The following are interviews with our keynote and guest presenters from March 2008, which appeared in Edge Life magazine:

ECHO BODINE
What is the key idea you want to share with those who attend your talk? I really want to get the message to people that they too have psychic abilities and that these can be used as a tool to help them in their everyday lives. Being aware of one's psychic abilities doesn't mean that you will become a professional psychic someday. These are gifts to use as you please. I also want to demystify psychic abilities. I want to give clear, simple explanations of what these gifts are and take away the mystery surrounding them.

Why is it important that people hear what you have to say on this topic? It's important for people to attend this talk, because they aren't getting the straight scoop about psychic abilities from their churches or the media. People have a right to fully understand what these gifts are.

What moment in your life was most instrumental in leading you to where you are now as a spiritual leader? It was when I was 17 years old and went to a psychic for a reading. We had an unusual experience in my family that led us to see a psychic, and she was the one who told me I was born with many psychic abilities and that I would someday be a famous psychic and healer, that I would travel around the world teaching others how to develop their abilities, that I would write books, and be on radio and television. I didn't believe the woman at first, but as you can see, the plan unfolded exactly like that.

Why is it important for you, personally, to take part in events like Iowa Holistic Expo? I love teaching people about these abilities. I worry that people in the smaller cities and towns aren't getting the information that they need. I love going to places like Des Moines, Fargo, Omaha, etc., and reaching the people there. There is a great thirst in people right now for spiritual understanding and I'm very happy to be part of quenching that thirst.

What messages from Spirit have you received recently that may be of interest to our readers? There are a couple of thoughts that come to mind. One of the messages that the spirits keep drilling in my head is to live one day at a time. We are getting too far ahead of ourselves, always concentrating on 2012. They keep telling us to get back to today and get used to the new energy that's here on earth now. Times are definitely changing, more than I've ever felt. It's like we're moving into new territory, and yet, we don't know what that looks like.

The other night in meditation, the guides said that life now is a little bit like it felt for the pilgrims. We have been busy purging the old in the last few months of 2007, and we've been feeling this new energy coming, but now that it's here, we're not sure what to do with it. What do we want to build for our lives? What do we want our new lives to look like? Imagine the Pilgrims arriving at a new destination. Once they got here, they had to figure out what they wanted their new home to look like. What kind of towns did they want to build? That's where we're at right now.

The other thing that comes to mind is to heal our self-worth so that we reach high when creating our new lives. Yes, our thoughts are very powerful and we can create amazing things with them, but if we are still struggling with low self-worth, we won't build much for ourselves.

KATHRYN HARWIG
What is the key idea you want to share with those who attend your talk? The key idea of my talk is that life is eternal. When souls pass, they continue to exist and live full lives in the Spirit realm. They are aware of our world, able to see us and able to communicate with us. I demonstrate this in a very real way by taking questions from the audience and giving them messages from their loved ones in Spirit. By doing so, I believe I give comfort and hope that we do not die; we just move on to another enjoyable, productive and pleasant life.

Why is it important that people hear what you have to say on this topic? Death is perhaps the most feared thing in our society. It also is not discussed often. If we can understand that all souls continue to exist after the death of our bodies, we can be less fearful and thus live this life more joyously. Many people harbor a lot of guilt, remorse and resentment about someone who has died. When they truly understand that death is not the end, many of these feelings go away and they can feel at peace with their passed loved one.

What moment in your life was most instrumental in leading you to where you are now as a spiritual leader? When I was 30 years old my esophagus perforated. I had a near-death experience in which I viewed my body while my soul floated above it. I remember thinking: "It is going to die." I also remember realizing that it didn't matter. It was like looking at a pair of shoes I had slipped out of. I spent six weeks in intensive care, but I obviously did not die. Still, I never lost the knowledge that life is eternal and that the death of the body is not the death of the soul. It has given me peace and courage, which I try to share with those who hear me speak.

