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I Love to Listen Day 2012

Today is the 8^th annual I Love to Listen Day.

Started by Marva Shand-McIntosh, I Love to Listen Day is designed to “inspire, inform, practice and create a heightened sense of awareness of the importance and power of listening in our lives.”

Marva Shand-McIntosh

I’ve always enjoyed listening to people – their experiences, adventures, thoughts and feelings. Their “stories.” As a result, to make a long story short, I discovered the International Listening Association (ILA), and became a Certified Listening Professional (CLP).

That’s how I found myself meeting the wonderful Marva earlier this year at the ILA convention in Bremerton, Washington (just outside Seattle), and I'm going to keep her! More on that at another time.

At the ILA convention in Bremerton, WA, March 23, 2012.

In the meantime, listen to somebody today. Really listen. Don’t check your email, text or glance at the TV and laptop while someone is speaking to you. Don’t mentally rehearse what you’re going to say before they finish talking. Stay in the moment, in your body, while another human being connects with you in a way that separates us from the apes. There seem to be fewer and fewer differences between us and apes every day. You know it's true.

Even if you don’t love to listen, try it today. You might learn to love it, and receive more love in return.

 

Audrey Chapman Show - May 2012

I feel like it's raining men on WHUR's The Audrey Chapman Show this month! We're going to have a panel of men join us for the first Saturday's show, as well as a panel of men for the last one. Speaking of the last show, it will also include a longtime show favorite, William July, II.

Plus, make sure you join me on May 19th. I'll be filling in for Audrey for the first hour of the show with the theme of "Is Your Relationship Coming Apart?" A bit sadder than the "Crucial Conversations" show I joined her for last month, but just as important.

The show still begins at 8:00 a.m. ET on WHUR-FM, with the first hour simulcast on H.U.R. Voices/SiriusXM Channel 141. The 9 o'clock hour airs exclusively on H.U.R. Voices. Join us by dialing 202-319-7810, or 1-855-288-4876.

As always, I wish you all the best!

SATURDAY, MAY 5th

Topic: DO MEN OF OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS REALLY DATE BLACK WOMEN?

Guests: Panel of Area Men

Audrey has often told African American women that they should have a “Rainbow Coalition” of men to date in order to find an eligible mate. BUT, are men of other ethnic groups really open to relationships with African American women? Call in to share what you’ve seen and experienced when an African American woman crosses the color line.

SATURDAY, MAY 12th

Topic: WOMEN WHO DO TOO MUCH

Guests: Audrey Chapman, author, “Getting Good Loving”

            Dr. Andrea Sullivan, author, "A Path to Healing"

            Eleanor Hinton Hoytt, president/CEO-Black Women’s Health Imperative

            Dr. Flavia Mercado, Grady Health Systems & National Hispanic Medical Association

Dr. Andrea Sullivan

  
Eleanor Hinton Hoytt      Dr. Flavia Mercado

You don’t have to be a mother to spend waaaay too much of your time “mothering” other people. Don’t miss this show about ways women can give themselves the gift of emotional and physical care for Mother’s Day 2012, and beyond.

 SATURDAY, MAY 19th

Topic: IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP COMING APART?

Guests: Carol Doss, author, “Should I Leave Him”

            Daphne Rose Kingma, author, “Coming Apart”

    
Carol Doss                Daphne Rose Kingma

“That’s it!” You’ve said or felt that, and now you’re trying to decide if this really should be the time to call it quits. Before making a final decision, tune in to this important show about deciding when, why, and how, to move on when you feel like the love is gone.

 SATURDAY, MAY 26th

Topic: WHAT MAKES MEN COMMIT?

Guests: William July, II, author, “Understanding the Tin Man”

            Panel of Area Men

William July, II

This is the time of year when a lot of bridesmaids are wondering when they will become brides. How did she get him to commit? She didn’t. He chose to do it. What makes men commit, and when? Call in and ask a few of them, or share your story!

