AwareNow: Issue 55: 'The Space Edition' by AwareNow™

AWARENOW

THE SPACE EDITION

AwareNow Magazine is a monthly publication produced by AwareNow Media™, a storytelling platform dedicated to creating and sustaining positive social change with content that inspires and informs, while raising awareness for causes one story at a time.

KEVIN HINES

PUSHING

GABY MONTIEL MAKING

MADDIE GALOVICH, JESSICA FREW

BEYOND THE SHADOWS

SETH GEHLE, ERIN MACAULEY

BEYOND THE STARS

NIURKA LEIVA PANIZO, TANITH HARDING

TREADING

PAUL ROGERES

JIALU ZHANG, CELESTINE RAVEN

PANDEMIC FASCISM

DR. TODD BROWN

BEYOND THE MILES

BETSY MUELLER

ONE MORE ADVENTURE

JONATHAN KOHANSKI

CAUGHT THROUGH THE CRACKS

ROBIN PREDNY, NSSC

“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.”

Verna Myers

space: (n.) the dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist and move

AwareNow is a space for all. Inclusion is more than a word—it’s a call to action. It means creating spaces, physical and emotional, where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. AwareNow stands ﬁrm in this mission, amplifying voices that unite us and confronting systems that divide us. As we enter a new year, the future demands progress, driven by advocates who turn hope into action. Together, we must create gains for equity and justice, ensuring that no one is left behind.

This new year is a new opportunity. Let’s continue building spaces where inclusion isn’t just a principle but a practice, and let’s celebrate those who show us the way forward. Together, we will no longer ask for permission to change the world—we will lead the change.

With purpose,

McGuire

ALLIÉ McGUIRE

CEO & Co-Founder of AwareNow Media

Allié McGuire began her career as a performance poet, transitioned into digital storytelling as a wine personality, and later produced the Hollywood Film Festival. Now, as co-founder of AwareNow Media, she uses her platform to elevate voices and champion causes, connecting audiences to stories that inspire change.

JACK

McGUIRE

President & Co-Founder of AwareNow Media

Jack McGuire’s career spans the Navy, hospitality, and producing the Hollywood Film Festival. Now, he co-leads AwareNow Media with Allié, focusing on powerful storytelling for worthy causes. His commitment to service fuels AwareNow’s mission to connect and inspire audiences.

The views and opinions expressed in AwareNow are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official Any content provided by our columnists or interviewees is of their opinion and not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, political group, organization, company, or individual. Stories shared are not intended to vilify anyone or anything. Their intent is to make you think.

* Please note that you may find a spelling or punctuation error here or there, as our Editor-In-Chief has MS and lost vision in her right eye. That said, she still has perfect vision in her left and rocks it as best as she can.

Jack

A FANTASTIC FOUR A

WELCOME TO NATHANAEL, TEDDY, KEVIN & BRYAN

The AwareNow family continues to grow, as we work to raise awareness for causes one story and one person at a time. Thankful for the stories these four have to share with the world, we are honored to welcome the following Ofﬁcial Ambassadors to AwareNow:

Nathanael Cole

www.awarenessties.us/nathanael-cole

Ofﬁcial Ambassador for Gun Violence Prevention Gun Violence Survivor & Prevention Advocate

Teddy Cosmo

www.awarenessties.us/teddy-cosmo

Ofﬁcial Ambassador for Disability Musician, Songwriter & Disability Rights Advocate

Kevin Hines

www.awarenessties.us/kevin-hines

Ofﬁcial Ambassador for Mental Health Suicide Prevention Advocate & Speaker

Bryan Scott

www.awarenessties.us/bryan-scott

Ofﬁcial Ambassador for the Human Cause Professional Athlete & Founder of Live Your Why

We invite you to get to know Nathanael, Teddy, Kevin, and Bryan. Visit their ambassador pages (linked above), ﬁnd them on Instagram, and get to know about the causes they care about through the stories they share. Get to know all of our AwareNow Ofﬁcial Ambassadors here: www.awarenessties.us/ambassadors

Together, we rise. ∎

GABY MONTIEL

SINGER, SONGWRITER & OFFICIAL AWARENOW AMBASSADOR FOR MUSIC & ARTS

Photo Credit: Cori Emmalea Rodriguez

FEATURE STORY BY GABRIELLA MONTIEL

SINCERELY, THE YOUNG ,

We talk about you under the tall towers of your skepticism

In that shadow that you cast

We gather and bathe in the eye you turn blind

It’s cool and soft in your ignorance

Peaceful, even, if we allow ourselves to

Acknowledge it

We are always speaking

Wrapped around our tongues

Spilling out and dancing with each other

Words cascade over our heads and drip

Delicately into the ﬁres we nurture

That is how we stay so warm down here

Rarely do I catch us looking up

There is nothing for us there

Up there, there is only those bleeding eyes

So convinced everyone sees the same

They assume even their assailant

Gazed upon them through a view of red

It is lonely

It is never acknowledged

For if we believe it

It will shape into something worse

Something worse than the dying ﬁres

Something worse than the cold

Something worse than the bleeding eyes

Something more than death

Beyond the ceasing of existence

But more like the absence of its memory

We are seen as nothing

Our ideas become nothing

We are nothing

So we don’t acknowledge it

So we keep building our ﬁres

So we keep speaking

So we let our words sharpen to thorns

Planting a ladder into the moist soil

And we wait for it to grow

Those, up there

They will see our creation one day

They will see it through their bleeding eyes

One day

We will not only climb that tower

But destroy it, peeling away the stone

Until our ﬁngernails are coated in crimson

And we stand on ruins of jagged rock

Once carved from your words just short of hatred

We will wrap your injured sight with the honey

That grows from our lips

And we will be someone

THE YOUNG

Written and Narrated by Gaby Montiel

https://awarenow.us/podcast/sincerely-the-young

We are lonely

We are progress and we lay the bricks

For the road that follows that large clock Hanging above our heads like a dinner bell

Death will feast on us all You before us

But we will not let those behind Fall beneath new towers

We are lonely

We are young We will be someone ∎

GABY MONTIEL

Singer, Songwriter & Ofﬁcial AwareNow Ambassador for Music & Arts www.awarenessties.us/gaby-montiel

Gaby Montiel has been nationally recognized as a soulful singer songwriter. As a recording artist, Gaby performs throughout southern California and has been requested to write and record songs for social advocacy organizations like AwarenessTies and Fear of Return. In April 2023, she performed as the youngest female music artist for the national Chick Singer Night Showcase at the Ventura County chapter. She recently performed for 300 art and music high school students in the Oxnard School District for the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, leading a songwriting workshop for 89 music students. She was also selected as the youngest singer songwriter for the West Coast Songwriter Association's Winter Showcase in 2024 as well as the only youth to be selected amongst 20 globally for Successfully Magazine.

TAP/SCAN TO LISTEN

KEELY CAT-WELLS FOUNDER OF MAKING SPACE

Photo Courtesy: Keely Cat-Wells

MAKING SPACE BREAKING BARRIERS AND BUILDING

INCLUSION

In a world where inclusion often feels like an afterthought, Keely Cat-Wells is making space—literally and ﬁguratively. From founding C Talent in a hospital bed to leading groundbreaking ventures that champion Disabled talent, Keely has become a relentless force for systemic change. In this exclusive interview, she shares the personal journey that fuels her mission, the barriers she’s breaking with Making Space, and her vision for a future where accessibility and equity are the norm.

ALLIÉ: The chapter of your story that we'll discuss today, Keely, begins in a hospital room, where you founded a company that would grow to reshape perceptions of disability worldwide. I guess my ﬁrst question for you is, what was the spark in that moment of adversity that inspired you to create something so impactful?

KEELY: It’s interesting. I think the biggest lightbulb moment for me was when I lost a job due to disability discrimination. When I was in the hospital, I was physically very unwell but also mentally very unwell. I was deeply

Photo Courtesy: Keely Cat-Wells

KEELY CAT-WELLS FOUNDER OF MAKING SPACE

Photo Courtesy: Keely Cat-Wells

“I think it really shifts the incorrect perception that disabled people are a charity.”

KEELY: (continued) I remember an amazing woman who was a friend and a teacher to me at the time. She said, “What can you give? Stop focusing on yourself. Stop being in a pity pit. Just focus on what you can give.” That was a really big, game-changing moment for me—realizing that even though I was now disabled and so constrained, there was always something I could give to others. That was the start of me getting out of my pity pit and thinking about what I could do with myself.

Although I lost the original path I wanted to take, I started helping my friends get jobs, which led me to realize that this was what a talent agent did. After leaving the hospital, I went down the path of being a talent agent and running a talent agency. That moment was pivotal for me.

ALLIÉ: Let’s talk more about C Talent. It was acquired in a groundbreaking investment for disabled talent. What does this milestone mean to you, and what do you hope it signiﬁes for the future of the creator economy?

KEELY: I think it really shifts the incorrect perception that disabled people are a charity. That charity model and the lens we’ve consistently been shown—that disability equals charity—needs to pivot to recognizing our economic value and the demand for disabled creators. This investment shows brands that this is an incredibly powerful community of people and that we’re not just a niche. For so long, disabled people have been told, “No, it’s too niche,” or “That market’s too small,” but that’s simply not true.

This milestone proved the points advocates like me have been showcasing for so long. It’s also a testament to how innovative disabled people are because we’re constantly navigating an inaccessible society. The creator economy is one of the most innovative industries in the world, and this investment highlights that disabled people are some of the most innovative individuals in the world.

ALLIÉ: Let’s fast forward to Making Space. Making Space is redeﬁning talent acquisition and accessibility. What systemic barriers are you most focused on breaking? And how do you see those changes transforming industries beyond entertainment?

KEELY: We’re infuriated by the fact that disabled people are still twice as likely to be unemployed and twice as likely to live in poverty compared to non-disabled people. We’re focused on providing access to meaningful employment opportunities and helping disabled talent build careers rather than just jobs—and doing that at scale.

We’re also democratizing free and accessible education for the disabled community, offering education that is relevant to today’s industries. On the employer side, we’re helping them tap into this incredible community of innovators and creatives. We’re also providing them with education to create more accessible and inclusive workspaces, so talent can be hired, retained, and advanced within their organizations.

Photo Courtesy: Keely Cat-Wells

KEELY CAT-WELLS FOUNDER OF MAKING SPACE

Photo Courtesy: Keely Cat-Wells

“90% of disabilities are hidden, and 76% of disabled people don’t disclose their disability.”

KEELY: (continued) This progression from what we did at C Talent, where we were boutique and focused on the creative industries, to implementing these lessons on a global scale is exciting. We’re now expanding into industries like travel, tech, retail, and hospitality, using technology as a driver. I’m really excited about what this year will bring for the platform.

ALLIÉ: So many of us are. I love how you referenced going back to that initial spark: “How can I help?” You’re asking how to help talent, the community, and even employers and brands that want to do better but don’t know how. Helping on both sides is fantastic.

You’ve collaborated with major Hollywood ﬁgures to advocate for permanent disability and accessibility ofﬁcers in studios. Why is this role critical, and what needs to happen for it to become standard practice?

KEELY: It’s essential for professionals to have environments where they can do their best work. That’s such a simple statement, but for many disabled people, we’re burdened with pushing organizations to make changes for us to have equitable workplaces. If companies invested in professionals whose sole focus was creating accessible environments, it would be game-changing for productivity, innovation, and retention.

Often, this responsibility is tacked onto another role, and those individuals aren’t experts in disability or accessibility. This role requires speciﬁc knowledge and often lived experience. It’s an exciting position that so many disabled people could ﬁll and excel in.

We want companies to be proactive in their approach to disability and accessibility. In the entertainment industry, for example, access coordinators on sets would ensure that workspaces go beyond basic compliance. These roles are vital because 90% of disabilities are hidden, and 76% of disabled people don’t disclose their disability. There are so many people who could thrive if companies had dedicated teams or individuals focused on access.

ALLIÉ: From the White House to the United Nations, you’ve had conversations with some of the most in ﬂuential leaders in the world. What has been the most pivotal or unexpected moment in your journey as an advocate and entrepreneur?

