Category Archives: Career

49: Bwiite Lydia on fighting for justice in Uganda

December 9, 2019 by angelansantillo

This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) When Bwiite Lydia was a young girl, she witnessed her widowed grandmother have her land taken by a family member. The event sparked her desire to support people facing injustice, especially women. Now a human rights lawyer, we talk about what it takes to fight for her clients and her current role supporting marginalized workers in Uganda. Additional Resources Human Rights Day Platform for Labour Action (PLA) On […]

Categories: Activism, And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s), Career, Women's Issues

48: Maureen Ava Mata on finding power in disability in the Philippines

December 3, 2019 by angelansantillo

This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) Maureen Ava Mata was eighteen when she was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have her leg amputated. Her new life as a disabled woman changed her outlook, her family, and the views of her community. Now a cancer survivor, we talk about her mission to challenge misperceptions and advocate for fellow disabled persons in the Philippines. This episode is in honor of International Day of Persons […]

Categories: Activism, And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s), Career, Disability Rights, Family, Illness, Medical Event

46: Mohamed Magassa on representing

November 6, 2019 by angelansantillo

Mohamed Magassa was in 7th grade when he got a STEM magazine that showed a picture of a white surgeon. Without a second thought, he closed the page. Years later, when he was considering a career in medicine, he thought back to that moment. Now studying to be a surgeon, we talk about why representation matters and his mission to inspire others in his Bronx community through H.O.O.D. Productions. Additional Resources H.O.O.D. Productions on Instagram February-May 2020: H.O.O.D. workshops and […]

Categories: Activism, Career, Medical Event, Race

45: Amelia Kent on talking about the hard road

October 29, 2019 by angelansantillo

At twenty-three weeks, Amelia Kent had a miscarriage and she was faced with an experience and grief people don’t know how to talk about. Wanting to bring a common experience into the open, she shares how the event impacted her relationships, her farm, and why it’s important in today’s economy to be a farmer talking about personal issues. Additional resources Amelia Levin Kent Kent Farms on Facebook Louisiana Farm Life: Amelia Kent – Ivy League Farmer Discusses Mental Health

Categories: Career, Family, Grief & Loss, Love, Medical Event, Parenthood, Women's Issues

44: Nancy Allen on falling in love with spiritual psychology

October 22, 2019 by angelansantillo

Nancy Allen was the mother of two small children attending a talk at the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture when out of nowhere she fell in love with Robert Sardello and spiritual psychology. A study of the soul, perception, and presence, she went on to become a student and teacher of this practice. We talk about the impact of Sardello’s work on her life, why she rarely talks about this moment, and why current events are inspiring her to […]

Categories: Career, Family, Love, The Mind, The Unknown

42: Mike Wanjeng’u of Kenya on the words of his father

October 9, 2019 by angelansantillo

This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) Years into his addiction, Mike Wanjeng’u was having an argument with his parents when his father said something that cut him to the core. Months later, he went rehab and is now three years sober. We talk about his journey to recovery, how it led him help and advocate for those with mental health issues through Tinada Youth Organization, and the importance of love and World Mental Health Day. […]

Categories: Activism, And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s), Career, Family, Mental Health

41: Ou Vanda & Rizal Balatbat on helping older people in Cambodia and the Philippines

October 1, 2019 by angelansantillo

This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) READ THE TRANSCRIPT FOR EPISODE 41 In celebration of International Day of Older Persons, I talk with two guests who are using their retirement to help fellow senior citizens. After a career working in Cambodian hospitals, Ou Vanda was painfully aware of the health issues facing older people in her country. Upon his return to the Philippines, former educator Rizal Balatbat found himself learning about senior issues and […]

Categories: Activism, And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s), Career, Family, Grief & Loss, Illness, Medical Event, Podcasting, Politics

40: Olivia LaBarre on intuition and an unexpected business

September 24, 2019 by angelansantillo

When Olivia LaBarre started doing Reiki, things began to change. Wanting to get control of new feelings and visions, she enrolled herself in a psychic development class. But when she complained about her misbehaving dog Milo and her teacher told her she could talk to him, things really shifted. We talk about her journey to becoming a pet communicator and the stress of going public with an unexpected business. Additional Resources Reiki Healing Works John Hopkins Medicine- What is Reiki? […]

