Celebrate Happiness Roadshow with Sandra M

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

Episode 33: “Happiness as a State of Being with Othman Ouenes” Music by Todd Lowry

In this episode we are talking with Othman Ouenes, a Stanford University graduate currently living and working in Santa Fe NM. Othman is a compassionate digital health innovator, part-time firefighter, and social entrepreneur whose work is driven by a deep commitment to love and social good. As the CEO and co-founder of Fidari, Othman leads with purpose, blending cutting-edge technology and human-centered care to support cancer patients and their families. His mission is to transform oncology care into a more equitable and connected experience.
In addition he serves as an advisor to Peabody Health philanthropies, focusing on improving healthcare quality in low- and middle-income countries and as a board member of the Raymond Wood Foundation, fostering resilience and hope in underserved communities.
 
Whether in the boardroom or as a part-time firefighter with the Eldorado Fire Department his life and work reflect his steadfast belief in service and community care and are defined by empathy, collaboration, and an unwavering desire to create a world where every individual feels seen, valued, and supported.
Check out this joyful episode in which Othman shares many powerful insights into gratitude, presence, creativity, play, and meaningful connection—with people, animals and nature.

Episode 32: “Happiness as a Way of Living with Deb Bissonette” Music by Todd Lowry

Today we are talking with Deb Bissonette, who lives in rural Vermont with her kind and loving husband of 40 years. Together they raised two wonderful daughters, who have given them 4 beautiful grandchildren ranging from age 5-11 years old, who are a constant joy in their lives and keep them very busy with a wide range of sports and school activities.
Deb has been retired for 3 years and finds retirement busier than working a full time job, and that it has so many redeeming qualities. Such as being able to spend more time with her family and wonderful friends. Deb says that longer lunches are a wonderful part of her happiness as is being free to travel when she wants to.  Retirement is a piece of the pie towards happiness, says Deb. Enjoy life, smile a great deal and be happy as much as you possibly can.
Join us for this heartwarming episode in which Deb discusses her joyful family life, shares powerful stories from the Spark Happiness tour, and explains what happiness as a way of living means to her.