25-12. Empower Our Youth


Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from March 18th

This week, I’m going to be talking about our youth.

I’ve done many shows on children—catching them young, nurturing their gifts, and showing them how to use those gifts to serve humanity and the planet. I have spoken about my brother Sam Hawksmore’s and his books, which dive into the youth journeys of self-love, resilience, and discovery. These stories have always liberated me, offering a youthful perspective while teaching profound lessons about today’s reality.

But when we look at our youth today, we see so many feeling lost. And who can blame them? They are growing up in a world filled with political conflicts, wars, and power struggles where leaders have forgotten their purpose—to serve the people. Many opportunities are vanishing, and the doors previous generations fought to open are now closing again.

History has shown us that marginalized communities, especially African Americans, have overcome immense obstacles to contribute to society. Each generation worked to create a better future, but today, we see those gains threatened. Brilliant voices are being silenced, networks are bowing to political pressure, and society is regressing instead of progressing.

To those being shut out—start your own. Build your own networks, platforms, and communities. Do not wait for permission to be heard. We, the people, need you. Our youth must understand they are not bound by the broken systems we inherited. They have the power to carve a new path.

Our world is in disarray. Many leaders cling to outdated ideologies, resisting progress. Our youth must realize that their future isn’t about fitting into a system that no longer works—it’s about creating one that does. They must build networks of like-minded peers, seek mentors, and claim their own spaces.

Now more than ever, knowledge is power. When people think critically, they become difficult to manipulate. That is why intellectual voices are being suppressed—because an informed society cannot be controlled. We must fight this battle, not with weapons, but with awareness, integrity, and conviction.

To every young person feeling uncertain about the future—know this: You are the architects of tomorrow. If the path before you is broken, create a new one. Find those who share your vision, build together, and refuse to accept imposed limitations.

Let’s teach our children that community, compassion, and intelligence are far more powerful than greed and division. Let’s raise them with the confidence to challenge injustice and the wisdom to navigate it effectively. Let’s encourage them to be creators, innovators, and leaders who operate with love and integrity.

We do not need another war—economic, physical, or ideological. We need a revolution of consciousness, one that values humanity over power and unity over division. The answer lies in our youth.

To parents and grandparents—talk with your children. Teach them kindness, respect, and the power they hold within. Encourage them to think critically and to listen—not just to respond but to truly understand.

Our world needs empowered youth, and it’s our responsibility to nurture and support them. Let’s apologize for the mess we’ve left them and commit to guiding them toward a brighter future. Let’s remind them that hope is not lost because they are the hope.

Until next time, let’s keep the conversation going. Our children’s future depends on it.



 ITunesSpotify Soundcloud
  AmazonYouTube Music   iHEART
Podvine Podcasher  Podcast Addict
Mixcloud  Radio Public.   FM Player
 Odysee Youtube  Opodium
DOENJOYTHE WISDOM


FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

Discover the sites we share on linktr.ee/saratroy

BE OUR GUEST AND SHARE THE WISDOM

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.


C25-11. Jerry Giordano’s 7-word Philosophy


Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Jerry Giordano, on air from March 18th

With personal insights and a lot of humor, Jerry talks about why we do what we do and how it’s sabotaging our relationships and ourselves. Jerry has put his 7-word philosophy into practice by interviewing over 200 people from the ages of thirteen to ninety-four.

He had tried everything—every form of therapy, seminar, retreat, life coach, past-life regression, psychic reading, and self-help book available—but no matter how much he learned or how many breakthroughs he thought he had, the same emptiness remained. It wasn’t until he hit rock bottom, losing his mother to cancer and watching his fiancée walk away in the span of weeks, that he realized something profound: everything he had been doing was a left-brained approach—logic trying to fix an emotional wound. No amount of analysis could resolve what was buried deep in his unconscious. It was through mindfulness and meditation that he finally saw the truth—his easygoing, people-pleasing persona wasn’t who he really was; it was a mask, one he had worn for so long that even he had mistaken it for his true self. That’s when he discovered the 7 Words approach, a method that led him to uncover the unconscious story running his life. For the first time, he wasn’t just treating symptoms—he was rewriting the script that had been controlling him all along.



 ITunesSpotify Soundcloud
  AmazonYouTube Music   iHEART
Podvine Podcasher  Podcast Addict
Mixcloud  Radio Public.   FM Player
 Odysee Youtube  Opodium
DOENJOYTHE WISDOM

Jerry Giordano is an award-winning advertising and branding copywriter as well as a creative director who has lived and worked in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, and Dallas. He has worked for some of the largest advertising agencies in the world, including Ogilvy and J. Walter Thompson. He was also the in-house Creative Director for the National Football League (NFL) and has helped propel an impressive array of powerhouse brands including Duracell, Kraft Foods, American Express, Maxwell House Coffee, Philip Morris Corporate, Fox Studios, Food & Wine Magazine, International Paper, the United Way, Hardees, the British Tourism Authority, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and countless others.

