The ToddCast Show

Shanti Hershenson joins us from San Diego, California on today's episode to share her inspiring perspectives as a 14 year old author of 18 books, 11 successfully published. In just 2 years she dedicated her time, imagination and energy to producing not only a pathway to her future, but a series of valuable written resources for everyone to enjoy. As the youngest person to be featured on The ToddCast Show, Shanti shares an inspiring sense of certainty and wisdom in her creative abilities that she recalls from a very early age. Raised by 2 parents, still together after 30+ years Shanti has a twin sister who also pursues a passion for artistic expression through jewelry making. From just the 6th grade, she sensed something was unique about her and that is when she knew her life would be different. That was when she began writing books in school, which would ultimately inspire and feed her passion for fiction and science fiction writing.A true digital native, this Gen Z author seems decades ahead of herself and finds her inspiration in real life situations and relationships. The inspiration of her parents and supportive nature of her family have been instrumental in fueling her ongoing success. She doesn't spend time playing video games, but instead focuses on creating inspiring and insightful stories in the fiction genre. She's also an advocate for anti-bullying and as a victim of bullying herself, she wrote a book addressing this issue that became her most popular book - to her surprise. She knew that helping people was what she came here to do and remains productive in doing so by writing 1000-2000 words every day and maintaining a balance between work, health and play time.We discuss various aspects of her writing and her focus to pursue her career in writing. As an author, she targets a young adult audience, but shares that her books are for every age group. Shanti shares how it works to become a self-published author and what others can do to pursue writing as well. She explains that each book each has their own special messages and through her creative imagination she cleverly weaves imagination and real life experience in a way that has to be read to truly appreciate. For others wanting to become writers, Shanti shares her belief that anyone can pursue writing, and nobody is too young or old to write or be published. She offers that clearing your mind and simply writing on a blank page is a great way to get started. Shanti's books reflect a part of herself hidden within the imaginary world of her stories. She plans to go on to college to further her education and pursuit of a career in writing. She is well on her way. For those interested in fiction writing and a unique perspective, Shanti's books deliver in a special way. She wraps up by reminding us that age does not define talent, but that effort and work does. She even built her own website, which in itself is pretty awesome. To understand her story is to be inspired by a well-mannered young person who demonstrates what hard work can deliver. And she does it in record time. This is a great story of success and a glimpse into the world of a young person taking a different path in life - and doing so at a remarkably young age.To learn more about Shanti and discover her writings, please visit: shantihershenson.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Juni Bucher joins us from Portland, Oregon. A breast cancer survivor herself, she reflects on her life vision, changes and family. Born in San Jose, California 45 year young Juni shares what life is like as a new resident in Portland, Oregon in 2022. She explains why she chose to leave California finally and pursue life in Oregon and how the path magically opened to deliver her to her destiny. As a child she always saw herself singing and acting in her future, which manifested quite differently in the form of health and nutrition practitioner.Through her diagnosis with breast cancer in 2019 and the soul searching, life changing lessons learned along her journey with cancer - she found blessings, hope, healing and a way to help others manage the many challenges of breast cancer. She shares how she evaluated her life, career, relationships and more to discover where changes were desired. Her experiences have led to her passion for helping women (and those close to them) with breast cancer awareness and strategies. She came to recognize the health, genetic, dietary, and hormonal aspects of breast cancer and how to work with them.Juni warns that various products contain harmful chemicals and should be avoided. Choosing organic is helpful. Todd shares his perspective of how cheese has changed in fast food and at the grocery store. We discuss how companies profit before providing the solutions promised - which perpetuates the cycle of despair surrounding the issue. Todd asks what it's really like to experience breast cancer and how people can be more empathic towards someone struggling with this disease. Juni explains that it feels like nothing until it becomes active and it's important to notice changes in breast tissue. She further explains options like chemotherapy and the pitfalls and opportunities of various modern treatment options.Juni helps us understand that this is an emotional ordeal for any woman dealing with it and requires finesse to be supportive. She reminds us that women tend to identify with themselves a certain way and when that gets disrupted or changed, it can and does cause deep rooted turmoil, self-image and self-esteem issues. She suggests offering to do helpful things rather than asking if you can help. Make things fun if you can, get out and show appreciation for the woman in your life struggling with breast cancer. Juni reminds that breast cancer is not necessarily a death sentence and desires to help women find the gift of a better life (as Juni did) in the experience of this often misunderstood disease.Juni offers coaching and nutrition assistance counseling on a 1:1 basis anywhere in the world. She connects with her clients via internet and enjoys helping women learn to deal with cancer and help prevent it's return.To learn more about Juni or connect, please visit: https://junibwell.