Introducing Me: Recent Episodes
Sarah Porell
Join Sarah each week as she talks with a new guest on Introducing Me, a podcast where people of many different backgrounds share their stories. With a focus on inclusion and diversity, Sarah’s guests talk about culture, advocacy, race, ability, gender and sexual identities, or whatever else they want heard.
In closing out the podcast, Sarah hands over the microphone to her husband, Coleman, to guide her in conversation about ending the podcast. Sarah talks about the last four years of podcasting and what she hopes for in 2025.
Connect with Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/slportal7/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Contact Sarah, email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Julia Davis is back on the podcast to share updates about her life which now includes fostering kittens. Julia happened to move into a house with a cat living in a chicken coop and now in a new home, she has five cats in addition to a group of foster kittens. Julia’s community on TikTok has always been supportive of Julia giving back to her community and supporting the kittens’ journeys.
Connect with Julia:
https://www.tiktok.com/@julia_adavis
https://www.instagram.com/julia_adavis
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
A professional genealogist, Mica L. Anders stumbled into this career while earning her MFA in Visual Arts. She helps her clients dig deeper into their family histories and also creates exhibits for African American history. Working professionally for the last decade, Mica enjoys solving family mysteries and staying creative.
Connect with Mica:
https://www.instagram.com/andersgenealogicalservices/
https://www.facebook.com/AndersGenealogicalServices
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mica-lee-anders/
https://www.andersgenealogicalservices.com/freebies
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Ann Russo founded a private practice, turned into a larger corporation, AMR Therapy, to provide mental health services for marginalized communities. She has researched and studied religious trauma and how that intersects with mental health. More recently, she has created trainings for other mental health professionals surrounding trauma with Christianity and has gotten a book deal to focus on religious trauma as a whole.
Ann’s Practice: https://www.amrtherapy.com
Ann’s Website: https://www.annrusso.org
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Linda Henderson’s daughter, Andrea, was only 27 when she died suddenly in a car crash. For three years Linda waited for two trials to end, one for the driver who caused the accident, and one to remain connected with her grandson. During this time Linda was existing outside of her body, but she eventually found a larger support network and authored her memoir. Now Linda wants to help support other people’s grief and embrace the moments and give the message of hope.
Check out Linda’s Books on Amazon:
The Road of Love & Hope: https://a.co/d/61Jk5Gc
Spooky Meets a Friend by Andrea: https://a.co/d/3ZqutW3
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Lisa Cox loved her job as a copywriter in advertising when nearly twenty years ago, as a fit, healthy, non-smoking 24-year old, she had a stroke. After a year in the hospital, Lisa came out with multiple visible and invisible disabilities. She has come to learn what her “new normal” is, including life in a wheelchair and living with brain injury and neurodiversity. Lisa now works as an inclusive advertising consultant striving to change social attitudes around disability.
Connect with Lisa:
https://lisacox.co
https://www.instagram.com/lisacox.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacox-authorspeakerconsultant/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Arden Coutts is a trans non-binary self-published indie author with a few releases under their belt with more to come. When growing up, they loved to read and hoped to one day publish a book. After a career in archeology and going to therapy, Arden has turned to writing and publishing in hopes to make community for those who find their identity later in life.
Connect with Arden:
www.ardencoutts.com
www.instagram.com/ardencoutts
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Born a lesbian and raised Mormon, Kyleigh Weathers was taught to pray the gay away. Being so closeted made accepting her sexuality difficult. Leaving the Mormon religion meant squaring up with the self abandonment she had done for so many years. She began healing her attachment wounds, started to date herself and discovered her worth. Now in a good co-parenting relationship with her son’s father and on disability, Kyleigh has started her business Queerly Attached to coach queer folks on attachment styles and connecting with themselves.
Kyleigh’s Recommended Books:
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer
Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy by Jessica Fern
Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After by Katherine Woodward Thomas
Connect with Kyleigh:
https://queerlyattached.net
https://www.instagram.com/queerlyattached/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
While an industrial engineering student at Cornell University in 1970, Ken Kunken sustained an injury that left him a quadriplegic, nearly fully paralyzed. After spending more than nine months in care, just eleven days after his release, Ken was back at school continuing his studies. He continued on with his studies, earning degrees in counseling and eventually working to be an assistant district attorney in Nassau County. Ken hasn’t let his disability stop him from achieving goals he previously had and he is now a proud husband, father, and recently authored his book “I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story.”
Connect with Ken:
https://kenkunken.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566473121422
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Growing up in Peru, Catherine Gairard didn’t have the financial means to pursue her musical passions, but at fifteen she started playing the guitar and from there and has since developed a passion for music composition. With a goal of becoming a cinematic composer, Catherine has a wide array of talents. Half-French and half-Peruvian, Catherine enjoys traveling and spending her time exploring other cultures.
Connect with Catherine:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdwJUZ6DIvFdw09_O_2RXBg
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Cherish Amber identifies as queer, gay, and a lesbian and prioritizes safe spaces for queer folks. She loves her job as a sex and relationship coach and focuses on clarity, communication, consent, and connection. Based in the UK, Cherish shares her experiences being part of the queer community and the differences around the world and being out for less time than her partner.
Connect with Cherish:
https://www.cherishamber.com
https://www.instagram.com/thecherishamber
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Not sure how it’s been four years of podcasting, but here we are! In this episode, Sarah gives some life updates and shares what she has gotten up to in the last year as she gets ready to take on married life and year five of podcasting.
Connect with Sarah:
https://www.instagram.com/slportal7/
https://www.tiktok.com/@introducingsarah
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
In this episode, I’ve included highlights from four episodes from the third year of Introducing Me. These episodes were recorded between October 2022 and March 2023 and thoughts or opinions may have changed since the time of recording. Check out their entire episodes in the archives.
Markus: Raising a Gender Neutral Child in a Three Parent Family; https://www.mharwoodjones.com
Melanie: Former Disney Stepsister; https://www.tiktok.com/@magicalgirlmelanie
Emma: IVF Treatment Abroad; https://www.instagram.com/YourIVFabroad/
Arcadia: Miss Boston Earning a PhD in Psychology; https://www.instagram.com/arcadiaewell/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
In this episode, I’ve included highlights from five episodes from the second year of Introducing Me. These episodes were recorded between October 2021 and July 2022 and thoughts or opinions may have changed since the time of recording. Check out their entire episodes in the archives.
Michael: An Intellectual Disability and a Dream; https://a.co/d/htOHKiM
Vera: Immersed in the Deaf Community; https://www.tiktok.com/@veepats
Jessica: Team USA Paralympic Discus Thrower; https://www.tiktok.com/@jessie_heims
Marsha: From Firefighter to Fire Marshal; https://iabpf.org
Edward: Being Trans in Music and Literature; https://www.edward-underhill.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
In this episode, I’ve included highlights from five episodes from the first year of Introducing Me. These episodes were recorded between February and July 2021 and thoughts or opinions may have changed since the time of recording. Check out their entire episodes in the archives.
Kelly: Former and Future Political Candidate; https://www.tiktok.com/@kellykrout
Kevin: Strength & Conditioning, Now in the NFL
Mirinda: Author and Avid Traveler; https://mirindakossoff.com
Kandrea: Bringing AI to Entertainment
Rabbi Noyo: Non-Traditional Paths and Inclusivity; https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbi.noyo
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Mandee Bowsmith spent twenty four years working in human resources for municipal and state governments. Having a wonderful mentor that she could see herself in, Mandee continued to show up as her authentic self in the workspace - a gay woman who is medicated for ADHD. More recently, Mandee started her own business to consult and coach others in professional development.
Connect with Mandee:
https://www.bluenoteresources.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandee-bowsmith-ms-cec-75570148/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
At a young age, Aiden Gabor entered the family business being associated with a well-known crime family. Once in college, he was approached by two members of the Department of Justice, threatening to send his mother to jail. Aiden flunked out of college and joined the police force to report back to the DOJ members at their request. Aiden ended up in quite a dark place and has since found peace in the Baha’i faith.
Connect with Aiden: https://conflictingloyalties.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Neil Laird travelled the globe as a historical documentary producer and now brings ancient history into his adventure books. As a queer filmmaker and novelist, he understands the importance of representation that he is able to showcase in his novels, Prime Time Travelers, that he wasn’t able to make on the television screen. Outside of publishing, Neil loves to travel especially wherever he may be able to see ancient ruins and artifacts.
Connect with Neil:
https://www.tiktok.com/@gay_history
https://www.neillaird.com
Buy his book: https://a.co/d/bxDvVCL
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
When JD Mass’s parents had children, they wanted to raise their kids surrounded by Black culture and intentionally be anti-racist. JD grew up with predominantly Black friends and wanted to understand the roots of racism that he saw. From working with Nelly, to finding an accepting community in Israel, JD shares about many life experiences in this episode including more on his book “Race for What?” and his podcast “Same Difference.”
Connect with JD:
https://samedifference.life
https://www.instagram.com/raceforwhat/
https://www.tiktok.com/@drjdmass
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jason Tuttle is the father of two special needs children with mental and physical disabilities who lost his fifteen-year-old son Zachary. Zachary had Eagle-Barrett syndrome and when he was two, Jason left work as an elementary physical education teacher to become a stay at home parent. After Zachary passed away, Jason’s counselor recommended journaling which eventually led Jason to creating his Letters to Zachary Facebook page to share his grief journey with other fathers and now anyone in their grief journey.
Connect with Jason:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Letters-to-Zachary-61552174684952/
https://www.tiktok.com/@Letters2Zachary
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Luaskya Nonon is a first generation Afro-Latina American whose parents empowered her to navigate different spaces while staying true to herself. Growing up in Brooklyn, Luaskya was used to diverse communities until she went to college and then law school at predominately white institutions. A corporate lawyer for twenty years, she more recently founded her consultancy Equity Principle Consulting where she helps leaders create inclusive spaces and coaches those navigating the complexities of the corporate workplace.
Connect with Luaskya:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/luaskyanonon/
https://equityprinciple.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
A disabled Army Veteran, Zorina's retirement hasn’t been quite what she expected. Retiring from Veterans Affairs in 2020 didn’t mean that Zorina stopped helping her fellow veterans and a few months prior, Zorina had become a caregiver for her brother who had a brain stroke. In December 2021 she was inspired to create a children’s game, ZomadicShift, to help combat digital balance. Since then, she’s continued to work on different games and is working on getting her children’s book published.
Check out Zorina's games: https://zochey.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Growing up, Karen Anne Coccioli experienced a lot of trauma and turned to writing when she developed a stutter. Her writing truly saved her and now in her seventies, she has published her memoir, Paradise, to help others who have experienced such hardships. Karen has always known she was gay and ultimately, began to live authentically. She also publishes gay erotica under her pen name, Annie Moon.
Connect with Karen:
https://www.karenannecoccioli.com
https://www.authoranniemoon.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Michael Fosberg grew up in Chicago with his Armenian mother, step-father, and half-siblings, but didn’t wonder about his biological father until he was in his 30s. Armed with a name and potential location, Michael quickly found his father and learned about his previously unknown Black heritage and family. He published his memoir Incognito: An American Odyssey of Race and Self Discovery which he also turned into a one-man play. Michael has found himself in the world of DEI helping people realize they have more in common than they have differences.
Connect with Michael: https://incognitotheplay.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jack Schaefer was only five or six-years old when he took his first judo class. Since then, he has learned more about the culture and language of Asian countries. First training and teaching martial arts, he was guided to learn medicine and went on to study Chinese medicine in both the US and China. More recently, Jack's lifelong interest in Daoism led to the co-creation of Parting Clouds to further Daoist education.
