Episode 12 - Allen Won

Allen Won. As a saxophonist, he rises to the top for the same reason he made this interview such an incredible pleasure for me: presence. He works hard to bring that presence to all of his life's endeavors and experiences, and I hope you'll find lots of wisdom to take home from our talk. 

In this YouTube episode, we talk about the steps he took in life and how they led to his career and character. He makes a strong case for rituals, explaining how he achieves some of that presence in the moment. Some reflection on tolerance and advice round out an incredibly enlightening time. 

If you have a little extra time to listen, there's so much more on our podcast (which you can download from iTunes or your favorite podcast app on Android or iPhone). Seriously - SO much more... humility, Hawaii, Korean/Japanese heritage, flowing through career changes like water, work ethics, diversity, music, the representation of the saxophone... You'll love it.

Without further ado-

This is our 12th episode! That marks one episode per month, per year, since I started last April. Thank you SO much for joining me on this journey. Look forward for some great changes and an incredible year to come.

Episode 11 - Daniel Small

On The Peace of Persistence, I get to interview extraordinary folks who balance very high levels of success and happiness. Imagine my joy when I had two dear friends, in a "power couple," who volunteered to share their experiences with me! In Episode 10, you met Annie Small (and if you didn't yet, check it out!), who inspired us with her ability to build relationships and her advice on getting out of your comfort zone for a meaningful life.

Welcome to Episode 11, with her equally amazing husband, Daniel Small. Danny discusses how game theory helps him in finance, stability versus risk, volunteering, how he and Annie keep their marriage fresh after thirty-two years, a global view of harmony, and so much more.  

Actually, there's even more on the extended audio version on our iTunes podcast. Check it out on iTunes or on your favorite podcast app. 

Thank you so much for watching and listening. I love reading your comments and getting your feedback about the interviews that have inspired you - thanks! 

If you haven't done so yet, please leave us a review on iTunes and share this episode with your friends. May the Peace (of Persistence) be with you - until our next episode on March 4.

Episode 10 - Annie Small

I'm so happy to introduce you in Episode 10 to my friend Annie Small. As a wealth manager, she specializes in building relationships with her clients, and it really shows throughout her life. Here, she talks about how teaching and learning the martial art of Aikido helps her navigate the rest of her life, how her relationship with her husband Danny has opened her eyes to new things, and how she challenges herself to work outside of her comfort zone to make a better life for herself and those around her. Check it out!

If you want to hear more, just visit us on iTunes (or your favorite podcast app) to hear the extended version of each episode, including episode 10! 

Help us spread these great interviews with the world. What can you do? Pick one...
1. Write us a review on iTunes and rate us, while you're there.
2. Share this episode online and with a friend you think would really enjoy Annie's wisdom.
3. Leave us a comment on YouTube.
4. Like us on Facebook - and say hi!

Thanks for watching! See you February 4 with Episode 11 and Daniel Small - Annie's husband!

Episode 09 - Parviz Ghahramani

In this episode of The Peace of Persistence, I'm so honored to meet with Parviz Ghahramani, author, award-winning researcher, owner of Inncelerex, and pilot. Watch as Parviz shares his wisdom about being positive in any situation, listening to advice and criticism, constant learning, how to use other pursuits to refresh your mind for work, and so much more!

"I may not know everything in the world, but everybody knows everything in the world; therefore, by listening to them, being an open-minded person, and being able to take the positive comments, or negative comments, but turn them into a positive aspect, that's the key to success." -Parviz Ghahramani

In this episode of The Peace of Persistence, host Abigail Wright meets with Parviz Ghahramani, author, award-winning researcher, owner of Inncelerex, and pilot. Watch as Parviz shares his wisdom about being positive in any situation, listening to advice and criticism, constant learning, how to use other pursuits to refresh your mind for work, and so much more!

Extended audio version available on iTunes or by searching on your favorite podcast app!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/extended-audio-peace-persistence/id985068016

Tune in on January 8, 2016 for episode 10, with wealth manager Annie Small.

Related links:
Inncelerex - http://inncelerex.com/
Twitter @peaceofpersist
Facebook & Instagram @peaceofpersistence

Episode 08 - Nicholas Pallesen - Part 02

Welcome back to part two of an incredible episode with hypnotist and singer Nicholas Pallesen. I'll let him introduce this one in his own words.

“Remember that you are the only person who gets to decide what happiness, what fulfillment, and what success mean to you. You’re the only person who gets to decide that because it’s your life.”

— Nicholas Pallesen

Living authentically, getting past the "should be," finding comfort in not knowing - and so much more. I'm grateful we all have a chance to see and hear what he has to say here. 

Get TPOP delivered to your inbox!

