MH25-14. Don Mesibov on Autisic Poetry

April 7, 2025April 6, 2025Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Don Mesibov, on air from April 8th

I met Connor Newcombe at a reading of my book on autism. He’s a college graduate, but due to the anxiety and stress rooted in his experience growing up with autism, holding a traditional job isn’t possible for him. Tasks that require long focus become overwhelming. Still, he’s found purpose by joining me in autism workshops.

At one session, a two-hour workshop a 45-minute drive from our town, Connor spoke for just five minutes about what it’s like to live with autism. The 25 participants applauded him warmly. Though he only added a few comments afterward, several attendees made a point to thank him personally.

On the way home, Connor turned to me and said, “Don, this has been one of the best days of my life.” It was a powerful moment—this is someone who’s rarely felt affirmed.

Then, as we drove, Connor told me he writes poetry and asked if our Institute could help publish his work. The next day, he emailed me 43 poems. They were beautiful—reflections on nature, his grandmother, cats, and everyday observations. I had several English teachers read them, and they agreed: his talent was real.

I told Connor, “Your poems are wonderful, but if you want your collection to stand out, write more about your experiences as someone living with autism.”

“How many do I need?” he asked.

“101 sounds like a good number,” I replied.

Without missing a beat, he said, “Then I need 58 more. I’ll send you one poem a day.”

That’s the kind of spirit we believe in, the voices that deserve to be heard, the stories that deserve to be told. That’s why we do this work. Because it matters.

Our ideal customer is one who wants to make the world a better place for ALL people, including but not limited to people with autism.

We are an all-volunteer 30 30-year-old 501 (c) (3) organization of 150 people interested in helping people become aware of what autism is and what it is not.

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In recent months, we’ve held eight two-hour Discussion Sessions and reached 175 individuals—educators, first responders, and community members—who regularly engage with people on the autism spectrum, often with little training or support. More sessions are coming in January to Northern NY, North Carolina, and California. These are the people we aim to empower—with understanding, compassion, and practical knowledge.

Don’s commitment runs deep. His brother, Gary, was a global leader in autism education from 1973 to 2018, directing the renowned TEACCH program in Chapel Hill, NC. Gary’s expertise was sought by figures as prominently as the King of Saudi Arabia and a top Russian official whose daughter was autistic.

Why does Don continue this mission with such heart?
“We do it because we can, and we do it because it’s right.” — Don

As for Connor, like many on the spectrum, he thrives on structure. When I asked for more poems to help shape his story into a book, he promised one a day. True to his word, he delivered—day after day.

Because with the right encouragement, people rise. And with the right support, voices long unheard begin to sing.

AMAZON

AMAZON

https://www.learningcentered.org

https://www.alignable.com/potsdam-ny/institute-for-learning-centered-education-autism-initiative

To join our mailing list:

demesibov@gmail.com

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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. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.

TSM25-14. Lacy Fewer & “Yankeeland”

April 7, 2025April 7, 2025Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Their Story Matters with Sara Troy and her guest Lacy Fewer, on air from April 8th

Inspired by the real-life discovery of hundreds of letters between her grandmother in Ireland and her great aunt, who emigrated to America, revealing family secrets from a century ago.

Imagine uncovering generations of family secrets hidden in two mailbags filled with letters and postcards—some never opened for 70 years. That’s what happened to Lacy Fewer in Ireland when she inherited the belongings of her late grand aunt. Through the correspondence between two sisters—one in Ireland, one in America—Fewer unearthed a moving family saga shaped by hope, silence, and struggle. She discovered the painful truth of her great-aunt’s 30-year institutionalization for being unable to conceive, a tragic reflection of how mental health and womanhood were misunderstood in the early 20th century. Now, decades after first reading the letters and with her own experience of growing up with siblings facing mental health challenges, Fewer has penned Yankeeland, an award-winning novel inspired by these revelations. Her story reflects the immigrant dream shadowed by stigma and hardship, capturing not only what was, but what might have been.

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Lacy Fewer, born and raised in Ireland, has nearly three decades of experience working in the financial services sector. Fewer started out as mortgage consultant and then became mortgage specialists. She went on to work for six years as a premier wealth planner at the Bank of Ireland. She then spent 15 years as an area manager for Ulster Bank Financial Planning.
She earned numerous degrees and certifications, including QFA from the Institute of Bankers; CFP Master Degree from them as well; and a Master of Science in Financial Planning and Services, and then a professional diploma in Fintech, both from University of College in Dublin. She recently earned a Certificate in ESG Investing from CFA.

