Sara Troy with her guest Mark J. Chironna PhD, on air from February 18th
There are moments in history when the world shifts—not in small, incremental ways, but in seismic, irreversible transformations. To navigate such times wisely, it is imperative that we learn to recognize where we stand in the arc of history. Every era carries within it the weight of the past, the demands of the present, and the unseen forces of the future pressing upon it. As Sohail Inayatullah has observed, the future is not a distant horizon but an active force shaping the present, just as the past continues to exert its influence in ways we do not always recognize. True discernment requires holding these three dimensions in tension—learning from what has been, reckoning with what is, and preparing for what is to come.
Throughout history, those who have understood the times have been those who could perceive not only the immediate crisis but also the deeper undercurrents shaping it. The ancient Hebrew Canon speaks of the sons of Issachar, who were praised for their ability to interpret the times and know what ancient Israel should do (1 Chronicles 12:32), a skill as essential now as it was then. We are not simply reacting to isolated events; we are standing in the midst of a larger transition, one that is exposing long-buried fractures, dismantling once-unquestioned assumptions, and forcing us to reconsider where true stability lies. If we are to respond with wisdom rather than fear, our first obligation is to understand the nature of this moment—what is being revealed, what is being removed, and what is being required of us.
The challenge before us is not merely political or cultural; it is spiritual and psychological at its core. We are witnessing the unmooring of collective certainties and the erosion of structures that once felt immovable. This is not just about the crisis of governance or the disintegration of institutional trust—it is about what happens within the human soul when the external world becomes unreliable. When the ground shifts beneath us, we instinctively grasp for stability. Some turn to nostalgia, clinging to past certainties as if they can be recovered. Others give in to despair, assuming that nothing holds anymore. But neither reaction provides what is truly needed: the courage to confront the reality of upheaval without losing our grounding in what is timeless.
It is tempting in times of collapse to look for scapegoats, to assign blame for the instability we feel. But blame is a cheap substitute for wisdom. The impulse to attribute every failure to ideological enemies—whether real or imagined—exposes something more fragile than conviction: a fear of facing what is truly unfolding. When we see old structures giving way, the question is not merely Who is at fault? but What is being revealed? Are we witnessing the necessary dismantling of illusions that could never hold? Is this a time of purification, where we must let go of what was never built to endure?
The present crisis is not only external; it is also internal—spiritual, psychological, and moral. If the younger generation appears vulnerable, unprotected, or uncertain, it is not because they are inherently weak, but because they have inherited a world where meaning has been fractured. They are navigating an existence where competing narratives, unchecked power, and shifting cultural tides leave little room for rootedness. To simply denounce them as lost or misguided is to abdicate responsibility. The deeper question is, how have we prepared them to endure times like these? Have we offered them something firm enough to stand on when the ground beneath them gives way?
And yet, there are signs of resilience. Even in disruption, the capacity to communicate, to connect with a deeper truth, remains. What is anchored is not lost, even if it seems momentarily displaced. The disorientation of the present moment may feel as if our clarity and voice have been taken from us, but there remains the possibility of recovering what matters most. This recovery will not happen through reactionary defensiveness but through a depth of soul that can withstand upheaval without turning bitter, a faith that does not depend on stability to remain steadfast.
If we are to move forward in wisdom, we must first learn to sit with the weight of what is happening—not in passive despair, but in the kind of sober discernment that refuses easy answers. The times demand more than simplistic blame or ideological posturing. They require a clarity that can see through the noise and recognize what is at stake. We do not need louder voices or more heated rhetoric. We need something far rarer: reasonable and reasoning adults who are mature enough to be willing to see, to name, and to walk forward without fear.
Dr. Mark Chironna is a public scholar, executive and personal coach, and thought leader with five decades of experience in leadership development, cultural analysis, and future-focused strategies. With advanced degrees in Psychology, Applied Semiotics and Futures Studies, and Theology, he brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to helping individuals and organizations navigate complexity, unlock potential, and craft innovative solutions.
As a Board Certified Coach with over 30,000 hours of experience, he empowers leaders and teams to thrive through resilience, foresight, and actionable strategies. Passionate about human flourishing, he integrates psychological insight and cultural trends to inspire growth and transformation.
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 Seniors anthology and help to bring this book into awareness.
