On Wednesday August 18th, we interviewing Anne Abernathy aka “Grandma Luge” who is the oldest woman to compete in the Winter Olympic Games and the first woman to participate in six Winter Olympics.  In the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics, she became the first woman over the age of 50 to ever qualify for the Winter Games.  Anne is a motivational speaker, writer and recently teamed with TENA and HealthyWomen to launch the Be TENAcious (BeTENAcious.net) campaign. She can be reached at www.grandmaluge.com

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:30am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Anne’s Passioneer Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

To completely commit yourself to a goal, project, person(s) or idea, both physically and mentally with your heart, soul and mind.   Passion is a commitment so great that it is nearly impossible to separate the person from the passion. For example, when a person is passionate about their dream, they will not let anyone or thing keep them from pursuing it.  Mentally they become open to every opportunity that will enable them to achieve their goal.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Prior to my first Olympics I was diagnosed with cancer.  My doctor told me not to train for the Olympics.  I asked, “why not?” He said that I needed to focus on getting well.  My response was, “my job is to get to the Olympics, your job is to get me well.”  The next time I went to the clinic, I was no longer the cancer “victim,” but the “Olympic Hopeful”.  Everyone’s attitude had changed.  They came on board as members of my “team,” all with the goal of getting me to the Games. In a word one of the key factors of my success – attitude.

SO: What technique or exercise gets you through the challenging times?

I take my dreams and give them purpose and focus by defining small steps as well as the ultimate result.  In addition I set deadlines to them.  That turns them into achievable goals and the timeline creates a certain sense of urgency. In all walks of life, there will always, always be challenges and barriers to overcome.  When I stumble, crash or hit a brickwall, I just return to my dreams.  By turning my dreams into result driven goals, I avoid having them turn into nightmares.  If I don’t make a deadline, I don’t stop dreaming, I just adjust the goal. For example, in February 2001, I crashed in a World Cup race and sustained a severe concussion and closed head injury.  The Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games were just 12 months away.  My goal of qualifying for those Games had just hit a major hurdle.  After searching and finding the top medical professionals and convincing them to share my dream, I set a deadline of June 15th 2001.  That was the day that I would have a medical test that would determine if I could start training again in earnest for a berth on the Olympic team.  Every day, five days a week, I would enter the clinic for treatment and tell the doctor, “June 15th”.  To my team, it seemed like an impossible dream, but for me it was an achievable goal.  As the day grew nearer, I found it necessary to keep encouraging my medical team. While my doctor may have been doubtful, my focus, passion and enthusiasm were contagious. The week before my medical exam, he told me it would take a miracle. The day of the test, he met me at the clinic where I was to be tested. Afterwards in the parking lot, he looked me and with a tear in his eye, he said, “you got your miracle”.

SO: What or who drove you to be who you are?

There is not one person or thing that drove me to who I am. There is no one individual teacher, or coach, or experience that shaped my life.  Certainly there are those that influenced me and encouraged me, and events both good and bad, that made me stronger. If I had to select one group of people that impacted me more than any other, I would have to say that it was all of those who said you can’t.  As stubborn and passionate as I am, I just had to prove them wrong.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

In the middle of my Olympic journey, I started having bladder issues.  Obviously it was a potentially embarrassing problem, and I thought I was the only woman that ever had this issue.  I could have let it sideline me and knock me out of elite competition.  But I secretly searched and experimented with different products while I was in Europe and found a product line that provided me the protection that enabled me to continue to compete. I broached the subject one night with my fellow female competitors about the whether or not having a partnership with a company that specialized in bladder protection products would be detrimental to the sport.  To my surprise they not only said it would not be a problem, but encouraged me to pursue it. What I thought would be the biggest hurdle, wasn’t an obstacle at all. In fact, I’ve now teamed TENA, the same company that created the products I used on the race circuit, to launch the Be TENAcious campaign.  The sole purpose is to encourage women to talk about their issues and learn about available solutions, not just about bladder control issues, but in all things, so that they can continue to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Opening up about bladder control, a subject which was once taboo, has encouraged others.  I was stunned when I discovered 1 in 4 women have this problem and many suffer in silence.  Because I was willing to stand up, others are now able to take control of their lives rather than having their bladders control them.  It’s extremely rewarding to be part of a program that empowers people to Be TENAcious.

