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Zen Up

Zen Up, a podcast of Sunbury Press' Ars Metaphysica.

Susan Kiskis brings two worlds together - wellness and spirituality in her podcast, Zen Up.

 

From yoga to Buddhism, Ayurveda to running marathons to benefit children in South Africa, Reiki to messages from the other side, listeners will find themselves on a journey into their own virtual spiritual pilgrimage.

ZenUp Episode 15: Loving Kindness

December 16, 2018

10 am EST 

Susan discusses the meaning behind the phrase "Loving Kindness" and how we can cultivate compassion with guest, Venerable Bhante Sujatha.

When Bhante Sujatha was 10 years old, he told his parents he would throw himself off the bridge into the river below his childhood home in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, if they did not let him become a monk. Since that time, he’s remained just as certain and determined to live a life dedicated to adding more love to the world and helping people heal their wounded minds.

Bhante has always known he was born to serve humanity and he wakes up everyday committed to this noble cause, teaching meditation and helping people access the deeper parts of themselves so they can feel radiant joy and peaceful happiness. With a single robe and some leftover food, Bhante left his home country and eventually found his way to America, where he learned a new language and culture and discovered the aching desire people have for a more meaningful life.

In a old leaky church basement, Bhante was given a small room to teach meditation. The first night, two people showed up. A decade later, The Blue Lotus Temple is a world-renowned Buddhist temple and meditation center that serves thousands of people locally and even more all over the world, under Bhante’s leadership as abbot and spiritual director.

Bhante leads more than 380 meditations a year, for which he travels hundreds of thousands of miles, often walking off a plane and onto a podium within minutes. He speaks to colleges and universities across the world, leads small group retreats, and consults with corporate giants, teaching them all that love is the way and peace is a constant practice.

Bhante’s humanitarian work spans the globe and most recently oversaw the re-fitting of five hospitals with significant need. In 2013, Bhante Sujatha was awarded the highest honor within his lineage, as a recognition for the incredible impact he’s made to spreading Buddhism across America, being named the Chief Sanhga Nayaka of North America.

On any given day, you’ll find Bhante on the West Coast leading retreats, in the Midwest running his temple, or on the other side of the planet providing refuge for those who suffer and inspiring others to give and do even more to help the world. The tireless crusader often sleeps only three or four hours a night and infuses every single waking moment with total purpose and dedication to his mission: adding more love to the world.

ZenUp Episode 16: TBA

January 06, 2019

11 am EST 

Susan discusses TBA guest, Amber Nightingale.

Amber is a Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner and a Registered Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher & Practitioner and is a graduate of ‘The Anastasi System of Psychic Development.’ She holds two degrees, one in art and design from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and the other in photography from Harrisburg Area Community College.
 
She has been featured on numerous radio shows spreading awareness to others through her story and work. She has taught Reiki to students from all over the world spreading her light to others for the world to see. Amber is a traveler always seeking the next adventure with her home base in Pennsylvania. 

Learn more about Amber at ambernightingale.net

ZenUp Episode 14: Messages from the Other Side - Holiday Special

December 09, 2018

11am EST

Spiritual Counselor, Annemarie Heckert, joins me again for this holiday special. Annemarie will be available to answer your calls live. Our loved ones are always with us, angels guiding us, we are always loved and held. Perhaps there are  "Messages from the Other Side" waiting for you.

 

To learn more about Annemarie, visit her website.

ZenUp Episode 13: Eastern Healing Modalities

December 02, 2018

11am EST

Susan discusses eastern healing modalities, like acupuncture, and their increasing popularity in the U.S. Guest: Shari, Auth, DACM, LAC, LMT

Sought after by clients from around the world, Dr. Shari Auth, has been a leading holistic health practitioner in New York City for over two decades. Her signature treatments combine ancient wisdom from global traditions with scientific knowledge and deep intuition to treat a wide range of conditions including chronic and acute pain, mental health, women's health, insomnia, digestion, and postural issues, among others.

Dr. Auth has studied the healing arts globally from China to India, Peru, Thailand and beyond – becoming steeped in ancient healing practices that have woven the rich tapestry of her healing practices today. She is a licensed and NCCAOM certified Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She has a Master’s in Herbology and is a Board Certified Chinese Herbalist also with extensive training in Vedic and Western herbs. Among her many other accreditations, she is a licensed massage therapist, guild-certified in the Rolf Method of Structural Integration and a Faculty Member of the Swedish Institute, NYC. She founded The Auth Method of Therapeutic Massage and has trained thousands of practitioners on this method. 

