Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is the founder of a new field of scientific evidence termed ‘killology’ which has made contributions to not only our understanding of killing in war, but “the root causes of the current ‘virus’ of violent crime that is raging around the world and the process of healing the victims of violence, in war and peace.” Dave and Scarlett discuss children’s access to violent video games, school safety and teaching our kids to trust police officers. Dave talks about keeping kids safe and educating our children about sleep management and media violence. Dave shares the three most important statements you could ever say to a child: 'please tell me what’s wrong', 'I’m sorry this is happening to you' and 'I will do everything in my power to help you.' This communication of love and caring is so important because the opposite of evil is love. Listen to this empowering podcast today. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

Scarlett Lewis speaks with actress Eva LaRue about navigating grief after the loss of her ex-husband, John Callahan during the pandemic and helping her daughter, Kaya, process her own grief. Scarlett talks with Eva about how to move through and process grief. Scarlett and Eva talk about the Choose Love Formula (Courage+Gratitude+Compassion-in-Action=Choosing Love) and how forgiving yourself and feeling compassion for those around you is important in the grieving process. They discuss learning through these difficult experiences and how it's a tremendous opportunity to grow and help others. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

Scarlett Lewis speaks with Lenny O’Keefe about his Cops and Canines program. Lenny and his dog, Liberty, visit schools for special events, classroom visits or stopping by to read a book. Lenny has a message that goes along with Liberty’s visit and that message is Choose Love. Lenny knows that the unconditional love we receive from our pets is something that fits right in with the pillars of the Choose Love Movement, Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion-in-Action. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

Scarlett Lewis and Kristine Carlson discuss loss and the importance of moving forward, carrying our loved ones with us and returning to joy to experience life. Kristine is the co-author with her late husband, Dr. Richard Carlson of the New York Times bestselling Don't Sweat the Small Stuff books. She was featured as the subject of a biopic Lifetime movie based on her book, Heartbroken Open: A True Story of Coming Alive Again After Profound Loss. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

"Bullying is not acts of cruelty; it's the omission of kindness."  That is a powerful statement from Jodee Blanco, activist and author of the New York Times Bestseller Please Stop Laughing at Me: One Woman's Inspirational Story. Scarlett Lewis and Jodee have an eye-opening conversation on the subject of bullying.  As the  first survivor of school bullying to look back on those experiences as an adult, Jodee shares her feelings as a victim and how she turned her pain into purpose. As she explains how bullying has been misunderstood and mishandled by so many, she addresses relevant topics such as the invisible student, the need for tolerance and forgiveness in schools, compassionate forms of discipline, how parents need to adjust their approach to bullying, and offers a child's perspective of both a victim and bully, and so much more.  As you listen, you'll learn steps to take to make a difference in a child's life, and how, according to Jodee, everyone needs to "Connect, motivate  and inspire (bullies) from the inside out." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Scarlett has a candid conversation with her friend, Judy Thomas, who is an advocate for autism.  Judy shares her son Lyle's journey after he was diagnosed with a pervasive development disorder.  She defines the disability disorder, shares Lyle's experiences in school, and points out the need for change in the school system to better serve children who have autism or other developmental condition. Since these disorders can impact a person's social skills, ability to communicate and form meaningful relationships, and more, Scarlett also reinforces the need for schools to teach essential life skills and attitudes. Judy explains how tough it is on parents and offers advice on ways they can help their children flourish and live an independent life with hope and positivity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

Scarlett chats with Lyle Vetare, a young man with Autism, who works at a local hotel.  They have an honest conversation about his experiences in school, both the good times and the bad. Lyle shares how he was bullied by other students and how it made him feel a lot of sadness. With insight and intelligence, Lyle explains ways people can make life better for people like him. The biggest piece of advice he offers is "give kids confidence in their abilities." Lyle is facing life with a positive mindset and his story shows how anyone can overcome challenges and find success. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

"Love Wins."  That's Julia Richter's mantra in life.  After discovering the Choose Love Movement, Julia says her life was transformed, and now as Director of C.A.R.E.S. (Cultivating Authentic Relationships in the Education System), she's helping educators improve their well-being, cultivate authentic connections, support the needs of their students, and create a safe and loving environment. Scarlett and Julia talk about how Choose Love workshops and professional development help educators flourish and nourish their well-being as they practice the Choose Love Formula. Julia opens up to Scarlett about her journey from being a 4th grade teacher and a coach, to how she found her calling in art and music programs, finding Choose Love, and being an Ambassador, to where she is today.  You'll appreciate Julia's positive energy and mindset and learning how she and our facilitators are helping educators be the best they can be through experiential workshops, and also the importance of more care and love in homes, schools, and communities. As Julia says, "We need to open our hearts to learning new things . . . to support ourselves and spread nurturing healing love." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

Scarlett and TJ Stevens, author of Once a Shooter: Redemption of a High School  Gunman, continue their riveting conversation on this second part of their podcast.  They share insightful personal stories and discuss effective ways we can help kids take responsibility for their lives through music, religion, love, hope, and essential coping skills. They agree that children can be their best selves if they choose love and it will ultimately make the world a better place. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message

Last year, Scarlett had a compelling conversation with TJ Stevens, author of Once a Shooter: Redemption of a High School Gunman. Stevens talks openly and honestly about how he was a high school shooter at a Virginia high school in 1982 and recounts the events of the hostage standoff where no one was injured except himself.  This very emotional discussion delves into the inner turmoil Stevens felt and how he felt a higher power lead him out of the darkness. As Stevens takes the listener step-by-step through his traumatic day-long hostage standoff, he shares his emotional and mental state and explains how he found his way toward freedom, forgiveness, and faith. After serving prison time, Stevens went on to a successful life, but this event will always be the catalyst that brought him to a deep spirituality and understanding of himself that led him to help others realize there is hope and light at the end of the darkness. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jesse-lewis-choose-love-m/message