VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of featuring Buffy Bratt, a trans hip-hop artist whose life narrative intertwines with her musical creations, forming a mosaic of experiences that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her story is one that encapsulates the struggles, resilience, and eventual triumphs of a transgender individual navigating through the complexities of life and identity. As the hosts of the podcast, we had the opportunity to delve deep into Buffy's journey, her upcoming EP "A Different Type of Gangster," and the broader context of transgender issues in society today. Buffy Bratt is an embodiment of tenacity. Her music serves as a vessel for her emotional voyage from a childhood marked by the loss of her mother and time spent in foster care to the solace and empowerment she discovered in her craft. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Buffy's music is more than just sound; it's a chronicle of her relent...

Journaling is a profoundly effective practice for enhancing mental health, fostering self-discovery, and managing stress. Its roots in therapeutic processes are profound, with extensive research supporting its benefits in emotional expression and psychological well-being. This article delves into how journaling is a multifaceted tool for personal growth, supported by scholarly studies, and outlines various journaling techniques that cater to different needs and preferences. At its core, journaling is a form of expressive writing linked to significant emotional and physical health improvements. Studies by Pennebaker & Beall (1986) highlight that writing about feelings and experiences can lead to measurable health benefits, such as reduced stress levels and improved immune function. Journaling helps individuals process emotions and experiences, organize thoughts, and clear mental clutter, contributing to a healthier mind and body. One of the primary benefits of journaling is its abil...

The magical world of 3D animation and game development has been a driving force behind the captivating experiences that gamers around the world have come to love. On our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Chenye, a seasoned 3D modeler, animator, and co-founder of indie game studio Nevergreen Games, who took us behind the scenes of this fascinating realm where art and technology intertwine. With a decade of experience working for mobile gaming powerhouses like Zynga and Disney, Ryan has seen firsthand the breathtaking advancements in technology that have fueled the gaming industry. Creating 3D models for games is a complex process that requires a balance of technical knowledge and creative prowess. But for Ryan, the technical aspects are not just a means to an end, but a tool to enhance the artistic elements of the game. One of the most intriguing aspects of our discussion was the power of storytelling in games. Video games offer a unique form of storytell...

In our fast-paced world, mindfulness has become more than just a practice—it's an essential skill for managing stress, enhancing concentration, and improving overall well-being. Mindfulness involves being fully present at the moment and aware of our thoughts and feelings without distraction or judgment. This article explores practical mindfulness techniques that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine to foster a sense of peace and balance. Mindfulness originates from Buddhist meditation practices but has been integrated into Western medicine and psychology due to its benefits in managing psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, defines mindfulness as "the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally" (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). Research in clinical psychology co...

  Our latest episode of Language of the Soul podcast welcomes David Smith, a multifaceted author and speaker, who owns the United Racquet Club. His rich experience provides a unique perspective on the interconnected nature of passion, storytelling, and legacy. David's journey as a storyteller began with his desire to document his father's legacy, inspiring him to encourage others to record their narratives. Diving into the enchanting world of Disney books, we explore the magic of storytelling and character development. These narratives, like a magical theme park ride, take readers on a historical fiction journey, creating a universal connection with characters and evoking emotions that transcend boundaries. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed books like Mitch Album's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," we discuss the spiritual journey these narratives can create for readers. Shifting our focus to sports, we uncove...

  As the Yuletide season wraps the world in a blanket of frost and festive lights, it offers a moment for pause and reflection, a time to immerse ourselves in the magic of mindfulness and spiritualism. In the stillness of winter, the Yuletide season provides a serene backdrop for introspective practices. Nature invites us to slow down and engage in mindful reflection in its quiet dormancy. These moments of solitude, whether on a crisp morning walk or in the quiet of a snowy evening, become profound exercises in mindfulness. This practice, deeply rooted in spiritualism, resonates with the principles of mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of being present and connected with our inner selves. The kitchen often becomes a focal point during Yuletide. Here, the act of preparing meals transforms into a meditative practice, where the rhythmic stirring of a pot or the careful measuring of ingredients becomes an exercise in mindfulness. This culinary meditation, a form of spiritual...

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into an intriguing conversation with Johnny Worthen, an award-winning author, and teacher, about the power and impact of storytelling on cultures and societies. Known for his famous series "Tony Flannery, Slacker Detective" and his science fiction masterpiece "Koranon", Worthen has earned his place in the world of storytelling, using his unique approach to shed light on important societal issues. The episode begins with a look at storytelling's role in culture. We discuss Johnny's journey as a writer, his diverse background, and how it influenced his writing. We explore his popular series and his unique approach to teaching creative writing, which includes a course on Buddhist lessons for writers. The discussion emphasizes the cultural impact of storytelling and how it has shaped Johnny's life and career. The conversation then moves onto the themes, genres, and power of stories. We explore the creative proce...

  The transformative power of storytelling and spirituality is a captivating subject. In a recent episode of the 'Language of the Soul' podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Connet Tegan, a renowned children's author and energy therapist. The focus of the discussion was the intersection of storytelling, spirituality, and their influence on personal growth and development. Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture for millennia. It shapes our identities, beliefs, and even our spiritual paths. Connet Tegan's work beautifully intertwines the power of words and music, creating a universe where communication skills and character building are paramount. This not only makes her a phenomenal author but also a catalyst for positive change.  In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the role of storytelling often gets sidelined. However, the significance of narratives in understanding complex issues cannot be overstated. From personal experiences to s...

  There is something magical about storytelling. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and trigger a wide range of emotions. In the podcast episode "Unlocking Creativity and Personal Growth through Storytelling," we delve into this power with our guest, Renee Urbanovic, a TEDxTalk speaker, creativity coach, and Humanities through the Arts Professor.  Renee's story is one of triumph over adversity. After suffering a vocal injury that left her voiceless, she earned a degree in creativity and embarked on a journey to understand the complex world of creativity. Her exploration revealed that creativity is not merely a skill or talent, but a global philosophy deeply ingrained within our DNA. This perspective on creativity offers a new lens through which we can view our personal growth and collective evolution. The episode begins with Renee sharing her unique philosophy on creativity, which she explains through the metaphor of a pot, r...

In a recent podcast episode, we had an enlightening discussion with Rosalyn Lehman, a retired educator and anthropologist, and Menci Kang. We ventured into the healing powers of narrative, the potential of epigenetics to rewire these narratives, and the transformative role of yoga in dealing with trauma. Stories play a crucial role in our perception of ourselves and the world around us. They influence our beliefs, shape our identities, and can even impact our physical bodies through the field of epigenetics. Particularly in the context of trauma, narratives can either perpetuate harm or be a tool for healing and transformation. The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves are of paramount importance. In this episode, we also delved into the therapeutic potential of yoga in dealing with trauma. Yoga, as a lifestyle of discipline, can help shift little proteins and methyl groups in the body, altering our genetic makeup. We discussed the cognitive process of releasing emotions and the co...