Susan von Seggern

Public Relations

Grammy Winner Jim “Kimo” West and Billboard Top-10 Artist Joss Jaffe Drop Uplifting New Single “Party Wave” Ahead of Delphinus Album

03/06/2026 by Susan von Seggern

LOS ANGELES, CA – March 6, 2026 – Acclaimed world music duo Joss Jaffe & Jim “Kimo” West announce the release of “Party Wave,” today on Artizen Records. The track is the leading single from their forthcoming third collaborative album, Delphinus, blending global acoustic instruments with Hawaiian slack-key guitar and ambient textures, the track channels the joy, flow, and freedom of dolphins at play in the ocean.

“Party Wave” rides in on an infectious four-on-the-floor afro-highlife beat, punctuated by Ngoni African harp (a relative of the kora), Indian tabla, South Indian kanjira frame drum, Ipu Heke Hawaiian gourd drum, and West’s signature Hawaiian slack-key guitar. Bright, tropical guitar lines dance with shimmering global percussion, creating a buoyant, euphoric soundscape that feels equally at home on world, spa, yoga, and feel-good chill playlists. The track echoes the duo’s earlier song “Blossom,” which was selected for Spotify’s “Café Africa” editorial playlist, resulting in over 700,000 plays, while expanding their palette into even more playful, oceanic territory.

Inspired by the dolphin constellation that gives Delphinus its name, “Party Wave” explores the idea of dolphins as masters of the waves, riding swells together with a sense of communal joy. The title nods both to surf culture—a “party wave” being a wave surfed by multiple people—and to the song’s party-like, celebratory energy. Lifelong surfers, swimmers, and ocean-lovers, West and Jaffe pour decades spent in and on the water into this track as a tribute to Mother Ocean and her most playful inhabitants.

“On ‘Party Wave,’ we wanted listeners to feel like they’re gliding just under the surface—weightless, uplifted, and totally at home in the water,” says Joss Jaffe. “It’s our love letter to the sea and the dolphins that have inspired us for so many years.”

“With all the turmoil in the world, creating something joyful and hopeful felt essential,” adds Jim ‘Kimo’ West. “The groove, the global instruments, the dolphin imagery—it’s all about reconnecting with simple, natural happiness.”
A Grammy-winning Hawaiian slack-key guitarist and longtime lead guitarist for “Weird Al” Yankovic, Jim “Kimo” West brings deep Hawaiian roots, lyrical phrasing, and a meditative sensibility to the project. Joss Jaffe, a Billboard Top-10 New Age artist, is known for his work as a vocalist, tabla player, and multi-instrumentalist at leading yoga and wellness festivals worldwide. Together, they have crafted an immersive, ocean-inspired journey on Delphinus, following their well-received collaborations Aum Akua (2022) and Santhi (2024).

Call to Action
“Party Wave” is available on all major streaming platforms now, with the full Delphinus album arriving March 30. For early listening links, interview requests with Joss Jaffe and Jim “Kimo” West, or details on upcoming live events, please see the media contact below.

About Joss Jaffe & Jim “Kimo” West
Joss Jaffe is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, tabla player, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose albums, including Meditation Music and Dub Mantra, fuse ambient, world, and modern influences and have reached the Billboard Top-10 New Age chart. Jim “Kimo” West is a Grammy-winning ki ho’alu (Hawaiian slack-key) guitarist, a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominee, and the longtime lead guitarist for “Weird Al” Yankovic, with tens of millions of streams across his catalog. Together, they create immersive soundscapes that bridge global acoustic instruments, sound-healing sensibilities, and contemporary production for yoga, wellness, and world music audiences.

Filed Under: Music

Charleston Animal Society Launches 10th Hank & Laurel Greer Lifesaving Car Raffle at Paws in the Park

02/25/2026 by Susan von Seggern

CHARLESTON, SC – February 25, 2026 – Charleston Animal Society is kicking off its signature Hank & Laurel Greer Lifesaving Raffle at this year’s Paws in the Park, giving supporters chances to win a new car or cash prizes while saving the lives of thousands of animals across South Carolina. The 10th raffle launches at noon on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the event in Brittlebank Park in downtown Charleston and will be hosted online through the nonprofit fundraising platform RallyUp.

This year’s grand prize is a 2026 Hybrid Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Edition, valued at over $65,000, along with five additional cash prizes: $6,000, $4,000, $2,000, and two $500 cash awards. Only 4,000 tickets are available, with tiered entry options starting at $100 for one entry and multi-ticket packages offering increasing value—up to 20 entries for $1,600, at https://go.rallyup.com/toyota.

