VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

Music is not just a form of entertainment; it's a gateway to understanding the deepest parts of our identity. The latest episode of our podcast is a testament to this belief as we host Glenda Benavides, a singer-songwriter whose work is as much a narrative as it is a melody. Throughout the episode, Glenda shares her insights on how her musical journey has intertwined her personal growth and self-discovery. Glenda's story stands out as a beacon of authentic self-expression in a world where labels and conformity often dominate the conversation. Her discussion about the evolution of narrative in songwriting reveals the nuanced ways musicians convey their stories. She illustrates how feedback from others can bring new perspectives to an artist's work, showing that creating music is an ever-evolving dialogue between the artist and the audience. The episode also delves into the themes of inspiration and how societal issues can influence songwriting. Glenda discusses her commitmen...

  There's a peculiar magic to setting goals. It's like opening the first page of a new Stephen King novel—full of promise, potential, and a touch of the unknown. Goals are the narratives we craft for ourselves, each one a chapter in the grand story of our lives. Setting and achieving personal goals is not just about the endgame but the journey, the characters we become, and the obstacles we overcome. Let's dive into this process with practical advice backed by research and sprinkled with personal tales of triumph.   The Power of Realistic, Measurable Goals Setting realistic and measurable goals is akin to plotting a course for a gripping story. Without a clear path, we risk wandering aimlessly and losing sight of the plot. Research suggests that goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (Doran, 1981). This framework ensures that our goals are not just lofty dreams but attainable milestones. Specific: Vague goals are like the foggy to...

The art of storytelling is as ancient as civilization, shaping societies' ideologies and behaviors over time. In our latest podcast episode, we dissect the intrinsic power of narrative and its role in both personal and collective experience. The conversation begins with exploring how stories, often subconsciously absorbed, mold our individual beliefs and societal attitudes. This theme is further examined through the lens of media representation, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community, and its evolution in combating discrimination. We delve into insights from the book "Language of the Soul," comparing the dissemination of stories to the spread of pollen—or when viewed negatively, disease—highlighting storytelling's potent duality. The episode then transitions to the fierce transgender rapper and singer Buffy Bratz, who shares her story of adversity and resilience. Buffy's music is more than a collection of rhythms; it's an anthem of defiance against societal barr...

In our latest podcast episode, "The Tapestry of Tales: Exploring the Impact of Storytelling on Culture and Growth," we delved deep into storytelling's intricacies and its profound influence on personal development and societal transformation. Storytelling isn't just an act of entertainment; it's a potent force that has shaped human civilization from the beginning. As we unpacked the layers, it became clear that stories are not mere pastimes but pivotal tools in shaping the collective consciousness and individual psyche. We explored how narratives, from the most ancient myths to modern digital tales, serve as both mirrors and architects of society. Storytelling allows us to process complex emotions, confront brutal truths, and envisage alternate realities. It's a form of cultural catharsis, influencing policy-making and reflecting the ethos of the times. Yet, with the rise of authoritarian sentiments globally, we pondered the crucial role of artistic freedom an...