The Butterfly Forecast

David Smith: Threads of Consciousness Nov 01, 2022

Today, we sit for a special episode with our friend and legendary talent manager, David Smith. We walk through his winding path, from modeling to acting to management, and how he uses these threads to guide artists today.

Be the Change You Want to See... In Love Oct 25, 2022

Today, Melody and Julie return for a one on one conversation on love and how its many expressions can change our lives.

A Special Re-Release: Jon Gray Oct 18, 2022

Today, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite talks with our good friend Jon Gray. Jon is a co-founder of the Bronx based collective Ghetto Gastro. If you've ever seen or experienced one of their food presentations—it's like art. We hope you enjoy our talk!

Jeff Staple: Chaos and Order Oct 11, 2022

Today we sit for a special talk with Jeff Staple, diving into near-death experiences, how they change our perspectives on life, and reflections from these pivotal moments.

On the Shoulders of Giants (with Melody and Julie) Oct 04, 2022

This week, we share a special talk honoring the great people and forces that form the foundation of our knowledge, spirituality, and energy today.

What Do We Want Life To Look Like From Here? Sep 27, 2022

Today, Melody and Julie sit one on one to examine the local, national, and international news affecting us today.

Allyson Felix: Winning From The Inside Sep 20, 2022

Our guest today is extraordinary athlete and founder of Saysh, Allyson Felix. We discuss her early memories playing sports, growing through failure, and the powerful journey of motherhood.

Movement and Stillness (with Melody and Julie) Sep 13, 2022

Today, Melody and Julie sit one on one for an essential conversation about movement and stillness—in our lives, work, and the world.

The Art in Society's Patterns with Paula Henderson Sep 06, 2022

Today, we’re joined by friend and excellent visual artist Paula Henderson. We reflect on art-making, the power of our bodies, and how we move through the world.

Transitions with Jerrika Hinton Aug 30, 2022

Today, the wonderful Jerrika Hinton joins us on the podcast! We talk about the value of acceptance, flow, and transitions.

The Multifaceted Keri Hilson Aug 23, 2022

We’re back! With brilliant singer-songwriter and actor, Keri Hilson. We discuss the story of how we met, Keri's early years writing, and her many incarnations today—in performance and the personal.

A Special with Anthony Kiedis: Listening and Trusting Yourself Aug 16, 2022

How does one trust their intuition and follow their instincts while navigating all the complexities of life? Today, we revisit one of our favorite talks with Anthony Kiedis, about how he stays in himself and true to his design—even when it’s hard.

Marcia Pinna: Jill of All Trades Jun 21, 2022

Welcome to today's special episode, featuring Marcia Pinna! Marcia's talents span many arenas, including stage set, color, and design for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

As you'll hear, she brings her architectural, technological, and artistic multi-medium background and knowledge to a variety of roles and capacities, making her, truly, a Jill of all trades.

A Special Re-Release: Afshin Shahidi Jun 14, 2022

This week, we're revisiting our episode from last season with Afshin Shahidi. Afshin has been a storyteller since birth and served as Prince’s personal photographer for twenty years. So, to commemorate Prince’s birthday last week, we wanted to replay this special talk about Afshin’s work behind the lens.

We'll be back next week with a new episode. Enjoy!

Life and How it Works (with Melody and Julie) Jun 07, 2022

Today— we discuss our shifts in life, the importance of diverse relationships, and how news travels and affects us.

Why is Death Our Only Incentive for Peace? May 31, 2022

In today's talk, Melody and Julie address the recent tragedies due to gun violence, how we make sense of this moment, and the way it can guide us toward peace.

Chanell Boyd: The Art of Creating the Universe on a Nail May 24, 2022

Today! Join us for a special conversation with nail artist and designer, Chanell Boyd.

Life, or Something Like it (With Melody and Julie) May 17, 2022

What is life for, but uncovering reality? Join us today for a special talk unpacking fate, purpose, and excellence.

Stability and the Absolute Necessity for Change May 10, 2022

On today’s episode, we look at what blocks us from attaining and claiming a consciousness and movement towards world peace. Could it be a fear of losing what we think we have?

The Hidden Strength of Yaani King Mondschein May 03, 2022

Yaani King Mondschein is a well established actor and a hidden gem in the industry! What a pleasure to have a conversation that reveals the incredible strengths that are her real talent; the constant in her ever-evolving career.