Connect with Jack:
mountainwestwellness.com
partingcloudsdaoisteducation.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Edward Miskie has spent his life in the theatre and ten years ago, cancer didn’t stop him. Edward was diagnosed with a rare Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma right before he turned 25. He got back on the stage after he went through treatment, but now he’s more focused on writing and producing. Edward recently republished his book, Cancer, Musical Theatre & Other Chronic Illnesses, as a 10-Year Cancer Survivorship Anniversary Edition.
Connect with Edward:
https://www.instagram.com/edwardmiskie/
https://www.tiktok.com/@edwardmiskie
Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cancer-musical-theatre-other-chronic-illnesses-edward-miskie/1142386300?ean=9798987044704
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
For the past eight years, Miguel Yga has been traveling to experience different cultures. He grew up in a conservative Mexican culture and became a corporate lawyer. But Miguel decided to quit his job, pay off his debts, and with little in his bank account, embarked on a journey of exploration and self-discovery that led him to travel throughout North and South America, especially to experience life among indigenous cultures. Miguel always dreamed of being a writer and he recently published his first book, The Embrace of Silence: A Story of Hope and Healing During the Guatemalan Civil War.
Connect with Miguel:
www.ramblingandroving.com
https://www.youtube.com/@ramblingandroving/
Book: https://a.co/d/5WP5ki4
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Nicole “Nikki” Lewis knew she wanted to go into law in the fourth grade and has now been a practicing attorney for more than twenty years. She got her first attorney job at the LA County Children’s Support Services Department and now owns and operates a family law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a kid, Nikki thought that fitness wasn’t for her, but stress from her job made her realize she needed a change and she eventually found bodybuilding. Originally she didn’t plan to compete, but she went professional in her first wellness competition and is now going to compete in figure.
Connect with Nikki:
https://www.nlewislaw.com
https://www.instagram.com/coachnikkilew/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
In 2012, Hanan Merabi started the non-profit Earth’s Angels with a main focus of helping combat infant and maternal mortality. Orphaned at 8-years-old in Ghana, Hanan moved to the US at 15, but ran away at 18 from her adopted family and later started her career in nursing. Now a mother of two sons, Hanan works to help other mothers and folks in Ghana.
Connect with Hanan:
https://thelegacyisme.com
https://youtu.be/y6DFNZdSG0Q?si=CYdoqKGoiILKRG8Y
https://www.tiktok.com/@hananmerabi
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
In 2016, Jason Muth made his first investment in real estate and has since left the traditional workforce. Prideaway Stays offers short-term rentals in Provincetown with a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. He also hosts the podcast, The Real Estate Law Podcast with his real estate attorney husband. In this episode Jason shares how his journey in real estate has grown along with his growing family after adopting their almost five-year-old daughter at birth.
Connect with Jason:
https://jasonmuth.com
https://prideawaystays.com
https://www.youtube.com/@therealestatelawpodcast
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Boots Knighton was diagnosed with three separate congenital heart diseases in 2020. Delayed from COVID, she was able to have open heart surgery in 2021 and has been working her athleticism back up. Boots started her podcast The Heart Chamber to help other patients like herself know what to expect. In this episode, Boots goes into detail about her surgery and her life prior and afterwards, including how her life as an educator has changed.
Connect with Boots:
https://www.theheartchamberpodcast.com
https://www.instagram.com/theheartchamberpodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/boots.knighton/
https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneBootsKnighton/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jennifer Gasner was diagnosed with a rare, neuromuscular disease called Friederich’s ataxia at age 17. She had always been clumsy, but her handwriting had gotten worse and about a decade later, she started using a wheelchair. At first, Jen had a lot of fear, but eventually found acceptance and has recently authored her memoir, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis.
Connect with Jen:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferGasner/
https://www.instagram.com/jennygwriter/
Buy her book: https://a.co/d/iPp4t6z
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
At a young age, Amethysta (Ami for short) believed that genetics held the key to engineering a better human being. Struggling with mental health and identity, Ami transitioned genders in 2022 to better align with who she always knew she should be. In doing so, she now knows that you can’t engineer a better human and her professional focus has shifted from biochemistry and analytics to researching gender and identity, alongside becoming an author.
Connect with Amethysta:
https://www.amethysta.io
https://genderidentitytoday.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jacey Keller lost her mom, Shawn, ten years ago when she was still in high school. Three years ago she was inspired to help others with their own grief and she started coaching. In this episode, she shares her personal grief story, her growing family, and how to support other people through grief.
Connect with Jacey:
https://www.instagram.com/rebuildyourlife.griefcoach
https://www.facebook.com/p/Jacey-Keller-Coaching-100071519215475/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Asher's musical journey began at the tender age of two, though he never anticipated it would become his full-time pursuit as an adult. Initially, while residing in NYC, he took up the violin as a means to supplement his income. However, over time, his musical endeavors blossomed into a full-fledged career, diverging from his academic background in biology and nursing. In this episode, Asher delves into his musical passions and sheds light on the intricacies of freelancing in the industry.
Connect with Asher: https://www.asherlaub.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jean Jacques Brun, better known as JJ, or The Retired Spy spent 20 years in the Intelligence Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces and now 25 years as the founder of DHC Training Co. As a child, school was hard and he loved sports, so it was natural for him to join the service. He now trains the Four Temperament (DISC) Model of Human Behavior for personal and professional growth.
Check out JJ’s work:
https://theretiredspy.com/the-art-of-interpersonal-relationships/
https://theretiredspy.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Ryan DeLena is about to get a degree in outdoor education, but he’s already adventuring outside and guiding others. Ryan is currently a climbing guide with Acadia National Park and likes to have the chance to connect with guests on their outdoor excursions. He started skiing at a young age with his dad and knew that that would be his realm. While on an excursion in Antarctica, without wifi, his dad started writing a book, which ended up becoming the book he co-authored with Ryan, Without Restraint, which shares Ryan’s story of being taken out of traditional school and having a traumatic experience in therapeutic schools to finding success on the ski slopes.
Ryan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extreme_ryan_delena/?hl=en
Ryan’s Book: https://a.co/d/ac4Wi0r
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Alex Williams is the granddaughter of Black Panthers and has always been inspired to care for others. She started in home health care, went to school to become an EMT, is trained as a doula for home births and went into law enforcement to pursue justice. As an ironman triathlete turned wrestler, she learned about the benefits of hyperbaric chambers and for the past seven years she has been growing her business, Holistic Hyperbarics in the Bay Area of California.
Connect with Alex & Holistic Hyperbarics:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hh/
https://www.hh-bayarea.com
https://www.instagram.com/holistic_hyperbarics
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
When speaking with Kristof Morrow, you may notice that he says “Shakespeare” throughout the conversation, and while he has a fondness for the author, it’s an audible tic because of his Tourette’s. Kristof has relocated to Vancouver after having a rough childhood, serving as a medic in the US Navy, and being a journalist in Texas. He recently published his first book which is a fantasy novel showcasing many walks of life.
Connect with Kristof: https://linktr.ee/kristofmorrow
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
John Lawyer grew up in rural Oklahoma and joined the Army right after college. He worked in counterintelligence and counterterrorism stationed in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. John stayed abroad after retiring to civilian life, but now resides in North Texas. He’s always remained kind and positive, wanting to make a difference even while working through burnout and PTSD. John had a spiritual awakening as an Omnist and worked to create a nonprofit spiritual community.
Connect with Kishar Spiritual Community:
https://kishar.org
https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceOnYourJourney/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
At nineteen, Anne left her small hometown in Finland, landing in Paris and later spending years in England. It was shortly after leaving Finland when she started losing her hair due to alopecia. Anne felt that she was losing control of her body and was in hiding for almost 20 years due to shame of being bald and having to wear bad wigs, and not being able to recognize herself in the mirror. Nowadays higher quality wigs are available and she’s working to get better access to them in Finland for her fellow alopecians.
Connect with Anne:
https://www.instagram.com/avain.io/
https://www.avain.io
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
A performer since three years old, Mari Reisberg has always been creative. She’s lived the performer’s life and then decided to go back to school to become a therapist because she loves supporting other people. Utilizing dance movement therapy, Mari brings creativity into her sessions and helps people reclaim their creativity as it is something for everyone.
Connect with Mari:
www.sustainingcreativity.com
https://www.instagram.com/sustainingcreativity/
https://www.facebook.com/sustainingcreativity
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari-reisberg-b1320151/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
When Ann Coleman’s son was a teenager, the home was a battleground. Ann tried to control his behavior in authoritarian ways and was highly reactive rather focusing on emotional well being. Ann and her husband sent their son to a two month residency treatment program and afterwards moved the family to her hometown to be with her mother. Her relationship with her son, now 22, is much better. Now Ann reads through the science to help educate other parents foster better relationships with their children.
Connect with Ann:
https://speakingofteens.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakingofteens
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Darlene Greene is a retired Navy Commander after 20 years in the service including three tours and overseeing more than 1200 people. Following the military, she transferred her leadership skills into information technology, Dean of Culver Girls Academy, and health technology. Darlene shares stories about creating the Returning Warrior Weekend Workshop to help warriors and families better transition, marrying a great Navy Captain, his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s, her journey caring for him, and how LifeWave patches which elevate GHK-Cu to activate their own stem cells have changed their lives.
Darlene’s Website: https://iamreverseaging.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Shannon Whittington felt a lot of shame around the word lesbian and was not out at work until a coworker outed her. Since then she has become much more open and an advocate against homophobia in the workplace. She authored the short read, “LGBTQ+ ABCs for Grown Ups” to help with beginner knowledge for people who want to be allies of the community. She has since earned her doctorate in Nursing and works on advocacy in healthcare.
Connect with Shannon:
https://www.whittingtonconsulting.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwhittington/
Buy her book: https://a.co/d/43RScoa
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
At four years old, Farah left London to visit family in India and ended up living there until she was 18. A Parsi by faith, her mother always encouraged her to simply be herself, while learning the language and culture around her. Getting the call that her mother had been shot while she was living in Dubai is a moment that changed her world. Farah authored the book “Meher & Me” to honor her. Professionally, she has been in the banking world for more than 30 years and enjoys yoga and baking.
Connect with Farah:
https://www.farahpress.com
https://www.instagram.com/farah.press/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1739355008?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
More than just her identity, Celia Sandhya Daniels’ goal in life is to be a good human being. She is an Asian Indian who identifies as gender non-binary, trans femme and uses she/they pronouns. Celia has a strong business background and is a management consultant and advocate of the LGBTQ+ community.
Connect with Celia:
https://www.rebekon.com/celia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiasandaniels/
https://twitter.com/celiasandaniels
https://www.instagram.com/celiasandaniels/
https://www.facebook.com/celiasandhyadaniels/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Brandy Morgan is the founder of Morgan Legacy Group LLC where she advocates for and to help others who have experienced homelessness or sickle cell disease. Brandy spent a year and half as a single mom in the unhoused community before getting back on her feet through transitional housing support through the YWCA and help from the Dress for Success program. Additionally, she brings advocacy and awareness to sickle cell after having lost her close friend Andy to the disease in 2009.
Connect with Brandy:
https://www.themorganlegacygroup.com
https://www.instagram.com/morgan.legacy.group/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Richard Kweku EzeAgu “Eze” Akinyemi uncovered his ancestral roots through DNA after visiting Nigeria in 2013. He believes there is a revelation day waiting for each African descendant as they reconnect to their roots. Since discovering his heritage, Eze’s life has been enriched and he has embraced African fashion, egusi soup and other cuisine, along with changing his name.
