KSQD 90.7 FM Santa Cruz
KSQD 90.7 FM Santa Cruz
Harnessing Awe: A Simple Practice That Can Transform Your Life
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Episode 77: Have you ever experienced a moment so breathtaking that it shifted how you see the world? Maybe it was a glowing sunset, an unexpected act of kindness, or a piece of music that sent chills down your spine. That feeling—the sense of wonder and vastness—is awe.

While we often think of awe as spontaneous, research now shows we can actively cultivate it—and by doing so, we can boost mental and physical well-being. Studies reveal that experiencing awe can reduce stress, ease anxiety, lift mood, lower inflammation, and even relieve chronic pain. It also deepens our sense of connection—to nature, community, and something greater than ourselves.

But in today’s fast-paced, digital-driven world, many of us have lost touch with awe. So how do we bring it back? And how can we use it as a tool for healing, resilience, and transformation? Tune in and discover how awe can change your life—one moment at a time.

Host Debra Sloss is joined by two inspiring guests to explore these questions:

    • Michael Amster – A physician, researcher, and co-author of The Power of Awe, Dr. Amster has spent years studying how awe affects the brain and body. A pain management specialist, mindfulness teacher, and researcher at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, he explains the science of awe and shares simple, research-backed practices—like the AWE Method—that take less than a minute a day but can have a profound impact.
    • Jaime Garcia – A stage actor and former construction worker whose life changed after a serious auto accident in 2022. During his recovery, he discovered awe-based practices as a tool for healing. Jaime shares how awe helped him shift his mindset, find meaning, and support his mental well-being.

Together, we’ll explore:

    • What awe really is—and why it’s more than just an emotion
    • The latest research on how awe impacts the brain and nervous system
    • How awe can help with burnout, trauma, and pain relief
    • The AWE Method—a simple, science-backed practice anyone can use

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Broadcasts;  4/6/25 & 4/14/25
Producer & Host: Debra Sloss, LMFT
Guests: Michael Amster, MD, Jaime Garcia

SPECIAL THANKS to Youssef Hassanein for audio production and volunteer coordination, VJ Lukka for audio production, Patrice Vecchione for story coaching, Katrina Tattenham for research, Ranton Hui and Roni Wong for transcriptions, Nimalan Elanchelvan for marketing, and Priscilla Yee for graphic design. Special thanks to musician Adrian Legg and Favored Nations Entertainment for our theme music.

ABOUT STATE of MIND
STATE of MIND is a radio show and podcast hosted by psychotherapist Debra Sloss. Through intimate conversations, we delve into mental health and wellness topics, blending personal stories from guests with lived experience and insights from experts in the field. Together, we navigate the complexities of being human and living well. Find inspiration, resources, and hope at STATE of MIND, www.stateofmindmedia.org. Produced by Debra Sloss with support from KSQD Community Radio.

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 RESOURCES

* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource

Websites

Books & Articles

    • The Power of AWE by Jake Eagle, LPC, and Michael Amster, MD (2023) – This book introduces the A.W.E. Method, a simple mindfulness practice that transforms ordinary moments into awe-inspiring experiences within seconds.
    • Greater Good Science Magazine: Articles on Awe – A free, online publication from GGSC featuring the latest research on awe, well-being, compassion, and altruism with practical applications for daily life.
    • The Science of Awe– A research paper prepared for the John Templeton Foundation by GGSC (2018), written by Summer Allen, Ph.D., exploring the profound effects of awe on mental health and social connection.
    • All About Awe by Anna Mikulak (Association for Psychological Science, 2015) – Discusses how awe-inspiring experiences can be a rapid and powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation.

Podcasts

    • Sounds True Podcast – Hosted by Tami Simon, this podcast delves into personal growth, mindfulness, and spiritual wisdom. Many episodes explore the transformative power of awe, featuring experts on how awe deepens well-being and fosters connection.

Supports & Services

    • * Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH) – A Federally Qualified Health Center providing comprehensive primary care in English and Spanish to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds—regardless of ability to pay. Services are available through the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center, Live Oak Health Center, and Santa Cruz Mountain Health Center.

Contact Guests

    • Michael Amster, MD – Pain management physician, awe researcher, writer, and teacher at UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center. Contact for more details about The Power of Awe.
    • Jaime Garcia – Stage/film actor and painter based in Santa Cruz, CA.

* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource