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STOPTIME: Live in the Moment.

Lisa Hopkins, Wide Open Stages

Ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally and winner of the 2022 Communicator Award for Podcasting, STOPTIME:Live in the Moment combines mindfulness, well being and the performing arts and features thought provoking and motivational conversations with high performing creative artists around practicing the art of living in the moment and embracing who we are, and where we are at. Long form interviews are interspersed with brief solo episodes that prompt and invite us to think more deeply. Hosted by Certified Professional Coach Lisa Hopkins, featured guests are from Broadway, Hollywood and beyond. Although her guests are extraordinary innovators and creative artists, the podcast is not about showbiz and feels more like listening to an intimate coaching conversation as Lisa dives deep with her talented guests about the deeper meaning behind why they do what they do and what they’ve learned along the way. Lisa is a Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Master Practitioner and CORE Performance Dynamics Specialist at Wide Open Stages. She specializes in working with high-performing creative artists who want to play full out. She is a passionate creative professional with over 20 years working in the performing arts industry as a director, choreographer, producer, writer and dance educator. STOPTIME Theme by Philip David Stern🎶

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟  
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇  
🔗 [Purchase Your Copy Here](https://a.co/d/d3FLZRo)

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?**  
🔗 Visit [Wide Open Stages](https://www.wideopenstages.com)

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** [@wideopenstages](https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/)

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME)

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern**  
🔗 [Listen on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg)

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  • a few times a week
  • Avg 15 min
  • English

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  • S12 · E15
    Sunday · 4 min

    Breath & Balance: Your 5-Minute Reset

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Ever feel like the chaos of the day has knocked you off balance? This episode offers a serene escape to help you reclaim your center and find peace in the present moment. Journey with us as we guide you through a short yet powerful meditation designed to refresh your mind and spirit. We focus on the simple yet profound act of breathing, allowing you to notice the natural rhythm of your breath and release any lingering thoughts from the past or expectations of the future. This pause in your day is more than just a breather—it's a chance to reset and ground yourself. We'll also guide you in setting a personal intention for what lies ahead, inspired by your own intuition and the endless possibilities of life. Experience the power of gratitude as you breathe in positivity and let go of anything weighing you down. Whether you're seeking clarity, peace, or simply a moment of calm, this meditation offers a gentle reminder that being present is a gift you can give yourself anytime, anywhere. Close your eyes, take that deep breath with us, and return to your day with renewed energy and focus. Namaste for joining us on this journey and for taking this valuable time for yourself. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S8 · E21
    Thursday · 4 min

    The Little Things That Create a Remarkable Life

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What if living a remarkable life was as simple as slowing down and truly engaging with our surroundings? Listen in as we discuss the importance of being present and mindful, cultivating a life of compound interest, where every interaction and experience adds value to your life and the lives of others. Join me in this inspiring conversation and start living your remarkable life today! If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E11
    October 4 · 14 min

    Guided Visualization For Trust, Ease, And Possibility

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What if the change you want doesn’t require a leap, just a quiet step toward a familiar doorway? We guide you through a calm, sensory-rich visualization designed to slow your breath, soften your body, and open the mental space where clarity tends to appear. You’ll build an inner room that feels safe, notice the quality of light and air, and approach a doorway that leads to the version of you who has already said yes to a possibility you’ve been holding at arm’s length. Together, we pause at the threshold and let the body lead—feeling the ground, steadying the heart, and letting curiosity take the place of certainty. On the other side waits your future self: clear-eyed, grounded, and generous. You’ll study their posture and presence, receive a message in whatever form feels natural—words, image, or sensation—and accept a small symbolic gift that captures the possibility waiting for you. That token becomes a portable reminder you can carry into daily life, a touchstone for trust when resistance shows up. Rather than chasing a dramatic overhaul, we honor subtle shifts: a softer breath, a tiny opening, a willingness to try. The practice closes with a gentle return to the room, an affirmation over your heart, and a felt sense that the small yes you made already opened a door. If you’ve been craving ease, clarity, and a kinder way to move forward, press play and meet the you who chose expansion. Subscribe for more guided practices, share this with someone who needs a calm reset, and leave a review to tell us what message your future self offered. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S4 · E12
    October 1 · 4 min

    Use Your Words!