“Every ticket helps save lives,” said a Charleston Animal Society spokesperson. “Thanks to the generosity of our longtime benefactors Hank and Laurel Greer, 100% of raffle proceeds go directly to helping the 35,000 animals we care for each year.” Across 10 raffles, the Greers have personally purchased the raffle vehicles and provided the cash prizes, allowing all funds raised, now totaling more than $2.3 million from over 24,000 entries, to support Charleston Animal Society’s lifesaving programs.

The inaugural car raffle in 2018, featuring a donated Mini Cooper, sold out 500 tickets at $100 each and raised $51,000, with the winner driving from Ohio to pick up the car in Charleston. In 2021, the organization selected RallyUp, which is widely regarded as the best online fundraising software for raffles, raising over $270,000 with a Tesla Model Y grand prize. Subsequent raffles have featured vehicles including multiple Lexus hybrids, Subaru models, and a Hyundai Hybrid Santa Fe—each raising critical funds and expanding the impact for animals in need.

The raffle launch will be a marquee moment at Paws in the Park presented by Fetch Pet Insurance, the largest animal event in South Carolina and Charleston Animal Society’s biggest community fundraiser of the year. Held from 12:00 – 4:00 PM at Brittlebank Park (185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC), Paws in the Park features dog adoptions, live music, Barks N’ Brews with 10 local craft beer breweries, a community-favorite Chili Cook-Off, an Oyster Roast, family fun, and opportunities to support Charleston Animal Society’s mission: the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Raffle entries are open to donors nationwide, and previous raffles have drawn participants from 48 states, with winners from both the Charleston area and as far away as Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, and California—demonstrating the broad support for Charleston Animal Society’s lifesaving work along with fundraising partner RallyUp’s national reach.

Call to Action
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase starting March 21 at https://go.rallyup.com/toyota, and Paws in the Park tickets can be purchased at https://www.citypapertickets.com/events/177805259/paws-in-the-park.

About Charleston Animal Society
Since 1874, the mission of Charleston Animal Society has always been the prevention of cruelty to animals. Recognized as an international model of lifesaving success, the Animal Society focuses on three impacts: ending the unnecessary euthanasia, overpopulation, and cruelty of animals. Last year, the Animal Society cared for over 35,000 animals, spayed or neutered over 15,000 animals, adopted over 5,000 animals, and taught compassion to over 11,000 children. As South Carolina’s largest lifesaving organization, animal organizations from across the state and beyond seek guidance and support from the Animal Society, whose guiding principle is that it has a disproportionate responsibility to others; if there is an animal in need anywhere that the Animal Society can impact, it will. With 13 consecutive years of exemplary independent financial audits, the Animal Society remains the top-rated nonprofit organization in South Carolina. For more information, visit CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.

About RallyUp
RallyUp is a global fundraising platform that makes professional campaigns designed to delight donors and drive results. With an average 38% increase in funds raised and a 97% donor satisfaction rating, RallyUp has become the platform of choice for global charities, national nonprofits, schools, churches, and other organizations. Learn more at rallyup.com.

Filed Under: Benefit, Charity, Pets

Pachamama Sanctuary Expands to Florida with New Orlando Sacred Ayahuasca Retreat with Arkawa March 27-29

02/23/2026 by Susan von Seggern

Orlando, FL – February 23, 2026 – Pachamama Sanctuary, a noted Maine based spiritual retreat community dedicated to safe, authentic ayahuasca ceremonies and deep personal transformation, is announcing the opening of a new Orlando sanctuary and its debut retreat offering, the Orlando Sacred Ayahuasca Retreat with Arkawa, bringing its highly regarded healing work to Central Florida.

Since 2019, Pachamama Sanctuary has hosted immersive ayahuasca retreats guided by experienced indigenous-trained facilitators, creating a safe, supportive environment for those seeking spiritual healing, emotional release, and a renewed sense of purpose. Rooted in deep respect for the traditions of South American plant medicine, the Sanctuary focuses on helping participants reconnect with their true selves in a carefully held ceremonial setting.

The organization’s retreats are designed around small-group, sacramental ceremonies led by facilitators with at least a decade of experience working with ayahuasca in the jungles of South America, ensuring authenticity, safety, and integrity for every participant. A strong emphasis on preparation, ceremony support, and integration provides a container for profound emotional and spiritual insights, often including deep emotional release, vivid visionary experience, and a greater sense of connection to life.

