally Goldberg believes that ‘Nurturing, Healing, Love’ is the solution to prevent school shootings.

In this podcast, Scarlett Lewis’ guest is Dr. Sally Goldberg, a pioneer in the field of early childhood education. Sally Goldberg, Ph.D. is a professor of education, parenting expert and author.  Her unique, logical, and down-to-earth advice has been quoted in numerous magazines and newspapers including Parent’s Magazine and American Baby. Dr. Sally is one of the nation’s first parent coaches and founder of Dr. Sally Parenting, Inc. She was the first parenting expert on “Parent to Parent,” a FOX TV Channel 7 weekly news segment. A prolific magazine writer, Dr. Sally has been published in a multitude of magazines across the country.

Scarlett and Dr. Goldberg believe the magic word to the healthy development of our children is ‘connection.’ Parents need to focus on connection when their children are at a young age. Dr. Goldberg says that it’s best started from birth and she describes the five areas of development and how they are carried out at each age and stage. There is a bonding and attachment process over the first three years of a child’s life which leads to self-esteem. Dr. Goldberg believes that parents can be taught to keep focusing on connection with their children at any age and stage. She also believes that a solid family (and extended family, too) creates the foundation that leads to connection. 

Dr. Goldberg talks about the study, Meaningful Differences, highlighting the every day life experiences of young children and the importance of having nurturing, healing, love in their lives. This study shows that connection affects a child’s physical and emotional well-being.

Listen to this podcast to learn more about connecting with your children and the resources that Dr. Goldberg has available for parents. 



Jul 21, 202301:08:18
#85 - Kate O'Shea - How We Can Address The Root Cause of Violence to End School Shootings

#85 - Kate O'Shea - How We Can Address The Root Cause of Violence to End School Shootings

Scarlett Lewis’ guest is mitigation specialist, Kate O’Shea. Scarlett met Kate when she was working on the Parkland, FL high school shooting trial. Mitigation is the storytelling part of representing the criminal defendant. Her job is to explain who a person is, and how this shooting could have happened based on their childhood and past traumas. Kate and Scarlett discuss why there is so much suffering and violence in our world and how we can address the root cause of this violence to end school shootings. 

Scarlett and Kate talk about how the individuals who commit mass shootings have unmet needs and they explore how to proactively reduce and prevent these tragedies. Living through trauma as children affects brain development and can result in having no concept of the consequences of their actions. Conduct disorder is something that Kate says is a mental diagnosis given to someone under the age of 18 with a pervasive pattern of using weapons, setting fires, rule violations. This is a trauma based disorder. These are labels that suggest the conduct is what you need to be treating, but in reality the trauma and pain that are the cause of these unsettling behaviors are what needs to be addressed. Treating the underlying trauma is necessary, finding out what happened to them, rather than what’s wrong with them can help us move towards solutions instead of always being one step behind. Healthy attachment and connections, essential life skills, and support, help to overcome these childhood traumas to become successful, productive adults. 


Jul 14, 202357:34
#84 Joy Bauer - Life is Hard, Food Should Be Easy

#84 Joy Bauer - Life is Hard, Food Should Be Easy

Scarlett Lewis’ guest is leading health and wellness expert, Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN. Joy is one of the nation’s leading health authorities. As the nutrition and healthy lifestyle expert for NBC’s TODAY show, Joy shares reliable, practical and easy to follow advice that helps millions of people eat better, live healthier and lead more fulfilling lives. She is a #1 best selling author with 14 best selling books to her credit! In this podcast, Scarlett and Joy discuss selecting the right foods and food combinations that can catapult us to utmost health and wellbeing. Food is more than fuel and Joy’s philosophy is 90/10. Eat healthy 90 percent of the time and the other 10 can be your favorite, indulgent foods. 

