C24-47. Renaii West’s Carnival World


Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Renaii West, on air from November 19th

Award-winning author Renaii West talks about the carnival world, including Renaissance fairies, belly dancers, fire performers and more…

Brighid LaFlamme, Belly dancer and fire performer, is the undisputed leader of a tight knit group of friends she has dubbed her Fire Buddies. When they are not performing at Renaissance fairies or other events, they can be found enjoying alternative forms of adult entertainment and activities at the local kink-oriented venue. When one of her Fire Buddies, who had recently distanced himself from the group, dies, she has trouble accepting the official story of a tragic accident and becomes determined to learn the truth, despite the challenges and discouragement she faces. Dragging her friends into this journey, and picking up a few new ones along the way, Brighid discovers the darker side of ambition, talents she never knew she had, and the value of friendship.

Renaii was inspired to write The Wrong Side of the Flame, which Kirkus Reviews praised for its “literary pyrotechnics,” capturing the intensity and vibrancy of her unique subject matter. She chose to explore the lives of belly dancers, fire spitters, and dominatrixes, characters drawn from her experience as a professional belly dancer and from the vibrant culture of Renaissance Faires. Through these characters and their unconventional relationships, Renaii explores themes of stepping beyond comfort zones—a challenging leap for many. Alongside her work as an author and playwright, she teaches at a performing arts school, where she passionately instills the transformative power of the arts in her students.



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 Renaii West is the award-winning author, playwright and dramatic arts educator. Her newest book is The Wrong Side of the Flame, A Brigihd LaFlamme Mystery. Her debut novel, Death by Chaos, won an Indie Discovery Award in Women’s Issues and placed as a finalist in the Independent Author Network Award for Mystery. 

After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University and a Master of Arts in Communication from the United States International University, she became the dramatic arts instructor in a performing arts junior high magnet program, where she wrote and directed many of her own productions. She wrote and produced a short film, Eli’s Run, which was accepted at the Oceanside Film Festival: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch

Renaii was also an amateur belly dancer for 10 years. Her passions include Greek mythology, classic films, folk and ballroom dancing, jigsaw puzzles, and of course, mysteries. She has traveled across the world, visiting England, Greece, Jordan, Mexico, Israel, Poland, Russia, France, Morocco, Latvia, and Estonia. She resides in San Diego, California.


www.renaiiwest.com

https://www.facebook.com/Renaiiwestauthor


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MH24-46. Julie Fingersh, “What happened to Danny”


Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Julie Fingersh, on air from November 12th

“Julie Fingersh’s Stay is so rich, wise, funny, and beautifully written. It’s hard to put down once you start.”
—Anne Lamott, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Called “Profound, funny, and masterfully told by” by #1 New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, StayA Story of Family, Love, and Other Traumas is a riveting debut that captures the joyous and painful complexity of family love and loyalty, the cost of family secrets, and the quest to help the people we love most without losing our own way. It’s also a rare window into two of the biggest epidemics gripping society today: mental illness and chronic illness and the ways in which they affect relationships, personal identity, and the blueprint of our lives.

Told through the eyes of the author as both a young sibling and a mid-life parent, Julie Fingersh seamlessly weaves together present and past, unlocking the puzzle of her early adulthood with her struggling brother from the vantage point of a mid-life parent on the verge of an empty nest and her next chapter, just as her college-bound daughter’s life suddenly careens off track. 

Sparkling with warmth, wit, and lyrical prose, Fingersh provides insight and sustenance for everyone wrestling with mid-life’s ghosts, parenting adult children, and the twin pillagers of fear and the inner critic. Above all, Stay is for readers who want to think, feel, laugh, cry, and perhaps see their own life’s trajectory and path forward with new eyes.




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Julie Fingersh is a writer, journalist and, most recently, the author of Stay: A Story of Family, Love & Other Traumas (Rowman & Littlefield; 2024) Julie’s personal essays, editorials, and reporting cover wellness, parenting adult children, cooking, and how to lead a more sane and meaningful life. Julie’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Huffington Post, The Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, Businessweek, Grown and Flown and moreHer Substack newsletter, Take My Advice. I’m Not Using It, is a midlife sequel of an award-winning humorist column she wrote in New York City in her twenties for Billboard PublicationsJulie has two adult children and lives with her husband in Marin County, California. Stay is her first book. 

“Profound, funny, and masterfully told. I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Gretchen Rubin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project


 juliefingersh.com

https://www.juliefingersh.com/videos

https://www.facebook.com/jfingersh 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-fingersh

https://www.instagram.com/julie.fingersh

https://www.threads.net/@julie.fingersh


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C24-46. David Wick, Ride the PeaceWave.


Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest David Wick, on air from November 12th

Join the PeaceWave and Make Some Waves. Become a Peacemaker in your Life and Community. A culture of Peace is built from the inside out. Dedicated to Peacebuilding since 1978, the UN-designated Peace Messenger organization Pathways To Peace provides the tools, resources, and support necessary for individuals to engage in meaningful peacebuilding efforts in their own lives and communities. 

The significance of both individual and collective peacebuilding lies in fostering a culture that values and actively works toward peace. Strategies for cultivating such a culture are essential, and one simple yet impactful practice is the PeaceWave. Established in 1983, the PeaceWave invites people worldwide to pause at 12:00 noon in every time zone, creating a continuous wave of peace around the planet. By observing a minute of silence for peace, individuals nurture their inner peace and contribute to a global field of positive energy. This demonstration of practical peace in everyday actions encourages peaceful practices across all areas of human life.



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 About Pathways To Peace: Initiated in 1978 and incorporated in 1983, Pathways To Peace (PTP) is a UN-designated Peace Messenger organization, has Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESCO), and works with the UN Centre for Human Rights, UN Centre for Human Settlements, UNESCO, UNICEF, and other agencies. As an international Peacebuilding, educational, and consulting organization, PTP has dedicated itself to expanding the understanding and expression of Peace, fostering Peacebuilders and Peacebuilding activities, and building an integral movement for a Culture of Peace. PTP is a tax-exempt, Social Profit, Non-partisan 501(cX3) Corporation (tax-exempt ID# 68-0015625). 

https://pathwaystopeace.org

https://www.facebook.com/pathwaystopeaceun

https://www.instagram.com/pathwaystopeace

https://www.youtube.com/channel

Resources.

powerofwomen.info

https://peace2030.earth


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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.


YH24-46. Michaela Gaffen Stone. The Immunity Code.


Your Health is Your Choice, with Sara Troy and her guest Michaela Gaffen Stone, on air from November 12th

The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle
By Michaela Gaffen Stone

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining strong health has never been more crucial. With increasing stress, environmental toxins, and processed foods, many people find their immune systems compromised without realizing it. The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle is here to change that narrative.

Written by seasoned nutrition coach and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michaela Gaffen Stone, this comprehensive guide offers readers practical, science-backed strategies to strengthen their immune defenses through nutrition and smart lifestyle choices. Stone, with her extensive experience in helping individuals transform their health, brings together her knowledge of behavior change, holistic wellness, and global nutrition practices to offer an insightful, actionable resource for anyone looking to improve their immune health.

This book simplifies complex nutrition science into easy-to-understand guidance for optimizing your body’s natural defenses. With a focus on real, nutrient-dense foods, it outlines the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to stay resilient. Readers will discover how critical nutrients like Vitamins A, C, D, E, Zinc, and Selenium play vital roles in maintaining immune strength—and more importantly, how to incorporate them into everyday meals.

But The Immunity Code goes beyond diet. Michaela emphasizes the powerful connection between lifestyle habits and immune health. From the importance of regular exercise and quality sleep to the benefits of reducing stress, this guide covers all aspects of wellness. You’ll learn how to nurture your body with effective stress management techniques, improve gut health with probiotics and antioxidants, and build long-lasting habits that support a healthy immune system for years to come.



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For those who want to take immediate action, the book is packed with a collection of easy-to-prepare immune-boosting recipes. These family-friendly dishes are not only delicious but are designed to make incorporating immune-supporting ingredients into your diet effortless. From smoothies packed with antioxidants to comforting, nutrient-rich dinners, Michaela provides inspiration that will fuel your health and satisfy your taste buds.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your family’s overall well-being, boost your own immune defenses, or simply gain a deeper understanding of how your body protects itself, The Immunity Code offers the knowledge and tools to make informed, lasting changes.

Empowering, practical, and deeply informative, this book is your go-to resource for understanding the immune system and nurturing it through food and lifestyle. Unlock the secrets to a stronger, more resilient you—starting today.

The summary version: 

“In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a strong immune system is more important than ever. Michaela Gaffen Stone’s new book, The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle, provides a clear, practical guide to boosting your body’s defenses. Drawing on her extensive expertise in nutrition and behavior analysis, Michaela breaks down the science behind immune health, focusing on nutrient-dense foods and key lifestyle habits like sleep, exercise, and stress management. The book includes easy, family-friendly recipes designed to seamlessly incorporate immune-boosting ingredients into everyday life. Whether you’re looking to improve your own health or support your family’s wellness, The Immunity Code offers actionable insights to help you live a stronger, healthier life.”


Mikki contributed to the Our Forgotten Children book series, addressing current challenges in raising children and advocating for changes to better serve their needs.

find the book here.


www.gaffenstone.com

https://linktr.ee/michaelags 
*mikki@gaffenstone.com

facebook.com/michaela.stone.

linkedin.com/in/mikki-gaffen-stone

inspiredchoicesnetwork.com/podcast


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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.


