Best Maureen Kafkis Podcasts (2025)

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241) The Next Chapter 1:23

3d ago1:23

1:23

You know how you have been doing something you love for a long time and then realize that it's time for a change? That's what is happening to me! That's why I am taking a break from The Power of Community & Collaboration Podcast to figure out what the next chapter is going to look like for me in regard to my podcast, my community work, and how I sp…

1
240) Exploring Deep Thoughts with Pete Muller 52:43

16d ago52:43

52:43

In this episode I speak with Pete Muller who is a creative artist, an accomplished musician, a successful business man, AND the creator of the crossword puzzles for the Washington Post. Yes it does sound like Pete gets to enjoy a great life and have a lot of fun, but he also works hard and deals with his own fair share of Brain BS. In fact, we talk…

1
239) Exploring Shame Around the Mother/Daughter Relationship 59:15

16d ago59:15

59:15

In this episode, I speak with Master Certified Coach and published author Karen C. L. Anderson. Karen primarily focuses her work on the complexities and challenges of the mother/daughter relationship. Listen, I think we an all agree that not all of us have a great relationship with our moms or with our adult daughters. What you might not realize th…

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Preserving Our Heritage with Chance McClain 1:09:59

23d ago1:09:59

1:09:59

Susan sat down with Chance McClain from Heritage Films to talk about the importance of preserving family stories and life legacies. At an early age Chance began his affinity of collecting information and stringing it together in a format that would be appealing to any audience. He is a proud Army veteran and pioneer in narrative innovation, includi…

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238) You Don't Have to be a Professional to Collaborate 21:58

24d ago21:58

21:58

In this episode I talk about some of the questions coming up for me lately due to prolonged activity restrictions from a torn meniscus in my R knee. Nothing like boredom and the lack of endorphins to get you contemplating and reflecting on what matters most in life. One of the primary questions popping up for me is do I have to have a business or b…

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237) Some of the Brain BS That Comes with Putting Yourself Out There! 37:09

1M ago37:09

37:09

In this episode I speak with my friend Karena Akhavein who is a podcaster, published author, and successful writing coach. We discuss her creative approach of using an alter ego in her writing career and what motivated her to do that. We chat about some of the Brain BS that comes up with choosing a career that relies on external validation and the …

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235) We Must be in Leadership Energy to Navigate our Health care! 36:24

1M ago36:24

36:24

In this episode I share a personal story about my own healthcare journey to demonstrate how approaching it with leadership energy is so important. I begin by sharing a negative experience I had with my primary doctor around cholesterol medicine that led me to lose faith in him and trigger me into worrying about strokes, heart attacks and cancer. It…

1
234) The Magic of Breathwork with Brandy Keenan 35:47

1M ago35:47

35:47

In this episode I speak with breath work coach, Reiki practitioner, and energy healer Brandy Keenan. Brandy is super passionate and exuberant in how she approaches her work which is infectious and inspiring. Listen and learn all the different ways you can modify breath work to accommodate your own individual needs and how beneficial it can be to yo…

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233) We must Promote a Reciprocal Relationship with the Artists in our Community! 30:42

2M ago30:42

30:42

This week on the podcast I speak with independent artist Mitra Cline who is also the founder of Foreverbird Studio in Santa Barbara. I know the title of the episode is a mouthful, but I really want to highlight this concept of reciprocal relationships between artists and community members. I wanted to record this conversation with Mitra to support …

1
232) Let Your Intuition Take You Out of Your Comfort Zone 33:09

2M ago33:09

33:09

In this episode I speak with community builder Avi Becker. Avi is a realtor with the Santa Barbara Group and they started the Support Santa Barbara Biz Online Facebook Group when Covid kept people from getting together. We talk about how the group is still going strong and what a great resource it is for the community. We also discuss the importanc…

1
231) Bridging the Political Divide 1:10:12

2M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

In this episode I speak with Sam Mefford who volunteered to participate in my first interview ever with a Trump supporter (I'm not one:) Sam was raised in California, but now lives in Utah and I actually think that comes across in the thoughtful and holistic way he contemplates everything. I wanted to do an episode with him to demonstrate that some…

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230) The Power of Authenticity 33:47

2M ago33:47

33:47

In this episode, I speak with coach Hallie Avolio. Hallie believes it's time for us to live our F yes life and she knows how to help us achieve that. In our conversation we talk about the downfalls of people-pleasing and hiding who we actually are, because it keeps us from creating and manifesting the life we truly desire. Hallie and I also talk ab…

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229) The Brain BS Around Colonoscopies 48:17