Food also provides an avenue for connection which is the key to happiness. We can incorporate the Choose Love pillars into our healthy eating plan. Have the courage to love yourself with what you put into your body, and commit to making meal plans and eating with your family. Be grateful for the food choices and supermarkets that we have access to in our communities. Forgive ourselves for not following healthy eating at times, but tomorrow is another day to start fresh.  The compassion in action component is stepping outside of our own busy schedules and distractions to bring our family together to be present and eat together around the table. Joy provides helpful hints to simplify our family’s nutrition and how to be mindful and thoughtful about the fuel we put into our bodies. Fueling our bodies with the correct foods will increase our physical, psychological and emotional well-being. 

Listen to this informative podcast for tips on how you can help yourself and your family make healthy food choices to improve our well-being and, “Have a Lot of fun!”.


Jul 07, 202354:12
#83 - Stephanie Cinque from the Resiliency Center of Newtown - Which Services Work Best for Healing Trauma

#83 - Stephanie Cinque from the Resiliency Center of Newtown - Which Services Work Best for Healing Trauma

Scarlett Lewis’ guest is Stephanie Cinque, Director of the Resiliency Center in Newtown, CT and former Sandy Hook resident. The Resiliency Center of Newtown offers trauma-informed services focused on long-term individual and community healing for children and adults impacted by the tragedy at Sandy Hook School on December 14, 2012. They discuss the essential services that worked best for healing trauma and what Stephanie learned directing this trauma healing center over the past 10 years including an update on Newtown’s progress and the impact that the Resiliency Center had on the community and survivors of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Stephanie discusses the creation of a new app, ResilienceNet, that can simulate a resiliency center to help other communities going through a hard time and assist community members in growing their resilience. There are four pillars: prevention, education, resilience and connection. This platform will provide a central location for all of these essential healing modalities that have emerged over the course of a decade as the most effective.


Jun 12, 202338:11
#82 - Garrett Lavallee and His Mission of Choosing Love at Spaulding Academy & Family Services

#82 - Garrett Lavallee and His Mission of Choosing Love at Spaulding Academy & Family Services

Scarlett’s guest is Garrett Lavallee, principal and director of special education at Spaulding Academy & Family Services in Northfield, NH. Garrett wanted to go into social services to help children in need and carry on his family legacy at Spaulding which has been serving children who have dealt with child abuse and neglect for 150 years. His dad worked there for forty years so this school has always been a part of Garrett’s life and held a special place in his heart. 

Garrett has been at Spaulding Academy & Family Services for twenty three years and he believes that children need to feel safe and nurtured before they can focus on their academics. Spaulding looks at how trauma has influenced their students’ behaviors. The Spaulding mission statement is that ‘everyone deserves to love and be loved.’ And this applies to both the children and employees. Garrett collaborated with his staff when introducing the Choose Love program to let them know that, “We are on this mission together.” He encourages students and staff to use the Choose Love language in everyday actions. According to Garrett, the healing that has taken place has been incredible for both children and staff. The cultural shift and growth at Spaulding Academy because of the Choose Love program has been tremendous. 

Listen to this podcast to learn more about Garrett’s mission of Choosing Love with his staff and students.



Jun 09, 202334:26
#81 - Scarlett Lewis and her mom, Maureen Lewis - Saying You Are Sorry

#81 - Scarlett Lewis and her mom, Maureen Lewis - Saying You Are Sorry

Scarlett and her mom, Maureen Lewis, Jesse’s Nana, discuss a powerful tool Maureen used with her kids consistently when they were growing up. ‘Here’s what you could have said,’ or done differently when you are in a reactive mode, and feeling angry or sad. This provides an opportunity for a thoughtful response and a positive resolution rather than escalating a conflict. The Choose Love Movement teaches the importance of pausing and then thoughtfully responding instead of responding in anger. We all make mistakes, but it’s important to hold yourself accountable and have the courage to admit that you made a mistake and apologize.


Jun 01, 202331:40
#80 Rick Osborne - From Gang Member to Motivational Speaker

#80 Rick Osborne - From Gang Member to Motivational Speaker

Scarlett’s guest, Rick Osborne, is an ex-gang member who spent 25 years in the penitentiary and has spent the past decade working with at-risk youth. Rick grew up in a good family yet a poor decision led him down a path of heroin use, incarceration, gang violence and mental trauma.

