Hey Courageous Friends,

In this deeply moving episode of The Frequency of Courage, host Megan Imbert sits down with James Palmaro, a blind poet, musician, and teacher from Brooklyn, New York. James shares his remarkable journey of losing his sight and gaining a profound perspective on life. Through his story, we explore themes of resilience, gratitude, and the power of human connection in a world often characterized by disconnection.

From his childhood in Brooklyn to his diagnosis with retinitis pigmentosa, James recounts how he transformed challenges into opportunities, inspiring countless individuals through his teaching, poetry, and music. He reflects on his experiences as a teacher for children, including those of incarcerated parents, his belief in the strength of community, and the beauty of living with an open heart.

James also performs his heartfelt poetry, including “The Forest” and “Nighttime Revelations,” offering listeners an invitation to shift their perspective and embrace the gifts of the present moment. This episode is a celebration of courage, love, and the ripple effect of human kindness. The episode ends with a musical surprise featuring James on the harmonica and his friend Dave on the piano play a rendition of "Thank You for Being a Friend." Thank you to Dave, for being a wonderful production assistant ensuring James was able to share his wisdom with the world on the podcast!

What to Listen For:

• James Palmaro’s philosophy of life, rooted in gratitude and optimism.
• How blindness became a teacher and a bridge for connection.
• The transformative power of community and teaching.
• The role of poetry and music in healing and self-expression.

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