Vital Presence

Patricia Hunt-Perry has had a remarkable life. She's worked with many of the world's spiritual luminaries, hosted her own radio and PBS series introduced innovative courses in a university setting and been a Dharma teacher.  Now in her eighth decade, she shares some of her wisdom. 

Maria Genné is a dancer, choreographer, and educator who has created amazing programs that bring people together across generations to interact through dance, music and story. She helps older adults tap into their creativity and joy through the arts. Her organization, Kairos Alive, is a performing and participatory dance, music, and theatre arts organization,  led by a core group of professional artists who work collaboratively, across arts disciplines and across generations.

Activist and author Kit Bakke didn't start writing seriously until after 50 when the events of 9-11 motivated her to start. She talks about her first book, Miss Alcott's E-mail, her recent book Protest on Trial and how dissent is so important to a democracy.

Painter, writer, and Sage-ing facilitator Anne Boynton talks about infusing more creativity into your life in your 3rd Act, or any age.

Author and Sage-ing facilitator Ina Albert talks about how we can counter ageism to choose a more empowering path to aging.

Rachael Freed is an author, workshop leader and expert in the area of writing your legacy. She shows us how we can find personal fulfillment as we age and bring joy to others by writing legacy letters and giving blessings.

  John C. Robinson is a clinical psychologist with a second doctorate in ministry. He’s an ordained interfaith minister and the author of nine books and numerous articles on Aging, examining its psychology, spirituality and mystical dimensions. He speaks at Conscious Aging Conferences across the country.

Marilyn Paul, Author of An Oasis in Time describes the benefits of taking a rest day off a week. 

Christine McHugh, videographer and director, shares a story of making a legacy documentary with a powerful twist at the end.

Juliet Bruce knows one of the big secrets of the universe. That we live inside of stories- and we can change those stories. She has used metaphoric forms such as the heroes journey to help her clients make transformative changes in their lives. Bridging expressive arts with a background in literature and journalism, Juliet has worked with a variety of individuals and groups from trauma survivors to the most marginalized, showing time and time again that stories do help us heal.

Bob Weber shares a new narrative about the possibilities that come with growing older while developing a deeper sense of self. 

If you think sensuality is for women under 50, Mary Campbell will prove you wrong. She's a sensuality and spirituality coach who runs workshops around the world for women and men, helping them to awaken their sense of beauty, intimacy, and sensuality.

Victoria Starr Marshall had a dream retirement only to find she still craved business. She and her husband bought a magazine, where they are thriving while still pursuing some of their retirement dreams.

Author and blogger Debra Eve discusses her work documenting how many famous men and women have bloomed in the 2nd half of life.

This launches the third season of Vital Presence with a special 3rd act series about working creatively and thriving in after midlife as well as our ongoing Story Pros series.

Jeffrey Davis is a writer, speaker, consultant, and author of four books. Through his firm and consultancy Tracking Wonder, he and his team work with creative innovators, entrepreneurs, and social psychologists to help people flourish in times of challenge and change.

David Hutchens, organizational story expert and author of Circle of the 9 Muses talks about how companies can create knowledge more effectively using stories. 

Vanessa Chase Lockshin, author of The Storytelling NonProfit shares ideas that will help nonprofits with their fundraising and internal development.

In a world where so many get their start in business storytelling through branding and marketing, Cynthia Kurtz followed a different route in: through science and through work at IBM research. She has pioneered a field she calls Participative Narrative and written an amazingly useful guide to participatory story work, called Working with Stories in Your Community or Organization.