SO: Who is your biggest “hero” in your life and why?

In literature a hero is one who in during times of adversity, weakness or danger displays courage for the good or sake of others. In real life, one need only look in any children’s cancer clinic or medical facility to find the most amazing heroes.  I don’t have one “hero”, I have dozens. Kids, who despite months and sometimes years of medical treatments, constant trips in and out of hospitals, and subsequently restricted lifestyles, still manage to joke, smile and encourage their family, friends and medical teams.  Many of them know that their time of life may be limited so they embrace what they have with gusto. Whenever I start feeling sorry for myself because I’ve had a “bad day”, I just remember one of my many “heros” that I’ve met over the years and realize that I’ve got a lot of living to do.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

“The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, the important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.  The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well…” Baron DeCoubertin, Founder of the Modern Olympic Games. This quote kept me going through all of the ups and downs of my Olympic career.  However, many people can’t relate to struggles of Olympic athletes.  So I encourage others with the following piece of advice.  When an unforeseen opportunity presents itself, never step back.  If someone says you can’t, always think why not?  And daily, embrace the motto, “Don’t be timid, Be TENAcious!”

On Wednesday August 18th, we interviewing Megan Hill who is a nonprofit consultant specializing in grant writing and social media. She’s a two-term AmeriCorps alumna and is writing a memoir on her year with AmeriCorps NCCC. She can be reached at www.serviceispower.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Megan’s Passioneer Q & A          

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

I define passion as the unwavering drive towards a goal or ideal.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

The key factors to my success have been my intense self-motivation and ability to make my own way. The one word that best describes this is “creativity.”

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap and what wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

With determination and a strong sense of self, making your own leap is something you both owe to yourself and will be successful at in the long run.

SO: What or who drove you to be who you are?

This is something that’s hard to put my finger on, but probably goes back to that internal motivation and drive towards my goals. I’ve been described as a “go-getter,” and there’s just a built-in ability to pursue my aspirations.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

My biggest challenge is the fatigue that creeps in from constantly having to work for new leads and find new opportunities. I generally try to take some time to myself, go for a walk or bike ride, read a book for fun, to hit the proverbial “restart” button on my psyche.

SO: Who is your biggest “hero” in your life and why?

I don’t believe in selecting individuals and canonizing them as heroes. It denies them the chance to be fully human, for us to recognize both their faults and their attributes. And in the end it will likely lead only to disappointment for those who hold them up as such. Instead, I find myself admiring certain qualities in the individuals I’ve surrounded myself with, which allows me to take the good with the bad.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

“The value of the smallest good deeds should not be underestimated, for even tiny flakes of snow, falling one atop another, can blanket the tallest mountains in pure whiteness.” –Sherpa Buddhism

On Wednesday August 11th, we interviewing Sean Adams, a former NCAA All-American athlete, turned his love of sports into a life working with others through the medium of sports. His first book, “Sports for Life: Daily Sports Themes for Life Success,” was published in 2006. His second book, based solely on attitude and titled, “It’s Okay to be Crazy!” was published in January 2010. Sean is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, ESPN radio co-host, author and cultural critic. For more information, visit www.seanadams.net.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:30am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Sean’s Passioneer Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Passion is desire.  Desire is sometimes confused with “wants,” but it is something totally different.  Passion is not something that you are born with; it’s something you develop and something that you are taught from a very young age.  What becomes important to you is what you will have passion for and where you will focus your energy.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Hard work, managing failure, cheering for other people, and being realistic with myself.  Blessed!

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap and what wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

The biggest lesson is to plan as much as you can but remain flexible because the plans never flow at a 100% success rate so flexibility is a must.  Don’t be scared to fail and learn everything you can from the people that already know what you need to know.