KEELY: It’s a good question. Honestly, the most humbling moments are the ones that stand out. For example, being invited to speak at prestigious events only to ﬁnd out the only way to the stage is up three ﬂights of stairs. Or attending conferences where the sessions are so far apart that I can’t physically make it from one to another.

These moments are constant reminders of how deeply ingrained inaccessibility is in our world—even in spaces that claim to celebrate progress and inclusion. They highlight the need for the work we’re doing. And then there are days when my body gives up, and I’m reminded of the medical model versus the social model of disability. It’s humbling to live with a chronic illness and pain while navigating a world that’s still inaccessible.

Photo Courtesy: Keely Cat-Wells

Exclusive Interview with Keely Cat-Wells https://awarenow.us/podcast/making-space

ALLIÉ: Disability is often framed as a limitation, but your work is ﬂipping that narrative in such a profound way. How would you describe the power of disability as a driver of creativity, innovation, and systemic progress?

KEELY: It’s so exciting. I often include examples like the potato peeler, SMS texting, and the electric toothbrush in my talks because they were innovations by and for disabled people. These examples ﬂip a switch in people’s minds. Accessibility isn’t just a problem to be solved; it’s an incredible opportunity for innovation.

When disabled people are given resources and opportunities, we create amazing things. At Making Space, we’ve developed an AI tool that helps individuals turn their lived experience of disability into transferable skills. This helps companies see that what they previously viewed as weaknesses are actually competitive advantages. Personally, managing chronic pain has taught me project management and energy allocation—transferable skills I’m excited to help others showcase.

ALLIÉ: This perspective you’re offering impacts not just this industry but the entire world. Let’s close with this: If you could go back and speak to the version of yourself starting this journey from that hospital bed, what would you tell her about the path ahead?

KEELY: You’re going to be tired. But I would also say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” This path will be dif ﬁcult but incredibly meaningful and important. Judy Heumann’s quote comes to mind: “Change never happens at the pace we think it should. It happens over years of people joining together, pulling all the levers we can, and then gradually, very slowly, things start to happen.” I’d deﬁnitely tell my younger self that.

ALLIÉ: Absolutely. Those are wise words, especially when hope feels ﬂeeting. Trust that change will come.

KEELY: Yes. And I’d also tell myself to ﬁnd my community and build together because we’re so much stronger together than we are apart. ∎

JACK MCGUIRE CO-FOUNDER OF AWARENOW MEDIA

JACK MCGUIRE

LIMITLESS

I don’t want to trouble your mind With my ﬂawed design. For what I bring, though shaped by scars, Is as vital as the stars.

A seat at the table, a voice in the room, Where silence once lingered, now blossoms bloom. Each story unique, each journey profound, Together we rise, together we’re found.

No need for permission, no need to erase, We all have a purpose, we all have a space.

Inclusion’s the bridge, connection the art, Aware we stand, united in heart.

So make room for difference, let’s amplify sound, Lift every soul, every truth to be found.

For in this shared orbit, no one’s conﬁned— We’re limitless beings, by love’s design.

ORIGINAL POEM BY

CLAUDETTE FERRO DESIGNER & FOUNDER OF ALINÉA

Photo Courtesy: Claudette Ferro

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CLAUDETTE FERRO

PLASTIC POTENTIAL

THE PURPOSE AND PASSION BEHIND ALINÉA’S SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Claudette Ferro, the visionary founder of Alinéa, is redeﬁning the fashion industry by intertwining style with sustainability and ethics. With a commitment to creating change one garment at a time, she has built a brand that challenges norms and inspires conscious choices. In this interview, Claudette shares the deﬁning moments behind Alinéa’s journey and the future she envisions for fashion.

ALLIÉ: So here's the thing, Claudette. When most people see a plastic straw, they think of something to drink. When you see a plastic straw, you think fashion. Please share the story behind this vision. Where did this come from?

CLAUDETTE: It started back in 2018. My friend and I were having a girl's night out, talking about the issue with plastic pollution. We had a few straws and cups, and we started upcycling. We tried putting the straws into a melting glue gun, but that didn’t work. I didn’t give up, though. We started cutting the straws and playing around with them

CLAUDETTE FERRO DESIGNER & FOUNDER OF ALINÉA

Photo Courtesy: Claudette Ferro

CLAUDETTE: (continued) I started making jewelry, and now I’m making fashion—tops, and even working on a dress. It’s taking forever because the process is so intense. First, I have to source the straws. I don’t use new straws, so I either ask friends to save them or work with local coffee shops that collect them for me. Every week, I pick them up, clean them, cut them, arrange them, fuse them, and ﬁnally build the design I envision. For me, Alinéa means "to align." This isn’t just about making fashion—it’s about making a difference. I want to sell my pieces to raise funds for charities. That’s the real reason behind all this.

ALLIÉ: And it’s awesome. Your work is phenomenal, and the alignment behind it is equally inspiring. Your journey to founding Alinéa must have been a tapestry of challenges and triumphs. Can you share a pivotal moment that shaped the brand's vision and your dedication to making a difference through fashion?

CLAUDETTE: I’ve had two pivotal moments. The first was when I created the Alinéa flower. Shortly after, I went to London for my master’s degree and signed up for a city entrepreneur pitch weekend. It was the first time I ever presented this idea on stage. I froze because public speaking isn’t my forte, but someone told me to just speak from the heart, and it worked. I got selected to continue developing the idea. That was a huge starting point. The second moment was more recent—New York Fashion Week. Someone found my Instagram and loved how my designs were both hardcore and feminine, very different from what most people do with plastic straws. Seeing my pieces on stage and the positive response they received was a major highlight. Of course, there have been struggles—career changes, personal challenges, and ups and downs in relationships. But through it all, I’m grateful for my family’s health and the time I have now to work on my art and my passions.

ALLIÉ: Absolutely. That fusion of passion and purpose is beautiful. Alinéa is known for its commitment to ethical, sustainable practices. Until you mentioned it, I hadn’t considered the challenge of sourcing used straws rather than buying new ones, which would add to the problem you’re addressing. What personal experiences or in ﬂuences drive your passion for creating a brand that celebrates style while respecting our planet and its people?

CLAUDETTE: I think it’s my background. My family is Peruvian, and in our culture, we have deep respect for Pachamama, Mother Earth. We’re taught to be mindful of how we use the Earth’s resources. That said, I’m not someone who will say, “No more straws, no more oil.” My dad works in oil and gas, and I’m grateful for how it has supported my family. But I do think about the little things—like sipping from a straw for ﬁve minutes, tossing it, and not even considering where it goes. I don’t see a used straw as trash. I see it as raw material with potential. I want to divert plastic waste from the ocean and create something meaningful, like wearable art. Someday, I hope my pieces can end up in museums. For now, I love creating pieces that are unique, wearable, and thought-provoking.

ALLIÉ: I felt that when I saw your work—it’s incredible. Let’s talk about fashion’s power to tell stories and inspire change. How do you hope Alinéa will inﬂuence the way people think about their wardrobe choices and their impact on the world?

CLAUDETTE: I hope that when someone wears my pieces, they feel confident knowing they’re addressing the problem of plastic pollution. My vision for Alinéa isn’t just about upcycling myself; I want to teach others—especially women in difficult situations or seeking financial independence—how to upcycle. Wearing something from Alinéa should feel empowering, like, “Wow, I’m helping people and the planet just by wearing this.”

ALLIÉ: Even if it just gives people a reason to pause and think, right?

CLAUDETTE: Exactly. It’s about creating that moment where someone says, “I never thought about a straw this way.” Then they might go further and wonder, “Could waste fund healthcare? Could this straw make a difference?” That’s my goal: to take two negatives—plastic pollution and health inequity—and merge them into a positive. Through my pieces, I want to prove that waste can be appreciated and valued. It’s a cycle: diverting plastic, creating art, and using it to fund causes I’m passionate about.

ALLIÉ: That makes so much sense. People often say, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” but what if you take waste and inequity and ﬁnd a way to make it right? Many founders face moments of doubt. Was there ever a time you questioned your path with Alinéa? What gave you the strength to keep going?

Photo Courtesy: Claudette Ferro

Exclusive Interview with Claudette Ferro https://awarenow.us/podcast/plastic-potential

CLAUDETTE: There was. My dad, who I love and am so thankful for, raised a concern early on about the fumes from upcycling plastic. At ﬁrst, I wasn’t mindful of the health risks. His question—“Is it really sustainable if you’re creating harmful gases?”—made me pause. I considered taking down my Instagram and stopping altogether. But then I researched safer practices, got the right mask, and started working outside when the weather allowed. I also began sharing these practices with others. That moment of doubt actually helped me improve my process. And while I’m not sure my dad fully understands what I’m doing, I think he sees I’m being more mindful now.

ALLIÉ: Those moments of doubt can often lead to growth and doing things better. Alinéa is about creating a movement. How do you envision the future of fashion, and what role do you hope Alinéa will play in that transformation?

CLAUDETTE: I think the future is upcycling. I recently returned from New York, where I met so many upcycling artists. Their creativity with scraps and discarded materials was incredible. Their work has so much more value than anything you’d ﬁnd at fast-fashion stores. Fashion is moving toward valuing the story behind a piece—who made it, how it was made, and the effort involved. I hope Alinéa helps shift perspectives on plastic. It’s not just trash; it’s a resource. Alinéa is an invitation to rethink plastic. Take a few plastic cups one night and see what you can create. Who knows? That creation might lead to experiences and opportunities you never imagined. For me, a plastic straw led to New York Fashion Week. I’m grateful for that journey and excited to share it with others. ∎

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Photo Courtesy: Thi Nguyen

EVERGREEN

In the frost-bitten stillness, where whispers of warmth fade and the sun tucks itself behind a veil of clouds too heavy to lift, I stand, steadfast.

Rooted deep where memory sleeps, I remain—evergreen.

The wind wails its lament, sharp as the ache of endings. It carries the weight of all that could have been, all that wasn’t.

Still, I stretch upward, each branch a prayer, each needle a quiet promise to endure.

Snow gathers at my feet, a blanket of cold conclusions. Yet within me, a ﬁre persists, not seen, but felt— a secret warmth, a quiet rebellion against the freeze.

Written and Narrated by Ahsila https://awarenow.us/podcast/evergreen

Seasons may circle, their edges rough, their grip relentless. But I do not break; I do not bow.

For even in winter’s grip, I remember spring. Even in shadow’s depths, I know the sun.

I wear resilience like a crown, not fragile, but ﬁerce.

The world can tremble and fall away, but I will stand, unshaken. Green against the gray, life against the loss.

Unyielding, unending— I am evergreen.

Photo Courtesy: Caleb Slain

PERSONAL STORY BY CALEB SLAIN

A STATEMENT OF CONSCIENCE

THEY WILL ASK US IF WE WATCHED THEM DIE

What follows is a statement of conscience written by Caleb Slain on December 15th, 2023. Over a year later, the questions he posed then are the very ones we should ask ourselves now…

Serious question: As a citizen of my country, to what degree am I morally responsible for the actions of that country?

Another question: As a voter in a first-world democracy, am I culpable when my elected officials, the committees those officials sit on, and the agencies those committees oversee make decisions that end thousands of innocent lives?

One more question: Have you seen what an American GBU-39 missile does to a kindergartener’s body? If the answer is no, as an American, is it immoral for you to not see what it does?

Are we, as Americans, guilty of who our government arms, ﬁnances, and politically insulates? Is my soul on the hook for any of this? I’m genuinely asking. I don’t know. At what point does ignorance become a crime? Not judicially, I mean spiritually.

Of Gaza’s 25,000+ children hit by bombs, how many of their faces have you seen? Not the 8000 con ﬁrmed dead or the 2000 buried alive—how many of the ones who survived?

I didn’t think I’d ever see a blown-up child. Since October, I’ve seen hundreds. Over a thousand. I’ve seen what missiles do to 5-yr-olds, 6-yr-olds, and 7-yr-olds respectively. To infants and teenagers. To faces and feet. Hundreds of children in parts and pieces and hundreds who somehow survived. Do you know what a bomb does to a pregnant woman’s womb? I wish I didn’t know.

