The Optimistic Advocate

As a young college student, Mario was given a lead on a job at a research and training center for children’s mental health. It wasn’t remotely what he was interested in, but his wife said, “take the job; we need the money!” And the rest, as they say, is history. Mario Hernandez, former Chair of the Child and Family Studies Department, University of South Florida, and Systems of Care legend, is my guest on this episode of The Optimistic Advocate podcast. We talk about the early days of systems of care, how he built one of the most successful University behavioral health departments in the United States, leadership, and collaboration - all while never losing sight of system of care core values and principles. It's a deliciously lengthy interview, so grab a coffee, cancel any work appointments for the next hour, and join us on the couch! More Information: La Gaceta article

Alina Liao is a proud daughter of immigrants, a resident of Washington, DC, and mental health advocate. Alina is the Founder of Zenit, a radical wellness company with the mission to make wellness accessible to everyone. With Zenit, Alina makes customized wellness journals and provides healing-centered journaling workshops to empower folks to gain the mental health benefits of journaling. Before Zenit, Alina co-founded a nonprofit where she provided mental health coaching to the youth of color. Outside of work, Alina is an avid practitioner of the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira and teaches kids and adults classes at The Capoeira Spot in DC. In this episode, Alina Liao delightfully talks about her mission to make wellness accessible to everyone through journaling. Alina shares her mental health journey as an advocate and someone who went through loss, depression, and trauma. Journaling played a significant role in her recovery. It brought the spark of inspiration to embark on a special mission to create Zenit Journals, a radical wellness company committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone through journaling. Favorite Quote “Wellness shouldn't be just a luxury thing, which sometimes it can seem like it is. I view our wellness as a human right. We all deserve to have wellness in our daily lives.” - Alina Liao For More Information: Zenit Journals

Lloyd L. Garrison is currently the CEO/Founder of Hidden G.E.M.S. by LG which serves to motivate, inspire, and educate others through the power of the spoken word. Lloyd’s passion for utilizing spoken word and motivational speaking began during the global pandemic in 2020. Lloyd is currently using his passion for assisting disadvantaged youth and their families as the Director of Juvenile Justice Services at Connections, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree (2001) and a Master of Arts (2005) degree in English from Miami University in Oxford, OH. In this episode, Lloyd Garrison speaks his truth through poetry and spoken word. This innovative advocate has touched many lives through his decades of service to youth involved in the justice system and their families. Favorite Quote “The more we understand each other, and the more we talk to each other, the more we communicate. And the more we extend grace and understanding to one another's experiences, the closer our worlds are.” - Lloyd Garrison For More Information: Hidden G.E.M.S by LG Book mentioned in the Podcast – A Mile in My Shoes – Available on the Hidden Gems website.

Avni Godse life was changed forever after an inspirational trip to India when she was just 12 years old, where she was shown several unique works of art and was overcome with intense emotions when she realized that these incredible artistic creations were painted by people with no arms. This instantly sparked a flame inside her, wanting to change how the world perceived those with disabilities and illnesses, not seeing them as people who were different, but rather as people who are normal and just like many of us who may not have their limitations, they are able to express themselves, in whatever way they chose, to feel special. This drove Avni to create Heartification, an official non-profit business where her artistic creations are sold, raising money to fully fund pop-up events where those with disabilities and illnesses can express themselves through art to feel special. And with over $30,000 raised in just a year and a half, she is JUST GETTING STARTED! https://www.heartification.com

Solome Tibebu is a behavioral health strategist and consultant passionate about frontier technologies and solutions transforming mental health, equity, and access. Solome's work has spanned behavioral health and human service consulting, venture capital, corporate development, and various operating roles at behavioral health software companies, large and small. Solome leads a philanthropic fund focused on adolescent mental health. She is a board director or advisor to various adolescent and adult mental health organizations and for-profit companies, including CaringBridge, Columbia University Mind Ventures, Equip, Headstream, Hopelab, Made of Millions, the Telosity Fund, and Violet. Solome is the founder and host of the Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech summit, the largest conference focused on virtual behavioral health. She is also the co-author of ReThink Behavioral Health Innovation, the source for digital behavioral health technology and startups. Solome's work as an investor, entrepreneur, non-profit consultant, and behavioral health technology expert has been featured as a Harvard Business Review case study, TEDx Talk, The Huffington Post, Forbes, Inc Magazine, Upworthy, Psychology Today, and more. Solome is the recipient of the SAMHSA National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health Youth MOVE National Dare to Dream Award (Washington, DC), the MN Association of Children's Mental Health 2010 Outstanding Service Award (Minneapolis, MN), the Margaret Clark Morgan Mental Health Scholar Award (Cleveland, OH), GSCU Dr. Martha L. Colvin Docent (Atlanta, GA), and was selected as 1 of 20 young social entrepreneurs to represent the US internationally at the G20 Summit Young Entrepreneurs Alliance in Sydney, Australia. Solomé is the Director of the Upswing Fund. She is leading the effort to provide timely resources to organizations that focus on the mental health and well-being supports to adolescents of color and/or LGBTQ+ in the United States—populations that face urgent needs during the pandemic but too often lack access to the care they need. Funding for the effort comes from Pivotal Ventures, a personal investment and incubation company founded and led by Melinda Gates. In this episode, Solomé gives an update on the rollout of the ongoing Upswing Fund. Solomé talks about their efforts, approach, and what has happened since they launched. Salome announces that out of the hundreds of amazing applicants, they were able to select 88 organizations. This episode is an update on Solome's first interview in this podcast, back in October 2020. To listen to the first episode, go to the show's episode section, episode 12. For More Information: Pivotal Ventures – A Melinda Gates Company The Upswing Fund for Adolescent Mental Health Going Digital Behavioral Health Tech Summit Anxiety in Teens Surviving Anxiety: Solomé Tibebu at TEDxTC Cognific ReThink Behavioral Health Innovation

Tessie Castillo is an author, journalist and public speaker who specializes in stories on criminal justice, drug policy, prison reform and racial equity. She co-wrote her first book, Crimson Letters: Voices from Death Row, with four men serving death sentences in North Carolina, whom she met while volunteering at North Carolina’s Central Prison in 2014. While volunteering, Castillo was moved by the wisdom, humility, and accountability of the men in prison. In May 2014 she wrote an editorial to the Raleigh News & Observer advocating for the humanity of people on Death Row. In response, the prison administration canceled her class and revoked her status as a volunteer. Castillo began writing to her former students. The letters and essays they exchanged formed the base for Crimson Letters: Voices from Death Row. After its publication in March 2020, the prison confiscated the book from its co-authors and banned it from NC prisons. Crimson Letters illuminates the complex stew of choice and circumstance that brought four men to Death Row and their search for hope and purpose behind bars. Since its publication, Castillo and her co-authors (who call in from prison) have been speaking on criminal justice issues and sharing their story with universities, faith groups, non-profits, radio shows, and podcasts, including NPR, Longform Podcast, and the Greensboro Bound criminal justice series featuring anti-death penalty advocate Sister Helen Prejean. They also host a free book club where co-authors call into virtual discussions to answer questions and converse with book club members. By offering the unique opportunity to listen and interact with people on Death Row, Castillo and her co-authors debunk the assumptions and stereotypes that shape criminal justice policy. Crimson Letters is more than just a book. It is a collaborative project that challenges us to witness and engage with humanity behind bars. Reach out to invite Tessie and her co-authors to speak to your group or support her with a donation. Take action to help end the death penalty.

Scott Bryant-Comstock interviews Bill Russell, who shares the story behind The Daily Mile and its impact on children and families worldwide. Bill Russell is the Director of The Daily Mile USA Program. Bill has over 20 years of experience as a public educator and has been an administrator, a teacher, and a coach. Bill has genuine love and passion for helping young people become the best they can be. Bill also enjoys being active with family and friends. The goal of The Daily Mile is to improve the physical, social, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing of our children – regardless of age, ability, or personal circumstances. The Daily Mile is a social and physical activity, with children running or jogging – at their own pace – in the fresh air with friends. The Daily Mile is in 78 countries and has more than 3 million participating children. The goal is for every student in every elementary school to have 15 minutes per day to take care of their mind and their body through The Daily Mile. In this episode, Bill Russell talks about the story behind the phenomenal program, The Daily Mile. Bill passionately discusses the mission of The Daily Mile which is to improve the physical, social, emotional, mental health, and well-being of our children around the world. And to make this happen, Bill encourages everyone to become a Daily Mile Champion. You can create a difference in the world and change lives, especially the younger generations. You can do all that by joining The Daily Mile in its mission and become part of a caring and committed team. What You'll Learn Favorite Quote “I've always wanted all children to have the ability to be the best that they can be. That's been me as a coach, me as a teacher, and me as a dad." - Bill Russell For More Information: The Daily Mile Become A Daily Mile Champion