Being a polymath with an unquenchable curiosity has led Jerry to become a keen observer of the human psyche and the ensuing behaviors. Typically, his work starts with the notion that “he knows nothing,” which allows him to consider everything—sifting through content to find the gem. Jerry is a collector, inspector, and connector of dots, which he credits to much of his success as an advertising creative and the author of Your 7 Words to a Happier You. Jerry was a co-producer of one of the world’s first TEDx events, has penned four screenplays—including a top 10 finalist at the SLAMDANCE film festival—studied sketch comedy professionally at Second City in Chicago, and has performed sketch comedy in NYC and regularly on the main stage at the Comic Strip in LA. 

He collects quotes and old cameras, photographs manhole covers (street art) from around the world, and is obsessed with the JFK assassination (which he will gladly discuss ad nauseam over a scotch or coffee). Jerry also meditates regularly. Though originally from New Jersey, he now lives in the moment.

“As a psychotherapist, introducing a number of clients to their 7 Words has been an effective tool for uncovering their unconscious stories and circumventing their sabotaging lifelong patterns. The discovery of my own words was the breakthrough I was unknowingly in search of for decades! Jerry’s writing exudes an uncommon vulnerability, clarity and authenticity, and this book takes self-help/self-discovery to a transcendent level.”— Melissa D. Borski, MRC, CFRC, LPC



www.your7words.com

 https://www.jerrygiordano.com

https://www.facebook.com/jerrygiordano

https://www.instagram.com/jerrygiordano


FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

Discover the sites we share on linktr.ee/saratroy

BE OUR GUEST AND SHARE THE WISDOM

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.


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


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.



 ITunesSpotify Soundcloud
  Amazon Google play,   iHEART
Podvine Podcasher  Podcast Addict
Mixcloud  Radio Public.   FM Player
 Odysee Youtube  Opodium
DOENJOYTHE WISDOM


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.


FIND ON AMAZON

AND HERE

https://utamatzi.com

https://Pamelalblake.com

https://www.facebook.com/DavidTIsaak

https://www.facebook.com/drplblake

https://www.facebook.com/UtamatziInc

https://www.instagram.com/drplblake

https://www.instagram.com/utamatziinc


FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

Discover the sites we share on linktr.ee/saratroy

BE OUR GUEST AND SHARE THE WISDOM

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.


25-11. What is Home?


Saras View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from March 25th

What Does Home Mean to You?

Home is more than just four walls and a roof—it is a feeling, a sanctuary, a place where we hope to find security, warmth, safety, and love. But home is not just about a physical space; it is about the energy within it, the sense of belonging, and the peace it brings.

For me, home is my refuge, my sacred space where I can be fully myself without fear, expectation, or the weight of others’ demands. It is a place of deep exhalation where I can simply be, where I don’t have to shape myself to fit someone else’s mold. At last, I have a place of peace, where I move at my own rhythm, free to express, free to exist, without the need to apologize for who I am or what I choose to do.

It wasn’t always this way. In the 1970s, I lived alone for a time, but most of my life, I shared my home with others. And while companionship can bring joy, I often found myself adjusting, accommodating, worrying—wondering if I was doing enough, if I was upsetting someone, if my presence was a burden rather than a comfort. But in all that people-pleasing, I rarely found true peace of mind.

Now, I understand that home is not just about the people within it—it is about how we feel within ourselves in that space. A true home should nurture, not confine. It should embrace us, not demand from us. It should be a reflection of our inner sanctuary, where we can breathe freely, knowing that we are enough just as we are.

So many of us share our homes with others—parents, siblings, extended family, lovers, friends—but within those walls, are we truly allowed to be ourselves? Do we feel safe, not just physically, but emotionally? Does the space we call home offer us the freedom to express, to breathe, to exist without judgment?

For some, home is a place of warmth and unconditional acceptance, a foundation of love where they are seen and valued for who they truly are. But for others, home can feel like a cage, a space filled with unspoken expectations, demands, and the weight of needing to conform. We adjust, we compromise, we tread carefully, hoping not to disrupt the balance. In doing so, we sometimes lose ourselves, prioritizing the comfort of others over our own sense of peace.

But isn’t home meant to be our sanctuary? A place where we can exist as we are, without fear of rejection or reprimand? Too often, we measure our worth within a shared space by how well we fit in rather than by how free we feel within it.

True home, whether shared or solitary, should be a place of belonging—a space where we can lay down our masks, exhale deeply, and know that we are safe, accepted, and whole.

So many homes are being torn apart—by war, displacement, fires, floods, and the pain of separation. The physical structures we once relied on for shelter and familiarity can be taken from us in an instant. When home is no longer a place we can return to, where do we go? How do we find that sense of safety, of belonging, when everything around us has been uprooted?

