In this episode of Mighty Forces, Amanda reunites with longtime friends Kimberly Wilson and Michelle Hynes, two women whose lives embody creativity, compassion, and service. The three first met decades ago at Kimberly’s beloved Tranquil Space Yoga studio in Washington, D.C.—a place that sparked deep friendships, activism, and the founding of the Tranquil Space Foundation. Throughout the episode, they explore what it means to give a damn in a world that can feel overwhelming: how acts of service evolve over a lifetime, how creative expression and giving intersect, and why taking care of our nervous systems matters as much as caring for others. From Kimberly’s childhood obsession with turtles (and her $2-a-week donations to “the turtle lady”) to Michelle’s work with 99 Girlfriends—a women’s collective giving organization that’s donated over $3.6 million—the episode is a love letter to purposeful living, community, and the small acts that ripple outward.

Topics:

• The story of Tranquil Space Yoga and the deep friendships it sparked
• Michelle’s midlife move from D.C. to Portland and creating a more spacious life
• Kimberly’s creative connection to Paris and how place shapes identity
• Early awakenings to service—from saving turtles to serving communities
• Founding and growing Tranquil Space Foundation and Pigs & Pugs Project
• How 99 Girlfriends amplifies impact through collective giving
• Balancing activism with nervous system care
• The link between creativity, compassion, and service
• Why obsession and joy can guide meaningful contribution

Episode Resources:

• The Phillips Collection
• Teaism
• Ila Fox Loetscher (The Turtle Lady)
• Ninety-Nine Girlfriends
• The Pigs & Pugs Project
• Borneo Orangutan Survival
• The Jane Goodall Institute
• The Center for Great Apes
• The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron

Resources:

• Mighty Forces
• Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
• Follow Amanda on Instagram

Mighty Forces is produced by Amanda Hirsch and Heart Centered Podcasting. The music of Mighty Forces was written and performed by Jordan Hirsch, aka my wonderful husband.