Celebrate Happiness Roadshow with Sandra M

Episode 43: “Stay Curious with James Dybas” Music by Todd Lowrey

Today we are talking with James Dybas, who is a seasoned American actor, singer & dancer born & raised in Chicago, Illinois and whose career spans Broadway, regional theater, television, and film. Beginning his artistic journey in Chicago after receiving a scholarship to study dance with renowned teacher Edna McRae, James launched his professional career performing in Musical Revues at Chicago's Edgewater Beach and Del Prado Hotels.
After moving to New York City, he made his Broadway debut in the 1965 Richard Rodgers/Stephen Sondheim musical "Do I Hear a Waltz?"  and His subsequent Broadway credits include George M!, Via Galactica, 42nd Street, Sunset Boulevard, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Pacific Overtures, in which he originated the Stephen Sondheim song "Someone in a Tree" which Mr. Sondheim has said is his favorite of all his compositions.
In addition to his stage work, James has also appeared in films such as Private Benjamin and in several television series including Miami Vice. He has also contributed to the performing arts community by hosting events for the Dancers Over 40 Organization and teaching Musical Theatre Audition Techniques at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in NYC.
Currently James resides in New York City, where he continues to engage with the arts, reflecting on a career enriched by diverse and challenging roles across multiple performance mediums. James is a world traveler and is passionate about exploring countries all around the world; China being his next destination this fall.  
James' life mantra is "Suit up, show up and say yes". www.jamesdybas.com
In this uplifting and insightful episode, James shares how he approaches life "As an experiment." He says to "Not get caught up in hope and fear, but to move forward with curiosity." We also discuss the importance of being present, having gratitude, helping others and finding community.

Episode 42: “We Are One with Lyra Barron” Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode, we are talking with Lyra Barron who for 42 years has lived just outside of Santa Fe, NM; always in the forest and mountains where Nature has always provided her with inspiration.
Lyra's current endeavor and the finale of her long and varied career is the creation of Paradiso, a Santa Fe performing arts venue and community event space. Lyra is passionate about beauty and the arts, and providing a space for artists to thrive, and for community to come together to celebrate life in these divisive and challenging times.
A professional pianist and composer herself, she is planning a regular series of healing music evenings in the near future. Her musical training is in classical music, and her style leans into a more visual and orchestral vein, which might be currently classified as New Age. As a professional touring musician and composer, she has 7 CD's of original music and a number of New Mexico Music Awards.
In addition to her music career, her background includes costume design and wearable art, the head administrator of one of New Mexico's pueblos, which included a language preservation project for the pueblo, and web and graphic design, film maker and photographer.
In this powerful and inspirational episode, Lyra discusses topics such as her creative process, remembering our shared humanity, moving outside of division through community, nature and creativity and having love and compassion for all.

Episode 41: “Happiness through Harmony with Paddy Rawal” Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode, we are talking with Paddy Rawal, a beloved Santa Fe executive chef who has recently came out of retirement to start Tulsi- Asian Cuisine, with a local influence.
Paddy, a native of Mumbai, India, migrated to the U.S. in 2001, and has been in the hospitality, restaurant, quick service, and food service management business for more than forty years and counting.
As a seasoned world traveler and a qualified and experienced manager and executive chef with knowledge of multiple international cuisines, Paddy has worked around the globe in Hotels and food facilities. And in addition he is a regular on national food network cooking shows.
He arrived in the USA in 2001, where he started and owned the full service restaurants;  "Bombay Grill" and "Mumbai in Michigan". And in 2011 he came to Santa Fe to venture into "Raaga in Santa Fe", and "OM" in Los Ranchos, New Mexico. Next came his Santa Fe takeout Thai and Indian concept, "Raaga Go".
Join us for this uplifting episode in which Paddy shares powerful insights into happiness from his childhood in India as well as lifelong dedication to the art of cooking. We discuss creating happiness from within, self-discipline, presence, and how happiness relates to finding balance and living in harmony with the world.

Episode 40: "The Joy of Chocolate with Bonnie Bennett" Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode, we are talking with Bonnie Bennett, co-owner with her husband Tony of the Kakawa Chocolate House in Santa Fe NM. Bonnie and Tony moved to Santa Fe, NM 14+ years ago to craft their next adventure, the "wonders of chocolate." The Kakawa Chocolate House's mission is to introduce people to the long history of chocolate through drinking "elixirs" and offering world class artisan chocolates, ice cream and baked goods locally sourced from the finest ingredients.
Aa a "chocolate sommelier" many days Bonnie is behind the counter, talking chocolate with guests visiting from around the country and the globe. Her love for chocolate is infectious and engaging as she focuses on leading classes, chocolate "immersions'', cacao intention events, corporate adventures and pairings with other local businesses in all their Santa Fe locations and their newer Salem, Massachusetts location.
Bonnie came to chocolate as a second career by way of the Fashion Industry, having a background in Jewelry Design and Merchandising and a long, successful career in NYC.  Bonnie also teaches Nia, a holistic movement practice at BODY of Santa Fe and Studio Nia Santa Fe and volunteers on the board of the International Folk Art Market. In her free moments, you can find her cooking or enjoying a quiet moment with her husband and partner Tony and their two rescue pups, Lucy and Mackenzie.
In this powerful episode, Bonnie shares fascinating insights into how chocolate truly does make you feel good, not just because it's delicious, but also because of cacao's extraordinary effects on the brain. We also discuss how Bonnie creates happiness in her life through her movement practice, Nia, sharing her passions with others, bringing people together, finding gratitude and so much more.

