Interviews with Innocence

join us on a profound episode of "Interviews with Innocence with Marla Hughes" as we delve into the life-altering experiences of Dr. Tony Cicoria, an orthopedic surgeon with a unique twist of fate. Once a typical medical professional, Dr. Cicoria's life took an unexpected turn when he was struck by lightning in 1994, leading to a near-death experience that unveiled his unforeseen talent in classical piano music and composition. In this episode, Dr. Cicoria shares his astonishing transformation from a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon to a sudden musical savant, unraveling how a lightning strike led him to discover his hidden prowess in music. We'll explore his journey from the initial shock and the subsequent near-death and out-of-body experiences to his unexpected emergence as a composer and pianist. Dr. Cicoria will take us through his talk at the IAND's International Conference, providing insights into his research and the spiritual aspects of human history that his experiences have illuminated. His story, featured in Dr. Oliver Sacks' "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain," showcases the incredible interplay between music, the brain, and the human spirit. Discover how Dr. Cicoria's compositions, featured in his CD "Notes From an Accidental Pianist" and his upcoming book "On the Other Side of Life," reflect his profound journey and the lessons he has gleaned about life, death, and the transcendent power of music. Tune in to this captivating episode as Dr. Cicoria takes us on a journey of resilience, transformation, and the undeniable impact of the unseen forces that shape our lives. Tags: #TonyCicoria #MusicSavant #NearDeathExperience #ClassicalMusic #TransformationStory #OrthopedicSurgeon #InspirationalJourney #HumanSpirit #MusicAndBrain #InterviewsWithInnocence

In this deeply moving episode of "Interviews with Innocence," host Marla Hughes sits down with Paul and Amber Poole, the compassionate duo behind the Cross Border House, a sanctuary for Ukrainian refugees. Delving into their inspiring journey, Paul and Amber share the origins and mission of their haven, which has become a beacon of hope for those displaced by the turmoil in Ukraine. Drawing from their poignant experiences detailed in "Sunflowers at My Table: War Diaries of a Ukrainian Community," the Pooles recount heart-wrenching stories of the residents before finding solace at the Cross Border House. Listen as they narrate the daily lives of forty individuals navigating the complexities of displacement, their emotions intertwining in a symphony of hope, fear, and resilience. The episode sheds light on the transformative power of community, art, and creativity, revealing how the Cross Border House transcends being a mere shelter. Discover how culinary experiences, creative endeavors, and the touching story of a play titled "Happy Town" helped instill a sense of normalcy and home for the women and children. Witness the touching narrative of a young chess enthusiast and Paul's soulful recorder sessions, illustrating the profound personal impacts of these interactions. As Paul and Amber reflect on their journey, they unveil the lessons learned and the deep connections forged in the crucible of conflict. Join us for an episode that not only tells the story of the Cross Border House but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of a community united in adversity, offering invaluable insights and wisdom from the frontlines of compassion and resilience.

Join us on "Interviews with Innocence" as we delve into a profound conversation with Peter Russell, a luminary in the realms of consciousness and contemporary spirituality. In this captivating episode, Peter takes us on a journey through his early years, revealing how his childhood and connection with nature sparked a lifelong quest for deeper understanding and purpose. We explore his dual interests in the realms of science and spirituality, and how they have intertwined to shape his groundbreaking work. Peter shares fascinating insights into how the Beatles and the psychedelic influences of the 60s played a pivotal role in his exploration of consciousness. He opens up about the moment he realized that traditional academics could not satiate his thirst for knowledge, leading him to embark on an awakening project that transformed his life and work. Our conversation also transports you to Peter's formative years in India, where meditation, non-duality, and his studies with the Maharishi profoundly influenced his path. He elucidates his philosophy where simplicity is key—when the mind stops, true knowing emerges, offering a fresh perspective on the essence of all spiritual teachings. Dive deep into Peter's thoughts on the coexistence of two realities, as he explains our perception of the world around us, using the example of a green leaf. He also gives us a glimpse into his latest work, "Letting Go of Nothing," sharing how its wisdom can guide the younger generation to live from the inside out. Peter discusses the importance of letting in, letting be, and the transformative power of understanding our feelings and the essence of forgiveness. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the vital role of kindness and creativity in our lives and the lives of our children. As we touch upon the support of nature and the phenomenon of synchronicities, Peter offers insights into how aligning with our true nature can lead to a harmonious interplay with the universe. The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on the implications of near-death experiences on our understanding of consciousness and reality. Join us for this enlightening conversation with Peter Russell, where wisdom meets wonder, and explore the depths of human consciousness and our collective journey towards awakening.