I’ve seen a 7-month fetus with shrapnel in it. I’ve seen a 14-year-old with his lips blown off, unable to close his mouth. I’ve seen so many lifeless little faces that they’re starting to blur into some conjoined waking nightmare. They will haunt me until I die.

Friends have urged me to stop watching. “Protect your mental health.” But if a child loses his legs from an AGM-114 Lockheed missile that collapsed his bedroom ceiling in his sleep, can I not muster the basic human decency of simply not looking away? Can I, an American, the beneﬁciary of history’s greatest war machine, ever have a right to mental health?

I don’t know. I’m asking.

What is my obligation to observe the cost of empire? A little? A lot? Not at all? The TV says it can’t be avoided. Our president says it can’t be avoided. “No other option.” We couldn’t think of any option but bombs. American ingenuity? Creativity? Innovation? Won’t work this time. Bombs. Thousands of bombs. Tens of thousands of bombs. Bomb them until they scream for mercy. Bomb them to vapor and dust. We invented A.I., Seinfeld, CDOs, and ﬁber optics, but in Gaza, due to some unknown law of physics, the only solution is 30,000 tons of bombs.

Photo Courtesy: Caleb Slain

“I’ve learned the different pitches of how mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandmothers and grandfathers scream differently upon ﬁnding a child dead whom they loved.”

I realize that if you have not personally seen infants screaming from ruptured organs, or toddlers with eyelids soldered shut by illegal phosphorus, then you may not understand. You don’t know how it rearranges your consciousness. Like gravity. Like mercury. Like spiritual radiation poisoning.

The level of deranged bombardment is so indefensibly cowardly, so sadistic in its intentional and strategic decimation of homes and residential buildings, of elementary school and hospitals, of nurseries and university campuses, of churches and open-air gardens, that not only is it beyond imagination, it is beyond reality. 130+ kids are being killed every day, and more are maimed for life. There's no precedent for this much bombing of children in human history.

In WWII, the Allies carried out terror bombing against German and Japanese civilians, countries with armies and millions of soldiers. But even against Nazis and Imperial Japan, even then, terror bombing was controversial. Against an imprisoned population of 1.2 million children in a 25-mile radius? It is demonic. Not a single American from Miami to Seattle has the ability to imagine it. Carpet bombs are terror bombs. Exploding bullets sprayed into a crowd. Terror bombs shift the toll of war from one side’s soldiers to the other side’s civilians. In the most famous terror bombing of all, Dresden, the number of children killed were half the current number in Gaza. What’s happening in Gaza this very minute will be cursed for the next thousand years.

I’ve listened to the screams of an 11-year-old girl having her arms amputated without anesthetic. I’ve watched a father fill grocery bags with flayed chunks of his children. I’ve learned the different pitches of how mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandmothers and grandfathers scream differently upon finding a child dead whom they loved. This is a once-in-a-generation hell on earth. An electromagnet strong enough to dislodge your soul. It’s been happening for 60 days. It’s happening now.

Hundreds of Israelis unjustly killed on 10/7 does not justify the massacre of Gaza. Fifty planes flown into fifty World Trade Centers would not justify the massacre of Gaza. The bombs have killed hundreds of doctors and nurses whose names we barely deserve to speak. 50+ journalists with more courage than Washington. Erased family lineages. Exterminated gene pools. In two months, the bombs killed more UN staff members than any other conflict in history.

If we actually believe that all humans are equal (and I’m increasingly not sure we all do), then the ongoing ﬁsh-inbarrel pummeling of civilians—the blockading of food, water, and basic medical supplies—cannot now, nor ever, be justiﬁed. If a man breaks into my home and kills my children, I do not have a right to murder everyone he knows in the hopes that he’ll turn himself in. No civilized person believes that.

Photo Courtesy: Caleb Slain

“Some

I do not want to write this. I’d rather eat glass than make public political statements. I’m not an activist or policymaker, but for years, one of my larger projects demanded comprehensive knowledge of historic war crimes; King Leopold’s butchery of the Congo, the Nazi Holocaust, Imperial Japan’s rape of Nanking and inhuman experiments, the 10,000 Gulag labor camps, classiﬁed Soviet torture sites, American war crimes in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Haiti, Philippines, violent CIA coups, Indonesian pogroms, Maoist purges, African genocides, American slavery, and so on.

The short of it is I have a tough stomach. I don’t think war is always avoidable. I think violence and killing can be justiﬁed. I’m not soft, or anti-capitalist, or ideologically motivated, and I certainly don’t have a religious bent. Which is why it’s worth listening when I come to say that what’s happening is worse than you’ve heard. It is literally worse than you can imagine.

If Americans refuse to accept this, it ends tomorrow. We are an integral part of this massacre. Every day we send more bombs to erase a civilization seven times older than ours. Frying every ancient artery of its culture. Calling for the right to life for innocent Gazans isn’t pro-Hamas or even pro-Palestinian. And it sure as f*ck isn’t antisemitic. It is anti-hate. Anti-war. Anti-sadism.

If you support this assault and its daily slaughter of children, at least go watch them die. I will ask if you watched them die.

I’m not an activist. I’m a silly artist. Every day I wake up thinking how to make the world more beautiful, not how to make it less ugly. But in times like these art feels so stupid. Mundane. Impossible. Should I stop writing and ﬂy to the West Bank? Film what’s happening? Change one life? I don’t know. People I love will disagree with much of this. Some may read it and be mad at me. I love you anyway. If you’re breathing I love you, even if you think I’m wrong.

I just hope I don’t feel all these things alone. And I hope you don’t feel alone either. ∎

Find Caleb on Instagram: @calebslain Learn more about his work online: calebslain.com

You are not alone…

KEVIN HINES SUICIDE PREVENTION ADVOCATE & SPEAKER

‘BE

HERE TOMORROW’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY KEVIN HINES

SHINING THROUGH THE DARKNESS

CELEBRITIES WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER BRINGING AWARENESS & HOPE

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from depressive lows to manic highs, and can be incredibly challenging to live with. But in recent years, many celebrities have bravely shared their own struggles with bipolar disorder, proving that mental health issues don’t deﬁne us and that recovery is possible. Their stories not only raise awareness but also offer hope and solidarity to those living with the same condition.

As a survivor of a suicide attempt on the Golden Gate Bridge and someone who has spent much of my life advocating for mental health awareness, I deeply resonate with the journeys of those who speak out about their experiences with mental illness. Here are ten celebrities who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and whose stories have inspired countless people around the world.

1. Catherine Zeta-Jones

Academy Award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones publicly revealed her bipolar II disorder diagnosis in 2011. Through her openness, she shattered the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for those in the public eye. Zeta-Jones’ bravery in sharing her story has inspired many to seek help, showing that even the most successful individuals can struggle with mental health, but recovery is possible with the right treatment.

2. Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher, best known for playing Princess Leia in Star Wars, was an outspoken advocate for mental health, openly discussing her battle with bipolar disorder throughout her life. Her humor, candor, and un ﬂinching honesty about the disorder made her a beacon of hope for others. Fisher’s legacy continues to impact those living with mental health issues, demonstrating that it’s possible to thrive, even with bipolar disorder.

3. Demi Lovato

Pop star Demi Lovato has shared her journey with bipolar disorder, addiction, and eating disorders, using her platform to educate and empower others. Lovato has been open about the challenges of living with bipolar disorder, particularly during manic and depressive episodes. Her advocacy, including public speeches and partnerships with mental health organizations, has helped countless people feel less alone in their struggles.

4. Mariette Hartley

Emmy-winning actress Mariette Hartley has been an advocate for mental health after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Hartley has used her platform to speak candidly about her diagnosis, helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. She has become an inspiration for others, showing that it’s possible to lead a successful, ful ﬁlling life while living with bipolar disorder. Hartley’s advocacy has raised awareness, and her personal story has encouraged others to seek treatment.

5. Stephen Fry

British actor, writer, and comedian Stephen Fry has used his platform to talk openly about his battle with bipolar disorder, particularly in his 2006 documentary The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive. Fry’s candidness about his manic episodes, which have included thoughts of suicide, has been instrumental in changing public perceptions of bipolar disorder. His bravery in discussing the darkest aspects of the condition has helped countless individuals realize they are not alone in their struggles.

6. Mariah Carey

Pop and R&B legend Mariah Carey revealed in 2018 that she had been living with bipolar II disorder for years. Carey’s revelation was a watershed moment in reducing stigma, especially among high-pro ﬁle entertainers. She spoke about her journey of denial and eventual acceptance, showing the world that even global superstars are not immune to mental health challenges. Carey’s story has encouraged many to seek help and embrace their diagnosis.

7. Richard Dreyfuss

Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss has been vocal about his struggles with bipolar disorder, particularly his experience with rapid cycling, a form of the disorder that involves frequent shifts between mania and depression. Dreyfuss has used his story to raise awareness of the need for better treatment options for those living with the disorder. His advocacy has highlighted how important it is to recognize the nuances of mental health conditions.

8. Marsha Linehan

Psychologist and creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Marsha Linehan, made waves in the mental health ﬁeld not only for developing an inﬂuential therapeutic model but also for revealing her own battle with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Linehan’s openness about her personal struggles with mental illness and her path to recovery has been a game-changer for the mental health community. Her transparency in discussing her own challenges has not only helped normalize mental health struggles but also provided hope to many seeking therapy and healing.

9. Jean-Claude Van Damme

Martial artist and action star Jean-Claude Van Damme has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder, especially during his early years in Hollywood. Known for his tough persona on screen, Van Damme’s candidness about the vulnerability he’s faced behind the scenes has inspired many to reconsider what strength really means. He has shown that it takes immense courage to seek treatment, embrace one’s diagnosis, and continue to live a full, successful life.

“Let us continue to be advocates for mental health awareness, so that no one has to suffer in silence.”

10. Patty Duke

The late actress Patty Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982, and she spent the last years of her life advocating for better understanding and treatment of the condition. Duke’s memoir “A Brilliant Madness” recounts her struggles with both mania and depression, offering valuable insight into the realities of living with bipolar disorder. Her courage in speaking out has led to greater public empathy and has encouraged others to pursue treatment without shame.

The Impact on the Public

Each of these celebrities has played a pivotal role in shifting the conversation around mental health, particularly bipolar disorder. By openly discussing their diagnoses, they have made it easier for others to seek help and feel less isolated in their struggles.

For people living with bipolar disorder, hearing these stories has been transformative. It provides validation and the reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t deﬁne a person’s potential or worth. From achieving incredible career success to openly grappling with their conditions, these celebrities have demonstrated that it is possible to live a ful ﬁlling life while managing bipolar disorder.

Their stories prove that mental health issues are part of the human experience, not something to be hidden or ashamed of. They’ve shown us that the path to healing can take many forms, but it is always possible with the right support, treatment, and self-compassion. To anyone out there struggling with bipolar disorder: You are not alone, and your story can inspire others just as these celebrities have inspired millions. Let us continue to be advocates for mental health awareness, so that no one has to suffer in silence. ∎

Suicide Prevention Advocate & Speaker www.awarenessties.us/kevin-hines

Kevin Hines is a storyteller. He is a best selling author, global public speaker, and award winning documentary ﬁlmmaker. In the Year 2000, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Many factors contributed to his miraculous survival including a sea lion which kept him a ﬂoat until the Coast Guard arrived. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness & the ability to survive pain with true resilience. His motto: #BeHereTomorrow and every day after that.

KEVIN HINES

Push through it.

MADELINE GALOVICH

COLLEGE STUDENT WITH SMA

‘BREAKING

BARRIERS’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY JESSICA FREW

PUSHING THROUGH

HOW MADDIE GALOVICH TURNS CHALLENGES INTO TRIUMPHS

Jessica Frew is nonverbal and uses technology to converse about causes to break barriers and build bridges. A model, actress, host and disability advocate, she is committed to challenging perceptions about disability a conversation at a time. Today, she is joined by Madeline Galovich.

JESSICA: Today, I have an amazing guest, Maddie Galovich, who is a PREM student focusing on cognitive science and living with spinal muscular atrophy type 2. She is here today to share her incredible story. Maddie, welcome to the show. Please tell us about yourself and your disability.

MADDIE: Hi, I'm Madeline, but most people call me Maddie. I'm 20 years old, and I have spinal muscular atrophy type 2. I live in Minnesota, and I'm currently a senior in college. I love spending time with my friends and family, singing, and traveling.