The answer lies in something deeper than bricks and mortar. Home must become something we carry within us.

A true home is not just a physical space; it is a feeling, a presence, an inner sanctuary that remains, even when the external world shifts beyond our control. It is in the way we hold ourselves, in the small rituals that ground us, in the memories and love we carry forward. It is in the moments of stillness, where we remind ourselves that no matter where we are, we are not lost—we are simply in transition.

Finding home within ourselves starts with reclaiming our inner peace.

  • Breath: A deep inhale, a slow exhale. A reminder that, despite the chaos, you are still here.
  • Gratitude: Not for what has been lost but for what remains—the kindness of a stranger, the embrace of a loved one, the resilience within you.
  • NOT LACKAtude: When we step into lack, everything feels less around us. Let go of what you think you need and embrace what you have.
  • Connection: Home is often found in people rather than places. It is in the relationships we nurture, the warmth of shared laughter, and the support that reminds us we are not alone.
  • Purpose: Even in loss, we can find meaning. How can we rebuild not just our external home but our sense of belonging? How can we create safety within ourselves so that no matter where life takes us, we remain anchored in who we are?

To find home within is to trust that even when the walls crumble, the foundation of your spirit remains unshaken. It is knowing that while life may scatter us, home is never truly lost—it transforms, it adapts, and it waits for us in the places we least expect.

So ask yourself: If home is not a place, but a feeling, where do you find yours?



 ITunesSpotify Soundcloud
  AmazonYouTube Music   iHEART
Podvine Podcasher  Podcast Addict
Mixcloud  Radio Public.   FM Player
 Odysee Youtube  Opodium
DOENJOYTHE WISDOM


FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

Discover the sites we share on linktr.ee/saratroy

BE OUR GUEST AND SHARE THE WISDOM

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.


SHL25-10. Claudine McDaniel’s Beyond Conquerors Ministry


Sisterhood of Common Sense Love with Sara Troy and her guest Claudine McDaniel, on air from March 11th

The mission of Beyond Conquerors Ministry (also known as Beyond Conquerors, Inc.) is to bring love and hope to individuals who have been knocked down by life’s difficulties by motivating them to get back up again and chase after their dreams.

Beyond Conquerors Ministry aims to reach and help as many women as we can by volunteering at women’s shelters in the United States. We host conferences and events to encourage those who have been knocked down by life’s difficulties. We specifically focus on women who are domestic violence survivors or facing challenges in life (emotional, financial, and/or medical) as a result of escaping domestic violence, abuse, stalking, human trafficking, divorce, homelessness, medical issues, and/or severe financial distress. In many cases, those whom we will provide assistance to may be facing more than one life challenge. Our books, messages, articles, teachings, and other services will inspire and give hope to anyone who finds themselves feeling hopeless, lonely, or afraid. Our resources will also provide encouragement so that they will get up from their low places and chase after their dreams.

We also help women in need in Africa to obtain job skills and employment, helping to fight poverty, prostitution and abuse. We work in under served areas by helping those who have the desire to work, but do not have the opportunity to do so.



 ITunesSpotify + Video Soundcloud
  AmazonYouTube Music   iHEART
Podvine Podcasher  Podcast Addict
Mixcloud  Radio Public.   FM Player
 Odysee Youtube  Opodium
DOENJOYTHE WISDOM

Born in Togo and immigrating to the United States, Claudine McDaniel has made an extraordinary impact through her commitment to empowering women and serving her community. In February 2020, she founded Beyond Conquerors, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing education, training, and employment opportunities for women.
In 2024, Claudine secured a grant from Montgomery County to certify and support 45 women with training and employment. That same year, she launched The Life Wow Program, a transformative initiative helping women restore confidence, discover talents, and build brighter futures. Claudine is a sought-after speaker, regularly sharing her inspiring message at churches, nursing homes, shelters, and community centers, motivating individuals to overcome challenges and embrace hope.
She is also the author of More Than Conquerors:  From Struggles to Forgiveness, From Forgiveness to Blessings (2017), sharing her personal journey of resilience and growth.  Beyond Conquerors has fed the hungry every Friday for the past three years and hosted a 2022 women’s conference to empower attendees to overcome obstacles and reach their potential.  
Before founding Beyond Conquerors, Claudine worked for Empiracal CPA, a federal contracting company, where she gained valuable leadership experience. Her unwavering commitment continues to inspire women to achieve lasting personal and professional success.


https://beyondconquerors.org

linkedin.com/in/claudineamcdaniel

facebook.com/BeyondConquerorsMinistry

instagram.com/beyondconquerorsministry

youtube.com/@beyondconquerorsministry2214

https://beyondconquerors.org/payment-channel


FIND MORE SHOWS OF ILLUMINATION HERE

Discover the sites we share on linktr.ee/saratroy

BE OUR GUEST AND SHARE THE WISDOM

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.