The new Orlando retreat with Arkawa, one of Pachamama Sanctuary’s trusted medicine carriers, extends this mission beyond its Maine base, giving Southeast-based seekers easier access to a high-integrity ayahuasca experience without long-distance travel. The program will mirror the Sanctuary’s hallmark structure: multiple night-time ceremonies, supportive daytime practices, nourishing meals, and community integration, all held in a safe, confidential, and compassion-centered environment.

Orlando Sacred Ayahuasca Retreat With Arkawa – Event Details
While the event is sold out, registered participants will join Pachamama Sanctuary and facilitator JC Arkawa for a 3-day, 2-night sacred ayahuasca retreat in the greater Orlando, Florida area, designed for those seeking deep healing, spiritual awakening, and clarity on life’s path. The retreat includes:

  • Multiple evening ayahuasca ceremonies guided by Arkawa
  • A small, intimate group setting for individualized attention and safety
  • Guided support throughout the experience, from opening circle to closing integration
  • Daytime activities that may include breathwork, sharing circles, and reflective time
  • Healthy, nourishing meals and comfortable shared accommodations

The Orlando retreat is structured to give participants enough time to arrive, settle, journey deeply with the medicine, and begin integrating insights before returning home. All participants are guided through a thorough screening and intake process to help ensure medical and psychological suitability for the work.

What to Expect from a Pachamama Sanctuary Ayahuasca Retreat
At Pachamama Sanctuary, ayahuasca is approached as a sacred plant sacrament, honored for its centuries-long use by indigenous cultures of South America for spiritual healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. The brew combines the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves, creating a powerful medicine that can open the door to deep emotional healing and spiritual insight.

Under the guidance of experienced facilitators, participants may experience:

  • Emotional release and healing of past traumas
  • Heightened self-awareness and clarity of purpose
  • A profound sense of connection to nature, spirit, and others
  • Renewed motivation to make positive changes in their lives

While experiences vary for each individual, all ceremonies are held within a framework that prioritizes physical, emotional, and spiritual safety, with trained staff present throughout.

About JC Arkawa
Juan Carlos Arkawa has worked with Ayahuasca for 22 years. He trained in Colombia and serves the sacrament with the highest respect and honor. JC is a multi-instrumentalist musician, producer, composer and arranger of indigenous Colombian descent from the town of Los Pastos. With more than 30 years of musical experience, he bases his work on the fusion of instruments and ethnic music from different parts of the world, as well as cultural knowledge from diverse ancestral communities and contemporary technology. He is a self-taught performer on more than 100 wind instruments from around the world. In 2014 he was recognized by the Congress of the Republic of Colombia for the contribution of his artistic career. JC has given concerts in major Colombian cities as well as internationally in Rome, Prague, United States, Greece, Spain, Germany, Austria and more. He has appeared on television and radio internationally including Telemundo, Univision, and CCTV.

About Pachamama Sanctuary
Pachamama Sanctuary is a spiritual retreat community dedicated to providing safe, authentic ayahuasca ceremonies for individuals seeking transformation, healing, and spiritual connection. Located primarily in the serene forests of Maine and now expanding offerings to Orlando, Florida, Pachamama Sanctuary works with indigenous-trained shamans and medicine carriers with at least 10 years of experience in the South American tradition of ayahuasca. The Sanctuary’s mission is to offer a supportive, well-respected environment where participants can reconnect with their true essence, release emotional burdens, and foster deep spiritual growth and emotional clarity.

Filed Under: Music

Sudama Mark Kennedy & Joss Jaffe Release “Wave Navigation,” the ASMR-Driven Second Single from Upcoming Album Whale Dreaming, Today

02/19/2026 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – February 9, 2026 – Following the streaming success of their ASMR cat-purr project Purrfection 44, which was editorially playlisted on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, Sudama Mark Kennedy and Joss Jaffe return with “Wave Navigation,” the second single from their forthcoming album Whale Dreaming, out February 16. The song’s video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z-hCi-FhWY is especially captivating and was directed by Martin Ball.

