Celebrate Happiness Roadshow with Sandra M

Episode 57: “One Breath” with Debra Denker—Music by Todd Lowry

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast [https://gmail.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5326b45df7ded85236159d236&id=645114c531&e=232a4e5259], we are talking with Debra Denker, Santa Fe-based writer, photographer, and filmmaker who has been creating media about international environmental, social justice, and peace issues since the late 70s. Starting in 1986, Debra worked and taught in the healing arts, including energy healing, spiritual counseling, and animal communication with companion animals and wild-living ones. She is an ordained graduate of the Healing Light Center Church, where she studied with Rev. Rosalyn Bruyere and served on the faculty for five years. As a certified Healing Touch Practitioner in 2002 and as an instructor in 2006, Debra currently sees clients in private practice in both Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Alaska. Debra has also taught Healing Touch courses in Tibet and South Africa, and is planning to establish a healing center in Vancouver, British Columbia, called Rasa Catalyst Healing In addition, Debra is the author of the cli-fi time travel novel Weather Menders and a novel set in Afghanistan during the 1980 war, Love and War in the Land of Cain, which won first place in the 2022 National Federation of Press Women contest. She has written for diverse publications, including National Geographic, the Los Angeles Times, and the Guardian. She is a longtime member and current board member of the Society of Women Geographers. Debra is also the founder and director of the Global Diversity Film Project (GDFP), an initiative of Perception International, which makes films in association with her production company, Catalyst Artistic Productions. Her films on Afghanistan and Tibet have been exhibited in many film festivals, and her short films are accessible on YouTube and Vimeo, including Community Garden: New Mexico/South Africa, which screened at the New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase, and a trailer for a film on ancient Hawaiian spirituality, One Breath: One Life. Join us for this moving episode in which Debra shares her insights into our deep interconnectedness with all beings, the power of energy work, finding fulfillment through acts of service, and more.

Episode 56: “Happiness Manifests Through Gratitude” with Sara Diaz—Music by Todd Lowry

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast [https://gmail.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5326b45df7ded85236159d236&id=22379861cb&e=232a4e5259], we are talking with Sara Diaz, a seasoned vocalist, producer, and creative professional. Trained in voice and performance from an early age, she grew up immersed in Broadway, Big Band, and jazz traditions. Though music was her earliest path, her career took her into fashion and television production, where she produced projects for international organizations, major brands, and cultural institutions. After many years focused on media production and family life, Sara returned to performing, rediscovering the stage through the vibrant music community of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Today, she performs regularly in cabaret and jazz settings, collaborating with David Geist and appearing with ensembles including the Santa Fe Great Big Jazz Band and DuoDiaz. Her performances draw from the Great American Songbook, Broadway classics, and jazz standards, delivered with a soulful, blues-tinged interpretation shaped by a lifetime of storytelling and creative expression. Tune in for this powerful discussion about practicing gratitude, collaboration over competition, being "in the flow," and the light that illuminates the dark.

Episode 55: “Music, Community & Felines” with Bobbi Heller—Music by Todd Lowry

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast [https://gmail.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5326b45df7ded85236159d236&id=6ee0e9146d&e=232a4e5259], we are talking with Bobbi Heller, who was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and came to the US to study at the California Institute of the Arts, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in music. She next worked in the entertainment industry and she founded her own film distribution company. Bobbi and her husband moved to Santa Fe New Mexico in 2000. With her love for cats, she founded Felines & Friends New Mexico in 2002, and is the Executive Director. Bobbi also co-hosts the weekly radio show and podcast Pet Chat with Murad & Bobbi, which will reach its 200th episode milestone in spring 2026. Throughout the show, Bobbi, along with Murad Kirdar, Director of Community Engagement at Española Humane, provide ongoing information on all things pet-related to the broader community and beyond.   Check out this uplifting episode in which Bobbi discusses her love of music and animals, cats' particular relationship with sound and vibration, the concept of "working to live" rather than "living to work", and the importance of community in one's life.

Episode 54: "The Power of the Human-Animal Bond" with Murad Kirdar—Music by Todd Lowry

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast [https://us.list-manage.com/ZMONzl5Q-ZA?e=232a4e5259&c2id=962c8ac75fe4a6f8b49871245a87ea19], we are talking with the Director of Community Engagement at Española Humane, Murad Kirdar. After a 20-year career in media and marketing within the television industry, primarily with NBCUniversal, Murad Kirdar relocated to Santa Fe to pursue a long-held passion for animal welfare. This transition marked the beginning of his second career as an animal welfare advocate, during which he has held leadership roles at Northern New Mexico's two largest animal shelters, including Public and Business Relations Officer and, currently, Director of Community Engagement at Española Humane.   In his role as Director of Community Engagement, Murad plays a key role in strengthening Española Humane's visibility, reputation, and community impact. He also co-hosts and produces the weekly radio show and podcast Pet Chat with Murad & Bobbi, which will reach its 200th episode milestone in spring 2026. Through the show, Murad, along with Bobbi Heller, executive director of Felines & Friends, helps provide ongoing information on all things pet-related with the broader community and beyond. Murad is also "dog-dad" for his three rescue pups, who he proudly refers to as the Golden Girls. Join us for this heartwarming episode, in which Murad discusses how profoundly animal companionship impacts our lives and the lessons our animals teach us about being present, forgiveness, and love.

Episode 53: “Innovation, Creativity & Lifelong Learning with Brett Trusko” Music by Todd Lowry

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast [https://gmail.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5326b45df7ded85236159d236&id=529ea1cece&e=232a4e5259], we are talking with Brett Trusko, a dynamic thought leader whose career spans academia, consulting, finance, technology, writing, and innovation, and whose insights challenge conventional wisdom, proving that structured processes can drive breakthrough success without sacrificing efficiency. Whether in the corporate world or the classroom, his expertise and forward-thinking approach make him a compelling voice in business and technology. Brett began his career at the accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand, where he earned his CPA before working as the CFO at a major Seattle hospital. His leadership skills and strategic mindset propelled him into 25 years of global consulting, where he became the Managing Director of the "Quality and Excellence Practice" at BearingPoint. After which Brett transitioned into academia, focusing on medical informatics, technology management, and innovation, Currently an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico he has also held faculty positions at Symbiosis Institute for Business Management in India; The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine; Houston Baptist University; Texas A&M University; New York University; and Mount Sinai College of Medicine. Dr. Trusko is the President and CEO of Propertyhero.ai, a cutting-edge technology company and a renowned author, who has written many books on quality and innovation, including the award-winning Global Innovation Science Handbook.  While finishing his first novel Brett is currently the Editor of Santa Fe New Mexico's TREND Magazine, Art-Design-Culture. Brett is a force to be reckoned with in the world of business innovation. Join us for this fascinating episode in which Brett discusses the role lifelong learning, creativity, and embracing change have played in his varied and exceptional career. We also explore the significance of pursuing what you love and not allowing failure to stop you, as well as appreciating the things that "make us human," such as art, music, and simply being present.