Dr. Robert P. Franks is the president and Chief Executive Officer of the Judge Baker Children's Center (JBCC) and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Franks is a leader in the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based practices in children’s mental health, holds a master’s degree from George Washington University and a Ph.D. from Boston College. He completed his clinical training and doctoral fellowship in child psychology at the Yale University Child Study Center in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. Franks has served on the faculties of the Yale University School of Medicine, the University of Connecticut Health Center, and the Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Franks has worked in academic settings, non-profit institutions, medical centers, and the community to improve the quality of behavioral health care for children and families. He has worked across multiple child-serving sectors at the local and national levels including pediatrics, behavioral health, education, juvenile justice, and child welfare. Over the course of his career, he has led numerous statewide workforce development initiatives to implement a wide range of best and evidence-based practices and programs. His work has helped bridge the gap between research and practice and improved access to high-quality care for thousands of families. Dr. Franks is recognized as a national expert on the dissemination, implementation, and sustainment of best practices in behavioral health. As CEO of the Judge Baker Children’s Center, Dr. Franks works at the policy, systems, and practice levels to create sustainable change and improve access to quality behavioral health care leading to lifelong positive outcomes for children and families in Massachusetts and beyond. Dr. Franks is further establishing the Judge Baker Children’s Center as a national leader in children’s mental health and works collaboratively with partners locally and nationally at the policy, systems, and practice levels to advance quality care that has been proven to help children and families. In this episode, Dr. Robert P. Franks talks about his new book, BE A BETTER PARENT - 10 STRATEGIES FOR BEING THE BEST YOU CAN BE FOR YOUR CHILD. Dr. Franks shares a glimpse of his personal experience and family life which became his inspiration in writing this powerful book. He also imparts some practical parenting advice on how you can be the best parent for your child. What You'll Learn For More Information: Judge Baker Children's Center Book mentioned in the podcast: BE A BETTER PARENT - 10 STRATEGIES FOR BEING THE BEST YOU CAN BE FOR YOUR CHILD

Joining me today are two iconic individuals who are passionately serving people and communities through their advocacy work, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, and Ryon Robert Coote. This episode represents the third conversation in our three-part miniseries on conversations about race. Julie Radlauer-Doerfler is a changemaker and a peacemaker. In every aspect of her career, she has focused on transforming individuals, organizations and communities. She specializes in utilizing evidence-based and researched practices to inform her processes. Her style of boldly embracing change in a warm and nurturing manner offers support to those she works with. Julie truly believes that we should “be the change we want to see in the world” and actualizes this value in her work and her life. Julie has published articles, reports and has facilitated hundreds of workshops, training events and presentations. Julie is a principal partner in the Ronik-Radlauer Group and the CEO of Collectively. Ryon Robert Coote is the Chief Development Officer for the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc., the largest comprehensive homeless services provider in Broward County. He was born in Jamaica and migrated with his family to the United States at a very young age. He is a graduate of the Steve J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University where he received a Master of Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Human Resources Policy and Management. Ryon has a passion for helping people in need and truly believes in the Martin Luther King Jr. quote “Everyone can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t need a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” Ryon is an advocate who champions efforts to improve living conditions and education for children and adults in underserved communities and/or in adverse situations. He has over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors and has worked on several public projects involving community leaders, and local elected officials that have increased opportunities for disadvantaged children and adults. In this episode, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler and Ryon Coote have a conversation on the concept of I don't see color. Julie and Ryon share their insights on the importance of addressing this topic based on their perspectives and experience as a white female and black male. As this mini-series comes to an end, these advocates hope that we could all have better conversations about race. What You'll Learn Favorite Quote "There are people in this world who are going to have to adjust and change, and that includes black and white. So that's the only way we're going to get past this to become a better society.” - Ryon Coote For More Information: The Ronik-Radlauer Group, Inc. www.collective-ly.org contact Julie at julie@collective-ly.org Broward Partnership

