25-18. Take the Wheel


Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from May 6th

Today, I want to talk about self-leadership. What does that really mean? We often look for a leader in life—someone to guide us along the path of self-discovery or help us uncover our abilities—because we feel we can’t lead ourselves. But ultimately, no matter who’s guiding you—whether at work, in relationships, or anywhere else—you are the leader of your own life. Self-leadership means stepping into your own empowerment. It’s about knowing what you need, recognizing the path you must take, being aware, and caring deeply about yourself, the environment you’re in, what you’re giving out, and what you’re receiving. Your life, your arena—it all begins with you.

Awareness and Choice

Is your environment bringing out something in you that feels uncomfortable? Are you surrounded by people who claim to be leaders but are leading you astray? Are you in the company of negativity—those who are angry, bitter, vengeful, jealous, or retaliatory? Because those kinds of environments won’t serve you. So, how do you step into your own leadership? It starts with a choice. I will choose the path I take. I will choose the people I allow around me. I will choose how I interact, how I receive, and how I perceive the world. That kind of leadership begins with awareness—awareness of your surroundings and of what life is making you feel. We’re living in a time of heightened emotion: global unrest, political upheaval, wars, famine, division—it’s overwhelming. And in all that noise, it’s easy to feel powerless. It’s easy to feel like our voice no longer matters in shaping our own life.

Yet leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means taking ownership of how we show up. Are we reacting from past wounds? Are we stuck in patterns that aren’t even ours? Generational trauma, societal programming, inherited fear—it’s all there. But we can pause and ask: “Is this mine? Is this helping me? What can I shift?” And from that question, the journey begins.

Empowerment, Exploration, and Leading by Example

Self-leadership doesn’t mean going it alone—it means tuning in. You may be using tools, programs, or practices passed down from others. They might have sparked something in you, or maybe you’ve created your own. Either way, it’s still your leadership. You’re in charge of your actions, your voice, and your direction. While the universe might hold the map, you’re holding the wheel.

Sara shares how her own path to podcasting began at age 57. She didn’t know what a podcast was, but said yes to the invitation. Now, more than 13 years and thousands of shows later, she reflects on how every step before led to this one. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to begin steering your own journey.

She paints a powerful metaphor—life is a vehicle, and we must learn how to drive it. Know your gears: first, second, third, fourth, and when it’s time for fifth. Your trauma and fears might still ride with you, but they belong in the trunk or backseat, not behind the wheel. Learn from them, but don’t let them drive.

True self-leadership isn’t loud. It’s a calm confidence. It’s feeling your way forward even when the road isn’t clear. It’s choosing what resonates in your gut, heart, and soul. It’s quiet courage and soulful conviction. And when we embrace it, we inspire others to do the same.

We’re not meant to walk alone—we’re meant to harmonize. As we step into our own leadership, we become strong instruments in life’s orchestra, playing with clarity, confidence, and care. Together, we create symphonies that awaken and uplift the world.

So, take the wheel. Tune into your truth. Choose your direction, one breath, one step, one gear at a time. Because the greatest adventure you’ll ever take is the discovery of your Self.



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LM25-18. ELLIS HALL is “The Ambassador of Soul,”


“for the LOVE of Music” with Sara Troy and her guest Ellis Hall, on air from May 6th

ELLIS HALL: A LIFE IN FULL COLOUR, SOUND, AND SOUL

When word got out that a blind kid could play anything, doors opened wide. At 17, Milt Jackson of the Modern Jazz Quartet invited me to tour—Mama said no, but let me sit in when he played Boston. So I went to school by day, played clubs by night, jammed for 5,000 at Franklin Park, and soon formed The Ellis Hall Group. No label, just soul. We packed venues with “Ellisized” covers, caught J. Geils’ attention, and opened for legends like The Cars, Earth, Wind & Fire, Taj Mahal, The Temptations, and The Spinners—who once had me sub on bass mid-show.

In 1976, opening for Tower of Power changed my life. Seven shows later, Emilio Castillo asked me to join. While still in Boston, I scored film soundtracks—including a sex ed film shown in schools—and played with fellow blind musicians in Project Insight, collaborating with Tom Scott, Rob Mounsey, and The Brecker Brothers.