Yes! Sciatica can be quite painful, but several natural and medical approaches can help relieve discomfort and promote healing. Here are some recommendations:
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
Gentle Stretching & Yoga:
Pigeon pose, seated spinal twist, and hamstring stretches can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Avoid sudden or jerky movements that might aggravate it.
Hot & Cold Therapy:
Apply an ice pack for the first 48 hours (15-20 minutes at a time) to reduce inflammation.
Switch to heat therapy (heating pad or warm bath) to relax tight muscles after the initial swelling goes down.
Posture & Movement:
Avoid prolonged sitting—take breaks and walk around.
Maintain good posture, especially when sitting or lifting objects.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet:
Include turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, berries, and omega-3-rich foods (like salmon or flaxseeds).
Avoid processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine.
Alternative & Natural Treatments
Chiropractic Adjustments – Can help realign the spine and relieve nerve compression.
Acupuncture – Many find relief through acupuncture by reducing nerve pain and inflammation.
Massage Therapy – Deep tissue massage can ease tight muscles pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Epsom Salt Baths – Helps relax muscles and reduce nerve pain.
Essential Oils – Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils mixed with a carrier oil can be massaged into the affected area for relief.
Medical Treatments (If Needed)
TIPS F0R ARTHRITIS
Arthritis can be managed effectively with a combination of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and, if needed, medical treatments. Here are some helpful tips to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support joint health:
1. Stay Active with Gentle Exercise
Low-impact activities: Swimming, walking, tai chi, and cycling help keep joints flexible without straining them.
Stretching & yoga: Helps maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
Strength training: Builds muscles around joints for better support.
? Tip: Avoid overexertion; balance movement with rest.
Drink in the morning for a natural anti-inflammatory boost!
2. Omega-3 Loaded Salmon & Quinoa Bowl
? Ingredients:
1 salmon fillet (rich in omega-3s)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup steamed spinach or kale
1/4 avocado (healthy fats)
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp turmeric & black pepper
? Instructions:
Season salmon with turmeric, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Serve over quinoa, add greens, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon.
? Tip: Swap salmon for grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
3. Joint-Soothing Bone Broth Soup
? Ingredients:
4 cups bone broth (chicken or beef)
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup celery
1 tsp turmeric
1 clove garlic (anti-inflammatory)
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
? Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients in a pot for 20 minutes.
Enjoy the warmth to soothe joints and boost collagen production!
4. Golden Milk (Anti-Inflammatory Evening Drink)
? Ingredients:
1 cup warm almond or coconut milk
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp honey (optional)
? Instructions:
Warm milk, stir in all ingredients and sip before bed for relaxation and pain relief.
Arthritis Meal Plan & Foods to Avoid
This meal plan is designed to reduce inflammation, support joint health, and boost mobility with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods.
? Foods to Avoid (They Trigger Inflammation!)
? Processed Foods & Refined Sugars: Cakes, cookies, soda, candy, and white bread. ? Fried & Fast Foods: French fries, chips, fried chicken, processed meats. ? Dairy (For Some People): Cheese, milk, ice cream (try plant-based alternatives). ? Red Meat (Limit): Too much beef, pork, and lamb can increase inflammation. ? Nightshade Vegetables (For Some People): Tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes may worsen arthritis in sensitive individuals.
? Tip: Everyone is different! Test which foods affect you personally and adjust accordingly.
? Best Foods for Arthritis Relief
? Omega-3-Rich Foods: Salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. ? Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens. ? Colorful Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries (packed with antioxidants). ? Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds. ? Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and buckwheat (instead of white rice and pasta). ? Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocados, coconut oil (avoid vegetable oils). ? Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne pepper. ? Legumes & Beans: Chickpeas, lentils, black beans (high in fiber and protein). ? Hydrating Fruits: Watermelon, oranges, apples, and pomegranates (reduce joint pain).
? 3-Day Arthritis Meal Plan ?
Each day includes anti-inflammatory meals designed to nourish your joints!
? Day 1: Omega-3 & Antioxidant Boost
? Breakfast: Turmeric-Ginger Oatmeal
Oats cooked with almond milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, walnuts, and honey.
? Lunch: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, spinach, cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas with olive oil & lemon dressing.
? Snack: Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
Blueberries, flaxseeds, almond milk, and a pinch of turmeric.
Season salmon with olive oil, turmeric, garlic, and black pepper.