Episode Summary: Join us on "Interviews with Innocence" as we delve into the captivating world of Kate Searle, a multifaceted individual who embodies the roles of a mother, geologist, author, and inspirational guide for children. In this episode, Kate shares her journey from exploring the depths of the earth as a geologist to uncovering the treasures of the soul through her children's books. Discover how Kate's passion for gemstones and her transition into motherhood led her to create magical stories that aim to empower young minds, fostering a deep connection with their inner selves and the natural world. Bio: Kate Searle's life is a tapestry woven with the threads of science, spirituality, and storytelling. With a rich background in geology and law, Kate's true calling emerged upon embracing motherhood, leading her to craft enchanting narratives that bridge the gap between earthly treasures and the soul's innate wisdom. Her works, including "My Soul Treasure" and "Find Your Treasure," are not just stories but gateways to inspiration, empowerment, and connection for children globally. Kate's mission extends beyond her books, as she engages with her audience through various platforms, offering resources that ignite the imagination and spirit of young ones everywhere. In This Episode:

Dive into the enigmatic world of spirituality with "Interviews with Innocence" as we proudly present Episode 212, featuring the remarkable Michael Mayo. An internationally renowned medium, astrologer, and spiritual teacher, Michael has honed his extraordinary skills in the mystic realms of the United Kingdom, guided by eminent figures such as Gordon Smith and Eileen Davies. With a rich academic background from the University of California, Irvine, blending psychology and drama, Michael offers a unique, grounded perspective on the ethereal. In this captivating episode, Michael shares his 18-year odyssey in astrology, providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into the cosmos through his eyes. He recounts his transformative experiences with the Spirit World, delivering messages of love and eternal hope that challenge our perceptions of life and death. Michael's mission is to illuminate the timeless nature of our existence, urging us to embrace our spiritual journeys and the profound connections that bind us to the universe. As a second-generation astrologer and a seasoned spiritual educator, Michael has touched lives across the globe, from the United States to Europe and Australia. His workshops and consultations offer a sanctuary for personal growth, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. Through his teachings, Michael empowers individuals to uncover their innate strengths, overcome obstacles, and tap into their inner resilience and grit. Join us on a journey of enlightenment and empowerment in Episode 212 of "Interviews with Innocence." Whether you're a spiritual seeker, an astrology enthusiast, or simply curious about the greater mysteries of life, this episode promises a thought-provoking exploration of the unseen forces that shape our world and beyond. Tune in to discover how Michael Mayo's insights can inspire a deeper understanding of your place in the cosmos and the eternal dance of life and love.

In this enlightening episode of "Interviews With Innocence," we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Helané Wahbeh, the esteemed Director of Research at the Institute of Noetic Sciences and an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Wahbeh, who is also a clinically trained naturopathic physician and holds a Master of Clinical Research along with two post-doctoral research fellowships, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion. Today, Dr. Wahbeh will delve into her pioneering research in the fields of mind-body medicine, stress, PTSD, and extended human capacities, highlighting how these areas connect with our physiological health and healing processes. She will share her unique insights on channeling and its implications in understanding consciousness and spirituality, especially in relation to children and their innate connection to the spiritual realm. Dr. Wahbeh's noetic approach to channeling offers a fascinating perspective on how we can tap into our deeper consciousness and the potential benefits this can have for our spiritual growth. Her research not only sheds light on the healing power of spirituality but also underscores the importance of children as conduits to the spiritual world, helping us reconnect with our inner selves and the universe at large. Join us as we explore these profound topics with Dr. Wahbeh, gaining insights into how spirituality and consciousness research can enhance our understanding of the world and our place within it, especially through the lens of our interactions with the young and spiritually attuned.

