What happens when two lifelong friends and educators sit down to reflect on decades of shared experiences, growth, and purpose? In this heart-opening conversation, Dr. Stephanie Romero and Christine Tapu explore the power of education, resilience, and relationships that stand the test of time.

Christine shares stories from her 30+ year career as a public school and ESL teacher, offering wisdom from inside the classroom and beyond. Together, she and Stephanie discuss how their paths have woven together in unexpected ways, what it means to live a life of service, and how connection ripples through every stage of our journeys. This is more than just a conversation about education. It’s about friendship, purpose, and the kind of impact that lasts long after the lesson ends. Tune in today!

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Suicide Prevention: 988lifeline.org
• JJ McCarthy's Story: https://fortune.com/well/2024/01/09/michigan-quarterback-mccarthy-pregame-meditation-wolverines-victory/
• Timothy Earl Scott's Story: https://centerhealthyminds.org/join-the-movement/hip-hop-for-the-mind
• Create for Education: https://createforeducation.org/care/care-program

Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org

Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.

Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.

Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this deeply personal and enlightening episode, host Stephanie Romero welcomes Annamarie Fernyak, a lifelong spiritual seeker, author, and mindfulness teacher, for a powerful conversation about the transformative path of awareness. Annamarie shares how her Catholic upbringing and early exposure to diverse world religions sparked a lifelong journey toward personal growth, curiosity, and spiritual awakening.

Listeners will hear about pivotal moments in her life—from college theology classes that introduced her to Buddhism and Hinduism, to eye-opening experiences in the Landmark Forum and the profound influence of Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now. Together, Stephanie and Annamarie explore how curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to question inherited beliefs can lead us toward a more compassionate, present, and authentic way of living.

Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org

Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.

Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.

Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this heartfelt episode of The Ripple Effect, Stephanie Romero welcomes Don Brucker, a lifelong public servant whose path to becoming a fire marshal was deeply influenced by family legacy and meaningful community connections. Don shares how early memories with his grandfather and a desire to understand the "why" behind fire scenes sparked a lifelong journey of learning, service, and resilience. Their conversation explores how seemingly small moments create profound ripples across time, impacting careers, values, and relationships. Tune in for a story that honors generational wisdom, purpose-driven work, and the unseen impact we have on one another.

Learn More at www.awakenpittsburgh.org

Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.

Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.

Give Today! awakenpittsburgh.org/support

Campaign Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.