Make Light

Artist and storyteller Lucrecer Braxton joins Karen to talk about why it’s important to control your own narrative, how to discover your own medium for storytelling, and how that career as a radio DJ worked out for her.. Links mentioned in this episode: * Lu’s official website * Where you can by Lu’s gorgeous art * Lucrecer’s very funny Hello, Friend podcast

CEO, cultural changemaker and body-image activist Jess Weiner joins Karen to talk about how to cultivate confidence, why we’re each the CEO of our media empires, and the reason it’s a good thing she never got that talk show. Links mentioned in this episode: * Jess’ official website (where you can sign up for her newsletter) * The Talk to Jess Podcast

Designer and artist Laurie Smithwick joins Karen to talk about how she curated her designer life, what she learned when she stepped away from her screen, and how she earned a Grammy nomination for her work. Links mentioned in this episode: * Laurie’s website * Step away from the screen and make something * The sticker wall Laurie designed for ALT Summit * Laurie’s staircase house rules * And finally, Make Club!

Consultant and Environmentalist Susan Mann joins Karen to talk about what courage is all about, why caring for the environment is such a passion of hers, and what it’s like to follow your dreams to some of the harshest climates on the planet. Links mentioned in this episode: * Susan Mann’s LinkedIn profile And some links to organizations that Susan is particularly passionate about, related to the environment:  * The Climate Reality Project  * Audubon tips for friendly yards * Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris * Earthwatch Expeditions Volunteer Vacations  * Heritage Expeditions

Community builder Ana Flores, the creative mind behind We All Grow Latina, joins Karen to talk about growing up bicultural, the importance of knowing your roots, and why stalking the boy band Menudo was one of the best decisions she ever made. Links mentioned in this episode: * We All Grow Latina * Miastral.com — one of Ana’s favorite astrology sites. * Una Luna, Dos Lunas – another favorite astrology resource. * Insight Timer — Ana’s favourite meditation app.

Hurricane Harvey roared into Texas, and its resulting flooding destroyed Karen’s home.  Listen to hear the lessons she’s learned — and is still learning — from the experience. Links mentioned in this episode: * Karen’s thoughts on the importance of a gratitude practice And some links for where to help, as curated by the Texas Conference for Women: * The Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, has started the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. Tax-deductible donations accepted on their website. The fund will be housed at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. * The H-E-B grocery store chain has an in-store campaign for customer donations at their many locations. * The Central Texas Food Bank is in need of monetary donations and will be delivering food to the affected area. * The Austin Disaster Relief Network is taking a caravan to affected area and accepting donations of various items at their HQ, 1122 E. 51st Street, 78723. Check their website for items needed and accepted. * Diapers are greatly needed for families with babies, so please donate via The Texas Diaper Bank and Austin Diapers. * Blood Donations can be made at Carter BloodCare, South Texas Blood and Tissue Center and We Are Blood. * American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey relief makes it easy to donate—simply text ‘HARVEY’ or ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999. Your $10 donation will appear on your phone bill. * The Rockport Chamber of Commerce has links to many ways to support this devastated coastal community. * Houston Texans player JJ Watt set up this drive for Houston Flood Relief. * To help our furry friends, visit SPCA of Texas’s specific hurricane relief page, San Antonio Humane Society, and Austin Pets Alive. Many shelters are also in need of towels and food donations.

Artist and activist Kesha Bruce, whose powerful work is featured at the Smithsonian, joins Karen to talk about how to curate an intentional life, the importance of art telling your story, and the best way to keep rats from touching your skin. Links mentioned in this episode: * Kesha Bruce’s website * Kesha’s (Re)Calling and (Re)Telling series, part of the permanent collection of the National Museum of African American Culture at the Smithsonian

Cindy Whitehead is an entrepreneur and women’s health advocate who will blow your mind with her brilliance and business savvy. Join Karen and Cindy for a talk about entrepreneurship, courage, pink clothing, and — it was inevitable — sex. Welcome back to Make Light, friends! Links mentioned in this episode: * Cindy’s company, The Pink Ceiling * ADDYI, the prescription medication that helps women reconnect with sexual desire (the company Cindy sold for $1B) * Undercover Colors — wearable nail technology * Lia Diagnostics — flushable pregnancy tests

Tech pioneer and entrepreneur extraordinaire Lisa Stone, cofounder of BlogHer, joins Karen for a talk about pivoting, how she powered through some of the most stressful times of her life, and which she thinks is better — Harvard or Oxford. Links mentioned in this episode: * Lisa Stone on LinkedIn * Work, Pause, Thrive:  How to Pause for Parenthood Without Killing Your Career * A Selfish Plan to Change the World:  Finding Big Purpose in Big Problems  

Welcome back to Make Light, friends!  Today’s wonderful guest is author and accidental artist Mira Jacob, one of the most creative people I know.  Join us as we talk about how she tends to her own creative spirit, what she calls the “topography of her life,” and why she’s forced to choose Michael Jackson over Queen. Links mentioned in this episode: * Mira Jacob’s site * Mira’s book, The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing * Mira’s Instagram feed, Good Talk, Thanks  

Hi, everyone, and welcome to Make Light!  I’m thrilled to have you join me — especially since my very first guest is author, activist and persistent optimist Asha Dornfest, one of the most gentle-yet-determined people I know.  Join us as we talk about #fiercelove, why anger is a great motivator, and why she won’t be chasing people with  bubbles anytime soon. Links mentioned in this episode: * Asha Dornfest’s site * Asha’s book, ParentHacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids * Asha’s podcast, The Edit Your Life Show