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S4E4 IFYS: MICHAEL A. BLUM UNEDITED RAW VERSION In this deeply personal episode of Inspiration for Your Soul, Cali Rossen honors the life and legacy of her dear friend, Michael A. Blum, who passed away in July 2026. Michael was an award-winning executive producer, writer, and storyteller whose remarkable career included work with BET, A&E, HBO, USA, E!, PBS, AEG, Bunim-Murray, Bon Jovi, and many others. His credits included 50 Central and serving as executive producer, showrunner, and writer on the first three seasons of Criss Angel Mindfreak. But beyond the accomplishments was the person Cali knew and loved as a friend: creative, curious, funny, insightful, and full of unforgettable stories. This special episode preserves Michael’s voice, wisdom, and perspective on creativity, following your instincts, embracing an unconventional path, and trusting where life leads you. For those who knew Michael, may this conversation bring back a memory and a smile. For those meeting him for the first time, may you feel a little of the joy, inspiration, and spirit that made him so special. Michael, this one is for you.

Inspiration for Your Soul – S4E3GUEST: ROGER NYGARD - Filmmaker, Director & Bestselling Author Cali Rossen sits down with multi-award-winning filmmaker Roger Nygard, the creative mind behind Trekkies, The Nature of Existence, The Comedy Store, and more. Roger has directed The Office and The Bernie Mac Show, edited Emmy-nominated episodes of VEEP and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and authored Cut to the Monkey and The Documentarian. This episode blends humor, insight, and big questions about creativity, meaning, and storytelling — with the added bonus that Roger has never been indicted or convicted. Goals matter. 🎧 Listen in for a thoughtful, hilarious, and unexpectedly soulful conversation. #InspirationForYourSoul#RogerNygard#PodcastEpisode#Season4#Filmmaking#DocumentaryFilm#ComedyEditing#Storytelling#CreativeProcess#TheOffice#CurbYourEnthusiasm#VEEP#TheComedyStore#Trekkies#CutToTheMonkey#TheDocumentarian#BestsellingAuthor#CreativeMind#FindingMeaning#HumorAndHumanity

A Heartfelt Mission – Ava Kaufman’s Journey from Survival to Service Twelve years ago, Ava Kaufman was fighting for her life. A former professional dancer and black belt in taekwondo, Ava's world turned upside down when an undiagnosed autoimmune disease led to organ failure. With a donor heart and a promise to give back, she has transformed her second chance into a life of service. In this powerful episode of Inspiration for Your Soul, Ava shares her extraordinary journey from near death to founding Ava’s Heart, a nonprofit providing essential resources for transplant patients and donor families. Her mission? To ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of lifesaving transplants and to honor the true heroes—organ donors and their families. Join us as we explore Ava’s incredible story of resilience, hope, and purpose. Be prepared to be moved and inspired by a woman who turned her adversity into an unstoppable force for good. 🎧 Listen now on Inspiration for Your Soul!

IFYS S4E1: DEREK McLANE: Multi-Award Winning Scenic Designer, Author of DESIGNING BROADWAY Welcome back to Season 4 of Inspiration for Your Soul! This is our first episode of the season and we are thrilled to introduce our special guest, multi-award winning scenic designer, Derek McLane. He's world renowned for his indelible mark on Broadway & beyond! Derek's work is celebrated for it's creativity, ingenuity, and emotional depth, bringing stories to life on stage with breath taking visuals. In this episode you'll discover the driving forces behind Derek's extraordinary career. We'll delve into the moments that have shaped him, including a poignant story where a teachers harsh words could have derailed his dreams but instead fueled his determination to succeed. He also shares what he thinks every person needs to thrive and what keeps him inspired in the ever evolving world of scenic design. You can discover even more about him at www.DerekMcLane.com This episode brought to you by SacredFrequencies.org - Go Within & Go Beyond