SO: What or who drove you to be who you are?

I think my family did a great job of making sure we drove ourselves to be the best we can be at whatever field we chose to take part in.  I believe in the old axiom that you encourage more passion not by lighting a fire underneath someone but by lighting a fire within them.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

My biggest challenges have been my own doubts.  If I work under the expectation that my dreams and goals are too important to be in the hands of another person then the only person that can slow down is me.

SO: Who is your biggest “hero” in your life and why?

My best friend Mark and my brother Lamar are probably two people that could be deemed “heroes,” if there is such a thing.  They both have battled tough times (tougher than most) and have found their ways through it and experienced large amounts of success in life.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

Never allow a person to tell you, “no,” who does not have the power to say “yes.”

On Wednesday August 11th, we are interviewing Sheevaun O’Connor Moran who has helped transform the lives of over 10,000 people through her unique vision, process, and programs. She has integrated esoteric principles, energy medicine, energy psychotherapy and the nature of the whole being into Paramitas the System. Sheevaun has authored four books, hundreds of articles, and over 20 CD’s  that help the novice to expert seeker learn to Master their Energy. She can be reached at www.SheevaunMoran.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Sheevaun’s Passioneer Q & A

SO: What have been the key factors in your success?

Finding humor is every obstacle and looking for a solution has been key, along with perveverence.

SO: What one word/quality best describes your journey?

Joyous.

SO: Your experience of “prosperity,” as you define it, in making the leap?

I have been very blessed and my discernment along the way has been a huge help. The fact that I listened to my intuitions more often than not has been a great help.

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap?

Remain in awe and find peace at the end of each day.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

You can either make a leap on your own terms or you can be forced to make a leap. If you are forced to make that leap then there are more challenging lessons to learn along the way. If you make it on your own then you’ll be more in the flow. Look for the positive in every single action or reaction, regardless of how long that may take. Know that you are entitled to great things and great things will show up. Lastly, forgive yourself for not being more perfect – you are perfect right now.

On Wednesday August 4th, we interviewing Qiana Martin who is a professional athlete, blogger and radio host. She travels the world playing and reporting on soccer, footvolley and futsal. Outside of her matches, Qiana shares news, inspiration and motivation with footballers and fans worldwide on the blog and Radio Miami International radio program, Eat Soccer. She can be reached at www.qianamartin.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Qiana’s Passioneer Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Passion is an activity or experience that brings its participant an overwhelming feeling of happiness.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

I attribute the following factors to my success: determination (to be my biggest advocate in creating the life that I envision), work ethic (to continuously put into action the wisdom that I gather along my journey), flexibility (to be open to better ways of reaching benchmarks), creativity (to turn obstacles into opportunities) and faith (to believe that everything is working for my highest benefit).  One word that best sums up my success is unbelievable!

SO: What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?

My biggest challenges have been resources (How do I obtain the things that I need?), relationships (How do I meet those that can support me and provide me with opportunities?) and recollections (How do I press forward when facing perceived plateaus/stagnations?).  When pursuing your passion, it’s easy to take your experiences to heart, especially the challenges.  However, I have made a concerted effort to look at them objectively.  By utilizing the experiences of others (successful people/businesses) and combining this supportive knowledge with a running list of my prior successes, I have been able to turn these challenges into opportunities.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

My mother constantly gave me article clippings to read about people who were participating in unique experiences and engaging in living their dreams.  Inevitably, these clippings caused me to desire to visualize and chase my own passion.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

If you want to be successful, help someone else become successful.

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

In living her life with passion, Qiana inspired others, in her family, community and world, to do the same.

SO: What three brief tips can you give to somebody making the leap into their passion?

1. Your journey is unique.  Do not compare your path to others.  2. Find ways to use your passion to help others.  3. Find a formula that will help you to get out of your own way.  Make a point to mentally be your best advocate.