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! In his book “The Four Agreements”, Don Miguel Ruez says be impeccable with your word…"Speak with integrity, honesty, and truthfulness and say only what you mean." But unless we choose our words carefully, how are we able to do that? If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S12 · E14
    September 27 · 13 min

    Transform Your Day in Thirteen Minutes: A Guided Walking Meditation

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Unlock the profound connection between movement and mindfulness with our guided walking meditation practice. Ever wonder how a simple walk could transform your day? Experience the calming and energizing effects of walking meditation as we guide you to embrace the sensations of each step, the rhythm of your breath, and the myriad sensory details around you. This episode promises a refreshing escape from autopilot mode, empowering you to integrate a state of relaxed awareness into your daily routine, whether you're navigating a bustling city or strolling through the tranquility of nature. As you conclude your walking meditation, you'll find yourself grounded in newfound spaciousness and clarity. We offer gentle guidance on marking the end of your practice with intention, standing still to reflect before re-entering the pace of daily life. By embracing the art of mindful walking, you'll carry a sense of peace and connection with each stride, enhancing your day-to-day experiences. Join us and discover how this practice can serve as a gift you can revisit whenever you seek to recenter and recharge. Namaste, dear friends, as you take steps towards a more mindful existence. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S13 · E3
    September 25 · 1 hr 4 min

    The Power of Possibility: A Creative Conversation with Lisa Hopkins

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Lisa is the guest this time around in this appearance on the Soulbound Podcast. Join us as she explores the concept of cultivating a creative life in a rich conversation that highlights the importance of mindset in pursuing artistic endeavors. By shifting our perspectives from obligation to creative opportunity, we can embrace the power of personal choice while learning to appreciate the small moments in life that inspire our greater journeys. • Lisa shares her book and its guiding principles • The significance of recognizing beauty in mundane moments • Discussion on the shift from 'I have to' to 'I get to' • Balancing technique with the freedom of expression • The importance of mindfulness in fostering creativity • Navigating challenges as an artist or creator • Emphasizing community and connection in the creative process Takeaways and Nuggets: Living a Creative Life: Creativity isn't just about art—it's about seeing and embracing opportunities in everyday moments. The magic lies in the spaces between—the leaping and the landing, the pause before the next word, or the moment of stillness in our busy lives. Embracing the Journey: The journey itself holds value. As Lisa says, "The journey is the thing." Growth and possibilities live in the process, not just in the destination. The Power of Mindset Shifts: Language matters. Replacing “I have to” with “I get to” can reframe even mundane or challenging tasks, transforming obligation into gratitude. The Importance of a Self-Care Menu: Create a flexible "menu" of self-care practices. Choose one daily, not just when stressed, to build a resilient foundation for life’s challenges. Exploring Energetic Choices: Lisa introduces a powerful framework of energetic choices: I can’t → I have to → I should → I could → I want to → I get to. Progressing through these choices empowers us to live with intention and gratitude. Unscripted Creativity: True artistry emerges when we step beyond technique and allow space for natural expression and intuition. Reframing Fear and Strengths: Fear isn’t an enemy—it’s a passenger on the journey. Use it wisely but don’t let it drive. Defaulting to strengths can overshadow other abilities. Growth happens when we explore beyond our defaults. The Book as a Conversation Starter: Lisa’s book, The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating a Life of Creative Possibilities, isn’t just a read—it’s an invitation for reflection, journaling, and conversation. Boundaries Are for You: Boundaries aren’t about controlling others; they’re about honoring yourself and preserving your energy. Freedom in Connection: True freedom comes from creating a life aligned with your values and choices, embracing paradoxes, and living mindfully in the moment. Take a moment to reflect on how you can incorporate creativity into your life. Start exploring the possibilities today! If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E4
    September 20 · 3 min

    The Pause Between Breaths: A Micro Meditation for Inner Calm

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! The world rarely gives you a quiet minute, so we made one. This guided micro meditation helps you step out of noise and back into yourself without leaving your chair, your car, or your to‑do list. No special setup, no perfect posture—just your breath, a softer body, and the pause that’s already there. We start by noticing the breath exactly as it is, then invite a gentle inhale through the nose and a slow exhale through the mouth. As shoulders melt and the jaw releases, the nervous system begins to settle. From there, we explore the stillness at the top of your inhale and the bottom of your exhale—the tiny spaces where nothing is required and everything feels possible. That pause becomes a felt sense of presence, a reminder that peace isn’t earned after the work is done; it’s available now and can travel with you into whatever comes next. This short practice is perfect between meetings, before sleep, or anytime stress ramps up and attention frays. You’ll learn how to use physical cues to calm the mind, how awareness of breath pauses builds resilience, and how a one‑minute reset can shift your entire day. Whether you’re new to meditation or returning to it, this session offers a simple, repeatable way to get grounded and stay open to possibility. Press play, breathe with us, and let the quiet do its work. If this helped you reset, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a pause, and leave a review so more people can find their breath again. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • September 17 · 1 hr 2 min