3M ago48:17

48:17

In this episode I am going to explain to you why you want to schedule that colonoscopy, share important considerations around the timing of the procedure, and give you clear and specific tips that will reduce needless suffering when you finally start to do the prep that you have been dreading. Anybody who knows me knows I believe that mind manageme…

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228) Healing Tools with Cecily Longo 42:59

3M ago42:59

42:59

In this episode I speak with LMFT, certified Taropist, and EFT practitioner Cecily Longo. I met Cecily when I was speaking at the annual Women SCORE event last fall immediately after entering the room. She told me what she does and I said how would you like to do a little tapping on me now to help me calm my nerves before speaking. She took me up o…

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227) A Personal Account of the Palisades Fire with Kirsten Ellis 48:17

3M ago48:17

48:17

In this episode I speak with a friend of mine, Kirsten Ellis, about her personal and painful experience fleeing the Pacific Palisades fire (PPF). Kirsten has spent her entire life in the beautiful community of the Palisades and is now trying to come to terms with that fact that it was completely decimated and no longer exists as she knew it. We als…

1
226) How To Thrive by Knowing Your Human Design 44:54

3M ago44:54

44:54

In this episode I speak with former corporate consultant turned Human Design Coach, Alexandra Cole. We talk about how Human Design has improved our daily lives and the quality of our relationships with others in a comprehensive and compelling way. So if you are feeling challenged and overwhelmed with your right life now, this may be just what you n…

1
225) Never Underestimate the Power of the Woman Behind the Man! 49:30

4M ago49:30

49:30

In this episode I speak with Bee Boeser who is an author, a public speaker, and still a force at the age of 87yo! When Bee realized historians left her husband's name and his work from the historical records of small pox eradication in Africa, she took it upon herself to gather all the information she needed to write a memoir of the time her family…

1
224) Time to Get it Together! 25:34

4M ago25:34

25:34

In this episode I share strategies for navigating the frenzy of social media these days. There is so much fear, anger and negativity throughout almost every thread I read. We must learn how to manage our minds effectively so we can stay in leadership energy and have a ripple effect on the people around us. I also talk about a podcast I recently lis…

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223) I'm Back! 25:38

4M ago25:38

25:38

Hello:) I'm so happy to be back after a 6 week break from the podcast and my community work. In this episode I share why I needed the break, why I think leadership energy is so important, and what I want the podcast to focus on moving forward. Oh ya, I also changed the name from The Power of Community & Collaboration in Santa Barbara Podcast to The…

1
222) Wrap Up for 2024 19:34

5M ago19:34

19:34

In this episode I explain why I am taking a break from publishing the podcast until February of 2025. I also share a process that I use to evaluate experiences (in this case the year of 2024) that helped me to identify what went wrong, what went well, and what I might do differently next year. This is a great tool for promoting self-awareness that …

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221) An Inspirational Piano Man 53:15

6M ago53:15

53:15

In this episode I speak with the lead singer of Billy Nation, which is a Billy Joel Tribute band. I came across Adam Shapiro when he performed with his band at the Lobero. There were a lot of empty seats in the theater and it got me thinking about all the Brain BS that must come with being a performer. So I looked for him after the show and invited…

1
220) There are Many Ways to Measure Success 46:20

6M ago46:20

46:20

In this episode I speak with Tara Wright who I met when I went to serve lunches for the homeless at the FARO Center. She works there and is what they call a success story, because she managed to work her way through many challenges to become the successful, sober, and inspired person that she is today. Listen to this episode to hear her story and h…

1
219) Emotionally & Mentally Preparing for the Holidays 31:09

6M ago31:09

31:09

In this episode I share with you some tips that will help you to manage your mind and expectations around the holiday season. We have been programmed to believe that the Holiday Season is a wonderful time of year that is full of joy, love, and laughter. The truth is, that's Brain BS™ for many people and that conditioning can cause a great deal of p…

1
218) Debunking the Stigma Attached to Mental Illness 43:14

6M ago43:14

43:14

In this episode, I speak with Barry Shoer who is the President, CEO and Director of the Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara. Barry shares his own personal story of why he has been inspired to devote his life to taking care of the mentally ill . We also discuss how the Sanctuary Centers started and that the stigma attached to mental illness is unfort…

1
217) Supporting the Homeless in Our Community 32:46

7M ago32:46

32:46

In this episode I speak with Leticia Trujillo who helps to manage the FARO Center here in Santa Barbara. Leticia has devoted her life to helping non-profits support those less fortunate because she knows they are still valuable members of the community. Listen to this episode to find out how you can support the center. If there is one thing evident…

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216) Staying in Leadership Energy After the Election 16:28

