Tonight is a special night for Detroit’s creative community! At 9 PM on Detroit PBS, the world premiere of Spotlight Detroit will feature 25 stunning short films, created by the 2025 Kresge Eminent Artist Marion Hayden and the 2024 Kresge Artist Fellows in Live Arts, Film, and Music. These short films—produced by Kresge Arts in Detroit and 7 Cylinders Studio—showcase the incredible collaboration between local artists and filmmakers, highlighting the vibrant stories of our city.
Among these films is a short video about me, directed by the talented Jamal Adams, who played a key role as the editor of my feature film, Pomegranate. I talk about my writing, Pomegranate, and the Chaldean Museum!
My Journey to Kresge and Beyond
Receiving the Kresge Fellowship last year was a turning point in my career. It was my 15th attempt at applying for the award, and when it finally happened, everything aligned perfectly. In 2024, the Kresge award amount had doubled, and it coincided with the release of Pomegranate, amplifying the film’s visibility and impact.
This experience has taught me many lessons, but the most important one is this: persistence pays off. Success takes time, and sometimes the stars align in ways we can’t predict—but when they do, it feels like divine order.
Another lesson I hold close is the importance of elevating others along the way. When Kresge gave me the opportunity to choose a filmmaker to direct my short film, I immediately thought of Jamal. Having worked side-by-side with him for years, I knew no one else could capture the heart of my story better than he could. Jamal was not just my editor on Pomegranate—he became part of my family. He came over for dinners, spent time with me, my husband, my brother, and his wife, and supported me through some of my most challenging moments.
On the set of Pomegranate with Jamal Adams and Lindy Lenk
Jamal Adams: A Filmmaker with Heart
Jamal Adams is not only a gifted filmmaker but also an inspiring storyteller with a passion for uplifting others. If you’d like to learn more about his incredible journey, check out this article about Jamal. His story is one of perseverance, creativity, and community—qualities that truly shine in all his work.
Join Us Tonight
I’m thrilled to share this moment with Jamal and the many other amazing artists featured in Spotlight Detroit. There’s something magical about seeing our city’s creativity and talent on full display, and I hope you’ll tune in to experience it for yourself.
Don’t miss the world premiere of Spotlight Detroit tonight at 9 PM on Detroit PBS!
Watch Pomegranate here and please rate it to support independent filmmakers!
On March 21, 2025, I stood on the stage of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, ready to share my story as part of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers (TSSOTS). This event, hosted by the visionary Satori Shakoor, was a powerful celebration of Women’s History Month. It was an evening of courage, vulnerability, and connection, where stories from diverse backgrounds came alive in front of an audience that was nothing short of extraordinary.
I brought my Chaldean American story to the stage, sharing what it was like to grow up in Iraq. I spoke about the day my school principal slapped me so hard for missing one of Saddam Hussein’s parades that I passed out. That slap wasn’t just a moment of physical pain—it was a symbol of the fear and oppression that permeated life in my homeland. It also marked the beginning of my journey toward reclaiming my voice and my power.
At one point, as I spoke about my mother and emotions overwhelmed me, I had to pause. The audience didn’t just sit silently—they held me in that moment. One woman later told me that she wanted to leave her seat, come on stage, and hug me. I felt everyone’s support, their unspoken hugs wrapping around me as I gathered myself and continued.
The evening wasn’t just about my story, though. It was about the collective power of storytelling. I was honored to share the stage with three phenomenal women:
Ciera Estelle, who spoke about her journey from advocating for a bullied classmate as a young girl to becoming an educator who teaches the importance of speaking up. Her message was a powerful reminder that silence can make us complicit in injustice.
Tuyishime Claire Gasmgera, who offered a unique perspective on feminism from her experiences in Rwanda. She challenged Western ideas of feminism, advocating for a broader definition that empowers women to make their own choices, whether that’s activism or caring for their families. In her case, she went from hating being in the kitchen to loving it!
Faith Brown, whose heart-wrenching story left no one in the room untouched. As the author of The Monster that Killed His Family Twice: The Faith Green Story, she shared the unimaginable tragedy of losing her four children to her husband’s violence. Her strength was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Together, we shared stories that transcended cultures and continents, united by themes of resilience and transformation.