JESSICA: Wow, that's amazing! For those who might not know, what is spinal muscular atrophy type 2? Can you

MADELINE GALOVICH COLLEGE STUDENT WITH SMA

“One common misconception for people with physical disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs, is that strangers often treat us like children.”

MADDIE: Yeah, so SMA, or spinal muscular atrophy, is a neuromuscular disease that causes my muscles to get weaker over time. It’s caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, which plays a crucial role in muscle health and function. There isn’t a cure for SMA, but there are three treatments available. I've been on two of them, and they've worked amazingly so far. SMA impacts my daily life in many ways—for example, I use a power wheelchair, and I need assistance with transferring and most activities of daily living (ADLs).

JESSICA: Are there any misconceptions about you that you’d like to address? If so, what are they, and how do you overcome them? Could you share some coping strategies that might help others in similar situations?

MADDIE: Yeah, for sure. One common misconception for people with physical disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs, is that strangers often treat us like children. Instead of speaking directly to us, they’ll talk about us to whoever is with us. For instance, if I’m at Target and someone asks my PCA (personal care assistant), “Does she want a receipt?” my PCA won’t respond, and I’ll just say, “No, I’m good.” It’s a simple way to prove the point that we’re fully capable of having a conversation. Being in a wheelchair doesn’t mean we don’t want or deserve to be spoken to directly.

JESSICA: That’s so true, and it’s frustrating to hear.

MADDIE: Exactly. It’s something I hate, and even the people I go out with, like my PCAs, ﬁnd it frustrating. It’s deﬁnitely annoying.

JESSICA: I never experienced discrimination like that until recently. My mom always tells me to focus on my studies and ignore it, but I don’t want to go to a school where I feel like I don’t belong.

MADDIE: I get that. I haven’t faced discrimination outright, but I have felt out of place. For example, in my biology classes last semester, the group I was assigned to didn’t really want to work with me. I thought, “I’m just as smart as you guys; I just need help putting on my lab coat and doing a few things.”

That said, I did join a sorority at my last school, and I loved it. During recruitment, they really focused on who I was as a person, not the fact that I’m in a wheelchair. It was great to feel truly accepted, and I made a lot of genuine friends through that experience.

JESSICA: That’s wonderful. My experience has been so different. My sisters used to call me a “vegetable” and other awful things.

MADDIE: Oh my gosh, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry you went through that.

“Everyone with SMA writes their own story.”

JESSICA: Yeah, but it’s okay now.

MADDIE: My mom always says, “Boys are dumb, and girls are mean,” and honestly, it’s so true. Girls can be so cruel sometimes, and it’s heartbreaking.

JESSICA: I heard that you’re studying cognitive science. What inspired you to pursue this ﬁeld, and what are your goals after graduation?

MADDIE: My neurologist actually inspired me to study cognitive science. Since SMA is a neuromuscular disease, I’ve always had a neurologist, and mine, Dr. Richardson, made me realize how fascinating and incredible neurology is. After I graduate, I hope to go to medical school and eventually become a neurologist. My dream is to work alongside Dr. Richardson someday.

JESSICA: That’s truly amazing! I thought about pursuing medicine too, but I hate math, so I chose Pre-Law instead.

MADDIE: That’s so cool! I totally get that. It’s deﬁnitely a challenging subject, and there are moments where I think, “If I didn’t absolutely love this, I’d change my major.” But I know it’ll be worth it in the end.

JESSICA: What advice would you give to someone with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 who’s going through a rough time right now?

MADDIE: I’d say something my neurologist, Dr. Richardson, always tells me: “Everyone with SMA writes their own story.” It’s so true. Don’t compare yourself to others with SMA. It’s okay to have bad days. One thing I’ve been saying for years—something I even have tattooed—is “Push through it.” If anyone with SMA ever needs someone to talk to, I’m always happy to connect. ∎

Maddie on Instagram: @maddiemilave And follow Jessica here: @jess_eilz_frew

JESSICA FREW

Model, Actress, Host & Disability Advocate www.awarenessties.us/jessica-frew

JESSICA FREW is a nonverbal actress and model living with cerebral palsy. She communicates using a Tobii eye gaze computer, a tool she also relies on to pre-program her lines for performances. Jessica is a passionate advocate for inclusion in the entertainment industry. She entered the ﬁeld with a clear mission: to create opportunities for disabled, nonverbal actors and to demonstrate their ability to perform on par with their verbal counterparts. Jessica is committed to breaking barriers and challenging perceptions, inspiring producers to recognize the talent and potential of actors who use communication devices. Her ultimate dream is to pave the way for others like her, proving that powerful storytelling transcends traditional norms.

SETH GEHLE MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER & AUTHOR

FEATURE STORY BY ERIN MACAULEY

BEYOND THE SHADOWS FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS OF TRAUMA

Seth Gehle is probably one of the most inspirational people I know. Not only has he overcome extreme adversity from his childhood in his life, he is a very proud Veteran, father and husband and mental health speaker. In this interview, I discuss with Seth his childhood traumas and how he survived and overcame them, speak about his life in the military and the work he now does as a motivational speaker.

ERIN: Your book, ‘Strength Beyond the Shadows’, is such a powerful read due to everything you have been through. Was it hard revisiting your past to put it all on paper?

SETH: It actually wasn’t that hard for me. There were speciﬁc moments that when I was writing hurt a little more than others but the entire process was a lot of fun and therapeutic.

ERIN: You were subjected to awful sexual abuse as a child. How at such a young age did you have the mindset to do what you did to enable your abuser to be caught?

SETH: I have always had a steady mindset. I have always known that one day I would do something incredible or be someone special. I’ve always had that mentality. As far as reporting my abuser, the trigger was him eventually beginning to groom another kid in my presence. I didn’t want to see my friend endure the same pain & suffering that I had over the years.

ERIN: You grew up in a house where drug use was rife, you were often homeless and had no food. How did you break the cycle to make sure your family would never go through the same thing?

SETH: Breaking the cycle is hard. I had to realize that I had gone through those things for a reason. The reason being is because I was able to make it out. Since I made it out of that environment, I decided to be an example of what you can do with your life despite the odds. Part of that responsibility is making sure your family doesn’t suffer the way that you once did.

ERIN: I don’t want to give too much away from your book but you’re a very proud Veteran (as you should be). How did you get through deployments with the trauma of your past and the trauma associated with war?

SETH: My deployments were actually very difﬁcult. Anyone with childhood trauma is signiﬁcantly more likely to have combat PTSD. My childhood trauma likely affected my performance during my deployments and the severity of the anxiety I experienced. I had very easy deployments with no direct action, thankfully. If I would’ve had direct contact

“I knew I needed to tell my story for others.”

ERIN: Can you tell us a little bit about your deployment in Afghanistan and how you worked your way up the ranks in the army quite quickly?

SETH: My deployment in Afghanistan was a very mild deployment. Fortunately, I didn’t have any direct action or contact with the enemy. I didn’t lose anyone close to me - although we did lose soldiers in our battalion, we just didn’t lose anyone that I knew. It was a 9 month deployment and the hardest part for me was simply keeping my head above water. The deployment brought back a lot of the same feelings I had throughout my youth with anger, depression & anxiety. It was very hard to be away from my wife & daughter. All I could think about on most days was just getting back home to love them again.

ERIN: How are you doing today with regards to the trauma you endured as a child?

SETH: I am doing so much better than I ever imagined. I’m not perfect. I still have my bad days but overall, I’m lucky to be in the position I am in to share my story in a way that allows others to ﬁnd inspiration in me.

ERIN: What made you want to write this book and share your deepest darkest secrets with the world?

SETH: I knew how lonely I felt my entire life. I knew that I always had a story to tell but never thought anyone would listen. I dealt with a lot of resentment and fear due to my insecurities as a man but once I put all of that aside - I knew I needed to tell my story for others. At this point, this is no longer about me. This is all about everyone I can help overcome any adversity, trauma or abuse they have ever endured. ∎

Follow Seth on Instagram: @maddiemilave

Find ‘Strength Beyond the Shadows’: https://awarenow.us/book/strength-beyond-the-shadows

ERIN MACAULEY

International Director of Advocacy for #SameHere Global www.awarenessties.us/erin-macauley

ERIN MACAULEY is passionate about all things mental health and is a compassionate voice for those who are struggling with mental illness. Driven to help those most in need, through her vulnerable and open blogging about her own personal struggles, she lifts up others up and gives them hope.

NIURKA LEIVA PANIZO CO-FOUNDER OF GEMINI-1

‘GLOBAL

GOOD’

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY TANITH HARDING

BEYOND THE STARS FEATURING

NIURKA LEIVA PANIZO

Niurka Leiva Panizo is an 18-year-old girl who has transformed the challenges of her life into a driving force for social and educational change. She is co-founder of Gemini-1, the ﬁrst youth organization in Peru focused on aerospace sciences and simultaneously, she has developed Nixderstelar, an educational project that combines immersive technology with the Incan worldview and NASA methodologies.

TANITH: Niurka you had a challenging childhood with your mother being diagnosed with cancer when you were just 8 years old and your father experiencing a disabling accident. Please tell us the impact that had on you?

NIURKA: That stage of my life was undoubtedly the most difﬁcult, but also the most formative. Watching my mother ﬁght cancer and my father face disability was a pain I still feel, but also a lesson about human strength. As a child, I had to learn to be an adult very quickly. I became my siblings' support and, although I felt sad, I always kept in mind that after the storm there is a rainbow. Those moments taught me that, although we cannot choose the trials we face, we can decide how to face them. I transformed the pain into purpose and promised myself that I would do something great with my life, not only for myself, but for them and for all the people who face similar challenges.

TANITH: Your passion for science, technology, and education led you to co-found Gemini-1, which has impacted more than 6,000 young people by fostering an interest in STEM areas. How does it work?

NIURKA: Gemini-1 was born from a dream: to show young people that knowledge has no limits and that neither do they. From the beginning, our purpose was much more than teaching science; we wanted to open paths and provide opportunities. Gemini-1 is a space where young people can dream, learn, and ﬁnd direction in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

We focus on guiding young people so they do not feel adrift, helping them build a solid foundation of knowledge and showing them that they have the power to shape their future. We use NASA-inspired methodologies, but most importantly, each workshop and project is ﬁlled with commitment, passion, and faith in their potential.

We constantly remind them: "You can be the next great scientist, engineer, or astronaut. Your story matters, and the world needs what you have to offer." Seeing a student come in with doubts and leave empowered, with eyes full of dreams and clear goals, is what drives us every day. Gemini-1 not only teaches but inspires and guides.

TANITH: In addition to this, you have developed Nixderstelar, which has reached more than one million people, inspiring students to explore space and connect with their cultural roots. Tell us more about this.

NIURKA: Nixderstelar is much more than an educational project; it is a bridge between our history and our future. I have always believed that in order to advance towards the stars, we must ﬁrst understand and value the roots that sustain us on Earth. That is why, at Nixderstelar, we combine technological innovation and ancestral knowledge, uniting virtual reality and other advanced technologies with the rich wisdom of the Incan worldview.

This project not only seeks to teach about space but to show that our connection with the universe has always existed, from ancient observations of the stars to dreams of conquering new frontiers. We want every student who experiences Nixderstelar to feel inspired, understanding that their roots are as strong as the Andes and that their potential is as inﬁnite as the cosmos.

When young people interact with our simulations and methodologies, they not only see a universe of possibilities, but they also discover that their identity and culture have an essential place in the future they will build. That is what makes Nixderstelar so special: it connects the past, present, and future in a transformative experience.

TANITH: You are also involved in community work that has generated signi ﬁcant results in your environment. How are you working with communities to get such impressive results?

NIURKA: When I work with communities, I always start by listening. Every mother, every father, every young person has a story, and understanding their realities is key to building solutions that really work. One of the biggest challenges we have identiﬁed is the low interest of some parents in the education and well-being of their children, but I am convinced that this panorama is changing.

Through workshops and talks, we not only empower young people but also work directly with families. We show them that education is not just a tool for academic success but a bridge to a better future for the entire community. Little by little, we have seen a change: more parents interested in participating, more open conversations in homes, more support for their children's dreams.

The results have been significant: we managed to reduce early pregnancies by 30% and increase young people's interest in their education by 50%. But the most moving thing is to see how these figures are reflected in everyday life. A father who attends a workshop for the first time to support his daughter, a mother who is excited to see her son's effort in a school project—these moments are the real change.

PAUL S. ROGERS TRANSFORMATION EXPERT, AWARENESS HELLRAISER &

‘RELEASE THE GENIE’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY PAUL S. ROGERS

TREADING THE FINE LINE SPACE VS. ISOLATION

Release The Genie fact: The Grinch stole Christmas. The Genie went and got it back.

Space is both a physical and a metaphorical concept, re ﬂecting our need for comfort, creativity, and freedom. Space is a scarce commodity in some aspects, a boundless frontier in others, and its quality depends on how we use and perceive it.

In a world that often oscillates between hyper-connectivity and solitude, the sliding scale of space and isolation hold profound psychological, emotional, and social signiﬁcance.

Space is very much a personal choice. It is the intentional creation of boundaries to foster well being and clarity. Everyone has a different deﬁnition of what this looks like.

Space, whether physical, emotional, or mental, is predominately a positive resource. It allows individuals to recharge, reﬂect, and thrive. It is not merely the absence of others but more about the presence of self.

Space viewed through the lens of time can provide clarity in decision-making, encourage creativity, and enable the processing of difﬁcult emotions. Studies show that solitude can improve problem-solving abilities and foster innovation by allowing individuals to think without external distractions.

When it comes to relationships space is vital. Space fosters the discipline of establishing healthy boundaries. When people respect each other’s need for space, it creates a foundation for harmonious interactions. It is important to remember that individuals can maintain their own identities whilst at the same time still being part of a partnership or group.

The positive effects of space depend on its quality and its motivation. Space born out of a desire for self-care and introspection differs markedly from avoidance or withdrawal, which can lead to emotional disconnection.

The line between space and isolation is often blurred, and the transition from one to the other can be gradual. The key difference lies in the intent and outcome. Space is purposeful and restorative, while isolation is unintentional and often harmful.

For example, taking a weekend alone to disconnect from work and recharge is an act of self-care. However, retreating from friends and family for weeks without explanation may signal a slide into isolation. Similarly, setting boundaries in a relationship fosters respect, but consistently avoiding difﬁcult conversations may lead to emotional withdrawal.

Isolation, in contrast, to space often arises when space becomes excessive or is imposed by external circumstances. While it may initially feel like a protective cocoon, prolonged isolation can have detrimental effects on both mental health and emotional well-being.

It is important to note that isolation is not always a physical state. Emotional isolation is just as real. Someone can feel disconnected and isolated even when surrounded by people.

TREADING THE FINE LINE

Written and Narrated by Paul S. Rogers https://awarenow.us/podcast/treading-the-ﬁne-line

Psychologically, isolation is often linked to feelings of loneliness, despair, and disconnection. When individuals are cut off from connections whether due to social, physical, or emotional barriers they may experience a heightened sense of vulnerability and alienation. The festive season can be a very dif ﬁcult time for some people. There is a pressure to be present, social and actively enjoying yourself even though the person does not feel that way. Inclusion, connection and patience is needed to provide a safe space for those who are struggling.

It is ok if that person is not being the life and soul of the party. Just being there involved in making a memory is usually more than enough. No-one really knows the courage and the effort it takes for someone just to be there. This is why checking in on your friends and loved ones is so important and really makes the world of difference.

Finding the right balance between space and isolation requires self-awareness, intentionality, and communication. Having experienced isolation there is a feeling that you are just drifting without purpose or energy.

Space and isolation are two sides of the same coin, representing a spectrum of human experience that ranges from self-care to disconnection. While space is a vital tool for personal growth and mental clarity, isolation can erode the very foundations of well-being. The key lies in intentionality: using space to recharge and re ﬂect without losing sight of the connections that sustain us.

In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, mastering the balance between space and isolation is essential. By recognizing the difference between the two and taking proactive steps to maintain equilibrium, we can create lives that honor both our individuality and our need for meaningful relationships. ∎

PAUL S. ROGERS

Transformation Expert, Awareness Hellraiser & Public Speaker www.awarenessties.us/paul-rogers

PAUL S. ROGERS is a keynote public speaking coach, transformation expert, awareness hellraiser, life coach, Trauma TBI, CPTSD mentor, train crash and cancer survivor, public speaking coach, Podcast host “Release the Genie” & best-selling author. His journey has taken him from corporate leader to kitesurfer to teacher on a ﬁrst nations reserve to today. Paul’s goal is to inspire others to ﬁnd their true purpose and passion.

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DENISE POPE CO-FOUNDER OF CHALLENGE SUCCESS

Photo Credit: Ryan Zhang

‘PEQ

PERFORMANCE’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY SONJA MONTIEL

CHALLENGE SUCCESS REDEFINING STUDENT WELL-BEING

AND ENGAGEMENT

In a recent interview, Dr. Denise Pope, co-founder of Challenge Success, shared insights on the organization’s origins and mission to transform education. Focusing on student well-being, they knew that through centering student voices and partnering with schools worldwide, young students could experience better learning environments that would impact their overall health.

Challenge Success emerged as a response to the escalating mental health crisis among high-achieving students that Pope experienced as a high school English teacher. She noticed that with class sizes of 35 to 38 students, she couldn’t reach every student. In contrast, her college-level English classes were fully engaged, prompting her curiosity about the differences in student engagement between high school and college.

Pope pursued a PhD in education, where her dissertation turned into a book, Doing School, which brought to light the signiﬁcant struggles faced by high school students. She shadowed ﬁve teens at a high-achieving public high school throughout their entire school year. Each teen collaborated with Pope to write their own chapter because it was critical for Pope that their voices were included in both the research and the book.

Shortly after publishing the book, Pope received a call from the head counselor at Stanford University’s Health Center. He said, “We have the aftermath of the students in your book. They are falling apart, they are having ulcers, they are needing to be medicated, and they are not engaged. We know this is happening at many universities, and we want you to create an intervention program.” This was the start of Challenge Success 21 years ago, dedicated to implementing research-based, equity-focused policies and practices in schools, and striving to create environments where students can thrive.

A cornerstone of Challenge Success’s mission is to challenge the narrow de ﬁnitions of success that dominate the educational landscape, and alienate many students from thriving. Pope emphasized that traditional metrics of success, such as grades and college admissions, often contribute to student stress, disengagement, and even cheating. “Students experience negative physical, emotional and social impacts due to the narrowed scope of how success is deﬁned.” She advocates for a broader understanding of success that includes overall well-being, engagement with learning, and belonging.

The organization’s impact has grown signiﬁcantly, extending its reach to schools worldwide. Pope expressed excitement about this global expansion and the potential to foster positive changes in diverse educational systems. “We don’t have to ring the alarm bell anymore; people know that there is a serious health concern amongst our youth when it comes to the mental health crisis.”

Central to their approach is the SPACE framework, which stands for Schedule, Pedagogy, Assessment, Climate, and Educating the whole community. This framework serves as a comprehensive guide for schools to implement meaningful changes that support student well-being and engagement.

improvement cycles, where strategies are regularly reviewed and adapted to exciting to see that Challenge Success is moving from impacting one small public school to entire school districts where we are seeing the tangible beneﬁts of implementing the SPACE framework, such as reduced student stress, increased engagement, and a stronger sense of community within schools.”

CHALLENGE SUCCESS

Written and Narrated by Sonja Montiel https://awarenow.us/podcast/challenge-success

Looking to the future, Pope envisions a world where every student feels valued for their unique interests and assets. She dreams of an educational system where students are not merely preparing for the next test or college application but are engaged in meaningful learning experiences that foster their overall development. Challenge Success strives to create environments where students feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to chart their own paths to success. ∎

About Dr. Denise Pope:

Denise Pope, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, where she specializes in student engagement, curriculum studies, qualitative research methods, and service learning. She is co-founder and current strategic advisor at Challenge Success, a school reform nonprofit that partners with schools and families to elevate student voice and implement research-based strategies that improve student well-being, belonging, and engagement with learning.

She is the author of, "Doing School": How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students (Yale University Press, 2001), which was awarded Notable Book in Education by the American School Board Journal, 2001, and lead author of Overloaded and Underprepared: Strategies for Stronger Schools and Healthy, Successful Kids (Jossey-Bass, 2015). She also co-hosts the Stanford Graduate School of Education radio show called “School’s In.”

Dr. Pope lectures nationally on parenting techniques and pedagogical strategies to increase student health, engagement with learning, and integrity. She is a 3-time recipient of the Stanford University School of Education Outstanding Teacher and Mentor Award and was honored with the 2012 Education Professor of the Year "Educators' Voice Award" from the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences. Prior to teaching at Stanford, Dr. Pope taught high school English in Fremont, CA and college composition and rhetoric courses at Santa Clara University.

SONJA MONTIEL

Co-Founder of PEQ Performance Consulting www.awarenessties.us/sonja-montiel

SONJA MONTIEL (MA Education) is a cofounder of PEQ Performance Consulting LLC and cohost of “The DH Effect” podcast. She and her partner, Hilary Bilbrey, guide individuals, families, and teams to consistently reach successful outcomes through positive and emotional intelligence strategies. During Sonja’s 23 years working with thousands of teens and young adults worldwide, she began to witness many societies creating an unhealthy hyper-achieving culture that misguides our young people in their pursuit of living a life of fulﬁllment. Sonja is changing that narrative highlighting educators around the world who dare to think differently about education. (www.peq-performance.com) www.IamAwareNow.com

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ERIC DIAS MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE

Photo Courtesy: Eric Dias

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ERIC DIAS

THE LAST TABOO

A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO END THE STIGMA OF BRAIN ILLNESS

Eric Dias is a mental health advocate and Certiﬁed Peer Specialist, as well as a Steering Committee Member and Media Specialist for the National Shattering Silence Coalition. He works to tackle the stigma surrounding brain illness and addiction. Diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder in 1999, Eric has turned his personal experiences into a mission to support others, actively engaging with NAMI and his community. A passionate storyteller, Eric channels his creativity into writing, acting, and volunteering at the local theater, proving that resilience and expression go hand in hand.

ALLIÉ: Well, let's get started with a podcast. You had a podcast, ‘Eric on the Last Taboo’, and now you’re hosting a YouTube channel called Shattering Silence. Let’s start with this: what inspired you to create and host these platforms, and what is it that you hope listeners take away from your episodes?

ERIC: Thank you, that’s a great question. I started Eric on the Last Taboo because I felt that people experiencing

“Meeting people where they are and providing the right level of care is crucial.”

ERIC: (continued) fault of his own. It was very difﬁcult for my family because you don’t want to kick someone out of the house for something caused by a brain disorder, but at the same time, living with someone in that state is incredibly hard.

When I was in psychosis, I was hard to live with too. I wanted to make sure that schizophrenia and related disorders were treated more like Alzheimer’s. For example, when someone with Alzheimer’s acts out, people step in to provide care. It’s not just shrugged off as, “Oh well, deal with it.” But with schizophrenia, that’s often the reality. I’ve seen the same thing in mental health advocacy in general. I believe people with psychosis are often left out of the discussion on mental health. People think they understand the topic, but they don’t.

Another reason I started the podcast is that I’ve always loved radio. I did an online radio show in college where I talked about news stories in-depth, and I really enjoyed it. That experience made me want to create something again. Also, I don’t think the media does a good job of explaining issues like anosognosia, where people are too sick to know they’re sick.

Society gets blamed for abandoning people with mental illness, but I think the media is at fault too. Instead of just criticizing the media, I thought, “Why not create my own platform?” No one was stopping me from starting a podcast or doing what we’re doing now. There’s so much available today to support these efforts, and I wanted to take advantage of that.

ALLIÉ: Absolutely. So, let’s talk more about your personal journey. As someone diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and having a family member with schizophrenia, how has your experience shaped your perspective on mental health advocacy and community involvement?