Rick now spends much of his time speaking to youth about the dangers of drugs, gangs and prison. Rick has developed a unique  way to create rapport that includes kinesiology and movement. He can connect with at risk youth and speak with them about gangs and drug abuse because he understands having started down that road in grade nine. Rick comes from a place of love as he speaks to youth about staying on the right path. Scarlett and Rick discuss ‘post-traumatic growth’ which is the foundation of the Choose Love Movement and that challenges are there to help you grow. Listen to this inspiring podcast today.



May 29, 202356:48
#79 Nadine Miles - Living Soul Minded

#79 Nadine Miles - Living Soul Minded

Scarlett Lewis speaks with Nadine Miles who introduces Functional Medicine to our audience, what this means and how this can transform our wellness journey. They talk about the need to take personal responsibility for our health in all aspects and that we are not victims to our genetics because our choices each day create our health and wellbeing. Scarlett and Nadine discuss the emergence effort and the importance of cultivating self confidence and love in order to face and grow through difficulty in our lives.


May 15, 202357:19
#78 Scarlett Lewis & Her Mom - Getting On & Off The Bus of Life

#78 Scarlett Lewis & Her Mom - Getting On & Off The Bus of Life

Scarlett Lewis and her mom, Maureen Lewis, Jesse’s Nana, talk about how people come in, and out of your life, and how it’s similar to being a bus driver watching people get on and off your bus. It is a loss when people leave your life and there is a period of grieving, but it is important to appreciate the ride that you had with them. We are responsible for our own life and making ourselves happy. A big part of happiness is feeling that you have some control over your life and there is hope. How many people are on your bus? 


May 09, 202317:09
#77 Dan Jewiss - Why Lockdowns Are Outdated

#77 Dan Jewiss - Why Lockdowns Are Outdated

Scarlett Lewis and Shannon Desilets, program director of the Choose Love Movement for the state of NH, speak with Dan Jewiss, founder and president of The RAK Academy, about school safety. Dan Jewiss is a retired Trooper and Detective of the Connecticut State Police. Dan and his co-instructors teach audiences easy to understand strategies to save lives in Active Killer incidents.  The RAK Academy’s primary audiences are 1st Responders, School Personnel, Houses of Worship Communities and Businesses. Dan recommends the Choose Love Movement on his website, www.therakacademy.com, saying that it is one of the best “upstream“ solutions he’s seen. Dan says "the Choose Love Movement is a powerful upstream and downstream tool that I whole heartedly support because it makes our world a kinder and safer place."

Scarlett and Dan talk about the outdated concept of lockdowns and Dan offers tips and hints on the best way to keep our kids safe.

Apr 26, 202359:52
#76 - Kristen Deitz, A Mother’s Personal Journey with Autism

#76 - Kristen Deitz, A Mother’s Personal Journey with Autism

Scarlett Lewis’ guest is her childhood friend, Kristen Deitz, who discusses candidly and openly about her journey with her daughter and her early diagnosis of autism. Researching and advocating, she found a community and opened the doors, literally, and figuratively, to help others. Kristen discusses the methods she used and incorporated to produce incredible outcomes that can help many other parents in similar situations.


Apr 12, 202337:15
#75 Dr. Kate Truitt - “Healthy Brains Means a Healthy Humanity"

#75 Dr. Kate Truitt - “Healthy Brains Means a Healthy Humanity"

“Healthy brains means a healthy humanity.”

Scarlett Lewis is joined by Dr. Kate Truitt, clinical psychologist, applied neuroscientist, and internationally recognized expert in the fields of stress, trauma, and resilience. She is the author of “Healing in Your Hands,” a newly released, groundbreaking book about trauma. Dr. Truitt has dedicated her life to advancing the treatment of trauma and stress-related disorders.