? Day 2: Gut & Joint Health Focus
? Breakfast: Avocado Toast with Poached Egg & Turmeric
Whole-grain toast, avocado, poached egg, turmeric, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
? Lunch: Bone Broth Soup with Chickpeas & Kale
Simmer bone broth with chickpeas, kale, turmeric, and garlic.
? Snack: Handful of Almonds & Dark Chocolate
Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
? Dinner: Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Olive oil, black pepper, and lemon zest for seasoning.
? Day 3: Repair & Rejuvenate
? Breakfast: Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds soaked overnight in coconut milk, topped with berries & honey.
? Lunch: Lentil & Spinach Stew
Lentils, spinach, garlic, turmeric, cumin, and carrots.
? Snack: Green Tea with Dark Chocolate & Walnuts
Green tea fights inflammation and boosts metabolism.
? Dinner: Stir-Fry with Tofu, Mushrooms & Brown Rice
Cook with ginger, garlic, and olive oil.
? Extra Tips for Arthritis Management ?
? Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. ? Get Enough Vitamin D: Spend time in the sun or take a supplement. ? Move Every Hour: Avoid prolonged sitting—gentle movement keeps joints flexible. ? Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep increases inflammation. Try magnesium or chamomile tea before bed.
Arthritis-Friendly Snack Ideas
These snacks are anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and easy to prepare, helping to reduce joint pain, boost energy, and support mobility.
? 1. Avocado & Turmeric Crackers
? Why it helps: Avocados provide healthy fats, while turmeric fights inflammation. ? How to make it:
Mash 1/2 avocado with a pinch of turmeric, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Spread on whole-grain or seed-based crackers.
? 2. Handful of Nuts & Seeds
? Why it helps: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds contain omega-3s and vitamin E, reducing joint stiffness. ? How to eat it:
Mix walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds in a small container for an on-the-go snack.
? 3. Banana & Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter)
? Why it helps: Bananas provide potassium to reduce muscle cramps, and nut butter offers healthy fats. ? How to make it:
Slice half a banana and dip it in natural peanut or almond butter.
? 4. Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
? Why it helps: Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon reduce inflammation and support digestion. ? How to make it:
Warm 1 cup almond milk and stir in 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, and honey.
? 5. Dark Chocolate & Walnuts
? Why it helps: Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is rich in antioxidants, while walnuts provide omega-3s. ? How to eat it:
Have a few squares of dark chocolatewith a handful of walnuts.
? 6. Apple Slices with Cinnamon & Honey
? Why it helps: Apples contain fiber and antioxidants, and cinnamon is anti-inflammatory. ? How to make it:
Slice an apple, sprinkle with cinnamon, and drizzle with honey.
? 7. Ginger & Lemon Detox Water
? Why it helps: Ginger fights joint pain, and lemon detoxes the body. ? How to make it:
Add slices of fresh ginger & lemon to warm or cold water.
? 8. Carrot & Hummus Sticks
? Why it helps: Carrots are high in vitamin A, and hummus is rich in fiber and protein. ? How to eat it:
Dip carrot or celery sticks into hummus for a satisfying snack.
? 9. Orange & Chia Seed Yogurt Bowl
? Why it helps: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which supports collagen and joint health. ? How to make it:
Mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp chia seeds, and add orange slices.
? 10. Guacamole with Cucumber Slices
? Why it helps: Avocados provide healthy fats, and cucumbers are hydrating for joints. ? How to make it:
Mash 1/2 avocado, add lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper.
Use cucumber slices as dippers instead of chips.
? 11. Hard-boiled egg with Olive Oil & Paprika
? Why it helps: Eggs are rich in protein, and olive oil fights inflammation. ? How to make it:
Slice a hard-boiled egg and drizzle with olive oil & a pinch of paprika.
? 12. Olives & Cheese Plate
? Why it helps: Olives provide healthy fats, and goat cheese or feta is easier to digest than dairy-heavy cheeses. ? How to eat it:
Pair olives with goat cheese and whole-grain crackers.
? Arthritis-Friendly Grocery List
This list includes anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods that help reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and boost overall health.