Categories: Career, Entrepreneurship, The Unknown

39: Mary Jo McConnell on finding her voice

September 18, 2019 by angelansantillo

In October 2014, Mary Jo McConnell was walking across the street when she was hit by a car. After having surgery on her broken leg, she was left to navigate New York City on crutches and had to figure how to manage her professional acting career during her recovery. An army veteran and former nurse, for the first time she felt powerless. We talk about the series of events that led her to different theaters, new experiences, and the inspiration […]

Categories: Career, Medical Event, Military Veteran, The Arts

38: Anan Bouapha on becoming an LGBTI activist in Laos

September 5, 2019 by angelansantillo

This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) When a friend invited Anan Bouapha to attend a HIV prevention volunteer workshop, he went because he thought it would be a social event. But the moment the training started, he was suddenly motivated to help his community. Through a series of opportunities, in 2012 he organized the first Pride festival in Laos. Now the Founder of Proud to Be Us Laos, we talk about his leadership journey […]

Categories: Activism, And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s), Career, LGBTQIA, Politics

37: Molika Gupta on rewriting her immigrant spouse story

September 4, 2019 by angelansantillo

Molika Gupta was preparing a presentation when her immigration attorney emailed to say her sponsored work visa application was not selected in the random lottery process. A career professional who came to the US on a spousal visa, suddenly not being able to work was a jarring reality. We talk about the challenges of moving to another country and her new mission to empower other immigrant spouses to redefine their lives. Additional Resources Facebook Group: Immigrant Spouses ReWrite Your Story […]

Categories: Career, Immigration, Love, Women's Issues

34: Winston Shaw on the missed call that led to law

August 13, 2019 by angelansantillo

Winston Shaw was a freelance sound recordist filming on location in the Catskills. Spending days without reception, when he finally got service his cell exploded with texts about a job offer from HBO but because he had been unreachable, the position was already filled. Missing a rare creative opportunity, he decided to leave his artistic career in NYC for law school. Now a public defender in Sante Fe, we talk about his passion for criminal law and the realities of […]

Categories: Activism, Career, The Arts

32: Amanda Frankel on running for Congress

July 30, 2019 by angelansantillo

The morning after the 2016 election, Amanda Frankel was in her bathroom when she learned that Hillary Clinton lost. Feeling paralyzed, she decided to fight. For the first time, she felt her day-to-day life had to be part of a growing movement. We talk about her decision to run for Congress against the long-time Democratic incumbent of NY-10, how she’s creating policy with people in her community, and the challenges facing progressive candidates. Additional Resources Amanda Frankel for Congress Website Instagram Twitter […]

Categories: Activism, Career, Politics

31: Shoshana Swell on going to the moon

July 23, 2019 by angelansantillo

During a fashion show that included her space inspired designs, Shoshana Swell realized she could create things that could bring people to alternative universes. When the Cornell University senior heard that NASA cancelled the first all-women spacewalk due to a lack of appropriately sized spacesuits, she jumped into action and created her company THIS IS MY SPACESUIT. We talk about inspiring the impossible through design, science, and her surprise trip to the Kennedy Space Center. Additional Resources THIS IS MY […]

Categories: Career, Entrepreneurship, Science, Women's Issues

30: Brian Baker on fighting for love

July 17, 2019 by angelansantillo

When he was a student at West Point, Brian Baker had a mystical experience. During a sermon on Maundy Thursday, he found God. Experiencing an intense feeling of love, the moment began his journey into the priesthood. Now ordained as an Episcopal priest for almost 30 years, we talk about how Christianity led him to become an LGBTQIA rights activist, the state of love in the country, and his time at Burning Man. Additional Resources Brian’s sermons: Religious AF, Sermon […]