    Nathan Levy: Leading with the Best of Himself

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Broadway can look like a straight line from the outside, but Nathan Levy’s path is anything but. When we first spoke, he was a teenager hired as an understudy for Dear Evan Hansen and literally waiting to go on when the world shut down. Six years later, he’s back with a stacked resume, a clearer sense of self, and a new headline: stepping into a lead role in the first-ever Broadway production of The Fantasticks. We talk honestly about the stuff performers rarely say out loud: the fear of burning bridges, the constant temptation to look side to side at friends’ careers, and the weird emotional whiplash of loving a show while your body begs for a reset after two years of eight shows a week. Nathan shares how he stays present by remembering the audience, leaning on community, and accepting that “your best” changes day to day without making you any less talented. The conversation lands on what might be the most practical career advice of all: everyone is talented, and it costs nothing to be kind. We unpack leadership that isn’t loud, the value of being someone people want to be in the trenches with, and how to build a life with more balance while still chasing big dreams in musical theater. If this hits home, subscribe for more conversations on living in the moment, share the episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review. What part of your life are you ready to stop rushing? If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S13 · E45
    September 13 · 11 min

    Change is inevitable, suffering is optional: Finding peace in transition

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Transitions are woven into the fabric of our lives, yet many of us struggle with the uncertainty they bring. Whether you're navigating a minor shift or standing at the threshold of major change, this meditation offers a sanctuary of calm amid life's inevitable transitions. At the heart of this practice lies a powerful truth: while change is unavoidable, our suffering is optional. The meditation gently guides you to notice how your mind creates stories about change—often worst-case scenarios of loss, failure, or rejection. But what if these stories are merely rehearsals for pain that may never arrive? What if your fear stems not from the change itself but from the narratives you've constructed around it? Through guided breathwork and mindful awareness, you'll discover the freedom that comes with releasing your attachment to knowing how everything will unfold. Rather than bracing against change, you'll learn to breathe into it; rather than clinging to certainty, you'll practice opening to possibility. The meditation reminds you that you are not lost or behind—you are whole, capable, and resilient in each moment. Perhaps most transformative is the realization that not knowing isn't something to fear—it's the birthplace of every creative possibility. It's where new ideas emerge and where you get to write the next chapter of your story. By returning to your breath and to choice whenever uncertainty feels overwhelming, you'll cultivate a new relationship with change—one based on openness, trust, and unexpected grace. Next time you feel that familiar tightening against life's transitions, remember: you are not at the mercy of change. You are in relationship with it, and the nature of that relationship is entirely up to you. Take a deep breath, stay open, and trust that possibility lives in the unknown. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • September 10 · 10 min

    🍂 Fall Reflections: A Mindfulness Exercise for the Season of Change ✨🧘‍♀️

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! 🍂 That unmistakable shift in the air signals more than just the turning of seasons—it touches something deeper within us. The angle of sunlight, the rustle of leaves, the crisp blue sky—all converge to create what I call that inescapable fall feeling. ✨ In this episode, I guide you through a simple mindfulness exercise to reflect on the past year—what was hard, what came easily, what surprised you, what sparked curiosity, and what amazed you. 🌟 This practice offers a new vantage point for self-reflection and reveals insights that might otherwise remain hidden. I also share a reading from my book on fall’s unique duality—how it feels like both an ending and a beginning, holding space for nostalgia and new possibilities. 🍁 Remember how as children, fall brought excitement and uncertainty in equal measure? That wisdom is still available to us. So, as you feel that unmistakable fall feeling, consider it an invitation to slow down, embrace your inner child, and fully inhabit the present moment—with your favorite sweater, a good book, and permission to simply be. 🧘‍♀️📖✨ If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • September 6 · 12 min

    Awakening Creativity: A Guided Meditation for Inspiration

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Feeling stuck or uninspired? This gentle guided meditation helps you clear mental clutter, center your energy, and reconnect with your creative spark. Perfect for starting your week, centering before work, or recharging midday, you’ll be guided through grounding breathwork, calming visualization, and a warm ignition of your imagination. Breathe in possibility, breathe out distraction — and step back into your day inspired. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • September 3 · 6 min