Built around the playful calls of whales, along with many classic ear tickling ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) sounds like waves, shakers, bubbles and more, “Wave Navigation” blends authentic marine mammal vocalizations with an intimate global ensemble to create a buoyant soundscape for relaxation, yoga, meditation, and gentle focus. Instruments on the track include ngoni, tablas, bass, sitar, tigerwood shakuhachi (a type of bamboo flute), and nylon string guitar, flowing together with spacious ambient textures and ASMR tinglers that engender feelings of calmness and well-being.

“With the popularity of the ASMR purrs of my cat Nunu on Purrfection 44, it felt natural to sonically dive into the ocean adjacent to my home of Santa Barbara,” says Sudama Mark Kennedy, a musician, poet, and healer whose work centers on sound as a vehicle for joy and peace. “On “Wave Navigation,” and truly on the whole Whale Dreaming album, the whales really guide us; the human instruments and sounds are there to follow, support, and celebrate their exuberant songs.”

Billboard Top 10 New Age artist Joss Jaffe, who brings tabla, ngoni, and ASMR sensations to the track, adds, “We wanted “Wave Navigation” to bring a pleasant form of paresthesia, a sensory response to stimuli, yet still soothing enough for a massage room, a slow-flow yoga class, or a long exhale after a busy day.”

Slated as an early taste of the full Whale Dreaming project, “Wave Navigation” continues the album’s core concept: a deep-listening, oceanic journey where whales are treated as ancient teachers and primary voices. Across the album, real recordings of belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, and orcas, are interwoven with sitar, shakuhachi, didgeridoo, ngoni, guitar, bass, tablas, zither, and subtle sound design, creating a meditative world that supports spa environments, energy work, breathwork, and contemplative listening.

“Superpod” Single & Whale Dreaming Key Details

  • Artist: Sudama Mark Kennedy & Joss Jaffe
  • Single Title: “Wave Navigation” (featuring whale vocalizations and ASMR sounds)
  • Single Release Date: Out now as second single from Whale Dreaming (campaign dates: this Single – February 9; full album – February 16)
  • Album Title: Whale Dreaming – Sudama’s twelfth album
  • Core Sounds: Whales on “Wave Navigation,” elsewhere whales and dolphins (belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, fins, blended pods)
  • Primary Instruments on “Wave Navigation” ngoni, tablas, bass, sitar, tigerwood shakuhachi (a type of bamboo flute), and nylon string guitar
  • Vibe / Keywords: ASMR, happy, relaxation, peace, world, yoga
  • For Fans of: ASMR, new age, ambient, sound healing, world devotional music, yoga and spa playlists

Whale Dreaming as a whole was recorded as a kind of underwater raga with Sudama’s sitar, shakuhachi, and didgeridoo and Jaffe’s ngoni and tabla carefully arranged around the marine mammal recordings rather than playing over them. The result is a gentle, flowing sound world designed to entrain listeners toward stillness, emotional release, and subtle transformation.

Call to Action
“Wave Navigation” is available on major digital platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp, arriving today February 9, with the full Whale Dreaming album releasing February 16. Listeners are encouraged to add “Wave Navigation” to their relaxation, study, yoga, sleep, and sound-healing playlists, and editors, curators, and wellness professionals are invited to feature the track in ASMR, nature, world, and meditation collections.

# # #

About Sudama Mark Kennedy
Sudama Mark Kennedy is a musician, poet, and healer whose twelve albums span kirtan, folk jazz, spoken-word, world jazz funk, and meditative soundscapes, all unified by a focus on healing-intentioned music that brings joy and peace to the listener. He holds a BA in Creative Writing from Princeton and an MA in Shamanism and South Asian Religion from UC Santa Barbara, and has spent three decades pioneering energy medicine and sound healing as professional modalities. His viral cat-purr raga Purrfection 44 (The Meow Mix) has garnered hundreds of thousands of streams and editorial playlisting on major platforms.

About Joss Jaffe
Joss Jaffe is a Billboard Top 10 New Age artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work in meditation, world, and devotional music. On Whale Dreaming he contributes tabla, ngoni African harp, and spacious ambient production, helping bridge authentic nature recordings with contemporary wellness and world-music aesthetics.

To listen to Whale Dreaming please go to https://soundcloud.com/artizen-records/sets/whale-dreaming/s-jP5TXA6oBUp (press only, no public sharing).

