Shades Required: Recent Episodes
Phil Hall & Mike McIsaac
Our goal is to spread optimism by sharing the dreams and stories of bright and talented young people.
For the season 1 finale, Nicole Bruso joins Mike and Phil to talk about her busy life. Nicole has her own massage therapy practice and also is a fitness coach and a boxing coach. She also just got a new puppy! Nicole studied marketing in college but she took a number of leaps outside of her comfort zone to get to where she is now. She was definitely the right choice for our finale episode guest and we hope that you will enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed creating it!
On Episode 19, Mike and Phil interview Maddie, a freshman basketball player at Hobart & Williams Smith Colleges in New York. Maddie shares her story of transferring to a new high school her senior year and how that prepared her for the transition into college, academically, socially and athletically. Another wonderful interview with another wonderful young person!
Mike and Phil interview Morgan, a recent high school graduate who took a job as a paraeducator straight out of high school. We had a great time catching up with Morgan and hearing yet another great story of perseverance from one of our youngest guests. Listen in to hear us discuss everything from Vermont geography to pirate ships, and more!
In Episode 17, Mike and Phil interview Cody, a senior at Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina studying Sports Management. Cody shares his story of perseverance in getting to Charlotte and in improving his life and health. Make sure you listen to the end for some great weight loss tips from Cody!
Mike and Phil catch up with Shannon, a senior at Bowling Green University. Shannon will be commissioning to the Air Force after graduation. She is also a volunteer at a barn that provides horse therapy to veterans. We are proud to know Shannon and she is a great interview!
In Episode 15, Mike and Phil interview Aneesh, a senior at Brandeis University in Massachusetts studying Neuroscience and Biology. A collegiate baseball player, Aneesh is preparing to apply to medical schools and plans to be a physician one day. This young man packed a lot of great messages into one interview. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!
Episode 14 features Jenna, a recent graduate of University of Vermont who is currently living in Colorado. One of the brightest young people that we know, Jenna is currently working in a dermatopathology lab and applying to medical schools. Episode 14 covers everything from sebaceous cysts to Christmas gifts and a great perspective from Jenna about what is truly important in life.
Episode 13 features Sophia, a senior at University of Vermont studying dietetics, nutrition and food services with a minor focusing in community development. Sophia is going to have a MAJOR impact in whichever community is lucky enough to have her move in! Listen in as we cover everything from equity to cow farts. Don't miss it!
Mike & Phil interview Ms. Mollie Giancola. Mollie is a senior at Providence College studying Psychology with minors in Dance and Sociology. She also works at a children's museum during the summertime and teaches children's dance. Hear Mollie's story and ideas about the future right here on Episode 12!
Phil and Mike interview Tori, a junior at Catholic University in Washington D.C. studying politics, history, intelligence, and Arabic studies. Tori certainly has a full plate as a student and is going to do big things in the future!
Mike and Phil interview Rafi Mahario, an 18 year old student-athlete that just graduated from high school and is headed to Sacred Heart University to join their Division 1 Varsity Track and Field program. This is a wonderful interview with a wonderful young man - don't miss it!
S1 E9 features the creator of our logo and cover art, Claire DiIonno! Claire tells us about everything that she is up to and aspiring to do next with her artistic talents. Listen now to find out why Mike insisted that this episode be named Claire (and cereal).
Join us as we sit down with one of the coolest guys out there. Steve is the lead of the band Dirty Red Hearts, studying music at Berklee and working in the digital video field.
Mike and Phil sit down with Kevin Alexandre at Third Place Pizza in Castleton, Vermont for the first ever in-person recording of Shades Required. Hear Kevin's story and why he says "Never Give Up - If you fall one million times, get up one million and one times."
Charlotte and Pat join Mike and Phil for the first ever "Four Deep" Episode of Shades Required. Tune in for lots of heart-warming fun and be totally impressed by our star, Charlotte and all of her nuggets of wisdom!
Ann is an accounting and marketing student currently living in Montreal, Quebec and attending Concordia University. Originally from Haiti, Ann is making the most of her opportunities in Montreal.
OC is an aspiring Occupational Therapist that recently underwent a major transformation!
Emelia is currently studying to become a registered nurse (RN) at University of Vermont. She worked as an LNA during the COVID-19 pandemic after becoming licensed to do so by taking night classes during high school.
Listen to Co-hosts Phil and Mike talk about their plans for Shades Required. Get to know the guys, play some games, be entertained and hear all about the big idea.