Help Me 2 Understand is a podcast where women give their voices to issues of social justice, political activism, giving back and more. I'm your host, Felicia Garland, and I want this to be a place where honest conversations can happen. We live in an age of political and social divisions, global warming, economic inequality, racial tension, and a breakdown in many of our social structures. And that was just this morning’s news. It's overwhelming and confusing. I know I want to make a difference in the world, even if it’s only a tiny one—but I also feel, and I think you might too, that we all could use a bit more knowledge and understanding if we are to be the change that we seek. It’s my mission with this podcast to provide some of that knowledge as you seek to understand. So, welcome to this journey of discovery. I’m so glad you’re here!
I bet most men and women seek to live a healthier life; have a sharper and clearer mind; feel younger; and look their best. Lorraine Maita, MD is an expert and sought-after speaker on anti-aging and how to balance harmones to live a more vibrant life. She is the founder of Vibrance For Life and How to Live Younger, her functional medicine and anti-aging programs. Take a listen to my conversation with Dr. Maita in which we discuss: Harmonal Harmonization---What it is and how Dr. Maita uses it with her patients, Optimizing gut health, What anyone can do to find the root causes of their underlying health issues and take a holistic approach to achieve a sustainable path to greater wellness, Many of the underlying physical and psychological aspects of weight gain, Endocrine disrupting chemicals and how they are all around us, The value of elimination diets and how to start, …and so much more. “It is my mission to help my patients improve their health, and look and feel younger,” says Dr. Maita. “When you have the knowledge and understanding about how your body works, anyone can improve their health and slow the aging process,” she continues. “While aging and life changes are inevitable, suffering is optional!” You can learn more about Dr. Maita, functional medicine, and anti-aging strategies available to everyone, at www.vibranceforlife.com and www.howtoliveyounger.com. Contact her at info@HowToLiveYounger.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/15/23 • 38:18
The horrors of human trafficking are in the news and the subject of recent movies and shows that dramatize this subject. The reality and portrayals of human trafficking are sickening but rarely capture the scope of activities that are considered human trafficking and the frequency of its occurrence. It turns out, human trafficking is all around us. Fr. Terry Moran is an expert and sought-after speaker on the topic. He is also the Director, Office of Peace, Justice and Ecological Integrity of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth. Listen to my conversation with Fr. Terry as we discuss: The broad range of activities that are included in the definition of human trafficking. The scope of human trafficking around the world, and especially in the Unitied States. It is so much greater than you know. The most common types of human trafficking and the common characteristics of its victims. The “Demand” component to human trafficking and how we can combat it. With human trafficking all around us, what the average person do to recognize it and help its victims, Fr. Terry’s work combating human trafficking in all its manifestations. …and so much more. “Human trafficking is becoming one of the most lucrative forms of international trade,” says Fr. Terry. “Some people estimate that it makes more money than drug trafficking, and ironically the penalties for human trafficking in some states are less than those for drug trafficking.” “ We need to educate young people,” Fr Moran continues. “I give a lot of talks to high school students.” “I asked the young people, particularly young women, whether they’ve been in a mall whensomeone comes up to them and says ‘You’re very pretty; have you ever consider a career as a model’?” “A very large number of the girls I speak with,” Fr Moran says,” have had this experience.” “That’s just one typical ploy of the human trafficker,” he warns. You can learn more about Fr. Terry, the Sisters of Charity, or their work to combat human trafficking and aid its victims at www.scnj.org Or contact Fr. Terry at tmoran@scnj.org To get involved in the fight, engage with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and The Blue Campaign. Visit http://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/15/23 • 41:29
While my conversation with Bill Broadbent, entomophagy expert and entrepreneur in the fast-growing edible insect industry, is a diversion from my typical interview, trust me, there’s a connection to making the world a better place here. Yup, edible insects. Bill’s mission is to make edible insects part of the daily American diet. So, I asked him to help us understand why edible insects are finally becoming a serious food source in North America. Remember, people used to laugh at air flight, moon landings, and electric cars. I’ll leave it to you, dear listener, to decide whether Bill is out there or a true pioneer. After you hear from Bill, you may end up more receptive to the idea of a snack of fried beetles, or crushed ants as a crunchy alternative to chopped nuts on your ice cream sundae. How and why more people should eat insects fascinates me. I hope we’ll pique your interest too--if not your appetite. Bon appetit! Listen to my conversation with Bill as we discuss: Why Americans are just now talking about edible insects, when cultures around the world have been eating bugs for thousands of years The health benefits of eating insects How raising insects for food can have such positive environmental benefits Who raises insects for human consumption and how How do the insects cultivated for food differ (or not) from the crickets and beetles found in your own backyard How to raise your own edible bugs at home and why you just might want to Tasty ways to add edible insects to your diet--you don’t need to eat the wings and legs! Which species of bug are the most “tasty,” and which are more desirable to chefs and creative cooks The historical reasons why Americans have not embraced insects as food And why entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this new business opportunity …and so much more. “Insects are an ancient food source for billions of people around the world,” Bill says, “yet, they are virtually non-existent in North America.” “Edible insects are a healthy and environmentally sustainable source of protein,” Bill continues. “This is not some conspiracy to save meat for the wealthy.” (Yes, some people believe that.) According to Bill, “Logic, our health and the environment all point to adding insects to our diet.” You can learn more about Bill and tasty bugs at EdibleInsects.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/30/22 • 40:37
