The Velvet Hour is your personal pause button — a soft, soul-soothing space where you can breathe, reflect, and reconnect. Hosted by Erin McDonald, each episode is an invitation to slow down, sip something cozy (or bold), and carve out time just for you. With heartfelt stories, introspective conversations, and a dose of laughter, Erin gently explores creativity, purpose, relationships, and the mess and magic of everyday life. Whether you&#39;re navigating big changes, chasing dreams one step at a time, or simply craving a quiet corner in a chaotic world, The Velvet Hour is your weekly reminder that grace, growth, and joy are always worth showing up for.www.thevelvethour.comhello@thevelvethour.com@thevelvethouroc

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Today I&#39;m sitting down with Kyle Lam, the mind and hands behind Kyle Lam Sound Healing. Kyle almost went to medical school. Instead he followed a quiet pull toward sound baths, gongs, and crystal bowls, and built a life around helping people find stillness. We talk about listening to that inner voice even when it doesn&#39;t make sense yet, what sound healing can do for grief, stress, and even physical pain, and why peace isn&#39;t something you find once. It&#39;s something you practice.

The Sound of Stillness with Kyle Lam

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One week before becoming a mother, my daughter sat down with me for a conversation we can never recreate again.Between anticipation and uncertainty, laughter and emotion, we captured a fleeting moment in time — a woman on the edge of becoming someone entirely new.In this deeply personal episode of The Velvet Hour, we talk about motherhood, identity, fear, excitement, childhood memories, and the quiet realization that life is about to change forever.It&#39;s more than an interview.It&#39;s a time capsule.A love letter to the space between generations.And someday, a conversation her son may listen to and hear just how deeply he was loved before he ever arrived.This Mother&#39;s Day, this one&#39;s for every mom, every daughter, and everyone in between.

A Once in a Lifetime Conversation with My Daughter Brooklyn

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In this on-location episode from Chapman University, we sit down with Stephen Galloway, Dean of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and former executive editor &amp; reporter for 27 years at The Hollywood Reporter. We explore a career shaped by curiosity, courage, and reinvention. From pioneering Hollywood&#39;s iconic roundtables to mentoring the next generation of storytellers, Stephen shares what he&#39;s learned about creativity, leadership, and why the importance of an original idea is the foundation of any creative project. We talk about the future of film, the impact of AI, the evolution of storytelling, and why your third act in life might be your most important one yet! But underneath all of it is something quieter. What decades of sitting across from Hollywood&#39;s most celebrated names taught him about success, loneliness, and what really matters in life.

From Interviewing Icons to Shaping the Future of Filmmakers

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What starts as a fearless “yes” at 16 turns into a life full of unexpected twists, creative reinvention, and full-circle moments. Tiffany Perry opens up about building a photography career from scratch, navigating motherhood and setbacks, and ultimately creating a life rooted in passion and purpose.If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you follow your intuition—this episode is it.

From Disney Dreams to Real Life Magic with Tiffany Perry

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In this episode, Taylor O&#39;Sullivan talks creative courage, film photography, intuition, and finding beauty in the overlooked. Watch the episode on YouTube at @thevelvethouroc as well! https://youtu.be/ecbbxbEvYTk

The No-Plan Plan with Taylor O'Sullivan

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When you honor rest as restoration, not as escape, something shifts. Still waters lead deep.

Rest Is an Act of Leadership

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Erin talks with Chef Lindsay of Nirvana Laguna about the power of food to heal, connect, and reflect who we are becoming. A conversation about creativity, community, motherhood, and building a life of meaning in and out of the kitchen.

Where Nourishment Meets Purpose: A Conversation with Chef Lindsay

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Summer may be over, but a new season brings new energy! In this episode, we talk about embracing the SHIFT into Fall! Soon will be cooler days, cozier vibes, and the perfect time to reset before the year wraps up!Whether you’re craving stillness or gearing up for a strong finish, we explore simple, intentional ways to find your special moments of joy in the final stretch of the year. Let’s make this 4th quarter meaningful, reflective, and full of purpose!

“Fall” Into Your Velvet Hour!!!

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In this episode of The Velvet Hour, Erin chats with her vibrant friend Suzanne Adams, dynamic speaker and author, about the moment everything changed for her. Suzanne shares how she walked away from a life that looked perfect on paper, and why joy, curiosity, and courage were the keys to starting over.If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered is this it?—this conversation is your invitation to follow the whisper and step into something more.This is your Velvet Hour — make it yours.We&#39;d love to hear from you!www.thevelvethour.com // @thevelvethourocMusic - www.justinjamesmusic.com // @justinjamesmusic

When You Finally Say Yes to Joy with Suzanne Adams

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The Velvet Hour is your tracking device for yourself!

What’s Stopping You?

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Your best navigator is right inside! Email us at hello@thevelvethour.com or visit us @thevelvethouroc on IG. We&#39;d love to hear from you!

Energy & Ego

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Your perspective during devastating times is a key to looking at things through a new lens!Artist and gallery owner Lisa Skelly joins Erin for a deeply moving and unexpectedly uplifting conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the hidden freedom that can follow loss. After losing her home and all her belongings in a 2017 wildfire, Lisa shares how she found light in the wreckage — not just recovery, but an invitation to start anew. With warmth, wisdom, and a touch of humor, this episode is a reminder that even the most devastating chapters can become the beginning of something beautiful.Email us at hello@thevelvethour.com or visit us @thevelvethouroc on IG. We&#39;d love to hear from you!

Interview With An Amazing Artist!

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In this premiere episode, Erin invites you to slow down, breathe, and reflect on what truly matters. From navigating life’s distractions to honoring your natural gifts, she shares candid thoughts on setting gentle goals, protecting your time, and finding peace in the small steps toward your dreams. This is your Velvet Hour — make it yours. Email us at hello@thevelvethour.com or visit us @thevelvethouroc on IG. We&#39;d love to hear from you!

Welcome to The Velvet Hour

*The Velvet Hour* is your personal pause button — a soft, soul-soothing space where you can breathe, reflect, and reconnect. Hosted by Erin McDonald, each episode is an invitation to slow down, sip something cozy (or bold), and carve out time just for you. With heartfelt stories, introspective conversations, and a dose of laughter, Erin gently explores creativity, purpose, relationships, and the mess and magic of everyday life. Whether you're navigating big changes, chasing dreams one step at a time, or simply craving a quiet corner in a chaotic world, The Velvet Hour is your weekly reminder that grace, growth, and joy are always worth showing up for.

www.thevelvethour.com

hello@thevelvethour.com

@thevelvethouroc