An Extraordinary Audience
The audience that night was unlike any I’ve ever encountered. They weren’t just watching—they were with me, every step of the way. Their attentiveness, their warmth, and their energy created a space where I felt safe to share even the most vulnerable parts of my story.
After the event, many came up to me to express their support. Some hugged me, others shared their own reflections, and one woman said, “I felt every word you spoke.” It was humbling to see how my story resonated, and it reminded me of the profound connection that storytelling can create.
The Power of Listening
What made this night truly special wasn’t just the stories—it was the way the audience listened. Listening is an art form, and when it’s done with intention and an open heart, it can transform both the storyteller and the listener.
Satori Shakoor opened the evening by reminding the audience of their vital role: to listen. “You have the most important job tonight,” she said. And she was right. Too often, people are so focused on preparing their response that they miss the essence of what’s being shared. But that night, the audience listened with their hearts, creating a space where stories could unfold in their rawest, most authentic form.
Satori’s Vision and the Magic of TSSOTS
This is the magic of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers. Founded in 2012 by Satori Shakoor, TSSOTS is rooted in one of humanity’s oldest and most intimate traditions: the oral art of storytelling. What began in a 45-seat performance space in downtown Detroit has grown into a global phenomenon, with standing-room-only audiences at venues like The Marygrove Theater and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Satori herself is a powerhouse. Her warmth, wisdom, and passion for storytelling have transformed countless lives. Beyond her work with TSSOTS, she’s also a talented artist and storyteller with an upcoming film project, Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale, that promises to be as impactful as her live events. Her vision is simple yet profound: to use storytelling as a tool for healing, connection, and transformation.
As I left the stage, I carried with me the love and support of everyone in that room. Of course, I shared my story behind Pomegranate, which, as a result of healing, I was able to accomplish. The beautiful part is that after all the encouragement and support I’ve been given by others, the icing on the cake is being able to pass it forward—through my work and simply by being me.
To learn more about The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers or to attend future events, visit www.twistedtellers.org.
Recently, I had the honor of being interviewed by Daniel Rosenstein of Ultimate Energy Coach. It was a powerful conversation that delved deeply into topics close to my heart: my film Pomegranate, my Native American teachings, my journey of healing through shamanism, and the empowerment of women through film.
I believe that healing is important because once you heal certain tramas, you naturally become a healer to others—simply by being yourself. This truth resonates deeply with me, as healing runs through my lineage. My ancestors—my father, grandfather, and my great-grandmother Maria—were all healers. It’s a calling that has been passed down through the generations, and I feel privileged to walk this path.
Interestingly, our connection came through a mutual friend, and we discovered a fascinating coincidence: Daniel’s mother was born in Iraq and left during the 1948 Jewish Exodus. I was born in Iraq as a Chaldean (Neo-Babylonians who still speak Aramaic) and my family left due to the country’s unsettling and oppressive ways. This shared understanding of exile and roots created a deeper connection.
Seven Generations Back, Seven Generations Forward
One of the most profound topics discussed was the importance of honoring both the past and the future. Like Native American teachings, our culture emphasizes doing things “seven generations back and seven generations forward.” The blessings we experience today are the result of our ancestors’ actions, and what we do now will shape the lives of our descendants. This perspective has always been a guiding force in my life and my work.
Pomegranate and the Power of Story
During the interview, I reflected on my recent trip to Los Angeles for the premiere of Pomegranate. While driving through areas like Hollywood, I learned from Uber drivers about the diversity of these neighborhoods—home to significant Jewish, Persian, and Armenian populations. It struck me how the Jewish community is often said to “rule Hollywood,” and I thought: that’s not a bad thing. They understand the power of storytelling.
I often question why our own community doesn’t invest in storytelling. Why don’t we support the art of telling our stories, of humanizing ourselves through authentic narratives? Creative expression is healing, while destruction only leads to pain. And it’s not like we lack talent—while casting for Pomegranate, we received thousands of portfolios from incredibly talented Middle Eastern actors.