In ’84, I moved to L.A. to break into commercials, and just as I was boasting about the sunshine, TOP called. Two weeks later, I was onstage freezing in Minnesota. I did 300 shows a year with them, sang, played keys and guitar on the Power album (1987), and earned a Grammy nomination for “Some Days Were Meant for Rain,” which I later revived with George Whitty for our new WHAT!!!! project.

That run led to Kenny G’s Duotones—I was brought in to sing “What Does It Take” in Jr. Walker’s key. The album went 5x platinum and helped launch smooth jazz. Other milestones followed: working with the Muppets, scoring Chicken Run, writing a Michelob jingle sung by pre-fame Luther Vandross, and even performing at a Clinton inaugural ball.

Then came a moment I’ll never forget—Christmas 2001. After performing at Stevie Wonder’s benefit, Ray Charles saw me play and offered to sign me to his Crossover label. “Where the F have you been?” he said. We recorded 15 tracks together before he passed. They’ve never been released, but the experience was priceless.



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Covers have always spoken to me. George Whitty and I close our new album with “I Thank You,” honoring my roots. Even David Bowie heard my version of “Let’s Dance” and loved it.

Since then, I’ve written over 4,000 soul, gospel, blues, and pop songs. I’ve worked with Patti LaBelle, James Taylor, Toby Keith, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Maurice White, George Duke, John Klemmer—you name it. I’ve sung on dozens of film soundtracks, including The Lion King 2, Shrek 2, Invincible, Bruce Almighty, and even sang Louis Armstrong’s voice in Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can.

I also created and toured two symphony shows: Ellis Hall Presents Ray, Motown and Beyond and Ellis Hall Soul Unlimited. George Whitty, a longtime fan, finally connected with me through my project manager Alec Berfeld. George sent me a tribute song for Ukraine called “Hug Me,” and I immediately heard the potential to lift it into something epic. That was the birth of WHAT!!!!.

But beyond all the gigs and glory, what fills me most is watching my four children grow and thrive, inspired by my journey. I am a vessel for the music, a soul ambassador, and after all this time, I’m still just getting started.


FIND THE LAST SHOW ELLIS DID WITH SARA HERE

www.ellishall.com

www.whittyHall.com

https://www.instagram.com/whittyhallartistteam

https://www.instagram.com/whittyhallartistteam

https://www.facebook.com/WHAT!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeWhittyMusic


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TSM25-17. Chiara Barbera, Assaggio Traditions


Their Story Matters with Sara Troy and her guest Chaiara Barbera, on air from April 29th

The importance of maintaining traditions and celebrating the people who continue them, through recopies from the past.

Chiara Barbera is on a mission to continue Italian traditions. Assaggio is her heartfelt project dedicated to preserving Italian traditions by bringing the warmth, wisdom, and traditions of Italian grandparents (Nonni) to life through engaging online experiences. Born in Brisbane to four Italian grandparents, Chiara was raised on stories and the deep values that define Italian culture. Her grandparents’ courage to leave Italy for a better life laid the foundation for her own path—one that now brings her back to their homeland with a mission to give something meaningful in return. More recently, her work has extended to the motherland with Vera Italia, a platform that offers travellers the chance to engage with Italy’s living heritage through in-person encounters with artisans, farmers, and families. Together, these projects form a love letter to her roots—a calling she believes was guided by faith, and a legacy that she is determined to honour, preserve, and pass on.



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Chiara Barbera is the founder of Vera Italia, a mission-driven platform connecting travelers with the true spirit of Italy through cultural and culinary experiences. Born in Brisbane to four Italian grandparents, Chiara grew up surrounded by stories, recipes, and values deeply rooted in her heritage. Her grandparents’ courage to leave Italy in search of a better life laid the foundation for her own journey—a return to the homeland they once left, with the hope of giving something back.

Now dividing her time between Italy and Australia, Chiara begins this journey in Calabria, Italy’s hidden gem, to connect with the Culture Creators—artisans, farmers, cooks, and families—who keep the spirit of Italy alive. Through Vera Italia, she helps others discover the beauty of these traditions, not only to experience them but to ensure they continue for generations to come.

Her work is a love letter to her roots, a calling she believes was guided by faith, and a legacy that she is determined to honour, preserve, and pass on.