Dr. Truitt specializes in a powerful trauma technique called Havening. She discusses with Scarlett how Havening can help us self-regulate as parents and educators and face challenges from a stable state. Havening helps us calm our sympathetic nervous system and keep our ‘logic and reasoning’ part of our brain online, even during conflict. Kate talks about how to meet our children’s needs, as well as our own, in this era of violence and school shootings and how our brains are working FOR us, all of the time! What a relief to know that through Havening and self-compassion we can heal, feel good and get to be the best version of ourselves! Listen to this powerful podcast.

Mar 29, 202358:44
#74 Aaron Stark - 'I Was Almost A School Shooter'

#74 Aaron Stark - 'I Was Almost A School Shooter'

In this episode, Scarlett Lewis speaks with Aaron Stark, a mental health advocate who planned but did not follow through with a school shooting in 1996. Aaron’s TED Talk, ‘I Was Almost A School Shooter,’ has over fifteen million views. In this episode, Aaron gives valuable insight on the pain that turns children into cold blooded killers. He talks with Scarlett about his childhood, being homeless, how he was bullied and then became a bully himself. He said he was expressing his pain and hurt outwardly. Aaron said, “When you have nothing to lose, you can do anything and that is a terrifying thought.” Aaron was able to turn his life around when he finally felt seen and supported.

Aaron talks about shooters wanting to be seen and how they are in a tremendous amount of pain which leads to these actions. Scarlett and Aaron discuss how to prevent school shootings and the importance of, "giving love to those you feel deserve it the least." Listen to this powerful podcast and how you can ' Choose Love'  and become part of the solution.

Mar 15, 202359:01
#73 Scarlett Lewis - 10 Years and Beyond

#73 Scarlett Lewis - 10 Years and Beyond

Scarlett Lewis reflects on the past ten years of the Choose Love Movement which was started to honor her son, Jesse. Jesse was murdered in the Sandy Hook tragedy. Since that day, Scarlett has dedicated her life to keeping our kids safe in schools and advocating for their health and wellbeing. Listen to the key points Scarlett has learned during the last decade spent researching ways to be part of the solution. Now in over 11,000 schools, homes and communities in 120 countries there will be many more adventures in the next 10 years. Listen to this podcast to learn why it’s important that everyone comes together to be part of the solution and choose love today and every day.

Mar 01, 202336:54
#72 Lisa MacKenzie on Teaching Choose Love Program to Her Students with 'Nurturing, Healing, Love'

#72 Lisa MacKenzie on Teaching Choose Love Program to Her Students with 'Nurturing, Healing, Love'

Scarlett speaks with Lisa MacKenzie, our Choose Love CA ambassador and one of our curriculum writers for the Choose Love for School Program. While piloting the original Choose Love Enrichment Program several years ago, Lisa discusses how she has taught Choose Love programming to her students with 'Nurturing, Healing, Love.' Lisa has used choose love to successfully stop the school to prison pipeline in her district.

Feb 01, 202357:02
#71 - Amy Downs, "Another Bomb. I Think I Am Going to Die" - How I Survived the Oklahoma City Bombing

#71 - Amy Downs, "Another Bomb. I Think I Am Going to Die" - How I Survived the Oklahoma City Bombing

"I'm in my office chair upside down and they are screaming. Another bomb! Another bomb! And I think that I am going to die." Scarlett Lewis speaks with Amy Downs, author of Hope is a Verb: My Journey of Impossible Transformation. Amy was one of the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing in which a total of 168 people were killed including 18 of her 33 co-workers. When Amy's building exploded, she fell 3 stories and was buried alive for 6 hours. Amy's book talks about how she was a victim but she was able to transform her life with hope. Amy says, "Hope is the jetfuel that propels you to the moon. You have the ability to change your future."

Amy says that a new person emerges after a tragedy and she embraces and loves the person she is now. She encourages everyone to reassess and see what you can do to move forward instead of sitting back to blame yourself or others in difficult times especially when you feel like a victim. The person you are after a tragedy can be a better version of the person you were before the tragedy which is called post-traumatic growth. Scarlett and Amy discuss how we all have the power to move forward which will bring hope alive in our spirit and then allow us to help others dealing with pain. Listen to this inspiring podcast today.

