L36 Media Podcast

Step beyond the classroom with Shoshanna Sumka, a global leader in experiential learning, as she reveals how true education happens when knowledge meets experience. From her early environmental activism in Ecuador to transformative cultural immersion in Indonesia, Shoshanna shares the journey that ignited her passion for learning that truly sticks. In this episode, you’ll discover how to: Turn experiences into powerful, lasting lessons through reflection and real-world application Build vibrant learning communities and foster student agency Engage the “whole student” - head, heart, and hands - for deeper growth Create authentic service-learning projects that are impactful for everyone involved Whether you’re an educator, student, or lifelong learner, Shoshanna’s insights show how experiential learning creates “core memories,” develops leadership for all, and makes learning joyful, relevant, and transformative. Dive in and be inspired to rethink what it means to truly learn - and lead - in today’s world.

What if the story you've been living isn’t the truth - but just the beginning? In this powerful episode, host Dr. Steven Pearce sits down with Michael McRay - storyteller, narrative coach, and TEDx speaker - whose life’s work helps people heal from trauma by reexamining the narratives that shaped them. Michael shares his personal journey through pain, suicidal ideation, and self-discovery, and how he now guides others to “restory” their lives - transforming limiting childhood beliefs like “I’m not enough” or “I’m fine” into empowering truths. Discover the concept of narrative intelligence, how experiential intensives help people externalize inner struggles, and how metaphors like the palimpsest and singing bowl illuminate the healing process. We also explore the Hero’s Journey, the power of the liminal space between old stories and new beginnings, and how our deepest wounds can lead us to profound purpose. This episode is a beautiful reminder: you are not your past. You are the author of what comes next. Tune in and start rewriting your story - with clarity, courage, and compassion.

What if the spirit of adventure isn’t just something we chase, but something written into the fabric of the universe itself? In this inspiring episode, L36 podcast host Dr. Steven Pearce takes us on a thought-provoking journey - from the origins of the cosmos to the everyday choices that define our lives. After hitting a wall of “Million Mile Per Hour Monotony” - a fast-paced but deeply unfulfilling phase in his career - Steven shares how he reignited his sense of wonder through travel, storytelling, and meaningful connection. Along the way, he sits down with voices like neuroscientist Dr. Sarah Lazar and author Dan Horowitz, whose insights helped reframe his path and bring clarity to his purpose. We explore how the “hero’s journey” lives within all of us, how venturing beyond comfort zones can awaken something powerful, and how mentors and moments of insight can change the trajectory of our lives. Whether it’s a cross-continental trek or a “micro-adventure” in your own neighborhood, this episode invites you to see your life as an unfolding story - and to take the next bold step in it. Tune in to rediscover what it means to live with intention, curiosity, and courage.

In this soul-stirring episode of the L36 Podcast, we sit down with Ash Almonte -- a radiant contemporary artist, devoted philanthropist, and co-founder of a nonprofit -- whose energy and authenticity are as bold as her brushstrokes. Ash opens up about her incredible journey from life in corporate banking to embracing her true calling as an artist. She shares how a life-altering medical scare became a spiritual wake-up call, pushing her to fully commit to her creative path -- despite significant personal sacrifice. With raw honesty and infectious passion, Ash reveals how her art has become a sacred practice -- infused with intention, emotion, and healing. She reflects on how grief gave rise to the butterfly as a symbol in her work, transforming pain into purpose and forging deep connections with others. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to anyone seeking to live more meaningfully, create more courageously, and tune into the quiet wisdom of the soul. Ash leaves us with a powerful reminder: sometimes, the real masterpiece is learning how to slow down and fully live.

