WELCOME TO SEASON 4
The Gratitude Blooming Podcast
Monthly show co-hosted by Belinda Liu, Omar Brownson and Guest, Dr. Paul Wang
Monthly show co-hosted by Belinda Liu, Omar Brownson and Guest, Dr. Paul Wang
“The bud stands for all things, even for those things that don't flower,
for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing.”
— Galway Kinnell
How do we know when change is coming?
Sometimes it’s dramatic — a storm, a rupture, a loss.
But more often, it's subtle. A swelling bud. A shift in the light. A moment when we realize: we are not the same person we were a season ago.
Season 4 of the Gratitude Blooming Podcast is about tuning into these signals — the quiet ways that nature shows us how to move through uncertainty with presence and care.
Wayfinding is the art of navigation without a map — practiced by Polynesian sailors, desert trackers, and many Indigenous traditions around the world. But it’s also a spiritual practice: listening, attuning, following signs others might miss.
Each episode is anchored in a card and a theme — from Curiosity to Healing — drawn as a starting point for honest, unscripted reflection.
This season, we invite you to listen as practice.
To notice what resonates — not just with your mind, but with your body and spirit.
We’re also experimenting with our new home on Substack with a paid subscriber tier as a way to make Gratitude Blooming more sustainable — without compromising the soul of the work. Your support will help us keep the podcast ad-free, fund new art and community circles, and expand this garden together.
Tell us in the comments:
What is blooming in your life right now — even if it’s still just a bud?
What signs are you listening for?
With love and reverence,
Belinda, Omar and Arlene
Gratitude Blooming
In this episode, hosts Omar and Belinda, joined by Dr. Paul Wang, explore the intense transition from spring to summer—a time of rapid blooming and expansive energy.
In this episode, we explore the seasonal shift from budding to blooming—and how the heart holds the wisdom to navigate both.
How might simplifying your focus create space for what truly matters to flourish in your life this spring?
In this episode, we delve into the value of finding sanctuary within ourselves—the importance of the "cave life"—and how it can lead to restorative growth.
When we are present with nature, even present with a single plant, can we notice its power and beauty? And if we can learn to see the beauty and power in a plant, can we start to see the beauty and power in ourselves, in others around us and democracy as a whole?
We invite you to join us in this collective inquiry:
How do we create spaces that build coherence?
How do we build it in our own lives and extend it to our communities, our democracy, our nation and our world?
Zen Master and movement leader Norma Wong returns to share her profound insights on tenacity and transformation, illuminating the intricate dance between persistence and stubbornness. And, she shares insights from her new book, When No Thing Works.
Guided by the changing seasons, this fourth and final installment of the Empathy & Democracy series centers on the transformative practice of "Fearless Gratitude" in action as we pause together to feel and share the depths of our emotions as we grapple with the complexities of this election year.
This week, we are joined by beloved movement creatrix adrienne maree brown in a conversation about talking with trees, finding your murmuration, and holding complexity (and each other).
Curiosity can be a powerful tool against fear. We explore how engaging with what makes us uncomfortable can lead to deeper understanding and diminish fear's hold on our lives.
Embark on a reflective journey with us, as we begin to weave together the wisdom of over 100 episodes, creating a tapestry of insights that transcend time.
Recount an unforgettable evening at the Japanese American National Museum and the Democracy Center—a night where rose petals and silence laid the foundation for an exploration into empathy and democracy
Embark on a transformative exploration with us as we reflect on a profound year investigating the intersection of empathy and democracy through our collaboration with the Japanese American National Museum.
As the seasons begin to change, we find ourselves wrapped in the afterglow of a snowstorm — a perfect time to foster our aspirations and face the hurdles ahead. Join us in a heartwarming journey where we embrace the art of grounding ourselves through meditation, connecting deeply with the earth and our innermost dreams. We'll navigate the ancient philosophy of Wu Wei or effortless action and learn to trust the natural flow of life.
In this season, through conversations with diverse guests, we explore the deep connection between nature and culture, as well as how to create a more beautiful world through art, gratitude and self-inquiry.
We also share unique stories from the frontlines of this new landscape, featuring teachers, healers, leaders, and other culture keepers.
In this conversation, we delve into the wild card represented by the sweet pea with Iris Podschun (they/them), a somatic coach. Iris, whose name itself holds significance, shares their early memories and their journey of self-discovery as a queer individual, challenging societal binaries and embracing a path of authenticity.
Join us in this captivating episode of Gratitude Blooming as we delve into the theme of Wholeness with the remarkable Lorrie Adams. Represented by the vibrant Forsythia, Lorrie takes us on a journey of self-discovery and healing, sharing her profound insights and experiences.
In this episode, urban artist and poet SJ Hazim shares his insights on the theme of Simplicity card #18, represented by the humble daisies.
In this episode of Gratitude Blooming, we sit down with Stacey Street, the COO of Richmond Community Foundation, to talk about the power of love, compassion, and courage.
In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Liz Childs Kelly, the author of the book "Home to Her". Liz shares with us her journey of co-creating the world she wants to live in by trusting in flow, trust, and faith, rather than following a rigid ten-step formula.
In this episode, we talk to Ain Bailey, the founder of New Seneca Village, as she shares her insights on the Gratitude Blooming card #17, Humility, represented by two connected violets.
In this episode, we sit down with love coach and matchmaker Soniyah Singh to explore the Gratitude Blooming card #39 Grace, represented by a rose.
In this episode of Gratitude Blooming, we sit down with Ariel Loh, the composer and producer behind Window Seat, to discuss his newest album, The Garden of Healing.
In Season 1 we explored the mindful prompts and the flower illustrations drawn from the Gratitude Blooming cards.
The Gratitude Blooming card deck includes 39 artist-illustrated plants and a guidebook of mindful prompts with themes like Joy & Presence, Simplicity, Courage and Curiosity.
This is our way to offer tangible mental health and wellness practices. We aim to inspire, heal, and invite healthy ways to process emotions through art, nature and gratitude.
You can listen to the episodes below.
Here we are
Lost in the wild
Of climate and inequality
Trying to reconnect
To our humanity
Maybe in the flower petal
We can see our hearts
Maybe in the pollen
We can smell our soul
Attracting
The plant
is present
Here, watching
Listening
Growing, breathing
Still
Imagine flowers
In voting booths
Growing out of composted
Constitutions
Checking the box
To our humanity
Thank you to all of our listeners who have helped to make the Gratitude Blooming Podcast one of the top 5 percent of podcasts in the world, ranked in the top 10 gratitude podcasts in Apple Podcasts with 5-star reviews.
Make a donation to support the Gratitude Blooming Podcast! This keeps our listener-driven podcast ad-free and supports Belinda, Omar and Arlene to continue creating meaningful content for you!
If you would like to sponsor our podcast, please contact us.
Belinda Liu
Omar Brownson
Arlene Kim Suda
Brian Vasquez
for yourself & the people you appreciate in your life