Categories: Activism, Career, LGBTQIA, Love, Politics

24: Calvin Gimpelevich on the task of writing

February 26, 2019 by angelansantillo

Calvin Gimpelevich (Invasions, Instar Books) was in 4th grade when he realized how much time and effort the writer must have spent creating the book he was reading. That realization turned the avid reader into a writer and that identity continues to guide his life. We talk about his experience as a transgender writer, the role of literature in society, and what it means to be a storyteller. Additional Resources calvingimpelevich.com Calvin on Instagram: @calvin.calvin.g

Categories: Career, LGBTQIA, Politics, Writing

22: Harry Zikos on risk

February 12, 2019 by angelansantillo

Harry Zikos was a young professional working in the family real estate business when one day, he decided he had to leave. Taking a huge risk, the chain of events that followed changed his mindset and the way he does business. We talk about what it takes to venture out on your own, what it means to be the son of Greek immigrants, and the realities of being a New York real estate broker. Additional Resources Harry Zikos: Instagram @harryzikosny

Categories: Career, Entrepreneurship, Family

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19: Susan Fritz on life ten years later

January 21, 2019 by angelansantillo

On her 30th birthday, Susan Fritz said something to her husband that changed everything. A week later, Dan passed away from cancer and her life as a nomad began to take shape. Ten years has passed and she has been all over the world. We talk about the useless cliches around illness, how time offers new perspective, and why she is so excited to turn 40. Additional Resources The Telegraph: “Happy Birthday song and its strange past”

Categories: Career, Family, Illness, Love, Medical Event, Trauma, Travel

18: Tyron Cutner on being a sharp dressed man

January 14, 2019 by angelansantillo

Tyron Cutner (Well Dress Academy) was about to turn 30 when the relationship with his girlfriend unexpectedly ended. He decided he wanted to change and began dressing sharp on a regular basis. Noticing a big shift in himself and how people treated him, the former bus driver soon became a CEO. We talk about why clothes matter, how they can improve men’s lives, and what happens when style is shared between fathers and sons. Additional Resources Well Dressed Academy Success […]

Categories: Career, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fashion

16: Angela “Merk” Nguyen on starting her glory days

December 19, 2018 by angelansantillo

During her sophomore of college, Angela “Merk” Nguyen (Adult ISH podcast) was sitting around a fire pit when her brother gave her some advice. That advice began to sink in as she realized that because of her family’s sacrifices and experiences, she was poised to take advantage of all the opportunities that were coming her way. Now a college graduate beginning her career in NYC, we talk about the journey of her immigrant parents from Vietnam, how she found her […]

Categories: Career, Family, Immigration, Podcasting, Race

15: Chris Tatem on listening to the political divide

December 10, 2018 by angelansantillo

In September 2016, Chris Tatem (Cross Examined Life podcast) was in a hospital waiting room when the sound of the television became incredibly loud and all he could focus on was the two political pundits on the screen. As he watched them personally attack each other, he wondered if there is a better way we can disagree. We talk the current political divide, how the language we use gives us permission to do extreme things, and what it takes to […]

Categories: Activism, Career, Family, Love, Medical Event, Podcasting, Politics

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13: Elizabeth Nelson on working in animal welfare

November 27, 2018 by angelansantillo

Elizabeth Nelson was living in New York City and pursuing a career in the performing arts when one night on her couch she had an epiphany. Now the Marketing and Communications Manager for Berkshire Humane Society, we talk about how she changed careers, the world of animal welfare, and her future full of chickens. Additional Resources Elizabeth Nelson: Little E Design Berkshire Humane Society ASPCA Kitten Nursery in NYC

Categories: Activism, Career, The Arts

12: Anthony Mancinelli (the world’s oldest barber) on his wife

November 19, 2018 by angelansantillo

At 107 years old, Anthony Mancinelli holds the Guinness World record for being the oldest working barber in the world. We talk about his wife Carmella, the 69 years they were together, and how he got into the barber business. The new year is almost here! Share one unexpected moment that happened to you in 2018. Fill out the survey here: https://goo.gl/forms/elxAg8NSEf4KWj7I3 Additional Resources New York Times: “The World’s Oldest Barber Is 107 and Still Cutting Hair Full Time” Guinness […]

Categories: Career, Family, Love

10: Bill Monroe on getting better (and not getting best)