In this soulful and uplifting episode of the L36 podcast, creativity coach and expressive arts facilitator Helen Bradley invites us into a world where creativity becomes a path to healing, joy, and connection. Helen shares her deeply intuitive approach, blending movement, color, sound, and body awareness to help people reconnect with their innate creative spark. Whether it’s painting with your eyes closed, dancing your emotions, or asking your art what it wants to say, Helen offers practical ways to work with one’s inner critic and let get free. This conversation is a warm, gentle reminder that creativity is not about perfection - it’s about freedom. It's about play, listening inward, and remembering that we are all artists at heart. If you’ve ever felt creatively blocked, or simply long to feel more alive and expressive, this episode is a beautiful invitation to come home to yourself - through art.

What if the secret to deeper connection, better communication, and more meaningful relationships lies in one simple mindset shift — curiosity? In this compelling episode of the L36 Podcast, hosts Steven Pearce and Nina Winstead sit down with acclaimed mother-daughter duo Kirsten Siggins and Kathy Taberner, founders of the Institute of Curiosity and co-authors of The Power of Curiosity. Together, they explore how curiosity isn’t just about asking questions — it’s a powerful tool to truly see, hear, and understand those around us. You’ll discover: Why 90% of communication is ineffective — and how curiosity helps us change that. The difference between listening to understand vs. listening to fix, solve, or judge. How curiosity strengthens our personal and professional relationships — and even releases feel-good hormones. Through real-life examples and heartwarming stories, Kirsten and Kathy show how shifting our focus from ourselves to others can radically transform the way we connect. A must-listen for anyone looking to build more authentic, fulfilling relationships — at home, at work, and beyond.

In this powerful episode of the L36 Podcast, hosts Steven Pearce and Nina Winstead sit down with renowned psychologist Dr. Loren Toussaint, a leading expert on the science of forgiveness. Together, they explore how forgiveness—far from being just a moral ideal—is a transformative practice with profound impacts on our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.Dr. Toussaint draws on decades of research and cross-cultural insights to reveal why forgiveness may be one of the most essential tools for personal healing and global unity. He discusses how forgiveness reduces stress, activates the body's natural relaxation response, and builds resilience in the face of life’s challenges.You’ll also hear about striking new (and unpublished) research that suggests self-forgiveness may be even more powerful than forgiving others—offering twice the protective effect on mental health. This revelation is especially meaningful for those in high-pressure professions and anyone carrying the burden of self-blame. Whether you're navigating daily stress or working through deep-seated pain, this conversation offers evidence-based tools, real-world stories, and a hopeful path forward.As Dr. Toussaint beautifully states: “Forgiveness doesn't erase the past. It empowers our future.”

In this inspiring episode, singer-songwriter Eric Lumiere takes us on a journey through the interconnectedness of beauty and creativity in his music and life. Eric shares how embracing authenticity has been key to his genuine creative expression, revealing that true beauty often shines through even the most difficult emotions. From discovering music as a vital outlet for his sensitive nature in childhood to navigating the challenges of turning passion into a profession, Eric offers candid insights on maintaining inner drive and doing it for yourself first. Tune in to hear his powerful perspective on creativity and life as an ongoing process of finding freedom and authenticity by releasing limiting beliefs and embracing vulnerability.

In this episode of The L36 podcast, feature guest Kristen Urbanus, shares her extensive background in psychology, spiritual psychology, somatic practice, life coaching, and mindfulness. She discusses how she works with clients on multiple levels of consciousness to achieve lasting, sustainable change, emphasizing that outer goals often stem from a desire for a different inner experience. Kristin explains how she utilizes various modalities to help people access their authentic selves, defined as an unwavering inner wisdom, and highlights the crucial role of forgiveness in releasing judgments and baggage to connect with this core essence, ultimately leading to personal freedom and growth.

In this episode of the L36 podcast, hosts Nick and Josh Holden share their journey as filmmakers and artists in Austin, Texas. They discuss the mission of their podcast, the importance of creativity, and the therapeutic nature of art. The conversation delves into their experiences in the indie film scene, the influence of their family background, and the evolution of the creative landscape in Austin. They also explore the balance between commercial work and personal artistic expression, emphasizing the need for artists to find their voice and purpose.