 

WBIS Powerful Partners Conference, April 20th

Join me next Friday, April 20th, for another fantastic WBIS event. The WBIS team (Women Building & Inveting in Success), led by Sheila Dixon, is joining forces with Fairfax Woman Magazine to host the Powerful Partners Conference.

I'm going to focus on what I like to call "The Pitch." That's when you toss your idea, event, or whatever to a media outlet. It's kind of like in baseball, only you want the person at the plate to hit a home run. Your goal is for everyone to win. Yes, it really is possible to have win-win situations.

Yes, there is a financial investment, but it's a full day of valuable information and inspiring connections that promises to be one of the best days you've given to your success all year.

The Powerful Partners Conference is next Friday, April 20th, from 8:00-4:00 p.m. Powerful PartnerUP Networking goes until 6:00 p.m. The conference will be held at the Mason Inn Conference Center in Fairfax, Virginia. Click here for details.

See you there!

"Revealed" Rescheduled

The "Weight Doctors Secrets - Revealed" seminar series with Dr. D is being rescheduled. It was slated to begin tomorrow, April 14th. Stay tuned for details about when an even tastier version is on tap!

Weight Doctor Secrets - Revealed!

I've never needed to ride an amusement park roller coaster. I've spent most of my life on the weight loss roller coaster. My weight has gone up and down so many times I have probably lost my entire self at least once. There were times when you wouldn't have looked at me and asked, "Was your mother an elephant?" However, my mother was thin, and my heart was often breaking because I was not.

I don't talk about it in detail very much outside of a few close friends and family, but it's time for that to change.

I am working with Dr. Dee on a four-Saturday seminar series at B. Smith's Restaurant-Union Station in Washington, DC, called Weight Doctor Secrets - Revealed! It begins April 14th at 11:30 a.m. For registration details, click here. Space is limited so the seminar participants can have a more intimate experience.

This last time I brought my weight down was quite an experience. No screaming, no surgery, no pills, no special meal plan. I am now happily keeping my weight down, and look forward to opportunities to speak with people who have also spent time on the weight loss roller coaster.

Whether you've been taking that ride your whole life, or started in mid-life, the first thing I would share with you is not to do it alone. Get a great start with seminars like Weight Doctor Secrets - Revealed! Talk to your doctor. Figure out how to fit exercise into your schedule.

And constantly remind yourself that just carrying around more weight doesn't make you less valuable.

Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking: "Easier said than done. More touch-feely crap." The clothes I can no longer wear would disagree with you.

Audrey Chapman Show - April 2012

If you're married, in a committed relationship that may as well be a marriage, or even want to be married, this month is for you!

SATURDAY, APRIL 7th

Topic: ARE YOU WITH THE RIGHT PARTNER?

Guest: Christine Meinecke, author, “Everybody Marries the Wrong Person”

It doesn’t feel that way at times, but is that just the way it works? Join Audrey and Dr. Meinecke for an in-depth discussion about how to tell if you’re with the right person, what to do if you’re not, and how to turn a flawed relationship into a fulfilling one.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14th

Topic: BLACK WOMEN AND “THE MARRIAGE THING”

Guests: Panel of Area Women

You’ll want to get in on Audrey’s conversation with a panel of women who talk about the real concerns of today’s black women as they consider “the marriage thing.” Are they really anxious to get married? Are they having a hard time finding a quality mate? More of them are looking at life and saying, “I got this myself!” What do you say? Call in!

SATURDAY, APRIL 21st

Topic: CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS FOR MARRIED FOLKS

Guest: Audrey Chapman, author, “Getting Good Loving”

There are a lot of tools you can use when it’s time to have a crucial conversation in your marriage, or long-term committed relationship. Here’s one: Feedback, which is best when it is clear, honest, and delivered in a compassionate way. Want others? Concerned about how to handle a touchy subject? Don’t miss this chance to call Audrey with your issue.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28th

Topic: MARRIAGE IS FOR SOME PEOPLE

Guests: Area lesbian and gay couples, spiritual leaders

About half of U.S. marriages end in divorce, and concerns about African American marriage were stirred again by the book “Is Marriage for White People?” Many same sex couples say marriage is for them. In addition to political, religious and other arguments against gay marriage, same gender-loving couples must handle the daily challenges of marriage. Is it harder for them? Can their marriages last? Get in on the discussion!