    The Waterfall and the Pond: A Buddhist Parable on Rest and Renewal

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Have you ever felt guilty for resting in a world that glorifies constant productivity? This gentle, meditative episode offers a powerful antidote to our culture's obsession with perpetual action through a beautiful Buddhist parable about balance and renewal. At the heart of this episode is the story of Kansho and Yuma – the mighty waterfall and the still pond. Their relationship reveals the profound truth that power and stillness aren't opposing forces but complementary energies that sustain each other. The waterfall's thunderous strength depends entirely on the pond's quiet ability to receive, hold, and renew. This ancient wisdom speaks directly to our modern struggle with burnout, perfectionism, and the relentless pressure to perform. Through guided breathing and thoughtful narration, this episode creates a sanctuary for listeners to experience what it teaches – that rest isn't weakness but the source of our strength. You'll be invited to recognize yourself as both waterfall and pond, understanding that your moments of quiet reflection are just as valuable as your periods of dynamic action. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that "by choosing to rest, you are not giving up your power, you are increasing it." Take this opportunity to pause, breathe, and rediscover the restorative power of stillness. What might change in your life if you honored both your need for achievement and your need for renewal? Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E4
    August 30 · 5 min

    Five Minutes to Inner Peace: A Guided Heart-Centered Meditation

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! This short, restorative meditation guides listeners through a heart-centered practice designed to help them center themselves and shift their energy in under five minutes. • Quality over quantity: even brief moments of focused breathing can be transformative • Simple body relaxation techniques including softening shoulders, jaw, and forehead • Heart-centered visualization with a warm, steady light that expands with each breath • Gentle physical movements to transition back to daily activities • Reminder that restoration doesn't require lengthy practice, just presence Carry this sense of calm and restoration with you throughout the rest of your day. Namaste, my friends. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E10
    August 27 · 8 min

    How the Assumptions You’re Making Are Shaping Your Life ✨

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! We explore how assumptions quietly limit choice and co-create the outcomes we fear, then practice shifting to a beginner’s mindset that opens presence, clarity, and real options. A tap class story reveals how slowing down reframes mastery, and we share practical ways to apply fresh eyes to hard moments. • the inner block of assumption and how it narrows perspective • energetic choices of I can’t, I have to, and I should • a meeting example that shows self-fulfilling patterns • the beginner’s mindset as a practical alternative • the tap dance breakdown that unlocked clarity • simple tools to reset before routines and tough talks • questions to imagine different outcomes and act with choice If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • August 23 · 20 min

    🌈 Journey Through the Chakras: Awakening Your Creative Spirit ✨

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Struggling to access your creativity? Feeling disconnected from your inner voice? This chakra meditation offers a beautiful journey back to yourself through energy alignment and guided visualization. We begin by settling into a comfortable position, allowing the breath to naturally deepen as we prepare to travel through each energy center. Starting at the root chakra, we visualize a strong red light grounding us to earth, establishing safety and belonging. This foundation serves as the bedrock for all creative work. Moving upward, we activate the sacral chakra's orange glow, the seat of creative flow and emotional expression, affirming our natural ability to create without resistance. The journey continues through the golden yellow solar plexus, center of confidence and personal power, where we reclaim trust in ourselves and our creative decisions. We then open the heart's compassionate green light, the throat's expressive blue energy, and the third eye's intuitive indigo wisdom. Each chakra, when aligned, removes another barrier between you and your innate creative potential. The meditation culminates in a powerful visualization of a light-filled doorway leading to your personal creative sanctuary—a space within that holds all your inspiration, wisdom, and artistic expression. Here, you can commune with your creative essence, ask questions, and receive guidance directly from your higher self. This sacred inner room remains accessible long after the meditation ends, a permanent resource you can return to whenever creative blocks arise. Remember that your creativity never leaves you—it's always there, waiting for you to create space and alignment to access it. This 20-minute practice offers not just temporary relief but a sustainable pathway to your creative source. Return to it whenever you need to realign, reconnect, and rediscover the vast wellspring of imagination that lives within you. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S15 · E15
    August 20 · 4 min

    How to Stop Reacting and Start Creating: A One-Letter Shift That Changes Everything