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Kate joins us today from Melbourne, Australia. She shares her perspectives and memory of her life in Australia vs. life in the US. Her parents celebrated their 50th year anniversary and her grandparents reached their 70th wedding anniversary together. She is estranged from her older sister, but believes there is hope to restore their relationship together. She has learned a lot from strained family relations and believes in healthy boundaries and honest communication. Through questioning life itself, Amanda found even more questions on her journey of self-discovery. Her earliest memory of her spiritual self was in childhood while attending church. She recalls a peaceful and quiet existence in early life. In her teen years she began to experience trauma in various ways. She was subject to bullying, not feeling respected and being expected to live up to other people's expectations of her. This created turmoil for her and led to a lack of self-love and personal awareness.Fast forward to a vacation in the UK that resulted in her meeting her husband and creating 2 amazing children. All totally unexpected. After 11 years instead of 2, she relocated back to Australia with her husband and children this time. It was hoped that the change would help address issues in their marriage, but after a time they found it to be insurmountable. Kate developed chronic fatigue syndrome and began experiencing difficult life struggles. She suffered an abusive marriage and felt she did not measure up inside. She felt that all the problems were her fault and suffered immense depression.After seeking relief in many different health and spiritual modalities, Kate discovered kinesiology: the art of movement. Upon seeing a kinesiologist the very first time Kate recalls it changing her life completely. Suddenly she was on the path to re-discovering her healthy, vitality, wellness, and abundance and rebalancing her own energy system. Todd shares a story of his father removing a tumor with metaphysics and his gratefulness to God for his good health. We discuss the importance of being connected with others, despite our differences. Unresolved trauma is the cause of needing to be right. How we learn our identity carries with it unconscious baggage. We must address this and improve our self talk and love.Kate suggests the following to restore healthy communication: realize we harm ourselves when angry at someone, nothing is simply black or white, we must practice respect towards others, social media enables unhealthy relations, cannot use childhood tools to solve adult problems. She contends that societal issues are institutionalized and fixable. We must process negative emotions in a healthy way. She currently is a kinesiologist and energy worker who helps people find their perfect selves through her various methods. Her latest book "Divine Messy Human" is a guide to overcoming outside influences to become who we are in spirit individually and perfectly. Amanda reminds us that stress directly impacts our health and we must replace any non-nurturing self talk with loving, supportive information.To learn more about Amanda Kate, please visit: amandakate.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Branch Isole joins us from Hot Springs, Arkansas. 75 years young, he discusses living in rural Arkansas and the protection of human and animal life. Growing up in a military family exposed Branch to frequent international moves, new friends, and opportunities to try something new. He learned to adapt and conquer.After graduating college, corporate sales and marketing would become his focus for 15 years - which was financially rewarding but draining to his psyche. This led to his desire to do something different – writing stories and sharing life lessons through books he authored over the past 25 years. He reflects upon pursuing one challenge after the next and becoming a better person in the process. He was estranged from his father till his passing and discusses his forgiveness for his father. Branch talks about the lack of love and respect from his father, which led to learning to accept his father's mistakes. Forgiveness was the pinnacle point for him and the key.He was manic-depressive and learned how to manage it to his benefit through writing and self-reflection. He believes that professional mental health help is imperative to resolving issues that are bigger than ourselves. Life is about overcoming struggles as a better person and becoming mentally balanced.Balance is the stability between mind, body, soul, and spirit.Growth is the ability to replace old patterned behaviors with new responses.Branch tells of the importance of avoiding negativity in people. If it cannot be made positive, avoid it altogether. How to recognize a negative person. We talk about journaling to process emotions and how Branch's writing style helps people identify with the characters in his stories.We are all spirits, an electrical charge and bundle of energy through God (the Creator). When we are born, we are mind, body, soul, and spirit. Our soul is our inner consciousness. Each of us has a spiritual connection with God upon birth and we innately know right from wrong. We can identify loving and unloving behavior, which influences us throughout our lives. Branch shares how people settle for abusive relationships, rather than loving, healthy ones. Our spirit must reconnect with Spirit/God to maintain balance. Through the activation of spirit, we connect deeply with God through Christianity or other Faith. Seeing truth, we automatically spot lies and understand the moral and ethical aspects of truth.We must choose whether or not we interact with the world morally and ethically. Decisions must include the implications for others, not just you. Love God and love your neighbor as yourself are foundational elements in all systems of Faith. Branch discusses theological similarities between all spirituality and religious systems. Stress, struggle, and conflict are ways of the world.Branch writes about personal responsibility or its avoidance, the link between choice and consequence, and the power of truth. His books are written with valuable takeaways readers can apply right away to make lasting positive changes in their lives. God is the key to everything, but we must make the voluntary decision to honor Him. This is true in every belief system.Ordered Scriptures To Invite Jesus Christ Into Your LifeMatthew 7:7-8John 14:16,26John 16: 13Isiah 48: 17John 14: 6Romans 10: 9,10, 13, 17To learn more about Branch and discover his books, please visit: https://branchisole.