Today, I am joined by two amazing individuals who are exceptional in their advocacy work, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, and Ryon Coote. This episode is the second of the three-part series of conversations about race. Julie Radlauer-Doerfler is a changemaker and a peacemaker. In every aspect of her career, she has focused on transforming individuals, organizations and communities. She specializes in utilizing evidence-based and researched practices to inform her processes. Her style of boldly embracing change in a warm and nurturing manner offers support to those she works with. Julie truly believes that we should “be the change we want to see in the world” and actualizes this value in her work and her life. Julie has published articles, reports and has facilitated hundreds of workshops, training events and presentations. Julie is a principal partner in the Ronik-Radlauer Group and the CEO of Collectively. Ryon Robert Coote is the Chief Development Officer for the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc., the largest comprehensive homeless services provider in Broward County. He was born in Jamaica and migrated with his family to the United States at a very young age. He is a graduate of the Steve J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University where he received a Master of Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Human Resources Policy and Management. Ryon has a passion for helping people in need and truly believes in the Martin Luther King Jr. quote “Everyone can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t need a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” Ryon is an advocate who champions efforts to improve living conditions and education for children and adults in underserved communities and/or in adverse situations. He has over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors and has worked on several public projects involving community leaders, and local elected officials that have increased opportunities for disadvantaged children and adults. Ryon is a devoted father and husband and is inspired by his family to make this world a better place. When he is not working you will find him spending time with his family, traveling, playing golf, fishing, and reading. In this episode, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler and Ryon Coote have a dialogue about privilege. These two advocates share the importance of the profound meaning of privilege coming from their own perspectives and how privilege impacts the way we communicate with each other and the society as a whole. Julie and Ryon are hopeful that by listening to this conversation, people can glean something helpful and apply it in their own lives with the people around them. Favorite Quote "I think my takeaway from today is that as a white person, we have to recognize our privilege. And that's really the first step is that self awareness. And once you recognize it and just own it, then figure out how you're going to use it to create a more just society." - Julie Radlauer-Doerfler For More Information: The Ronik-Radlauer Group, Inc. https://collective-ly.org/ contact Julie at julie@collective-ly.org Broward Partnership

Julie Radlauer-Doerfler is a changemaker and a peacemaker. In every aspect of her career, she has focused on transforming individuals, organizations and communities. She specializes in utilizing evidence-based and researched practices to inform her processes. Her style of boldly embracing change in a warm and nurturing manner offers support to those she works with. Julie truly believes that we should “be the change we want to see in the world” and actualizes this value in her work and her life. Julie has published articles, reports and has facilitated hundreds of workshops, training events and presentations. Julie is a principal partner in the Ronik-Radlauer Group and the CEO of Collectively. Ryon Robert Coote is the Chief Development Officer for the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc., the largest comprehensive homeless services provider in Broward County. He was born in Jamaica and migrated with his family to the United States at a very young age. He is a graduate of the Steve J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University where he received a Master of Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Human Resources Policy and Management. Ryon has a passion for helping people in need and truly believes in the Martin Luther King Jr. quote “Everyone can be great... because anybody can serve. You don’t need a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” Ryon is an advocate who champions efforts to improve living conditions and education for children and adults in underserved communities and/or in adverse situations. He has over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors and has worked on several public projects involving community leaders, and local elected officials that have increased opportunities for disadvantaged children and adults. Ryon is a devoted father and husband and is inspired by his family to make this world a better place. When he is not working you will find him spending time with his family, traveling, playing golf, fishing, and reading. In this episode, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler and Ryon Coote have a conversation about race and social justice issues, demonstrating how people from different backgrounds can have deep and civil conversations about these difficult issues. These two advocates hope that by showing people how they do it, listeners can glean something useful and apply it in their own lives with their colleagues, friends, and loved ones. What You'll Learn Favorite Quote "I think the takeaway for me is, don't be scared to ask questions because you're never going to get an answer unless you ask the question." - Ryon Robert Coote For More Information: The Ronik-Radlauer Group, Inc. www.collective-ly.org contact Julie atjulie@collective-ly.org Broward Partnership

Barbara Huff is the first board president and the founding Executive Director of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (NFFCMH). Barbara was the co-recipient of the Blanche F. Ittleson Award in 2013. This prestigious award is given by the American Orthopsychiatric Association to individuals with outstanding achievements in the delivery of children’s services and the promotion of children’s mental health. In this episode, Barbara Huff talks about her journey as an iconic family advocate. We go down the memory lane from where she started her advocacy work up to the present day. Barbara also shares some valuable lessons related to mental health out of her personal experience and expertise.

