The Inspired Heart ~ An Interview with Artist Jerry Wennstrom
June 7, 2014
Hosted by Marianna Cacciatore
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Episode Description
“In 1979, I destroyed all the art I had created, gave everything I owned away, and began a new life…The new life that I gave myself to required unconditional trust and noninterference. I asked for nothing from any human being. I needed to know if there was a God, and I risked my life to find that out….I ate when I had food and I fasted when I did not. I accepted whatever came into my life. It was that simple.” This excerpt from Jerry Wennstrom’s book, The Inspired Heart, with an Introduction by Thomas Moore, describes how Jerry began a new life. His experiences have shaped him in profound ways and informed how Jerry has continued to live these many years. He and his wife Marilyn Strong have been friends of mine since the early 1990’s. I have stayed with them at their home on Whidbey Island several times and spent many satisfying hours in unhurried conversation about the deeper currents of life. Join us for this engaging interview where we will trust the natural current of our conversation to take us where it wants to go, spending an hour with you the way Jerry lives his life. Please take a moment to read his biography below and follow any of the links. I promise you will walk away with an inspired heart. On another note, Bread for the Journey's June Fundraising Campaign is in full swing. Please follow the link to our website and make a donation. You are the reason we exist and, as such, we cannot do our work without you. Your gift means more than you may ever know. Thank you.
Bread for the Journey Radio
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Today’s news is filled with stories that break our hearts. On Bread for the Journey Radio, you’ll hear stories that help mend it back together. Join Marianna Cacciatore as she interviews ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things, often small and always meaningful, to make our world a better place. Some, like Marianna, have suffered a tragedy, and, as a result, have created something beautiful to bring others healing. Others are helping women in crisis, making life better for children living in poverty, greening their neighborhood, or any number of creative things that make their community more beautiful, healthy, and connected. These women, men and young people inspire us to think about our own lives, and what we can do to make a difference in the world. Their stories become Bread for our Journey, inspiration and nourishment for a life well lived.
Marianna Cacciatore
Most would agree Marianna Cacciatore’s life has been one well-lived. Through her work over 25 years with people who are working to bring about a better world, she has a unique vantage point from which to tell the stories we don’t generally hear in the media today. Marianna possesses the rare gift of presence, a deep listening which evokes in people the desire to tell their story.
Having suffered a childhood tragedy that spiraled downward into her teens and young adult years, she eventually turned things around and created a grief center that has brought healing to thousands of people. She recounts the full story in her book, Being There for Someone in Grief. Today, she serves as a Lifetime Emeritus Board Member of Tu Nidito in Tucson, Arizona, the parent agency for the organization she founded in 1988 called Children to Children, a Center for Children and Families in Grief.
Everyday Marianna meets ordinary people doing extraordinary things through her work as Executive Director of Bread for the Journey, a philanthropic organization with 20 locations nationally. Each volunteer-run chapter practices neighborhood philanthropy in their respective communities, helping everyday people bring their community-minded ideas to life. The Bread for the Journey vision is to nurture the seed of generosity in every human heart and Marianna’s life is a living expression of just that. Join her as she ignites the heart of generosity in you.
Episode Directory
July 2014
June 2014
- 6/28/2014: Go Inspire Go - an Interview with Toan Lam and Kala Shah Listen Now
- 6/21/2014: Writing Poetry with John Fox and Marianna Cacciatore Listen Now
- 6/14/2014: Poetry as Healer : An Interview with John Fox Listen Now
- 6/7/2014: The Inspired Heart ~ An Interview with Artist Jerry Wennstrom Listen Now