In America, every 8 seconds someone turns 65. Many of those seniors will find themselves alone at some point in their later years. Carol Marak’s journey to help her fellow baby boomers manage aging alone as “Solo Agers” began while she was assisting her parents through their own aging process. Her parents were fortunate, Carol muses, to have her, their daughter, there to guide them through the myriad of issues - finance, housing, companionship and long-term medical care - that arise as we grow older. Helping her parents turned out to be her wake up call. “Heck, I’m unmarried with no children; who will be there to take care of me?” she asked. “That’s when I got on the stick,” she added, “and began planning for my own life as a solo ager.” Listen to our conversation as we discuss: Carol’s definition of Solo Ager--it isn’t just the unmarried or childless The significant limitations of typical retirement planning that focus only on finance, legal matters and estate planning The toughest question solo agers must address The Top Ten areas of concern to solo agers according to Carol How to overcome inertia and begin your own plan for the future Carol’s 5 Steps to successful living solo Why she started the Elder Orphan Facebook Group and how you can join her community of over 9,700 members who are aging alone …and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/16/22 • 44:45
According to LCSW Loren Gelberg-Goff, while stress is a given in any caregiver’s life, suffering is optional! In this second of my two-part series on caregiving and aging, Loren and I discuss her book, Take Back Your Life: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finding Freedom in the Midst of Overwhelm. We also explore in some detail how caregivers frequently take on an assumption that their loved one must ALWAYS be viewed as the priority, at all times and in all situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/2/22 • 47:41
According to Loren Gelberg-Goff, LCSW, ask any caregiver how they’re doing, and they’ll tell you they are “fine.” But, if you take a moment, she suggests, and really ask them how they’re feeling, you’ll discover they may be stressed, full of guilt, anger or resentment---altogether not fine. Somewhere caregivers learn to put their own needs on hold. Caregivers take on an assumption that their loved one must ALWAYS be viewed as the priority, at all times and in all situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1/19/22 • 49:26
For author Tanya Detrik it was a sudden heart attack on New Year’s Eve 2018 that took the life of Wade, her partner, lover and soulmate of 26 years. With Wade’s passing everything in her life changed. Intense emotions following the death of a spouse or partner are not surprising, still she was struck by the kaleidoscope of feelings and emotions she experienced. As a gifted author and blogger, she turned to what she knows best—writing, and began capturing her observations of loss, hurt and anger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10/20/21 • 28:50
Have you ever wished for a better relationship with your “difficult” mom? If you’re a daughter, like me, it’s quite likely that you’ve experienced (or maybe continue to experience) some “tension” - such a polite word - with your mom. You may never work it all with your mom, but you can heal yourself. (And, for the record, it goes both ways. Mothers can be looking to improve their relationships with their difficult daughters.) Today's guest Karen C. L. Anderson helps us navigate through Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7/28/21 • 43:17
In 2009, Martha E. Rhodes sought what she thought would be the easy way out---36 Xanax and three shots of vodka later---she attempted to take her own life. “Suicide was the easiest decision I even made,” she told me in our candid conversation about suicide, depression and her struggle to find an alternative to the six doctor-prescribed antidepressants that failed to relieve the symptoms or her treatment-resistant depression. Today's conversation is about her journey and the help she wants others to acc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5/26/21 • 45:38
What’s love got to do with it, you ask. According to my latest guest, Arlene Washburn, a heck of a lot. But, it’s not the kind of love you might think. It’s not the love you find with another; it’s the love you have for yourself. As Arlene describes in our conversation, when you fall in love with yourself first, it will be easier to find the romantic love you seek. Arlene was a highly-sought out executive matchmaker when she realized that many of her clients lacked the first element for findi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4/29/21 • 26:53
The Talking with God Project is a research project into lived religion among followers of the Abrahamic religions––Judaism, Christianity and Islam. With so much distrust of the “other” wouldn’t it be beneficial for us to better understand the nature of the similarities and differences amongst peoples--especially religious and cultural differences. My most recent guest, Méli Solomon, is an inter-religious leader who seeks to understand the range of practices amongst people walking diverse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4/14/21 • 40:17
Why do so many women cringe at the sight of a camera? It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s for a snapshot at the beach, a family photo or the business headshot. Very few women seem to love how they look in pictures. Why is that? Could your fear of being photographed represent something deeper than just a dislike of your full face, double chin or not so itty-bitty tummy? And could the consequences of that fear be more significant than just wanting to stand behind your cousins in the family photos? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/31/21 • 37:55