Episode 39: “Living in Gratitude with Maleah Diaz” Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode, we are talking with with Maleah Diaz, a junior at the University of New Mexico, studying under the Jennifer Riordan Presidential Scholarship and pursuing a degree in Secondary Education with a focus in English language arts. After graduation, Maleah hopes to teach internationally and pursue her Masters degree.
Born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, Maleah graduated valedictorian of her class from Silver High School and participated in multiple extra curriculars including Volleyball, Basketball, Powerlifting, National Honors Society, National History Day, and Key Club.
Currently she is working at the university gym while playing on an intramural volleyball team with her coworkers. Maleah has made the Dean's List each semester while at UNM and her writing has been published in the 2022-2023 edition of the Elevations textbook from the UNM Department of English.
During the Summer of 2024, she studied abroad in Italy and this summer she has been accepted to an international teaching apprenticeship in Cordóba, Spain. Maleah also enjoys playing piano, dancing, binge watching her favorite shows, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
In this uplifting episode, Maleah shares insights into how taking time to reflect on what she is grateful for brings her happiness as well as thoughts on her enriching experience with the Jennifer Riordan Foundation, and how she plans to bring kindness, empathy, and inclusion to her future work in education.

Episode 38: “Face to Face Connection with Maggie Lambe” Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode, we are talking with Maggie Lambe. Having been raised in Florida on a farm, she migrated west 20 years ago. She has two lovely adult daughters and is currently residing in Santa Fe NM.
Not long ago, she began her new life as a single woman and the difficulty of adjusting to being single led her to create the very popular Santa Fe, singles group, iMeet, Mingle, Match.
Maggie feels that there is something incredibly powerful about meeting face-to-face in a world that's becoming increasingly digital. She says, you're not just finding potential partners or friends—you're also building richer, more fulfilling connections that improve your overall health and happiness.
It is about the connections you make in life: your connections bring you so much joy, social health and well-being. Join us for uplifting episode in which Maggie discusses these insights and more.

Episode 37: “Take Time for Yourself with David Geist” Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode we are talking with Santa Fe-based musician David Geist.
Celebrated concert pianist, cabaret performer, conductor, educator and impresario, David Geist has enjoyed an illustrious career working with such luminaries as Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Harold Prince, Hugh Jackman, Michael Crawford and Betty Buckley. David has performed in the Broadway orchestras of CATS, LES MISERABLES, THE LION KING, WICKED, THE PRODUCERS, FOSSE and many others. Cabaret credits include FEINSTEIN'S, THE FRIARS CLUB and THE METROPOLITAN ROOM. His concerts are stories and songs commemorating his career on Broadway, The Great American Songbook, Classical and Pop. David's performances have been hailed "as a confluence between genres and generations" (Santa Fe New Mexican), and every show he gives is informed by his deep knowledge and passion for preserving our musical culture.
Join us for this rich, uplifting episode in which David shares his thoughts on the transformative power of taking time for yourself (even if it's just 5min!), the role of music in bringing peace and harmony to the world, the creative act of being alive, and the joy of being of service to others.

Episode 36: "Inner Happiness with Lesley King" Music by Todd Lowry

In this episode we are talking with writer, Lesley S. King. Lesley has traveled all over the world writing for The New York Times, Audubon magazine, United Airlines Hemispheres magazine and the Frommer's and Dummies guides. For eight years she wrote and took photographs and videos for her King of the Road travel column in New Mexico Magazine. She is author of a number of books, including her newest, I Am Love. She also blogs about the adventure of spirituality at The Inner Adventure, www.lesleysking.com.
This is an insightful and powerful conversation in which Lesley shares her journey from searching for happiness outwardly, to eventually turning inward to the quiet of her own heart. Don't miss this inspiring episode.

Episode 35: “The Power of Community with Kyle Forster” Music by Todd Lowry

In this episode we are talking with Kyle Forster. Kyle has been at the forefront of internet and cloud technology throughout his career. He is the founder of RunWhen, a company pioneering AI-powered "engineering assistants" to automate the tedious aspects of building and operating large-scale software systems in large enterprises.
Previously, Kyle held entrepreneurial and executive roles, including product management positions at Google Cloud and Cisco. He co-founded Big Switch Networks (acquired by Arista). Kyle holds an MS and MBA from Stanford University, a BSE in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University and is the author of seven patents. Kyle and his wonderful wife Jennifer have three children and he is the cleaner-upper behind two very friendly dogs.
Join us for this impactful discussion in which Kyle shares his thoughts on the relationship between community and happiness, as well as having control over your time, and much more!

Episode #34: Sing Along with Our Special Happiness Holiday Podcast. Music by Todd Lowry

To celebrate the Holidays, composer Todd Lowry and I have collaborated to bring you a special musical episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow Podcast. In this delightful episode, Todd performs three of his original songs, First our theme song “Everybody Smiles in the Same Language,” followed by  “Friends,” closing out with “Let’s Create a New World” (That Works for All). In addition to sharing some personal background on each song Todd has prepared a mp3 Karaoke track and the Lyrics of “Everybody Smiles in the Same Language”. Click BELOW to download.
To Book the Live Celebrate Happiness Roadshow email: Sandra@sandramcknight.com
Everybody Smiles in the Same Language- With Lead vocalsEverybody Smiles in the Same Language - Without Lead vocalsEverybodySmiles in the Same Language - Lyrics
The music provided herein is for your personal use only. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of copyright law. It's also bad karma!
Happy Holidays! Peace to all!  -Todd Lowry