24-46. Be the Peace


Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from November 12th

I recently had a wonderful conversation on my podcast with David Wick, a dedicated peace advocate who’s been with the UN and involved in global peace efforts for over 40 years. It’s a conversation on peace—its possibility and its necessity in today’s world. So often, people think of peace as a distant ideal, something that may never be achieved. But I believe peace is not just an idea; it’s a way of being, a state we cultivate within ourselves and share with others.

True peace starts within each of us. When we cultivate peace, love, and purpose inside, that energy naturally radiates outward, creating a ripple effect that touches everyone we encounter. This doesn’t mean ignoring the world’s challenges; rather, it’s about seeing the issues clearly so that we can address them from a place of compassion and conviction. In our world today, we’re often sold illusions, particularly in areas like healthcare, where profit sometimes overshadows true wellness. It’s vital that we hold these systems accountable, advocating for practices that honor holistic health and well-being. Restrictions on healthcare choices, especially those that impact women’s health, call for our attention and action.

Living peacefully isn’t about having everyone agree. It’s about approaching each other with openness, compassion, and understanding. Life will always bring challenges—unexpected twists and hardships. But when we’re grounded and centered in peace, we see through the fog. Instead of reacting with fear or anxiety, we can move forward with purpose, finding creative solutions and choosing a balanced, harmonious way to live.

If we’re serious about giving peace a chance, we must start within ourselves and allow it to expand outward. Together, we can shape a world where peace is more than just a vision; it’s a way of life.

Today brought me unexpected news—not the kind I wanted. America has taken a turn not for the better, and, on top of it all, I now face a hefty bill for a new heating pump. So, how do we move forward? We’ll need to look at options, explore costs, and check payment plans. Many of us are facing financial strain, and fortunately, businesses now offer more flexible payment options to help ease the burden.

Life throws unexpected challenges our way, and while we can’t control everything that happens, we can control our response. When something goes wrong—like losing a heating system—it’s natural to feel worried. But instead, I take a moment to pause, breathe, and think it through. Yes, it’s an expense I hadn’t planned for, but approaching it calmly allows me to focus on solutions, not stress. The peace we bring to each situation shapes the outcome, helping us see possibilities rather than limits.

From health scares to financial hurdles, life will always bring obstacles. We can’t avoid every hardship, but we can choose how we respond. Sometimes, we need support; other times, we might just need a breather. The journey can be tough, but it also teaches us resilience. When we choose to meet challenges calmly, anger and stress don’t consume us. Instead, we find clarity and strength, which is where true peace lies.

Here’s the choice we all face: we can dwell on what’s wrong, or we can focus on our options and move forward with peace. True peace doesn’t come from avoiding life’s challenges but from staying centered and open to solutions. In that calm, we often find the answers we need.

Peace isn’t just a lofty idea—it’s a choice we make to step into calm, clarity, and centeredness no matter what storm we face. When life throws curveballs—financial struggles, health diagnoses, unexpected twists—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even angry. But here lies our power: in our ability to pause and find that inner sanctuary, that core of calm that supports us through anything.

This calmness isn’t passive; it’s a foundation, a conscious decision we return to whenever we feel overwhelmed. In that calm, we see solutions we might miss in a panicked state. This core of peace lets us respond wisely and act from strength.

We each play a role in creating peace in the world. When we choose calm, compassion, love, and patience over anger and resentment, we lift not only ourselves but those around us. It’s not about ignoring our emotions but about choosing not to meet anger with anger, or hate with hate. When we do, we avoid getting lost in the chaos.

Instead, let’s be the peace we seek. Let’s live it, breathe it, share it, embody it. We are the creators of the love, kindness, and calmness we want to see. It’s up to each of us to be that higher frequency, that example that helps elevate ourselves and others.

When you walk in this divine calm, you become a beacon for others. You’re living proof that life can be filled with compassion, joy, and connection. You’re inviting others to rise, to find their balance, and, together, to build a world built on peace and love.

I invite you: take this journey. Embrace the peace, live the love, and let’s transform the world one calm, compassionate choice at a time. Because that’s what living truly means.

When anger arises, let it out. Feel it fully, then let it go. Take a deep breath and ask, “What can I do about this?” If there’s something you can change, take action. If not, sometimes the best choice is to simply walk away.

Peace is a choice we carry within us. It’s a state of being that we each have the power to access. This peace and love isn’t external; it’s within. Tap into it, let it flow, and share it. When you do, you create a ripple effect, an invitation for others to step into that calm alongside you.

By being this light, this vibration of peace, we become the solutions this world so urgently needs. Let’s approach life with calm strength, becoming the peace we wish to see.

Until next time, I wish you a beautifully peaceful journey.



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Sara has WRITTEN IN 4 BOOKS. BUY HERE


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All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.