November 6, 2018 by angelansantillo

READ THE TRANSCRIPT FOR EPISODE 10 Bill Monroe (Strokecast podcast) is a Generation X stroke survivor. He talks about what on June 4, 2017, his ongoing recovery, and how he has become a marketing guy who knows way too much about neurology and neuroplasticity. Part One of my special Brain Double Header. Listen to Part Two: Stephan Wolfert on rewiring the brain with Shakespeare and science Additional Resources Bill Monroe: Strokecast Strokecast Episode 28: The Slow Road to Better Ted Talk: Jill Bolte Taylor, […]

Categories: Career, Disability Rights, Illness, Medical Event, Mental Health, Podcasting, Science, The Mind, Trauma

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08: Duncan Payne on being in the belly of the whale

October 23, 2018 by angelansantillo

Thirteen years ago, former teacher and lawyer Duncan Payne had a heart attack. We talk about strange responses to emergencies, how things forever change, and the fears that emerge and vanish after being in the belly of the whale. Additional Resources The Poetry Society: Jonah’s prayer by Aviva Dautch Smithsonian Magazine: “Could a Whale Accidentally Swallow You? It Is Possible” Joseph Campbell: A Hero with a Thousand Faces

Categories: Career, Family, Illness, Medical Event, Trauma

07: Megan Bryan on being a mom who puts out many fires

October 16, 2018 by angelansantillo

Megan Bryan was loving the firefighter life when she decided to be a single mother by choice. She found a sperm donor and after numerous rounds of fertility treatments, her daughter was born and she suddenly had to confront the worst biases about herself and our society. We talk about parenthood, racism, sexism, and her partner and their growing family. Additional Resources San Francisco Chronicle: “Black firefighter on inspection duty in Oakland hills gets videotaped, reported to police”

Categories: Activism, Career, Family, LGBTQIA, Mental Health, Parenthood, Race, Trauma, Women's Issues

05: Brian on drawdown and life after the Marines

October 2, 2018 by angelansantillo

During President Obama’s second term, the military was scaled back. Brian talks about being impacted by the drawdown and what life is like after serving twelve and a half years in the Marines. Additional resources Center for Strategic & International Studies, “What Has the Budget Control Act of 2011 Meant for Defense?” The Washington Post, “Obama announces new, leaner military approach” The New York Times, “Is It Wise to Cut Military Spending?” PBS News Hour, “Fact-checking GOP candidate claims on […]

Categories: Career, Grief & Loss, Military Veteran, Politics, Veteran Issues

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04: Piri Miller on making orgasms her business

September 18, 2018 by angelansantillo

Entrepreneur Piri Miller (Come Play) wants to revolutionize sex. She talks about the sextech industry, the orgasm gap, and how pitching a hands free vibrator has changed everything. After our conversation, we head to the You Porn x Future of Sex Sextech Hackathon. Additional Resources YouPorn x Future of Sex Sextech Hackathon Bryony Cole, Future of Sex Journal of Sexual Medicine: “What We Don’t Talk about When We Don’t Talk about Sex: Results of a National Survey of U.S. Obstetrician/Gynecologists” Peggy […]

Categories: Career, Entrepreneurship, Politics, Women's Issues • Tags: Episode

03: Dr. Justyna Zapolska on discovering the unconscious mind

September 18, 2018 by angelansantillo

What if something big happens and you don’t realize it but your unconscious mind does? Dr. Justyna Zapolska talks about the lecture that unexpectedly changed her career, psychoanalysis, and what happens when we tell untrue stories about ourselves. Additional Resources Dr. Zapolska’s Psychology Today profile American Psychoanalytic Associate: What is psychoanalysis?

Categories: Career, Mental Health, The Mind • Tags: Episode

02: Sarah Bracey White on her mother, segregation, and freedom

September 18, 2018 by angelansantillo

When Sarah Bracey White (author of Primary Lessons) was seventeen her mother died. She talks about growing up in the Jim Crow South, the impact segregation had on her family in South Carolina, and the independence she gained from unexpected loss.

Categories: Career, Family, Grief & Loss, Parenthood, Race, Women's Issues • Tags: Episode

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