Calm it Down

What would you do if movie magic became reality? If, in the movies, we could always get what we wanted by just wishing hard enough or following our hearts, life would be a dream. However, as we all know, this is not the case. In real life, things don't always go according to plan. We make mistakes and sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we hoped it would. Just like in the movies, though, there...

In today's episode, we grapple with the notion that if you can't break it down to a child, how can you truly grasp it yourself? We'll journey into the world of 'hardship', as interpreted through the poignant insights of The Velveteen Rabbit. Paying tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh, we'll explore the concept that when you immerse yourself completely in each fleeting moment, you are indeed fully experienc...

Do we ever stop to wonder where our moments of joy and happiness come from during our daily routine? Today's podcast episode aims to explore this thought-provoking question. We're taking a break from the usual rush to understand our emotions better. We'll find out that the source of our happiness isn't as hidden as we may think. By understanding it, we can tap into it more, bringing more joy into...

Scars. Scars are hard. They’re a reminder of something we went through that we would rather forget. They can be a source of shame, or a source of strength. And no matter what they look like, or where they are, scars always have a story to tell. But the most interesting thing is 'how' our scars can not only empower us personally but be the hope in the lives of others. Listen into this rebroadcast f...

Great. Everything is….great, supposedly. The pressure to look great, to feel great, to post something great but what if I just don't feel great. What if at my core I’m just sad. A study from 2017 stated an estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. That was 2017. WAY before we pulled out the KN95s. This episode I’m going to share three reasons why...

Ever pondered why perfection seems overrated? In this episode, "Perfectly Overrated: You're Doing Better Than You Think," I turn this idea on its head. Just like the unique charm in a lopsided mug or a hat-shaped bowl, life's almost whimsical imperfections make us who we are. Listen in as I dive into an art form where 'perfect' isn’t always the goal, and exploring how the lessons from a potter's w...

What is your favorite picture? The one at your desk or hanging on a wall that always seems turn any day of rain into sun. While that picture is your emotional go to, what if I told you there's more pictures waiting to be made. But sometimes it's easier to live in yesteryear than in the moment at hand. Listen in to this episode of Calm it Down podcast where I share some thoughts about what really m...

Are you afraid of the dark? Do clowns give you the heebie-jeebies? Does the thought of public speaking make you want to run for the hills? Fear not, my friend! This episode is here to teach you how to "Name It to Tame It.", IT as in "your fears!" Listen in as I share how naming your biggest fear immediately gives you control to conquer them like the brave soul you are! Buckle up, buttercup, and ge...

Are you tired of constantly chasing after happiness and feeling like you're never quite satisfied? Well, in this episode, I explore the difference between contentment and complacency, and how the Finnish have mastered the art of being the happiest country in the world for the 6th straight year! What is in the WATER up there!? Join me as I share some tips on how to cultivate contentment in your lif...

We often find ourselves lost in the expectations of others, societal norms, and the dreams of our loved ones. It's easy to forget that our lives should be a reflection of our selves; what we imagine our life to be. But what if we could reclaim our lives and chart our own course? This is the journey of self-discovery that we embark on in this episode. Join me as we explore the process of untangling...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by society's expectations? Like you have to act, look, or work in a certain way to fit in? It's tough and we can lose our true selves. In this episode, we'll talk about why it's important to be yourself and give practical tips to break away from conformity. Whether you're an artist, caregiver, or anyone who wants to live on their own terms, this episode is for you. So...

Have you ever felt like your life's destination can't be found on a map, let alone a GPS? Well, you're in the right place (at least with this episode), because this is part two of my two-part series, and I'm going to share some more ideas how to help you find your way along the emotional highway. From chunking your goals to celebrating your successes, there are some key road-trips on the roadmap t...

Everyone needs a sense of direction in life; having a clear purpose and goals is essential for feeling confident, motivated, and fulfilled. Without a 'roadmap', we can end up meandering around aimlessly with no real idea of where to go. Though it may seem pretty overwhelming to figure out what we want and how to get there, setting goals can open the door to clarity and newfound motivation. In this...