Why is it important for you, personally, to take part in events like Iowa Holistic Expo? I believe we are entering into a period where more and more people are in direct contact with the world of Spirit. The veil between the worlds seems to be thinning. Every day I receive calls and e-mails from all over the world from people who have had mystical contact with Spirits and Guides. I want to share my story in all areas of the globe to let people know that ordinary people (like me) have extraordinary experiences and can communicate with the Spirit realm. I believe that in doing so, we will become more peaceful and joyful people.

What messages from Spirit have you received recently that may be of interest to our readers? The Spirit world is reaching out to us. Of most interest to me right now is that they are contacting what I call the "Violet Generation." This is the group of adults over the age of 50 who are starting to emerge with new psychic abilities. Just as children see and hear Spirits when they are very young, so do older people re-gain that ability, particularly after near-death experiences, illness, loss or death of loved ones. Spirit has asked me to reach out to this group to reassure them that this is a natural and exciting part of aging and to encourage them to learn to listen and use their emerging psychic abilities.

SUNNY DAWN JOHNSTON
What is the key idea you want to share with those who attend your talk? I have so much to share with those attending the talk. The key idea is that you can create and develop a relationship with your Angels and Archangels. Our Angels are here to guide and support us through every step along the path of this life. We have an opportunity not only to see, hear, feel and know them, but to communicate with them on a daily basis. In this talk, I will give you several ways to build a stronger relationship with the Angels so that you know they are supporting you!

Why is it important that people hear what you have to say on this topic? I believe it is important, because this relationship can heal the feelings of being alone. I have found so often in my daily practice as a psychic medium and spiritual counselor that many people feel like they are alone, on their own and have no support. Oftentimes this is when things aren't going the way we desire them to go. To be able to call on your guardian angels, ask for their support and then actually see the manifestation of their support in the physical world is evidence that not only are we not alone, but we are supported by our Angels, Guides and deceased loved ones at all times. The more we can develop our awareness and tune into the energy and vibes around us, the easier it is to walk this physical journey.

What moment in your life was most instrumental in leading you to where you are now as a spiritual leader? At the age of 13, my guardian Angel appeared to me and allowed me to feel her unconditional love, and I knew that I was not alone and that I was supported in the spiritual realm. I began my true spiritual journey that day! At the age of 19, I almost died after the birth of my son. I called everyone I knew and asked them to pray (even though at the time I had my doubts that prayers or anything else could save me). The power of prayer was evidenced in my three-week, 106-degree fever and infection being healed within 12 hours. I opened up to the power of prayer that day! At the age of 28, my grandmother died of hypothermia, after walking out of her Alzheimer's care facility in the middle of the night! I understood that day that everything happens for a reason, even when we don't understand the reason in the moment!

It is said that if you change one thing, everything changes. I believe this to be true. I feel that these things, and many many more life experiences (which you will hear about in my talk), have given me the awareness and experience to be the teacher that I am today! It was not just a moment, but a lifetime of moments that have lead me to this path!

Why is it important for you, personally, to take part in events like Iowa Holistic Expo? I feel that there is so much I have to share with the world. I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and even though times have changed, I believe this message -- that you can have information and knowledge available and accessible in any place -- is extremely important. Without this beautiful and loving information available to me at a very young age, my path may have been very different. It is my intention to touch as many people as possible and to give you the opportunity for your own personal growth and power. Know that you are not alone and are always surrounded by unconditional love and support, seen or unseen.

What messages from Spirit have you received recently that may be of interest to our readers? The message I have received that may be interesting to readers is: "Buckle your seat belts; this year is going to be a ride!" If you like rollercoasters, when you get on one you know what to expect, so the ride is fun and exciting. If you have never been on one, you may be scared and anxious. Either way, the ride is the same. It is just experienced differently! It is our perception of the ride that creates our reality and makes it either fun or scary.

I hear the clear guidance that this is a year of transformation. It is a year of beginnings, which many of us know, but it is also the year to transform our thoughts, words and actions. We will be more aware of just how quickly things are manifesting in the universe. We will experience these manifestations much more intensely, which can be very challenging to those who aren't ready or are unaware.

We are calling in a new energy, and with this new energy comes a release of the old. Those who hold onto the old energies and thought patterns will have a more difficult time moving into this year of transformation. They may experience more pain and disease. It is important to know that we MUST have clarity of mind in this all important time. Our Angels, Guides and helpers can bring us this clarity if we ask for and accept their support and guidance. Are you ready to enjoy the ride?

