Love and Compassion with Gissele

Ep. 73 Getting Under the Skin: Journey from Estrangement to Forgiveness with Vivien Kalvaria

In this powerful episode, I sit down with author Vivien Kalvaria to discuss her moving memoir, My Nameis Not Rifka focusing on a remarkable journey of family, trauma, reconciliation and forgiveness.  In this episode we discuss the holocaust, the banality of evil, and the long road to forgiving those who are estranged. 

Ep. 72 Healing Division One Rhyme At a Time with Scott Grace

Tired of red vs. blue? Meet Scott Grace, the Spiritual Dr. Seuss, as we explore how to heal division with humor, heart, and his new book Beyond Red and Blue. Politics, peace, and poetry, this episode has it all, one rhyme at a time!

Ep. 71 Solitary Confinement Wasn’t the End: How Sonny Found His Way Back to Love

In this deeply moving episode, Sonny Von Cleveland shares his extraordinary journey of survival and transformation, from enduring childhood sexual abuse and rape in prison to spending 19 months in solitary confinement. But this is not a story about staying broken, it's a story about choosing love over hate.

Sonny opens up about the radical act of forgiveness, the power of compassion, and what it truly takes to create a more loving world. We explore healing from trauma, confronting greed and ego, and finding the courage to transform pain into purpose. His message is clear: no matter what we’ve lived through, we all have the power to love.

If you're searching for hope, healing, or a reason to believe in the human spirit again, then this episode is for you.

Ep. 70 Heart-Centered Leadership: Compassion at Work with Dr. Bruno Cignacco

In this inspiring episode, Gissele chats with Dr. Bruno Roque Cignacco, international business consultant, TEDx speaker, university professor, and author of The Art of Compassionate Business to explore how compassion can transform workplaces. With over 30 years of experience guiding global organizations, Bruno shares why leading with heart isn't a soft sell, it’s a strategic growth engine!

Ep. 69 Designing from Within: Mindful Spaces and Sacred Living with Kim Depole

How do the spaces we live in reflect the peace we seek within?

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by award-winning interior designer Kim Depole of Depole Designs to explore the power of mindful design. Kim shares how her time with Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and the teachings of Plum Village transformed her approach to space—shifting from external aesthetics to designing from the inside out.

We dive into how intentional design can support mental well-being, emotional clarity, and even spiritual growth. Whether you're looking to create a calming home, a sacred work space, or simply live more consciously, this episode offers practical wisdom and soul-centered guidance.

🎙️ Topics we explore:

• How mindful design fosters peace and presence

• Thich Nhat Hanh’s influence on creative living

• Turning everyday environments into sacred spaces

• Designing for energy, flow, and emotional harmony

• Creating beauty that reflects inner balance

Tune in to discover how to make your space not just beautiful—but deeply healing.

Keywords: mindful interior design, Kim Depole, Thich Nhat Hanh, conscious living, sacred space, home wellness, emotional design, Plum Village, spiritual spaces, wellbeing, zen interiors, compassionate design

Ep. 68 What Animals Can Teach Us About Love – Penelope Smith on Animal Communication

Can we truly communicate with animals? In this enlightening episode of Love and Compassion with Gissele, world-renowned animal communicator Penelope Smith joins us to explore the world of animal telepathy—a heart-based, intuitive connection that transcends language.

Penelope shares how animal communication can foster deep emotional healing, strengthen the human-animal bond, and awaken our innate capacity for compassion. You’ll hear inspiring stories, practical insights, and a powerful message: animals are not just companions—they are teachers, healers, and conscious beings.

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode will shift your perspective on what’s possible between species.

Keywords: animal telepathy, animal communication, Penelope Smith, animal communicator, telepathic communication, compassion, healing, intuitive connection, love and compassion podcast

Ep. 67 Building a Compassionate Child Welfare System with Peter Mutabazi

hat does it take to bring real compassion into the child welfare system?

In this heartfelt episode, we talk with Peter Mutabazi—author, advocate, and single Black foster and adoptive father—about his extraordinary journey from surviving life on the streets of Uganda to fostering over 36 children in the U.S. With raw honesty and deep wisdom, Peter shares the joys and challenges of being a foster parent, the unique barriers faced by Black single men in the system, and why love, safety, and belonging must be at the core of how we care for vulnerable children.

This is more than a story—it's a call to action to reimagine the child welfare system with compassion at its center.

🎧 Tune in for inspiration, insight, and a powerful reminder that one person can truly make a difference.

#FosterCare #ChildWelfare #PeterMutabazi #NowIAmKnown #CompassionateParenting #Adoption #SocialJustice #Podcast

Ep. 66 Love and Leadership: Jeff Ma on Building a Compassion-Driven Workplace

In today’s evolving workplace, emotional intelligence isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this powerful episode, leadership coach and business strategist Jeff Ma joins us to talk about how love, compassion, and vulnerability are transforming company culture and improving team performance. We explore how to lead with empathy, create a psychologically safe environment, and have honest, difficult conversations at work. You’ll learn how forgiveness, trust, and authenticity can increase employee engagement, reduce burnout, and fuel long-term success. Whether you're a CEO, manager, or team member, this conversation offers actionable insights for building a more human, high-performing workplace.

Ep. 65 Dealer to Healer: Choosing Love over Shame with Sean Hemeon

In this powerful episode, Sean Hemeon opens up about growing up Mormon, coming out as gay, battling addiction, and learning to forgive himself. We explore religion, shame, manifesting, and what it really means to live authentically. A must-listen for anyone on a healing journey.

Ep. 64 Love, Abudance and Living an Authentic Life with Ghary Won

Do you want to know about the connection between love and money? Do you desire to understand what your passions are and how to live authentically? then listen to this conversation with Ghary D. Won around his experiences with homelessness, how a mindset shift helped him overcome that challenge and how his relationship with abundance changed after a conversation he had with money.