Mistaking Indecision for the Divine Apr 26, 2022

Today, Melody and Julie sit together for a special episode. They unpack how we often leave our decisions up to the divine, believing it will make the right choice for us, and what may be in store when we choose our own path.

Jon Gray: The Future of Food and Art Apr 19, 2022

On this episode, we are joined by our good friend Jon Gray. Jon is a co-founder of the Bronx based collective Ghetto Gastro. If you've ever seen or experienced one of their food presentations, it's literally like art.

After his tumultuous upbringing, Jon found a calling in fashion and combined food with art and design. His collective of Ghetto Gastro with his partners have created many tables big enough for everyone to sit at, encouraging and cultivating conversations about inclusion, race, and economic empowerment — traveling the world, taking the Bronx to the world, and introducing the world to the Bronx.

In this episode Jon talks a little bit about his why. We hope you enjoy it.

People Over Profit (with Keri Shahidi) Apr 12, 2022

In this episode, our guest Keri Shahidi is in conversation with us about her family upbringing and how it shaped her foundation for paying it forward in life. We were really inspired by Keri's refined business acumen that centers people over profit. Whether it's in her role as a film/tv producer or as a mom — it makes no difference, she is continually finding creative ways to create a bigger table and make every project meaningful.

Creating from the Inside Out (with Angelo Baque) Apr 05, 2022

On today's episode, we are joined by Angelo Baque. Angelo is the creative director of the clothing brand Awake NY and founder of Baque Creative, a boutique creative agency.

We talk about how our beliefs shape our reality, finding inner peace, and the journey of finding tools and resources to help us move forward in this journey called life.

When Beliefs Are Physical Mar 29, 2022

In this episode, Melody and Julie discuss how cultural or mental beliefs manifest in the body — and what they can mean. Julie shares health trends she's tracked for decades working with populations all over the world, and Melody explores trends she's noticed in US culture and how she translates them to design.

Together, they highlight how keeping track of trends can bring you on a quest of self-actualization, which leads to world and inner peace.

The Art of Jammie Holmes Mar 22, 2022

Today, self-taught painter Jammie Holmes in conversation about how his life experiences informed his work and how contrast led him to creating the kind of life that would create a long lasting legacy for himself and his family.

Is Your Work, Work? (With Sam Fragoso) Mar 15, 2022

Sam Fragoso, host of Talk Easy, returns to the show today! We talk about the importance of everyday connection, what it means to excavate lives on a microphone, and how the quest for world peace begins simply—with awareness.

To hear Sam's program, visit talkeasypod.com.

Season 2 Premiere: The Quest for World Peace Mar 08, 2022

The Butterfly Forecast is back! We discuss the pursuit of world peace, as the individual and collective, lessons on mindfulness from Thich Nhat Hanh, and the difficult questions that guide us to change.

The Butterfly Forecast: Reflections from Season 1 Mar 01, 2022

The Butterfly Forecast returns next week! Today, we're reflecting on Season 1 with excerpts from three of our favorite conversations. Tune in Tuesday, March 8th for the S2 premiere.

Brendon Babenzien — 0:45–15:35

Lauren London and Jada Pinkett Smith — 15:43–32:20

Tricia Hersey — 32:30–48:54

Storytelling: Through the Lens of Afshin Shahidi Dec 07, 2021

It seems as though Afshin Shahidi has been a storyteller since birth. We follow his journey of how he has used film and photography to share those stories with us through his lens.

With his work ranging from serving as personal photographer to Prince for 20 years to spending 7 years creating a documentary for Olympian Tommy Smith, we look forward to the next part of his expression of telling his own stories.

Travis Van Winkle: Building and Investing In Yourself Nov 30, 2021

What a dreamy time we had with our incredibly talented friend Travis Van Winkle—actor, activist, builder—where we talked about developing ourselves, as we invest in others.

Claudia Peña: Putting Pieces Together Nov 23, 2021

In an era where so many people identify as multi-hyphenates, Claudia is an inspiring model of how she's stitched together all the seemingly contrasting aspects of herself in life and work into one beautiful patchwork quilt.

Friendship: What You Didn’t Know You Needed (with Lauren London and Jada Pinkett Smith) Nov 16, 2021

Today, Lauren London and Jada Pinkett Smith join us to talk about the unusual powers of one true friend.

The Fruits of Death (with Melody and Julie) Nov 09, 2021

Smooshie and I return to the never ending reality of death, but this time from the unexpected gifts it brings.

