PERSONAL WRITING
Please find below examples of pieces I've written based on topics of personal interest, people I've interviewed,
books I've read, places I've traveled, etc.
INTERVIEWS
Published in The Huffington Post
Following the horrific church shooting in Charleston, SC in June 2015, I interviewed a South Carolina pastor, Rev. Joseph McDonald, on finding meaning in tragedy and the power of forgiveness.
Published in The Huffington Post
An interview with a 60 year-old Irish American Catholic on everything from St. Patrick's Day to the stereotypical self-effacement and emotional reserve exhibited by many of Irish descent.
Published on my personal blog, All Things Good
An interview with Andrew Forsthoefel, author of "Walking to Listen", which chronicles his post-college 11-month journey walking across America, listening to the stories of strangers and seeking tidbits of wisdom that would usher him into adulthood and help guide him on life’s journey.
MUSIC-INSPIRED REFLECTIONS
Published in OnBeing, a Webby Award-winning website
A reflection on Adele's ability to draw us into the depths of human existence, touching something poignant in the hearts and souls of a fan base that defies categorization.
Published in OnBeing, a Webby Award-winning website
A reflection on renowned blues singer Buddy Guy's song, "Flesh and Bone", and its invitation to contemplate a life more than our human desires and temptations, frustrations and fears, tribulations and doubts.
CULTURE PIECES
Published in The Huffington Post
An inquiry into the origins of a letter that went viral on social media, which was falsely attributed to Albert Einstein
Published in The Huffington Post
A tribute to the beloved children's TV show host, Fred Rogers, and his ability to resonate with children and adults alike
Published in The Huffington Post
Inspired by the Easter season, I wrote a piece reflecting on the meaning behind tradition and the importance of traditions in healthy societies
Published in The Huffington Post
An examination of the importance of virtue, morality and character in our nation's leaders, inspired by a proposal for mandatory ethics training put forth by two Congressional representatives
Published in personal blog, All Things Good
How Pope Francis' "15 Ailments of the Curia", delivered during his 2015 Christmas address, serves as the antithesis of a New Years resolution list for the general public
Published in The Huffington Post
A reflection on the value of mothers and their impact on how we understand ourselves, others and the world around us
PERSONAL GROWTH TOPICS
Published in Thrive Global
A piece distilling insights and quotes from bestselling author Anne Lamott's book, "Hallelujah Anyway", highlighting the importance of inner peace and joy
Published on a life coaching blog, MindsetBits
I contributed a piece to a life coaching blog that draws on ancient wisdom from Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius' book, Meditations, regarding the importance of perspective
Published in Thrive Global
A personal reflection on learning how peace, joy, love and fulfillment come from within
Published on the Usher Syndrome Coalition's blog
Inspired by my niece, I wrote a reflection on Usher Syndrome, an inherited disease and the most common cause of combined deafness and blindness.
FAITH-INSPIRED REFLECTIONS
Published in spiritual blog, The Inward Turn
Drawing on a story about an eagle raised by chickens, I wrote a personal reflection about learning to boldly step into the life of abundance that God promises us.
Published on an Advent blog, Waiting Adventfully
A personal reflection on the importance of humility in a world that equates success with a visibly empowered self
Published in spiritual blog, The Inward Turn
Distilling insights from the 4th century "Desert Fathers", as found in a book by the theologian and Trappist monk Thomas Merton, I wrote a piece highlighting the importance of solitude in today's fast-paced world.
Published in personal blog, All Things Good
Inspired by the lenten season, I wrote a piece reflecting on the value of self-denial and how it can lead us down a path of personal transformation and growth.
TRAVEL PIECES
Published in The Huffington Post
A reflection on Irish hospitality, as experienced during a 2015 trip to Doolin, a tiny seaside village on the west coast of Ireland.
Published in personal blog, All Things Good
A reflection on the renewed perspective that comes from traveling to new places, inspired by a weeklong visit to Oahu, Hawaii.
Published in personal blog, All Things Good
A reflection on Scotland's Isle of Skye, renowned worldwide for its enchanting landscapes and geological marvels
MOVIE AND BOOK REVIEWS
Published in The Huffington Post
A deep dive into the core of this movie reveals a strikingly smart, unique and profoundly powerful exploration into the very essence of existence, weaving together thought-provoking questions on everything from philosophy to psychology, language to sexuality, religion to death and art to technology.