On Wednesday July 28th, we interviewed Douglas Busch, who is an inventor, designer, photographer, and teacher.  Hisphotographic work and architectural design has been published in numerous magazines in many countries and collected by museums and collectors worldwide including the J.Paul Getty, Smithsonian Institute, LACMA, just to mention a few.  He has patents on cameras, lenses, filmholders, and accessories as well as sustainable products for organic hybrid hydroponic vertical farming and a zero carbon heating and cooling system.  He lives and works in Malibu, California. He can be reached at buschdesign.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:30am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Douglas’s Passioner Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

My definition of passion is to do whatever I wish with fervor, joy, and obsession.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Dreaming large and following through.

SO: What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?

I have not found any challenges, only solutions.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

Al Weber, my mentor has always been supportive of any direction I chose to go.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

G-d is in the Details.

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

I have always been giving and supportive of all who came into contact with me.

SO: What three brief tips can you give to somebody making the leap into their passion?

Stay focused on your path, follow it with fervor and conviction, find a supportive network of friends and like minded people.

On Wednesday July 28th, we interviewed Maureen Healy who is the founder of Growing Happy Kids, and parenting author of “365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids.”  With more than 20 years of experience she has traveled the world fostering the positive emotional health of children in developing and modern countries.  She also is a prolific contributor to field with a popular Psychology Today blog and as a frequent guest speaker. She can be reached at www.growinghappykids.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:00am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Maureen’s Passioneer  Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

A strong interest and willingness to “do whatever it takes” to make your vision come true.

SO: What are your biggest passions for serving others, and how are you expressing them (also include hobbies and volunteering)?

My biggest passion is teaching adults (parents, teachers and others) how to foster a child’s positive emotional health as well as empower kids to live from a place of inner peace or lasting happiness.  My first book, 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids, is how this passion has manifested as well as my organization, Growing Happy Kids (www.growinghappykids.com)

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

My biggest challenge was that my family is gone and I needed to start all on my own – so it’s either my biggest challenge or greatest strength (not sure).

SO: Your experience of “prosperity,” as you define it, in making the leap?

Prosperity comes if you believe with your whole heart and mind as well as put the efforts in (big and small) everyday. Prosperity means abundance to me.  An abundance of opportunity opened up when I so fully began living my dream.

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap?

Stay true to your vision (despite what your publicist, publisher and parents want you to do!)

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

Wonderful partner and friendships around the world.  I connected to people because of living my passion.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

Trust your instincts.  They are telling you something.  There is also never a time without fear – it’s in doing the things you fear that you grow!!!

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

Good question.  I think it’s so close to my heart that I don’t share it until it manifests!!!

On Wednesday July 21st, we interviewed Ann Ronan who  is the vision generator at  Authentic Life Institute, a training and publishing company she founded to share what she’s discovered about achieving self-employment dreams and minister who founded the Virtual Center for Spiritual Living, using teleconferencing to share ideas about living a spiritual life in a practical world to those who do not live near Centers for Spiritual Living or who are unaffiliated with any religion. She can be reached at authenticlifeinstitute.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9:30am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Ann’s Passioneer  Q & A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

A feeling of joy, being in the flow, anticipation -when a topic or activity lights you up

SO: What are your biggest passions for serving others, and how are you expressing them (also include hobbies and volunteering)?

Often people see themselves as so much smaller than they truly are -they limit themselves -or are not living THEIR life in a way they’d truly love to live.  Through writing, speaking and coaching I hope to open them up to acknowledging what they truly love and to do more of whatever that is.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

I left a university career to create Authentic Life Institute – faced fear as I shed that “identity” and had to create a new one.  Addressed it by working with a coach to dismantle all my imagined obstacles and then just did it!

SO: What have been the key factors in your success?

Persistence and consistency, listening to that small, still voice within that always guides me in the right direction, not being afraid to make mistakes

SO: What one word/quality best describes your journey?

Enthusiastic

SO: Your experience of “prosperity,” as you define it, in making the leap?

For me a prosperous life is one in which you live where you want to live, hang out with people you want to be with and do what you want to do – and money is a wonderful energy to be in flow with. I’m living in beautiful San Juan Capistrano, married to a man who is wonderfully supportive, have amazing friends and work from home doing things i love. I’ve tripled the amount of money that flows into my life since I left my former employment

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap?