Connect with Eze:
https://www.foundmypeople.com
https://www.instagram.com/_foundmypeople
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jean Johnson is the author of the children’s books Rynnie Roo’s Adventures which was inspired when her first grandchild was born. Having grown up in the Yucatan jungle before moving to the United States, she would find herself putting on puppet shows to cross language barriers. Jean shares about the different cultures she’s experienced and how she is a big kid at heart.
Connect with Jean:
https://rynnieroo.com
https://www.facebook.com/bobbiejeanspage?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://www.instagram.com/rynnieroosadventures
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jean-Johnson/author/B0BWVZKGGM?
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Katherine McCord has six invisible disabilities, including OCD, bipolar 1, and misophonia. Katherine doesn’t let any of her disabilities stop her and knows how to acclimate to situations around her. In her professional career in people operations, she invented the first anti-biased applicant tracking system. Katherine is an international speaker focusing on integrity, inclusion, and innovation.
Connect with Katherine:
https://www.kmccordspeaking.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mccord-093bb343/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
At the point of nearly three years of podcast hosting, Sarah is back with just the microphone to share what has been happening in the past year. From adopting their second cat, Sox, and lots of travel it surely has been a busy year. I’m looking forward to changing up the podcast release schedule for Year 4.
Connect with Sarah:
https://www.instagram.com/slportal7/
https://www.tiktok.com/@introducingsarah
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Kent Weishaus had a twenty-five year career in television production, working on talk shows, game shows, tabloids, sitcoms, and other programming, before making a switch in 2006, going back to graduate school and eventually becoming a licensed clinical social worker. Since then he has worked in mental hospitals, community clinics, schools, and is now semi-retired, continuing a part-time private practice.
Kent recently published his book Stop Breaking Down: How to avoid Overwhelm and Crack-Up - you can find it through his website, https://kentw.net.
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Clare Pritchard started traveling after university at the persistence of a close friend. She ended up falling in love with traveling, having spent many months abroad in dozens of countries. Originally from Manchester, England, Clare enjoys learning about new cultures and connecting with people around the world. Clare started her own business with program Back Yourself to coach others to increase their confidence skills.
Connect with Clare:
https://www.instagram.com/cpritch.coaching/
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100089999626561
https://www.tiktok.com/@cpritch.coaching
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Tracy Whitmore embarked on a transformative journey from being a young mother to forging a career in social work. Her path led her to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, where her impact extended beyond the young individuals themselves. An influx of parents seeking guidance and solace found their way to her as well. Relocating from Australia to Canada marked a pivotal moment, as she seized the opportunity to establish her own business, created around this very mission. Being a member of the queer community herself, she also extends her expertise to coaching and counseling LGBTQIA+ adults. Tracy has recently published her first book, titled "It’s About You Too: Reducing the Overwhelm for Parents of LGBTQ+ Kids."
Connect with Tracy:
https://indigojourney.co/book/
https://www.facebook.com/Tracy.IndigoJourney/
https://www.instagram.com/tracy.indigojourney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-whitmore-69462845/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Ben Brown grew up on a Mormon polygamist compound and left for the “wicked world” in his early to mid-twenties. After six generations of his family being Mormons, he was not going to stand for the white supremacy and racism. After attending Burning Man, he was able to reconnect with his father, about 15 years after leaving. Ben is a part-time dad and has gotten into stand up comedy where he is known as The Fresh King Benjamin.
Ben’s Website: https://www.thefreshkingbenjamin.com
Comedy Special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBx5g6FOEaM
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Shellie Wilson was born and raised Christian, living her life for Jesus for roughly 60 years. When struggling with renal failure a few years ago, she had a come to Jesus moment which strengthened her connection to Jesus further. Shellie has been teaching the Bible for the past 40 years and in this episode she dives into her four spiritual disciplines: Bible study, prayer, memorization, and rest.
Connect with Shellie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelliewilson/
https://www.facebook.com/shellie.huffmanwilson
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Christina Carlson (she/they) was raised in a high control religious group and didn’t know that bisexuality was an option. She’s now happily able to identify as queer after having left the church and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. They are a self relationship coach to help others find their true selves and hosts the podcast Bitches, Witches and Queers.
Connect with Christina:
https://www.christinamcarlson.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@christinaclifecoaching
https://www.instagram.com/christinacarlsonlifecoach/
Bitches, Witches and Queers: https://www.christinamcarlson.com/podcast
It’s Raining Tacos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npjF032TDDQ
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Daniel John Carey grew up in a difficult household, but he lives life knowing that his troubled life doesn’t define him. At sixteen he decided to hitchhike to California which ended up giving him hope for the future. He joined the Mormon Church to try and fix his life, but ultimately left religion altogether. John has written multiple books including Dream Another Dream and Dream Your World to motivate others to change their lives.
Connect with John:
www.twitter.com/JohnDijonCarey
https://www.meetup.com/screenwriting-tribe/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/224849677934122/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Valena Beety is a former prosecutor who prosecuted cases with domestic and sexual violence. As a queer woman she noticed that convictions of people like her sometimes included no crime at all. She shares some of these stories in her book Manifesting Justice: Wrongly Convicted Women Reclaim Their Rights. She founded the West Virginia Innocence Project and is currently working to create the Innocence Project of Indiana in her home state where she is now a law professor.
The Innocence Project Network: https://innocencenetwork.org/
Connect with Valena: www.valenabeety.com
Buy her book: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806541518/manifesting-justice/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jyoti was born and raised in California and started to learn more about her Punjabi culture in college. When her therapist suggested she write as a way of healing trauma, Jyoti ended up turning to fiction novels where she brings in taboo topics in South Asian Communities. From her first book The Chaos Within Us to her upcoming book Finding Home, Jyoti loves sharing her stories.
Connect with Jyoti:
https://geetwrites.carrd.co/#about
https://sincerelygeetmh.carrd.co/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22904762.Jyoti_Dhanota
https://www.instagram.com/geetisbooked/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Lori Ann Wood was in good health when all of a sudden she had end-stage heart failure. Her heart was enlarged and functioning at 6% such that her doctors didn’t think she would survive. Heart failure is a progressive disease and continues to be something that Lori Ann has monitored. She started writing and recently published her book Divine Detour where she asks some tough faith-based questions.
Connect with Lori Ann:
https://loriannwood.com
https://www.instagram.com/loriannwood/
https://www.facebook.com/DivinelyDetoured
Buy her book: https://a.co/d/6sKILDN
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Michelle Shekhinah was living life as a mom married to a man that she thought was the one when things turned for the worse. After being together for 17 years, her ex showed her his secret world of drugs, alcohol, and sexual deviancy. With two special needs kids, she always made sure they were safe, and was eventually able to get out from her husband and divorced. Never able to say no to him, Michelle is now able to work through her traumas in therapy and advocate for other women to get out of similar situations.
Connect with Michelle: https://fromthefloortothedoor.com
Resources:
https://www.womenindistress.org
https://ncadv.org
https://www.nsvrc.org
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
In her memoir, Girl Hidden, Jesse René Gibbs, shares many heart wrenching details of her childhood. From a young age Jesse has experienced trauma and was able to escape her narcissistic mother and live with her grandparents until five-years-old. Moving back in with her mother and step-father, who treated Jesse like his girlfriend, her grandmother legally kidnapped her 18-months later. Unfortunately Jesse’s mother then illegally kidnapped her and Jesse wasn’t able to get out until leaving at 18 to Chicago and the Jesus People (JPUSA) which wasn’t the solution either. Jesse finally got out to Seattle with help from her best friend Jane and has since been able to safely reconnect with her younger siblings and find love with her husband and her step-kids.
Connect with Jesse: https://www.girlhidden.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Shayne Halls was born in the US Virgin Islands, moved to South Carolina, and attended an HBCU. After graduating from Saint Augustine’s University, he got into the world of recruiting, a field he had known nothing about. Overtime he realized he needed to speak up about diversity, equity, and inclusion. He’s since started his own consulting firm, Manifested Dreams, which helps professionals be empowered with AI and inclusivity.
Connect with Shayne:
https://manifesteddreams.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdshalls/
https://twitter.com/mnifstddreams
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Shana Francesca is a speaker, writer, Founder and CEO of Concinnate. Her work centers around intentional leadership and life design. Shana believes our present and future are transformed when we infuse our lives with intention, design our lives, and realize the power in accepting ourselves as the author of our story. She recently authored a romance book, Under My Skin, under the pen name Maeve Marin.
Concinnate: https://www.concinnate.world
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Carrie Gobble has been living past her original life expectancy with cystic fibrosis after receiving a bi-lateral lung transplant at age 27. She learned the importance of in-person mentorship for people with cystic fibrosis “CFers” from her now husband, Gary. In addition to mentoring, she is also passionate about organ donation and is grateful for the family she has found in her donor Andrew’s family.
National Donor Registry: https://donatelife.net/
Andy Lipman, author of Alive at 25: https://www.cfwarriorproject.org/meet-andy/
Five Feet Apart on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80236271
Connect with Carrie:
https://www.instagram.com/eyeceebeauty
https://www.facebook.com/carrie.seratigobble/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Kathy Izard never saw herself as an author, speaker, or fundraiser, but she has excelled at all three. Her first book, The Hundred Story Home speaks to her help with getting the homeless into homes in Charlotte, NC, a process which included raising ten million dollars. Her latest book The Last Ordinary Hour was written about her husband’s struggle with rare disease and the possibility of being widowed.
Connect with Kathy:
https://www.kathyizard.com
https://www.instagram.com/kathyizardclt/
https://www.womenfaithstory.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Colleen Faul is a mother to two rambunctious toddlers with a strong commitment to her Catholic faith. Not long after giving birth to her son, Sammy, she found herself pregnant with her daughter Grace. At nearly six months old they rushed Grace to the hospital and eventually learned that she had infantile spasms and tuberous sclerosis complex. Nearly two, Grace is doing well and inspired Colleen’s book, God’s Precious Gift: A Special Needs Child.
Connect with Colleen:
www.GodsPreciousGift.com
https://www.instagram.com/colleenkeefefaul/
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736504142/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Tiffany is a wife, mother of two, and became a doula after giving birth to her first child. She suffered with perinatal mental health after her second child and now specializes in this support and works with mothers and their grief. Growing up she had little support for her ADHD and has found neurodivergence in herself and her children. She homeschools or unschools her children and volunteers for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and Postpartum Support International.
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep: https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net
Connect with Tiffany:
https://tiffanyengendoula.com
https://www.instagram.com/tiffanye_fullspectrumdoula/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
As Director of Fit4Defense Ltd, Suzanne conceived and now operates PowerED, a unique anti-bullying program. The life-changing transformations she witnessed while teaching PowerED inspired her to write her powerful book, “Bullying Stops Here,” in which she shares the true stories of persons who converted fear into confidence, self-reliance, and positive action through the skills acquired in the program. Her extensive experience in social services and martial arts has given her the expertise to speak and train on violence prevention, conflict resolution and workplace harassment/bullying.
Fit4Defense: https://www.fit4defense.ca/suzanne-jean/
Bullying Stops Here book: https://a.co/d/c8Lb0xd
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Brian Nietzel is a gay man committed to his faith and love for Jesus. He grew up in the Evangelical Church and struggled with his sexuality, then later in life found his peace with God. He is now happily married to his husband Dan and is a proud father. He founded the organization Making Things Right to invite Christians to reimagine their relationship with LGBTQ+ people.