Fewer enjoys the theatre, travel, reading literature, storytelling, and studying history. She resides, with her husband, in a small village close to Dublin City, County Meath. They have three children.

Literary Titan says: “Yankeeland is a sweeping tale of hope, resilience, and transformation that weaves through decades and continents. Centered on Brigid Kelly’s journey from a stifling Irish village to the promise-filled shores of America, the novel explores family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal ambition. Brigid’s dreams clash with her father’s traditions and her stepmother’s rigid control, culminating in her determined escape to the New World with her husband, Ben. What unfolds is a compelling narrative of immigrants grappling with love, identity, and survival in a land where opportunities are as abundant as the challenges.

BUY HERE

www.lacyfewer.com

https://linktr.ee/LacyFewer
instagram.com/lacyfewer

FacebookLacyFewer

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25-13. My 500th show

March 31, 2025April 2, 2025Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from April 1st

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, everybody. Welcome back to another edition of Sara’s View of Life right here on selfdiscoverywisdom.org. I’m your host, Sara Troy. This episode marks my 500th show. I’ve been doing Sara’s View of Life for twelve years now, and this is my 500th episode. Of course, I’ve done many, many other shows interviewing other people, but Sara’s View of Life is just me—my perspective, my point of view.

Well, let’s take a look back. When I first started, the show was called Ask Sara, and I was hoping people would interact with me—ask questions and share topics I could talk about. But that didn’t quite happen. So, it evolved into Sara’s View of Life because I also had a program by that name, which focused on assessing your two colors, astrology, numerology, Chineseology, and the continuity between them all—compiling your personality traits to help you understand who you are, why you are, and how you interact with the world. It reveals why people perceive you a certain way, highlights your strengths, and acknowledges your challenges. I still offer that—now and again—you can find it at sarah.com. But podcasting, writing books, and producing other content has taken precedence.

I recently did a show on youth, which is a topic very close to my heart, especially as I produced Our Forgotten Children, a book focused on how we’re not truly serving our youth and how the system must evolve to support them better. Why do I do what I do? Because I interview people who are making a real difference in the world—people who educate, empower, and illuminate us. And I love it. I love the people I meet. Just recently, I did a show on AI and medicine, exploring how artificial intelligence can support doctors and medical practitioners—not just with paperwork but by gathering and assessing patient information in one place. Imagine having an accident and being rushed into an ER anywhere in the world—AI could help them instantly access your history, potentially saving your life and a great deal of time for the doctors. The benefits are immense.

I also love the shows where authors come on to share their books, or guests introduce programs that help people with health, mental well-being, business, raising children, music, and even support for veterans—you name it. But this particular episode is just me. My thoughts, my reflections. I always have something to share each week, so many different perspectives—500 of them now! And that’s just on my current network. I did many more on a previous network, but sadly, the host didn’t save those episodes and took them down. I no longer have access to them.

So let’s reflect. Across these 500 shows, everything I’ve shared comes from the heart. It all stems from a desire for humanity to rise into a higher state of consciousness. It’s rooted in the challenges we face—challenges I’ve faced myself. I’ve been completely open about my struggles, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. There have been many times I’ve battled through it, and I’ve shared how I felt in those moments. But for me, it’s always about more than just naming the problem—it’s about looking at what we can do about it. It’s always about, “What can we do?”

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AMAZON.

Sara has written in 4 anthologies and her own bio, which all all be found here

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IG25-12. Brian Seth Hurst is “WHOLE”

March 24, 2025March 23, 2025Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Ignite Your Heart and Soul with Sara Troy and her guest Brian Seth Hurst, on air from March 25th

In a world filled with uncertainty, self-doubt, and constant change, how do we find a sense of wholeness and inner certainty? Brian Seth Hurst’s WHOLE is a profound exploration of personal transformation, guiding listeners through the journey of self-inquiry and belief shifts that unlock a deeper understanding of their true selves. Having faced his own life-altering wake-up call, Brian shares the insights and tools that helped him—and can help others—redefine their narratives, release limiting beliefs, and cultivate resilience and self-awareness. With the release of the WHOLE audiobook and companion workbook, this conversation is more timely than ever, offering listeners the wisdom to move forward with purpose, authenticity, and clarity. Whether you are at a personal crossroads, seeking fulfillment, or simply ready to reclaim your power, this episode will inspire you to embark on your own journey to becoming WHOLE.