ERIC: Good question. My journey has shaped my advocacy signiﬁcantly. I care deeply about civil liberties and the idea of living a full life. I don’t want to just stay in my house all day because stress might send me back to the hospital. That’s not really living. At the same time, I’ve seen how abandoning someone in psychosis isn’t a solution either. You can’t just “let someone go” in that state—it’s not safe for them or others.

This became especially clear to me through a PBS documentary called ‘Right to Fail’, about adult homes in New York. It highlighted a policy where people who couldn’t live independently were essentially told, “Sink or swim.” I found that incredibly cruel. These individuals weren’t in a position to succeed on their own. In my own case, my mother met me where I was. She didn’t push me beyond my limits but encouraged small steps forward when I was ready.

ERIC: (continued) The term “graduate” is used to describe when someone’s services are cut off, and that’s a balancing act. Sometimes services are working, and it’s time to move forward, but other times they’re essential, and cutting them could lead to setbacks. These decisions need to be based on sound clinical judgment, not budgetary constraints. Meeting people where they are and providing the right level of care is crucial.

ALLIÉ: Yes, absolutely. Let’s talk about your work as a certified peer specialist and active member of NAMI. This highlights your dedication to supporting others. Can you share a speci fic moment or story that reaffirmed your commitment to this work?

ERIC: Going to NAMI meetings and seeing the hope in parents when they saw how well I was doing really inspired me to become an advocate. It’s heartbreaking to see a woman in her 70s worrying about what will happen to her adult son when she’s gone. A lot of families have essentially become the new asylums or hospitals—the moms take care of their adult children with mental illness. I desperately wanted to help ensure that the hope these parents had could become a reality, both for them and their loved ones.

ALLIÉ: Hope is everything. Let’s shift gears and talk about your involvement in the arts. You’ve been volunteering at your local community theater and pursuing acting and writing. How has this creative outlet in ﬂuenced your mental health and overall sense of self?

ERIC: It’s helped immensely. There was a time when I felt very isolated and didn’t have much to talk about in social settings. The only thing I could share was my experience with schizoaffective disorder, and that wasn’t working for me. I needed something beyond my illness to deﬁne me.

Being involved in creative activities gives me something to look forward to and talk about. It’s not about being someone with a brain disorder; it’s about being an artist, an actor, or a writer. I’m glad you used the term “brain disorder” because I think “mental illness” doesn’t fully capture what we’re dealing with. Volunteering and participating in the arts made me feel more connected to society and gave me a sense of purpose.

For a long time, I struggled to rejoin the workforce. I felt worthless because I couldn’t hold a job. Volunteering was a way to stay active and involved. If someone asked what I did, I could say I worked at one of my volunteer outlets, which felt better than saying I was on disability. Over time, volunteering helped me transition into paid employment.

ALLIÉ: That’s amazing. Let’s talk about how all these parts of your life—your background in geography and student media, your advocacy, and your creative endeavors—intersect and contribute to your mission of breaking the stigma around brain disorders.

ERIC: I studied geographical information science in college, but it wasn’t the right major for me. It’s interesting, but I’m not an IT person. To relieve stress, I threw myself into creative outlets like community theater and Toastmasters. I even tried stand-up comedy for a while. All of this led to my ﬁrst book, I Got Sober for This, which is available on Amazon. Writing it was incredibly therapeutic because it gave me a sense of control. In the book, I could create a world where things worked out the way I wanted them to.

Art and writing allow me to express myself and process my experiences. Not everything has to be monetized; sometimes, I create just for the sake of creating. It’s been especially meaningful because I spent years on older medications that left me emotionally ﬂat. When I switched to newer medications, I had to unlearn certain behaviors and rediscover joy. Now, I embrace creativity as a way to connect with myself and others.

AwareNow Podcast

Exclusive Interview with Eric Dias https://awarenow.us/podcast/the-last-taboo

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ALLIÉ: I love how you talk about the empowerment of controlling the narrative. In a world where so much feels out of our control, being able to take back that power on the page is a beautiful thing. And how wonderful to invite others to escape into the worlds you create. I also have to say, I love the title of your book.

ERIC: Thank you. I think a lot of people watching this broadcast will appreciate the framing of the book. One of the reasons I started ‘Eric on the Last Taboo’ is that I felt the discussions around mental health policy were often poorly framed.

When I write, I can frame things accurately and in a way that makes sense. I hope readers will see that too and realize how much framing matters in understanding mental health and brain disorders. ∎

‘I Got Sober For This’ is available for purchase online: https://awarenow.us/book/i-got-sober-for-this

JIALU ZHANG

CHINESE MEDIA PROFESSIONAL BASED IN THE NETHERLANDS

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY CELESTINE RAVEN

STRONG WOMEN BEAUTIFUL MEN A CONVERSATION WITH JIALU ZHANG

Welcome to ‘Strong Women Beautiful Men’. I am Celestine Raven, and this is a program where I talk with beautiful and interesting people about their passions, inspirations, motivations, and goals in life.

CELESTINE: Today, I am speaking with a very special and strong Chinese woman who is living in the Netherlands. She used to be a television host for Chinese national television. After ﬁnishing her studies, she came to Europe, continued her education here, and decided to stay. She also started making documentaries in the Netherlands and has even been rewarded for her work. We’ll discuss that later, but ﬁrst, let me introduce Jialu Zhang. Thank you for being here.

JIALU: You’re welcome. My pleasure.

CELESTINE: I’m so happy you’re here. This idea of a global village. Do you relate to this concept?

JIALU: Deﬁnitely. Every day, I encounter this concept. I come from a conservative cultural background and have a close relationship with my family, who are relatively traditional by European standards. But now I live in Europe, and I’m even more open-minded than many Europeans. This contrast creates challenges in my daily life.

“I feel privileged to bring this global villager perspective back to my family and help the older generation experience the richness of diversity.”

JIALU: (continued) I’ve traveled extensively, studied, and lived in different countries, and worked on projects in over 40 countries. I see myself as a global citizen and hope I can call myself one.

CELESTINE: Or a global villager, as I like to call it. What stands out to you about the difference between being born in China and living here? You mentioned your conservative background and how modern you feel now. Can you give an example?

JIALU: For example, my parents grew up in a post-communist time when China was not commercialized. They hold traditional views, like many in their generation. Topics like gay rights, gay marriage, and racial equality, which are common in the Netherlands, were new to them.

When my mom ﬁrst saw photos of me working and eating with people in Africa, she was shocked. She had only seen Africa portrayed negatively in the media. At ﬁrst, she was concerned and afraid. But as she entered my world and met friends from diverse backgrounds, she changed. Within two years, she was sending voice messages to my African friends, inviting them to China. It’s been amazing to see this transformation. I feel privileged to bring this global villager perspective back to my family and help the older generation experience the richness of diversity.

CELESTINE: Your mom is privileged to have a daughter like you. How does the current state of China affect the mentality towards this global village concept?

JIALU: China is at a crossroads. With such a rich history, a large population, and a massive economy, it’s hard to predict the best way forward. It’s an interesting and challenging time for those living in China and for Chinese people living abroad.

CELESTINE: Before we discuss your documentary Mouse Ice Cream, let’s talk about your earlier life. Before coming to the Netherlands, you were a TV host. Tell us more about that.

JIALU: One clip shows me at the Oscars, presenting for the China Movie Channel. That was my ﬁrst time on the red carpet, introducing nominees and preparing for months beforehand. I memorized names, faces, and categories. I was 24 or 25 years old when I started hosting the Oscars. After my third time, I received an offer from the University of Amsterdam while on the plane back to China. I decided to quit my job and move to Europe as a student. It was a bold move.

CELESTINE: What do you think of European society now, looking back?

JIALU: My ﬁrst experience in Europe was at 18 or 19, in Paris. It was a cultural shock—even the trash cans seemed beautiful to me. Recently, I revisited Paris and Denmark, where I had studied. Everything felt nostalgic and unchanged, whereas in China, my parents’ neighborhood changes yearly. Restaurants disappear, roads change, and cities expand rapidly.

CELESTINE: How have you changed during your time in Europe?

JIALU: The changes happened gradually. I’ve become more tolerant. In the past, I was open-minded but expected everyone to share my perspective. Now, I respect others’ opinions, even if they differ from mine. This deeper level of tolerance is something I’ve learned from my European and Dutch friends.

CELESTINE: One of your inspirations is your mom. Can you share why she’s so important to you?

JIALU: My mom and I have an unusually close relationship for a traditional Chinese family. She’s like a friend to me. We talk for hours, and I share everything with her. She represents a generation of strong Chinese women. Despite coming from a poor background, she raised me, cared for four sick grandparents, and supported my dad through his illness. She maintained her own identity through all these roles, which is something I admire and strive to emulate.

CELESTINE: How do you balance your roles as a mom and a professional woman?

JIALU: It’s challenging but rewarding. As a single mom living abroad, I struggle to balance my son’s education with my own goals, like learning Dutch. Through his experiences, I feel like I’m growing up again in the Netherlands. It’s a unique and beautiful journey.

CELESTINE: Let’s talk about your documentary Mao’s Ice Cream. What role does your mom play in it?

JIALU: The main character is my mom. The story centers on her and her friends ﬁnding two yuan on the street in 1976, which was a small fortune back then. They decided to take a photo together and repeated this every 10 years. When I shared this story with colleagues, they were fascinated by the enduring friendship of these ﬁve women. Convincing them to participate was a challenge, but it was worth it.

CELESTINE: Is the documentary political, and can it be shown in China?

JIALU: It’s not overtly political. It portrays differing opinions in a family setting, which is acceptable to the government because it’s not a national broadcast. It’s more about personal stories and relationships.

CELESTINE: Another inspiration for you is Svetlana Alexievich, the Russian Nobel Prize winner. Why does her work resonate with you?

JIALU: Her oral histories capture voices and memories that are often overlooked. For instance, her book The Unwomanly Face of War presents women’s perspectives on World War II, revealing the impact of war on everyday life. Her storytelling reminds us of the human cost of war and the importance of understanding diverse experiences.

CELESTINE: What does awareness mean to you?

JIALU: Awareness is closely tied to identity. I’ve become more aware of who I am as a mom and a professional. This awareness helps me balance these roles and face life’s challenges with strength and purpose. ∎

CELESTINE RAVEN

Interviewer & TV Host www.awarenessties.us/celestine-raven

Celestine Raven is an accomplished interviewer and talk show host for Amsterdam Television in the Netherlands. With a rich academic background in political science from Amsterdam and France, Celestine has built a diverse career as a reporter, director, and journalist for Dutch television. Her passion for storytelling extends beyond journalism; she has also worked as a therapist, trainer, and coach in personal development. Celestine's dedication to empowering individuals and communities has taken her to various third- world countries, where she has spearheaded projects aimed at fostering awareness and inner strength. As the host of "Strong Women Beautiful Men," Celestine brings her unique blend of professional experience and heartfelt connection to create compelling conversations that unite and inspire.

www.IamAwareNow.com

Miles to go before we sleep…

The steps toward authoritarianism and fascism often begin subtly…

DR. TODD BROWN FOUNDER OF THE INSPIRE PROJECT & CO-FOUNDER OF OPERATION OUTBREAK

PANDEMIC FASCISM

PART 2: COVID ACCELERATED THE SLIDE TO AUTHORITARIANISM IN THE U.S.

The relationship between pandemics and fascism is very complex but not beyond the realm of possibility. In times of widespread emergency, the norms and values of society may shift, creating dangerous ideologies.

COVID-19 has shown us how quickly we can move from empathy to indifference or even resentment toward vulnerable populations. During the 1918 pandemic and now, public health fears were weaponized to bolster eugenicist ideas, framing speciﬁc populations as “weaker” and, to some degree, even expendable. This shift highlights how pandemics can erode collective responsibility, paving the way for fascist tendencies to prioritize strength over compassion. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a warning of the societal consequences when empathy and solidarity are replaced by convenience and individualism.

History has repeatedly shown that the path toward authoritarianism often involves manipulating public trust, exploiting societal divisions, and using rhetoric that consolidates power in the hands of a charismatic leader. Former President Donald Trump’s approach in the United States provides a vivid example of these tactics, echoing the steps historically associated with the rise of fascist ideologies. By undermining trust in the media, polarizing society, marginalizing intellectuals, and presenting himself as the champion of “law and order,” Trump’s rhetoric and strategies reveal an alarming progression toward authoritarianism. The following will explore these four steps in detail, using Trump’s own words as examples of each stage.

