And Then Suddenly

Veteran Stephan Wolfert was working with the famous choreographer Twyla Tharp when she said something that clarified everything.  We talk about his time in the Army, how he became an actor, his work with veterans through DE-CRUIT, and the scientific proof that Shakespeare and theater are the keys to healing trauma. Part Two of my special Brain Double Header. Listen to Part One: Bill Monroe on getting better (and not getting best) Additional Resources DE-CRUIT DE-CRUIT: science publications  Cry Havoc, solo performance […]

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Bill Monroe (Strokecast podcast) is a Generation X stroke survivor. He talks about what on June 4, 2017, his ongoing recovery, and how he has become a marketing guy who knows way too much about neurology and neuroplasticity. Part One of my special Brain Double Header. Listen to Part Two: Stephan Wolfert on rewiring the brain with Shakespeare and science Additional Resources Bill Monroe: Strokecast Strokecast Episode 28: The Slow Road to Better Ted Talk: Jill Bolte Taylor, My stroke of insight World Stroke […]

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While on vacation in the late 80s, Ciaran Blumenfeld got on a bus in Israel in order to catch a boat to the Greek islands. The stranger who sat next to her on that ride began to say and do things that could be described as other worldly. We talk about travel, supernatural events, and what happens when you believe in the unseen. Additional Resources  Supernatural Travel Tales:  Episode 1, The Universe Says, Joke’s on You!  Annie Jacobson:  Phenomena: The Secret History of […]

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Thirteen years ago, former teacher and lawyer Duncan Payne had a heart attack. We talk about strange responses to emergencies, how things forever change, and the fears that emerge and vanish after being in the belly of the whale. Additional Resources  The Poetry Society: Jonah’s prayer by Aviva Dautch Smithsonian Magazine: “Could a Whale Accidentally Swallow You? It Is Possible” Joseph Campbell: A Hero with a Thousand Faces   

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Megan Bryan was loving the firefighter life when she decided to be a single mother by choice.  She found a sperm donor and after numerous rounds of fertility treatments, her daughter was born and she suddenly had to confront the worst biases about herself and our society.  We talk about parenthood, racism, sexism, and her partner and their growing family. Additional Resources San Francisco Chronicle: “Black firefighter on inspection duty in Oakland hills gets videotaped, reported to police”

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During her divorce, Debórah Eliezer Adabachi (theater artist, voiceover professional, Co-Artistic Director foolsFURY Theater, owner of Venado Retreat) did a theater workshop with Stephen Wangh.  One physical exercise led to a breakthrough that changed everything.  We talk about somatics, losing your voice, moving on, and learning how to finally say no. Additional Resources Dr. Martha Eddy: Five College Dance Department Lecture (Hampshire College) Dr. Martha Eddy: A brief history of somatic practices and dance (Journal of Dance and Somatic Practices) Stephen Wangh: Acrobat […]

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During President Obama’s second term, the military was scaled back.  Brian talks about being impacted by the drawdown and what life is like after serving twelve and a half years in the Marines. Additional resources Center for Strategic & International Studies, “What Has the Budget Control Act of 2011 Meant for Defense?” The Washington Post, “Obama announces new, leaner military approach” The New York Times, “Is It Wise to Cut Military Spending?” PBS News Hour, “Fact-checking GOP candidate claims on […]

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