Peace Love Hoptimism

This week, I am joined on Peace Love Hoptimism by international headlining comedian, actor, and author, Wali Collins. Wali has graced many of the world's greatest comedy stages, hosted Stand-up, Stand-up on Comedy Central and was tapped by comedy legend David Letterman, first as the warm-up comic for the Late Show and later as a featured comic. Collins has appeared in numerous television shows, movies, and commercials. He has even worked with presidents Bush and Obama, as well as first-lady...

This week on Peace Love Hoptimism we are joined by author, Mila Johansen to discuss her book about her grandmother Jesse Haver Butler, From Cowgirl to Congress: Journey of a Suffragist on the Front Lines. In our chat, we talk about Mila's grandmother's incredible journey from meeting Susan B. Anthony as a child in Pueblo, Colorado, to her journey to Washington, DC as a lobbyist for the Woman's Suffrage movement. Butler's story is unique - and one that we are happy to share during Woman's...

This week I am honored to be joined by my sister, Krista Westervelt. Our discussion this week centers on serving a diverse community of older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. We reflect on a series of current challenges as well as how her organization, and senior and community centers in general, can use this moment to adapt for the future. Krista joined the Chatham County Council on Aging (NC) as their Development & Communications Director in late 2019. Krista is passionate...

On this episode, I welcome community leader and founder of Music Changing Lives, Josiah Bruny. In early February, he and I sat down to discuss his personal journey in the music industry at a young age and how he envisioned MCL - and grew it to what it is today. Bruny is a real force for positive change in his community. We discussed at length the work that he and his organization have continued to do, even in the midst of the global pandemic and heightened racial awareness. From feeding...

On this episode, I welcome choral conductor, educator, and community builder G. Phillip Shoultz, III to Peace Love Hoptimism. Dr. Shoultz is currently Associate Conductor and Director of Learning and Engagement with the choral group VocalEssence in Minneapolis, MN. He is the founding conductor of the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age and continues to engage singers, even during the time of COVID-19 with his Take 5 with GPS daily livestream. Phillip is known for fostering community and...

On this episode, I welcome singer, director, producer, educator, and now podcaster Dean Anthony to Peace Love Hoptimism. Dean has had an impressive career spanning over 30 years and innumerable turns as performer, director, educator, and producer. Frequently engaged as a stage director, Mr. Anthony’s artistic process is hallmarked by an energetic, gritty, and physical style. Dean is currently the Director of Opera with the Janiec Opera Company at the Brevard Music Center and has served on...

Singer-songwriter Lilli Lewis is the embodiment of peace, love, joy, optimism, and selflessness through her life-practice of "radical decency." A classically trained musician, Lilli has now found a home in music that has been called “like listening to light” by actor and singer Mandy Patinkin. Her music is an eclectic mix of folk, blues, jazz, gospel, and soul. Based in New Orleans, Lewis has a band, The Lilli Lewis Project, and serves as VP and A&R Head at the Louisiana Red Hot Records...

After a year like 2020 - couldn't we all use a little more optimism in our lives? Welcome to Peace Love Hoptimism - yes I said "Hoptimism." What is hoptimism? To me it is optimism with action. Join us each week as I interview incredible people and hear inspiring stories of how they used their voice, talent, creativity, and experiences to help solve problems, build community, and shape a better world for everyone - all in the spirit of joy, peace, love and hoptimism. Continue the...