Filed Under: Music

Whale Dreaming Based on Sea Mammal Vocalizations, By Sudama Mark Kennedy, Joss Jaffe and Steve Miles Out Today

02/19/2026 by Susan von Seggern

Santa Barbara, California – Whale Dreaming is the new collaborative release from Sudama Mark Kennedy, with Billboard Top-10 New Age artist Joss Jaffe, and Steve Miles, Sudama’s trusted studio partner who has mixed and recorded every song he has ever written, is a deep-listening oceanic journey built entirely around the vocalizations of whales and dolphins. Following the success of their cat-purr ambient project Purrfection 44, which was editorially playlisted on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, they now turn to the songs of belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, and dolphins as the core voices of a 10-track instrumental album plus a spoken-word finale.

Recorded as a kind of underwater raga, Whale Dreaming layers real marine mammal calls with Sudama’s sitar, shakuhachi flute, and didgeridoo, woven together with Jaffe’s ngoni (African harp), Indian tabla, and spacious, healing ambient soundscapes. The result is an expansive, flowing sound world that naturally supports spa environments, massage, energy work, slow yoga, breathwork, and meditation, yet also rewards focused, audiophile-level listening.

The release day focus track on the album will be “Blue,” which features some of the most compelling and deeply relaxing ASMR sounds of the album. The deep sonorous vocalizations of the Blue Whale are deep in the bass range and are calming, mysteriously stimulating and meditative sounds.

For new age, ambient, and world music media, the project sits at a unique intersection:

  • Authentic ASMR-style nature recording
  • Global acoustic instrumentation with strong Indian, Japanese, and African colors
  • Proven streaming appeal from Purrfection 44’s editorial placements (Spotify, Apple, Pandora) and Jaffe’s Meditation Music chart success

With his background in sound healing and shamanic studies, Sudama approaches the whales as ancient teachers whose songs can gently entrain listeners toward stillness, emotional release, and subtle transformation. Whale Dreaming is ideal for editors, reporters, and curators seeking spiritually grounded, nature-centric music that genuinely stands out in the crowded wellness and ambient space.

# # #

Please go to any of the links at https://push.fm/ps/whaledreaming to listen to the album.

Filed Under: Music

Sudama Mark Kennedy & Joss Jaffe Release “Super Pod” Today, Dolphin-Driven First Single from Sea Mammal-Inspired Album Whale Dreaming

02/19/2026 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – February 2, 2026 – Following the streaming success of their ambient cat-purr project Purrfection 44, which was editorially playlisted on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, Sudama Mark Kennedy and Joss Jaffe return with “Super Pod,” the first single from their forthcoming album Whale Dreaming, out February 16.

Built around the playful, high-frequency calls of dolphins, “Super Pod” blends authentic marine mammal vocalizations with an intimate global ensemble to create a buoyant soundscape for relaxation, yoga, meditation, and gentle focus. Instruments on the track include ngoni African harp, shakuhachi flute, and Indian tabla, flowing together with spacious ambient textures and ASMR-adjacent details that highlight the dolphins as the lead “singers.”

“After living inside the purrs of my cat Nunu on Purrfection 44, it felt natural to listen even more deeply to the ocean,” says Sudama Mark Kennedy, a musician, poet, and healer whose work centers on sound as a vehicle for joy and peace. “On ‘Super Pod’ the dolphins really guide us; the human instruments are there to follow, support, and celebrate their exuberant songs.”

Billboard Top 10 New Age artist Joss Jaffe, who brings tabla, ngoni, and expansive ambient production to the track, adds, “We wanted ‘Super Pod’ to feel happy and uplifting yet still soothing enough for a massage room, a slow-flow yoga class, or a long exhale after a busy day.”

Slated as the first taste of the full Whale Dreaming project, “Super Pod” introduces the album’s core concept: a deep-listening, oceanic journey where whales and dolphins are treated as ancient teachers and primary voices. Across the album, real recordings of belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, and dolphins are interwoven with sitar, shakuhachi, didjeridu, ngoni, guitar, bass, tablas, zither, and subtle sound design, creating a meditative world that supports spa environments, energy work, breathwork, and contemplative listening.

