Celebrate Happiness Roadshow with Sandra M

Episode 52: “Happiness is Our Backbone in A Difficult World with Michael Burt Jr.” Music by Todd Lowry

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast, we are talking with Michael Burt Jr., a dynamic American multi-instrumentalist, teaching artist, and composer living and working in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, Michael is from a long line of teachers; both his mother and grandmother answered the call.
For over 20 years, Michael has mentored young people in both public and private schools and currently teaches in the music departments at Nelson Mandela Charter School and Santa Fe High.
In addition, his 2023-2024 Master Artist Workshop series introduced students to 'the body as keeper and origin of song' by way of an immersion into the rich traditions of blues music and original songwriting.
You can hear Michael performing regularly at the historic La Fonda Hotel, Sky Railway Santa Fe, Meow Wolf, SITE Santa Fe, among other venues.
Join us for this powerful episode in which Michael discusses how happiness is the backbone of being able to function in a difficult world, how blues music holds both the reality of hard times and the hope for better times, the ways in which music teaches us about the human experience, the importance of giving back, and so much more!

Episode #51: 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 50: “Celebrating Life with Dharm Segal” Music by Todd Lowrey

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast, we are talking with Dharm Andrew Segal, owner of the Chocolate Maven Bakery and the new Unit B Supper Club in Santa Fe New Mexico. Dharm was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and grew up in Massachusetts, the son of a mathematician father and an artist Mother. Dharm has lived in New Mexico of 35 years.
A renaissance man, he is a 2nd generation yoga teacher, musician, author and actor as well as a baker, restaurateur and business owner. In addition Dharm holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Rochester, and has served on several non-profit boards.
Dharm and his wife, Cassie, began baking health food baked goods in their home kitchen, and in 1993 created a commercial bakery in their garage which grew into what the Chocolate Maven is today. Dharm believes that the mood of the baker changes the taste of whatever they are making.
Join us for this heartfelt episode where Dharm shares how his two business aim to inspire celebration of life and each other, whether that may be through cakes or music, he also dives into his go-to "bulldozers for stress," and the essential role of balance, gratitude, and kindness.

Episode 49: “Slow Down with Sarah Taylor” Music by Todd Lowrey

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast, we are talking with Sarah Taylor in St. Louis, Missouri. Sarah graduated from the University of Missouri, with degrees in marketing, sales and Spanish and is currently working full time as the marketing coordinator for Quiet Village Landscaping in St. Louis where she manages brand storytelling, digital strategy and lead generation.
In addition, Sarah also finds time to run her photography business where she captures the beauty of pets, people, and  special moments in life.
Sarah loves to spend time outdoors with her dogs, make videos, dive into arts and crafts projects, and enjoy time with friends!
Check out this inspiring conversation in which Sarah shares her thoughts on the value of slowing down, why you can't achieve what you want by rushing through life, and what animals teach us about being present.

Episode 48: “Making Every Day Meaningful with Barbara Bentree” Music by Todd Lowrey

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast, we are talking with Barbara Bentree, president of Jindojazz, Inc., a media company that specializes in music-driven projects whose mission is to shift the global vision for women, animals, musicians and the environment.  Barbara has produced and directed four feature length Documentary Films; "My Choice," "Dave Grusin: Not Enough Time," "Origami In The Garden," all which have been selected for 36 film festivals and won 23 awards. She is now finishing "Should You Go?
Barbara, a Minnesota girl, began singing early and toured in Europe with "America's Youth in Concert". With a degree in Music Education, she has always had "one foot in education and one foot in entertainment."
 
In Los Angeles she won awards while singing in "The Goils", a three-woman group, and with the vocal jazz group, "Terra Nova" which she co-founded,
Barbara also worked in production, as a vocal music coach and music producer, for shows at Disney Channel, as a consultant for Hollywood Records and was the Vocal Music Director and Actress for several episodes of popular shows on FOX, NBC, and the DISCOVERY CHANNEL and worked in producing roles for DISNEY/ABC
She has been a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and she has sat on Emmy judging panels for children's programming. Barbara has recorded a solo vocal CD titled "Green," published a children's novella titled "Free Billie," and is currently writing several original movie screenplays.
 
Tune in to this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode as Barbara reflects on what it means to live with purpose, presence, and towards the common good. She shares how contemplating mortality and the fleeting nature of time has deepened her appreciation of the little things and how she strives to make each day as deeply meaningful as possible. Barbara also explores how working in film impacts her perspective of the world, as well as the positive and negative ways media can influence our consciousness.

