Living from the Soul with Sam Torode

Today I’m happy to be speaking with my longtime friend Sarah Hempel Irani.  Sarah and I both studied art at Hillsdale College in Michigan. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, and to become a very accomplished sculptor.  Sarah’s sculptures have been included in many national shows and have won several awards, including one in a competition judged by Sister Wendy Beckett.  Her most recent work is a 7-foot-tall bronze statue of fashion designer Claire McCardell for her town of Frederick, Maryland.  I wanted to talk with Sarah about what goes into creating these monumental works, as well as the values they represent. Sarah has great insights on the need for more women to be celebrated in public art, and the controversy over Confederate monuments.  We also discuss how our political and religious beliefs have shifted over the years, and Sarah shares her experience with ovarian cancer and how it changed her perspective.  Visit Sarah’s website: hempelstudios.com Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/sarahhi and Facebook: facebook.com/HempelStudios Read Baltimore Magazine's article on Sarah’s sculpture of Claire McCardell: baltimoremagazine.com This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

As a lifelong Frank Sinatra fan, today I’m excited to be speaking with Charles Granata.  Chuck is the producer and co-host of Nancy Sinatra’s weekly radio show on SiriusXM, “Nancy for Frank,” which recently concluded after 14 years and over 500 episodes. “The Best of Nancy for Frank” continues to air every week.  He has worked on several Frank Sinatra box sets, including “A Voice on Air: 1935–1955” and “Sinatra in Hollywood: 1940–1964.” Most recently he oversaw the restoration and reissue of the 1950 LP “Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra” (Impex Records, 2020).  Chuck is the author of two acclaimed books, “Sessions with Sinatra: Frank Sinatra and the Art of Recording” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds.” And he assisted music legends Phil Ramone and Johnny Mandel in writing their memoirs.  I loved hearing how Chuck’s childhood passion eventually became a fulfilling career, thanks to many serendipitous connections along the way. Near the end of our conversation, he also shares his personal thoughts on spirituality, which I found very moving.  Read “Sessions with Sinatra”: amazon.com/dp/B005HF4DGK Follow Chuck on Facebook: facebook.com/chuckgranata Get his latest Sinatra legacy release: impexrecords.com/sing-and-dance-with-frank-sinatra  At the end of this episode, instead of the usual closing music, I’m including a track from my own Sinatra-inspired album, “Someone to Watch Over Me,” which is available on most music platforms. 

This week I’m excited to talk with Karen Newell, a lifelong explorer of consciousness and seeker of esoteric wisdom.  Karen is the coauthor, with her partner, Dr. Eben Alexander, of Living in a Mindful Universe: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Heart of Consciousness—an amazing and informative book.  She is the cofounder of Sacred Acoustics, a company producing meditation tracks with binaural beats. I’ve been using these tracks myself, and wanted to learn more about them and ask Karen for advice on using them.  We also chat about quantum physics, and Karen has fascinating things to say about the lost technologies of the ancient Egyptians and Pythagoras.  As Nikola Tesla said: “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”  Visit United in Hope and Healing for free webinars with Karen & Eben: unitedinhopeandhealing.com Read “Living in a Mindful Universe”: amazon.com/dp/1635650658 Visit Sacred Acoustics and try a meditation track: sacredacoustics.com Follow Karen on Facebook: facebook.com/SacredAcoustics and Instagram: instagram.com/sacredacoustics Visit HeartMath Institute, which Karen discusses: heartmath.org  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com. 