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we are joined by Brandon Leibowitz from Venice Beach, California. He's a 38-year-old entrepreneur and founder of SEO Optimizers where he helps others learn and implement effective online marketing strategies. Brandon grew up in San Pedro, California skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding with his brother and parents who recently celebrated their 50-year anniversary together. He credits his success and positive outlook in life to his parents' influences.In high school, Brandon started a skateboard clothing company and later a skateboard-bearing company to marry his passion with profit. We discuss living in different areas of California over the years and in 2022 and how he went from a college graduate to a path of career success in 2007. Upon entering the world of online marketing Brandon noticed a need in the industry and quickly pursued it. Today, he leads a successful SEO/SEM company and gets people ranked higher online. His passion for helping others and creating marketing opportunities online keep him motivated to reach higher for himself and his clients.Todd and Brandon share stories of early social media and discuss why experts are needed in the online marketing arena. We talk about different website-building platforms like WordPress, Weebly, and Wix and how search engines rank them. We talk about old-school perspectives in advertising and Todd's experience starting a Coupon Tabloid franchise (print ads) back in the early 90s. Brandon reinforces why it's important in today's world to be ranked online.Finally, we learn that a business doesn't actually need a website to be ranked or optimized for success online. We discuss the difference between paid ads and online optimization of content in both short and long-term marketing strategies. Brandon shares some key differences between search engines and why Google is #1 in the industry. Even though online marketing is king, it is clear there is still a need for a paper phone book - but for how much longer?Brandon offers a free website analysis to learn what's working and not working, as well as develop a success plan to rank you higher online. If you want to learn how to beat your competition online, he has the answers you have been looking for. The bottom line - SEO takes time and is worth the investment in the long run.To learn more visit: seooptimizers.com/gift Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are joined by D. Neil Elliott from Vancouver, British Columbia. Neil is a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Hydroelectric Engineer, Project Manager and Author who brings to light important reminders of our spiritual existence and the wisdom of science to discover and enable our full potential and destiny. The youngest of 6 siblings, he grew up in a tumultuous family environment with his mother and father. After losing his late father at age 5, his mother remarried when he was 13. He shares memories of living on a working ranch in the 1960s without electricity or any modern conveniences. He always felt closest to his mother with who he shared a special bond with. Neil was inspired at an early age to goto college and developed his career as a Hydroelectric Engineer and Project Manager. He's a man of science and utilizes his knowledge of it to explore and tap into the potential of the human spirit.Neil shares the story of his hidden depression between 2002-2015 and how he hid it successfully from everyone, even his spouse. After spending a couple of years studying everything he could to improve his life, nothing seemed to be working. He made the terrifying decision to end his life through suicide. And so he planned to provide for his family and over the course of just a few months he wrote his suicide letter in 2017. At the point of certain despair he had an epiphany which led him to explore specific spiritual and scientific knowledge with the promise of freedom from his depression. He shares how he found his way back from being ready to commit suicide to being a beacon of unconditional love in the world.Through meditation, Neil explains how we can discover where we come from, where we are going, and what our purpose in life is. He believes that through suffering, we gain self-knowledge and we can choose to change our consciousness through reprogramming our sub-conscious mind. He elaborates on how the soul and mind control everything and that all things are merely energy - not matter. Through an inner cleansing and alignment we can discover and fulfill our purpose on earth...breaking the cycle of past life lessons. It is Neil's desire and purpose to help bring the world back into alignment with the Great Creator, God, etc. to bring about an era of peace and love on earth. He explains how this works and the purpose of the ego in spiritual dynamics."To practice unconditional love on earth" and "come back into alignment" are guiding principles in his spiritual practices. Neil shares that the law of cause and effect are real and reminds that we are the be the love, not seek it outside ourselves. All of this and more are explored. To help others find and life in unconditional love, as well as discover the true purpose of life Neil has written a book entitled "A Higher Road" and features a 7 step process for your life to become truly whole and complete. He believes this book will provide the shortest, quickest path to the top of the mountain of people's lives.To find his book and learn more about D. Neil Elliott please visit ahigherroad.