Anthony Kiedis: Listening and Trusting Yourself Nov 02, 2021

How does one trust their intuition and follow their instincts while navigating all the complexities of life? We talk to Anthony about how he stays in himself and true to his design, even when it’s hard.

Life vs. Living in Survival (with Melody and Julie) Oct 26, 2021

Today: Join the Smooshies for an exploration into the differences between living life, and living survival.

Ruth Forman: The Power of The Poet Oct 19, 2021

Today, we're joined today by our dear friend and extraordinary poet Ruth Forman—where we discuss the recalibrating, transformative power of words.

Mentors (with Melody and Julie) Oct 12, 2021

Today, Melody and Julie unpack the role of mentors in our lives.

Jocy and Trae Little Sky: Bridges to Two Worlds Oct 05, 2021

Jocy and Trae share their Native American roots and culture—reclaiming what was tried to be erased by colonization and living the fruits of the true legacy they inherited.

Living the Lore You Inherited Sep 28, 2021

What hidden mythologies are you living with? Join us and find out.

Personal and Collective Freedom Sep 21, 2021

Join Melody and Julie in this episode where they explore the roots of freedom, and how to establish it within individuals - as well as for us as a species.

Bisa Butler: Quilting Soul Stories to Life Sep 14, 2021

On the Butterfly Forecast today, we are joined with the beautiful, extraordinarily gifted artist, quilter, and educator Bisa Butler.

Evolve or Devolve (with Melody and Julie) Sep 07, 2021

Today, the Smooshies crack the door open (just a little bit) to explore how we approach our own evolution—and its opposite.

Mirrors of the Source (with Melody and Julie) Aug 31, 2021

Today, the Smooshies take a look at the possibility of humans being designed as mirrors for the infinite.

Jackie Bird: Cycles, The Creative Process & Staying Connected to The Great Spirit Aug 24, 2021

What an incredible conversation we had, when Melody traveled to North Dakota and joined hoop dancer, healer, singer, and artist Jackie Bird at the Earth Lodge. Together, we discuss the importance of staying connected to the great spirit, ancestors, and our gifts.

Andy Grammer: The Pursuit of Love and Inspiration (Part 2) Aug 17, 2021

This week, singer and songwriter Andy Grammer returns! We discuss his songwriting process, creating in the pandemic, and the work it takes to find oneself.

Andy Grammer: The Pursuit of Love and Inspiration (Part 1) Aug 10, 2021

Today, Melody and Julie sit with singer, songwriter, and long-time friend Andy Grammer. He unpacks early influences in film and sports, the evolution of his performing career, and how money and spirituality affect his creative process.

In Conversation With Tricia Hersey: The Nap Bishop Aug 03, 2021

Today we're joined by poet, activist, and founder of The Nap Ministry, Tricia Hersey. We discuss sleep deprivation as a racial and social justice issue, rest as a form of resistance to white supremacy and capitalism, and napping as the portal to our greater reality.

On Truthfulness with Melody and Julie Jul 27, 2021

Centered around the subject of truthfulness, Melody and Julie discuss what we can learn from a 2nd grade classroom, an inspiring passage from Nelson Mandela, and how we must hold onto honesty in the face of projections and deception.

Behind Drive and Joy with Justin Baldoni Jul 20, 2021

We're joined by long-time friend Justin Baldoni—actor, writer, director, producer, and author of the book Man Enough—to try to unpack just a little bit of what's behind his incredible energy.

Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter: Doing The Work Jul 13, 2021

Our guests this week are Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter. They talk about building a new world informed by multiple cultures — birthed from one family.

Episode 21: Changing Consciousness (with Brendon Babenzien) Jul 06, 2021

Brendon Babenzien (Founder, Noah NY) generously shares about the fruits that come with counter culture, how being on the outside has its benefits, and his charge for elevating consciousness.

Episode 20: Telling the Story Nobody Told (with Nabil Elderkin) Jun 29, 2021

Nabil went into the deeps with us, sharing the process of how he ended up making his first feature film “Gully”.

Episode 19: Living Life and Its Unknowns to the Fullest (with Edward Norton) Jun 22, 2021

How we choose the direction we take with life’s unknowns. A conversation with Edward Norton.

Episode 18: Process and Transformation Jun 15, 2021

Evolution! Transformation! How do we get there? Come join our conversation!

