Sometimes we accidentally come across something that changes our lives. You've heard me talk about the local creative hub I attend monthly and how sweet it is. Not long ago my friend Laraine brought in a sample of neurographic art. I thought to myself, "that is strange looking. And ugly." I'm more of a botanical zen doodler kind of gal. Then I saw something online that intrigued me–a free webinar that taught something called "neurographic art" and the science behind it. They talked about rewiring your brain with these strange looking drawings. I was intrigued so I took the free class. I've been a psychotherapist for 35 years and this technique helped me access beliefs that I was aware of but didn't understand that they were still driving the bus. At this point, My friends are probably tired of hearing me talk about it. I ordered an electric pencil sharpener because my colored pencils are getting dull.

Ann Ferguson talks about this fun and cutting edge technique to address the beliefs that are causing problems in our lives. She is one of only a handful of Certified Neurographica Specialists in the United States. Find out more about neurographics here: Mindfulline.com.

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Do you know what an ocularist is? Neither did I until I went to a talk by today's guest, author Dan Roche. I never would have known about Dan or his book about glass eyes unless I was friends with the illustrator of his new book: "Eyes By Hand". And it is fascinating.

In this episode, we learn about the obscure world of glass eye making and talk about the psychological and emotional healing that such service brings to someone who has suffered the very visible trauma of eye loss. Check out his fascinating book here: EyesByHand.com.

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When Eleanor Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip met more than 25 years ago, after becoming empty nesters and then widows, it was best friends at first sight. They never could've imagined that their relationship would propel them, in their eighties, through an around the globe adventure, or that they would go viral online and inspire people young and old across cultures. They have been known on social media as "the traveling nanas". Their new book, "HERE WE GO" expands on the joyous message of hope that launched them into the spotlight. Find out more about this zesty friendship: https://aroundtheworldat80.com

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Amanda Conta Steencken is a classically trained musician and neuroanatomist originally from Argentina who has a fascinating story about her journey into health and wellness education. Amanda was training in classical piano when she began having problems with her hands. Her health problems became too severe for her to continue in her music training. Taking a big career turn, she focused on spinal cord injury and stem cells before she found her calling in teaching. Frustrated by the western medicine philosophy of looking at the body as sick, she discovered the power of Traditional Naturopathy. Now she promotes simple ways to help our bodies heal themselves. Find out more about Amanda and the world of naturopathy: horaioswellness.com

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Psychotherapist and author Julie Ohana combines two of my loves–psychotherapy and cooking. In fact I just pulled 2 sourdough boules out of the oven. Who bakes in summer? I do!

Cooking has been a passion of Julie's since childhood. It started while baking family recipes with her grandmother, working as a prep cook while in high school and as the kitchen manager at her summer camp. As she developed a passion for cooking, Julie discovered a second love-helping people through therapy. She's talked about her treatment approach in all of the major news outlets, including the "New York Times'. And she has a brand new book out "Cooking Your Way to a Calm Mind" a guide to cook your way to less anxiety, more confidence, and a happier life-whether you are comfortable in the kitchen or a nervous newbie-from a licensed social worker and expert in culinary therapy. Find out more at https://www.culinaryarttherapy.com/

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Who else is confused about the use of cannabis, or pot, as we used to call it? And what's with all of the dispensaries opening up? Does cannabis have a place in a healthy lifestyle? Today we're going to speak with Dr. Dana Lillestol, a retired nurse practitioner whose passion is educating the modern elder on using cannabis to help with age related health concerns. Find out more at Lifeischill.com.

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Part executive director, part death doula, Karisha Solomon has been helping people live—and die—with purpose. With over two decades of experience, Karisha's journey has taken her from candy-striper to nursing aide, caregiver coordinator, nursing home administrator-in-training, adjunct professor, nonprofit executive director—and now, certified death doula, gerontologist/ entrepreneur.

Karisha is on a mission to take the fear out of dying so people can live more fully now. She blends spirituality and strategy into everything she offers. Our conversation is in conjunction with the screening of "Caregiving", the documentary created with executive producer Bradley Cooper highlighting the challenges and triumphs of caregiving in America. Find out more about Karisha at KarishaSolomon.com.

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I had the honor of speaking with Mary Homer of Oneida Nation's Wolf Clan in Upstate NY. Mary spent 10 years dreaming of designing clothes. She wants her clothes to express "class, not trash." She loves working with velvet, although it's a difficult fabric

As a fourth-generation bead worker, she began showcasing her beadingwolves brand at local Native craft shows, selling earrings, necklaces, bows and more. Soon the small business shifted into a fashion brand, Homer Couture. Today, she's the first and only Indigenous fashion designer to show collections during Syracuse Fashion Week. She's also involved in the advocacy group Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and dedicates one of her creations to the group each show.

Mary will debut her next line at New York Fashion Week this fall and will be the first indigenous person to do so. Her dream is to design for the met gala. Follow Mary at: BeadingWolves.com.

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com