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Green – Beit Shemesh, Israel Episode 012In today's episode David Green (musician, author, inventor) joins us and shares his story and insights deep into the human soul. Born in Canada, David found himself visiting Los Angeles from an early age and became immersed in the music industry at the young age of 16. His background in Jazz and R & B music led him to work with top producer Eugene Edgar Page Jr. and meet his Jazz idol at an Emmy Award after party. Upon meeting his idol, the apparent depression he displayed (at the top of his game) led David to discover he was on the wrong path for his purpose in life.Through the years, David spent time in Jerusalem and eventually felt most at home there. After the passing of his parents, he and his brother and 2 sisters stay connected. He recalls the instant transformation being in Israel had on his early life and musical expression, as well as being the “amplifier of the soul” in his view. While on vacation in New York he was introduced by a friend to a woman who would become his wife of 36 years. David reflects on how he knew she was “the one”. 8 kids and 16 grandchildren later, David shares how the differences in their relationship provide balance and complimentary factors in their relationship. He discusses how struggling couples can re-discover each other to improve their relationship.David discusses the importance of self-esteem in relationships and how to check our own. Furthermore, what can be done about it? He shares how the soul connects us to others and influences our interactions. We discuss the difference between self-love and narcissism in today's world. We explore the divine soul and animal soul, inherent in every human. David shares the “mystical secrets of personality”, as well as entering into the realm of the infinite and reducing our distraction from the soul. Finally, we discuss David's recent books “Book About You” and “Pictures of Your Soul”. We explore discovering one's true personality and purpose in life, and a few random topics. His passion is to help others learn their true selves, improve self-esteem, and more accurately target and achieve important life goals with the power of the human soul.To learn more visit realyouproject.com (Coupon Code: Todd = 30% Off). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Joe Templin from Albany, New York shares viewpoints and belief surrounding social pressure and the reduction of criminality by calling out bad behavior when we see it. He discusses how we become the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with and the very real importance of upgrading the people we hang out with in our life. We talk about the importance of healthy, loving relationships throughout life. Joe reveals details from his recent "COVID divorce" ending a 20-year marriage and what it's like to raise special needs children and learn from other special needs parents. We discuss Autism and Asperger's syndrome and how checklists are used to help avoid "a full-on meltdown". Joe talks about what it was like to be legally dead at age 10 and come back to life. We explore personal development and the notion that everyone has the power to become more successful in a world of "crab mentality" thinking in others who cannot understand the sacrifice of pursuing success. Joe shares how small steps lead to big achievements in life. He and Todd discuss their own ADHD condition and how it is helpful in pursuing deep human relationships. We further explore how introverts and extroverts sometimes clash and why. Finally, Joe and Todd talk about creating change in life through the lens of his book "Everyday Excellence - A Daily Guide For Life" and how "without action, we don't change and without change, we aren't fully learning and developing on a personal level. The episode wraps up with a general discussion about various topics and thoughts to improve our future. And above all, he always seeks to "make deposits in the cosmic bank account" through doing good to others...an everlasting lesson he learned from his mother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are joined by Edward in Bucharest, Romania. Having been born and living in New York City, he never saw any reason to leave. Until one day when life changing circumstances and a leap of faith would change his life forever. Through moving to Kiev, then Bucharest he discovered his passions and purpose in the world. Edward shares his experience living, and leaving the Ukraine just before the bombing started and visiting friends who have relocated to Poland and other nearby Countries. We discuss COVID and the differences between living with it in New York, Kiev, and Romania - as well as Edward having contracted COVID 4 times. His life is filled with adventure, interesting people and opportunities without limits...but the path was not always so easy.After overcoming crippling social anxiety, Edward has enjoyed the successes of creating viral videos, being featured on popular daytime TV shows, being the first person to create a pay to earn game, and creating the biggest cryptocurrency block chain in the world. Through daily meditation for more than 12 years, he shares insights on how he attained his successes, as well as challenges along the way. We discuss how to avoid distraction and work towards our goals. Finally, Edward created a revolutionary new thing called Commit Club and the 30 Day Challenge. The purpose of the program is to challenge people to set and attain goals in life - and earn or lose real money based on the results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we are joined by Jim Marshall in Phoenix, Arizona to discuss human development and behavior. Jim shares his journey to retirement and dedicating his life to helping others. As a human behavioral engineer over many