Connect with Brian’s Work: makingthingsright.org
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Susie Schwartz was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at nine-years-old and has been collecting additional illnesses since. Resilient through the countless appointments and treatments, Susie finds her profession of writing and music to be therapeutic outlets. A Canadian living in the UK, she recently published the book Help the Doctor Help You which can help anyone navigate through healthcare.
Connect with Susie: https://linktr.ee/SusieSchwartz
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Pike authored the book “A Soldier Against All Odds” to share how he thrived in the military for 31 years. He shares how is “not an intellectual guy,” but overcame many failures and fiascos in his army career. He joined the reserves at age 17, trying to find somewhere to belong knowing that academics weren’t the place for him.
Connect with Jason:
jasonpike.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pike-7b6774137/
https://www.facebook.com/jasonpike.org/
https://www.instagram.com/jpike25711/
https://twitter.com/JasonPike9
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxrZDR6ANjBsBvf04G2Kglg
Buy A Solider Against All Odds: https://www.amazon.com/A-Soldier-Against-All-Odds/dp/B0BT5R398W/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Arcadia Ewell is a third year PhD student and Miss Boston 2023. She is a local ambassador for the Miss America organization advocating for children and young adults to be able to identify the warning signs of domestic and dating violence that she wasn’t able to see at age fourteen. In June she will represent Boston in the Miss Massachusetts competition and potentially continue on to the Miss America stage. Arcadia has ADHD, is a published children’s book author, and is conducting ground-breaking research as a psychologist.
Connect with Arcadia:
www.arcadiaewell.com
https://www.instagram.com/arcadiaewell/
https://www.instagram.com/missbostonorg/
https://www.tiktok.com/@arcadiaewell
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Michelle Steiner’s blog, Michelle’s Mission is a way for her to share stories about her disabilities and her nature photography. From a young age it was clear that she had difficulties with math and needed support for her learning disability which was later diagnosed as dyscalculia. Gym class also brought forth her visual impairment issues with perception, such that her sight is good, but her brain can’t properly process all visuals. Later on during Michelle’s continuing education was when she was diagnosed with limited hand dexterity.
Connect with Michelle:
https://michellesmission.blog/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Michelle-Steiner/100013356902200/
https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
James Roberts has put athletics above all else throughout most of his life. He started competing at a young age and excelled in able-bodied swimming until age 16. Born with a disability called femoral dysplasia, when he was first approached about disabled sports, he was hesitant, but quickly became a top competitor. He competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in adaptive rowing and in the 2012 London Summer Paralympics in sitting volleyball. He went to school for sports and exercise and now has his own coaching business which includes speaking engagements and hosting The Mindset Athlete Podcast.
Connect with James:
https://jamesowenroberts.com
https://www.instagram.com/jamesowenroberts/
https://www.facebook.com/jamesoroberts11/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesowenroberts/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Michael Hingson has been blind since birth and got his can-do attitude from his parents. A successful career had him working in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and escaping from the 78th floor with his guide dog, Roselle. Their story is shared in the book “Thunder dog” and Mike shares more of his story in his second book “running with Roselle, A story for Our Youth.” In this episode, Mike shares more about working with Guide Dogs for the Blind, accesiBe, the importance of braille for blind and low vision people, and becoming a public speaker.
accesiBe: https://accessibe.com
Connect with Mike:
www.michaelhingson.com
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelHingsonmichaelhingson
https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Cynthia Brix is the co-founder (with her husband, William Keepin) of Gender Equity and Reconciliation International (GERI). Their work creates a unique forum for people to speak deep truth around their gender and sexuality experiences, and it also brings together people of diverse spiritual paths and beliefs. Cynthia found purpose in this work after a powerful incident of sexual harassment in her health and wellness career path.
Eyes on the Prize Documentary: https://www.amazon.com/Eyes-on-the-Prize/dp/B00EE2W00I
Connect with GERI:
www.GRworld.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/143371675763639/
https://www.instagram.com/grworldorg
https://twitter.com/grworldorg
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
William A. Adams is a software engineer who worked for Microsoft for 24 years and is passionate about furthering women and minorities to have an equitable share in tech. He co-founded the LEAP apprenticeship program at Microsoft which helps the hiring of women and minorities into technical roles. In this episode, William also talks about biases in artificial intelligence.
William’s Website: https://www.william-a-adams.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
At twenty years old, Dan MacQueen was living a healthy, active life in London when his headaches sent him to emergency brain surgery. For four weeks he was in a coma, and recovery has been a long road since 2014 relating how to walk, talk, and smile. Living in Vancouver, today he still suffers from double vision, but has turned his story into inspiration through motivational speaking.
Connect with Dan:
www.macqueendan.com
https://twitter.com/macqueendan
https://www.instagram.com/macqueendan/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
John Davis served multiple trips as a combat veteran in Afghanistan. He originally sought out the military looking for adventure and after retiring from service, he thrived in college, including graduating from Harvard. Inspired to help other veterans with transition to civilian life, he authored Combat to College and continues to support veteran advocacy from the Dominican Republic.
Connect with John:
www.johnhdaviswriter.com
https://www.instagram.com/john.h.davis.writer/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Mark Chartier started showing symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome at age seven, but wasn’t diagnosed until he was seventeen. He graduated high school with a GPA of 1.9, but succeeded in further education and Mr. C. has been a special education teacher for more than fifteen years. In addition to teaching, Mark is a motivational speaker and author. In this episode he shares two poems from his books.
Mark’s Website: www.teacherwithtourettes.com
Vance’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/a0c3abac
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Karah Gonstead is a licensed psychotherapist, wife, mom, and business owner. At 16 she begrudgingly went to therapy at her parent’s insistence and found that it was a beautiful place that could be powerful if the connection was right. She had always wanted to help others; her first job out of graduate school was in hospice care. Now she has her own private practice and she’s able to help teenagers and families with various mental health concerns and difficult dynamics. Karah is also a mom of a four-year-old and is working alongside other local community members to open a charter school, with an emphasis on mental health.
Find Karah's Work:
https://genuinewayfamilytherapy.com
https://intentionalgrowthnow.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Barb Higgins is a mom of four, two in heaven, who had her youngest child via IVF at age 57 after battling a brain tumor. Her daughter Molly had died suddenly a few years earlier and fitness was a place that Barb always felt okay. She now helps others support grief through athletics, has a blog, hosts the podcast A Thousand Tiny Steps, and raises her 21-year-old daughter Gracie and her infant son Jack with her husband Ken.
Connect with Barb:
https://athousandtinysteps.com
https://mollybfoundation.org
https://www.facebook.com/barb.higgins.96/
https://www.instagram.com/barb_444/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Christopher Scott Wyatt is a self described advocate for the disabled community, especially neurodiversity out of necessity. He has physical and neurological differences, is from a lower socioeconomic background, and there weren’t many advocates for people like him. He originally went to school for journalism, has a PhD, and has had the privilege of working in the university setting. When Scott and his wife couldn’t have kids naturally, they fostered two neurodiverse girls and adopted them four years later.
Follow Scott’s Work:
https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
John and Mark X. Cronin are the founders of John’s Crazy Socks. John was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth and when his last year of high school was coming to a close, he approached his father about wanting to go into business with him. Through many ideas they landed on what is now the largest sock business with over 4,000 designs. The business has a mission to spread happiness where over half the employees have differing abilities, 5% of earnings go towards the Special Olympics, and the business is always personal.
Connect with John & Mark:
https://johnscrazysocks.com
https://www.facebook.com/johnscrazysocks/
https://www.instagram.com/johnscrazysocks/
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnscrazysocks
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Lori Sweetman is a life coach, teacher, artist, and mom to two young neurodiverse children. They are a polyamorous non-binary sexually fluid human who strives for inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ people. Lori came out later in life and first struggled to identify as a lesbian and is now helping their community in Northern New Jersey become more inclusive.
Connect with Lori:
https://includelgbtq.com
https://www.facebook.com/includelgbtqconsulting
https://thesequeerstories.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
When Emma Haslam discovered she was infertile, seeking IVF treatment in the UK where she lives didn't feel right, it was super expensive and inaccessible based on her BMI and she felt like just a number. Emma successfully had private treatment in Europe and conceived their son after her third round of IVF. She suffered from postnatal depression and on her healing journey started the company Your IVF abroad with her husband Adam to help others to find a safe, best fit fertility clinic and to plan and have treatment in Europe with unbiased support.
Connect with Emma:
https://www.instagram.com/YourIVFabroad/
https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk
https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/podcast
https://www.yourivfabroad.co.uk/step-by-step-guide-to-having-fertility-treatment-in-europe
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Andrea Carow started having body image issues at eight years old which snowballed into anxiety and depression. At fourteen she started losing weight by restricting food. When God brought her now husband, Adam, into her life, she had someone who would listen and helped her start recovering. Now she aims to serve and help others with similar struggles with her podcast, Good Vanilla.
Connect with Andrea: https://linktr.ee/andrea_carow
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Zane Landin identifies as Hispanic, queer, disabled, and plus size. In middle school, Zane was able to find the words for his sexuality, and it wasn’t until college he was able to define his disability. Zane shares that vulnerability helps drive change when it comes to advocacy, which he is most vocal about in the disabled and mental health communities. He launched the PositiveVibes Magazine in 2020 which led to attending the Mental Health Youth Action Forum in DC.
Connect with Zane:
https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Grady Throneberry has known he was gay since childhood, but didn’t start presenting as his true self until more recently. He was married to his now ex-wife for 40 years and is a father to their two daughters. They remain good friends, and he is now engaged to his fiancé Devin. Grady was asked to resign from being a bi-vocational pastor at his former church and he is the first openly gay police chief in Kentucky. He has authored the book “Gay and Gray” to share his story.
Connect with Grady:
www.gayandgray.net
https://www.facebook.com/DrGradyT
https://twitter.com/DrGradyT
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
During the pandemic, Melissa DaSilva decided to move to Puerto Rico for a few weeks and now plans to live there indefinitely. She is able to run her Rhode Island mental health agency remotely, which has a primary focus on helping LGBTQ+ folks. Melissa would not be a complete person without her art, and she has successfully brought her physical art into NFTs.
Connect with Melissa:
https://www.melissadasilva.com
https://www.instagram.com/realmelissadasilva/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Dawson has known he was trans since he was a young child, but didn’t start coming out until his twenties. He’s been taking testosterone for about a decade now and has had to navigate discrimination in the healthcare system. Through IVF, his partner is currently pregnant and they are expecting a baby in early 2023, whom Dawson will legally adopt.
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Griffin is the Founder and CEO of the Foreseeable Future Foundation which he started after graduating from Susquehanna University. He found out while playing sports as a young teenager that he was losing his vision and got diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. He continued to play sports up until college when he turned to being active in the community and sharing more about his diagnosis. Still athletic, Griffin has finished marathons and competes in tandem cycling.
Connect with the Foreseeable Future Foundation:
https://foreseeablefuture.org
https://www.instagram.com/foreseeable.future
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Magical Girl Melanie applied for a face character role at Disney World twelve times before being hired by Disney. When she was a teenager she had the chance to visit Disneyland and from there, her dream and hyper fixation to become a Disney cast member was born. She finally got accepted into an attraction role at Disneyland and one chance at a face character audition in California landed her a role as Drizella. Nowadays Melanie knows she has autism and does online content creation, focusing on TikTok, Twitch, and maybe someday on YouTube.