Another key part of the discussion was about not putting labels on things. For example, shamanism is often misunderstood, yet it brought me closer to my Christian roots. After all, wasn’t Jesus a mystic, a healer, and someone who said, “You will do things greater than I”?
I also spoke about the importance of the men in my life who helped bring this project to life—my husband, who gave me the space to follow my dream, and incredible collaborators like Sam Sako, Scott Rosenfelt, Jamal Adams, Kevin Hewitt, and others. They stuck with this project and gave me strength when I felt like giving up.
This ties into one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from energy teachings: the importance of balancing the feminine and the masculine. Both energies are essential, and finding harmony between them is a cornerstone of healing.
Healing Through Creativity
Ultimately, our conversation came full circle to the idea that healing is inherently creative. By embracing creativity, we can transform not only ourselves but also the world around us. This is the heart of storytelling—connecting, humanizing, and healing.
I invite you to watch the full interview with Daniel Rosenstein here. Together, we explored the power of heritage, healing, and storytelling in ways that I hope will inspire you as much as they inspired me.
A few weeks ago, my film Pomegranate was shown in a class at the United States Naval Academy as part of their engagement series. The film has been screened in many places, but this particular experience left a profound impact on me, not only because of the thoughtful questions and discussions that followed but also because of one student—a young woman with Palestinian roots who interviewed me afterward.
A Shared Mission to Change the Narrative
Our interview began with the usual questions about the film’s themes and creative process, but it quickly turned into a deeply personal conversation that extended far beyond the allotted time. She spoke about her desire to change the narrative surrounding the Arab world, to break down barriers and dispel the negativity that often dominates the discourse. I realized how much we had in common—not just in our aspirations but in the struggles we’ve faced as women of Middle Eastern backgrounds trying to tell stories that challenge stereotypes.
Both of us were deeply affected by the events of October 7. Beyond the violence, we felt the weight of stereotypes we’ve worked so hard to dispel being reinforced and amplified. It’s disheartening to see how much of the Arab-American experience is overshadowed by narratives that don’t represent us. Those who don’t share mainstream views are often silenced, left to endure images and stories that perpetuate division rather than understanding.
The Stories They Don’t Want You to Hear
When I think about my time in Ramallah many years ago, I don’t recall the conflict as much as I remember the warmth of the people, the humor, the hospitality in every home, and the love that flowed freely between neighbors. I even remember the playful flirting between handsome Israeli soldiers at checkpoints and beautiful Palestinians—a moment of humanity in the midst of tension.
These are the stories people don’t want to hear, the ones that don’t fit the divisive narratives. They don’t make headlines because they don’t serve the agendas of those who profit from conflict. And unfortunately, even within our own communities, there are challenges. Whether it’s extremists canceling a book talk about Pomegranate or others refusing to support a screening because the film promotes the idea of women making choices, it’s clear that some are more invested in controlling narratives than fostering dialogue.
But for every roadblock, there’s someone like that young woman at the Naval Academy, whose passion and praise for the film reminded me why I do what I do. She called Pomegranate a beautiful and courageous movie, and applauded me for the work. Her words stayed with me long after our conversation ended yesterday.
Embracing the Positive Feedback
For decades, I’ve faced pressures from all sides. Non-Middle Easterners have encouraged me to write stories that “sell,” focusing on sensational topics like honor killings. Meanwhile, some Middle Easterners have expected me to mask our stories, pretending that our issues don’t exist. Neither approach has served us.
Instead, I’ve chosen to focus on the beauty and authenticity of our stories, and the feedback I’ve received from audiences, such as for Pomegranate, has been overwhelmingly affirming.
From non-Middle Eastern viewers:
“This is a genius movie.”
“Pomegranate is a very courageous and timely production.”
“I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film. The comedic relief was done perfectly and didn’t take away from the seriousness of the story.”
“This was a strong movie, with strong characters.”
From Middle Eastern viewers:
“I liked the way you brought the sensitive topics in an open-ended and elegant way. It wasn’t how other Arabic movies try to politicize such topics.”