? Plain Greek yogurt (probiotics for gut health) ? Almond or coconut milk ? Goat cheese or feta (easier to digest)
? Beverages (Hydrating & Healing)
? Green tea (antioxidant powerhouse) ? Bone broth (collagen for joint support) ? Ginger tea (reduces inflammation) ? Golden milk (turmeric latte with almond milk) ? Water with lemon (hydration & detox)
? Foods to Avoid (Trigger Inflammation)
? Processed foods (chips, frozen meals, fast food) ? Sugary foods (soda, candy, pastries) ? White bread & refined carbs (increases inflammation) ? Fried foods (fries, onion rings) ? Too much red meat (limit beef & pork) ? Vegetable oils (canola, corn, soybean) ? Dairy (for some, it worsens inflammation)
? Arthritis-Relief Smoothies & Drinks ?
? 1. Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie
? Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk
1/2 banana
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp flaxseeds
1 tsp honey
? Instructions:
Blend all ingredients and enjoy!
? 2. Ginger Green Detox Smoothie
? Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
1/2 cucumber
1/2 apple
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1/2 lemon juice
1 cup coconut water
? Instructions:
Blend everything together. Great for reducing stiffness and boosting energy!
? 3. Cherry & Flaxseed Joint-Healing Smoothie
? Ingredients:
1 cup frozen cherries
1 tbsp flaxseeds
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or almond milk)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup water
? Instructions:
Blend and enjoy. Cherries help reduce arthritis pain naturally.
Sara Troy lives with this as well as Fibromyalgia, and it is a battle daily to keep the body happy. Find something you love to do and keep your spirit high, for it eases the pain, and lifts you up to cope with these challenges.
Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Sara Winokur, on air from February 11th
Acclaimed geneticist-turned-author Sara Winokur returns with her highly anticipated novel Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders. This mystery-thriller transports its readers into a world where DNA science unravels ancient secrets, and the hunt for a missing treasure turns deadly.
Set against the landscapes of Iceland, Africa, and the Americas, Ivory Bones follows forensic scientist Brynja Pálsdóttir as she races to recover the iconic Lewis Chessmen—among the most celebrated medieval artifacts—before time runs out. A centuries-old diary holds the clues, revealing a brutal tale of survival and secrets buried for generations. Brynja’s investigation not only uncovers the chess pieces’ shocking past but also forces her to confront the truth about her own genetic heritage.
Sara Winokur, whose groundbreaking scientific research helped identify key mutations in muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease, combines her professional expertise with a passion for storytelling. As a descendant of Barbary pirate Jans Janszoon, Winokur was inspired by her personal ancestry for the plot of Ivory Bones. Her enthusiasm for accessible science and authentic historical research delivers a page-turner that is sure to please fans of her first novel, Double-Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders, as well as new readers.
“History, DNA, and mystery are puzzles waiting to be solved,” says Winokur. Ivory Bones challenges us to consider how much of our past defines who we are, and how far we’ll go to uncover the truth.”
Sara Winokur is a geneticist, researcher, and author whose cultural thrillers combine DNA science with gripping historical fiction. With a Ph.D. in molecular genetics, Winokur’s groundbreaking research has contributed to identifying mutations responsible for diseases such as muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease.
In her novels Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders and Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders, Winokur transports readers to vivid Nordic landscapes and ancient adventures, crafting intricate mysteries that blend science, history, and cultural intrigue. A descendant of the Barbary pirate Jans Janszoon, her work explores themes of identity, heritage, and resilience. As an ovarian cancer thriver, Winokur’s storytelling reflects her belief in turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Sara Winokur resides in Southern California with her family and is often found exploring the globe in search of new stories.
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 Seniors anthology and help to bring this book into awareness.
Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Graham Connolly, on air from February 11th
Discover mindset shifts and practical strategies to reap the benefit of a plant-based lifestyle without the heavy sacrifice. Graham Connolly shares his journey and approaches to making plant-based cooking and lifestyle sustainable and easy. From keeping daily meals simple, satisfying, and exciting to creating potluck favourites that impress, learn how to lead a plant-based diet without the overwhelm, restrictions, and isolation. Whether you lead a plant-based lifestyle yourself and want to explore more in the kitchen or if you simply want to accommodate friends and family with food they will love, join us as we explore simple mindset shifts and strategies to making plant-based easier.
Graham is a business consultant with a passion for doing things in sustainable ways while also pushing the limits of potential. This passion tends to permeate most aspects of his life, including leading a plant-based lifestyle. Graham has loved cooking from a young age, from cooking at home, and working in restaurants, but has always maintained a focus on simplicity. “From leaving the typical Western diet, I knew that to really make this sustainable and work for me, it couldn’t come with a heavy sacrifice. And that’s the lens through which I made it work and wonderful.” “Now, I just love helping people live the lives they want without the heavy burden of sacrifice.”
