In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha shares a reflective monologue on how we think about the mind—as both a noun and a verb. Drawing from personal experience, everyday stressors, and the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, he probes the labels we apply to our thoughts and feelings. Joseph explores the practice he calls “dropping the shades,” a method of pausing and resetting through nostalgic reconnection. He explains how this mental reset—whether through music, memory, or a moment of solitude—can help us observe our inner storms without becoming them.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction: the concept of the mind as noun vs. verb
[00:01:30] How internal labeling shapes self-perception
[00:02:55] The metaphor of the garden and choosing what we “water”
[00:03:30] Introducing “dropping the shades” as a coping mechanism
[00:04:05] Navigating emotional rapids and life’s stressors
[00:04:21] Using nostalgia to reset and re-center
[00:05:45] Operating room metaphor: connecting, pausing, and returning
[00:06:40] Neuroscience behind nostalgia’s effect on the brain
[00:07:15] Individual ways to “drop the shades” and reconnect
[00:07:40] Closing reflections and invitation to apply the concept

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab

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In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with pastel artist Robin Frisella, PSA-MP, IAPS/MC, whose still life paintings evoke nostalgia, serenity, and emotional depth. Robin shares how a casual invitation to a pastel class ignited her lifelong artistic journey, transforming a quiet post-childraising chapter into a vibrant second act. The discussion touches on the emotional processes behind her art, the meaning she finds in vintage objects, and how her work provides a calming experience for others. They also explore themes of creative authenticity, family support, and art’s healing potential.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Joseph Elisha recalls discovering Robin Frisella’s work in Boston.
[00:02:38] Robin shares how a pastel class began her journey as an artist.
[00:04:15] Transition from working at a copy center to painting full time.
[00:06:56] Childhood love for drawing and early creative expression.
[00:07:32] Why she was drawn to still life over landscapes or portraits.
[00:09:05] Favorite objects to paint and their nostalgic emotional weight.
[00:10:05] The story behind her mother-in-law’s butter churn painting.
[00:11:28] How antique shops inspire her artistic compositions.
[00:12:55] Capturing emotional resonance through light and setup.
[00:14:31] Building emotional connection even with commissioned pieces.
[00:15:41] Responding to whether art is created or uncovered.
[00:16:37] Visualizing the final product and evolving it through the process.
[00:17:50] Attachment to her work and meeting collectors at shows.
[00:19:05] Managing pressure and how deadlines can sharpen creativity.
[00:19:46] Pastel as a challenging but expressive medium.
[00:21:21] Leaving areas unfinished and the beauty of imperfection.
[00:22:13] Viewers' emotional responses and what they take away.
[00:23:36] Memories from her childhood and their influence on her work.
[00:25:34] Using painting as a form of emotional reset during stress.
[00:26:44] The role and emotional pull of her signature dark backgrounds.
[00:27:42] Connection to old master traditions and family support.
[00:29:10] If not art, her love for interior decorating.
[00:29:49] Her children’s support and how her art evolved over time.
[00:31:07] Losing awareness of the world while painting.
[00:31:48] Becoming more open and confident through art.
[00:32:45] Introversion, public interaction, and creative paradoxes.
[00:33:53] What she wants future generations to take from her work.
[00:34:49] Dealing with doubt and finding reassurance through audience feedback.
[00:36:02] The only critique she’s ever received and staying true to her style.
[00:37:02] Why she’d still paint even if she never sold another piece.

Learn more about Robin: https://www.robinfrisella.com/

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab

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In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha speaks with 12-year-old Madelyn Quinn and her parents, about Madelyn’s life as a heart transplant recipient. From enduring multiple surgeries in infancy to becoming a world-ranked junior golfer, Madelyn shares her powerful story of resilience, gratitude, and connection with her donor family. The conversation explores medical challenges, family dynamics, emotional healing, and the lasting impact of organ donation. Join us for a deeply human conversation about strength, purpose, and the extraordinary gift of life.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Dr. Elisha shares a personal experience with organ procurement.
[00:03:30] Madelyn introduces herself and reflects on life with a donor heart.
[00:07:29] Madelyn and her parents recount the emotional and medical journey.
[00:14:37] Madelyn shares her "superpowers" and passion for golf.
[00:18:58] The Quinn family meets their donor family for the first time.
[00:24:19] Reflections on honoring the donor's legacy and the responsibility of receiving life.
[00:29:52] Madelyn answers whether she would choose a different path if she could.
[00:34:17] Dad discusses how Madelyn’s journey led him to a new career in transplant innovation.
[00:38:30] The family recalls the exact moment they received the transplant call.
[00:43:12] Madelyn shares her fears—medical and otherwise—and how she manages them.
[00:50:04] The importance of organ donation and Madelyn’s message to skeptics.
[00:54:59] Reflections on faith, gratitude, and the unseen hands that guide their path.
[00:56:57] Dr. Elisha confirms his own decision to become an organ donor after hearing Madelyn’s story.

Learn more about OneLegacy: https://www.onelegacy.org/wp/

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab

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