Jan 18, 202358:06
#70 - Scarlett Speaks with Melanie Hempe, Founder of ScreenStrong, How To Break Kids' Screen Habits

#70 - Scarlett Speaks with Melanie Hempe, Founder of ScreenStrong, How To Break Kids' Screen Habits

Scarlett Lewis speaks with Melanie Hempe, founder of ScreenStrong. Melanie shares the journey of her son’s screen addiction to video games and why she started this foundation to empower parents to delay toxic technology. She educates parents on helping kids to break bad screen habits and how to reclaim your kids from screens. Parents need to know which screens are okay for kids and which are toxic. ScreenStrong coaching is backed by evidence-based science. Melanie said, “Because of development and because of the way brain works, screen addiction is the most trying parental issue in our culture. And it affects everything.”

Listen to this podcast to find out how to save our kids from screen addiction and get ScreenStrong in your children’s schools.

Jan 04, 202354:57
#69 - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman - Killology, The Root Causes of Violence

#69 - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman - Killology, The Root Causes of Violence

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is the founder of a new field of scientific evidence termed ‘killology’ which has made contributions to not only our understanding of killing in war, but “the root causes of the current ‘virus’ of violent crime that is raging around the world and the process of healing the victims of violence, in war and peace.”

Dave and Scarlett discuss children’s access to violent video games, school safety and teaching our kids to trust police officers. Dave talks about keeping kids safe and educating our children about sleep management and media violence. Dave shares the three most important statements you could ever say to a child: 'please tell me what’s wrong', 'I’m sorry this is happening to you' and 'I will do everything in my power to help you.' This communication of love and caring is so important because the opposite of evil is love.

Listen to this empowering podcast today.

Dec 15, 202201:20:06
#68 Scarlett Lewis Speaks with Actress Eva LaRue About Grief and Processing Loss

#68 Scarlett Lewis Speaks with Actress Eva LaRue About Grief and Processing Loss

Scarlett Lewis speaks with actress Eva LaRue about navigating grief after the loss of her ex-husband, John Callahan during the pandemic and helping her daughter, Kaya, process her own grief. Scarlett talks with Eva about how to move through and process grief. Scarlett and Eva talk about the Choose Love Formula (Courage+Gratitude+Compassion-in-Action=Choosing Love) and how forgiving yourself and feeling compassion for those around you is important in the grieving process. They discuss learning through these difficult experiences and how it's a tremendous opportunity to grow and help others.

Nov 30, 202201:02:23
#67 Lenny O'Keefe, Choose Love Cops & Canines: Comfort Dog Program

#67 Lenny O'Keefe, Choose Love Cops & Canines: Comfort Dog Program

Scarlett Lewis speaks with Lenny O’Keefe about his Cops and Canines program. Lenny and his dog, Liberty, visit schools for special events, classroom visits or stopping by to read a book. Lenny has a message that goes along with Liberty’s visit and that message is Choose Love. Lenny knows that the unconditional love we receive from our pets is something that fits right in with the pillars of the Choose Love Movement, Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion-in-Action.

Nov 10, 202246:24
#66 Kristine Carlson, Author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, How to Move Forward After Loss

#66 Kristine Carlson, Author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, How to Move Forward After Loss

Scarlett Lewis and Kristine Carlson discuss loss and the importance of moving forward, carrying our loved ones with us and returning to joy to experience life. Kristine is the co-author with her late husband, Dr. Richard Carlson of the New York Times bestselling Don't Sweat the Small Stuff books. She was featured as the subject of a biopic Lifetime movie based on her book, Heartbroken Open: A True Story of Coming Alive Again After Profound Loss.

Oct 26, 202201:00:18
#65 Jodee Blanco (author/anti-bullying speaker)

#65 Jodee Blanco (author/anti-bullying speaker)

"Bullying is not acts of cruelty; it's the omission of kindness." 

