21-Year-Old Defies Rare Disease: Evan St. Amand's Inspiring Journey | Elven Star Podcast Ep 18

21-Year-Old Defies Rare Disease: Evan St. Amand's Inspiring Journey | Elven Star Podcast Ep 18

At just 21 years old, Evan St. Amand has already overcome challenges that most people will never face. Born with a rare Mitochondrial Disease, Evan has endured major medical obstacles while developing an inspiring outlook on life filled with resilience, creativity, and determination. In this episode of The Elven Star Podcast, host Kevin Ferry explores Evan's remarkable journey, from growing up in West Hartford and managing chronic illness to discovering passions that bring purpose and joy. Evan shares his experiences with Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Make-A-Wish, high school golf, painting Warhammer miniatures, writing original music, and building meaningful connections with others. The conversation touches on overcoming adversity, finding strength through creativity, spirituality, community, and the importance of living fully despite life's challenges. Evan's wisdom, humor, and positive attitude offer powerful lessons for people of all ages. This inspiring story proves that while we can't always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond—and that choice can change everything. 0:00 Introduction to Evan St. Amand 1:06 The World of Warhammer 5:09 Stickers with a Story 7:20 Donald Trump Impression & Language 9:19 Living with Mitochondrial Disease 14:11 Discovering Golf & Spirit of Sport Award 16:26 Meet the Pets: Lucy and Shadow 19:31 Writing Music & Guitar Passion 20:02 Perspectives on Gen Z 22:52 Working with a Shaman & Facing Death 25:52 Painting Commissions & Card Games 30:08 Words of Wisdom & Outro Listen to more podcasts here:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1Kcl0yx0CGinUPzn5ZX0Tz

Social Prescribing, Community Healing & the Power of Connection | Elven Star Podcast Ep 17

Join host Kevin Ferry on The Elven Star Podcast as he welcomes Lori Goertz of LifeBridge Community Services for a fascinating conversation about social prescribing—a growing movement that connects people to community resources, relationships, creativity, and activities that support healing beyond traditional healthcare.Lori shares how LifeBridge, a 177-year-old nonprofit serving Bridgeport, Connecticut, is helping address trauma, stress, isolation, and mental health challenges through behavioral health services, trauma-informed care, art therapy, community education, and innovative wellness programs.Discover how LifeBridge's Community Mural Club, art therapy studio, and groundbreaking art prescription program are helping children, families, and adults build resilience, improve wellbeing, and reconnect with their communities. Kevin and Lori also explore the powerful role of music, art, nature, volunteering, and meaningful relationships in supporting both mental and physical health.This inspiring discussion highlights the future of community-centered wellness and how stronger human connections can help create healthier, happier, and more resilient communities.0:00 Introduction to Laurie Gertz and Social Prescribing1:03 Laurie's Background in Public Service4:05 Discovering the Community and Culture of Bridgeport8:14 The Evolution and Services of LifeBridge12:33 Implementing Trauma-Informed Training22:45 Art Therapy and Community Murals26:46 The Concept and Practice of Social Prescribing34:57 Future Vision and Community Collaboration41:40 How to Connect with LifeBridgeWatch more episodes:https://www.youtube.com/@ElvenStarPodcast/videosLearn more about LifeBridge:https://www.lifebridgect.org/

Mindfulness Is Not What You Think | Elven Star Podcast EP 16 | Kevin Ferry & Jay Rinsen Weik Roshi

On this episode of the 𝗘𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, host 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆, sits down with 𝗝𝗮𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗸 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗶, abbot of the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, Zen teacher, musician, martial artist, and professor, for a thought-provoking conversation about mindfulness, awakening, and living with purpose in a distracted world.Rinsen explains that mindfulness is far more than stress relief or relaxation. Drawing from decades of Zen practice and the teachings of the ancient Lankavatara Sutra, he explores how modern technology captures our attention and feeds the mind's endless craving for stimulation. As a result, many people struggle with focus, resilience, and the ability to direct their own lives.The discussion examines the nature of the self, the origins of Zen, and the concept of "mirror mind"—a state of awareness that reflects reality clearly without clinging to pleasure or resisting discomfort. Rinsen explains how meditation helps us see beyond mental labels and discover a deeper connection to ourselves, others, and the world around us.Kevin and Rinsen also discuss younger generations, social media, flow states, breath work, martial arts, music, compassion, and the role of community in personal growth. Rather than escaping life, Zen teaches us how to engage more fully with everyday experiences—working, creating, resting, and caring for others.This inspiring conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking greater clarity, focus, compassion, and meaning in an increasingly noisy world. Discover why true mindfulness may not be what you think—and how awakening begins by paying attention to the present moment.0:00 Introduction to Jay Rinsen Weik and His Journey2:48 Balancing the Three Paths: Martial Arts, Music, and Zen5:53 Technology and the Challenges of the Younger Generation11:06 The Sensory Gates and the Illusion of Self16:06 The Lankavatara Sutra and the Power of Language19:50 The History and Evolution of Zen25:30 The Mirror Mind and Integrating Awakening29:06 Wisdom, Compassion, and Power37:24 The Role of Ritual and Practice in Daily Life46:48 Redefining Religion and Spirituality53:56 Resources and Getting Started with Zen PracticeWatch more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@ElvenStarPodcast/videosVisit: https://www.buddhisttempleoftoledo.org/

He Lost His Banking Career—Then Built This | Elven Star Podcast Ep 15

In this episode of the Elven Star Podcast, Kevin Ferry has a conversation with Paul Constanzo discussing growing up in New Britain, Connecticut, his early love of photography, photographing rock bands in Los Angeles, working through the rise and fall of the mortgage industry, and ultimately launching a successful small business from home.Discover how changing technology transformed the custom apparel industry, why entrepreneurship isn't as easy as it looks, and what it takes to build a business that serves schools, sports teams, nonprofits, and organizations across Connecticut.Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, small business, finance, marketing, custom apparel, or career reinvention, this episode delivers valuable insights and inspiration.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:20 Growing Up in New Britain04:45 Photography & Life in Los Angeles10:15 Entering the Mortgage Industry18:30 The 2008 Financial Crisis28:10 Leaving Banking Behind32:45 Starting Ink 1340:20 Building a Home-Based Business48:00 Printing Technology Evolution56:15 Entrepreneurship & Business Lessons1:04:30 Family, Sicily & Future Plans1:10:00 Final ThoughtsWatch more clips here: https://www.youtube.com/@ElvenStarPod...

From All My Children to the Courtroom | Monique Foley’s Story | Elven Star Podcast Ep 14

From appearing on All My Children as a child actress to becoming a respected trial attorney, Monique Foley shares an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about law, life, resilience, and purpose.Inside this episode:• Growing up acting in television commercials & soap operas• The transition from acting to practicing law• High-stakes jury trials & insurance bad faith cases• Women navigating the courtroom profession• Mindfulness, meditation & yoga for mental clarity• Parenting, grief, divorce & personal growth• Why human connection matters in law and lifeThis conversation explores the emotional realities behind the legal profession, the pressure of courtroom battles, and how mindfulness and self-awareness can help people stay grounded through life’s toughest moments.Watch more clips here: https://www.youtube.com/@ElvenStarPod...