Jody Ebling is a seasoned and versatile vocalist who has worked all over the world. She has the gift of a fluid vocal instrument that allows her to easily belt out a Broadway show tune, sing an Italian aria, rattle off the many lyrics of an intricate comedy song, or gently interpret a tune from the Great American Popular Songbook. Jody has worked in all of the top clubs in Boston and New York City, including the famed Blue Note. She performed regularly at the famous Friends Restaurant, owned by Elton John,  in London. She also has toured Florida and New England extensively with her one-woman show, “Broadway Baby.” She has had the pleasure of working with many wonderful entertainers, including Steve Solomon and Freddie Roman. She was a guest soloist with both the Coral Springs Pops Orchestra and the Hollywood Beach Pops Orchestra under the direction of Peter Fuchs. She has toured with the Cab Calloway big band led by Calloway Brooks; appeared as a featured vocalist at the Festival Lyrique  on the island Belle Ille in France and performed as the featured soloist with the White Heat Swing Orchestra in the Boston Harbor Hotel guest artist series. Jody has also had the honor of doing concerts with virtuoso jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein, legendary jazz guitarist Al Caiola and legendary jazz pianist Mike Renzi. Jody is a member of the SAG-AFTRA. Jody has provided narration for museum displays and meditation tapes as well as voice-overs for many television and radio commercials. Jody also has appeared in several independent films. In addition to recording jazz standards and her own compositions, Jody has recorded songs written by Tootsie Roll Chairman and CEO Mel Gordon, Robert Hitz and Dennis Livingston. Jody is also a composer and performer of sacred music. She has been a guest soloist for countless church services. She has opened events for Gary Renard, David Hoffmeister, Edwene Gaines, Ernest Chu, Cynthia Segal , Nouck Sanchez and Tomas Vieira.  She has led choirs for retreats with The Foundation For Open Hearts. She was a guest artist for the Strawberry Fields Festival held in the high desert of Utah by the Living Miracles Monastery. Jody was a  guest soloist for the recent A Course In Miracles conferences in Chicago, New York City and Boston.

John Lim is a Poshmark seller, TEDx speaker, and author of "The Poshmark Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses," "The Poshmark Seller Journal for Individuals and Small Businesses," and creator of the "Corporate Cliches" adult coloring book. He has been featured in Cracked, and Authority Magazine. John is the executive producer and host of the podcast series, "Moving Forward," which is in its 8th season with over 340 episodes. The show reaches audiences across the US and in over 50 countries.John describes his own journey as a fun ride through “career wanderlust.” After practicing law in the DC area, John worked for over a decade with a prominent Fortune 500 company delivering high-level presentations, webinars and seminars. In addition, John is a former actor, having acted in productions for The National Geographic Channel, The History Channel, and HBO Productions. John is known to many sci-fi fans for his role as “Young Lt. Cmdr Sulu,” opposite legendary actor, George Takei, in the production of 'Star Trek: World and Enough and Time' (winner, TV Guide award, nominated for the Hugo and Nebula awards), written by Emmy Award™ winning screenplay writer, Michael Reeves and prominent Hollywood director and producer, Marc Zicree. The role captured the attention of top Hollywood Casting Director, April Webster and led to an audition for a co-starring role in the feature film, Star Trek (2009), directed by JJ Abrams.John earned his BA from The University of Pennsylvania, his JD from Georgetown Law and his MBA from The Johns Hopkins University. John has been a regular keynote speaker, guest lecturer and panelist for The Johns Hopkins’ Carey Business School and been a guest contributor for Carey the Torch.

TRAILER for S3E8 IFYS with John Lim - Author, 5-Figure Poshmark Seller, TEDx Speaker, and so much more! He shares the 3 Most Important things he must answer YES to before he embraces any project. He has had many experiences where he had to cut loose, cut losses and move on, and wants our audiences to take away these 3 important yes's. Stay tuned!

Becki Dennis, a multi-talented guest is Award Winning Actress. A gifted writer chosen as a finalist in the Moving Picture Institute's film program.  Founder of Inspire Works, and a proud Member of the Television Academy.  A handful of Becki's credits include JANE THE VIRGIN, TED 2, AMERICAN HUSTLE, THIS IS US, and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Listen to find out how becoming a successful business owner derailed her acting career for a while, and how she got herself back on track.  She also shares about the time she booked Curb Your Enthusiasm, and how the news came out of the blue when she was at a low point having thoughts of quitting acting. Discover even more about Becki, at her website- BeckiDennis.com This episode is brought to you by SacredFrequencies.org Renewing Through Resonance

