Seeing the phrase “nothing about us without us” in action made Marinke van Riet question her actions as a person and as a leader. We talk about her subsequent resignation as director of Voice, why representation matters, the future of international development, and what it means to belong. Additional Resources Marinke’s blog on Voice: Because representation matters! And Then Suddenly’s collaboration with Voice: And Then Suddenly: Rising Voices
Melissa Panszi Riebe was at a crossroads in her career when she shared her jewelry making dreams with an acquaintance over dinner. The conversation that followed inspired her to launch A D’Zine. We talk about her transition from social worker to maker, the power of jewelry, and running a small business with purpose. Additional Resources A D’ZineA D’Zine on Instagram
Categories: Activism, Career, Entrepreneurship, Fashion
Susan was a high school junior in Great Falls, Montana when she was accepted into a vocal performance program at Tanglewood in Massachusetts. Being in a new place with fellow creatives changed what she thought was possible. We talk about broadening horizons, the road to writing, and why a teenage moment still matters today. Susan is the first two-time visiting guest on the show! Check out episode 19 for her other moment. Additional Resources Episode 19: Susan Fritz on life […]
Categories: Career, The Arts, Travel, Women's Issues, Writing • Tags: everything relevant has already been said, podcast, susan myhr fritz, writer
Ashley Lauren Rogers was working in the steampunk scene when she learned a friend and colleague was accused of nonconsensual relations with someone else in the community. Seeing how willing people were able to dismiss the claims, her decision to immediately step away from the scene changed everything. We talk about the fantasy of steampunk, what happens when you decide to take a stand, why it’s important to believe survivors. Additional Resources Connect with Ashley: http://www.ashleylaurenrogers.com Is it […]
Categories: Activism, Career, LGBTQIA, Politics, The Arts, Writing
On May 23, 2015, scientist Jad Mahmoud Halabi was at a mall when he learned his Dad passed away. As his constant support system, his Dad taught him to embrace failure, see the world, and take advantage of every opportunity. Something switched after his passing and Jad decided to live this advice. We talk about what this new outlook is teaching him about his Dad’s life, how it is increasing his curiosity, and how it impacts his work in science […]
Categories: Career, Family, Grief & Loss, Science, Travel
Carmel Fauci was working in insurance when she met her second husband. He was a charismatic, brilliant underwriter and she learned he was a violent alcoholic right before the wedding. We talk about their relationship, her experience with men as a successful businesswoman, and what happened when she finally met her soulmate. Additional links Carmel on Facebook
Categories: Career, Family, Grief & Loss, Love, Women's Issues
Jennifer Tan was working a demanding job at a management consultancy firm when she had the idea to create a business empowerment program for women. Through a series of events her idea developed into a financial literacy program for domestic abuse survivors. Now the Founder of the Shine Foundation, we talk about her unexpected journey to starting a nonprofit, how social impact work has changed her, and the financial pressures facing domestic abuse survivors. Additional Resources Shine Foundation […]
Categories: Activism, Career, Entrepreneurship, Trauma, Women's Issues
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
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
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
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, Grief & Loss, Illness, Love, Medical Event, Most Listened To, Trauma, Travel
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
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
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
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
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 […]