In today's episode, we'll be exploring ways to cultivate hope in our lives. Because let's face it, life can be unpredictable and chaotic, and sometimes it feels like the sun may never shine again. But even in the midst of our darkest days, there's always hope. By holding onto hope and believing that tomorrow will bring a brighter day, we can weather life's storms and emerge stronger and more resil...

Ever wondered how the perfect melody can drift you off into dreamland? Well, in today's episode, we're exploring the fascinating rhythm of rest and how calming music can help you sleep faster and better. Listen in as I share the science behind soothing tunes and how they work their magic to slow down your heart rate and whisk you away to a peaceful slumber. So, whether you're battling bedtime woes...

Today's episode is an encore presentation of one of my personal favorites, and a fan-favorite as well: "Regret is so 15 minutes ago." As you may know, I'm currently on tour and just finished playing two incredible shows in Canada (Quebec & Toronto). Right now, I'm in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, for a couple of days, before heading to Red Bank, NJ, and Washington DC on March 16th and 18th, res...

Do you ever feel like life is a rollercoaster, with its ups and downs? You're not alone. In this week's Calm it Down podcast, I shares some tips for embracing the highs and enduring the lows. From being mindful of your thoughts to taking care of yourself and reaching out for help, listen in as I give some practical advice for navigating life's challenges. Plus, I even give you some homework to try...

We all know the classic chocolate chip cookie - gooey, filled to the brim with chocolate chips and oh-so-satisfying. But in this episode of the Calm it Down podcast, we're taking it a step further. We explore how this humble treat has much to teach us about life. So grab a glass of milk and tune in as we explore how a gooey morsel of goodness can give us the insight we need to make life a little s...

There's an age-old cliché that says we learn something new everyday. But if life is a teacher, are we really paying attention and listening to the lessons? From childhood to adulthood, it seems like each stage of our lives can provide us with meaningful moments of growth - but how often do these transformations turn into real life applications? In this episode, I hope to explore the ways in which...

With the skies opening and my touring returning, some concert halls have asked me to lead a guided breath-work meditation before the shows. This is seriously one of my most favorite things ever! But one of the questions I get asked the most is "well, what's it like? what kind of experience?" In today's episode, I take listeners through a peaceful journey that is perfect for anyone looking to de-st...

Searching for our true selves can be both intimidating and exciting. Despite the pressures of everyday life, remembering to pause and recognize moments when we feel in tune with our most honest selves can be incredibly rewarding. It may sound simple, but sometimes it’s hard to recognize when these moments are occurring. A good place to start is by paying attention to what brings you joy, whether t...

We've heard a lot about how being tough and strong is important, but what about those of us who always seem to wear our hearts on our sleeves and express our emotions openly? Contrary to popular belief, emotional sensitivity is not a hindrance - often it can be what we need to help us get through the tough times in life. Emotional sensitivity allows us to better connect with others and understand...

Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life? That there's a longing for something more but you're not sure what it is? In this episode of the Calm It Down Podcast, we explore the power of longing and how it can be an important signal that we're meant for something more. We'll discuss the difference between passing fancy and sincere desire, and how to begin to listen to the clues our lo...

We all make choices in life, and one of the biggest is who we allow into our inner circle. It's easy to think that anyone we call a friend is a positive influence on us, but sometimes that isn't always the case. If you feel like things aren't quite right in your relationships, it might be time for you to take a step back and re-evaluate those bonds. In this episode, we'll talk about ways to detect...

We’ve all been there, struggling and feeling like we have to fight our own battles alone. We put on a brave face and tell ourselves everything is fine, but often times the truth is that we could really use some help. Asking for help has long been viewed as a sign of weakness or failure, leaving us feeling stigmatized or embarrassed when it comes time to reach out for assistance. But why? Why can't...