“Superpod” Single & Whale Dreaming Key Details

  • Artist: Sudama Mark Kennedy & Joss Jaffe
  • Single Title: “Super Pod” (featuring dolphin vocalizations)
  • Single Release Date: Out now as lead track from Whale Dreaming (campaign dates: this Single – February 2; full album – February 16)
  • Album Title: Whale Dreaming – Sudama’s twelfth album
  • Core Sounds: Dolphins on “Super Pod”; elsewhere whales and dolphins (belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, fins, blended pods)
  • Primary Instruments on “Super Pod”: Ngoni African harp, shakuhachi flute, Indian tabla, spacious ambient textures
  • Vibe / Keywords: ASMR, happy, relaxation, peace, world, yoga
  • For Fans Of: New age, ambient, sound healing, world devotional music, yoga and spa playlists

Whale Dreaming as a whole was recorded as a kind of underwater raga with Sudama’s sitar, shakuhachi, and didjeridu and Jaffe’s ngoni and tabla carefully arranged around the marine mammal recordings rather than playing over them. The result is a gentle, flowing sound world designed to entrain listeners toward stillness, emotional release, and subtle transformation.

Call to Action
“Super Pod” is available on major digital platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp, arriving February 2, with the full Whale Dreaming album releasing February 16. Listeners are encouraged to add “Superpod” to their relaxation, study, yoga, sleep, and sound-healing playlists, and editors, curators, and wellness professionals are invited to feature the track in ASMR, nature, world, and meditation collections.

# # #

About Sudama Mark Kennedy
Sudama Mark Kennedy is a musician, poet, and healer whose twelve albums span kirtan, folk jazz, spoken-word, world jazz funk, and meditative soundscapes, all unified by a focus on healing-intentioned music that brings joy and peace to the listener. He holds a BA in Creative Writing from Princeton and an MA in Shamanism and South Asian Religion from UC Santa Barbara, and has spent three decades pioneering energy medicine and sound healing as professional modalities. His viral cat-purr raga Purrfection 44 (The Meow Mix) has garnered hundreds of thousands of streams and editorial playlisting on major platforms.

About Joss Jaffe
Joss Jaffe is a Billboard Top 10 New Age artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work in meditation, world, and devotional music. On Whale Dreaming he contributes tabla, ngoni African harp, and spacious ambient production, helping bridge authentic nature recordings with contemporary wellness and world-music aesthetics.

To listen to Whale Dreaming please go to https://soundcloud.com/artizen-records/sets/whale-dreaming/s-jP5TXA6oBUp (press only, no public sharing).

Filed Under: Music

Sleep To Live Well Foundation Partners with NorCal’s Legacy Mental Health Organization, FAMILY PATHS, and Launches Embracing Sleep Wellness Family Guide

12/22/2025 by Susan von Seggern

San Jose, California – December 2, 2025 — The Sleep To Live Well Foundation (STLW) is thrilled to announce its partnership with Northern California’s noted mental health and family support organization, Family Paths, which has been serving the community’s needs for over 50 years. Sleep To Live Well supports Family Paths’ mission to empower and strengthen families by offering Sleep Wellness education resources to their clinicians, program services teams, and the hundreds of parents and children they serve.

“We are pleased to announce that Family Paths is our inaugural community partner, given their exemplary 50-year+ legacy of strengthening families. We expect our Sleep Wellness resources to augment their efforts in fostering resilience, particularly among children,” said Scarlet Nickhol, STLW’s executive director and chief marketing officer. “Furthermore, we consider ourselves privileged to collaborate with Family Paths Executive Director Barbra Silver before her retirement this year, following her 27 years of service at the organization, thereby incorporating this dimension of support during her tenure.”

“Family Paths is honored to be the first community partner to help launch this important resource with the Sleep to Live Well Foundation,” said Executive Director Barbra Silver. “Over the past 50+ years, Family Paths has worked to empower and support parents and children and give them tools to heal from the impact of trauma and stress. Understanding the importance of sleep as a source of resilience and improved health is aligned with our goal of strengthening families.”

The timing of the partnership is fortuitous, as it comes just as Sleep To Live Well is releasing its guide to help parents combat the CDC-declared public health epidemic of insufficient sleep, which is adversely affecting the health of millions of children and adults in the U.S.

Embracing Sleep Wellness: A Family Guide To Transforming Sleep Resistance Into a Nurturing Ritual, authored by Dr. Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP, with Scarlet Nickhol, MPP, MBA, is an essential 64-page guide to establishing Sleep Wellness in the household. Family Paths will utilize the guide and other STLW materials in parenting programs and with the children it serves.

“The mental health clinicians at Family Paths, led by Clinical Director Rene DValery, are the perfect conduit for our Sleep Wellness Screening Protocol and Digest tools,” said STLW Founder and Medical Director Dr. Roger Washington, a family physician of 35 years. “For too long, our healthcare providers have lacked proper training and resources to assess sleep quality as an indicator of health and wellness—physically, mentally, or emotionally. With our screening kit, they have a method to quickly evaluate whether inadequate sleep contributes to the health issues they are observing in individuals and families, along with guidance to prompt Sleep Wellness practices.”