BE A PART OF EVERY SHOW! Call 202-319-7810 or 1-855-288-4876.

Check the blog for weekly updates: www.whur.com/audreychapmanshow

The first hour of each show airs on WHUR-FM and H.U.R. Voices, SiriusXM Channel 141. The second hour airs exclusively on H.U.R. Voices.

Audrey Chapman Show - March 2012

No, I don't believe it either. How did it get to be March already?! Ahhh, the many signs of aging. Time really does seem to fly as you get older. Phrases like "only yesterday," "that was just..." and "was it that long ago" seem to take up a lot more space in your conversations, don't they? Hey, it's a blessing to get older, especially when you're getting wiser along with it. That doesn't happen for everyone. I'm trusting that some of the back talk coming from my knees these days is really wisdom.

Anyhoo, one of the joys of working on WHUR's The Audrey Chapman Show is that when I walk out of there, no matter what the subject matter, I feel a little bit wiser. I also feel as if, in some small way, I helped someone with one of the most important aspects of life - love.

I hope you love at least some aspect of every show this month, especially the first show on March 3rd. I'm hosting the first hour!

SATURDAY, MARCH 3rd

Topic: SINGLES: SOLO and SATISFIED

Guests: Eric Klinenberg, author, “Going Solo”

Bella DePaulo, author, “Singled Out”

“All the single ladies” out there … and men … are pushing back against old notions of married people being happier people. Find out why the number of satisfied singles is growing, and call to share your story of happily flying solo.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10th

Topic: HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR ROMANTIC LIFE

Guest: Audrey Chapman, author, “Getting Good Loving”

Get ready for this afternoon’s event in Cheverly, MD, where Audrey will take a close look at ways to survive today’s romantic challenges. Even if you can’t be there, call the show for ways to navigate whatever choppy waters are tossing your love life.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17th

Topic: DO MEN STILL LABEL THE WOMEN THEY DATE?

Guests: Panel of Men

Good girl. Bad girl. Sex, but never marriage. The man you’re dating may not admit it, but this panel will tell it like it is about how, why, and when men label women. Don’t miss it!

SATURDAY, MARCH 24th

Topic: SURVIVING INFIDELITY

Guests: Audrey Chapman, author, “Getting Good Loving”

            Dr. Liz Currin, author, “The Essential Guide to Surviving Infidelity”

Odds are, you will be, or have been, a cheater or the victim of one. It could be happening now, but it doesn’t have to end your relationship. Call Audrey before you call it quits.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31st

Topic: THE MISTAKES WOMEN MAKE IN RELATIONSHIPS

Guests: Audrey Chapman, author, “Getting Good Loving”

            Shirley Strawberry, author, “The Strawberry Letter”

End Women’s History Month by ending common relationship mistakes women make, like staying in relationships too long when her partner is emotionally abusive.

BE A PART OF EVERY SHOW! Call 202-319-7810 or 1-855-288-4876.

Check the blog for weekly updates: www.whur.com/audreychapmanshow

The first hour of each show airs on WHUR-FM and H.U.R. Voices, SiriusXM Channel 141. The second hour airs exclusively on H.U.R. Voices.

Audrey Chapman Show - February 2012

February is African American History Month, a time to focus on women's heart health, and Audrey Chapman often refers to February as Love Month. I guess that's because Valentine's Day is on the 14th, which we all hope is an opportunity to get a little more love in our lives.

In that spirit, I will simply share a line from A Course in Miracles: "With love in you, you have no need except to extend it." (T,314)

Here's hoping this month's shows help you feel and extend the love inside you!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4th

Topic: WOMEN WHO LOVE TOO MUCH

Guests: You (Audrey wants you to call and share your experiences)

Donna Britt, author, “Brothers (and Me)”

Why do African American women, and women in general, give so much to the men in their lives? Don’t miss this chance to take a close look at whether you, or a woman you know, loves too much. Then find out what to do about it.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11th

Topic: CAN BIG PEOPLE BE SEXY?

Guests: You (Call Audrey with your sexy, or sad, “big” love stories)

Hanne Blank, author, “Big Big Love”

Some people say, “Of course!” But many others say, “No way!” A fulfilling, long lasting love life may depend upon your answer. Why? Because research shows that about 1/3 of Americans are obese, and more are overweight. Tune in as you make your plans for a sexy Valentine’s Day.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18th

Topic: ANGRY? GET OVER IT! WHY HOLDING OUT WON’T WORK

Guests: Carolyn Evans, author, “40 Beads”

Dr. Ronn Elmore, author, “How to Love a Black Man” “No Nonsense Dating”

No, you don’t feel like being intimate with him after what he’s done. Speaking to her is out of the question after that stunt she pulled, let alone kissing. Sounds good, but it’s not good relationship sense. Want to keep your relationship? Don’t miss this show!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25th

Topic: THE LOST ART OF SEDUCTION

Guests: Dr. James Wadley, author, “Would You Marry You?”

            Lori Bryant-Woolridge, author, “The Power of WOW”

You’re flirtatious, charming, and open. You’ve got your “fish” at least partially on the hook, but you suck at reeling him or her in. You won’t after this show!

SPECIAL NOTE: I'm filling in for Audrey, hosting the first hour of the 2/25 show live just as Dr. Wadley's new book comes out, "The Lost and Found Box: A Provocative Exploration About Rediscovering Happiness in the Real You."

 BE A PART OF EVERY SHOW! Call 202-319-7810 or 1-855-288-4876.

And don't forget, the first hour of the show is now simulcast on WHUR/96.3 FM and H.U.R. Voices, SiriusXM Channel 141.

Check the blog for weekly updates: www.whur.com/audreychapmanshow

What A Wonderful World

In the beautiful, old song, Louis Armstrong has to think to himself "what a wonderful world." We don't have to do that anymore. We can actually see it.

Today, NASA released a new, high-definition picture of our Great Space Coaster (remember that old show?). Wow!

But I must say, I was a bit startled by the size of the dry-looking part of the United States. We better treat our water supplies better. And plant a few trees, for Earth's sake! It's also obvious that we better do a better job of keeping the ones we have.

Despite all of that, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of Mother Earth, and the brilliance of humanity that could develop a better way to see her. Now we need more vision.

Self-Confidence for 2012

Jack Canfield, who helped launch the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books, was one of the guests on WHUR's The Audrey Chapman Show on New Year's Eve. He said a lot of great stuff, but the thing that crossed my mind a few minutes ago was what he said about self-confidence.

Canfield said, "Self-confidence is the result of successfully surviving risk."

I thought of that a few minutes ago because I was looking over the pieces I wrote for the Kingstowne Patch last year. Most of the people I talked to were (and still are) entrepreneurs, who are experts at surviving risk.

I decided that the best way to pump up my - or anyone's - self-confidence in 2012 is to spend more time with entrepreneurs. That means talking to them, supporting them, and spreading the word when you have a great experience with one. The people I talked to shared their passion, energy, and joy with me. They knew the risks, but felt compelled to go for it, anyway. The fact that they were still standing, still opening the door every day, still pursuing their passion was inspiring.

Finding your passion is great. But if you haven't it's still possible to take calculated risks in what you do every day, and survive in ways that boost your self-confidence. Speak up to share your hair-brained idea at work. Try that new recipe. Take that community acting or writing class. Set that weight loss goal and knock it out of the park. I did that one last year, and darn it if I don't feel more confident.

Here's wishing you more self-confidence in 2012! No matter how much you have, if you're not acting like a jerk I'm sure the angels sing when you take an additional dose. Work it, baby!