Step 1: Undermine People’s Faith in the Media

The initial step in weakening democratic foundations involves eroding public trust in the media and casting doubt on what is true. Authoritarian leaders need to do this in order to muddy the waters of fact and propaganda. By doing so, Trump can create a reality in which they can gatekeep what is factual and what is not. His constant attacks on the media illustrate this tactic. He repeatedly labeled news outlets as dishonest and called them “the enemy of the people.” His goal was to undermine their credibility and establish himself as the authority on truth. Such statements like “The fake news media is not my enemy. It is the enemy of the American People!” reframed the free press from a democratic to an enemy force that threatened the public's well-being. This language fuels distrust and confusion. People become uncertain as to whom to believe, which makes them more susceptible to manipulation. This erosion of credibility disrupts stability because citizens depend on unbiased information to make informed choices. With more confusion comes an increasing trust in only sources that reinforce their beliefs, further dividing society.

Step 2: Polarize Factions of Society

Once Trump undermined public trust in reliable information, he began to deepen societal divisions. He set groups against each other. With the polarization of society along the lines of race, religion, or other labels, he then created a hierarchy insinuating that some people were more “worthy” than others. Trump used this tactic to marginalize groups, heightening social divides. His rhetoric on immigration: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best... They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.” These kinds of statements are designed to paint immigrants, mainly from our southern border, as threats.

“This further divides the people of America, simplifying the complexity of society down to narratives and encouraging citizens to look at one another as adversaries instead of neighbors who share a community.”

He dehumanizes them, labeling them as a burden to America. He not only degrades human rights but also grooms people to view certain groups as obstacles to American progress, building an “us vs. them” mentality that is central to fascism. Trump used the same type of response to the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. He continually labeled protesters as “thugs” and called for police to “dominate the streets.” He did not care about the movement’s calls for justice. He once again framed the issue as lawlessness versus order. This further divides the people of America, simplifying the complexity of society down to narratives and encouraging citizens to look at one another as adversaries instead of neighbors who share a community.

Step 3: Marginalize the Intelligentsia

Next, Trump attacked experts and professionals who challenged his narratives. He did so to erode public trust in academic institutions, making people more susceptible to propaganda. Trump’s continual dismissal of expert input, especially during the COVID, helped undermine the guidance of health professionals. Trump repeatedly criticized public health experts and scientists, stating that their insight was unnecessary, even stating, “People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots.” He intentionally tried to diminish experts' credibility to create a climate where scientific evidence is politically biased opinions. In marginalizing the intelligentsia, Trump tells his followers to rely on his interpretation while helping facilitate the spread of, at best-unveri fied information and, at worst, conspiracy theories. His contempt for expertise does not stop with health professionals. Throughout his four years of presidency, Trump continually dismissed academic and scientific voices that opposed his views, painting them as an “elite” class that doesn’t understand the plight of the ordinary American. In doing so, he weakens the public's critical thinking skills by making it much more difficult to question authority and make informed decisions.

Step 4: A “Law and Order” Candidate

Trump elevated himself as a leader who defends “law and order” against identi ﬁed threats, whether real or manufactured. In doing so, he appeals to fears and projects himself as the only leader capable of restoring security by suppressing those he deems dangerous. Trump positioned himself as a defender of American values against threats by immigrants, protesters, and other marginalized groups.

BETSY MUELLER RUNNER & ADVOCATE FOR MS AWARENESS

Photo Courtesy: Betsy Mueller

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BETSY MUELLER

BEYOND THE MILES

HOW ONE MS WARRIOR TURNS OBSTACLES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

As a fellow MS warrior and runner, I know ﬁrsthand the challenges—and the triumphs —that come with navigating life and sport with this unpredictable disease. Betsy Mueller’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to pushing boundaries, not just for herself, but for everyone impacted by MS. In this conversation, we dive into the heart of what drives her, the lessons she’s learned, and the moments that make the miles worth it.

ALLIÉ: For those who don’t know, you’re a runner—a runner who happens to have multiple sclerosis. And you also have plans to run across America in 2025. My ﬁrst question is: can you share the story behind this incredible

BETSY MUELLER RUNNER & ADVOCATE FOR MS AWARENESS

Photo Courtesy: Betsy Mueller

“MS is so unpredictable—you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”

BETSY: (continued) When I was diagnosed with MS, it left my mind completely. I had other things to focus on—like surviving MS and ﬁguring out what it even was. I was diagnosed in 2021. By 2023, my husband, youngest daughter, and I moved to Flagstaff, Arizona. We wanted a more active, outdoor lifestyle. The sun is out more here, there are still four seasons, and it’s only a two-hour drive to Phoenix where it’s warm in the winter.

After we moved, I started looking for a coach. I found one, and that feeling came back—like, "Hey, this is your time to run across America." I told my coach what I wanted to do, and I thought he’d say, “No way. You just told me you have MS, and now you want to run across the country?” But instead, he said, “OK, let’s do this.” He’d never coached anyone for something like this, and I’d never done it before, so it was perfect.

It slowly started to feel real. He even invited my husband, daughter, and me to meet his wife. He runs a program called Dream Run Camp, where runners can train and learn together. My coach, Matt Fitzgerald, supports you during your stay. It was like a dream come true. Then I realized it could be more than just me running across America. I could do it as someone with MS, bringing awareness and inspiring others. Hopefully, people will think, "Maybe I can’t run across America, but I can walk around the block." I want to inspire people to keep moving.

ALLIÉ: You answered that so beautifully. What you’re doing inspires me. As someone with MS who ﬁnds solace in running, I’m fascinated by how each of us connects differently with the sport. For you, what is it about running that empowers you, especially on the harder days when MS feels like it’s winning?

BETSY: For me, it’s about not letting MS win. Even if I wake up with symptoms—usually on the left side of my face or arm—I tell myself, "Let’s just run and see how you feel after." I’ve never gone for a run and felt worse afterward. Running always makes me feel stronger. It’s about not letting myself spiral into negativity. MS is always there, creeping in, saying, "Come to the dark side." But I push back.

ALLIÉ: I know that voice! You’ve got to shut it down, right?

BETSY: Exactly.

ALLIÉ: You and I both know how unpredictable MS can be. Some days, your body feels strong, and other days, it doesn’t even feel like your own. How do you navigate that uncertainty during training? What keeps you showing up, even when it feels impossible?

BETSY: If I’m having a bad day and my body doesn’t feel like my own, I remind myself that if I run, I’ll feel better. If I don’t, I might regret it. MS is so unpredictable—you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I don’t want to live with the regret of skipping a run. It goes back to not letting MS control me. It’s part of me, but it’s not in charge of me.

ALLIÉ: I love that: "It’s part of me, but it’s not in charge of me." When I lace up my shoes, it feels like I’m reclaiming something MS tries to take away. Do you have moments during a race or a run where you feel that same de ﬁance? Can you share a speciﬁc memory?

BETSY: I feel it almost every time I run. Every time my coach increases my mileage, I ﬁnish thinking, "Wow, I accomplished that." There’s so much joy in it. Even during races, I start telling myself, "This is just for fun." But then

BETSY MUELLER RUNNER & ADVOCATE FOR MS AWARENESS

Photo Courtesy: Betsy Mueller

AwareNow Podcast BEYOND THE MILES

Exclusive Interview with Betsy Mueller https://awarenow.us/podcast/beyond-the-miles

“I’d thank MS for teaching me not to fear failure and to never give up.”

BETSY: (continued) my competitive side kicks in, and I push myself harder. Sometimes I surprise myself. That voice of doubt—the one that says, "You could fall, you could trip"—it’s there. But I’ve learned to ignore it and keep going.

ALLIÉ: Yes! You could fall, but you could also get back up. That self-doubt can be so sneaky, but keeping it in check is key. Being open about living with MS while pursuing something as demanding as endurance running isn’t a small thing. How has sharing your story shaped how you see yourself—not just as an athlete but as someone living with this disease?

BETSY: It’s made me realize how strong I am. People tell me, "You’re so strong," but I’d brush it off, thinking, "I’m just doing what I need to do.” Now, I see that I am strong. Sharing my story has helped me own that strength instead of hiding it out of fear of being judged or failing.

ALLIÉ: My last question is a bit of a ﬂip. MS has a way of trying to tell us who’s boss, but it also teaches us things we might not have learned otherwise. If you could thank MS for one lesson, what would it be?

BETSY: I’d thank MS for teaching me not to fear failure and to never give up. It’s so easy to stop and criticize yourself when things go wrong, but MS has pushed me to keep going.

When you have MS, you don’t know what’s coming next. That uncertainty has taught me to learn from failure and try again in a new way. It’s shown me how to be resilient. So, thank you, MS. ∎

TO LISTEN Find Betsy on Instagram: @betsyrunsuswithms Watch her documentary & follow her journey online: www.betsyrunsuswithms.com

JONATHAN KOHANSKI

OPEN WATER SWIMMER, PHOTOGRAPHER & MS WARRIOR

Photo Credit: Jonathan Kohanski

PERSONAL STORY BY JONATHAN

KOHANSKI

ONE MORE ADVENTURE

TRADING COMFORT FOR CURIOSITY IN A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY

I’m about to give up this currently cold and clammy seacoast, the frigid water, and absolute comfort of familiar surroundings and people. They’re all getting replaced for a bit.

The oceans of water will be substituted for oceans of sand, some relative warmth, lots of sunlight, an unfamiliar culture, people, language and situation…one that for many years I said I would never venture into alone, especially as a white American.

I often talk about doing the things that scare you, following your heart, walking through doors and creating the space for life to happen because it doesn’t happen from 9-5.

As I was driving around yesterday, I thought to myself “one more adventure.” It’s a phrase I’ve reiterated so many times over the past 10 years. I keep ﬁnding one more adventure, one more reason to reach out and connect, one more reason to keep going, to keep searching, to learn more about the world and more about myself. It’s a thirst that’ll probably never be quenched.

JONATHAN KOHANSKI

Open Water Swimmer, Photographer & MS Warrior www.awarenessties.us/jonathan-kohanski

Hi, I'm Jonathan, I'm a wanderer of sorts, looking to further enrich lives and share experiences that show we are all capable of truly amazing feats that push my own boundaries and can many times turn heads. I'm a sucker for raw and real stories and attempt to share my own, with all the good and bad through that same lens. I'm always open to ﬁnding my next adventure that will help me to continue writing the stories that can help others overcome their own demons. I'm a lover of the water and spend a lot of my free time in it, whether it be swimming, body-boarding, or taking photographs while in it. I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 25 and it has changed the course of my life, not just in a physical sense, but also in my perspective of life, what is valuable to me and worthy of my time. We all have our struggles and triumphs, I'm here to share mine and maybe, help others through theirs.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Kohanski

ROBIN PREDNY SHANE’S MOTHER

‘BEYOND STIGMA’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY NATIONAL SHATTERING SILENCE COALITION

CAUGHT THROUGH THE CRACKS

A MOTHER’S STORY OF TENACITY IN THE FACE OF BREAKDOWN

When my son Shane was a kid he played baseball one year and didn’t like it. He quit. A year later he decided he wanted to try it again. This time, he wanted to be a pitcher. Shane spent hours upon hours practicing. My pockmarked garage door looked like it had been through a hailstorm. The All Star team accepted him. I told him often that one word described him: ‘tenacious’.

I was always proud of Shane. He saw a housemate pass out in the street and realized he was overdosing. He ran to get Narcan, administered it to the young man, and called 911. Shane saved the young man’s life. Tenacious.

Eventually, Shane got involved in a small jiu jitsu dojo. He chose a dojo with a mindful focus. When the owner moved to a new location, Shane volunteered his time and energy to help the owner paint and move all of the equipment. Tenacious.

Later on in life, when Shane was looking for a job, we went into a sandwich shop while the manager was giving the employees a pep talk. Shane approached the manager and asked for a job, saying that he was impressed with the manager and wanted to work and learn from him. He was hired on the spot. Tenacious.