S3E7 Inspiration For Your Soul Podcast with Cali Rossen Scheduled Broadcast Wed. Feb. 8, 2023 @ 3pm PST | 6pm EST BECKI DENNIS, a multi-talented Award Winning Actress.  She's also a gifted writer who was a finalist in the Moving Picture Institute's film program, the Founder of Inspire Works, and a proud Member of the Television Academy.  Just a few of her most recent works are JANE THE VIRGIN, TED 2, AMERICAN HUSTLE, THIS IS US, and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Listen to find out how becoming a successful business owner derailed her acting career for a while, and how she got herself back on track.  She also shares about the time she booked a show she'd dreamed of working on for years, and how the news came out of the blue when she was at a low point and having thoughts of quitting acting. This episode is brought to you by SacredFrequencies.org Renewing Through Resonance

Marc Cashman, Voted 'Best Voices of the Year" 3X by AudioFile Magazine, known as the Voice Cat, is a Multi-Award Veteran Voice Over Actor, Director, Producer, Event Speaker and 5 Star Author of the book V, OH, avail on Amazon. He agrees to prepare a keynote speech as a way to make people laugh,  During our talk he reveals there is something that will keep you on top, and recounts a device that his dad brought home to him one night that he kept under his pillow that inspired him to keep the faith on his road to success. Marc is a genuine talent, who loves giving back by providing audits for his classes and raising money for local charities with his training webinars.  To learn even more go to CashmanCommercials.com  Thanks for listening to Inspiration For Your Soul, Isn't it!?  This episode is sponsored by RockFashionArt.com - Art Heals, Keep Creating!

Roxi Suger, designer and founder of Angelrox & Suger.me, and a Former Professor at Parsons The New School of Design  As a Professor at Parsons The New School of Design, she instructed design & marketing students in Fashion Industry Design - with an overview of the business of apparel with an emphasis on drawing and presentation skills. Roxi's design collection is sold in over 200 fine locations across the country including a sweet little flagship boutique, Suger, serving angels of all ages and sizes with designs that transition from day to evening, from active to formal.  Her collection of elegant versatile designs is crafted from sumptuous plant-based bamboo and organic cotton knits that gently shape and comfort in cozy layers inspired by ancient beauty but ideal for modern women. The business is family-run and blossoming thanks to the beautiful customers that support them and the guidance of her wonderful husband Julian Schlaver and their talented staff that crafts each piece in a historic textile mill in downtown Biddeford, Maine. They are deeply committed to charity and community.  Seeking balance is the inspiration behind their logo and mantra, 'May Peace Prevail'. During our talk, Roxi shares her fascination with the psychology of fashion, and she made notes on how a number or letter on the labels of clothing affected her customers to such a negative degree, that she devoted her collections to solve this issue, by empowering her customers to feel even better about themselves.  The sustainability & versatility factors are another high point of her clothing line. This talk will be an inspiration for your soul!

ARNAUD COLLERY Co-founder and CEO of Humanava, Arnaud Collery is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and coach in the fields of tech, entertainment, and personal growth. As a pioneer in several fields (Chief Happiness Officer training being one of them), his impact as a storytelling coach inspired and allowed hundreds of people to share their truth. He empowered 1000 CEOs and coached more than 150 organizations, foundations, and companies. After 20 years of living abroad (mostly in the US and Japan), he now lives in Bordeaux (France), where he co-founded Humanava in 2021. This personal growth platform teaches human skills through inspiring masterclasses. Through one of these masterclasses, Arnaud shares his field of expertise: resilience and reinventing yourself. Arnaud uses his global mindset and out-of-the-box thinking for personal growth, empowering and coaching others to pursue their purpose and happiness, and reinvent themselves. In 2018, his book Mr. Happiness was published by Larousse. Today, he is particularly invested in « QVT » processes for a better quality of life at work, through Humanava as well as his coaching and team building activities. Throughout his life, he constantly experimented with new cultures and fields. He traveled to 30 different countries to inspire people, and has worked in finances, luxury, politics, stand-up comedy, film making, as well as producing social events. He launched many concepts, including Stand up for Passion in 2014 (http://www.standupforpassion.com/)