“The story was perfect. The characters were perfect. The cinematography was perfect. The editing was perfect. The music was perfect. Everything was different. Don’t change any of the team in part two.”
Moving Forward
If Pomegranate has resonated with even one person, like that young woman at the Naval Academy, then it’s all worth it. For her and for others who have commended the film, I will continue to tell stories that celebrate the humanity, love, and resilience of our communities.
The journey isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. In a world that often seeks to divide, I’ll keep focusing on the beauty and complexity of our shared experiences, breaking down barriers one story at a time.
Pomegranate, which has won over 40 international awards, is streaming in 25 countries. You can click here to find out where to watch it
On Saturday, March 8, I had the honor of being the guest speaker at Wayne County College District’s Cultural Entrenchment event held at the Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus. This special gathering, coinciding with International Women’s Day, was a celebration of women’s rights, equality, and empowerment—a theme that resonates deeply with my life’s work and the spirit of my film, Pomegranate.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Fidelis Teresa D’Cunha, Ph.D., for inviting me to speak at this wonderful event. It was a privilege to share my journey and connect with so many inspiring women from around the world.
The event was nothing short of extraordinary. Guests from around the world came together to celebrate their cultures, their journeys, and their shared hopes for a more equitable future. The day was adorned with vibrant Indian dance performances, a stunning fashion show, and a delicious lunch—a feast for the senses. Many attendees wore their ethnic attire, a beautiful reminder of the rich cultural diversity that makes gatherings like this so meaningful.
As I mingled with women from India (Kerala), Pakistan, Nigeria, Libya, Latin America, and beyond, I was struck by how much we share, despite the differences in our origins. One of the most fascinating discoveries of the day was meeting Christian women from regions like Pakistan. Their stories mirrored mine in surprising ways. Like me, they belong to a minority faith in their birthlands, and their narratives of perseverance and resilience felt deeply familiar.
We also discussed an interesting pattern we’ve observed in the United States: while many of us were minorities in our homelands, we now find ourselves part of a rich mosaic of cultures and communities here. In this way, the event was not only a celebration but also a moment of reflection on the strength and beauty of our shared experiences.
One of the highlights of the day was my interview with Professor Bruce Ewen, who delved into the journey of Pomegranate—the challenges, the themes, and the heart of the story. This was especially poignant as the film had just been released four days prior, on March 4, to 25 countries during Women’s History Month. To speak about the film in the context of an event celebrating women’s empowerment felt like coming full circle.
Pomegranate is a story that unites through love and beauty, offering a message of hope in a world often marked by division. It’s a film born from my own experiences and the stories of many others, reflecting the resilience of women who navigate the complexities of identity, tradition, and belonging.
If you haven’t had the chance to watch Pomegranate yet, I encourage you to do so—and tell your friends, too! Your reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Letterboxd can help amplify the voices of indie films and bring stories like ours to the forefront. Here’s a list of where the film is playing https://www.freestyledigitalmedia.tv/film/pomegranate/
As I reflect on that beautiful day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share my journey and connect with so many incredible women. Together, we celebrated not just our individual cultures, but our shared humanity. That, to me, is the true essence of International Women’s Day.
Let us continue to champion the rights, equality, and empowerment of women and girls everywhere.
After ten years of dreaming, creating, and persevering, my feature film Pomegranate will finally be released on March 4th to audiences across 25 countries. This is not just a release—it is the realization of a vision that has grown and transformed over a decade. Pomegranate is a story of identity, resilience, and cultural connection, brought to life through the voices of women, and I couldn’t be more grateful to share it with the world.
As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of the wisdom held in the changing seasons.
Winter is the season of stillness, a time when the earth rests beneath its frost-covered blanket. It is the quiet between breaths, a sacred pause where we are invited to retreat inward and reflect on the landscapes of our lives. What have you built with your hands and heart?
Winter is the keeper of wisdom, asking us to take stock of what we have planted and nurtured—what has bloomed, what has withered, and what awaits the kiss of spring’s warmth to awaken. It is a time to cradle your accomplishments gently, to honor the path you’ve walked, and to ready yourself for the season of renewal that lies ahead.
