Hi {{first_name}},
I haven’t shared too much about the huge oak tree that almost made it “game over” for me a few years ago. But rewatching this movie for the Pick of the Week made me think of the blessings I received from that freak accident. 
Have you ever wondered if you’re on the right track, or if you missed your shot, or what life is really about? What if you almost died and the insights you gained from that experience gave you a new lease on life?
It is hard for me to explain what my accident’s takeaway lessons were. Sometimes a message lands better wrapped up in an animated movie. This week’s pick does just that. And a big plus: this one has great jazz.
Joe, a passionate jazz musician gets his big break just before he accidentally dies. He does everything he can to get back to his life before he’s a no-show at the gig. Along the way, he discovers what mattered most to him might not have been his life’s purpose.
Give it a watch when you want to reflect on your life, be moved, and/or feel closer to your source.
It’s 100 minutes of laughs, good music, and some a-ha moments.
SOUL is the Pixar movie that won two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. Directed by the lovely Pete Docter. Two composers scored it and split the afterlife between them. Jon Batiste wrote the jazz, everything belonging to Joe’s New York. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross wrote the Great Before music. All three shared the Oscar.
“The truth is I've always worried that maybe there's something wrong with me, you know? That I'm not good enough for living. But then you showed me about purpose, and passion and...” — 22 (played by Tina Fey)
Find it at Disney+ and Hulu. 100 minutes.
Seen it? What did you think? What happened to you or your life as a result?
WATCH THIS WEEK’S PICK VIDEO (2.5 min):
Or prefer to watch in your feed? It's also on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Search Conscious Media Convos.
Also… Speaking of oak trees! I'll be in Ojai this Sunday, September 13, for a live conversation about conscious media, salon-style, hosted by Erin McKeever at the Ojai Retreat and Inn. 4:30 to 6pm, doors at 4:15. $18, free parking, students free with ID. This is the first time since the launch of Convos and the pandemic that our community has been invited to an in-person event, so if you're in Santa Barbara, Ojai or Ventura, come. If you're in LA, I'm driving up and happy to caravan.
Tickets → convos.s.gy/ojai2026-09-social
Warmly,
Kia Kiso-Brennan 🌳
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