From her work at Deepak Chopra’s Center in Southern California to her own wellness practice in New York City, Shari has attracted celebrity clientele with her signature blend of acupuncture, herbs and bodywork. Fo more information, visit https://www.shariauth.com

ZenUp Episode 12: Creativity and Intuition

November 11, 2018

11am EST

Susan dives into the connected world of creativity and intuition. Guest: Rachel Grundon

Rachel Grundon is a clairvoyant Medium who has been pursuing her desire to help others using her healing gifts as a creative and psychic channel. 

 

Developing a deep, intuitive connection with her clients, Rachel works directly with individuals to facilitate a deep-healing process through self-actualization and self-empowerment. She fully acknowledges the lack of personal fulfillment in those entangled in the “daily grind”, and works with individuals to uncover their true life’s purpose.

Fo more information, visit http://www.rachelgrundon.com/lux-convergence

ZenUp Episode 11: Living a Healthy Life

October 21, 2018

11am 

Susan discusses how to live a healthy life with Taylor Dietrick, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.

Taylor is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who is passionate about helping clients improve digestive health, prioritize stress relief, and create a positive relationship with food. 

For many years, Taylor struggled to find a 'diet' that worked but realized that health is not about finding a label or diet and sticking to it. Health and wellness is about listening to your body to find out what it needs every day in regards to nutrition, sleep, relaxation, lowering stress, relationships and more. It is her mission to help her clients find balance and healing while empowering them to create sustainable nutrition and lifestyle changes that will help them reach their goals. 

Taylor founded Arrow Nutritional Therapy in Linglestown, Pennsylvania where she works with clients 1:1 (online and in-person) and will soon be offering group sessions. She also puts on workshops in the community and speaks with local athletic organizations on the importance of food as fuel and the benefits of proper digestion.  

Learn more at arrownutritionaltherapy.com

ZenUp Episode 10: Buddhism in the Modern Age

October 07, 2018

11am EST

Susan explores the ancient spiritual path, Buddhism, and its role in today's modern age. Guest: Zen Buddhist Nun, Kelsang Chondzin.

Kelsang Chondzin has been practicing Kadampa Buddhism for 14 years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and his senior Teachers.  She has been ordained for 12 years.  In 2013 she was selected to study on the Special Teachers Training Program held at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center taught by Gen-la Dekyong, the General Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition.  She is known for her kindness, humor and practical presentation of Buddha’s teachings that are easy to apply in modern daily life.

ZenUp Episode 9: The Courage to Change: Sobriety and Spirituality

September 16, 2018

11am EST

Susan discusses how spirituality can be a conduit for sobriety. Guest: David Wagner

David Harshada Wagner has been teaching meditation and self-empowerment to people all over the world in all kinds of venues for more than 20 years. Classically trained in the Indian wisdom traditions of Yoga, Bhakti, Vedanta, and Tantric Shaivism, his teachings come from his decades of personal transformation and his experience serving others to find their authentic path to deep happiness.

David serves on the faculties of YogaGlo, Kripalu, and Omega Institutes, and travels widely training teachers and working with people from all walks of life. He is a proponent of “Inner Yoga” and is deeply dedicated to teaching the consciousness expanding, heart-healing practices and teachings of the Indian mystical traditions. His teaching style is bold, dynamic, and unique, approachable to students from all walks of life.  He is the author of BACKBONE – the Modern Man’s Ultimate Guide to Purpose Passion and Powerand is currently authoring a book based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. David currently splits his time between his home in Ojai, California and New York City. For more, visit http://davidhwagner.com

ZenUp Episode 8: Messages from the Other Side - Part II

September 09, 2018

11am EST

Susan continues the conversation about how our loved ones are always with us, angels guiding us, and how we are never alone in the second part of "Messages from the Other Side" with returning guest, Spiritual Counselor, Annemarie Heckert. 

 

To learn more about Annemarie, visit her website.

ZenUp Episode 7: Finding Yourself Finding Joy

June 17, 2018

10am EST

Susan uncovers the process of  "finding yourself" and how that can lead to personal liberation and joy. Guest: Sarah Bamford Seidelmann.

 

Sarah Bamford Seidelmann was a physician living a nature-starved, hectic lifestyle until a walrus entered her life and changed everything. She has trained at the Martha Beck Institute and Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and is author of Swimming with Elephants (Conari Press, 2017). She lives in northern Minnesota. For more, visit followyourfeelgood.com.

ZenUp Episode 6: How to Find Peace of Mind

June 10, 2018

11am EST

Susan discusses Finding Peace of Mind with authors of  How to Achieve Peace of Mind: A Practical Guide. Guests: Jerry Dorsman and Bob Davis.