More on the Family Guide for Transforming Bedtime
Created for Sleep To Live Well by Stanford-trained physician and sleep wellness advocate Dr. Washington (aka “Doctor Bedtime”), the family guide, Embracing Sleep Wellness, provides actionable strategies for parents and caregivers to address children’s bedtime resistance, create nurturing rituals, and support lifelong healthy sleep habits. With practical advice for parents, tips for managing bedtime for different age groups, and a focus on emotional resilience, the guide is poised to become a vital resource for any household.

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-follow steps for fostering Sleep Wellness at any age
  • Guidance on recognizing and honoring sleep cues
  • Rituals for creating a calm, secure bedtime environment
  • Solutions for families with multiple children or challenging schedules
  • Section for adults to “unlearn” bad sleep habits and model healthy practices

“Our goal is to break cycles of sleep deprivation and empower the next generation with tools for resilience and well-being, especially among youth experiencing stress and trauma,” says Dr. Washington.

What People Are Saying About the Family Guide
“Simple, practical advice that actually works—made bedtime way less of a struggle at our house.” – Parent of 6 and 13-year-olds.

“We needed advice on how to reframe bedtime so that sleep is not a punishment.” – Parents of three children.

About Family Paths
Based in Oakland, CA, Family Paths has been helping families thrive in Northern California communities since 1972 by providing Mental Health Therapy, Parent Education, Parenting Support Services, and Community Outreach. Through therapy, peer support, trauma-informed care, classes, education, and a 24/7 parenting helpline, Family Paths fosters emotional well-being, resilience, and self-sufficiency for children, parents, and families. They have tracked measurable change and meaningful outcomes among thousands of families they have served, including parents who are more patient with their children, increased parenting confidence, improved child behavior, and better stress management.

Website: www.familypaths.org

About Sleep To Live Well Foundation
Based in San Jose, CA, Sleep To Live Well is a health education nonprofit dedicated to advancing public health by promoting Sleep Wellness as preventive medicine, with a focus on children and families facing adversity. Part of its mission is to develop, produce, and distribute evidence-based educational materials, including this parent guide and the children’s book Doctor Bedtime’s Sleep Magic SuperPowers for Super-Sleepers, that are grounded in trauma-informed care, behavioral science, and decades of clinical expertise. Both the family guide and children’s books are available on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting its charitable book programs.

For Community Outreach, please contact
Scarlet Nickhol, MPP, MBA
Executive Director, Sleep To Live Well Foundation
Email: info@sleeptolivewell.org
Phone: 1.888.395.7794
Website: www.sleeptolivewell.org

Together, we can make Sleep Wellness a gift for every family.

Filed Under: Childrens, Health, Medicine

Holiday Film A Heart Full of Hope Premieres at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills

11/22/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Produced by Nicole Mendez (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions
BEVERLY HILLS, CA (November 10, 2025) — The spirit of the holiday season came alive last week at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills as cast, crew, and special guests gathered for the red carpet premiere of A Heart Full of Hope, the latest uplifting film produced by the Nicole Mendez (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions.

The premiere drew an enthusiastic crowd, with attendees enjoying a festive evening of holiday cheer, heartfelt storytelling, and cinematic celebration. A Heart Full of Hope delivers a heartfelt message of compassion, perseverance, and the gift of second chances — themes that align beautifully with MNITF’s mission to advance organ donation awareness and support transplant patients and their families.

In attendance were the film’s stars, Chelsea Rose Cook, Juliah Taylor, and Sebastian Armani, as well as director Dale Fabrigar, and producers Nicole Mendez, and Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

Guests at the premiere walked on the red carpet, posed for photos, and shared warm holiday wishes as they enjoyed the debut screening. Following the film, an intimate reception, with sandwiches by Fat Sal’s, cannoli by Bug & Bears, and drinks by Booze & Brews, gave attendees the chance to celebrate the production team’s efforts and the film’s message of perseverance and hope.

