‘Connection’

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The Making of Us: Adoption Stories that Connect and Heal with Sarah Reinhardt and Louise Browne, Hosts of Adoption: The Making of Me

In this episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds', my guests Sarah Reinhardt and Louise Browne explore the impact of stories in addressing the complex issues of adoption. As an adoptee myself, listening to their podcast, ‘Adoption: The Making of Me’ has been a healing experience. Sarah and Louise, adoptees and former business partners, have created a community through sharing their experiences and those of other adoptees. We delve into the emotional complexities of being adopted, challenging traditional narratives and discussing the systemic issues within adoption processes. This episode emphasizes the power of storytelling and community in understanding and healing from the trauma of adoption, making a compelling case for the need to reform how adoptions are handled and viewed societally.

00:00 Welcome to Art Heals All Wounds: The Power of Art and Storytelling

01:07 Discovering a Podcast That Resonates: Adoption: The Making of Me

01:28 The Complexities of Adoption: Personal Journeys and Insights

04:40 Introducing Sarah and Louise: Voices Behind 'Adoption, The Making of Me'

06:07 The Genesis of a Podcast: Connecting Through Shared Experiences

09:55 Exploring Adoption Narratives: The Impact of Sharing and Listening

21:00 The Role of Oral Histories in Challenging the Adoption Narrative

26:56 Reflecting on Adoption and Personal Growth

27:26 The Complex Journey of Adoption and Identity

28:48 Adoptee Perspectives: From Media Representation to Personal Realizations

30:27 Navigating Relationships and Self-Perception as an Adoptee

30:57 The Evolution of Understanding Through Storytelling

31:52 Adoption Narratives: The Impact of Literature and Community

39:18 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Connection

48:18 Adoption: The Making of Me Podcast and Community Engagement

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Voicemail from Special Education Teacher and Mother, Julie Leboeuf

The Transformative Power of Art: Julie Leboeuf's Family Journey

Voicemail from Julie Leboeuf! Julie, a special education teacher and mother, shares how art has played a critical role in her family's life, especially after her husband and two of her children were diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy, a genetic neuromuscular disease. Julie shares her belief in the therapeutic and empowering aspects of art, recounting how creative expression has helped her family navigate the challenges of the disease, connect with their community through activities like paint nights for fundraising and awareness, and find personal empowerment and confidence. Julie emphasizes the universality and accessibility of art as a tool for self-expression, learning, and community engagement, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner artists. Thank you, Julie!

00:00 Welcome to Art Heals All Wounds

00:48 Julie Leboeuf's Journey with Art and Family

02:04 The Transformative Power of Art in Overcoming Challenges

02:41 Art as a Medium for Connection and Community Engagement

03:18 Empowering Lessons from Art

05:33 A Personal Invitation to Share Your Art Story

05:55 Supporting the Art Heals All Wounds Podcast

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Connecting with Grief and Identity in 'Once There Was' by Kiyash Monsef

In this episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds', I talk with author Kiyash Monsef about his book 'Once There Was', a story that blends mythical creatures and the protagonist Marjan's quest to reconnect with her Iranian heritage solve her father’s mysterious death. Kiyash discusses the importance of mythical creatures in reflecting human traits and the significance of understanding one's cultural heritage. He shares insights into the book’s development and how his Iranian-American identity and the global pandemic influenced its themes of grief, healing, and identity. The episode delves into the nuances of writing for a broad audience, the interplay between personal and cultural narratives, and the timeless appeal of mythical beings across cultures. Additionally, Kiyash touches on the complexities of human nature and the book's exploration of grief and growing up through Marjan’s journey.

00:00 Welcome to Art Heals All Wounds: The Power of Artistic Expression

00:43 Exploring the Realm of Mythical Creatures and Persian Fairy Tales

01:44 Diving into 'Once There Was': A Tale of Heritage and Mythical Beings

03:51 Behind the Scenes with Kiyash Monsef: The Creation of a YA Masterpiece

19:33 The Essence of Mythical Creatures: A Deep Dive into Their Significance

23:39 Navigating the Human Experience: Characters, Grief, and Growth

31:32 The Personal Journey: Reconnecting with Iranian Heritage Through Storytelling

35:32 Where to Find 'Once There Was' and Closing Thoughts

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Voicemail from Writer, Filmmaker, and Podcaster Rebecca Davey

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Voicemail from Rebecca Davey! Rebecca is an artist who discusses the significant role art has played in her life, particularly in navigating a painful platonic breakup during the pandemic. Rebecca shares how this personal experience became the inspiration for a new film she is writing, emphasizing the power and therapeutic nature of artistic expression in processing emotional pain. Rebecca and her sister Natalie Davey's podcast, Reframeables, focuses on changing perspectives on life's challenges.