* indicates required

Email Address *

Episode 07 - Nicholas Pallesen - Part 01

Something exciting happened! I've been hypnotized into creating a two-part interview! Seriously, Nicholas Pallesen is not just a hypnotherapist and a renowned singer, but he's also clearly a fantastic speaker. So fantastic, in fact, that I had to create two parts to include all the great video and audio advice and inspiration. 

In this episode, Nicholas and I discuss his roots with hypnotherapy, why it's so effective, the difference connection has made in his life, and the number one way that people get in the way of their happiness and success. Can you imagine what it might be? I'm definitely guilty of doing it myself sometimes. 

This is why I'm so grateful to host this show and meet people like Nicholas, Brandon, Paul, Lynn, Jen, Blake, and Jaimee! My life is so full from the wisdom and advice they've gifted, and I hope you too feel inspired and encouraged. I'm excited to continue the next few interviews leading up to our last five this season. In the meantime, look forward to Friday, October 30, when we get to see Nicholas again in Episode 08, for part two of his interview. 

Get TPOP delivered to your inbox!

* indicates required

Email Address *

Episode 06 - Brandon Mayberry

I've had the extreme joy of knowing bass-baritone Brandon Mayberry for several years now, thanks to the ensemble at the Metropolitan Opera, where I get to perform in some of their larger operas, and where he sings full time. He's what I would consider the poster child for this show. Someone who brightens every room, co-owns the highly successful Swirlz Cupcakes in Chicago, has traveled the world, and tangibly contributes to the lives of those around him.

In this episode, he talks about his leap of faith into opera, managing stress in a busy life, how compassion and charity permeates so much of what he does, his trip around the world, and the serendipity surrounding his kidney donation to his husband's mother, Riki. He has so much gratitude and goodness to share, and I hope you enjoy our Episode 06 as much as I enjoyed speaking with Brandon.

Get The Peace of Persistence delivered to your inbox!

Episode 05 - Paul Nelson

I was fortunate enough to meet this charming man through a mutual friend who lives on the same lake in Bloomfield, NJ. Paul Nelson, a 99-year-old retired nuclear engineer and inspector, gave me so much joy just sitting in his presence and enjoying his hospitality. 

In this interview, he talks about his feelings about the atomic bombs in WW2 and his secrets to longevity, relationships, lifelong learning, and living each day.

Get The Peace of Persistence delivered to your inbox!

Episode 04 - Lynn Krynicki Bayer

I've known Lynn Krynicki Bayer for a decade, since my early twenties, and I've watched her handle the world around her with the most kindness and grace of anyone I've ever seen. The Stage Manager for Washington National Opera and Bard Summerscape, Lynn understands the importance of communication, teamwork, and level-headedness on an extremely high level. 

In this interview, she shares her insights about managing life and work one moment at a time, the importance of problem solving, and contentment with life - without comparing yours to others. Please enjoy the video below, and don't forget to check out the extended audio version on iTunes.

Get The Peace of Persistence delivered to your inbox!

Episode 03 - Jen Ponton

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Peace of Persistence, where I interview actor Jen Ponton. I met Jen through a mutual friend, and I have to say she is one of the many reasons I do The Peace of Persistence each month. Editing this episode and listening to her incredible wisdom about living life for each moment, being a role model, and carefully choosing and celebrating our relationships is making my life better every day. 

I hope you find as much meaning here as I have. Either way, you'll get to see the cutest bunny ever.  

Also, remember - the extended version of this and every episode is available on our iTunes podcast. Check it out, and give us some love in a review or share us with your friends today.

Get The Peace of Persistence delivered to your inbox!

Episode 02 - Blake Robinson

Welcome to Episode 2 of The Peace of Persistence, where I interview Blake Robinson, retired investment manager and thriving photographer, mentor, volunteer, and husband. I've known Blake now for years as a photographer and friend, and just sitting in his company for the day brought so much warmth and joy to me. Since then, I've thought a lot about living a life of integrity and being consistent in how I treat others and myself. Of course, it also didn't hurt that we did a great headshot session for opera photos afterwards!

I hope this episode provokes you in the best of all possible ways, as it has done for me. 

Get The Peace of Persistence delivered to your inbox!

Episode 01 - Jaimee Hammer

In honor of managing the dreaded busy tax season in the United States, I'm proud to introduce my first episode and Jaimee Hammer! I was so grateful to sit down with Jaimee for an afternoon to talk about her busy and exciting life as tax professional, business owner, singer, mom, and wife. Honestly, I didn't want to leave, no less trim down our conversation to a 10 minute episode! 

Nonetheless, here we are with our first episode about balancing success and happiness. Watch for yourself, and subscribe below to stay updated with all our episodes of The Peace of Persistence.

Get The Peace of Persistence delivered to your inbox!