When you have a deep desire you already have everything you need to bring it to fruition -sure you might need to gather information, learn some new things, and ask questions -and you can make it happen!

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

Husband -i began expressing the qualities I was seeking in a man – I realized how can i attract someone with certain qualities if I am not embracing them myself.  Friends – I listen deeply and make time to nurture these relationships -join biz groups and stay connected to other ministers via technology, phone calls

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

Take the smallest step you can to move forward -that tiny step will be “under the radar” of your resistance.  Keep moving forward -don’t try to do it alone -get support.

On Wednesday July 21st, we interviewed Bill Roth the founder of EARTH 2017 and author of The Secret Green Sauce, a book that profiles the best practices of actual companies succeeding in growing revenues by aligning value with values. He is a nationally recognized expert, including serving as the Green Business Coach for Entreprenuer.com. EARTH 2017 is focused upon helping companies grow revenues by aligning with the growing numbers of customers seeking solutions that will enhance their heath, their pocket book and the environment. He can be reached at http://www.earth2017.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 9am PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities

Bill’s Passioneering Q&A

SO: Your definition of “passion” – your “WHY” for being on the planet?

My passion is to enable sustainable solutions to the strategic questions facing our country like Energy Independence, Climate Change, Wellness and Economic Growth. I am passionate about helping individuals and businesses achieve the financial, wellness and environmental results we need right now to get our country, health care system and economy back on track. My focus upon people also exposes me to their individual challenges. I hear their hurt and see the courage that it takes to confront their challenges. So I try very hard to be positive, to be encouraging and if asked, to share lessons learned from others who have survived what I call their wilderness experiences.

SO: Your biggest passions for serving others, and how you’re expressing them (include hobbies, volunteering, if you wish)?

I created my own business around the time of the Enron scandal in response to the issues of ethics and emissions that I saw within the energy industry. This gave me the freedom of working with people and companies aligned with my goal of making money responsibly. Working with companies across the country has convinced me that having a bottom line business focus that solves our big problems is our country’s best path to finding the solutions we need. My business is focus upon equipping companies with proven best practices that achieve top line revenue growth and bottom line profits by aligning with the common good. I work seven days a week. It isn’t work most of the time. It is who I am, what gives me energy and a sense of purpose.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in expressing your passions for serving others and how you’ve addressed them?

I feel very privileged to have served as the leader for milestone projects like the launch of the first hydrogen fueled Prius, development of utility scale solar power and pioneering meter linked energy information systems that help companies reduce their electricity consumption and related emissions. At the same time, helping companies make the mental link between doing right and making money has been more of a challenge than I ever imagined. You would think if you had “The Secret Green Sauce” for growing revenues that businesses would beat a path to your door. Fortunately, today there is a growing consumer movement seeking meaningful change. This is beginning to create opportunities for my business of helping companies grow revenues by aligning value with values. And I have been applying the best practices in the book and seeing success in my own marketing and sales success. So by giving, I am now receiving. That is wonderful to experience.

SO: They say that when you do what you love, the rest follows.  What has been your experience of prosperity, as you define it?

I truly believe that. I live well and I see a path for realizing my financial dreams. How many people in this economy today can say that? But more importantly, I am a very rich person in terms of the quality time I have with those that mean most to me. I have had the time to be there for my children, including those challenging teenage years. It is very heart warming when your loved ones tell you that the time I committed to them was more valuable than any material things they will ever own. I was also there for my Dad during his last days and will carry that blessing with me forever. I live in a beautiful part of the world where I can ride my mountain bike during most lunch periods. However, I am a Type A individual that measures myself based upon performance so too often I fail to see how blessed I am. That is a huge challenge for all us in this world that seems to see performance as a measure of a person, when what really counts is what you mean to others and what they mean to you.

SO:The biggest lesson that you’ve learned in making the leap?