Brian Seth Hurst’s WHOLE is more than a book—it’s a transformational guide for those navigating a personal wake-up call. Brian’s journey began with a life-altering experience that forced him to question his beliefs, challenge his perceptions, and ultimately rebuild himself from within. Through deep introspection and self-inquiry, he discovered that true healing and fulfillment come from embracing the stories we tell ourselves and reshaping them into a path toward wholeness.

Brian shares WHOLE because now, more than ever, people are searching for clarity, self-empowerment, and meaning in uncertain times. The book, along with its new audiobook and companion workbook, provides the tools to break through limiting beliefs, cultivate self-awareness, and create a life rooted in authenticity and purpose.

This conversation will benefit anyone at a crossroads—whether facing personal transformation, professional reinvention, or simply seeking a more intentional and fulfilling life. Brian’s insights are for those ready to step into their power, rewrite their internal narratives, and finally become WHOLE

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Brian Seth Hurst wasn’t in his university philosophy class the day metaphysics was defined. Little did he know that discovering what lies beyond the visible world would become a lifelong avocation. Balancing the study of life with the business of life has led Brian to describe himself as a “metapractical” man.

In 2012, he released the first edition of WHOLE. In response to readers who wanted to explore the book’s concepts and insights more deeply, he has now created The Whole Companion Workbook, featuring exercises designed to complement each chapter, drawn from his work of over 40 years as an intuitive counselor and coach with thousands of clients.

A well-regarded international entertainment professional and prominent figure in the world of media, storytelling, and immersive experiences, he is known for his work as a producer, strategist, and writer, focusing on pioneering new forms of content and storytelling techniques. Hurst has been at the forefront of the intersection between traditional media and emerging technologies, particularly in areas like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and cross-platform storytelling. He has held leadership positions at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and the Producers Guild of America.

Brian’s last literary adventure was as co-author, alongside Olivia Newton-John, of the best-selling children’s book A Pig Tale.

In 2023, after a 40-year absence, Hurst returned to performing, writing, and appearing in the one-man show Full Circle in Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

BUY HERE

https://www.wholelifebook.com

briansethhurst.com

PUBLICIST: phillip@cityprinc.com

bshurst@gmail.com

www.instagram.com/whole_lifeworks

instagram.com/@bshurst

www.facebook.com/wholethebook

https://bsky.app/profile/briansethhurst.bsky.social

youtube.com/@briansethhurst

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TSM25-11. Pamela Blake’s Tribute to her Husband

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Their Story Matters with Sara Troy and her guest Pamela Blake, on air March

Collection of 5 Novels Published Posthumously as a Tribute to her husband by Pamela Blake who Receives Critical Acclaim

Pamela talks about:

Grief and the journey of finding the best way to honor a loved one who has passed is a profound theme explored in his work. Each of his books presents intriguing storylines and themes that captivate readers, making them relevant even decades after being written. His coming-of-age novel, A Map of the Edge, set in 1969, delivers a powerful message about self-discovery and transformation. Looking ahead, his dystopian novel Tomorrowville imagines what the world might look like in 2088, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into the future. Blending mysticism with mystery, Things Unseen adds a unique twist to the murder-mystery genre. Notably, the cover of Things Unseen received recognition, winning the BIBA 2024 Fiction Book Cover Award.

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Pamela Blake, PhD, is the CEO of Utamatzi Inc, an independent publishing imprint dedicated to bringing creative, high-quality fiction to readers in the global marketplace.

Prior to forming Utamatzi several years ago, Dr. Blake was a Technical Fellow with The Boeing Company, from which she retired in 2020, after twenty years of employment. She is an expert in quantified performance assessment of imaging sensors and in the development and application of algorithms that exploit the underlying physics and phenomenology for automated feature and object recognition.

She holds a BA in Physics from Willamette University in Salem, OR, and MS and PhD degrees in Geology/Geophysics from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Dr. Blake resides in Huntington Beach, California.