In this quiet season, may you find beauty in the stillness, peace in the shadows, and love in the sanctuary of your soul. May you emerge from winter’s dreamscape into the golden light of spring, renewed and alive with all that you have become. Stand where you are, take in the horizon, and know that from this place, anything is possible.
As Pomegranate makes its way into the world, I carry with me the lessons of the seasons—of patience, of resilience, and of the endless potential for new beginnings.
With heartfelt gratitude, Weam Namou
(Pomegranate will be released on March 4th in 25 countries. Stay tuned for updates and screening details!)
A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity – how many of those do we receive on this Path of Heart? Several. How many do we see? Some. How many do we seize? Very few. For me, this particular opportunity revealed one of my most cherished, and secret, pleasures in life. One that almost slipped through my fingers. One that I had to earn my right, and discover my worth, during an intense period of Hollywood deadlines, being pregnant and raising babies during lockdown, and answering the most important questions: How can I step into my power and put myself first?
My dearest friend Weam Namou and I met during the beginning of my apprenticeship with Lynn V. Andrews through the Mystery School. Weam was my destined mentor, when we quickly recognized our longtime soul-connection, and evolved as co-creators with our Acts of Power. She invited me to participate in a special part of her first feature film, Pomegranate and weaved my talents where I excelled most.
Knowing my secret dreams of being a singer/songwriter on a large scale, she asked me if I had any music she could listen to? Embarrassingly, I searched for decade-old music files to appease her curiosity, and unexpectedly she was profoundly moved. She asked my permission to include me in her 14th book, Pomegranate with my name and lyrics from her favorite song as someone the main character Niran can relate to, an underestimated and aspiring artist.
The paramount process of making her film pursued, and Weam inquired if I would want to write a song for a specific scene. I nervously agreed to the task, wondering would the song be good enough? Could I actually do this? She gave me a 24-hour window to watch the scene. So, I stilled the mind, grabbed my guitar and played a melody that had been stalking me for months. My point of view transported into Niran’s feelings during those whirling moments, and the song composed itself. I didn’t exactly know what to think of it, being new and freshly birthed, was this going to be an “ugly baby” or one of those babies with a perfectly shaped head?
To my shock and elation, this baby was a perfect fit, but parents are always biased. After she accepted the first draft, the next steps were uncertain. Like a novice, I began my search from without, as opposed to within. In those coming months, I experienced invaluable connections to the film and music industry, drawing upon professional resources, and created a music publishing agency in my limited liability corporation (LLC) to best represent my future career in music with media.
I went on to invest in myself, equipment and software to record and produce music for Hollywood quality films. As I tried to conquer skillsets that require undivided attention and inexhaustible time, I realized my expectations were unrealistic with a brand-new baby and toddler. I convinced myself I could manage this new music experience while the babies slept.
This resulted in sub-par results that I ignorantly thought multiple revisions would render a different answer. Weeks before the last possible deadline passed, Weam informed me that if I did not hire professionals to finish the song it would be rejected. Thank goodness for her candidness, and my resiliency. After that call, I collapsed on my knees and cried the loss for every time in my life I didn’t step up to the next level. Though my past choices were unconsciously stemmed in self-sabotage, this time was different and afforded me the mirror to heal deep wounds.
My husband helped me off the floor and I was determined to fulfill this dream. Within an hour, I found a professional studio down the road from my house that had the urgent availability and high standards this hour-of-need beckoned. My husband composed a bass line, the studio manager offered his skills on drums, and I played acoustic guitar and sang vocals. The day I went to record was the first time in 20 years, and I met the sound engineer for Third Angel Productions in Colorado Springs. Nonchalantly, he divulged he is the House Sound Engineer for the Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center. The city’s central hub for the most prestigious musical and theatrical performances in the country. In that moment, I knew GODdess was guiding me to get my music “Off This Ground” (also the song title).