Episode 47: “Real vs. Artificial Happiness with Michelle Dillion” Music by Todd Lowrey

In the latest episode of The Celebrate Happiness Roadshow podcast, we are talking with Michelle Dillon, a marketing professional with a gift for bringing people, ideas, and brands together in meaningful ways. Currently in her marketing role at Jade Global, she helps shape the company's voice through executive engagement, corporate branding, high-impact events, and thought-leadership initiatives. Michelle has more than 15 years of experience in the information technology industry, spanning chief executive officer relations, company brand elevation, public relations, and strategic event management. Michelle is known for creating experiences that connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
Outside of work, Michelle's heart belongs to her family, the outdoors, and the call of adventure. She is an advanced-certified scuba diver, and is happiest exploring nature and marine life, surrounded by water. She is also a great cook and loves sharing meals, discovering art and history, and finding any reason to explore new cultures and destinations. Michelle says that for her, happiness is about connection—being fully present with the people she loves, exploring the world with curiosity, and helping others along the way.
Check out this fascinating and powerful episode in which we discuss the value of face-to-face connection in an increasingly disconnected world, the importance of meaning vs. convenience, as well as nature, family, and making choices which nurture our happiness.
 
Listen now

Episode 46: “Happiness Beyond the Surface with Nicholas Stinson” Music by Todd Lowrey

In 2022, Nicholas relocated from Atlanta, GA to Santa Fe. For close to 15 years he served as the chef and owner of the renowned restaurant, Gato. Embracing his role as Market Manager at the Santa Fe Farmers' Market he finds joy in championing sustainable agriculture amidst our high desert microclimates. Nicholas also sits on the board for the soon to open Sun Mountain Community Charter School. Outside of work he revels in traversing the expansive beauty of the land on foot or mountain bike, all the while cherishing the responsibilities of fatherhood. He feels deep gratitude for this land of enchantment.
Join us for this powerful and uplifting discussion in which Nicholas discusses his role at the Santa Fe Farmer's market, how having purpose in one's work and life relates to happiness, the impact of love and gratitude, and so much more!  

Episode 45: “Expressions of Love with Kristina Daniels” Music by Todd Lowrey

In this episode we are talking with aromatherapist, facilitator, minister, photographer and published author, Kristina Daniels. Kristina is happiest when she is sharing time with souls she loves, from flowers to fur family. Kristina uses art as an extension and expression of love. Her creativity combines botanical oils, nature photography, writing, and illustration and she has published three books, "The Adventures of Avery Finn" about a lovable cat who we accompany as he experiences adoption, a farewell and a new friendship.
Kristina's services involve using flowers, herbs, and essential oils to create healing formulas based on botanical knowledge. She works with plants as botanical ingredients to support emotional healing, such as grief work and rituals for self-care. Kristina provides information on botanical healing and invites others to connect with anature through her services, ceremonies, and workshops. You can find Kristina at kristinaldaniels.com or on YouTube @Five28_hz or at theadventuresofaveryfinn.
Check out this lovely and uplifting discussion in which we discuss our relationships with animals and plants, connections with our local environment, creativity,  expressions of love, and so much more!

Episode 44: “In the Moment with Gail Springer” Music by Todd Lowrey

Today we are talking with Gail Springer, a Creative by gifts of nature and education who has pursued her passion for music, theatre and teaching all of her life.
At the age of five Gail appeared on Albuquerque's Dick Bills TV Show in a fringed cowgirl outfit packing a toy six gun and singing The Deadwood Stage. During her 36 years as a Professor of Theatre at the College of Santa Fe and the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, Gail directed over 50 plays and musicals at the Greer Garson Theatre in Santa Fe New Mexico and started one of the first BFA Music theatre degree programs in the United States.
Outside of academia, she continued her career as a soprano soloist with orchestras, choirs and bands, and was a regular soprano soloist with Serenata of Santa Fe.
Since retiring from teaching in 2016 she has written and published two fictions, and her third book will be published this May. Currently Gail also sings with her musician husband, Peter Springer, in the contemporary acoustic rock trio, Monsoon.
Check out this invigorating conversation in which Gail shares insights into feeling alive, staying in the moment, having compassion for yourself, finding connection with others and more!

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.