In the fall of 2022, Shane began to act strangely. During his college psychology class he believed the professor and other students were talking about him and mocking him. He left class prematurely that day. Believing that people were trying to hurt him, he remained conﬁned to the house. Soon the paranoia escalated and he felt that I was out to get him.

Shane was involuntarily transferred to a hospital for psychiatric evaluations in Florida three times in one month. Each time he was released too soon. One time I turned to the Sheriff’s ofﬁce for help. I was told there was nothing they could do unless my son was suicidal or homicidal. It was suggested that I have my son arrested for trespassing. A call to the police for help ended in a heated shouting match between my son and the two of ﬁcers at the end of my driveway.

Shane was ﬁnally admitted to an inpatient unit at the end of November and held for thirty days. He was discharged without a plan despite having been given medication that required additional care. Over the next several months, Shane saw many different psychiatrists and tried a variety of medications. He was severely depressed and longing to feel better.

By the following summer, Shane’s symptoms worsened. Talking to himself, laughing in strange ways, and unable to leave the house again, a judge approved an involuntary admission. Tenacity on my part kicked in, yet multiple attempts to get Shane’s past psychiatric history to the medical team failed. This resulted in my son being prescribed a medication that was ineffective. Based on his symptoms, the hospital treatment team believed my son had schizophrenia. This was a new diagnosis, despite a long history of mental health treatment and our latest involvement with an outpatient psychiatrist.

ROBIN PREDNY

SHANE’S MOTHER

“Hearing my son telling me he loved me as he was hanging up left me shaking and crying.

My son was starting to come back to me.”

As the expiration of the involuntary hold approached, Shane became increasingly agitated. I contacted the social worker with my concerns that Shane’s agitation was escalating and the possibility that he was not on the right medication. I knew things were not going well when a staff member called to ask if I could calm down my son over the phone. I was outraged. I once again voiced my concerns and asked to speak to the attending physician.

Within the hour, I received a call from the Alachua County Jail. Shane hit an inpatient staff member after they decided to administer an injection of medication for his escalating agitation. Instead of medicating him properly when in crisis, they sent him to jail without treatment.

I bonded Shane out of jail, made an immediate appointment with his psychiatrist, and we began working on getting him into an inpatient treatment program.

Unfortunately, while we were working to find a facility with an open bed, Shane began showing increasing signs of psychosis at home. He accused me of poisoning his food. He told me that an ex-boyfriend disappeared and asked if I had killed him. Eventually a judge filed an order for involuntary admission. While we waited for an of ficer to bring Shane to the hospital, my son had a complete psychotic break. Instead of getting treatment, Shane was taken to jail.

During the ﬁrst court hearing, the judge made rude, dismissive comments to Shane about ﬁghting with his brother and making me cry. I explained that my son was in a mental health crisis and needed treatment. An order for transfer and crisis stabilization was immediately signed. Despite continued delusions, the staff declared him stable and sent him back to jail, still psychotic. Shane was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (a steak knife) without intent to kill in spite of my attempts to educate the prosecuting attorney about serious mental illness.

Although Shane was declared competent by the court psychologist in October 2023, he was still experiencing delusions and hearing voices. Though we tried to ask for medication, Shane was allowed to refuse.

By February 2024, when Shane was re-evaluated by the court psychologist, he had deteriorated even further and was deemed incompetent. He accused his lawyer of being an undercover spy and believed the jail was poisoning his food. He was court-ordered for competency treatment at the state forensic hospital on March 28, 2024.

While awaiting transfer to the state hospital, I visited my son and was horriﬁed at what I saw. He had lost over ﬁfty pounds and was nonverbal. Holding a couple of postcards in his hand, he grunted and smiled strangely the entire hour I was there.

The jail eventually transferred Shane to a state hospital on April 22, 2024. Though he was still refusing medication, there was an instance when the staff were able to medicate him based on emergency circumstances. His psychosis ebbed and a few days before Mother’s Day he called me for the ﬁrst time in nine months. There was no recollection of what had happened and he asked me a lot of questions. Hearing my son telling me he loved me as he was hanging up left me shaking and crying. My son was starting to come back to me.

THERESA CHEUNG DREAM EXPERT & BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

‘

THE STUFF OF DREAMS’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY THERESA CHEUNG

LOST IN THE CLOUDS

REVISITING THE PAST, EXPLORING THE FUTURE & FINDING WHAT GROUNDS US

Theresa Cheung, dream expert and best-selling author shares, “Your dreams are the language of your soul.” In this AwareNow Magazine exclusive column, ‘The Stuff of Dreams’, every month Theresa decodes a dream submitted by one of our readers.

THE DREAM

In my dream, I was in a city I used to live in. I used to call home a long time ago. Most of the city was the same, but so much was different too. I was driving around in a rental car, trying to find a place I had gone to so many times . I couldn’t find it but what I did find was a large building that seemed to be the place I was supposed to go. It was very modern. Something about. It was exciting. I entered the main door, went down a long corridor and entered a massive room where admission was required to enter. However, they didn’t charge me. I went in and found a huge space with glass walls from floor to ceiling. It was a sky simulator room, something I’ve never heard of or experienced until now. It was kind of like a bounce house except filled with clouds. There was a feeling of weightlessness And a freedom of their own number of other people there none of which I knew. After some time, I felt I needed to go. There was a certain sense of urgency like there was somewhere else I needed to be something somewhere. Something else I needed to be doing. I want to make a phone call only to find that my Phone won't work anymore. The clouds had made it wet and I couldn’t get it to turn on. I decided to leave right away, but just after I exited, I noticed I didn’t have my shoes. I’ve left them somewhere in the cloud room. I turned to the guy at the admission station and asked to enter to find my shoes. He said I needed to give him something to hold for collateral. I went to find the keys to the rental car to provide them in exchange for my reentry, except I couldn’t find the keys and then I woke up.

- Valerie D.

THE DREAM DECODED

Dear Valerie,

Thank you for sharing this dream, Valerie—it’s rich with symbolism and offers a lot of potential for interpretation. Let’s break it down into key elements and see what they might suggest about your personal growth, unconscious patterns, and the development of your Self.

1. The City You Used to Live In Symbolism: The city represents your past, possibly your former self, your roots, or earlier stages of life. Cities in dreams are often metaphors for areas of your personal history or parts of the unconscious mind you’ve "left behind.”

Interpretation: The city being both familiar and different suggests a sense of change in your relationship with your past. Perhaps you’re revisiting old patterns or aspects of yourself that no longer ﬁt your current identity. This suggests a process of re-integrating past experiences into your present self, possibly because you’re in a transition phase of your life.

2. Driving a Rental Car

Symbolism: The car can represent your drive, direction, and autonomy. Since it’s a rental, it may also symbolise a temporary or uncertain sense of control, or that you feel like you’re in a transitional phase.

Interpretation: Driving around the city trying to ﬁnd a familiar place that you once knew could indicate a search for something in your life you feel you’ve lost or that is no longer accessible. You’re trying to reconnect with an old version of yourself or a certain direction in life, but there’s a sense of displacement as the landscape has changed.

3. The Large Modern Building and Sky Simulator

Symbolism: The building represents structure, knowledge, or opportunities that are either new or unfamiliar to you. Modernity suggests something forward-thinking, innovative, or an evolving part of your psyche. The sky simulator could represent freedom, expansiveness, or an idealised vision of escape or liberation.

Interpretation: The building and the sky simulator symbolise a new possibility or new phase of life. The feeling of weightlessness and freedom might suggest you're exploring or encountering new potentials in your life that are exciting and perhaps even a bit out of your comfort zone. The cloud-ﬁlled space can symbolise a psychological state where you're free from the usual weights of responsibility, a space for rejuvenation or emotional release.

4. The Urgency to Leave and the Broken Phone

Symbolism: The sense of urgency points to an inner drive or pressure to move forward—perhaps there’s a deep psychological calling, an unresolved task, or something you feel you’re neglecting. The phone, representing communication and connection, suggests your ability to reach out, stay grounded, or connect with the world.

Interpretation: The urgency and the malfunctioning phone could indicate that you feel disconnected or unable to communicate with parts of yourself or with others. The fact that the phone was damaged by the clouds may suggest that emotions (represented by the clouds) are interfering with your ability to effectively communicate or stay grounded in the external world.

5. Losing Your Shoes

Symbolism: Shoes often represent your path, your journey, or your ability to "stand" in the world. Losing them suggests that you might feel ungrounded, or disconnected from your sense of direction or your identity.

Interpretation: The loss of shoes in the cloud room could indicate that you're experiencing a sense of disorientation or vulnerability, particularly after a signiﬁcant emotional or psychological experience (the weightlessness and freedom). The fact that you’re barefoot suggests a need to reconnect with the grounded, practical, and earthy aspects of yourself—perhaps an invitation to pay attention to what is missing in your life, or what needs to be reclaimed in order to feel stable again.

6. The Collateral and the Missing Keys

Symbolism: The need for collateral suggests a sense of exchange, value, or the concept of commitment. Keys represent access, control, or solutions, while their absence indicates a feeling of being locked out, of being unable to access something important.

Interpretation: The quest for your car keys indicates a search for control or a solution to the current disorientation. The fact that you couldn’t ﬁnd them suggests that you feel a lack of control over a situation in your life. This could be a symbol of uncertainty about how to move forward or a sense that you’ve misplaced something crucial to your sense of direction. The collateral exchange might point to an internal feeling of needing to give something up or make a sacriﬁce in order to regain access to something meaningful.

Now, here’s how all this might relate to your personal and spiritual growth, Valerie:

Integration of the Past and Present: The city you once lived in and the feelings of being both familiar and alien suggest that you're in a process of revisiting and re-evaluating parts of your past. There’s a tension between who you were and who you are now, which is a common experience in times of personal transition.

IN THE CLOUDS

Written and Narrated by Theresa Cheung https://awarenow.us/podcast/lost-in-the-clouds

Exploring New Potential: The sky simulator room is a symbol of a new frontier, one that excites you and gives you a sense of freedom. This could represent a part of you that is ready to be expressed or an opportunity you’re ready to explore, but perhaps you feel a little ungrounded or unsure of what this new direction will mean.

The Urgency to Act: The sense of urgency combined with the malfunctioning phone might suggest that there’s something you feel compelled to do but are unable to reach or communicate with effectively. This might be an inner calling or a reminder that you need to align your external actions with your deeper, inner needs or values.

The Lost Shoes and Missing Keys: These represent grounding and access, and losing them indicates that in the excitement of new opportunities, you might be feeling unrooted or disoriented. The keys—both the actual ones to your rental car and the metaphorical keys to your personal journey—are what you need to ﬁnd to feel back in control of your path. The process of seeking them out is also part of the individuation process, symbolising the journey of ﬁnding clarity and reconciling different aspects of yourself.

This dream therefore seems to suggest that you're at a crossroads, exploring new possibilities for personal growth and development. There’s an exciting sense of freedom but also a reminder that you need to ﬁnd your grounding again—perhaps in your past, in your values, or in the practical aspects of your life. There is an underlying theme of reconnecting with parts of yourself that have been lost or forgotten, and you might be in a period of reevaluating how your past integrates with your present self.

Your dreaming mind is urging you to pay attention to these symbolic "missing" elements—whether it's reconnecting with your grounded self (shoes), regaining control (keys), or clarifying the urgency of your path forward. The missing keys might indicate that you're still searching for what you need to unlock your full potential. What your dreaming mind wants you to understand is that searching or the journey is where your meaning will be found. In other words, live and love the journey, the power of now, and put less focus on the destination. ∎

THERESA CHEUNG Dream Expert & Best-Selling Author www.theresacheung.com/about-theresa

THERESA CHEUNG is a best-selling author and dream decoding expert who has been researching and writing about spirituality, astrology, dreams, and the paranormal for the past twenty-ﬁve years. With a Master's degree from King's College Cambridge University in Theology and English, and several international best-selling books, including two Sunday Times "top 10 bestsellers", Theresa has over 40 published books and cards on topics of the science of cognition to intuition. Her Dream Dictionary from A to Z (Harper Collins) regularly sits at number 1 on its category's Amazon list, and is regarded as a classic in its ﬁeld. www.IamAwareNow.com

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