Connect with Melanie:
https://www.tiktok.com/@magicalgirlmelanie
https://www.twitch.tv/magicalgirlmelanie
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Markus (he/they) is an author, a watercolor artist, and pursuing his PhD in Gender Studies at Queens University. He shares about his day to day life on TikTok. Markus knew he was a queer, trans man at the age of 16 but was not accepted by his parents. At 17, he was taken in by his grandparents. Now in his 30s, Markus has recently married his longtime partner, Andrew. Together with their platonic co-parent, Hannah, they are raising a child. The trio practices Gender Neutral Parenting, using they/them pronouns for baby River (age 9 months) until they are of an age to share their own gender identity and pronoun preference.
Connect with Markus:
https://www.mharwoodjones.com
http://www.tiktok.com/@markusbones
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Brett Moyer grew up in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, graduated from Susquehanna University in 2013, and went into the corporate world of finance. Now living in Jersey City along the Hudson River, he’s found ways to give back by volunteering as a tour guide for Ellis Island, giving running tours in lower Manhattan, and helping rescue geese. In the past couple of years he has authored two history books and is about to release a second children’s book encouraging historical and environmental sustainability.
Brett’s Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brett-Moyer/e/B099T4CV9M%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Chuck Petrizzi first knew he wanted to be a boy at age five, even requesting to be called Jimmy by his babysitters. He never questioned his core faith and love for the bible, and earned a degree in Biblical Studies. After marrying his husband, Josh, he continued to struggle presenting as a female and didn’t want to to identify as trans. Josh continued to support him through depression and since coming out publicly as trans last year at 28 years old.
Book Recommendation: Trans-Gender: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith by Justin Sabia-Tanis
Connect with Chuck:
https://www.tiktok.com/@chuckpetrizzi
https://www.instagram.com/chuckpetrizzi/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Angel Pretot is a Frenchman who chose to become a French teacher for foreigners because of his love for English. Angel’s teaching model focuses on each student’s personal goals and their specific needs. He currently resides in Austria and has learned an additional five languages to fluency. In this episode, Angel shares about his gender transition.
Learn from Angel:
frenchfluency.net
frenchfluency.net/starter-kit/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Scott Stuart grew up thriving in a masculine world, but also abandoned parts of himself to fit in, including initially pursuing life as an author. When he and his wife had their now 9-year-old son, they wanted him to be completely free to be himself. So when he first asked to wear a dress, Scott said yes, but struggled with some of his own internal fears. Now a full-time author, Scott’s books help empower young kids to embrace themselves.
Connect with Scott:
https://scottstuart.co
https://www.instagram.com/scottcreates/
https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.creates?
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
John grew up in Central Pennsylvania surrounded by conservative views and wanting to “do the right thing.” He was active in Boy Scouts and held a national position for the Order of the Arrow, Scoutings National Honor Society. He went through internal conflict when realizing he was gay, and moving to Washington, DC after college helped him embrace his true self. In this episode, John shares about the Scouts BSA progress to more inclusivity.
Morally Straight, A Newsletter about Inclusivity in Scouting: https://morallystraight.substack.com
John’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_rehm343
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Sarah steps away from the host seat to be the guest on the second anniversary of Introducing Me. She shares about her busy last year including getting engaged to Coleman, this episode’s host.
Sarah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slportal7/
Sarah’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@introducingsarah
Jack-Jack’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourcatjackjack/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Author and Speaker Sumi Mukherjee writes books based on true account stories and makes presentations on the related topics. His books and presentations are broadly focused on cultural diversity and social justice with specific focus on racial equality, long-term mental health impact of bullying, prevention of child sexual abuse, and prevention of workplace bullying. Sumi was born in Calgary, Canada, and grew up in Minnesota, USA.
Sumi’s Website: https://authorsumi.com/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Tracee Garner has written eighteen books spanning fiction stories and non-fiction books surrounding disability since she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at two years old. Because of her disability, she is a full-time power wheelchair user, but is able to drive with her modified vehicle. Her resilience and advocacy are very evident in this episode.
Connect with Tracee:
https://twitter.com/teegarner
https://www.instagram.com/teegarner/
Tracee's Books on Amazon
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Born and raised in California, Kaity was excited to leave her hometown for college. After spending four years in a small town in Pennsylvania, her love of school and science took her back to California where she earned her PhD last winter. Postdoctoral work found her getting married and moving to Paris in just a few months. In this episode, Kaity shares about these transitions and her crazy last year.
Kaity’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/kttots
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Al Jones grew up thinking that the poor financial decisions his family went through were normal and continued them himself through adulthood. While working towards and achieving an 850 credit score, he documented his journey which he now shares in his audiobook, My Journey from Bad to Excellent Credit: How I Achieved a Perfect 850 Credit Score. In this episode Al also shares about his time in the Army and his projects; Lyrics Guru, a song lyrics trivia word game and Dear Father Al, a weekly advice column.
Connect with Al:
Audiobook: https://awesound.com/a/my-journey-from-bad-to-excellent-credit
Lyrics Guru: http://www.LyricsGuru.mobi
Dear Father Al: https://www.facebook.com/DearFatherAl/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
When looking for a job after law school, Spencer Bishins landed up working for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in disability benefits, a part of SSA he didn’t know existed at the time. With ten years of experience, he wrote the book “Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it’s so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it” to help demystify disability benefits for those who need it.
Spencer’s Website: https://www.bishinspublishing.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Lori Adams-Brown was a third culture kid, with US citizenship growing up in Venezuela with an international school experience. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she has learned four other languages and lived about a decade in Indonesia during a civil war and in Singapore raising her children. Now residing in California she continues to practice cultural humility, including on her podcast, A World of Difference.
Resources:
When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting the Poor.. . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
Rick Steves’ Europe: https://www.ricksteves.com
Crazy Rich Asians: https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/crazy-rich-asians
Connect with Lori:
https://www.loriadamsbrown.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriadamsbrown/
https://a-world-of-difference.captivate.fm
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jake aka Ultra (they/them) is nonbinary, pansexual, on the autism spectrum, and has ADHD. They previously worked in politics, but are now a nationally recognized DJ. They started Lights Out Barks Out, originally a pup and furry-centric party space which promotes inclusivity, diversity, openness, affordability, and gives back to the communities the parties are in. Newly created, The LOBO Initiative aims to support LGBTQ youth and adults, including those with disabilities.
Connect with Jake:
https://soundcloud.com/djjakemaxwell
https://lightsoutbarksout.com
https://www.facebook.com/TheLOBOInitiative
https://twitter.com/DJJakeMaxwell
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
After living out of her Subaru for a few months, Sarah Marcella decided to change her photography business model for a life on the road. She bought a bus, named it Shakti, and started her adventure boudoir experience. She makes sure her clients have a safe space, are comfortable, and have a positive time and utilizes a pay-what-you-can model.
Connect with Sarah:
https://www.theboudiebus.com
https://www.instagram.com/bigboudiebus/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
A queer trans man, Edward Underhill is a music composer and author. His novel, Always the Almost, debuts February 14, 2023, and features a teenage trans musician. Growing up, Edward struggled to understand his identity and now he’s excited to join other queer authors writing joyful queer stories.
Edward’s Website: https://www.edward-underhill.com
Edward’s Debut Novel: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250835208/always-the-almost
Queer Book Recommendations:
Absolutely, Positively Not by David LaRochelle
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
The Witch King by H. E. Edgmon
Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon (debuts May 30, 2023)
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Gwen Tolios is an author who has published short stories, middle grade novels, and her recent romance, Returning to You. In this episode, Gwen shares how she came to understand and identify in the queer community as asexual and biromantic and what those identities mean. She’s found a good community in Chicago and is currently leading a local anthology publication and will be a regional leader for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month in November).
Asexuality Visibility Education Network (AVEN): https://www.asexuality.org/en/
NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/
Connect with Gwen: https://linktr.ee/gwentolios
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Scott DeLuzio is an Army veteran having joined the Connecticut Army National Guard a little over a year after graduating college. He and his brother were both deployed to Afghanistan as infantrymen and when Scott’s brother was killed in action, Scott came home and struggled to return to civilian life. He wrote the book, Surviving Son, to share his story and started the podcast, Drive On, to connect with other veterans as he found other veterans who were struggling with PTSD.
Scott’s Podcast: https://driveonpodcast.com
Scott’s Book: https://survivingsonbook.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Ann Hince had multiple traumatic events from her childhood, being adopted and through her family circumstances. It wasn’t until later in life that she truly acknowledged this trauma when visiting a holistic doctor who taught her emotional freedom technique (EFT) or “tapping.” From there she learned what it meant to feel her feelings and found an awareness within her body to allow tension to release. She shares more about her story in this episode and in her book, A Pathway to Insight.
Connect with Ann:
https://annhince.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTc4hb7ZKvih1LlRHK0cUjg
https://www.facebook.com/AnnHinceWisdom
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Marjorie Turner Hollman is an author of five books about Easy Walks - which aren’t just short walks. After surgery from a brain tumor she ended up paralyzed on her right side and while regaining movement, she would still get outside. She ventures out with her husband on a custom tandem bike and started using hiking poles at his suggestion. Marjorie shares her story to be a voice and advocate for others.
Connect with Marjorie:
Marjorie’s Website: https://marjorieturner.com
Marjorie’s Easy Walks Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/616401235386068
Marjorie’s Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marjorie-Turner-Hollman/e/B00IWT7KYU
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Madeline Jhawar had an international upbringing and has always been filled with wanderlust. From French immersion in Edmonton, Canada to hosting multiple exchange students and her own exchange in Italy at 18, it’s no wonder that Madeline started a travel company. Madeline shares her experiences of jobs in other countries and working in other languages to starting her own businesses Italy Beyond the Obvious and Travel Beyond the Obvious.
Resources:
Italy Beyond the Obvious: https://italybeyondtheobvious.com
Travel Beyond the Obvious: https://www.travelbeyondtheobvious.com
Madeline’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-clarke-jhawar-b9747/
American Field Services (Intercultural Canada): https://afs.org
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Katherine is an artist, graphic designer, and lover of music with osteogenesis imperfecta. At 2’7”, she uses an electric wheelchair for mobility, prefers to lie down for most things, and has an aide for assistance with most daily tasks. Starting off by painting patients at her parents’ veterinary practice, Katherine now specializes in professional watercolor paintings, graphic design, and making jewelry.
Connect with Katherine:
https://kakartnola.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KAKART
https://www.facebook.com/kakartnola
https://www.instagram.com/kakartnola/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Rach has worked through the pandemic in a hospital, and has suffered PTSD from some of that work. She also has controlled bipolar and has dealt with a brain tumor. Through all of this, she is a podcaster with her partner Cris and the mother of five biracial children. Living in Minnesota, Rach supports her children being in the LGBTQ+ community and making sure they understand Black education.
Rach’s Podcast: https://www.infusionhealthpodcast.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
A junior in high school, Filimon has found a passion for mental health and started the podcast, The Brief Dive. From his own personal experiences he wanted to share and teach others about mental health. He also shares about life in general as a high school student and moving during the pandemic.
Filimon’s Podcast: https://thebriefdive.buzzsprout.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Genesis Amaris Kemp is a visionary life coach with a background in the corporate world and the author of Chocolate Drop in Corporate America: From the Pit to the Palace. A first generation American, most of her life has been in predominantly white areas, but Genesis is now speaking up and staying strong to her morals in values. In this episode, she also shares about being a patient advocate for her late father.