Through the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom’s growing number of chapters worldwide, Jewish and Muslim women are meeting together to build strong relationships based on mutual trust and respect with the goal of ending anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiment. The idea is so simple, yet so profound: better relationships among individuals lead to better inter-group attitudes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/17/21 • 37:49
Do you want to make a positive impact in the world? You’ve discovered a need and know exactly whom you want to help. How do you make that happen? Do you work with an existing organization OR do you establish an organization that feeds your passion? Where can you go for the resources and strategies to get clear on your goals and stay focused on your mission to help those you aim to serve? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/3/21 • 36:43
Are you a progressive-minded woman from North Carolina considering a run for public office-- from town council to the United States Senate or anywhere in between? Or, do you know someone whom you believe would make a good political leader? If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, then let me introduce you to Lillian’s List, a not-for-profit dedicated to electing pro-choice, progressive women to public office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/17/21 • 25:15
When you think about it, it should come as no surprise that the prevalence and severity of domestic violence cases in New Jersey have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Has the pandemic made the daily tasks of living, working and raising children, among other things, easier for anyone? Guest Trish Perlmutter shares how the rise of domestic violence is impacting women in New Jersey. Understanding root causes is step one, and identifying the best way to support victims is key to helping families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1/27/21 • 36:31
Honestly, after conducting more than 40 interviews over the past two years for this podcast and another, this interview was one of the most challenging for me. In this conversation I speak with Mr. Dayne Bachmann, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Twin Peaks Counseling located in West Hartford, CT. Dayne’s is the first episode exploring the issues and challenges faced by those in the LGBTQ community. I plan to do others. For me, the challenge began with something as simple as language. In the introduction, I referred to Dayne as a transgendED man. A few minutes into our conversation, he gently corrected me. “The proper term,” he said, “is transgendER man.” And so it began. Isn’t this what it”s all about---to begin to understand the world from the point of view of another? Continuing the interview, Dayne clarified additional terms, including, “gender identity,” “gender reassignment,” “non-binary,” etc. In the heart of this episode, Dayne shared his personal journey to find his own gender identity and the disconnect he experienced growing up feeling as a boy/man trapped in the body of a girl/woman. These are concepts that can be difficult for straight people to understand, and you’ll hear some of that in this conversation. We also chat about: What it means to be transgender---the differnce between one’s genetic profile and the sense of who they are truly meant to be. Transitioning----what does it mean? Is it only one thing? Gender reassignment. Confronting negative stereotypes. How, as a licensed clinical social worker, Dayne helps others discover their own gender identities, and counsels individuals and families through the process. “An Island No Longer”, Dayne’s book describing his personal journey. He hopes it will give hope to those who are struggling with the same issues and challenges he confronted. And so much more… According to Dayne, “It is possible one day to feel more male (or female) at any given point in time.” “Your gender identity is on a continuum,” he adds.” “It doesn’t have to be black or white.” “There are people who stay in the closet forever because of fear, lack of support or lack of knowledge,” says Dayne. “I hope through my work with the transgender and LGBTQ communities, and especially through my book, I am able to alleviate some of that fear, provide support and understanding and guide others on their journey to live the life they were meant to live. “ Find out more about Dayne, his upcoming book, “An Island No Longer” and Twin Peaks Counseling at www.twinpeakscounseling.com. Or reach out to him at dbachmann@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12/30/20 • 26:38
CASA understands that it is vital for every child to have a voice--and that every child is an individual with unique needs,” says Lisa.” “CASAs are trained and supported to be that voice for vulnerable children,” she continues. “Although public funds for this work are limited, with the generous support of private individuals and organizations, we will continue to provide the resources, programs and mentoring needed to enable the success of the children and youth we serve.” Hear how you can he Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12/16/20 • 44:24
“Sexting, cyberbullying and other forms of digital harassment are a parent’s worst nightmare,” says Farber. “Beyond teaching teens and young adults about the risks of sexting and cyberbullying, parents and educators need to learn to recognize the signs their children might be involved in these activities,” she continues. “We owe it to our children.” Find out more about Felicia Farber, the perils of teen sexting and her book Ice Queen in this very important episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12/16/20 • 39:18
Many of us look forward to the annual Girl Scout cookie sale. For many of us, the cookie sale is what Girl Scouts are about. In this episode Betty Garger, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern NJ will crumble that notion in a hurry! Girl Scouts are so much more than cookie sales. Entrepreneurship is just one way they develop young women of courage, character and confidence. In addition to entrepreneurship, they focuse on life skills, leadership, outdoors and, importantly for girls, STEM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12/4/20 • 42:58