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 Senior’s anthology and help to bring this book into awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from February 11th
Rich or Poor: Who is Truly Abundant?
When we look at poverty, we often equate it with a lack of money—the inability to afford a better quality of life, to meet basic needs, and to live comfortably. Conversely, when we look at the wealthy, we see power, opulence, and privilege. But who is truly rich, and who is truly poor?
Across the world, many people live in what is deemed poverty—crowded homes, mud huts, and minimal material wealth. By North American standards, they have little. Yet, they are often rich in joy, gratitude, and community. Their abundance is found in their relationships, their laughter, and their appreciation for life itself.
Meanwhile, I have encountered countless wealthy individuals who, despite their immense financial success, live in constant fear—fear of losing money, of being manipulated, of being valued only for their wealth. Their paranoia dictates their lives, making them question who they can trust, how they can protect what they have, and how to accumulate more. In their relentless pursuit of power, they lose sight of true enrichment.
The Moral Compass of Wealth
A select few control vast sums of money, believing it grants them the ability to buy anything and anyone. Many have lost their moral compass, consumed by greed, manipulation, and an insatiable hunger for control. But in their endless pursuit of wealth, they reveal the greatest poverty of all—a poverty of spirit, of purpose, and of true connection.
Real enrichment has nothing to do with money. It is found in love, kindness, and understanding. When wealth becomes a dictator, a force that governs one’s sense of worth and purpose, it exposes the emptiness within. The wealthiest among us are not those with the most money but those who give, who uplift, who invest in the well-being of others.
The Struggle of the Poor and the Fear of the Rich
I have met people who live on the poverty line, struggling each month to afford basic necessities—housing, healthcare, and food. Their struggles are real, but so is their appreciation for what they do have. There is joy in the small pleasures of life: a meal, a warm home, a shared laugh with loved ones.
Interestingly, it is often those with the least who are the first to give. Experiments have shown that when a struggling person asks for help, few respond. Yet, when the message is changed to “need money for drugs,” people contribute. What does that say about our perceptions of poverty? Do we turn away from those in need because it reminds us of our own vulnerability?
I have interviewed people who once had it all—wealth, power, status—only to lose it. And in that loss, they found something far more valuable: humility, compassion, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters. Their reset, their realization, made them richer than ever before.
A Broken System
We live in a world where wealth is hoarded, where the rich manipulate laws and governments to serve their interests. Money dictates policies, buys politicians, and erodes ethics. Meanwhile, the poor face cuts to essential services, higher costs of living, and fewer opportunities to rise.
There is no reason for homelessness to exist in a world of such vast wealth. No reason for people to freeze in the streets while billionaires build superyachts. No reason for a system that forces people to choose between food and medication while pharmaceutical companies rake in obscene profits.
We need to tax the rich—not out of spite, but out of necessity. Imagine if even a fraction of their wealth was used to support education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The money that billionaires hoard could feed and house millions. The disparity is not just unfair; it is a failure of humanity.
True Abundance is in Giving
I do my work by donation. The interviews I conduct, the stories I share, and the insights I provide—these are my contributions to the world. If everyone gave just a little, the impact would be enormous. But I do not beg. True giving must come from a place of free will and gratitude, not coercion.
The real rich are those who share their wealth—whether it be financial, emotional, or intellectual—with others. Those who empower, uplift, and create opportunities. The real poor are those who hoard, manipulate, and measure their worth by numbers in a bank account.
The Power of Unity
For too long, we have allowed wealth and power to dictate the rules. But when people come together—when hearts, voices, and actions unite—the tide shifts. No amount of money can stand against a movement built on love, kindness, and justice.
History has shown that those who underestimate the power of the people ultimately fall. They believe they can buy loyalty, manipulate truth, and control narratives. But they cannot control the collective strength of humanity when it chooses to stand together.
The Choice is Ours
I am financially poor by society’s standards, living on a pension that barely covers my needs. And yet, I feel incredibly rich. My wealth is in the conversations I have, the stories I share, and the lives I touch. My abundance is in my purpose.
So, I ask you: Who is truly rich? And who is truly poor?
If we come together, if we choose to invest in humanity rather than in greed, we can create a world where wealth is not measured in dollars but in kindness, in impact, and in the legacy we leave behind.
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 Senior’s anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
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