CAROL LOWELL
What is the key idea you want to share with those who attend your talk? At the Iowa Holistic Expo, I am going to talk about ghosts, spirits and life after death. People often have misconceptions about ghosts, dying and heaven. They are often thought to be evil or a grand sinner and therefore deserve to be stuck in "limbo" or "purgatory." There are good ghosts and mean ghosts (just as there are good people and bad people). Many ghosts are confused and simply don't know what to do, especially if they died suddenly, have had mental confusion or were on a lot of medication prior to their death. People with Alzheimer's and mentally ill people are good examples of this, although they are not in the majority. I would like to help clear up any confusion or misconceptions. I have helped hundreds of ghosts during the past 16 years to cross into the light, which I also refer to as heaven.

Why is it important that people hear what you have to say on this topic? I was brought up in a Catholic household with my 12 brothers and sisters. As a child, I knew about people without bodies and was confused, because no one ever talked about them. I heard about ghosts, but thought they were supposed to be like Casper in the cartoon. Often as a child, I could not "see" them but could sense them. I would have thoughts or emotions that were not mine, which caused me so much confusion.

I attended Catholic grade school and high school. When I was little, I had all sorts of ideas about death, heaven and reincarnation. A couple of times I asked one of the nuns about this, but the questions sounded odd when they came out of my mouth. She didn't really understand where I was coming from, so I decided to kept my odd thoughts to myself. I am very fortunate in that I am able to "see" and sense ghosts. Sometimes their energy is really slight and weak so I may not see them right away, but as soon as I walk towards them or into their energy field, I can feel their emotions and then I am able to "see" them. When I look at them and strike up a conversation, they are so surprised.

Helping ghosts cross over is a very rewarding experience. Everyone has a different reason for why they have decided not to cross over. Many of them have heavy burdens. Sometimes they are afraid of people who have harmed them, those who may already be on the other side. Some have religious beliefs that hold them back. Each ghost I have helped has had their own unique story. I am honored and privileged to be a part of their process.

What moment in your life was most instrumental in leading you to where you are now as a spiritual leader? Years ago when my children were little, slight experiences they would have or would talk about triggered ideas and memories that I had as a child. I had hopes that there was more to life, the world and spirituality than what I was experiencing, so I began reading books written by authors such as Ruth Montgomery and Edgar Cayce. They both talked about communication with deceased spirits and psychic abilities.

One day I was talking to one of my girlfriends about these thoughts, and she suggested I call a psychic named Echo Bodine for a reading. A few months went by and finally I made the call. Echo only knew my first name. Sitting in her office, she told me things about myself that I didn't have words for in describing my life and my feelings -- many things no one could have known. I was blown away!

Before I left Echo's office, I noticed on the wall that she was advertising a Psychic Development Class to help discover your spiritual gifts. I asked her if she thought this was something I could learn, and she said yes, that anyone interested in the subject is be able to develop their gifts. I left her office, called my sister Joanie and we signed up for classes. By about the third or fourth class, spirits were coming to me asking for help. One female ghost asked if I was of the light and if I could please help her when, suddenly, a beautiful female spirit from the other side showed up to help her -- and then they both went into the light. It was such an awesome experience! I felt so blessed to be a part of that process. A few months later I signed up for Echo's beginning Hands-on Healing class. Often when I am having a conversation with a ghost, my hands will heat up, so I channel them healing energy while we talk.

Why is it important for you, personally, to take part in events like Iowa Holistic Expo? There are so many people who feel as I did way back when: an empty longing for something, but not knowing what that something is. Many people don't have the opportunity to meet with a psychic, healer and teacher. I am fortunate to be able to share my personal experiences and spiritual journey with them. Talking with someone in person and meeting them face-to-face is so valuable. I know this is the first time that Edge Life is offering a Holistic Expo in Iowa. Many gifted psychics, healers and teachers will be offering their expertise and sharing many different holistic modalities. I am excited be a part of this wonderful group. We have such a great time laughing, talking and meeting many wonderful new people. I know it will be a wonderful weekend.