This week I’m happy to speak with my friend Mark Stephens. Mark has been a police officer for 13 years, first in Phoenix and now in Nashville.  Mark explains how he first became aware of systemic racism in American society and law, and the process of becoming more educated about it. He tells stories from his years on the job that demonstrate the power of empathy and treating all people with dignity and respect.  I also ask him about gun culture, deescalation tactics, and mediation—which he’s recently taken up. He’s currently writing a memoir tentatively titled “Lessons Learned from Tragedy: A Misfit Cop’s Journey to Awakening.”   Here’s a link to the books of Tim Wise, which Mark recommends: amazon.com/Tim-J-Wise/e/B001ITVYTI  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

Today I’m excited to talk with my friend—one of the wisest people I know—Kat Courtney.  Kat has many years of training and experience facilitating plant medicine ceremonies, specifically with Ayahuasca and Huachuma. These are both drinks prepared from plants which have been used for thousands of years among the indigenous tribes of South America.  Kat is the founder of Afterlife Coaching, which provides preparation and integration support for such ceremonies, as well as spiritual life coaching in general. Check out her excellent blog and website at afterlife.coach. That’s where you can book a coaching session with Kat, which I highly recommend. She also offers live online classes with the Plant Medicine Mystery School.  The first half of this interview focuses on psychedelics and expanded consciousness. In the second half, Kat shares her powerful perspective that death is our friend and reincarnation is real. At the end, I ask about her first book, which is coming out very soon.  Visit Kat’s website: afterlife.coach Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/theafterlifecoach and Facebook: facebook.com/afterlifecoach  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

This week I’m honored to speak with one of my favorite authors and thinkers, Dr. Larry Dossey.  Dr. Dossey is a leading voice bridging the worlds of science and spirituality. He was a practicing physician for many years, and was chief of staff at Medical City Dallas Hospital. He also served as a battalion surgeon in the Vietnam War, earning the Medal of Valor and Bronze Star.  He is the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller “Healing Words.” This interview focuses on his most recent book, “One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters.”  “One Mind” examines phenomena like telepathy, premonitions, near-death experiences, autistic savants, spontaneous healing, and more, which are not explainable by materialism (the assertion that the physical world is all that exists, and our thoughts are mere byproducts of chemical reactions in our brains).  Based on evidence—not dogma or blind faith—Dr. Dossey concludes that our minds are not separate or confined to our brains, but are transcendent and connected through a kind of internet of consciousness, which he calls the One Mind.  Reaching a realization of the One Mind, he says in this interview, “is the cure for the greatest disease which has ever afflicted human beings, which is the fear of death.”  Visit Dr. Dossey’s website: larrydosseymd.com Read his books, including "One Mind": amazon.com/Larry-Dossey/e/B000AQ2V1U Read his essay (mentioned in the interview) “War: A Vietnam Memoir”: projectpeaceonearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Dr.-Larry-Dossey-Vietnam-Field-Surgeon-Editorial-War.pdf  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com .

This week I’m pleased to converse with James Marcus about one of my favorite subjects—Ralph Waldo Emerson! James is a writer, editor, and translator. A former editor-in-chief of Harper’s Magazine, his articles have also appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, the New York Times Review of Books, The Nation, and many other publications. He wrote a memoir, “Amazonia: Five Years at the Epicenter of the Dot-Com Juggernaut,” about his experiences as an early employee of Amazon.com. And he’s currently at work on a book about Ralph Waldo Emerson. James talks about Emerson’s transition from minister to lecturer, how he became an anti-slavery activist, the tension between self-reliance and society, his complicated friendships with Margaret Fuller and Henry David Thoreau, an upcoming Emerson biopic, and more. Our overarching theme is that Ralph Waldo Emerson is as relevant today as ever. Follow James on Twitter: twitter.com/jamesamarcus Read his essay, “Channelling Emerson”: theamericanscholar.org/channeling-emerson Watch his lecture on Emerson & religion: vimeo.com/259007250 Read another interview with James: fivebooks.com/best-books/ralph-waldo-emerson-james-marcus This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

This week I’m thrilled to interview David Ditchfield, who shares one of the most amazing stories you’ll ever hear.  In 2007, David was dragged under a train and—against all odds—survived. After being transported to the hospital, he left his body and had a near death experience (NDE).  This changed David’s life in profound and surprising ways. A manual laborer with no fine arts training, he inexplicably began painting and composing classical music.  He’s completed over 40 paintings, many depicting what he saw in the afterlife. His first symphony, “The Divine Light,” was performed to great acclaim at a sold-out orchestral concert.  In 2020, David published his memoir, “Shine On.” He continues to paint and compose music near Cambridge, England.  Visit David’s website: shineonthestory.com Follow David on Facebook: facebook.com/DavidDitchfieldNDE Instagram: instagram.com/david_ditchfield Twitter: twitter.com/DavidDitchfield YouTube: youtube.com/c/DavidDitchfieldNDE SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/davidditchfield  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

