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

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!  

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

In this episode we are talking with Michael Riordan, the founder and president of the Jennifer Riordan Foundation. Michael and Jennifer were married for 21 years and have two beautiful children. When Jennifer was unexpectedly and tragically taken from the family, the family knew that they must keep her mantra to always be Kind, Loving, Caring, and Sharing alive in their community. The Foundation has 4 primary pillars; Women's Empowerment, Childhood Education, Financial Literacy and Community Vitality.  The mission of the foundation is to support and create acts of kindness. You can learn more at thejenniferriordanfoundation.org. In this episode, Michael shares his personal journey with happiness, inspiring stories of kindness, and why it takes courage to be kind. I hope you will join us for this uplifting and heartfelt episode.

Today we are talking with Rashel Rogers from Irving Texas. Rashel has been developing leaders for 25 years, having studied at the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership And she has worked with more than 40 organizations worldwide in 15+ industries delivering breakthrough moments for over 3,000 leaders. In addition to Rashel holds degrees in business, economics, and instructional leadership, and is a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant® She received a GOLD Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Award and published a case study through the ROI Institute for her work with healthcare practitioners. In her current role at Park Place Dealerships, Rashel provides growth opportunities for leaders through skill building, executive coaching, peer mentoring, leadership continuity planning and change management. Rashel, an avid reader also can: write in cursive, drive a stick shift, launch a motorboat to pull a skier, make correct change without a calculator, popcorn without a microwave, build a case for both sides, look you in the eye and have a conversation about any topic, take responsibility for her part of any situation, tap dance, stand on her head, and march 8-to-5 stride while playing the saxophone. In this delightful conversation, Rashel shares how living a life of learning and trying new things contributes to her happiness. We also discuss other factors of happiness including mindset, gratitude, kindness and more!

Today we are talking with John Gravel, a longtime resident with deep roots in the community of Santa Fe, New Mexico. John has a wealth of experience across multiple fields, including website design, development, social media marketing, and graphic design.As part of the Red Cross, he has supported military service members,veterans, and their families throughout New Mexico, notably establishing a communication station at Holloman AFB during the Afghan refugee crisis. He also served as a First Aid and CPR instructor, reflecting his commitment to emergency preparedness and community safety.In addition, John has been an active volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol,since 2001 holding positions which include pilot, cadet leader, and emergency services coordinator, all while also serving on the New Mexico Governor's Board for Search and Rescue.Currently, John collaborates with Sandra McKnight, with whom he has worked for 25 years, on producing the "Celebrate Happiness Roadshow" podcast, continuing his dedication to both creative and community endeavors. Join us for this inspiring and uplifting discussion in which John shares his insights into how service, compassion and community connect to happiness.

Today we are talking with Paul Gillmore, manager at Artful Tea, a specialty loose leaf tea store residing in Santa Fe NM for 17 years. Paul's passion for cooking started as a small child which lead to over 20 years working in fine dining restaurants. In his early 20's while working alongside Japanese chefs Paul was introduced to green tea and has been following his twin passions of tea and cooking ever since. Paul's interest in culinary and anthropological history led to traveling extensively in Latin America. Paul and his wife Jennifer were married in the Galapagos at Tortuga Bay, and have traveled together in Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Oaxaca and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. In each of these locations, Paul has sought out culinary experiences to further his connection to his culinary heritage, and to broaden his understanding of pre-Hispanic cultures in the Americas. In this rich and uplifting conversation, Paul shares how his travel experiences have shaped him and expanded his world view. We also discuss the power of gratitude, beauty, nature and more.