What messages from Spirit have you received recently that may be of interest to our readers? The spirits and guides that watch over me continually encourage me to follow my dreams. Dream it and know that you can achieve it. We all have guardian angels and spirit guides working with us. Even now as I write this, they remind me that they want us to be happy. GOD WANTS US TO BE HAPPY. They want us to have fun. They want us to achieve whatever it is that we desire. If you are feeling stuck and like your life isn't going anywhere, simply ask them for help. Ask them for guidance. They want to help you.

So if you are driving in your car, turn off your radio. If you are sitting at home on the couch, turn off your TV for a few minutes and talk to them out loud or as thoughts in your head. Ask them for help. What is it you desire? If you don't know, ask them to show you. Get a note pad and pen, and then write down anything that comes into your mind. Let them help you. I had no idea 18 years ago that I would become a ghostbuster, teacher and healer, let alone a business partner with my teacher and mentor Echo Bodine.

DR. NORM SHEALY
What is the key idea you want to share with those who attend your talk? Health Is YOUR responsibility. If you leave it to the "professionals," you have lost control of life itself. Eighty-five percent of all illnesses are the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Basic health requires a positive attitude that chooses to avoid smoking, to keep your Body Mass Index between 19 and 24, to eat at least five servings daily of fruits or vegetables, and to exercise at least 30 minutes, five days a week. If you have these habits, you average healthy life expectance is 100, plus or minus 20 years for accidents and genes. If you do not have these habits, your life expectancy is 78 years, with the likelihood of moderate to total debilitating illness for five or more years.

Why is it important that people hear what you have to say on this topic? Because the medical system is controlled by the PharmacoMafia and greed. The System cares nothing for your health. It makes money when you are ill, not when you are healthy. If you value health, you need to learn all you can about the essentials and enjoy living them!

What moment in your life was most instrumental in leading you to where you are now as a spiritual leader? I had an out-of-body experience in 1972 while attending a harp concert by a trance musician. That led to a number of mystical experiences, spontaneous memory of past lives, connections with angelic guides and a knowing of the Unity of all and of the multidimensional universe.

Why is it important for you, personally, to take part in events like Iowa Holistic Expo? I came to the conclusion in 1975 that the future of life and health is in the hands of the people. There is no guarantee that medicine will heal you after you are ill. Yes, drugs and surgery are critical about 15 percent of the time. When they are used to treat avoidable diseases, such as obesity, most cancers, hypertension and depression, drugs often cause great harm. It is far more important to prevent illness than to treat it.

What messages from Spirit have you received recently that may be of interest to our readers? I feel confident that we will soon know that we can extend healthy life to an average of 140 years, plus or minus 20 years for genes and accidents. I have just completed the first phase of a study in which we saw telomeres grow longer instead of shrink as they ordinarily do. Telomeres are the tails of DNA and the single-best measurement of health and longevity. I have 10 patents related to health; all of them came from angelic guides. I have just applied for number 11, which is the telomere rejuvenation one.

LYNN YOUNG
What is the key idea you want to share with those who attend your talk? When we face 2012, I think that people gravitate towards the idea that there has to be change, and 2012 seems to be something they hope for, a hope that their life will change for the better, that things will improve, that the world will wake up to a new consciousness. This new consciousness would be that everyone would understand what it is they have to do to advance in the journey. I have heard many speak about the topic. Some believe that world peace, global economic reform, combating world hunger or just basically stopping world suffering will all happen in 2012. What it comes down to is that we have to start with ourselves, facing our part of personal reform, so that we discover an inner wisdom, the inner sanctuary and our ability to transform our very own lives. I believe that we look at 2012 as a new hope. I know that many are even looking at it as "end times." What I find interesting is that we have faced "end times" so many times and yet here we sit, still living, still breathing, still fighting and still loving.