Keith Wakeman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SuperBetter. Keith’s professional background is in brand management. He worked for almost 20 years in the food industry where he led brand portfolios, innovation teams, new venture development, and corporate strategy for big food companies. SuperBetter is an application that is designed to empower individuals and communities to live epic lives that are full of joy, resilience, strong social relationships, positive emotions, and a sense of purpose. SuperBetter is based on the work of Jane McGonigal, the Chief Science Officer of SuperBetter, and author of the New York Times best-seller of the same name. In this episode, Keith Wakeman talks about the story behind the success of SuperBetter. He discusses their mission to unlock heroic potential in every one of us around the world through the application. Their epic win is to positively impact the co-occurring epidemics of mental illness, addiction, and suicide. And equally important, building connections with mission-aligned organizations to improve resilience, recovery, and mental health in the industries and communities they serve. What You'll Learn Favorite Quote “You are the hero of your own story. This is all about you and helping you be stronger. You are the hero of your own story and you are stronger than you know.” – Keith Wakeman For More Information: SuperBetter.com Jane McGonigal’s TED Talk Jane shares her personal story that led to SuperBetter. SuperBetter Book Club Jane McGonigal shares advice with parents about connecting with their kids over videogames during the pandemic in this new discussion with Donna Volpitta. Journal of Pediatric Psychiatry Practical and empirically guided framework for selecting appropriate mHealth apps for pediatric populations. Book mentioned in the Podcast: SuperBetter: The Power of Living Gamefully

Episode 15: Integrated Care Begins with Self-Care Today, I'm honored to share a conversation with two amazing individuals, Rebecca Pille and Laurie Ellington. Rebecca Pille is the Department Chair for two graduate programs — Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching and Master of Arts degree in Health and Wellness Coaching in Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH). She is an experienced faculty with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Health Promotion and Wellness, Workplace Wellness, Strategic Planning, Leadership and Management, Health Psychology, Health Literacy, and Applied Behavioral Science. Strong professional graduated from Northcentral University with Ph.D. in Psychology (Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine) and with M.S. in Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University. The Health and Wellness Coaching program at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) is an evidence-informed curriculum in which students are equipped with knowledge, skills and resources to help clients tap into their inner source of motivation to restore and preserve health and well-being. Graduates are prepared for professional credentialing with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). MUIH offers a Master of Arts degree in Health and Wellness Coaching and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching. Now enrolling for Spring. For more information, see https://muih.edu/academics/health-wellness-coaching/ Laurie Ellington is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zero Point Leadership, a leading-edge neuroscience-based organization for personal and leadership learning and development. She is also the co-author of Six Steps to Unlocking Extraordinary Leadership: The Neuroscience of HighPerformance Leadership. Laurie is among the pioneers who recognize that we can change the world by harnessing the power of the connection between the heart and the mind. Combining research from modern neuroscience, mind-body research, heart intelligence, flow, and mindfulness, she helps individuals, teams, and organizations experience transformational shifts in the way they think, feel, and show up in the world. Laurie has over 22 years of experience in coaching, training, consulting, and mind/body medicine, and is appreciated for her ability to evoke untapped capacities and eliminate outdated habits that keep people from excelling. She holds the Professional Certified Coach credential from the International Coach Federation, certification in Brain-Based Coaching from the NeuroLeadership Institute, and is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Laurie is also a HeartMath® Certified Trainer, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Yoga Instructor. In this episode, Rebecca and Laurie talk about the importance of self-care and the vital role it plays in integrated health care. They share some techniques and strategies in self-care which are validated by science and their reputable years of service in the integrated health profession. What You'll Learn Favorite Quote “The first thing I recommend to people is to connect to your purpose, why you are here in this earth suit. What's the reason, and remind yourself as soon as you get up, wake up in the morning,...

