join us on a profound episode of "Interviews with Innocence with Marla Hughes" as we delve into the life-altering experiences of Dr. Tony Cicoria, an orthopedic surgeon with a unique twist of fate. Once a typical medical professional, Dr. Cicoria's life took an unexpected turn when he was struck by lightning in 1994, leading to a near-death experience that unveiled his unforeseen talent in classical piano music and composition.

In this episode, Dr. Cicoria shares his astonishing transformation from a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon to a sudden musical savant, unraveling how a lightning strike led him to discover his hidden prowess in music. We'll explore his journey from the initial shock and the subsequent near-death and out-of-body experiences to his unexpected emergence as a composer and pianist.

Dr. Cicoria will take us through his talk at the IAND's International Conference, providing insights into his research and the spiritual aspects of human history that his experiences have illuminated. His story, featured in Dr. Oliver Sacks' "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain," showcases the incredible interplay between music, the brain, and the human spirit.

Discover how Dr. Cicoria's compositions, featured in his CD "Notes From an Accidental Pianist" and his upcoming book "On the Other Side of Life," reflect his profound journey and the lessons he has gleaned about life, death, and the transcendent power of music.

Tune in to this captivating episode as Dr. Cicoria takes us on a journey of resilience, transformation, and the undeniable impact of the unseen forces that shape our lives.

Tags: #TonyCicoria #MusicSavant #NearDeathExperience #ClassicalMusic #TransformationStory #OrthopedicSurgeon #InspirationalJourney #HumanSpirit #MusicAndBrain #InterviewsWithInnocence

join us on a profound episode of "Interviews with Innocence with Marla Hughes" as we delve into the life-altering experiences of Dr. Tony Cicoria, an orthopedic surgeon with a unique twist of fate. Once a typical medical professional, Dr. Cicoria's life took an unexpected turn when he was struck by lightning in 1994, leading to a near-death experience that unveiled his unforeseen talent in classical piano music and composition.

In this episode, Dr. Cicoria shares his astonishing transformation from a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon to a sudden musical savant, unraveling how a lightning strike led him to discover his hidden prowess in music. We'll explore his journey from the initial shock and the subsequent near-death and out-of-body experiences to his unexpected emergence as a composer and pianist.

Dr. Cicoria will take us through his talk at the IAND's International Conference, providing insights into his research and the spiritual aspects of human history that his experiences have illuminated. His story, featured in Dr. Oliver Sacks' "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain," showcases the incredible interplay between music, the brain, and the human spirit.

Discover how Dr. Cicoria's compositions, featured in his CD "Notes From an Accidental Pianist" and his upcoming book "On the Other Side of Life," reflect his profound journey and the lessons he has gleaned about life, death, and the transcendent power of music.

Tune in to this captivating episode as Dr. Cicoria takes us on a journey of resilience, transformation, and the undeniable impact of the unseen forces that shape our lives.

Tags: #TonyCicoria #MusicSavant #NearDeathExperience #ClassicalMusic #TransformationStory #OrthopedicSurgeon #InspirationalJourney #HumanSpirit #MusicAndBrain #InterviewsWithInnocence

In this deeply moving episode of "Interviews with Innocence," host Marla Hughes sits down with Paul and Amber Poole, the compassionate duo behind the Cross Border House, a sanctuary for Ukrainian refugees. Delving into their inspiring journey, Paul and Amber share the origins and mission of their haven, which has become a beacon of hope for those displaced by the turmoil in Ukraine.

Drawing from their poignant experiences detailed in "Sunflowers at My Table: War Diaries of a Ukrainian Community," the Pooles recount heart-wrenching stories of the residents before finding solace at the Cross Border House. Listen as they narrate the daily lives of forty individuals navigating the complexities of displacement, their emotions intertwining in a symphony of hope, fear, and resilience.

The episode sheds light on the transformative power of community, art, and creativity, revealing how the Cross Border House transcends being a mere shelter. Discover how culinary experiences, creative endeavors, and the touching story of a play titled "Happy Town" helped instill a sense of normalcy and home for the women and children.

Witness the touching narrative of a young chess enthusiast and Paul's soulful recorder sessions, illustrating the profound personal impacts of these interactions. As Paul and Amber reflect on their journey, they unveil the lessons learned and the deep connections forged in the crucible of conflict.

Join us for an episode that not only tells the story of the Cross Border House but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of a community united in adversity, offering invaluable insights and wisdom from the frontlines of compassion and resilience.