7M ago16:28

16:28

In this solo episode I share my thoughts and feelings about the outcome of the election. Thank goodness I am in a much better emotional state than I was when Hillary lost. Back then, I was easily triggered and very reactive around anything related to politics. I have evolved since then and I am choosing to approach politics consciously and intentio…

1
215) How to Manage Triggers Around Election Season 44:48

7M ago44:48

44:48

In this episode I speak with my good friend Alan Cook. I invited Alan to come on the podcast because he is gay and terrified of what is going to happen in the upcoming election. I wanted to see if we could help him to feel a little more empowered by helping him to separate the fact from fiction in his mind, so he can approach politics and elections…

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214) Talking Scarcity with Bob Malatesta 45:25

7M ago45:25

45:25

In this episode, I speak with my friend Bob Malatesta about the term scarcity and how it has impacted his life. Scarcity makes you feel like there is not enough, that you have to compete to get what you want, that there isn't plenty enough pie to go around for everybody. It tends to put you in a self-centered place of fear and wanting to control th…

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Bridget Sorenson’s Blue Water Wave 54:16

7M ago54:16

54:16

Susan sat down with Bridget Sorenson, founder and CEO of Blue Water Wave to talk about the importance of connection. As a former digital and event marketer, Bridget knows the power of connecting people to places and experiences that are unique and valuable. Her work with luxury brands provided a great opportunity to master her skills and desire to …

1
213) Preparing for Death with Stacy McCrory 37:07

8M ago37:07

37:07

In this episode, I speak with Stacy McCrory who is a death doula and experienced psycho-therapist. We talk about the Brain BS around death and how choosing to live consciously can improve the way we die for ourselves and the loved ones we leave behind. Stacy shares her personal journey that has led to her most recently focusing on death and grief i…

1
212) The Brain BS That Comes With an Empty Nest 34:14

8M ago34:14

34:14

In this episode, I speak with my good friend Lee Lopez about her experience preparing her only daughter for college, how it was dropping her off, and how she is doing with the empty nest now. I love this episode because Lee is totally honest and transparent about all of the emotions that came up for her. We discuss how Brain BS can impact a relatio…

1
Activating the Divine Human with Atousa Raissyan 30:26

8M ago30:26

30:26

Susan welcomes back Atousa Raissyan, shaman, healer, spiritual guide, artist and brilliant guide helping people find the calm and love inside themselves. It is her desire to spread love and healing so people can feel more at peace with themselves, shifting from anxious to relaxed. A best-selling published author, Atousa has just released Activating…

1
211) Leadership Energy And Why It Is So Important 22:24

8M ago22:24

22:24

In this episode I share with you why leadership energy is so important and the positive ripple effect it can have when you are living in it. The reason why I wanted to do this is because I sometimes think people believe that leadership energy comes from a role assigned to them and applies to a certain group following them. I am suggesting that lead…

1
210) I Cannot Be a Bystander With Jennie Reinish 45:44

8M ago45:44

45:44

In this episode I speak with documentary filmmaker Jennie Reinish. Jennie is directing and co-producing a film with Abbie Nissenson called I Cannot Be a Bystander. The film exposes identity based hate and explores various ways we can combat it. This is an important film that will make the world a better place, so please consider listening to the po…

1
209) Talking Real Estate and So Much More with Justin Etherton 33:38

8M ago33:38

33:38

In this episode I speak with realtor and investor Justin Etherton about his professional journey and how we met. We talk about the complexities of relationships between realtors and their clients when you are trying to find them a home and long after you close the deal. Justin talks about his love for community and how his faith impacts how he show…

1
208) A Proactive Approach to Health with Deann Zampelli 43:41

9M ago43:41

43:41

In this episode I speak with Deann Zampelli who is the Monticeto Health Coach and the health columnist for the Monticeto Journal. We talk about the benefits of a proactive approach to aging, the importance of honoring the mind/body connection, and why we must be advocates for ourselves in every area of our lives. This conversation is fun and inform…

1
207) Promoting Community & Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 27:42

9M ago27:42

27:42

This week I am getting caught up with my cousin, Erin Lonsway, who lives in Youngstown, OH and is an active member of the community. Erin has a retail store downtown that has had many challenges, and she is also responsible for carrying on the work her mother started when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and eventually died in 2012. I wanted t…

1
206) Step Into Your Leadership Energy in Preparation for the Upcoming Election 46:56

9M ago46:56

46:56

In this episode I speak with Tania Israel who is a Professor of Counseling Psychology at the UCSB and award-winning author of Facing the Fracture: The Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation. We discuss the political stress that comes up at election time and effective ways to mange it so that you can feel more empowered when you are confronted wit…