Connect with Genesis:
https://genesisamariskemp.net/genesis%20amaris%20kemp
https://open.spotify.com/show/2URFiCC6Br6aTCkAoWaDwc
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Larry is a writer, physician, health advocate, and opera lover. He was the first to write about AIDS in the press and has published 5 books. These include an anthology, We Must Love One Another or Die: The Life and Legacies of Larry Kramer; a memoir, Confessions of a Jewish Wagnerite: Being Gay and Jewish in America, and its sequel On the Future of Wagnerism: Art, Intoxication, Addiction, Codependence and Recovery. In this episode, stories shared include being discriminated against as a kid for being Jewish and remembrances of his late life partner, Gay Liberation pioneer Arnie Kantrowitz.
More information about Larry can be found on his website: Lawrencedmass.com.
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
A native Texan, Sharyl West Loeung works in the DEI space while raising a multicultural family. With her Cambodian-American husband, they’re raising two sons to understand culture and embracing their identity. Sharyl discusses invisible identities including her religion and her disability.
Resources:
https://dystonia-foundation.org/
https://www.abbey-research.com/resource-lists/
https://kardiahouse.com/
Connect with Sharyl: https://www.btaspeakers.com/speaker/sharyl-west-loeung/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Lee Hopkins (he/him/his) is a transgender man who helps people create lasting friendships. He’s moved across the United States in hopes of finding friends and fitting in. During and after transitioning, he still felt different even as he was living more of his “authentic self.” He shares fears he had during this process and how he helps to combat loneliness.
Connect with Lee: https://www.patternsofpossibility.com/morepossibility
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Richard Rieman had a successful career in news radio and then transitioned into being an audiobook narrator. Known as “The Audiobook Wizard,” Richard can imitate many well-known characters and characters of varying backgrounds. He founded the non-profit Imagination Videobooks to make children’s picture books accessible. They have a Kickstarter running from May 3 to June 4 to support a fully accessible movie-length version of Winnie the Pooh available.
Non-Profit Website: https://imaginationvideobooks.org/
"The Winnie the Pooh Project" on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/richardrieman/the-winnie-the-pooh-project
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Shelly Houser has a congenital hemipelvectomy such that she was born without a hip in her right leg; a situation 1 in 8 million. This hasn’t stopped her from learning to ski or raising three boys. With her business Inclusive Consulting and her passion for supporting new amputees, she shares how it’s important in include accessibility when talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Connect with Shelly:
Inclusive Consulting: https://inclusiveconsultingservices.com & https://www.facebook.com/Inclusive-Consulting-LLC-107441188494215/
Life Beyond the Label Podcast: https://lifebeyondthelabel.buzzsprout.com & https://www.instagram.com/lifebeyondthelabel_podcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-houser/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Scottie Jeanette Madden is a late-stage trans woman. From a young age she hid that she was truly a girl and after twenty years of being a husband, came out to her wife. Together, Marcy and Scottie Jeanette worked through the changes and continued their strong marriage until her passing in 2018. Professionally, professionally, Scottie Jeanette is an author, writer and director. She is also a Showrunner in adventure and survival television.
More from Scottie Jeanette:
TED Talk, What Would My Father Say?: https://www.ted.com/talks/scottie_jeannette_madden_what_would_my_father_say
Website, including her Documentary, PROUD In a Pandemic: https://www.zuzubean.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Marsha McCurdy Adell was the first Black woman to graduate from the Connecticut Fire Academy, but also the first Black female firefighter she knew herself. As an athlete, she went from fighting fires to now helping strategically prevent them as West Hartford’s Deputy Fire Marshal. Marsha is also a proud mom to her twin daughters.
Association of Black Professional Firefighters: https://iabpf.org
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Lola Adeyemo grew up in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States as an international student. She quickly joined the biotech industry and has since transitioned into DEI work. Having found inclusion and belonging in employee resource groups (ERGs), she now helps other people and businesses thrive with their own ERGs. Her upcoming book presale campaign opens on March 31st, for more information, connect with Lola on social media.
Contact with Lola:
https://www.lolaspeaker.com
https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsincorporate/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaaadeyemopm/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Suzi Dent is a film and television make up artist whose life took many turns. Since a young age she was taken advantage of by men and in 1986 at the age of 23 she was groped by famous entertainer, Rolf Harris. In 2014 she was a bad character witness at his child sexual assault trial, given lifetime anonymity from the judge, but goes public 5 years later. She also went out on a limb and joined the Mrs Earth Australia Pageant even though she never wore dresses and won the competition.
Connect with Suzi:
https://www.suzident.com
https://www.facebook.com/suzidentspeaker
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
From a young age, Robert Paylor’s identity was defined by sports including contact sports, football and rugby. During his sophomore year at UC Berkeley, what should’ve been a legendary day at the 2017 Collegiate Rugby National Championship ended in a broken neck due to illegal moves by the opposing team. After being told he will never walk again or move his hands, he went through life changing surgery, has been in rehab ever since, and is currently able to walk a maximum distance of 400 yards.
Robert’s Website: https://www.robertpaylor.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Atlas Growing (they/she) is creating sustainable clothing that defies the binary with the new business, Jupiter’s Art. They’ve been connected with the dance community throughout life and coming to the term genderfluid has been important for her journey to now.
Connect with Atlas:
https://jupitersart.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@atlasgrowing
https://www.instagram.com/atlasgrowing/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Anya has struggled with mental health for a long time and was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At the age of 11, they started their recently published book, Queen of All, around the same time as developing anorexia. They showcase their own experiences throughout the book to break some of the typical tropes of YA fantasy. Anya is also a social work student and hopes to help others with their own mental health recovery.
Support Anya:
https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com
https://www.amazon.com/Queen-All-Jena-Cycle-Book-ebook/dp/B08VF9JXZ5
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
When Janice Lintz’s daughter was diagnosed with hearing loss and she started to see how inaccessible many things are, she took action to make life more accessible for her daughter and others who are hard of hearing. Many accommodations were found to be non-existent or not even working when members of the deaf community need qualified interpretation, auditory, and visual aides. Janice’s passion and advocacy for hearing access is clear throughout this episode.
Crip Camp on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81001496
Connect with Janice:
https://janicelintz.com
https://www.hearingaccess.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Chris Furr has been a pastor for more than 15 years and strives to be in community with others. His educational background helped influence how he sees life in the church and the need for inclusivity. Author to the upcoming book, Straight White Male: A Faith-Based Guide to Deconstructing Your Privilege and Living with Integrity, Chris aims to help people figure out the next steps in handling their privilege in the world around them.
Chris’s Book: https://www.wjkbooks.com/Products/0664266614/straight-white-male.aspx
Chris’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/revfurr
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Laura and her husband have four teenagers and four corgis, the focus of this episode. In 2018, three-year-old Buttercup went into emergency surgery for a ruptured disc. She can no longer go to the bathroom without assistance, but gets around easily with her back wheelchair. This lifestyle change eventually led the family to adopting their most recent addition one-year-old Boots who uses a front wheelchair for the leg deformities he was born with. The oldest Peanut is great with the younger ones and Reecie enjoys when he can get some alone time.
Follow the corgis on social media: https://www.instagram.com/threecrazycorgis/ and https://www.facebook.com/threecrazycorgis
Get the book Rolling With It: Words Of Wisdom From A "Wheelie" Cool Corgi: https://www.amazon.com/Rolling-Words-Wisdom-Wheelie-Corgi/dp/B09MC7ZBXG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=110GL6ZRXTO3W&keywords=buttercup+russell&qid=1639425713&sprefix=buttercup+russell,aps,167&sr=8-1
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Katlyn Kotila is a queer activist from Ontario. Involved in multiple organizations, she has been passionate about mental health from a young age. She’s found confidence in her own life and advocates for others in the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn more about Katlyn Kotila by visiting katlynkotila.com and joining her on social media @katlynkotila.
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Salina Alsworth grew up in a rural Alaskan village that shares her family name, Port Alsworth. The small village doesn’t have any stores, and the only way to travel is by plane. Four generations of her family have created life on their homestead and help foster tourism in the area. Sailna shares her Alaskan life on TikTok.
Salina’s Website: https://www.salinaalsworth-ak.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Sonia Lewis is a former teacher turned whistleblower and now is an anti-racism impact strategist running the business Ascribe Success. She helps businesses commit to anti-racism and educate young people. In this episode she talks about her social justice priorities and how she’s helped create legislation in California.
Connect with Sonia:
https://www.ascribesuccess.com
https://www.instagram.com/ascribesuccess/
https://twitter.com/SoniaSaidItTho
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Dr. Kristen Donnelly is a TEDx speaker, international apathy educator, and researcher. Her first TEDx talk spoke to how tolerance is a disservice making us not engage with others. She works to leverage her privilege to empower others and educate on inclusivity. Kristen is also an avid traveler with her husband.
Resources Mentioned:
PBS Asian American Documentary: https://www.pbs.org/show/asian-americans/
Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi: https://www.hulu.com/series/taste-the-nation-with-padma-lakshmi-53d48a66-d254-4e4f-89a1-277ec6c57368
Bluey: https://www.disneyplus.com/series/bluey/1xy9TAOQ0M3r
Follow Kristen’s Work:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/abbeyresearch
Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/bf468fb549c7/research-digest
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jazz is a personal trainer, women’s athlete enthusiast, and podcast host. She founded ATX Womxn’s Sports to help increase awareness of women’s sports in the Austin, Texas area and started a new derby team, Violet Crown Roller Derby during the pandemic. A co-host of the podcast Bitches Love Sports, Jazz is knowledgeable on lots of happenings in the sports world.
Connect with Jazz:
https://www.instagram.com/fleurdelethal/
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/bitches-love-sports & https://www.instagram.com/b1tcheslovesports/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
David Richman is an author and his most recent book Cycle of Lives explores emotional journeys surrounding cancer and his own 5,000 mile bike ride across the United States. David has turned his life around from being a sedentary, overweight smoker to completing many athletic endurance feats. He hopes to be able to connect people through story and emotion.
David’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Lives-Peoples-Stories-Emotional/dp/163299299X
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jonathan Dumas is an organizational psychologist and leadership/career coach. He recently started his own business, Common Culture Coaching & Consulting helping businesses and individuals gain leadership skills and work for a better culture with work and personal life. He shares his personal experience as a Black man in white corporate America the necessary changes organizations need to make for building cultures of belonging for everyone.
Jonathan’s Business: https://commonculturecc.start.page
https://www.instagram.com/commonculturecc/
https://twitter.com/CommonCultureCC
LinkedIn: Jonathan Dumas, MS, CPC & Common Culture Coaching & Consulting
Resources about Black culture and perception:
Black Lives Matter Decline
The Racial Reckoning That Wasn't - NPR's Codeswitch
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Marla Alpert (she/they) is a transfem non-binary actor, singer, and lover of theatre. She started transitioning during the pandemic and advocates for better trans and LGBTQ+ representation in theatre. In this episode she covers life in theatre as it is today, and various roles that show some representation and others which are problematic. They also co-host a theatre podcast, Flop of the Heap and also co-host Transistance, a trans news show on Twitch.
Connect with Marla:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thefloorismarlava
https://www.instagram.com/thefloorismarlava
Transistance on Twitch (Mondays 8PM EST): https://www.twitch.tv/thetransverse
Flop of the Heap on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LCematj643MemQvLv9dVF?si=80133e00ea60446d
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jessica Heims is a two-time Paralympic athlete for Team USA having competing in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics and the 2020/2021 Tokyo Paralympics. At the age of one, Jessica got her first prosthetic, but followed her sister’s footsteps and got into track and field. She’s helped pave the way for other disabled athletes in D1 sports and is now a professional athlete.