When looking at 2012, I believe we have to look at it differently than we have before. The key to looking at this journey is with fearlessness. What I know as an intuitive is that there are a billion outcomes to one event. It's up to us to decide which one we desire to have. We fall under a false sense of security around things we think we know. However, I discovered that I had to let go of everything I thought I knew and come at the journey with a desire to learn. "G" has said that when we take knowledge in, it's not to be hoarded; it's to be integrated into us so that it can be shared.

Why is it important that people hear what you have to say on the topic? It's really about living 2012 today. I have learned how to do that now, and I am sharing with others what has worked for me. Many people are waiting for some huge "a ha," or some huge enlightenment. But when you wait, all you create is more waiting. This journey is about an inner insight that helps us to find a better way in life. There is a lot of talk about positive thinking, being motivated and attitude, and yet, does anybody really know how to apply it, how to live it, or even how to keep it going continually in one's life? I feel that for myself, I have had to really walk the talk to 2012. We must get going and living. It's about doing things that can transform our lives.

What moment in your life was most instrumental in leading you to where you are now as a spiritual leader? I believe my entire life has prepared me for where I am in my life now. What has made me a spiritual leader is taking the teachings of "G" and applying them to my life. "G" has shared some significant principles and things that, when you apply them to your life, transform you and your life. I have learned that I am no longer a victim to life. Understanding this has been crucial to becoming a teacher and spiritual leader in the community. To be someone who really makes a difference, I have to be the words I speak. I have to be exactly what it is that I am teaching. And I believe that as a teacher, one has to stay in great humility. I am constantly awed by what I experience, what I see in the journey. I'm continually amazed at how I turn a corner and there is something even more wonderful, greater and more profound than before. I believe that when I am true to myself, then I am true to others. That is the mirror of life. When I get out of the way and let the spirit move me, the spiritual leader emerges.

Why is it important for you personally to take part in events like the Iowa Holistic Expo? The expo is about people coming together and sharing what they know with others. It's a chance to talk to like-minded people and to share with them what works and how they too can change their lives. For me, it is also building a momentum of spiritual change and an opportunity that, in the past, had been difficult to find. We are continually looking for places to be accepted for who we are and know. I see that things are changing greatly when it comes to the spiritual movement. More people are beginning to perceive the value of spiritual/holistic teachings. Most people in the spiritual community have always felt a little displaced, a little different, and even a little afraid to share who they are and what they do. For me, coming to an event such as this is a way I can create community with others.

What message from spirit have you received recently that may be of interest to our readers? Recently spirit has been sharing the message that Divine love, in many ways, feels unobtainable to people, but in truth it is much closer than you think.

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in. Feel the extreme power of love wash over you. It is limitless. Remember, it is a part of the greater call, a greater knowing, that many will reach, for they will find the inner sanctuary where Divine Love and human love come together, merged, in one memorable moment that has been embedded in every single unique soul energy called you. One must awaken to the God within, the I AM God. "G" once said, "To love wonderfully is to know there is a never-ending supply of what is called the greatest love of All -- and that is the love of God." You are God, and with that comes great opportunity for you to experience so many possibilities of being free so that you may experience a love greater, more powerful and more true, for this is the mark of one of the greatest love affairs of all, to be in love with God.

You are now emerging from one of the greatest slumbers of your existence. It is time that you begin to walk this journey as the very embodiment of an enlightened Master, sharing the wisdom of unconditional love. You frequently walk alone in life, forgetting to really honor the spirit, which in many ways can cause the spirit to diminish, to even die. Even when it is said that the spirit is eternal and forever, there comes a point where you must embrace your spirit and accept your perfections and imperfections so that you may see that God is both -- and you will experience the true feeling of God within. Stand enchanted by the very idea of God and be willing to do whatever it takes to embrace the wonder, the charm, and the character that defines Divine Mind, Divine Heart and Divine Body as the Divine God. This is not a journey of getting somewhere. This is the journey of the inner spirit. When you awaken, you can no longer forget what it is that brought you to this place. When we expand our knowing and our hearts, we will understand what we are truly meant to be, what we already are -- and often deny. God loves us without question, denies us nothing, grants us all for we have all of the universe, the cosmos, the greater space in life. We must live, walking toward 2012 continually staying in the moment, for when we are present we are awake. We must choose life.