Episode 17: What Resources Are (with Sol Guy) Jun 08, 2021

Join us in an inspiring conversation about what resources really are, with musician, filmmaker and producer Sol Guy.

Episode 16: Love Beyond Measure (with Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary) Jun 01, 2021

What is beyond love? Join us for a deep dive into what nurtures all kinds of love, with Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary.

Episode 15: Life & The Pursuit of It May 25, 2021

The Smooshies explore the major quest of pursuing life, as well as its flaws.

Episode 14: Being a Medical Intuitive May 18, 2021

On this special episode of The Butterly Forecast, Melody interviews Julie about her work as a medical intuitive and how she defines health in 2021.

Episode 13: In Full Bloom with Maurice Harris May 11, 2021

This week Maurice Harris, founder of Bloom and Plume, brings us the inspiration as he shares how he became an extraordinary creative in life – in full bloom!

Episode 12: Friendship May 04, 2021

This week Melody & Julie unpack the concept of friendship– what a true friend is and what inspires being one!

Episode 11: Death, Pain, and the Unforeseen Sweetness of Change: A Conversation with Katonya Breaux. Apr 27, 2021

Katonya Breaux (founder of Unsun Cosmetics) joins us in conversation this week as we talk about the unforeseen pain of loss and how pain also has the power to transform us forever.

Episode 10: In Conversation with Lauren London Apr 20, 2021

In this special episode with Lauren London we examine how personal loss has impacted each of us. We also discuss the ways we can stay connected to those who've transitioned and the spiritual growth that follows.

Episode 9: The Need to Create Apr 13, 2021

In a world with seemingly everything at our disposal, why do we keep trying to create something new? This week, we explore creativity and how comparison creates competition.

Episode 8: Service, Birthdays, and Death (with Sam Fragoso) Apr 06, 2021

Julie flies to L.A. to surprise Melody for her birthday! Then, they are joined by Sam Fragoso (host of Talk Easy) to explore the connection between the origin of service, birthdays, and death.

Episode 7: Getting Comfortable with Change (with Oge Egbuonu) Mar 30, 2021

This week we sit with filmmaker and producer, Oge Egbuonu! We explore the mysterious nature of change, and how telling our own stories can break the cycle of life’s perceptions of us.

Episode 6: Mistakes and Process Mar 23, 2021

This week we explore mistakes and process. If we have the freedom to question things, it gives us the opportunity to discover them. There’s no learning if there’s no questioning, which leads us to figuring out if it’s really about the outcome or the process?

Episode 5: The Beginning Mar 16, 2021

For this week's episode we go back to the beginning of us, unpacking our design, mutuality and stumbling. And how Julie’s near death experiences became her work.

Episode 4: Lauren Halsey Mar 09, 2021

This week, Melody and Julie sit with Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey! Inspired by Afrofuturism and funk, her work focuses on the intersection of art, architecture, and community engagement. In our talk, we discuss the need to invest in people with love, the sanctity of her creative process, redesigning business, leading with grace, and how Lauren's work aims to remap South Central, where she grew up.

Episode 3: The Gift Mar 02, 2021

In this episode, Melody and Julie explore the phenomenon that we each are potential gifts to those we encounter. And at times, even without knowing, carry the mysterious potential of changing someone’s life.

Episode 2: Flea on Creativity Feb 23, 2021

Before the conversation with our guest this week, Julie and Melody reflect on the ineffable beauty of the creative process and the need to listen and trust yourself. Then, we sit with Flea (30:24), the bassist for The Red Hot Chili Peppers! We dive into how he uses his body as a vehicle, his mission to channel energy and live in the moment, who (and what) has influenced his course, and how we all process ego.

Episode 1: The Pilot Feb 16, 2021

Welcome to the Butterfly Forecast! For the pilot, we share why we’re doing this—turning our personal conversations into public ones. We talk about the concept of the butterfly effect and how the smallest evolution of each individual can affect the collective. Sharing stories from our past, we also explore how WHAT we are is more important than WHO we are. Then, finally, a question for you and I both: what is in my design that I bring for the betterment of people, in this moment?

Introducing “The Butterfly Forecast” Feb 09, 2021

Welcome to “The Butterfly Forecast”, where life is explored through the insights of the butterfly effect, and how the smallest changes made by an individual can change the outcome for the collective. Hosted by designer Melody Ehsani and medical intuitive Julie Burns Walker!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected