And Then Suddenly

54: Jennifer Tan on the journey to Shine

February 19, 2020 by angelansantillo

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

53: Jack Ridl on the most important word in the world

February 4, 2020 by angelansantillo

Jack Ridl was walking with his 7-year-old daughter when she said “with” was the most important word because people always have to be with something, someone, or themselves. When she added that it meant everyone has to makes sure they have a good “with,” Jack’s perception of the world changed. We talk about how a simple and profound concept has since shaped his life, health, and poetry. Additional Resources Jack Ridl ridl.wordpress.com on Facebook Saint Peter and the Goldfinch by Jack […]

Categories: Family, Mental Health, Parenthood, The Unknown, Writing

52: Stacy Walsh on finding the good

January 22, 2020 by angelansantillo

In May 2017, Stacy Walsh (& then write podcast) was home sick on the couch when her Dad called to say her Mom felt like her legs weren’t working in the shower. Later that day her Mom was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor and things rapidly changed. We talk about how her Mom became a different person, the stress of dealing with stage 4 glioblastoma, and how Stacy has worked to see the good in a bad situation. […]

Categories: Family, Grief & Loss, Illness, Medical Event, Parenthood, Trauma, Writing

51: Hellen Beyioku-Alase on using her voice to help Deaf women in Nigeria

January 7, 2020 by angelansantillo

As a Deaf woman in Nigeria, Hellen Beyioku-Alase heard stories about the discrimination in hospitals towards the Deaf community but it wasn’t until her first pregnancy that she experienced how bad the problem was. After being ignored in the waiting room and a difficult birth, she decided to advocate for Deaf women and girls. We talk about her work to get sign language interpreters into hospitals and what she is doing so all Deaf women know their rights. *This interview […]

Categories: Activism, And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s), Disability Rights, Family, Medical Event, Parenthood, Women's Issues

50: Neema Tembele of Tanzania on her unexpected wake up call

December 17, 2019 by angelansantillo

Neema Tembele was bartending when she had her first panic attack. The painful physical sensations went away once she got to the hospital but the event set her on a new path. Now the Co-Founder and Data Analytics Director TEWWY, we talk about the challenges and unexpected benefits of her moment and how she is now on a mission to increase mental health understanding and access in her homeland of Tanzania. Additional Resources Thrive Global, “One Size Does […]

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

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

47: Anna Xwexx Morena on asylum and being a Ugandan transgender activist

November 20, 2019 by angelansantillo

This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) About four years ago, Anna Xwexx Morena sought asylum in Denmark for her safety and the chance to freely express herself. But the experience was not what she expected and feeling unsafe and used as a transgender woman, she returned to Uganda. We talk about her mission to help other Ugandan transgender women with their mental health needs, her experience as a grassroots activist, and her vision for the […]

Categories: Activism, And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s), Grief & Loss, LGBTQIA, Mental Health, Politics

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

43: Derek on leaving the friend zone

October 16, 2019 by angelansantillo

Derek was at church in his small hometown in Virginia when a girl he’d never seen walked through the door. Thinking she was the one, they stayed friends for a year and a half until one New Years Eve kiss. We talk about how two people from different worlds connected, how their relationship survived his Navy enlistment and deployment, and the benefits waiting in the friend zone. Additional Resources Urban Dictionary: Definition of Friend Zone Delilah

Categories: Family, Love, Military Veteran

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

36: Brandon Saiz on becoming Chief Petty Officer

August 28, 2019 by angelansantillo

After sixteen years in the Coast Guard, on October 1, 2013 Brandon Saiz achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Hating the tradition of initiation, he decided not to go through the voluntary indoctrination process and was ostracized by other chiefs. We talk about the military’s history of hazing, the social and mental health implications of going against the system, and how twenty years in the service impacts his life as a civilian. Trigger warning: This episode includes a candid conversation […]

Categories: Mental Health, Military Veteran, Podcasting, Trauma

35: Goldie Peacock on meeting the hottie walking down the stairs

August 20, 2019 by angelansantillo

Photo credit: Grace Chu On the night of their 30th birthday, Goldie Peacock was definitely not looking for love. They were at the Branded Saloon in Brooklyn, getting ready to perform an epic drag king number that transformed them from an English gentleman into a unicorn when a stranger appeared on the basement stairs. We talk about sparks, love, marriage, and what can happen when you’re busy making other plans. Additional Resources http://www.goldiepeacock.com Huffington Post: “It’s Time For Drag Kings […]

Categories: LGBTQIA, Love, The Arts

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

33: Kate Wallinga on being one in four million

August 6, 2019 by angelansantillo

In 2010, Kate Wallinga (Ignorance Was Bliss podcast) gave birth to her third child and didn’t feel right. After being dismissed by her doctors, she learned she had a serious infection from being exposed to strep in the delivery room. Out of the four million women who give birth every year, only 100 get this kind of complication and only one of those women survive. We talk about the medical emergency that changed her mind, her life, and the new […]

Categories: Illness, Medical Event, Parenthood, Podcasting, The Mind, Trauma, Women's Issues

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

Season One: That’s a wrap!

April 25, 2019 by angelansantillo

Twenty-eight episodes and so many topics later, Season One is complete! Listen to the highlights and if you want to be a guest on Season Two, submit your information here. Thanks so much for listening! Follow And Then Suddenly on Facebook and Instagram.

Categories: Podcasting

28: Steven Pacheco on the bus ride to Boston

April 9, 2019 by angelansantillo

One week before our interview, Steven Pacheco was on a bus ride to Boston when the driver called the police on a young black passenger for being on his phone. While recording the event, Steven realized he was observing the policing of black and brown bodies in a new way. We talk about race, trauma, and how leadership opportunities are changing this self-proclaimed Renaissance man and his experience as a black man in America. Additional Resources Connect with Steven Twitter: @MrStevenPacheco […]

Categories: Activism, Politics, Race, Trauma

27: Uyen Trinh on stopping an autopilot life

April 2, 2019 by angelansantillo

Two years ago, Uyen Trinh was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes and it forced her to reconsider her relationship with her body and every relationship in her life. As a refugee from Vietnam and growing up in foster care, she realized she had become the ultimate caregiver at the sacrifice of herself. We talk about self-care, what it takes to advocate for yourself, and how she reversed her diagnosis through a ketogenic diet.

Categories: Family, Illness, Immigration, Love, Medical Event, Trauma

26: Paul Griffin on instant change

March 20, 2019 by angelansantillo

In 1993, Paul Griffin unexpectedly lost his father and instantly everything changed. While dealing with grief for the first time, he began to do the work that would later become his theater organization, The Possibility Project. We talk about fathers, love and loss, and what it takes to be wise. Additional Resources The Possibility Project Website Instagram Facebook

Categories: Family, Grief & Loss, Medical Event, The Arts

25: Julie Dombo on surviving

March 5, 2019 by angelansantillo

Julie Dombo was at an AT&T store in Derby, Kansas when she was shot during a robbery. That event on August 11, 2015 led to an extensive hospitalization and left Julie as a quadruple amputee. We talk about her totally changed life, the optimism needed to carry on, her mission to share her story, and America’s relationship with guns. Additional Resources Wichita Public Schools (video): Julie Dombo at Heights High School – March 13, 2018 The Wichita Eagle: Julie Dombo […]

Categories: Activism, Family, Medical Event, Politics, Trauma

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