This week on "Interviews with Innocence," we're honored to welcome Efrat Shokef, a multifaceted healer, educator, and cosmic journeyer whose life's work is to bridge the realms of the seen and unseen, particularly in the context of family dynamics and child rearing. Efrat is not only a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend but also a Shamanic Energy Healing Practitioner dedicated to guiding parents and families. Her approach is deeply rooted in acknowledging and nurturing the spiritual awareness of children and teens, empowering parents to embrace the unique invitations to growth that their children present. Efrat's journey into the depths of motherhood and spiritual practice was catalyzed by a near-death experience following a severe car accident when her daughters were just babies. This profound encounter led her on a quest to uncover the essence of motherhood beyond its everyday roles—exploring the soul promises made to our children before their arrival into this world. Holding a Ph.D. in social-organizational psychology and being a certified group facilitator, Efrat brings a rich blend of academic knowledge and intuitive wisdom to her work. She homeschools her three spiritually aware teens, who serve as her constant teachers, inviting her to expand and grow alongside them. In this episode, Efrat will share insights from her transformative "Your Child’s Energy Field – 6 week eCourse for Parents," designed to empower children and teens to nurture their energy and connect with their intuition. This course provides parents with simple, energetic tools through six supportive ebooks, complete with instructions, coloring sheets, and activities centered around Breath, Visualizing Light, Centering & Precision, Stones & Crystals, Nature & Earth, and Mindmaps & Journaling. Join us for a captivating conversation with Efrat Shokef as we delve into the spiritual dimensions of parenting, the power of shamanic energy healing, and how to foster an environment where spiritually aware children can thrive. Discover how to become the parent your child's soul chose, and learn to say YES to the incredible journey that lies ahead. For those interested in deepening their understanding and enriching their family's spiritual journey, Efrat has generously offered a gift accessible through the link: https://ebook.efratshokef.com/gift. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the energetic potential within your family dynamics.

Magic". This 7-minute podcast will explore the comforting tale of 6-year-old Charlie, who navigates the grief of losing her grandfather, Pop Pop. Marla will share the inspiration behind the story, emphasizing the book's core message that the most important things in life are not seen but felt with the heart. She'll discuss how "Love Magic" serves as a beacon of hope for both children and adults, reminding us that love is eternal and that we can always connect with those we love through memory, visualization, and the magic of Love Bubbles. Discover how Marla's extensive background in working with children and her personal experiences have shaped this touching narrative. Whether you've faced a loss or cherish the invisible bonds of love, this episode will offer a gentle reminder of love's enduring power.

In this profoundly enlightening episode of "Interviews with Innocence," we are honored to host Dr. P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D., an internationally recognized authority on near-death experiences (NDEs). With a career spanning over 38 years, Dr. Atwater has dedicated her life to researching NDEs, fueled by her personal survival of three near-death episodes. Through her journey, she has authored 18 books, with “The Forever Angels: Near Death Experiences in Childhood and Their Lifelong Impact” being among her most recent and impactful works. Dr. Atwater's extensive research, which includes interviewing over 5000 individuals from young children who have had NDEs to older adults reflecting on their lifelong impact, brings forth a compelling argument: the near-death experience is a profound consciousness transformation or “brain shift,” rather than an anomaly. This episode delves into how children, in particular, perceive and articulate their encounters with the divine, and how these experiences shape their understanding of life and existence. Key Insights from Dr. P.M.H. Atwater: Childhood NDEs: Children's interpretations of near-death experiences diverge significantly from adults'. They often report encountering three distinct lights, a fatherly figure, and various animals and birds, illuminating a unique perspective on the afterlife. Communication Post-NDE: The importance of engaging with children on their level post-NDE to foster genuine and uninhibited conversations. Dr. Atwater emphasizes the significance of eye-level interaction to avoid influencing children to speak merely to please adults. Challenges of Reintegration: The struggle many children face reintegrating into "real life" post-NDE, driven by a profound sense of not being understood and a yearning to return to the light they experienced. Ongoing Life Stream: Dr. Atwater's research suggests that what we often conceptualize as the afterlife is, in fact, part of an ongoing life stream, challenging traditional perceptions of life and death. Phenomena of Protection: An intriguing account of children in a devastating tornado in Missouri who were reportedly saved by "butterfly people," raising questions about angelic interventions. Supporting Children with NDEs: The episode emphasizes the importance of allowing children to express their experiences freely through conversation, prayer, rituals, and the creation of personal altars or centerpieces. Respecting Children's Truths: Acknowledging and honoring the truth in children's descriptions of their experiences without judgment, and the importance of letting children be children. Personal Growth: Dr. Atwater shares her personal takeaway from her extensive research and experiences: a profound ease and trust in navigating life, even in the most daunting situations.

Episode Highlights: Journey to Hippotherapy:Childhood Reflections:The Shea Center's Programs:The Healing Energy of Horses:Life Lessons from Horses and Clients:Children's Stories:Transformative Impact:Children and Animals:Lessons from Horses:Words of Wisdom: Professional Bio: Randi Shannahan, PT, DPT, HPCS, is a distinguished therapy services manager at The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Specializing in hippotherapy, she utilizes her expertise to treat children and adults with diverse diagnoses. With 8 years of clinical experience across various care settings, Dr. Shannahan's dedication extends to her role as an adjunct faculty member at Azusa Pacific University and as a gold standard tester and trainer for cerebral palsy-related assessments at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.

The show notes for the content include the following topics: Dream interpretationAstrology 101Overcoming childhood traumaHelping your kids grow in their own wayLearning about the inner teacher and letting it guide youIs astrology a science?What is astrology telling us about 2024, 2025, and 2026 Website: https://michaellennox.com/ Highly sought-after media expert, Dr. Lennox has been seen internationally on many television shows, beginning with the Sci Fi Network’s The Dream Team and has also been featured on numerous network and cable television venues including NBC’s Emmy award winning Starting Over, Soap Talk, The Wayne Brady show and many others. His radio appearances talking about the power of dreams number in the hundreds. Dr. Lennox obtained his Masters and Doctorate in Psychology from The Chicago School and his Doctoral Dissertation, Astrology and Personality, is published by Lambert Academic Publishing. Dr. Lennox is also the author of two books on dreams, Dream Sight: A Dictionary & Guide for Interpreting Any Dream and Llewellyn’s Complete Dream Dictionary. Dr. Lennox leads workshops and retreats all over the United States and conducts a worldwide private practice based in Southern California.

Update on Nic Whitam As a most recent update from Nic: Banyan Retreat closed due to Covid and Steven and I now live in the north-west of England. We are semi-retired although we still host SoulQuest each Sunday and I continue to work for the Spiritual Truth Foundation promoting the teachings of Silver Birch. I will be hosting a few online lectures on the History of Mediumship and Healing a little later this year but other than that we live a very quiet life in rural England. Nic Whitham grew up in a family of healers and was exposed at a young age to the remarkable results of energy healing on other humans. He knew early on that this would ultimately be his calling. After a career in finance that took him around the globe, he returned to the UK and the world of energy healing and founded Banyan Retreat with his partner, Steven Sui. There are many kinds of energy healing, including Reiki, Platform Mediumship and Trance Mediumship. In trance healing, a medium invites the spirit world to blend its energy with that of the medium, who needs to be 100 percent submissive to allow this to happen. That energy can then be channeled through the medium to the places where it is most needed. Most energy healing can be accomplished by the healer tapping into universal energy without the need to merge with the spirit world. In Nic’s work, he is able to see people’s auras (colors) which enables him to know which area of the client’s body has issues. He can then channel his energy towards that part of the body that needs repair. Energy healing often requires multiple sessions to be fully effective. Nic described two miraculous examples of using healing practices to cure young children. Children, more so than adults, are more accepting of energy healing because they are less removed from the spirit world and more connected to the aura field. In the US it is difficult to find reputable healers. The UK has its own umbrella organization: The British Alliance of Healing Organizations. Interestingly, healing energy knows where it is needed most. Healing can also be accomplished remotely. Nic highly encourages parents to support their children’s connection to the spirit world, and to talk about their experiences with imaginary friends, etc. Nic described a most extraordinary Christmas Seance at Banyan retreat, where the spirits of children who has been denied happy childhoods were invited to visit and experience holiday gifts and toys.