Jerry Dorsman is coauthor How to Achieve Peace of Mind: A Practical Guide. Before retiring in 2017, he worked at a mental health clinic for 28 years counseling clients with mental health and addiction disorders. His first book, How to Quit Drinking Without AA, became a recovery bestseller which has sold more than 125,000 copies to date. Jerry is also the author of How to Quit Drugs for Good and a contributing author of Live Longer while Feeling Younger: A Guide to Health and Happiness as We Age.

An expert on addiction treatment and stress-management techniques, Jerry has appeared on more than 140 radio and TV shows in the U.S. and Canada. He has written numerous articles on stress management, addiction treatment, and mental health topics that have appeared in local newspapers and various magazines with national circulations. Positive reviews of his books and articles about his addiction treatment program have appeared in USA Today, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Your Health magazine (cover story), Natural Health magazine, and the Chicago Tribune.

Bob Davis, M.A., is coauthor How to Achieve Peace of Mind: A Practical Guide. He has taught yoga in north Delaware since 1971. He has also worked as a stress management therapist with chronically mentally ill adults and sexually abused teenagers.

Bob has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes, and received three Delaware Division of the Arts grants for his writing. He was a fiction semifinalist in the William Faulkner Creative Writing Contest in 2002 and 2012, and a creative nonfiction winner in 2013. His writing has appeared in Yoga Journal, The Sun, Santa Monica Review, and elsewhere. Bob helps direct the Delaware Literary Connection, a nonprofit serving writers in Delaware and surrounding areas. He is a member of the Delaware Artist Roster, and has given writing workshops and readings in the Mid-Atlantic States. Bob was editor of the first edition of How to Quit Drinking Without AA.

ZenUp Episode 5: Achieving Your Goals

June 03, 2018

11:30am EST

 

Susan dives into creating and achieving goals. Guest: Jose Johnson.

Jose Johnson has been described as a modern-day renaissance man. Jose is an internationally recognized martial and energy arts master, as well as a musician, teacher, entrepreneur, speaker, composer and change merchant. Jose’s passion is to empower others to create the transformation that they seek in their lives through an innovative and integrated approach that he calls “Tai Chi for Transformation.” This unique approach combines the yin and yang natures of the ancient and the modern; the intellectual and physical; the spiritual and scientific into a unified method for self-development.

Jose currently owns and operates Jose Johnson’s Chinese Martial Arts & Wellness Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He is also the founder of Integrated Wellness Consultants and in 2017 established the Personal Mastery and Growth online academy. Learn more about Jose.

ZenUp Episode 4: The Power of Mantra

May 27, 2018

1pm EST

Susan explores the power of mantra and why people chant. Guest: Georgia Wyss, filmmaker.


An award-winning editor of feature documentaries including The Light Bulb Conspiracy and A Crude Awakening, Mantra - Sounds into Silence is is her first film as a director. Mantra - Sounds into Silence, is a documentary that explores the new music and social phenomenon of chanting.

ZenUp Episode 3: Dreams and Dreaming

May 13, 2018

11am EST

Susan explores the process of soul growth and conscious dreaming. Guest: Sunbury Press author, Anna-Karin Bjorklund.

 

Anna-Karin Bjorklund is a writer, a teacher of dreams, and published author based in Orange County, California. With appearances on the Steve Harvey TV Show- NBC, and Fox National News, and media interviews in numerous magazines, she loves sharing her passion for soul growth and connection - with ourselves, and people around us. She is the author of two books: The Dream Alchemist: A woman's search for love, bliss, and freedom across India, time, and dreams. (published by Ars Metaphysica/Sunbury Press); and Dream Guidance: Interpret Your Dreams and Create the Life You Desire!  She also serves as Secretary of the Board for the International Association for the Study of Dreams.  

To learn more about Anna-Karin please visit: www.AnnaKarinBjorklund.com 

ZenUp Episode 2: Messages from the Other Side

May 06, 2018

Susan delves into communication with those who have passed on. Guest: Annemarie Heckert, Spiritual Counselor.

To learn more about Annemarie, visit her website.

ZenUp Episode 1: Bhakti Yoga and Spiritual Devotion

April 29, 2018

Susan is joined by Kirtan Wallah, David Newman, to discuss the act of spiritual devotion and how kirtan is the music of love.

(Episode Note: Background noise makes this a difficult episode to listen to. We apologize in advance. Puppies will be puppies!)

David Newman is a renowned sacred chant master, recording artist, singer/songwriter, best-selling author, and inspirational teacher. David, also known as Durga Das, travels extensively sharing his music, and teachings on the path of love as a vehicle for spiritual awakening. He has released numerous CDs, and is the author of The Timebound Traveler. David is also the founder of the Stay Strong Project and Yoga On Main. He has been featured on NPR, and in The Washington Post and Yoga Journal among many others. David lives with his family just outside of Philadelphia. To learn more about David, visit his website.

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