Monthly Archives: March 2014

Glowing with the Flow – An Interview with Steven Universe’s Michaela Dietz

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On February 12th, it was awesome to talk with Michaela Dietz, the voice of Amethyst on Cartoon Network’s new hit show Steven Universe. Hear her answers to some of our FunZen questions, and listen to her share how she gets into vibrational harmony.

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How did you get into voice acting?

Since I was young, people frequently commented on my low, raspy voice. (Either that or asked me if I was getting over a cold. TRUE FACT!) After college, I was studying acting in NYC. I saw a VO audition posted online and left a message on the casting director’s voicemail. I didn’t book that job, but he remembered me and called me into voice a character for a video game. Shortly after, I nabbed a series regular voiceover role on the children’s show, Barney and Friends! (I love you, you love me, WE ALL LOVE FUNZEN?!) And I’ve been doing VOs ever since!

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We love your vibe in Steven Universe as the crystal gem Amethyst, which you make look effortless. What is the spark of similarity between the two of you?

Oh man. Ah hahah. Maybe that I also say things like, “OH MAN!” Amethyst loves to have fun. She’s passionate, excitable and isn’t afraid to voice her opinion. Like me, she’s also sensitive. I love joking around and laughing at myself, but I’m capable of crying about injustice in the world and especially over sentimental content. (Hello! Did anyone else weep at the beginning of the movie UP? Like, full-on blubbering baby type of tears?!?! Don’t even get me started on that commercial with the puppies…)

What cool message (sharing your vision) would Amethyst like the viewers to take with them?

Don’t EVER be afraid to be yourself.

1979557_246945938824477_1844028729_nBuy this and other Steven Universe merch here!

 

The FunZen girls are always interested in sharing different viewpoints on how to stress the small stuff less to feel a lil more blessed in small steps. What would you suggest to help kids and teens who get overwhelmed by the relentless pressure of so many competing demands to stress less? Or, how do you deal with stress when it feels overwhelming?

First off, to the youth dealing with stress: I know it seems like there are always challenges in your life and that the worries – big or small – are never ending. BUT PLEASE! Just keep breathing, keep your sense of humor handy and it WILL get better.

I find that exercise (yoga, kickboxing, biking, dancing) is a calming and empowering force for me. If I’m feeling restless, I try to visualize myself swimming underwater. This quiets a lot of my ‘head noise’ and occasionally makes me thirsty.

I’d be remiss not to mention a fav buzzword here: SUPPORT GROUPS! Family! Friends! Maybe a mentor or a coach?! Someone who you trust! In all seriousness, no one can grow alone. We need people to teach us, ground us, make us laugh, confide in and people, who we can in turn, support. Ebb and flow, people. Give a penny, take a penny. I say FUN, you say ZEN. You get the drift…

 How does Michaela chill out and have fun?

When I need to chill out I stick my head in the freezer. Psych! There’s nothing like a good surf session or swimming in the ocean to put a smile on my face. I’ve also been known to blast music in my home and/or car and bust a move. I really want to check out that wall to wall trampoline action… any takers?!

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Check out Michaela’s twitter: @Whammybah
Michaela’s instagram: @Whammybah

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FunZen Girls

Awaken Your Zentrepreneur One Kaizen Step At a Time – An Interview with John Murphy

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To be calm is the highest achievement of the self.

~ Zen Proverb

UPDATE 3/14 (Einstein’s Birthday and Pi Day!):

Awaken your inner zentrepreneur…this new interview on BlogTalk Radio has a lovely laid back tone with interviewer Andrea and author of Zentrepreneur John J. Murphy. They have a refreshing chat about core entrepreneur concepts to build on from A to Zen mastery.

Andrea flowed and made the interview relaxing yet strategic with tools to turn good ideas into great results. Oxx

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Here’s another interview done by Laura Ciel about being a Zentrepreneur with John Murphy that the FunZen girls love. Listen up!

*UPDATE* Here is one more interview that is brand new! Let’s soar, explore, and roar with John Murphy!

Check Out Self Help Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Inside Out on BlogTalkRadio

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(Order Here!)

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Let John Murphy be your guide through the mine fields that accompany any change effort.”

Dr. Ken Blanchard — Coauthor of The One Minute Manager

Cheers! A belated welcome to the New Year, New Now! Guess who will be joining us in a pith interview to awaken our inner zentrepreneur any time of year? Award-Winning Author, John J. Murphy of “Zentrepreneur – Get Out of the Way and Lead-Create a Culture of Innovation and Fearlessness.

According to recent studies, less than 10% of people who make New Year’s resolutions actualize their goals, and keep their promises. John is here to share his best of the best tips to stay on point any time of year. By making small but effective changes to the way we live, breathe, and behave, we can tap into our “Kaizen” spirit of turning good ideas into great results.

With our Q&A format, John answers 4 questions to effortlessly help us, Be committed, to Do what ever it takes, to Have what we want by aligning our values with action steps. After all, in the words of James Kerr, author of Legacy eBook: “It’s time to leave a legacy. Your legacy. It’s your time.”

ZenJOY the Ride!
FunZen Girls (Michiko and Grace)

(P.S.: Welcome to the new FunZen Bakery website. All of our old blogs can be viewed here!)

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One Kaizen Minute: Listen up to Grace asking John question #2

Your best tip to stick to resolutions anytime of year?

 

The Q&A With John Murphy

1. How do you personally stay cool under pressure?

I start with breathing. A steady deep breathing cycle of 4-6 seconds in and 4-6 seconds out helps reach high “heart coherence” (which is measurable). It is with high heart coherence and the Law of Attraction that we resonate with divine energy (and zenergy) and reach a state of flow. Flow enables us to perform at peak levels. It also builds confidence.

2. Your best tip to stick to resolutions anytime of year?

Share your resolution with others close to you and ask for help. Think teamwork, not independent action. Write your goals down and keep them visible every day. Meditate on your goals and intentions. Be the change. Allow others to help you and support you. This also builds accountability. If you slip, start again.

3. What is the first step to awakening your inner Zentrepreneur?

Get out of your own way. Take ownership for your thinking and let go of your excuses and rationalizations. Challenge your assumptions and limiting beliefs (mental programs and viruses of the mind). Let these limiting beliefs go. Learn to ask yourself simple questions like What if, Why and Why not? Contemplate the answers without judgment and resistance. Open your mind to the endless possibilities around you.

4. Grace’s question? How can Kaizen help you as a college freshmen?

Kaizen means “Good Change” and is used to quickly improve processes and results. Apply kaizen to your habits and tendencies… finding ways to improve your mindfulness and execution. Apply “good change” to your wake-up routine in the morning (like by committing 15 minutes to meditation). Apply it to your diet and eating habits. Make good change in your physical fitness routine. Apply it to your study habits. Start by getting the facts and data. Get help from a peer or tutor if need be. There are so many ways to apply “good change.” We are surrounded by processes. Improve your inputs and you will improve your outputs.

John Murphy – @sageleader

He’s going to be giving a  Zentrepreneur Workshop at  6-7:30pm 2/8 at the LA  Conscious Life Expo  See you there!  = )