FIND CHIARA’S LAST SHOW ON THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE HERE


https://experience-assaggio.com

 www.veraitalia.it 

benvenuto@veraitalia.it 

www.facebook.com/VeraItaliaExperience

https://instagram.com/veraitalia


FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

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25.17.The One Drop RIPPLES


Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from April 29th

In a world constantly seeking the grand finale, the big bang, the dramatic pivot, the life-altering moment, we often miss the quiet miracles that live in the in-between. The truth is, it’s not always a thunderous event that changes everything. More often, it’s one small drop a single moment of insight, a gentle word, a quiet act of kindness—that sets a new path in motion. One drop becomes another, and then another, rippling out into something much larger than we could have ever predicted.

The ripple effect begins the moment we choose to be present. It could be a smile shared with a stranger, a pause before reacting harshly, or a thoughtful message to someone who’s hurting. These simple acts, small as they may seem, hold immense power. They shift energies, soften walls, and open doors to connection. They create a rhythm of change, one that moves through hearts, homes, and communities without needing applause.

We look to the world for transformation, hoping institutions, governments, or movements will change everything overnight. But real, sustainable change is personal first. It is born in the whisper of a thought, the weight of a feeling, and the intention behind our actions. Our thoughts are the first drops. Our words carry them outward. Our actions plant them into the soil of the world around us.

It is in the subtleties where the greatest impact lives. Like water shaping stone, consistency in small, mindful choices leaves a lasting mark. Speak to others in the tone you would want to receive. Let your words be an invitation to joy, comfort, or clarity. Think before you speak, not just to avoid harm, but to ensure your voice becomes a balm rather than a blow.

We are all seeking something: peace, meaning, a better way to live. But we don’t find it waiting for someone else to do the work. We find it by becoming the ripple. By embodying the change. We are at the beginning of the wave that can rise and carry others with us.

This is the heart of what I speak to on my shows: the magic of the everyday, the extraordinary within the ordinary. Through the stories of others and reflections of self, we explore how each of us can create meaningful change, not by waiting for the world to shift, but by choosing to drop love, kindness, and purpose into the waters of life.

Join me. Let’s ripple together.



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AMAZON


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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.


C25-17. Ivana Chubbuck. “Power of the Actor”.


Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Ivana Chubbuck, on air from April 29th

Renowned acting teacher and bestselling author Ivana Chubbuck. The updated edition of her book, THE POWER OF THE ACTOR(Avery/Penguin Random House), was published on April 29th. Ivana speaks to anyone who is serious about overcoming hurdles, hardships, and inner demons to achieve their goals. Ivana will share with your listeners tools and exercises to turn conflicts, traumas, insecurities, fears and shame into positive forces to fuel achievement, with a focus on winning.

What do Halle BerryBeyoncéGal GadotCharlize TheronBrad Pitt, Sylvester StalloneEva Mendes and Shia LaBeouf have in common besides fame and fortune? They can all credit a significant part of their skills to acting teacher Ivana Chubbuck.

THE POWER OF THE ACTOR is a revolutionary guide that unlocks the secrets of her transformative Chubbuck Technique. In addition to star-studded stories, The Power of the Actor offers a panoramic map for anyone serious about professional transformation. Her dynamic 12-step approach shows, actors, writers and directors how to unlock emotional depth and create performances that ring with authenticity. It’s also for anyone who is serious about overcoming hurdles, hardships, and inner demons to achieve their goals. 

Drawing on psychology, behavioural science, cultural anthropology and examples of real-life heroes, Ivana takes the search for rich inner emotional information to the next level by focusing on winning. Ivana teaches people how to access their emotions to not just feel them, but also use them with dimension and power. 



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IVANA CHUBBUCK is the creator of the widely adopted Chubbuck Technique, an acting method taught in universities and in accredited studios all over the world. Her students — Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Gal Gadot, Sylvester Stallone, Eva Mendes and Shia LaBeouf, among thousands, have gone on to win major awards, including Oscars, Emmys and Tonys. She lives in Los Angeles, where she runs the Ivana Chubbuck Studio. Her daughter, Claire Chubbuck, an award-winning filmmaker and Chubbuck teacher, is the legacy for furthering Ivana’s mission of empowerment through the arts. 


 https://www.ivanachubbuck.com

https://www.youtube.com/c/IvanaChubbuckOfficial


FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION 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. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.