KARLA GORDY BRISTOL - This talk delves into living a unique life in entertainment & philanthropy.  She the CEO of Bristol Entertainment, Beverly Hills Art & Culture Commissioner, TV Host, and much much more.   Karla is a woman of immense power & humility, who carries the family torch with added flair, by being a model of excellence to what is possible in a lifetime.  The name Gordy emits the essence of greatness & innovation, it's linked to renowned Motown Records.  Among her favorite events each year is "Friends of Fuller", an event she co-created and co-produces with her family.  The charity benefit is named after her Grandfather, Fuller Gordy, working with the young & support systems for those who are disadvantaged.  Her Grandfather instilled in her, "know that you left this earth knowing that you bettered another person".  Thanks for listening!  You'll be glad you did. Thank you Karla for inspiring me to created the #showhashtag #ShowSomeoneYouCareToday

Sergio Navarretta, an internationally award-winning director who is fiercely passionate about bringing meaningful content to the screen. He draws inspiration from Italian neorealism and considers his work an exploration of the human condition. Sergio's projects are touching, relevant, inclusive, often humorous, and most importantly, entertaining. He is currently hard at work innovating creative ways for his projects and the film industry at large to press on during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. He is the Co Founder of SNAP Films, Inc, along with Alessandra Piccione, who are Meaningful Content Creators, who develop and create entertaining and meaningful films, television series, and other media for a wide audience. This episode brought to you by RFAM Networks.  Thank you so much for your support by sharing our episodes and along with your contributions that help get these inspirational stories to those who need to hear them.  Have an amazing day with your loved ones!

SHOHREH AGHDASHLOO - Oscar Nominated, Primetime Emmy & Multi-Award Winning Actress, Human Rights Activist & Author of 'The Alley of Love & Yellow Jasmines'.  She's also a voice over artist for many video games and animations. There's so much wisdom about living a happy life;  and this wonderfully witty wonder woman shares her truth in the most endearing way.  How her drive to succeed and values kept her hopes alive, especially during a bitterly cold night in England with only 50 pence left in her purse. Shohreh drove herself to England during the Iranian revolution and worked hard to earn her BA in International Relations.  Her boss during this time at a posh boutique, Mr. Bernstein, gave her some advice that carried her through the most turbulent times. Shohreh shares what happened when she won her Emmy and what it was like playing Sir Ben Kingsley wife in the film she was nominated for an Academy Award. She's lived in her home in California for over 18 years, and during the Covid lock down uncovered something in her home that no one had ever noticed before.  This opened up a part of herself too that she reveals during our talk.  To learn more about our Shohreh go to episode description of this podcast. A special salute goes out to all the military branches for your incredible service to the Unites States.  Thank you for your deep commitment to protect & serve with your life.  Have a fun & safe Memorial Day weekend and thank you for listening.  God bless You. In the 1970s at age 20, she achieved nationwide stardom in her homeland of Iran, starring in some prominent pictures such as The Report directed by the renowned Abbas Kiarostami, which won critics awards at the Moscow Film Festival. In 1978, she won wider acclaim and established herself as one of Iran's leading ladies with Desideriam directed by the late Ali Hatami. She continued to pursue her acting career, which eventually brought her to Los Angeles, California in 1987. She went on to marry actor/playwright Houshang Touzie, performing in a number of his plays, successfully taking them to national and international stages. However, this was not easy getting work in Hollywood as a Middle Eastern actress with an accent;  but she finally received good reviews for her 12 episodes on the fourth season of the Fox television series 24 as Dina Araz, a terrorist undercover as a well-to-do housewife and mother in Los Angeles. She had to wait quite some time to receive her break in Hollywood. After establishing a theatre and film career in Iran, Shohreh moved to England during the Iranian Revolution in 1979, subsequently becoming a U.S. citizen. After several years playing small roles in television and film, her performance in House of Sand and Fog (2003) brought her several film critics' awards and a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has continued to play supporting and character roles in film and television, including a starring role as Chrisjen Avasarala on The Expanse (2015–present), and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her work in the HBO original miniseries HOUSE OF SADDAM (2008). In 2013, she released her autobiography titled The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines.