Love and Compassion with Gissele

In this deeply moving episode, Sonny Von Cleveland shares his extraordinary journey of survival and transformation, from enduring childhood sexual abuse and rape in prison to spending 19 months in solitary confinement. But this is not a story about staying broken, it's a story about choosing love over hate.

Sonny opens up about the radical act of forgiveness, the power of compassion, and what it truly takes to create a more loving ...

How do the spaces we live in reflect the peace we seek within?

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by award-winning interior designer Kim Depole of Depole Designs to explore the power of mindful design. Kim shares how her time with Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and the teachings of Plum Village transformed her approach to space—shifting from external aesthetics to designing from the inside out.

We dive into how intentional design ...

Can we truly communicate with animals? In this enlightening episode of Love and Compassion with Gissele, world-renowned animal communicator Penelope Smith joins us to explore the world of animal telepathy—a heart-based, intuitive connection that transcends language.

Penelope shares how animal communication can foster deep emotional healing, strengthen the human-animal bond, and awaken our innate capacity for compassion. You’ll hear...

hat does it take to bring real compassion into the child welfare system?

In this heartfelt episode, we talk with Peter Mutabazi—author, advocate, and single Black foster and adoptive father—about his extraordinary journey from surviving life on the streets of Uganda to fostering over 36 children in the U.S. With raw honesty and deep wisdom, Peter shares the joys and challenges of being a foster parent, the unique barriers faced by ...

In today’s evolving workplace, emotional intelligence isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this powerful episode, leadership coach and business strategist Jeff Ma joins us to talk about how love, compassion, and vulnerability are transforming company culture and improving team performance. We explore how to lead with empathy, create a psychologically safe environment, and have honest, difficult conversations at work. You’ll learn how ...

We are living in a time of great division.  Where rights are being eliminated, and people are struggling more than ever finding common ground. Additionally, people seem to be struggling more internally. They are feeling more burnt out.  Many spiritual traditions claim that love is the answer.  But how? Listen to my chat with Scott Stabile, on the power of love.  We will discuss why choosing love is always the better choice and the ...

Do you believe it's possible to raise children without punishment? what would happen if you decided to not use time outs, spanking, or other methods of controlling your children, could they be raised to be good people and have good lives? Join me as I chat with Dr. Rebecca Woulfe, author of the book, The Gift of a Punishment-Free Childhood as she shares her story of raising children without punishment. Listen to her wisdom as she s...

Currently students and teachers seem to be struggling more within the school system.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was something that the school could be doing to support students, teachers and administrators regarding their daily issues? Well there is! Introducing mindfulness into the school system can go a long way to help support student well being, mental health, education and more! Join me as I speak to Ben Painter who is...

Martin Luther King Jr, said "love is the only power able to transform an enemy into a friend", but how does love do this? How do we embody Jesus' teaching of love thy enemy when other's behaviour is often so hurtful? Listen to my conversation with Christophe Mbonyingabo, Executive Director of CARSA Ministries.  CARSA brings together Tutsi and Hutus who have been impacted by Genocide, in order to practice forgiveness and reconciliat...

Do you wish there was a way to help young people regulate their challenging feelings and emotions in the school system. Do you desire more compassion in how school based behaviors are managed? Can we assist young people have more success, feel less lonely and feel more self-love? Do not miss my enlightening chat with Kara Cosby on the power of compassion in the school system. In this conversation, she talks about her work with the ...

Are you a people pleaser? Do you say "yes" when you mean "no"? Do you believe that saying no to someone means they will no longer love you, or that they will leave you?  If yes, then this episode is for you! Listen as I chat with Tina O Hoang about people pleasing, what historically led her to people please, and how she talks to herself now to address those tendencies.  We also talk about how the other extreme of being confrontatio...

Listen to this inspiring episode on how mindfulness can help young people flourish in life and in the school system.  Listen to three incredible men share their 20 year journey of teaching mindfulness in schools and the impact their work has had in helping children become more peaceful, compassionate, loving, healthy and balanced.  Their work has been featured in CNN, Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America and so much more.

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