00:00 Welcome to Art Heals All Wounds

00:47 The Transformative Power of Art: A Personal Journey

01:19 Rebecca Davey and Her Upcoming Film

02:07 The Impact of Platonic Breakups in Film

04:03 Listener Engagement and Show Support

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Crafting Connection: Stories of Art, Adoption, and Identity with Susan Kiyo Ito

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This episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds' features a conversation with Susan Kiyo Ito, author of 'I Would Meet You Anywhere,' focusing on her experiences as a transracial adoptee seeking connection with her birth and adoptive families. Susan and I talk about adoptees' quests for origin and belonging, highlighting the role art and creativity play in exploring and understanding complex identities. Susan's story, encompassing her journey to find her birth mother and the dynamics within her adoptive family, underscores broader themes of identity, belonging, and the resilience required to navigate the emotional landscapes of adoption. The episode also discusses the societal and legal challenges adoptees face in accessing birth records, while celebrating the power of storytelling in building connections and fostering understanding.

00:00 Opening: The Power of Art to Heal

00:43 Introducing Susan Kiyo Ito and Her Journey

01:51 The Complexities of Adoption and Identity

03:26 Susan's Story: A Quest for Connection

04:05 Engaging with Susan: The Interview Begins

05:44 Exploring Family Dynamics and Ethnic Identity

15:38 The Impact of Historical Trauma and Fear

20:38 The Evolution of Family Relationships

31:59 The Importance of Telling Your Own Story

33:18 Celebrating Susan's Book Success and Closing Thoughts

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Voicemail from Musician and Podcaster, Carolyn Kiel

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In a voicemail message to Art Heals All Wounds, podcaster and musician Carolyn Kiel shares how arranging music has changed how she listens and how she sees the world.

Thank you for leaving this voicemail, Carolyn!

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Building Bridges through Writing and Music: How Joe Field’s Books Inspire Young Readers

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In this episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds,' I explore the theme of connection in art and creativity with Joe Field, creator of the Legends Universe and author of superhero books for adults and children. Joe delves into his creative process, from his early days when music influenced his writing to learning of the impact his stories have on readers, particularly children, who see his characters as friends. This discovery has shaped Joe’s approach to writing, ensuring characters remain relatable and positive. Joe also discusses the unexpected connections made through his music, sharing a touching story about playing piano for a night worker at an airport. Revealing his motivations for writing, Joe aims to inspire, entertain, and make a difference in people's lives through his work. The episode also includes an offer from Joe to book clubs and highlights the upcoming release of his piano music album.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Art

00:39 The Inspiration Behind the Show

01:05 The Journey of Joe Field: From Music to Writing

02:21 The Impact of Art: Listener's Connection

04:12 Joe Field's Creative Process

08:40 The Influence of Feedback on Writing

16:08 The Power of Music: A Personal Story

20:39 The Future of Joe Field's Creative Journey

40:22 Conclusion: The Healing Power of Creativity

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Connecting Through Art: Stories of Change and Growth

Happy to be back for the sixth season of 'Art Heals All Wounds', where we’ll talk about 'Connection'! Exploring the transformative power of collaboration, cultural exchange and human bonds through artists and their stories, how does connection alter narratives and inspire growth? For this season, the podcast episodes will be released bi-weekly instead of weekly for the sake of the work-life balance I'm trying to achieve! Please continue to leave voicemails sharing your experiences with art and creativity. If you want to support this show, leave a five-star rating or review, and follow Art Heals All Wounds on listening apps. You can also 'Buy me a coffee' to help with the costs of this show.

Thanks for listening!

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Art

00:53 The African Proverb: Going Together

01:38 Exploring Connection and Growth

02:08 Personal Reflections: Adoption and Belonging

02:48 Season Six: The Theme of Connection

03:32 Podcast Schedule and Listener Participation

04:38 Supporting the Show: Donations and Reviews

05:10 Conclusion: Looking Forward to Exploring Connection

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