Episode 16: : The Heart Center Of Rollin’ From The Heart/ The Life, Light And Legacy of Ian “Poods” Barry With John, Alison & Kiva Barry

Grey Matters Now

Ian Barry, better known as Poods to his friends, was an extremely gifted athlete that found meditation in movement, an unconditionally kind and creative soul that lived by his words “keep doing your thing and keep being who you are”. On September 27 2012, Ian passed away at 22 years old when he accidentally fell from a bluff. Although it is important to know that his death was an accident and that he was in his element being one with nature (adhering to another one of his mantras – less technology and more nature), Ian’s death is not the focus of this conversation and podcast episode. This is a discussion about living….about how Ian lived so fully and how his parents John and Ali and younger sister Kiva continue to live while they process the grief of losing their only son and brother.

Ian was VERY special and made people that he came to know feel like their “best friend”. He had a quiet, humble, disarming charm combined with an attitude of accepting everyone for exactly who they were without judgment. He truly made you feel better when you were around him. According to his family and friends, his personal struggles simply made him more compassionate and accepting. Ian always tried to see the good in people but never understood acts of unkindness.

This is a story about how Ian’s family channeled his spirit into healing energy for the LARGE community of people he touched also grieving the loss of a friend and special soul. This is a story that is infinite and very much ALIVE. This light from Ian’s heart center, that has been stoked and kept alive by his family and community, has lit and fueled the Rollin’ From The Heart Foundation. It is all summed up in their mission statement:

Providing disadvantaged and at-risk youth the opportunity to participate in skateboarding, surfing and camping in an effort to promote a more active lifestyle and encourage positive choices. By teaming with peer/mentors that share our values of kindness, compassion and acceptance we strive to instill confidence in those we serve so that they can overcome personal barriers regardless of their economic, social or mental health status.

It's pretty simple really – be kind, be yourself and have fun. This organization provides toolboxes and beams light on the futures of infinite young lives. THIS is a vital, living and moving memorial.

This is the story of channeling challenges into positivity that provides us all with hope rollin’ into the future!

Learn more:

www.rollinfromtheheart.org and follow @rollinfromtheheart on Instagram for daily doses of smiles and feel goods

Woody Gutherie song “So Long It’s Been Good To Know You” ( one of Ian’s all time favorites) performed and recorded for this podcast by singer/songwriter John Finkbiner. John is an acclaimed and talented musician and visual artist is a native of Southern California, also with roots in Nashville, TN, and currently lives in Leucadia, CA. Check all his projects out at @johnfinkbinerart on Instagram

If you or someone you know is in need of grief support or resources call your local Hospice! For Hospice resources visit The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: https://www.nhpco.org/

Rollin’ From The Heart supporters are mentioned in the podcast. To see all their partners visit rollinfromtheheart.org.

Brixton: www.brixton.com

Vans: www.vans.com