Faith and that quitting is not an option. They tie together. Sometimes in life the best you can do is just not quit. Not quitting can be a huge step toward success if you are trying to make a leap. Because leaping can just as often result in falling rather than soaring. So being able to not quit no matter how many leaps end up in a fall is a hugely important strength. And the other strength tied to not quitting is faith. You just have to believe even when there is no evidence. If you wait for evidence you often run out of time or opportunity.

SO: The biggest keys to your success (e.g., talent, quality, skill, etc.)?

God gave me the gift of analysis that enables me to see things as they could be. I have now published enough books and articles forecasting the future that have turned out to have been correct that I figure one of these days someone in media like Bloomberg or Oprah will discover me. I really do have unique insights and best practices for restoring our jobs, economy, individual wellness and the environment. I also have a huge capacity for learning and teaching. My drive to learn has resulted in me finding this unbelievably wonderful national network of people and companies that are teaching me their best practices for making money going green. For example there is a woman that has developed what I believe to be the first healthy fast food restaurant that is price-competitive with McDonalds. There is a hotel in Texas that is toxin free and has a huge repeat customer business because their customers report sleeping better in their toxin-free room than in their own beds at their homes. I love hearing stories like these and I also get to met so many technologists who have great visions for producing the product solutions for our economy, wellness and environment. Then I am have the fun of sharing all these insights via my EARTH 2017 website, books, speeches and coaching. Everyday is fun because I get to meet yet another wonderful person or company that is making a positive difference, and then I get to write or talk about them.

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

Great question because no one can do it alone. I have my family who has been wonderfully supportive of my efforts at putting doing right in front of making money. I am truly blessed. And I have a small but highly trustworthy group of mentor/friends. They really have my best interests at heart because they believe in what I am trying to enable. I developed these mentors/friends over a couple of decades of trial and error. One great advantage of putting your neck on the line is you find out who will chop it off for a buck and who will really help you. Going through those experiences are disheartening but really valuable in the long run because you end with wonderful, trusting relationships.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

Look, sky diving is not for everyone. But that doesn’t mean in your own way you can’t try to take a leap. Find a place in your life you think you can take some risk. Maybe it isn’t in your business, maybe it is at church or at school or within the community. And then try. It’s like dating in high school, the goal isn’t to get a date with every request. The goal is to figure out how to date. Try, learn, try again. It’s a path, not an event.

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

I am looking for a path to the “big stage.” I know I have developed answers, insights and best practices that will restore our jobs, economy, individual-wellness and environment. I will keep plugging away a day at a time building credibility one step at a time in the hopes that maybe one of those connections will be the one that gets me to the stage where my insights and best practices can produce the greatest benefit.

On Wednesday July 14th, we’re interviewing Candace Silvers who has dedicated the past 15 years to coaching and nurturing the creative process.  Known for unlocking the secrets of behavior and removing limitations, her students experience profound changes. Every student who works with Candace Silvers gains a new level of insight and inspiration that readily transform daily events into opportunities for purpose and success. As the mother of four children and a daughter of Emmy and Tony award winner Phil Silvers, Candace Silvers continues to coach students around the world transforming obstacles into opportunities, stress into joy and achievement into fulfillment. She can be reached at www.candacesilversstudios.com/site

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 4pm PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilties

Candace’s Q&A

SO: What is your definition of passion?

My definition of passion “Passion: PASS-I(me)-ON”.  When one is passing himself/herself on he/she becomes the vessel that information passes through.  Passion is something we’re born with.  One can see something pop out of the ethers that no one else can see.  He/she has a direct visceral experience with it.  Through the depth of that experience he/she spends his/her life giving that experience back.  Whether he/she is a doctor, actor or plumber is irrelevant.

SO: What are your biggest passions for serving others and how are you expressing them? ( Also include hobbies and volunteering)

Taking care of my grandson and children.  Watching people grow.  Seeing where someone is missing something in their life.  Seeing where a person has a desire to get on in their life and are missing the tools that take them from “hole” to “whole”.  It’s my honor to serve on the board of the New Possibilities Children’s Foundation.  The New Possibilities Children’s Foundation was founded as I took my first group to India four years ago.  It currently cares for 200 children in Rishikesh , India .  We did a heart transplant and a leg amputation.  We’re building a school.  All of this happens in such joy.  None of this is raising money as work.  What begins to happen is you start to want to give more and giving becomes a way of life.  You begin to see how much you could be doing or how much more there is to do from a place of joy or fulfillment, not need or loss. My hobbies are what’s needed.

SO: Your biggest challenges in leaping into your passions for serving others and how have you addressed them?

Wow.  I can’t say I have challenges.  I have no challenges.  There’s a vision of you, a sight, an activity, an investigation and a day. I can’t say I have challenges.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success?

I can’t say that I know what the key factors are because to know would be intellectual and to intellectualize something would be like playing tennis only catching the ball [instead of hitting it back].  I would “stop the ball” in the “I know what it is” which means I would be expecting it and want more of it, which is the beginning of the end.  [The knowing] stops the ability to be available to what is, which is always new and coming over the fence.  Expecting what you believe it to be and speaking about it would take possibility out of the equation and possibility is what sends the world into motion.  That the possibility is always changing and always full of delight is what keeps presence present

SO: What one word or quality best describes your journey?

Magic.

SO:  Your experience of prosperity, as you define it, in making the leap?

I don’t make a leap, I am a leap.  The leap is me.  Prosperity is totality.  Living in the macrocosm of possibility, fully responsible and bowing head below heart.  Prosperity is available and is present to what is, not the minds idea of what’s missing.

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap?

The leap and I are one.  I am in the arch of that leap.  The leap is called my life.  To answer your questions, the biggest lesson is to bow and to keep my head below my heart no matter what.

SO: What does your support system look like and how did you create it?

It looks like the Lotus.  I didn’t create it, it created me.  As it looks in the cultural form right now, I have an assistant and a producer and a team who works for that team and a financial investor and students who all support this team because it’s a village.  People don’t come to get, they come to give and in the giving they receive everything.  The Lotus never stops moving, opening and closing as people move in and out.  Each petal is held by grace.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who is scared or discouraged in their own leap.

“Wisdom” is “wise from being dumb.”  “Dom” is “dumb” or wanting it to be different than it is.  “Is” is the leap in the moment.  It is what none of us want to do if our intellect is present and what all of us want to do if our enteloct is present.  My guidance would be different in each individual according to what they energetically manifest and hold in front of them as true.  It would be directly related against the surrender of what the mind is saying they cannot have or do.  The activity can be an action against or it can be laying dormant.  The activity is paradoxical according to how the energy manifests itself.

On Wednesday July 14th, we’re interviewing Ken Ludwig, a speaker, coach and radio talk show host.  He has been sharing his inspirational story of living a more conscious and spiritual life to national audiences for many years through diverse mediums. Like many children of the 60′s, Ken thoroughly enjoyed the sex, drugs and rock & roll lifestyle that gave him an up close and personal look at the bottom of the barrel.  Today, Ken still rocks, but now he does it with a passion for a spiritual practice that saved his life, many times over.  Ken is a coaching licensee with Business Growth Solutions and a Licensed Practitioner for the United Centers for Spiritual Living.  You can hear more from Ken on his radio shows, “What We’re Thinking About” on Co-CreatorNetwork.com and “Making It Out Alive” on Spirit Media Network.  He is passionate about teaching and supporting the teens and young adults at Mile Hi Church, being a regular presenter at The Red Door Sanctuary and facilitating weekly Meditation Mastery groups all in Denver, Colorado. He can be reached at www.MakingItOutAlive.com.

Dial in live at 347-205-9038 or via streaming radio at 4pm PST at www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilties

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Passion is an attitude of life. It’s about living from your heart – wide open and out loud.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Knowing that every situation & circumstance is serving my greatness and my highest good. Recognizing that success is the application of a simple formula of discipline, willingness and practice.

SO: What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?