That is a powerful statement from Jodee Blanco, activist, widely respect expert on bullying and author of the New York Times Bestseller Please Stop Laughing at Me: One Woman's Inspirational Story. Scarlett Lewis and Jodee have an eye-opening conversation on the subject of bullying.  As the  first survivor of school bullying to look back on those experiences as an adult, Jodee shares her feelings as a victim and how she turned her pain into purpose. As she explains how bullying has been misunderstood and mishandled by so many, she addresses relevant topics such as the invisible student, the need for tolerance and forgiveness in schools, compassionate forms of discipline, how parents need to adjust their approach to bullying, and offers a child's perspective of both a victim and bully, and so much more. 

As you listen, you'll learn steps to take to make a difference in a child's life, and how, according to Jodee, everyone needs to "Connect, motivate  and inspire (bullies) from the inside out."

May 04, 202201:00:49
#64 Judy Thomas (mother of Lyle Vetare, advocate for Autism)

#64 Judy Thomas (mother of Lyle Vetare, advocate for Autism)

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Scarlett has a candid conversation with her friend, Judy Thomas, who is an advocate for autism.  Judy shares her son Lyle's journey after he was diagnosed with a pervasive development disorder.  She defines the disability disorder, shares Lyle's experiences in school, and points out the need for change in the school system to better serve children who have autism or other developmental condition. Since these disorders can impact a person's social skills, ability to communicate and form meaningful relationships, and more, Scarlett also reinforces the need for schools to teach essential life skills and attitudes. Judy explains how tough it is on parents and offers advice on ways they can help their children flourish and live an independent life with hope and positivity.

Apr 18, 202236:35
#63 Lyle Vetare (a young man raising awareness about Autism)

#63 Lyle Vetare (a young man raising awareness about Autism)

Scarlett chats with Lyle Vetare, a young man with Autism, who works at a local hotel.  They have an honest conversation about his experiences in school, both the good times and the bad. Lyle shares how he was bullied by other students and how it made him feel a lot of sadness. With insight and intelligence, Lyle explains ways people can make life better for people like him. The biggest piece of advice he offers is "give kids confidence in their abilities." Lyle is facing life with a positive mindset and his story shows how anyone can overcome challenges and find success.

Apr 11, 202219:44
#62 Julia Richter (Director of Choose Love C.A.R.E.S. Workshops)

#62 Julia Richter (Director of Choose Love C.A.R.E.S. Workshops)

"Love Wins." 

That's Julia Richter's mantra in life.  After discovering the Choose Love Movement, Julia says her life was transformed, and now as Director of C.A.R.E.S. (Cultivating Authentic Relationships in the Education System), she's helping educators improve their well-being, cultivate authentic connections, support the needs of their students, and create a safe and loving environment. Scarlett and Julia talk about how Choose Love workshops and professional development help educators flourish and nourish their well-being as they practice the Choose Love Formula. Julia opens up to Scarlett about her journey from being a 4th grade teacher and a coach, to how she found her calling in art and music programs, finding Choose Love, and being an Ambassador, to where she is today.  You'll appreciate Julia's positive energy and mindset and learning how she and our facilitators are helping educators be the best they can be through experiential workshops, and also the importance of more care and love in homes, schools, and communities. As Julia says, "We need to open our hearts to learning new things . . . to support ourselves and spread nurturing healing love."

Apr 05, 202249:50
#61 - TJ Stevens (author) pt2, Redemption of a High School Gunman

#61 - TJ Stevens (author) pt2, Redemption of a High School Gunman

Scarlett and TJ Stevens, author of Once a Shooter: Redemption of a High School  Gunman, continue their riveting conversation on this second part of their podcast.  They share insightful personal stories and discuss effective ways we can help kids take responsibility for their lives through music, religion, love, hope, and essential coping skills. They agree that children can be their best selves if they choose love and it will ultimately make the world a better place.

Mar 29, 202201:15:51