“A Heart Full of Hope is more than a holiday movie—it’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, kindness and faith can light the way,” said Nicole Mendez. “We’re proud to collaborate with MNITF to highlight a message that resonates far beyond the screen and will bring awareness to the importance of living kidney donors,” added Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

The film recently had success on the film festival circuit, winning at the Cannes World Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Awards, and the Accolade Global Film Competition. It was also a finalist at the Bright Light International Film Festival and an official selection of the Glendale International Film Festival. A Heart Full of Hope is now available to watch on multiple streaming platforms.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Film

The 2025 MNITF Holiday Gala Shines Bright at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

11/22/2025 by Susan von Seggern

An elegant evening produced by Nicole Mendez & Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions celebrates philanthropy, entertainment, and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation’s life-saving mission
Beverly Hills, CA – November 6, 2025 – The 2025 Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) Holiday Gala, held at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 2nd, and produced by Nicole Mendez, and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions, was a dazzling evening of entertainment, inspiration, and generosity.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress Eva LaRue, best known for CSI: Miami and her acclaimed work in daytime television, the gala brought together Hollywood talent, donors, and advocates to support MNITF’s mission of advancing organ transplantation through research and education.

The evening’s program featured a lively tap dance routine produced by Shannon Beach, a mesmerizing hand-balancing act, and a festive finale by The Satin Dollz, who performed a 1940s-inspired holiday medley.

Among the many notable guests were Eric Roberts, Michael Paré, and Stepfanie Kramer, who joined attendees in celebrating the foundation’s continued impact and outreach.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors. Corporate sponsors included: Parking Company of America, Natera, TFS Financial Insurance Services & Total Financial Solutions, Inc., Fiduciary Trust International, Galpin Motors, Dukes Wealth Management, and Midwest Railway Services.
Guests walked the red carpet, enjoyed handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, bid on exclusive auction items, and departed with elegant gift bags—all in the spirit of giving.

Gift bag sponsors included: Ellovi, Beez Gone Natural Skincare, Velvet Sunglasses, Foskaris Wellness, Skanties Anti-Shapewear, Mr. Stew, B!atch Tequila, Capaquarius Media, and Booze & Brews #2.
The 2025 MNITF Holiday Gala was truly a night to remember, honoring the compassion and commitment that drives the foundation’s mission forward.

Filed Under: Charity, Entertainment, Events

Prediction News Appoints Former Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer as Political Director

11/22/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Thayer and Prediction News Political Analyst Chris Gerlacher Available for Interviews in Lead Up to NYC Mayoral Election
Lexington, Kentucky – October 16, 2025 – Prediction News, a leading media outlet for real-time updates and industry insights on prediction markets, proudly announces the appointment of Damon Thayer as its new Political Director.

As a former Majority Floor Leader of the Kentucky State Senate, Thayer brings more than two decades of legislative leadership and strategic expertise to Prediction News. He will leverage his election experience to deliver unparalleled analysis at the intersection of politics and prediction markets—helping decode, anticipate, and capitalize on major political contests and trends influencing shifts in global sentiment.

In addition to Thayer, Prediction News’ reporter and political analyst Chris Gerlacher, who has been covering election betting and trading since the 2022 midterms, is also available for interviews.

Thayer and Gerlacher will be available for media interviews to discuss insights and developments in the prediction markets for:

  • The upcoming New York City mayoral election
  • The 2026 U.S. midterms
  • The 2028 U.S. presidential elections

“Joining Prediction News gives me a unique opportunity to merge my legislative experience with the dynamic world of prediction markets,” said Thayer. “From the campaign trail to the prediction floor, our team will empower traders to understand how politics, policy, and public sentiment collide—and what that means for America’s biggest elections.”

About Damon Thayer

  • Over 20 years as a Kentucky State Senator, including service as Majority Floor Leader
  • Veteran campaign strategist with six successful elections
  • Industry consultant in horse racing (regulatory strategy and economic development) and bourbon (Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame honoree)
  • Expert commentator on the intersection of politics, prediction markets, and legislative behavior

Stay ahead with Prediction News—the essential resource for the next era of prediction markets.

About Prediction News
Prediction News is a leading source for real-time updates, in-depth analysis, and industry insights on the evolving world of prediction markets, spanning politics, finance, sports, culture, and emerging trends. Founded by top sports media and data entrepreneurs, Prediction News specializes in:

  • Breaking news on platform launches, regulatory shifts, and market trends
  • Explaining how cultural and political events are reflected in prediction markets
  • Providing perspectives that help audiences capitalize on emerging stories

Prediction News’ mission is to provide factual, unbiased journalism and expert analysis for traders, policymakers, founders, and anyone interested in the future of market-driven forecasts.

Filed Under: News, Politics

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