1
205) Get Featured in The Santa Barbara Neighbors Magazine 26:07

9M ago26:07

26:07

In this episode I speak with writer, podcaster and magazine representative Tom Russel. He shares his story about his radio days and how he eventually became an author and wrote two books. We also talk about his current gig and discuss how you can be featured in the Santa Barbara Neighbors Magazine, so make sure you take time to listen if you want t…

1
204) Make Time to Reflect, Restore & Replenish 15:20

10M ago15:20

15:20

In this episode, I share why it is so important to reflect, restore and replenish after challenging events that deplete us and wreak havoc on our nervous system. As most of you know, I recently packed up a house in IL to become a full time resident of Santa Barbara and boy did it require a willingness to experience major discomfort... and boy was i…

1
203) Why We Must Separate Fact From Fiction In Our Minds 15:55

10M ago15:55

15:55

In this episode I talk about the importance of separating fact from fiction in our minds. When we don't do that, we are much more likely to spread gossip that is not true and spread fake news all over social media. I share personal examples of how I have been the subject of other people's Brain BS and how I have been responsible for sharing inaccur…

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202) Talking Body Image and So Much More With Allison Paolino 34:27

10M ago34:27

34:27

In this episode I speak with my good friend and pickleball buddy Allison Paolino. Allison recently went on a trip to Italy and was struck by the way the women there walked on the beach in their swimsuits with confidence and appeared to be so comfortable in their own skin. In contrast, we talk about what it's like to be an aging woman in the US and …

1
201) Talking Money with Jennifer Love 37:49

10M ago37:49

37:49

In this episode, I speak with money therapist Jennifer Love, who is a self-described Champion of Wholistic Wealth. We dive into all things money and Jennifer shares valuable insights that may just reframe the way you look at money and how you define wealth moving forward. Jennifer Love is a MoneyTherapist & Business Advisor who helps women entrepre…

1
200) Celebrating a Milestone and What Lies Ahead 20:18

11M ago20:18

20:18

In this episode I am taking the time to celebrate my 200th episode which is a pretty big milestone. I share my thoughts on that and what I want to focus on in upcoming episodes on the podcast. I also appeal to you , the listener, to give me feedback on what you want to hear more about. In addition to that, I explain why I am focusing on preparing p…

1
Free To Be with Mike Overlie 41:39

11M ago41:39

41:39

Susan welcomes Mike Overlie back to the show to talk about men’s mental health. While June may have been declared the month to focus on the importance of this, we both felt it should be a conversation that happens regularly. Mike knows systems don’t work unless all parts are in alignment. He also knows that most men haven’t been given the emotional…

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199) Tips for Approaching Retirement with Bob Smith 41:23

11M ago41:23

41:23

In this episode I speak with Santa Barbara resident Bob Smith about his retirement journey. Bob gives us tips on how to approach this next chapter based on an article he read a few years that was written by Peter Bloom, called Stumbling Toward Retirement https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stumbling-towards-retirement-peter-bloom/ As exciting as retirem…

1
198) Meet the Sacred Sisters 37:56

11M ago37:56

37:56

In this episode I speak with soul mates and Sacred Sisters Polly and Emily Carey. We talk about their values and the evolution of their relationship that led to them creating a business to cultivate connections in the community. Click on the links below if you want to learn more about Emily and Polly and possibly work with them! https://www.sacreds…

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197) Yay! I'm Still Alive at 61! 32:31

11M ago32:31

32:31

In this episode, I am celebrating that I am turning 61 on 6/27 and explaining why you will never hear me lying about my age or being ashamed of age-related changes. To be sure, I was not always like that! I had to do a lot of internal work to understand how ridiculous it is to make aging a problem. In fact, I talk about the various flavors of Brain…

1
Igniting Hope with Jason Barnaby 54:06

11M ago54:06

54:06

In celebration of Men’s Mental Health month, Susan welcomes Jason Barnaby, Chief Fire Starter at Fire Starters Inc, to talk about the sh*tstorm that life becomes when we don’t have the emotional tools to manage everyday living. Jason’s mission is to change the world one fiery heart at a time by helping people #ignitehope and #torchfear. Earlier thi…

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196) Save the Trees with Rainbow Eyes & Julie Henszey 24:35

12M ago24:35

24:35

In this episode I speak with climate activist Julie Henszey about why she is so committed to protecting the ancient forests. She shares her journey from being a supporter on the sidelines to stepping into her leadership energy which was inspired by a woman named Rainbow Eyes. Julie is hosting multiple events this weekend with Rainbow Eyes to raise …

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Maureen Kafkis Podcasts

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