years he learned to identify patterns of behavior and how to break them using Socratic dialogue and biofeedback in an engineering format. His work delivered amazing results which led to identifying a person's real feelings based on reactions to questions and dialogue about specific events. Through his techniques, Jim helps people identify and remove obstacles in their lives. His latest book "Septemics: Hierarchies of Human Phenomena (Analysis, Prediction & Management of Human Affairs)" is designed for the average person to self-identify and through introspection address and resolve issues. The book is a new "technology" intended for those who genuinely wish to improve their lives. And willing to do the steps and work needed to make a lasting difference in their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Liam shares with us his experience overcoming fear to live naturally, as God intended. He explains that we are not naturally designed to experience fear unless there is physical danger. And that unnecessary fear can bring about all sorts of undesirable things. It's natural to live without fear - and Liam proves it in various ways. But many of us continually live with fear of everything from money to what will happen tomorrow. Liam explains the difference between natural fear of something real that can harm our existence, and the types of fear that are erroneous in nature. We all have fears, but do we know the fears we create and choose to believe in ourselves have an off switch? They do! Liam simplifies the process of understanding fear and how to keep it in it's proper place. Also, Liam offers coaching and guidance programs for anyone who wants to dive deeper into this subject and change their own lives - to learn to live without fear and become who you are meant to be in this life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In another 1:1 with Todd, he shares his perspectives on the importance of healthy parenting. He shares memories and appreciation for the values taught by his mother and the spiritual guidance provided by his late father. Through these experiences, Todd reflects on various memories relevant to his parents and how they shaped his life. This episode is dedicated to the memory and teachings of Todd's late father, Franklin Delano Murat. May he rest in peace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Todd talks with Aaron about his life, struggles and optimism for the future. Aaron has a story to share about having it all, losing it, and getting back up to overcome the challenges before him. Aaron discusses his life in the Baja Racing scene, his interest and talent as a photographer, and the circumstances that led to him being incarcerated for having a bunch of Fentanyl in his vehicle that wasn't even his to begin with. During his time in jail, Aaron recounted the mistakes in his life and vows to walk tall in a new direction of success. His sharing is inspirational and revealing for anyone struggling with addiction, criminality, or other poor choices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, we are joined by Anita in Phoenix, Arizona. A 72 year old woman with a calling to be of service to others her entire life. She reflects on everything from being involved in the first New Times publications, the first St. Mary's Food Bank, working to help people in society through the Urban League and CETA, as well as the memories of coming to Arizona with her late father, a Southern Baptist Minister. They traveled across the country, feeling called by God to Phoenix, Arizona back in the 1960s.Anita has a fascinating and rich history of working with treating methadone patients, working with incarcerated and former offenders to rehabilitate and find jobs for, as well as serving as the director of Social Services in the Phoenix area where she helped endless people find and maintain employment.Throughout her life, Anita has enjoyed a career and lifestyle built around helping others in various ways. Whether it be a food box, her last dollar, or simply watching the neighbor's pets while they are away - she has always been and continues to be a person with love in her heart for others. Her sense of selflessness and living in the light of her Faith in Jesus, she strives to be sin free and maintain an attitude of gratitude and loving kindness towards others. Of the many changes in society in her lifetime, Anita feels the cell phone technology is a major example of the changes in society. She believes in walking a path of grace and mercy as Jesus would, to love and appreciate her neighbors, the less fortunate, and be kind to everyone. She urges young people to save their money! Don't buy guns on the street, and love your enemies and those who would do harm you. She often asks herself What Would Jesus Do? And then does her best to walk the walk according to her Faith and Biblical learnings. Finally, she shares that she feels younger inside than her 72 years of age would indicate. As we age, she reminds us we are still the same people inside - just older and a little more worn out. Her message is overwhelmingly positive and the perspectives and lessons shared in this podcast are a gem of wisdom and life experience anyone can glean from. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Todd Murat calls Aunz in Orlando, Florida and discusses various topics including: living in Baltimore, MD, navigating life changes and how he set his goals and made the move to Orlando to start his new life. He also shares stories of his late Grandmother and the wonderful influence she is in his life with music and life lessons. Aunz is a music artist and discusses recording, turning down a record deal, and how he goes about creating music. He discusses overcoming challenges, how to focus Spiritually to achieve success, why you can't have negative people in your life, and other life lessons learned in his transformation from prisoner in his own life to Practitioner of Faith in the life Aunz has carefully created for himself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.