Discover the transformative power of singing with Maggie Wheeler and Arnaé Batson. Maggie, well known as Janice from Friends, and Grammy-nominated singer Arnaé, explore how music can heal, connect, and bring joy to our lives. From stories of rediscovering their voices to creating inclusive, non-auditioned choirs, they reveal how song can break down barriers, foster intimacy, and build community.

Resources:

• Omega Institute: Arnaé Batson
• Follow Maggie on Instagram: @maggiewheeler_official

Don't miss their workshops at Rancho La Puerta during Wisdom Keeper Week, starting March 1st. To learn more about our wonderful presenters and exciting weeks coming up at the ranch, go to RanchoLaPuerta.com and check out our events calendar. Mention the podcast when making your reservation to take advantage of a special offer. Some restrictions may apply.

Produced by NOVA

In this fascinating episode of Resonate, we welcome Dr. Annie Fenn, a former OBGYN turned culinary medicine expert. Dr. Fenn shares how nutrition and lifestyle can delay cognitive decline and improve brain health. Inspired by her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Dr. Fenn founded the Brain Health Kitchen to teach others how to take control of their cognitive health through food.

Learn about the science-backed benefits of the Mediterranean diet, why walnuts and green tea are brain superstars, and how cognitive reserve can protect your mind as you age. Whether you’re looking to prevent dementia or simply eat for optimal health, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring insights.

Resources:

• Learn more at brainhealthkitchen.com
• Read The Brain Health Kitchen
• Connect with Annie on LinkedIn

To learn more about our wonderful presenters and exciting weeks coming up at the ranch, go to RanchoLaPuerta.com and check out our events calendar. Mention the podcast when making your reservation to take advantage of a special offer. Some restrictions may apply.

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Price, award-winning journalist and author of “How to Break Up With Your Phone” and “The Power of Fun.” Catherine shares her personal journey to building a healthier relationship with technology and offers practical strategies for reclaiming your time and mental space.

Learn how to identify the apps that steal your time, create no-phone zones, and rediscover joy beyond the screen. Catherine also explores the concept of true fun—playfulness, connection, and flow—and how it can transform our lives. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your phone, this episode is for you.

Resources:

• Learn more at catherineprice.com
• Follow Catherine on Instagram: @_catherineprice
• Read “How to Break Up With Your Phone”
• Read “The Power of Fun”

Produced by NOVA

Connie Bennett is a fitness professional who has been inspiring guests at Rancho La Puerta for nearly three decades. Connie shares her incredible journey, from growing up in a family of trailblazing journalists in Chicago to teaching dynamic fitness classes at the Ranch.

Connie reflects on the joy of movement, the importance of gratitude, and the lessons she’s learned from life at the Ranch. She also gives listeners a glimpse into her unique childhood, with stories about meeting Martin Luther King Jr. and dancing with Sammy Davis Jr.

Whether you’re looking for tips on staying active, embracing the present, or finding joy in daily life, this episode is sure to inspire.

Resources:

• Ebony Magazine: ebony.com
• Read: What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Lerone Bennett Jr.

To learn more about our wonderful presenters and exciting weeks coming up at the ranch, go to RanchoLaPuerta.com and check out our events calendar. Mention the podcast when making your reservation to take advantage of a special offer. Some restrictions may apply.

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Resonate, we welcome Dr. James Gordon, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and pioneer in mind-body medicine. Dr. Gordon shares his innovative techniques for healing trauma without medication, emphasizing that trauma is a universal part of life, but one we can move through and learn from.

From calming the fight-or-flight response with soft belly breathing to releasing stress through shaking and dancing, Dr. Gordon’s methods provide accessible tools for anyone looking to heal. He also discusses the global work of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, which trains individuals to bring these techniques to their communities.

Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges or interested in helping others, this episode offers valuable insights and practical steps to transform trauma into resilience.

Resources:

• The Center for Mind-Body Medicine
• Read Transforming Trauma by Dr. James Gordon

Produced by NOVA Media

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome author and purpose expert Richard Leider. With nearly sixty years of experience, Richard has dedicated his life to helping others find meaning and purpose. He shares his “napkin test”—a simple way to define purpose through gifts, passions, and values—and discusses the importance of finding purpose moments in each day.

Richard also talks about the evolving nature of retirement, the critical role of community and connection, and the concept of a “golden hour” to ground ourselves in daily practices. Whether you're looking for big-P Purpose or small-p purpose, this episode offers invaluable insights on making each day meaningful.

Resources:

• Richard Leider’s Website: richardleider.com
• Read: The Power of Purpose

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode, we welcome award-winning filmmaker Lydia B. Smith. Lydia shares the story of her first documentary, “Walking the Camino,” inspired by her own pilgrimage along the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. She discusses how the journey brought healing, connection, and inspiration to her life, leading her to explore the power of storytelling.

Lydia’s latest project, “Cellblocks to Mountaintops”, sheds light on the journey of incarcerated individuals who are transforming their lives. She highlights the importance of restorative justice and urges listeners to see the humanity in each person impacted by the criminal justice system.

Join us for an episode filled with insights on intuition, healing, and the potential of stories to change lives.

Resources:

• Learn more: Cellblocks to Mountaintops
• Lydia B. Smith’s bio
• Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago

Produced by NOVA Media

In this powerful episode of Resonate, we sit down with Jacques-Pierre Cole, a Zen Buddhist monk who brings his gifts of mindfulness and meditation to Rancho La Puerta guests. Jacques shares his deeply personal story of overcoming childhood abuse, multiple suicide attempts, and the loss of his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident.

Jacques opens up about his path to healing through Zen Buddhism, learning to forgive not only his father but also himself. He discusses the importance of mindfulness and meditation in finding inner peace and living fully present in each moment. Listeners will also hear about his health journey, losing 60 pounds and finding mental resilience through running.

Join us for an inspiring and candid conversation about life’s challenges, the power of forgiveness, and the transformative practice of mindfulness.

Resources:

• Made for Joy Live Meditations
• Meditation with Jacques-Pierre Cole - Rancho La Puerta
• TED Talk: Yes—you, too, can quiet your mind. | Jacques Pierre Cole

Produced by NOVA Media