ACHIEVING RACIAL EQUITY IN MASSACHUSETTS: THE DYNAMIC DUO IS ON A MISSION! Today, I am joined by Audrey Smolkin and Thula Sibanda. Audrey is the Director of Child and Family Policy at the UMass Medical School. She is responsible for identifying, developing, overseeing the management of new programs, research, and evidence-based policy initiatives all related to children and families. And as part of her job, she is partnering with organizations and individuals from throughout the state to help improve services. Her current focus is on trauma, particularly racial trauma, and the long term negative impacts on the trauma of youth. Also joining me is Thula Sibanda. She is the coordinator of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) in Massachusetts. Thula’s focus is on the oversight and implementation of the JDAI initiative in Massachusetts. It seeks to improve or reimagine a juvenile justice system that is anti-racist and developmentally appropriate and ensures that the right youth is in the right place for the right reasons. In this episode, we unveil the magic of this dynamic duo of Audrey and Thula as they embark on an incredible mission to provide racial equity training to providers, families, community leaders throughout the entire state of Massachusetts. What You'll Learn What is racial trauma and the long term negative impacts on the trauma of youth.Racial equity programs and training available to providers, families, community leaders across the entire state of Massachusetts. Favorite Quote (38:51) “Find out what your why is. And you hold on to that for dear life because that will get you through whatever challenges you face, whatever struggles you face.” -Thula Sibanda For More Information: Audrey Smolkin, MPP Director,Child and Family Policy, Instructor, Dept. of Pediatrics, UMass Medical School

This is Scott Bryant-Comstock with the Optimistic Advocate podcast and the Kundalini Chronicles podcast. Wait, wait, what? Two podcasts? Yes! I made the decision to split out the Kundalini Chronicles, which has pretty much dominated the last almost 30 episodes of the Optimistic Advocate podcast, For those of you who are interested in just focusing on my experiences with awakening, and the lessons learned from that, but more importantly tips and strategies for your own personal self development, you will want to visit The Kundalini Chronicles. The Kundalini Chronicles podcast is available on just about every podcast player there is whether it's Apple, Spotify, Google, just go into your podcast player of choice, type in the Kundalini Chronicles, it'll bring it up, hit the subscribe button, and you are good to go. And then the Optimistic Advocate podcast will stay true to its original focus on interviews with some pretty amazing advocates from around the United States and actually around the world. We've been branching out and doing some really fine interviews. We have just a stack of interviews ready to go. We'll start rolling those out next week. To subscribe to the Kundalini Chronicles: (We will add more host providers as they populate the show) THE KUNDALINI CHRONICLES Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Pocket Casts RSS Feed Stay Involved With The Optimistic Advocate Do you want to hear stories of inspiring advocates who help individuals and families make positive changes in their lives in communities across the globe? And maybe bring you a bit closer to recognizing your full potential as an advocate for change. Then listen and subscribe to The Optimistic Advocate podcast. Enjoy each episode! LinkedInLinkedIn communityLet us know what you think! info@theoptimisticadvocate.com

Awakening is all about sparklers, fireworks, beams of bright light and fantastic experiences, right? Well, yes, but actually, the real fireworks happen just under the mundane experience of everyday life. Say what? Yep. The actual magic of an awakening happens in the calm of the mundane experiences of life. Don't miss this episode of the Kundalini Chronicles, where Scott Bryant-Comstock shares his own kundalini awakening experience and provides a few tips that you can apply to your own...

There is much darkness in this world, but there is also much light. In this episode of the Kundalini Chronicles, Scott explores the balance between darkness and light - and the importance of finding ways to bring more light into our life!

In this episode of the Kundalini Chronicles, Scott discusses the concept of speed, and how we look at speed as a strength in our lives. But is it? Going fast has its casualties - relationships, intimacy, self awareness, are often victims of our incessant desire to go fast to get ahead and achieve our next goal. But what if the secret to getting ahead was not to go fast, but to go slow? Scott's kundalini awakening showed him the power of going slow to go fast. Enjoy! As always, if you want to...

In this episode of the Kundalini Chronicles, Scott delves into the mystery of signposts in our lives. Those people, who irrespective of their role in our lives, act as signposts that can lead us to be able to connect to the universe. As always, a spontaneous poem written by Scott guides the topic of the episode. With this episode, mid-way through the process of channeling the writing of the poem, Scott was surprised to find that he has tens, hundreds, thousands of signposts ready and willing...