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What if the imagination that fuels your worst-case scenarios could become your most reliable source of clarity, calm, and momentum? In this episode, Lisa shares a simple but powerful shift that turns reactivity into creativity—one letter, and one intentional choice, at a time. You’ll learn why we default to reactive patterns, how those patterns drain energy and agency, and what it takes to reset your nervous system and reconnect with your values. Through a real client story and practical tools, Lisa breaks down how to pause, redirect your attention, and take action that aligns with what you want to create—not what you fear might happen. You’ll discover: How imagination can work for you instead of against you Why reactivity hands your power to circumstances and other people A simple framework to move from “I can’t” or “I have to” into possibility A compact practice to reset your energy and choose your next best step If you're ready to stop reacting and start creating, this episode offers a clear, memorable way to shift your mindset, your energy, and your outcomes. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S13 · E14
    August 16 · 14 min

    Lighten Your Load: A Breathwork & Body Scan Meditation

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! This episode focuses on the art of letting go and creating emotional space through guided meditation. By exploring bodily awareness and using breathing techniques, we release tension and invite new possibilities into our lives. • Exploring relaxation techniques and awareness of the body • Understanding where we hold tension emotionally and physically • Inviting softness and spaciousness into everyday life • Visualizing the process of letting go and releasing old stories • Setting intentions for what to welcome into our lives • Recognizing the power of mindfulness in changing lives • Encouraging the practice of returning to the meditation whenever needed Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • August 13 · 7 min

    Love, Adventure, and the Art of Writing Our Own Story 📖✨

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! In this heartfelt anniversary episode, I share a personal story that spans nearly four decades—from meeting my husband Philip as a teenager, to getting married aboard a tall ship on Lake Ontario, to the life we’ve created together as captains of our own ship. Originally written on our 21st wedding anniversary, this reflection—titled Life By Us—looks back on our unique wedding day, the adventures we’ve embraced, and the symbols that continue to guide us: motion, journey, and the waxing and waning of the moon. From the music and milestones of the 1980s to last night’s moonlit lake, I explore how love, partnership, and creative living evolve over time. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a relationship that thrives through change, or how to honor your shared history while looking forward to the next chapter, this episode is for you. It’s a story about choosing your own course, celebrating the phases of life, and embracing the adventures still ahead. What you’ll hear in this episode: The story of our one-of-a-kind tall ship wedding on Lake Ontario Why “Life By Us” became our personal mantra Reflections on the moon’s phases as a metaphor for love and growth A celebration of 36 years together and the adventures still to come Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, just starting out, or simply love a good love story, this episode will inspire you to chart your own course and be the author of your own life. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • August 10 · 1 hr 4 min

    Krystal Joy Brown: All of the Above—and Then Some

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Krystal Joy Brown is a Broadway actor and multidisciplinary artist, and her life right now is a bold mix of performance, producing, directing, writing, and grad school work in creative coding and physical computing. We talk about why a creative career doesn’t have to be linear, how “figuring it out” can become paralysis, and what changes when you stop asking how it all connects and start letting the Venn diagram form on its own. Along the way, she shares the reality behind visible success: grief, depression, imposter syndrome, and the quiet discipline of doing the next right thing. We also get real about neurodivergence. Krystal opens up about ADHD, an autism diagnosis, masking, overstimulation, and how radically honest relationships and safer spaces to fail can transform your mental health. We end with inner-child care, daily choices, and a reminder she hears from her younger self: don’t forget there’s also magic. If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. What part of yourself are you ready to stop hiding? If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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  • S9 · E17
    August 9 · 5 min

    Five Minutes of Self-Discovery and Emotional Healing through Mindful Breathing

    Let us know what you enjoy about the show! Embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional healing that starts with the simplest act - breathing. This episode promises to guide you through mindful practices that help you connect with your body, and find peace within your being. We begin with the grounding sensation of the earth beneath us, its steady support a constant reminder of our place in this universe. Let your breath guide you, melting away the tensions and stress of the day as we focus on the present moment. Stepping into the inner world, we illuminate the sensations and emotions we often overlook. From acknowledging the ceaseless efforts of your heart to expressing gratitude for the unwavering presence of your body, we delve into a deeper understanding of ourselves. Throughout the conversation, we validate our struggles, our joys, and everything that makes us uniquely human. Remember, no matter how turbulent life might seem, there's always solace to be found within yourself. As we conclude our discourse, we pause for a while, taking a few deep breaths, cultivating self-love, and gratitude. So, why wait? Give yourself the gift of five mindful minutes and join us on this soothing journey. Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

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Showing 1–20 of 37 episodes