The feeling of self-accomplishment and -worth continues to soar with me and successfully shattered any limitations I once carried. In the midst of chaotic unknown, I stepped into my power and put myself first. Thank you, Niran for being a fan and especially to Weam who saw the potential and professionalism in me that was always there… waiting to be birthed.
Recently, I was gifted a very special scarf, one of the hijabs from the making of the film, Pomegranate from Weam as a thank you for my song and participation in the film. It is a deep royal purple and signifies the creativity of the actors wearing it on set and director making the film. This is a cherished gift and I wear it knowing the blending of cultures is truth and beauty.
Currently, Pomegranate is touring film festivals. You can watch the trailer HERE and purchase the book HERE. Also, we’ve been adding interviews with the actors which you can watch on my YouTube channel (see link below)
Check out my YouTube channel where you can watch the interviews live and subscribe. Be sure to set reminders/alerts so you can stay updated on Live and uploaded content.
Happy New Year! Hope you had a magical Christmas season.
Last month was quite exciting with holiday celebrations and completing projects I’ve been working on for years. I completed my 15th book, Little Baghdad: a Memoir about an Endangered People in an American City, which will be released on January 15, 2023, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Around the same time I’ll begin submitting the feature film Pomegranate to film festivals. And I’m excited to announce that the trailer was just released click HERE to watch now.
This film for me is special and unique for countless reasons, one of them being that it’s the first Iraqi American feature film and led by women talent. The main character, Niran, is influenced and inspired by Enheduanna, a princess, priestess, poet, and the first recorded writer in history from ancient Mesopotamia. In the story, Niran channels Enheduanna’s sense of power, creativity, and individuality through poetry.
Eneheduanna’s disk was discovered in 1927 yet she is hardly recognized in the world. Myself, I have raved about her in all my talks and several of my books since I came across her name over a decade ago. I dedicate a chapter on Enheduanna in my book Mesopotamian Goddesses: Unveiling Your Feminine Power.
If you still haven’t read the book Pomegranate, click HERE to check it out! (available in print, eBook, and audiobook)
Click the images below to read my articles that were published this month for the Chaldean News
Every month, I interview remarkable individuals on a weekly basis for the Virtual Discussion Series in partnership with Unique Voices in Films, the Chaldean Cultural Center, CMN TV and U of M [Detroit Center]. Below are the upcoming interviews for January.
Check out my YouTube channel where you can watch the interviews live and subscribe. Be sure to set reminders/alerts so you can stay updated on Live and uploaded content.
Although we’ve been led to believe otherwise, women in ancientMesopotamia had more rights and independence than women in those regions have today. They contributed to building the cradle of civilization and, unlike in modern eras, they were revered. As a result their lands flourished.
The shift away from, and the attempt to destroy, feminine consciousness has caused so much pain and suffering for the people in my birth country of Iraq. It has led to the gradual and systematic demise of my ancestors. During my younger years, I experienced much trauma in that land where the principal hit me for skipping Saddam’s parade and not knowing the answer to a question. We lived in constant fear. In contrast, in the United States I was coddled and supported by teachers and mentors so that I could follow my dreams, even though many of them had the “white skin” that is often criticized for having privileges that others do not. As a result, I became an author, filmmaker, and have held many prestigious positions, which I go more in depth with in this article: https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/meet-weam-namou-of-sterling-heights/
Through a lot of healing work, I’ve gotten past the traumas but every once in a while something happens that brings the pain to surface once again. The recent tragic loss of a 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini is one such incident. On September 16, Mahsa was arrested by the morality police for not wearing her hijab correctly. She died in the hospital in Tehran, Iran, due to police brutality according to witnesses. Her death has resulted in a series of large-scale protests across the country, putting a focus on violence against women in the Islamic Republic of Iran. On October 1st, demonstrations were held worldwide in 130 cities to show solidarity with the women and men protesting in Iran, many who have lost their lives.
The idea that women today have to risk and lose their lives for basic human rights hurts my heart. I think about their struggles, the people we left behind in Iraq, like my childhood best friend, Niran, who I wasn’t able to say goodbye to because we fled in secrecy. I once asked my mom if she’d heard any news about Niran and her family and she said that Saddam forced them out of their home because of their Iranian roots. I often think about her and wonder where she ended up.
