To the Editors and Journalists of The New York Times, We stand at a moment in history that will define the future of democracy, not just in the United States, but across the world. A coup is underway in America. It is unfolding not with tanks in the streets but through the calculated erosion of institutions, the weaponization of misinformation, and the normalization of authoritarian tactics. You, as one of the most powerful and influential media organizations on the planet, have a moral and ethical responsibility to report this truthfully, urgently, and without equivocation. For too long, the American press has tiptoed around the gravity of what is happening, defaulting to both-sides journalism, softening language, and failing to call a...

Episode Summary: In this LISTENER LAB episode, host Kate Shepherd engages in a profound conversation with longtime Creative Genius Podcast listener Cami Smith. Cami is a former fiber artist turned painter and community builder. Cami shares her artistic journey, influenced by her mother's creative pursuits, and discusses the challenges and rewards of embracing one's unique path in the art world. The discussion delves into the importance of community among artists, the transformative power of creative expression, and strategies to overcome inner critics. They also reflect on insights from Jane Dunnewold's teachings, emphasizing curiosity, confidence, and the deep connection between creativity and empowerment. Show Notes Cami discusses her early influences, particularly her mother's artistic endeavors and the impact they had on...

This week, I found myself deeply unsettled. Several neighbours and friends - people I trust and care about - expressed their support for Pierre Poilievre while we were having neighbourly conversations about the state of the world. These are thoughtful, well-meaning people who genuinely want the best for Canada. As I listened, I felt frustrated and dismayed - how could anyone who cares about goodness support him? But then I caught myself. That kind of division - the impulse to write people off, to quietly disdain them and to then dismiss them as ignorant or misguided - is exactly how the USA got to where they are today.  So instead of sitting in my anger, I turned to curiosity. And I...

In extraordinary times, it can feel like darkness is winning. Fear, uncertainty, and despair creep in, convincing us that all hope is lost. But is that really the truth? In this special bonus episode, I open my heart and share a deeply personal reflection on the battle between light and dark—both in the world and within us.

I never thought we’d be living through times like this. As a civilization, we’ve come so far in so many ways, and yet, in others, we remain deeply primal, even barbaric. Throughout history, there has always been this tension between light and dark, good and evil—opposing forces shaping our experiences. And in between, we live. All the great sages and spiritual teachers—Jesus, Buddha, the mystics and wisdom keepers—point to the same thing: that while darkness exists, the universe is stacked in favour of the light. Love and goodness are always stronger. That doesn’t mean the darkness isn’t real or that it doesn’t sometimes feel unbearable. The Battle Within Is the Battle Outside For years, I’ve explored the limiting beliefs that...