This week I’m happy to be speaking with Tracey Owens Lowd. Tracey combines the skills of life coach, spiritual counselor, and energy healer. She leads retreats and works with individuals at her office in Atlanta or anywhere in the world through online sessions. In this interview, Tracey talks about growing up as a highly intuitive, spiritually-aware child, and the challenges she had to overcome in order to put her gifts to use as a healer. I ask her about the different modalities she uses to work with mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Questions include: What are “limiting beliefs” and how can we unlearn them? How can we change negative thought patterns? What is energy healing? How can we find our purpose in life? We also discuss manifestation—getting clear on what you want, and bringing more of it into your life. And the vital role of struggle—not always getting what you want—in sparking growth.  Visit Tracey’s website: rememberyourtruth.com Follow Tracey on social media: instagram.com/traceyowens1 instagram.com/rememberyourtruthatl facebook.com/traceyowensEC facebook.com/RememberYourTruth This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

Today I’m honored to be speaking with Victoria Browning Wyeth. Victoria is the only granddaughter of artist Andrew Wyeth. Her great-grandfather, N. C. Wyeth, was a celebrated illustrator, and her uncle, Jamie Wyeth, continues to expand the family's artistic legacy.  After graduating from Bates College in Maine, Victoria studied the history of psychiatry at Harvard and then earned her masters degree in psychology from Wesleyan University in Connecticut.  Victoria has lectured at Wyeth exhibits from Paris to Tokyo, and frequently leads gallery talks at the Brandywine River Museum (Chadds Ford, PA) and the Farnsworth Art Museum (Rockland, ME). In Covid times, she’s reaching new audiences online.  Victoria has curated art shows and exhibited her own photography. A book of her photographs and accompanying essays, "My Andy," was published by the Greenville Museum of Art in 2017.  In this interview, Victoria shares many stories and insights, including this advice from N.C. Wyeth: “Paint what you know. Paint what’s in your heart. Paint with emotion. Paint with intensity.”  Visit Victoria’s website: victoriawyeth.com Follow Victoria on Instagram: instagram.com/victoriabrowningwyeth Watch Victoria’s tribute to Betsy Wyeth mentioned in the episode: brandywine.org/museum/betsy-james-wyeth Watch Victoria’s last interview with Andrew Wyeth: youtu.be/Teoei9XGrrg View works by Andrew Wyeth: andrewwyeth.com/gallery Victoria Wyeth photo credit: Jim Graham  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at http://www.samtorode.com.

This week I’m excited to share a conversation with a bestselling author/illustrator who also happens to be my former college roommate—Aaron Zenz.  Aaron reveals the hidden history behind his smash hit, “The Hiccupotamus.” It involves a case of hiccups, a college assignment, bankruptcy, embezzlement, a publishing executive’s daughter, and Jeff Bezos.  Aaron also tells the stories behind his amazing collaborative projects—creating a popular book review blog with his kids; setting off a global scavenger hunt for painted rocks; and drawing hundreds of monsters with schoolchildren. The latter two projects were finalists for the Grand Rapids Art Prize, one of the world’s largest art competitions.  Describing all the ups and downs of life as a freelance artist, Aaron’s humor, humility, and faith come shining through.  Buy Aaron’s books on Amazon: amazon.com/Aaron-Zenz/e/B0039ALVL0 Follow Aaron on Instagram: instagram.com/aaronzenz and Facebook: facebook.com/aaronzenz Visit Bookie Woogie: bookiewoogie.blogspot.com Watch Sam & Aaron’s silent movie “At the Ball”: youtu.be/6qdOOcVwy1U This episode opens with a clip from Maya Gasper reading “The Hiccupotamus”: youtu.be/pinbYoYgDYw