On today's episode I have Mesfin Dollar on the show to share his beautiful story of perseverance, courage and overcoming diversity.

On today’s episode I am thrilled to have Dr. Fekede from Ethiopia share a bit about his own beautiful spiritual path and the inspiring work he does in Ethiopia saving the lives of children. For full shownotes, please visit: https://www.interviewswithinnocence.com/blog/204

In this episode, I'm excited to welcome Teresa Frank as she shares her fascinating spiritual journey. She delves into the significance of rituals and ceremonies that played a pivotal role in establishing a deep spiritual bond with the divine. Teresa's exploration of various healing modalities, coupled with transformative spiritual encounters, unveiled the healer within her. This self-discovery has inspired her to initiate her own practice, where she provides energy body work to assist clients in navigating their inner worlds. For full shownotes, please visit: https://www.interviewswithinnocence.com/blog/203

If you are curious, would like to learn more or have a story to share, please visit us at Interviewswithinnocence.org. And support our show and leave us a review on iTunes. Thank you! Today on Interviews With Innocence, I wanted to celebrate the holidays with some stories from internationally renowned author and speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer's book, "Memories of Heaven". Dr. Wayne Dyer was an internationally renowned author and speaker in the fields of self-development and spiritual growth. Over the four decades of his career, he wrote more than 40 books, including 21 New York Times bestsellers. He created many audio and video programs and appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. Dyer held a doctorate in educational counseling from Wayne State University and had served as an associate professor at St. John’s University in New York. Through his early work in college-level teaching and clinical psychology, he discovered a widespread need for the principles of self-discovery and personal growth and sought to bring these ideas to a wider audience. "Memories Of Heaven" was co-authored by Dee Garnes, who currently resides in Maui with her husband and two children. She has worked in the healing-arts field as a massage therapist for over 13 years, and was assistant to Dr. Wayne Dyer. When she is not chasing her two-year-old son around or caring for her infant daughter, she enjoys long-distance swims in the ocean, paddle-boarding, and hiking. Her longest hike to date spanned 50 days across the 500-mile Colorado Trail, where she found that her heart was not only in the mountains but also in the ocean—and in truly healing and helping others. Dr. Wayne Dyer was always drawn to speaking with young children, as their memories seemed to stretch far past their young age and into the deep past. What he learned from them surpassed what the imagination of a young child could dream up, dipping into families, experiences, and spiritual realms that nobody could know at so young an age. Listen in to hear the stories Dr. Wayne Dyer had collected over the years of children's memories of heaven, choosing parents and spiritual insights. Let us celebrate the impact he had around the world. For more information, please visit: https://www.interviewswithinnocence.com/blog/202

In this episode, I'm excited to have Kris Olivas join us to delve into her distinctive perspectives, techniques, and practices guiding individuals on the journey to their soul's highest path and purpose. Kris's work beautifully illustrates that by prioritizing healing and releasing negative energy, we create space for our soul's light to shine brightly. For full shownotes, please visit: https://www.interviewswithinnocence.com/blog/201

I'm delighted to have William Stillman back on the show. In today's episode, we talk about two different topics: autism and the God Connection and his work with animal communication. Even though the topics seem very different, William draws a fascinating connection between the sacred nature of pets and individuals with autism, suggesting that both are sent to us on this earth for profound emotional healing. For full shownotes, please visit: https://www.interviewswithinnocence.com/blog/200

In today's episode, I'm excited to introduce Eva Goulette and the profoundly meaningful work she undertakes with children through her Spirit Camps. Her work beautifully provides children with the essential tools to foster their inner landscapes and maintain a strong connection to their true selves. For full shownotes, please visit: https://www.interviewswithinnocence.com/blog/199

In today's episode, I engage in a deep conversation with Niki Tune, an intuitive spiritual practitioner, as we explore the techniques for uncovering an inner guiding light that guides us toward clarity in our choices that reflect our heart's deepest truths. Additionally, we discuss how we can foster the growth of this attribute in our children.