WeBeTheChange: Conversations with Evolutionaries

Do you ever wonder what makes a story sacred, and what your sacred stories might be? Join host Colleen Akiko with shamanic initiate, sacred storyteller and Certified Heartmath Trainer, Jim Eaglesmith in the final episode of the WeBeTheChange series, A RED HEART . By now you've heard about some of Jimi’s difficult challenges–including getting struck by lightning. How does he keep showing up in such...

What does your heart know that your mind has forgotten? This is the third segment of A Red Heart, called The Power of Pause; Heart Breathing, Listening and Healing, where Colleen Akiko talks with Jim Eaglesmith, shamanic initiate and Certified Heartmath Trainer. They explore the scientifically proven use of Heart Breathing, and how simple it can be to bring ourselves into the multi-beneficial stat...

What happens when elder wisdom meets youthful fire? In Part 2 of the We Be the Change series, A Red Heart , Colleen Akiko talks with featured guest Jim Eaglesmith--shamanic initiate, HeartMath trainer, and beloved “grandpa” to groups of school kids. Jim Eaglesmith was told decades ago to “ Go awaken the heart of humanity through loving service. ” He shares how the wisdom of age and the passion of...

What does it mean to walk the Red Road—and how does it begin? In this episode of We Be the Change, Colleen Akiko opens the series A RED HEART , with shamanic elder, musical edu-tainer and Certified Heartmath trainer, Jim Eaglesmith (aka Jimi Ji). Jimi shares his journey of walking away from the spotlight to a heart-purifying sweat lodge, pivoting his path to the Red Road. Enjoy Colleen and Jimi’s...

In honor of Memorial Day and all who have valiantly served for "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," may this song, Let Freedom Ring, help keep the dream kindled in this storm. This song came through me shortly after Election Day. Recording it was like riding a bronco--its meter made abrupt turns with math equation time signatures. I released it quickly, with its faint echoes of familiar p...

What if the sacred practice of surrender isn’t just giving up—but tuning in? In this intimate closing episode, we enter the labyrinth of surrender—guided by supportive ancestral presence, the body’s wisdom, and nature’s quiet invitations. Join this final segment of the series Individuality of Universality , where Colleen Akiko and Matthew Hara discuss somatic listening, support systems, and releas...

What if your feet could teach you how to come home to yourself? This is the third segment of the series, Individuality and Universality with spiritual teacher and yogi, Matthew Hara. In The Wisdom of Embodiment we unpack the illusion of spiritual ego and the temptation to "dress up the mind" with spiritual words, as we more fully appreciate the profundity of the feet and becoming like a little chi...

"How can I trust my body’s wisdom over my mind’s story?" In Part 2 of Individuality & Universality we explore the mystical nature of being in the body without identifying with the mind, which leads to suffering. We hear how non-resistance and practices like Yoga ultimately reconnect us to truth, our heart, and awakening--as embodied Presence. Relish this animated conversation with Matthew Hara...

After years of depression and addiction, Matthew Hara went from being “Oscar the Grouch” to a globally recognized spiritual guide, songwriter and yoga teacher. In this episode of We Be the Change , Matthew talks with host Colleen Akiko about the pivotal moments that sparked his awakening—beginning with an unexpected meditation on a San Diego beach. Matthew’s raw journey through fear, darkness and...

Inspired by the timeless words of Saint Francis of Assisi, I offer this song as a musical healing balm in the earthly loss of Pope Francis. May his radiant example of kindness, compassion and true leadership continue lighting our way through the volatility of our times. Yesterday was my Aunt Bernice's last earthly day of life. She was 95 years young; a beautiful artist and the matriarch of our fam...

This is part five of the five part series Connecting with Donna Apidone . In this episode, Fear: A Stop Sign or a Doorway? , you'll hear encouraging stories for navigating life's volatility with presence, humor, and real hope. From fear to freedom, and identifications to reinvention, this conversation with Donna Apidone and Colleen Akiko reminds us that the heartful stories we carry—and the ones w...

When was the last time you asked: What’s next for me? In this 4th segment of the series, Making Connections with Donna Apidone , we explore TransForMission —a five-step framework for personal transformation that Donna began in the wake of loss. This class and book have been guiding seekers and lifelong learners toward meaning and purpose for over 20 years. Discover what can happen when a room full...

 This is part three of the five part series Connecting with Donna Apidone . In this conversation, you'll hear how Donna cultivated real connections with her many NPR Morning Edition guests--even when she thought she didn't like them! The purposeful compassion beneath these connections also infuses how and why she still listens to a LOT of news--every day! Her stories and perspective show us how we...

This episode, Interfaith Ministry and Bridging Worlds , is Part 2 of the series, Making Connections with Donna Apidone. Here we follow Donna's path to ordination through an interfaith seminary in New York City, while still hosting Morning Edition. Fueled by her desire to connect more deeply with herself and others, Donna experienced what continues to help her bridge diverse perspectives and people...

Join me, Colleen Akiko, in this series Making Connections with Donna Apidone —a voice many know from NPR’s Morning Edition , but whom I cherish as a deep thinker, a storyteller, and a truly radiant person. In Part 1: An Unlikely Beginning, we hear how Donna started her career in broadcast journalism by ignoring common sense advice. We move on from there to explore the art-- and heart, of navigatin...

In this final episode of Rising Through Trauma Into Healing , we explore how totally serving a less-than-perfect leader can reflect our own unclaimed power within, and become a catalyst for growth. This fourth segment, Healing From Betrayal by Discovering Our Indweller, explores how the deep pain and trauma of betrayal can mirror our unhealed inner wounds. We discuss how losing faith in a leader,...

This third segment of Rising Through Trauma into Healing, finds us lingering at the veil between the earthly and the afterlife, in Cherishing Wholeness and Purpose in Life . Angelika gives a fortifying message to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Feel free to share it with a dear one who may be questioning how deep pain can open into deep transformation. We discuss the empowerment of realiz...

In our second segment with Angelika Schafer, Embracing Pain in Transformation, you'll hear insights on the profound shifts in consciousness currently occurring on Earth. Angelika also opens her own story around food addiction and its roots, and a personal experience that demonstrates the wholistic nature of inner healing. We explore the interconnectedness of all beings and the power of nonresistan...

This is the first of a four-part series titled: Angelika Schafer: Rising Through Trauma into Healing. I'm excited to introduce my dear friend, Angelika Schafer. She's a generous soul who overflows with profound wisdom and global experience as an integrative coach, healing practitioner, recording artist, teacher, retreat leader and interfaith minister. In this segment, From an Ocean of Pain to the...

What is We Be The Change about, how did it germinate, and who's the lady asking questions behind the mic?