Connect with Jessica: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessie_heims
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Luke Poulton is an autistic comedian living in London. His special interest is movies and going to the cinema. Starting stand up comedy has helped Luke become more accepting of himself and be upfront in explaining accommodations he needs to thrive.
Connect with Luke: https://linktr.ee/Veganluke
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Tanya Hackney has been a live aboard sailor since 2009. Her 48’ boat, Take Two, has been home to her husband and their five children, the youngest being born after moving aboard. Tanya has homeschooled her children and promotes “making memories; collecting verbs, not nouns.” They’ve experienced many cultures and enjoy experiences together over presents.
Connect with Tanya:
Book: https://ingeniumbooks.com/LTSH
Blog: www.taketwosailing.com
https://www.facebook.com/TakeTwoSailing
https://www.instagram.com/taketwosailing/
https://www.pinterest.com/tanyataketwo/_created/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Emme (they/them) is an agender author, advocate, and authenticity coach who uses gender neutral language and advocates for gender inclusivity in all places. They help parents of gender non-conforming people through the course the Gender Mindset Reset, which is being turned into a book. They have also worked on legislation in Illinois covering menstrual equity, sex education, and other inclusive pro-equality topics.
Connect with Emme:
http://emmepdw.com
https://www.instagram.com/emmepdw/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Vera is an American Sign Language interpreter having been raised by parents who are both deaf making her a CODA - Child of Deaf Adult(s). Being part of the deaf community her entire life and appreciating deaf culture, she advocates for deaf ASL teachers, volunteers in the deaf community, and runs an accessibility focused business, Sing & Sign Princess Parties. Vera talks about deaf accessibility in Canada and the foundations of sign language.
Vera’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veepats
Find a local deaf community, and learn more online:
Bill Vicars: https://www.youtube.com/user/billvicars
ASL That: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fVfWv6FL7HeTFeSLz-muQ
ASL Nook for Kids: https://aslnook.com
Gallaudet University Press: https://www.gallaudet.edu/asl-connect/asl-for-free/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Ariana Tenine is an Operations and Project Manager with a passion for entrepreneurship and organization. Her work history isn’t what one might expect, but she’s always been able to put her faith first. With the past few years have come many changes including adjusting to the pandemic, and more recently getting married again.
Connect with Ariana:
https://www.arianatenine.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@arianatenine
https://instagram.com/arianatenine
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Omar L. Harris is an award-winning bestselling author of 5 books, including "Be a J.E.D.I. Leader, Not a Boss: Leadership in the Era of Corporate Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” His personal experience in the pharmaceutical industry around the world has led him to be a champion for leaders valuing diversity.
Connect with Omar:
https://www.omarlharris.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarlharris/
https://twitter.com/strengthsleader
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Michael Long has been surrounded by supportive family members helping fulfill many dreams while managing a developmental disability. He was encouraged to enter a public school in California and the first governor appointee in the state of California. He wants people to know that people with intellectual disabilities have rights and dreams too. You can learn more about Michael in his book, A Life Like Anybody Else: How a Man with an Intellectual Disability Fulfilled His American Dream.
Michael’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Like-Anybody-Else-Intellectual/dp/0999742299
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Don-Paul “DP” Kahl grew up in Central Pennsylvania and is now performing as a concert saxophonist in Europe and the United States with various ensembles. After completing his Master’s, he fulfilled a dream of studying in Paris. DP now has permanent residence with his boyfriend in Belgium and recently released his debut full-length solo album, Go Within.
DP’s Website: https://donpaulkahl.com
DP’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donpaul.saxo/
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
For De’Vannon, Sex, Drugs, and Jesus is both the name of his memoir and his podcast. His life turned to drugs after being kicked out of the church, but he’s been able to turn his life back around. Having dealt with homelessness, he is now the owner of DownUnder Apparel and preaches the importance of mental health and choosing your own family.
De’Vannon’s website: https://www.sexdrugsandjesus.com
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Coleman takes over the podcast so Sarah can share more about herself and what she’s been up to in the last year. From bringing diversity and inclusion to the forefront of her life and finally adopting a cat, a lot has changed since starting this podcast.
Sarah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slportal7/
Sarah’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@introducingsarah
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Sasha Sloan earned the title of Miss Utah 2021 and is a candidate for Miss America this December. As Miss Utah, her social impact initiative, Refugees Welcome, aims to engage Americans in the important work of welcoming and supporting newcomers fleeing violence in their home countries. Sasha is an aspiring author, the founder/CEO Archive Sunday, and creator of the Noble House of Black fan series.
Connect with Sasha:
Website: https://www.sashaesloan.com
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sashaesloan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashaesloan/
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Heather Hutchison is a singer/songwriter and author from Vancouver Island. She shares her journey through a major depressive episode, living in Canada and Latin America, and being hospitalized during the pandemic in her book Holding on By Letting Go. As a blind person, she advocates for a more inclusive world.
Heather’s website: https://www.heather-hutchison.com
Find Heather on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/07t3LapcWFZmhrUN5FJ15n
Heather’s Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094674YMR?tag=
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Valerie Alexander is a renowned expert on happiness and inclusion through her work as an author and speaker. She is also a screenwriter, has an interest in brain science, and started her own tech company. Her TED Talk about unconscious bias has fueled continued learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this episode she also discusses why happiness is key in the workforce and the importance of advancing inclusion and equity.
Connect with Valerie:
Website: https://www.speakhappiness.com
TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/valerie_alexander_how_to_outsmart_your_own_unconscious_bias
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakhappiness-keynotespeaker/
Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Alexander/e/B00CMDBAIE
Recommended Resources:
Gallup’s State of the American Workplace Report https://www.gallup.com/workplace/238085/state-american-workplace-report-2017.aspx
Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer Lynn Eberhardt
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
One of Jeff’s goals as a young child was to become the first Asian President of the United States. While that goal has changed, he has become an anti-Asian hate activist writing articles and sharing his story. He’s also an ultra marathoner and global traveler.
Connect with Jeff:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyle/
twitter.com/jeffreydle
https://linktr.ee/jeffreyle
Resources:
PBS Documentary: Asian Americans
Viet Thanh Nguyen: The Sympathizer/The Committed
Cathy Park Hong: Minor Feelings
Charles Yu: Interior Chinatown
Ocean Vuong: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
JT is the host of The Paranormal Son podcast, but also has shared stories on mental health in The Fortunate Son. As someone with clinical depression, JT wants to help others and raise mental health awareness. Growing up in the US, he has settled into life in Auckland, New Zealand.
JT’s website: www.theparanormalson.com
JT’s links: http://theparanormalson.ctcin.bio
JT’s email: thefortunatepodcast@gmail.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Bob Vetter started his journey to being a healer by studying anthropology and philosophy. While at the University of Oklahoma he did an ethnography project to learn about the local natives, the Comanche Indians. He was full of stereotypes, but learned traditions and respect, later being taught about Curanderismo.
Bob’s Website: www.bobvetter.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Barby Ingle was a born cheerleader, dancer, and full of enthusiasm, but an 8-second car accident changed her path forward. It took three years and many doctors, but she is diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and continues to go in and out of remission. She shares her journey and helps advocates for others with rare diseases as a Cheerleader of HOPE.
Barby’s Website: http://barbyingle.com
Barby’s Foundation: https://internationalpain.org
Barby’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalpainfoundation/
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Rabbi Noyo is a non-denominational, radically inclusive rabbi, who happens to be a bisexual demiwoman. After considering cantorial school and then committing to rabbinical school, they are now excited to be in their new position working as a Hillel rabbi. She is also a Zumba instructor and is active on TikTok using #ProgressiveClergy and #RabbisOfTiktok.
Rabbi Noyo’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rabbi.noyo
Gender Exercise Twitter Thread: https://twitter.com/HTHRFLWRS/status/1342558548065214466
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Kayleigh Hanlin has had a congenital heart disease (CHD) since she was born which led to a great bond with her mother. Together, they started their business to help young girls’ confidence and self love. In this episode, she also shares her passion for books and love for her job.
Kayleigh’s Website: www.mindsempowered.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justownyou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justownyou/
Contact Kayleigh: hanlin@mindsempowered.com
Book Recommendations:
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn by Stuart Turton
All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
Free Lunch by Rex Ogle
The Lunar Chronicles Series by Marissa Meyer
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Taylor was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 25 and five years later decided to start a podcast, Healing in Hindsight, to help other millennials with their diabetic journey. She also livestreams on Twitch and YouTube to showcase her authentic self. With a Black father and a Black-Asian mother from Thailand, Taylor has a unique cultural background that she shares in this episode.
Healing in Hindsight: www.healinginhindsight.com
Livestream: https://www.twitch.tv/justtaylordaniele
Instagram: healinginhindsight & justtaylordaniele
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Ted Smith is a coach and author of the book “Healthy Me, Happy We: Transforming Relationships With Yourself and Others.” After spending 15 years with a narcissistic partner, he’s now sharing his story and helping others take back their life. In the two years since his divorce, he is now experiencing life as a gay man as he didn’t before and feels like a gayby (baby gay).
Connect with Ted: www.tedsmith.life
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Delphine was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 7 and put in special education classes mostly surrounded by boys. Since then she has received a masters degree and works with parents and children to advocate for themselves and their special education needs, where a great need is finding support in French. She lives in Canada with her husband and three children, of which the oldest two also have dyslexia.
Delphine’s Website: access2education.com
Delphine’s Instagram: instagram.com/access2educationtoronto
Additional Resources:
International Dyslexia Association
Center for ADHD Awareness Canada
ADDitude Inside ADHD mind
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Dave is a Retired Battalion Chief after having served 23 years in the fire service. In this episode, he shares his emotional story of when he realized he needed help for his PTSD. Now he provides resources for other service members and a podcast to highlight others’ stories and the importance of leadership.
Dave’s Website: https://www.hollenbachleadership.com
Book Referenced: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Laura moved from Mexico to China in 2009 and has been living there ever since. She came out as gay once in China and her foreigner status has made this cultural difference somewhat more accepted as she helps strive for continued accepted of LGBTQ+ people. She lives with her girlfriend, Juliet, and they hope to marry when the timing and paperwork is right.
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Kandrea Wade is a PhD student at CU Boulder working to study the impacts artificial intelligence has on marginalized groups. She has over fifteen years of experience in the entertainment industry and describes her life as an anomaly. As a black woman, Kandrea has had to overcome adversity and discrimination in many situations and now with perseverance and resilience she works to give back to others.
Netflix Documentary: Coded Bias
Kandrea’s Website: https://kandreawade.com
Kandrea’s Twitter: twitter.com/kandreawade
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Tyler was diagnosed with ADHD in the fifth grade, but didn’t hear the definition of ADHD until years later. She struggled throughout school and her family describes those years as “World War III.” After learning her own tools for success, she now helps others with their life skills whether diagnosed or undiagnosed with ADHD.
Tyler’s Website: https://www.focusforwardlex.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Lisa Love (she/they) is nonbinary and a life coach for members of the LGBTQ+ community. She has gone through multiple phases of re-discovery from leaving the Mormon patriarchy, identifying as a bisexual, questioning their gender, and turning sober.
Lisa’s Website: https://lisalovehall.com
Lisa’s Instagram: instagram.com/lisalovehall/
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Currently a PhD student in Information Science, Jess wasn’t originally passionate about computer science, information science, and artificial intelligence (AI) ethics. Not to stand back from a challenge, Jess is thriving in a male-dominated field and is the co-host and co-founder of the Radical AI Podcast. Prior to her current program she studied and taught yoga in Thailand and Colombia, places she will visit again.