The usual hang-ups around worthiness and being good enough. Developing the awareness to short circuit those thoughts and affirm the Spiritual truth of who I am

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

A career intuitive indirectly invited me to take a look at why I am here.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

“My life is my message.”

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

That my life was my message and that it was a great model for others to follow.

SO: What three brief tips can you give to somebody making the leap into their passion?

Develop a daily Spiritual practice – whatever that looks like for each individual. Know that you must practice anything you wish to be good at. Once you have set your intention stand firmly in the truth that you will not be moved.

On Wednesday July 7th, we interviewed Elise and Jill of The Sisters of Sizzle radio show.  Jill Pagano is a passionate advocate for people to stop suffering and start living. A self-described personal growth seeker, she follows her interests, learns about them and then shares them with those looking for more in their life. Her outlets for this sharing are as Co-Producer and Personality of Sisters of Sizzle Talk Radio and as a Black-Belt Nia teacher. Elise Kloter loves helping people turn their fizzle into sizzle! An adventurer with many passions, Elise co-hosts The Sisters of Sizzle Talk Radio, inspiring her listeners to laugh, learn, and love their lives.  They can be reached at www.sistersofsizzle.com.

www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilties

Jill and Elise’s Passioneer Q&A

SO: What’s your definition of “passion?”

JILL: That buzz that will not let me go. Whenever I go back to it, there is a shot of pleasure and feeling that I am in the perfect spot.

ELISE: That feeling of being lit up, and in love with life

SO: What are your biggest passions for serving others, and how are you expressing them (also include hobbies and volunteering)?

JILL:Sharing what I learn is a huge passion of mine. And also, sharing/promoting other people’s passions. I get so excited for people who embody their passion I want the world to take notice. Another passion is dancing and cultivating a healthy, sensory relationship with my body. I express that through the joy of movement, teaching Nia and being in relationship with my bodies desires and needs.

ELISE: I love seeing people move from depressed to happy, blah to excited, muddy to clear, fizzle to sizzle, and knowing I’ve been a catalyst in their movement. As a Certified Passion Test Facilitator and Mentor, I help people get clear on their passions and give them the support to begin change in their lives. As co-host of The Sisters of Sizzle Talk Radio, I provide inspirational examples of embracing your passion and taking risks, as well as a forum for guests to share their stories. As a stylist for Stella and Dot jewelry I get to watch gals light up when they put something on that makes them feel beautiful. Aren’t I lucky?!

SO:Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

JILL: Monetizing my passions has been my biggest challenge. Creating a way to continue to serve others and also serve my desires for sustainable income.

ELISE: Creating a lucrative business around what I do naturally. Lots of educating myself and getting help from the experts.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success?

JILL: Adaptability. Creativity. A willingness and curiosity to learn more, something new.

ELISE: Perseverance, coaching from others, support systems, partnering

SO: What one word/quality best describes your journey?

JILL: Freedom    ELISE: Adventure

SO: Your experience of “prosperity,” as you define it, in making the leap?

JILL: I prosper in what I value the most—relationships and the freedom to dictate what I do with my time.

ELISE: Loving what I do every day, having freedom, making a difference, making enough $ to not have to worry about it

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap?

JILL: Partnering with someone that compliments my weaknesses.

ELISE: I’ve always loved what I am doing at the time…if I don’t, I’m willing to change it. Must be open to change

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it? I’m still learning to do this.

JILL: With the value of freedom also comes the shadow side of autonomy. With autonomy comes a “do it myself” attitude that often hinders creating a support system.

ELISE: Friends that are positive and interesting and passionate, business connections through networking events and organizations, spiritually like-minded people, coaches to keep me on track

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

JILL: Know yourself. Be willing to see where you may need help. Look at your habit, places you have been stuck before and reach out for getting past those. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses and preparing for them.

ELISE: My mantra has always been “what’s the worse that can happen?”. When I ask that, I realize I can always go back to the old, can always get a second job to make $. But if I don’t try, all I have is regret, which is worse than anything else that can happen in life.

Thanks Sisters of Sizzle and Happy Passioneering!