In this episode, we sit down with Abigail Lawson of Studio Stillpoint! Abby is a yoga teacher, a community builder, and a small-business owner on Vashon Island. With the help of a diverse group of fellow teachers, Abby curates a variety of yoga classes, community gatherings, and holistic practices at Stillpoint. Join us to hear how Abby first fell in love with yoga, her passion for community, and why she loves calling Vashon Island "home" after traveling all around the world. Abby shares her vision for Stillpoint and why wellness, at both individual and community levels, is more important than ever during these challenging times. 

Studio Stillpoint: www.studiostillpoint.com

*Please note that Abby leads a fabulous free yoga class for youth at 9am on Fridays*

Abby's Instagram: @abigailmlawson

In this week's episode, we get to know Susan Ross, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Susan Ross & Associates here on Vashon Island. With over four decades of experience in therapy, Susan is passionate about supporting islanders with their mental health, especially overcoming traumas and conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Susan sheds light on several popular and effective modalities, including EMDR and neurofeedback -- a method that uses electrical impulses from the brain to create new pathways and reduce reactivity. Join us to hear about Susan's personal journey to therapy, her special interest in helping neurodivergent people, and her own reflections on the value of mental health support.

Susan's webpage: https://www.susanross.com/

In this episode, we get to know Aimée Cartier! You may know of Aimée from her Voice of Vashon show, Intuition For Changemakers. In this episode, we chat about Aimée's work as a psychic guide and intuition and empath teacher who supports her clients and students as they align with their own highest good. Aimée shares her personal story and how she realized her psychic gifts, and the unique opportunities and challenges she finds in this work.

We also discuss "Intuition for Activists", a free online event for Vashon residents that Aimée is hosting this Saturday, April 19! You can register now for this free event here.
Aimée's website: https://aimeecartier.com

Join us to meet Katelyn Costley! Katelyn is a licensed midwife and the executive director of Vashon Island Midwifery, an organization providing personalized and accessible reproductive, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum health and education services to birthing families on the island. Katelyn shares her journey into midwifery - inspired by her own personal childbirth experience - and her vision for a more personalized, holistic model of reproductive care for people and families. Join us to hear Katelyn's personal ties to Vashon, her insightful reflections on island life, and all the ways she and her team support our community every day.

Katelyn's website: https://www.vashonislandmidwifery.com

Instagram: @vashonislandmidwifery

In this week's episode, we get to know Eva Papp! Eva is a psychotherapist, field researcher, and the author of the new book Chasing the Wild Authentic: A Field Guide to the Practices, Boundaries, and North Star of Living Your Truth, which presents a framework to discover a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of oneself through tapping into emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations -- what Eva calls "a 360 knowing." Join us to hear about Eva's own authenticity journey, why she left her psychotherapy practice to teach these concepts and skills, and some practical tips from her book.

In this episode, we get to know Ainslie MacLeod and Christine Love-MacLeod! Ainsley is an internationally-acclaimed past life psychic and author, and he has broken into the mainstream media through appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Oprah's Super Soul podcast. Christine is a grounded spiritual mentor, and together they explore the significance of past lives in understanding one's current existence and purpose. They delve into the nature of soul types, soul ages, and the connection between past life experiences and present-day fears and blocks. They also share personal stories about their relationship -- including their "meet cute" moment here on Vashon Island -- and how they complement each other’s different needs for connection and solitude. Whether you've ever pondered the concept of past lives or not, we think you will find this conversation fascinating.

Website: https://ainsliemacleod.com

Ainslie's Instagram: @ainslie_macleod

Christine's Instagram: @christinelovemacleod

Join us to meet Bill Moyer, the Executive Director and co-founder of the Backbone Campaign, a movement-building organization based here on Vashon Island. Bill chats with us about the origins of the Backbone Campaign, their art-driven activism, and some of their most memorable campaigns -- including helping to organize the community to block the development of a gravel mine on Maury Island in 2008. Bill tells us about a life-changing experience that solidified the backbone metaphor, shares why he's excited about the future of U.S. rail transportation, and discusses how his childhood experiences informed his passion for activism that drives social change. 

Find Bill at Backbone Campaign: https://www.backbonecampaign.org

In this episode, we meet Max Silverman, the creator and developer of the brand-new (and free!) Ferry Godmother app, designed specifically to help Vashon Islanders coordinate errands and rides off the island. We learn about the inspiration behind the app and the features that make it unique, including sharing expiring ferry passes. Max discusses his childhood dream of being an inventor, his transition from a fast-paced startup environment to focusing on community-driven projects, and his hopes for the Ferry Godmother app to alleviate travel burdens for island residents. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the newest app for Vashonites, by a Vashonite! 

You can download the Ferry Godmother app now in Apple's App Store or Google Play.

In this episode, we get to know Dr. Steven W. Nourse, a seasoned educator and host of "IsAbled" on KVSH which explores topics pertinent to various disabilities. Steve shares stories from his life, including his experiences of being adopted and meeting his biological siblings as an adult, and his perspectives from using a wheelchair since 1971, when he contracted a virus on his honeymoon. We also learn more about Steve's education career and his impactful teaching at the Washington State Correction Center for Women in Purdy. Join us to be inspired by Steve's commitment to making positive contributions to society no matter the obstacles, and his personal challenge to learn or try something new every year!

In this episode, we get to know Ted Kennedy Watson! Ted is a designer, curator, businessman, and author, and he owns and runs two iconic stores in downtown Seattle: Watson Kennedy Fine Living and Watson Kennedy Fine Home.

Join us to hear how Ted got his start in the design and retail world (hint: it involves Bill Gates) and how he has managed to keep two shops successful for over 20 years in a city that is always changing. We learn more about Ted’s latest book, Ted Kennedy Watson’s Guide to Stylish Entertaining, and he shares some tips and tricks for both hosting meals or parties and for designing spaces that reflect who you are. Ted is truly living a life of his own design, and we hope you find this conversation as inspiring as we did!

Ted's website: https://watsonkennedy.com

Ted's blog: https://www.tedkennedywatson.com

Ted's Instagram: @watsonkennedy

In this episode, we meet Seth Zuckerman, an islander who co-authored the exciting new book A Forest of Your Own: The Pacific Northwest Handbook of Ecological Forestry. Seth and co-author Kirk Hanson have developed the first comprehensive how-to guide for forest stewards and enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, lending their decades of experience and expertise in all things forest-related to the project. Seth tells us what readers can expect from this book, including how land owners can better care for and utilize the potential of their forests -- big or small -- and offers knowledge and tips for "forest enthusiasts" to better appreciate and explore their favorite forests. Join us to hear how Seth's background in journalism inspired him to pursue a different career, learn about his work as Executive Director of the Northwest Natural Resource Group, and take away some new facts and stories about the iconic forests of the Pacific Northwest -- including here on Vashon-Maury Island!

Learn more about A Forest of Your Own here

Check out Northwest Natural Resource Group's website