In our 5th episode, Sam Torode converses with Anita Ashland, writer and spiritual seeker. First, they talk about their shared history joining the Eastern Orthodox Church in early adulthood, and their reasons for leaving. They discuss the paradigm shift from a literal reading of religious language to a metaphorical, symbolic understanding. Anita then delves into Jungian psychology, the Myers-Briggs personality type indicator, and Hellenistic astrology. This quote from Jason E. Smith summarizes her theme: “Religious institutions should not be seen as repositories of truth, but instead as opportunities for the individual’s own experiments with truth.”  Follow Anita on Instagram: instagram.com/anita.ashland Facebook: facebook.com/MysticalAnalytics Twitter: twitter.com/AnitaAshland And visit her website: mysticalanalytics.com  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

In our 4th episode, Sam Torode talks with Lisa’Anne Ivey, actress, poet, and all-around artist. Lisa’Anne grew up in Jamaica and initially pursued a career as a medical doctor, studying biology and psychology. But partway through medical school, she dropped out to pursue her true love—the performing arts. Lisa’Anne talks about the challenges of defying family expectations and finding her footing in Hollywood. She also reads two of her poems and chats with Sam about writing, singing, the relationship between sensuality and spirituality, and more. Follow Lisa’Anne on Instagram: instagram.com/lisaanneivey and Twitter: twitter.com/tweetleese Read Lisa’Anne’s blog: goldenhitchhiker.wordpress.com This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

Imagine learning about creativity & the craft of writing from the master himself, Ray Bradbury! In our 3rd episode, Sam Torode speaks with Sam Weller, Ray Bradbury's authorized biographer. In addition to “The Bradbury Chronicles: The Life of Ray Bradbury,” Sam collaborated with Ray on “Listen to the Echoes: The Ray Bradbury Interviews,” and “Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury.” Sam’s newest book is a beautiful collection of short stories, “Dark Black” (Hat & Beard Press, 2020).  Visit Sam Weller’s website: samweller.net Watch Sam’s “Creativity 451” series on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC1NKlnSslQsc7x78GB0wyvQ Follow him on Twitter: twitter.com/sam__weller And Instagram: instagram.com/samtweller This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s Torode’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

In our 2nd episode, Sam Torode speaks with actress Nicole J. Butler. Nicole has appeared in TV shows from “ER” and “CSI” to “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Space Force.” She’s perhaps best known as “She-Shed Cheryl” from a viral State Farm commercial. Recently she wrote, produced, and starred in her own comedy series, “Sister President,” free to watch on YouTube. Her production company is called the Live True Project.  In this interview, Nicole discusses how she came to love the theater; the art of embodying a character; scripting her own series; her spiritual journey; the importance of on-screen diversity; politics and the pandemic; and more. Visit Nicole’s website: nicolejbutler.com  Watch “Sister President”: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAoubP1sR8LYB9ygNP7o3PihC76pTv1z0  Follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/nicolejbutler  And Instagram: instagram.com/nicolejbutler  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s books, including “Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson,” available at samtorode.com.

In our inaugural episode, Sam interviews Trevor Clark, botanist and herbalist. Trevor tells the amazing story of how he became “obsessed” with plants and herbs after they helped him recover from debilitating illness stemming from a spinal injury. He explains how plants are scientifically analyzed, and discusses the use of medicinal herbs in treating a variety of conditions, including Covid-19.  Specific supplements mentioned include: Pau D’arco (fibromyalgia); Berberine (blood sugar); Crossvine (fatigue); Cordyceps mushroom, Vitamins C and D, Zinc, and Niacin (Covid-19); Mimosa tree, Rhodiola, and St. John’s Wort (depression).  Visit Trevor’s website: www.clarksherbs.com, and connect with him on Facebook: www.facebook.com/trevor.clark.752.  This ad-free podcast is supported by Sam’s books, including Living from the Soul: The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson, available at www.samtorode.com.