From left to right: My friend Maysa in white, myself in red, and my friend, Niran, in blue
I watch the news and see women rising up, fighting for their freedom, while a broadcaster like Mehdi Hasan, host on MSNBC and NBC, says that we should stand with Iranian women protesting for their freedom, but emphasizes the hijab is a choice. He claims that “everyone wants to push their own agenda right now, their own hobby horse, while Iranian women risk their lives in the streets…”
My heart continues to weep for that land because it feels to me that the majority of its population continues to be in denial. My book event for Pomegranate was canceled last year because the Muslim community was against the storyline; a Muslim woman wanting to remove her hijab. They even refused to read the book. This happened here in the United States, 11 days before the Taliban captured Kabul.
The Pomegranate filmis led by women talent who represent the communities in the story. It was nurtured by well known figures in the film industry, including Scott Rosentfelt, the producer of Home Alone. The cancellation was the result of a fear to offend a highly conservative group that is not even supported by the majority of its own community. It was the result of fearing the beauty and strength that women possess, which is a blessing, as well as their spiritual essence.
Every month, I interview remarkable individuals on a weekly basis for the Virtual Discussion Series in partnership with Unique Voices in Films, the Chaldean Cultural Center, CMN TV and U of M [Detroit Center].
Check out my YouTube channel where you can watch the interviews live and subscribe. Be sure to set reminders/alerts so you can stay updated on Live and uploaded content.
I have been enjoying listening to audiobooks for years, imagining the day one of my fourteen books would be available in this format. Then one day out of the blue, my niece Sandy asked if she could create a sample audiobook narration from my book Healing Wisdom for a Wounded World: My Life-Changing Journey Through a Shamanic School. I thought this was a lovely idea and gave her the go-ahead. When she sent the audio for my approval, I was surprised. I wasn’t expecting her voice to be so engaging and professional in its delivery.
Through our conversations, I learned about her earlier interests in theater and acting and her current desire to shift careers from a yoga instructor to an audiobook narrator. The stars having aligned, as they say, I asked if she would like to narrate Pomegranate. She was excited about the opportunity but had her reservations, since she hadn’t yet narrated an entire book and there was a lot involved, such as numerous male and female characters of various age groups and ethnicities. But I have a knack for discovering talent – it’s all around me actually – and I said, “Let’s give it a try.”
The time, effort, coaching, proper recording space and equipment, and the ability to self-direct as well as receive direction from me, created a priceless experience for both of us and a lovely audiobook. What was amazing is that ACX, the Audible.com platform, approved it from the first get-go which says a lot about Sandy’s professionalism. (Tune in on June 30th when I’ll be interviewing Sandy and she’ll discuss the process – see info. below). So far we’ve had wonderful feedback, the story resonating with listeners because it’s funny, it’s real, and it asks important questions.
One of the first things I learned from my four-year apprenticeship in Lynn V. Andrews’ mystery school is the Act of Power, a transformation practice to help you reach your dreams. This practice propels all my projects, but particularly Pomegranate. The most magical part about it is that when you help another with their Act of Power then the blessings are doubled and tripled – as was the case with me and Sandy working together.
Do you want to partake in our act of power? Since we just announced the release of the audiobook on May 25, it would be so meaningful if you can take a listen to the 5 hour 25 minute book on Audible – the 525 is pure coincidence 🙂 – and leave an honest review. It would be a great help in getting the word out. You can click the image or link below to get to it.
If you don’t have an Audible membership, you can get the audiobook for FREE with a 30-day Audible trial.
Thank you so much in advance and we hope you enjoy the book!
And if you listen and enjoy it, please tell a friend or two about it!
Every month, I interview four remarkable individuals on a weekly basis for the Virtual Discussion Series in partnership with Unique Voices in Films, the Chaldean Cultural Center, CMN TV and U of M [Detroit Center].
Check out my YouTube channel where you can watch the interviews live and subscribe. Be sure to set reminders/alerts so you can stay updated on Live and uploaded content.
The Path of Consciousness 