Radical AI Podcast: radicalai.org/
Jess’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/_jessiejsmith_
Jess’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessiejsmith/
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Originally from Danville, VA, Mirinda Kossoff has traveled the world, including Japan, Tahiti and Turkey. Previously a communications director in academia and nonprofits, she is a an author, visual artist and voracious reader. Mirinda recently published The Rope of Life: A Memoir, about her Jewish-turned-Southern Baptist father who tried in every way to pass as a Southern good old boy. Failing at that, and other factors such as chronic pain, led to his suicide and Mirinda’s attempts to understand him and the choices he made.
Mirinda’s Website: https://mirindakossoff.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Ryan has served for the Royal Air Force and the US Department of Defense, having opportunities take him to different places around the world. He’s been able to take what life has thrown at him and continue to build to a better future.
Ryan’s Podcast: https://linktr.ee/walkthelinepodcast
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Dr. Petra Deeter is survivor of child abuse and domestic violence. She shares the personal and emotional details from when she was child and how she has turned her life around. In founding the Victim to Hero Institute, she aims to bring awareness to parental alienation.
Victim to Hero Institute: victimtohero.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Amanda and her husband started the shop Me Mother Earth a couple years ago to help better the planet and eliminate plastic. She shares what it is like running the business, navigating life in a plastic world, adopting a vegan lifestyle, and hopes for future travel.
Me Mother Earth: memotherearthbrand.com
Instagram: instagram.com/me.motherearth/
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Eric has been documenting his transition taking testosterone since last fall on TikTok. He’s open and willing to share the personal details from deciding to freeze his eggs, being pansexual, and how his family has been supportive along his journey where he’s come out multiple times.
Eric’s Social Media:
tiktok.com/@ErasingTheA
instagram.com/ErasingTheA
twitter.com/ErasingTheA
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Frank Duarte is a current music doctoral student at Texas Tech University. He grew up in Southern California in a Mexican household and left the state to pursue his Master’s in Music Composition at Butler University in Indianapolis. Once there he discovered more of himself and is now an openly gay man.
Frank’s website: http://frankduarte.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Amanda’s mom is Asian and her dad is a white American, which has led to a variety of experiences growing up. She spends her time outside of school in Japan helping her grandmother and is currently a junior at Vanderbilt University. On TikTok, Amanda shares her love of music, Japanese culture, Phineas and Ferb, and much more.
Amanda’s TikTok: tiktok.com/@amandumb
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Julia Davis is the creator and owner of the Practical Planner and Little Business Library. On TikTok and in her businesses, she doesn’t allow hate, harm, or the spread of misinformation. A member of the sorority Delta Gamma, she’s had leadership positions that have changed her life.
Practical Planner: https://practicalplanner.selz.com
Little Business Library: https://littlebusinesslibrary.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
TikTok: @julia_adavis
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Dr. Liz Palmer is a middle school music teacher who has a passion for culture and diversity within music. She brings cultural music into her classroom and has researched what makes a band a family through social and cultural capital. Liz was recently appointed to the new Director of Diversity and Inclusion role for Sigma Alpha Iota, a professional music fraternity.
Liz’s Music Nonprofit: https://www.facebook.com/modernmaestro.inc
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Shamika Klassen is currently a PhD student in Information Science at CU Boulder after having received her Masters in Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in the city of New York and studying African and African American Studies at Stanford University. She takes us on her educational journey, how she served with AmeriCorps, and why she started the Tech Chaplaincy Institute. Shamika's passion for social justice and commitment to serving others is evident throughout the episode.
Tech Chaplaincy Institute: https://www.techchaplain.com
Shamika's Personal Website: https://www.shamikalashawn.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Now an Associate Strength Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kevin has been busy since growing up in our small hometown of Southbury, Connecticut where he had a great support network through coaches, staff, and his family. One of very few African Americans in our area, Kevin shares his experience with the outlook that if you look for good, you will find the good. He outlines his professional career path to today and the experiences he’s had throughout the country.
Kevin’s Book Recommendations:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Kelly Krout recently ran for office in the Arkansas State House after previously disliking politics and then going through the process of becoming an informed voter. She shares her campaign story and what she is doing now to help inform the community even though she lost her race. She has a large family of boys and also shares her experience with fostering teenagers.
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Tiktok: @kellyrosskrout
Twitter: @kelly4arkansas & @kellykrout
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Growing up in China, Jin did not have strong English skills and in this episode, he shares that journey of moving to the United States and then going to Susquehanna University. He shares his passion for helping others, goals for the future, and advice for young people and all alike.
Jin and Ben’s Podcast: aspireandinquire.com
Connect with Jin at zjin27@outlook.com
Jin’s Time Management Book Recommendation: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Ben graduated from college only two years ago where he gained international experience, and is already exploring new things. He shares stories about networking, joining the real world, and some of his current side projects.
Ben and Jin’s Podcast: aspireandinquire.com
Clothing Company Ben’s Part Of: bleachdapparel.com
Book Recommendation: I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @aspire_inquire & @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Dr. Ilya Blinov grew up in Russia and continued his professional music studies in the United States. After getting a green card and being in the US for more than a decade, he recently became a citizen and was able to vote in the 2020 election.
Check out Ilya’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/PianistIlyaBlinov/videos
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Amy shares her story about becoming a foster mom while being single and her journey to adopting three children with her wife. She talks about marriage becoming legal in 2015 and the work she does to help create a more inclusive world.
Amy’s Book Recommendation: Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts… Communicating Respectfully in a Diverse World by Leslie C. Aguilar
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Devon talks about her experience as a fat child, dealing with diet culture, and coming to a point where she now is in a much better place with her body. She uses her voice on TikTok to share her experiences and help educate others. Devon also shares stories about her world travels and what it’s like to currently be in law school.
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
TikTok: devonelizabethplz
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Dr. Eric Hinton, Director of Bands at Susquehanna University shares his background of music and passion for conducting. He’s studied and taught in different countries and shares what it has been like working with students through a pandemic.
For more information about Susquehanna’s 2021 Honors Band program for high school students check out: https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/department-of-music/festivals-and-workshops or email Dr. Hinton at hinton@susqu.edu
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Brian is a strong supporter for electoral reform and has been heavily involved in the process for change in Virginia. He shares his journey from high school to now, what’s to come, and what still needs to change for a system that will work for the greater good.
Brian’s Recommended Books:
Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy by David Daley
The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy by Katherine Gehl and Michael Porter
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Chris shares stories from his life growing up adopted with an adopted brother, and his parents being in touch with his birth parents. At eighteen he started connecting with his birth family and continues to stay in touch with all of his family. He is currently in Iceland following his dream to become a pilot.
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @firstnunu & @iceaviationacademy & @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Sara is the Education Programs Supervisor at Buttonwood Park Zoo which means she gets to work with animals directly while also helping educate the public. She shares stories about how she got into the position she is in now and the passions she has experienced throughout life so far. Working at a zoo during a pandemic has its challenges, but Sara has been able to be creative and create new programs for the zoo.
Check out the Buttonwood Park Zoo: https://www.bpzoo.org
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Aminata, known as Mimi to many, moved to the United States when she was 10 years old, not knowing any English. She shares what it was like to learn English while in school in the Bronx to getting a bachelors degree in rural Pennsylvania and everything in between.
Mimi’s Recommended Books:
Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Eric Bergenn is a Financial Planner operating his own set of clients as part of a larger financial group. He shares stories about how the pandemic has changed his work and what it is like to be growing his family.
Financial resources available on Eric’s site: https://www.ericbergenn.com
Recommend financial reading by Daniel Crosby: https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Crosby/e/B00O72MW1W%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Originally planning to become a doctor, Jordan Balke shares what it’s like to now be working in the creative world, with the Super Carlin Brothers on YouTube and as a Dungeon Master for a Dungeons and Dragons podcast. Jordan gives life advice and explains what it’s like living with her younger sibling and boyfriend in a house full of cats.
Check out Jordan’s DnD Podcast: https://linktr.ee/LTTPDnD
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Twitter: @SuperAwesomeJEB
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Kassondra Mangione explains what it is like to be a part of the Bookstagram community and finishing her thesis on powerful heroines in young adult literature. An avid storyteller, she has settled into a beautiful home with her husband and cats.
Check out Kassondra’s Blog: https://keepitkassual.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @keepitkassual & @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Dr. Karen White has lived most of her life as a white male college professor. Karen shares her story of how she connected with her feminine side after retirement and how the process of transitioning to a woman has changed her life. She always says that love wins and even though there are still difficulties in her life, she loves all and has a positive outlook on life.
Check out Karen’s blog at https://karens2019.blogspot.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/informaleducation/
For support uniting parents, families, and allies with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, check out PFLAG https://pflag.org
Find a great community on Meetup like the one Karen joined: https://www.meetup.com/AustinLesbianCoffeeHouse/
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Cecilia Gigliotti has had a whirlwind of an academic career and is now residing in Berlin, Germany after growing up in Connecticut. She shares stories of her Italian heritage, experiencing German culture, and other aspects of her creative-filled life.
Cecilia’s Musical YouTube: Lia Lio
Cecilia’s Blog: https://cosifaccioio.com/
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Twitter: @CeciliaGelato
Instagram: @c_m_giglio & @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Jess lives in Australia with her partner, Ben, and their daughter. They are both from Belgium and are passing down their fluency in English and French. In this episode, Jess talks about the different cultures she has experienced so far, but also the stories of growing up with a mentally abusive mother.
If you are in a situation where you need help, please seek professional guidance. Here are just a few informational resources about child abuse and a site for help in Australia:
healthline.com/health/child-neglect-and-psychological-abuse
helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm
ruok.org.au/
Jess’s YouTube: Story Diver
Jess’s Podcast: rsvpod.com
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Paige grew up throughout the United Stares and is now married and living in England. In this episode she discusses why she wanted to move oversees, the citizen process, and her experience combining and experiencing different cultures.
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Michael Dixon’s career in higher education focusing on student experience has led him to his current role as Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. In this episode he shares that journey and why these fields are important to him. He covers what it was like growing up with immigrant parents and how his cultural upbringing reflects in raising his family today.
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Listen as Derek gives insight to living a life with ADHD. From managing the day-to-day and sharing his diagnosis story, Derek unpacks a lot in this episode. Derek streams on Twitch where he plays games and also connects with his community in meaningful and fun conversations.
Learn more about ADHD (How To ADHD): youtube.com/channel/UC-nPM1_kSZf91ZGkcgy_95Q
Derek’s Twitch Channel: twitch.tv/dklarations
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Twitter: @DKlarations
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Bre shares stories from her childhood where she experienced privilege from wealth and also challenges with being biracial. Her blended family is unique and helped spark her love for travel. As a 2020 college graduate, Bre has started her own small business and is making the best of quarantine.
Bre’s Etsy Shop: etsy.com/shop/BCherryCo
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @shop.bcherryco & @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Listen as Nathan takes us through his life experiences starting at a young age when he realized he was gay. He explains what it was like growing up in a conservative town, managing his sexuality and his faith, and finding his authentic self.
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
I’m your host, Sarah! Listen to why I decided to start a podcast and what’s to come in future episodes. I share a bit of my personal background, values, and how I struggle to identify my culture.
Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast
Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com
Connect on Social Media:
Instagram: @introducingmepodcast & @slportal7
Facebook: @introducingmepodcast
YouTube: @introducingmepodcast
Artwork: instagram.com/graphite.vmb
Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett