The Illuminate Podcast: Recent Episodes
SandyBoy Productions
As the year wraps up and you’re thinking of 2023, what are you doing with your successes and how are you handling your disappointments? Not to fret! Today’s guest shares some incredible stories, quotes, and inspirations to help us all as we wrap up the year and look ahead.
Meet Akram Shalabi, a London-based solicitor and the pace team coordinator for the London Marathon (among many other things). In this conversation, Akram shares his story of how he got to where he is today, including all the bumps and bruises that now allow him the perspective and opportunities to support others and create initiatives and policies for inclusion, diversity, and belonging. Get ready for some interesting experiences, fantastic quotes, and an entertaining episode!
This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).
Show Notes:
ttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0962280216628901
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Helmi Ansari and his business Grosche International are changing the World through business. Groshe is a brand built with the purpose to raise money to fund clean water projects. This business grew from the laundry room, to the living room, garage and now on to their 8th warehouse expansion.
After being on the trajectory of living the corporate dream he was challenged to talk on a new sustainability project at work and a couple of years later his family had a life changing experience when they almost loosing his 10 month of daughter. This changed how he looked at everything he was doing in his life.
Moments of sparks where we make certain choices that determine the course of the rest of our lives. From a small start up in his laundry room, Grosche is now a leading BCORP organization committed to sustainability, paying employees fair wages AND providing clean water to those in need.
Show Notes:
Grosche International
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Steven Covey
Start with Why – Simon Sinek
Follow The Illuminate Podcast:
Illuminate Podcast on Instagram
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Have you ever had to practice something? There’s nothing quite like taking the time to practice and reaping the benefits – but what about when that journey of practicing becomes boring, we lose motivation, or worse, it just stops happening? In this conversation we talk to artist, runner, entrepreneur/owner of “Pace of Me” and “We ... more »
Erin Tarr is a Confidence Coach for teen and tween girls and creator of the fierce&flourish empowerment program and a thought leader in the youth confidence space. Erin’s twenty year career in education and personal development serving tweens, teens, and moms led her to be named among Central Illinois Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40. She ... more »
With a mission of “Building long-term life-changing relationship with urban youth equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community,” Elevate programs are popping up across the country and making a big impact! Elevate Savannah’s unique, relationship-based approach employs full-time staff who represent the community they serve. Part teacher, part mentor, part life coach, our ... more »
Today on the podcast is a crossover from my podcast for runners, the I’ll Have Another Podcast. My guest is Hollie Hughes. Hollie is an incredible woman. She is the mother of four and she pushes her son Jonah, who has Cerebral Palsy, in a Team Hoyt chair. He is 12 now and she has ... more »
Have you heard of the benefits of music therapy or just interested in listening to an inspiring story? This episode features Kourtney Tigner, a board-certified music therapist who most recently worked for Hospice Savannah. Kourtney finds her passion in providing comfort and compassion to those facing end-of-life issues and their families through music. In this ... more »
Angela Douglas is the Executive Director for Healthy New Albany which is an organization that promotes wellness in Ohio. They have toddler in nature programs, nourish cooking lessons, a food pantry, and five races throughout the year that help fund their programming. They also have a virtual kids marathon where you do 26 miles over ... more »
With college football starting up in a couple of weeks, this episode couldn’t come at a more perfect time! Meet Greg LeFils; he has been involved in football officiating his entire life, since his father, Greg Sr., was also a high school and NCAA FBS official for 40 years. Greg currently works as a Center ... more »
Hawa Kipilili & Ruth Meriki are the founders of the organization, Elle Peut Naidim (EPN). EPN exists to deal with the issues most likely to hinder students’ ability to complete school: Menstrual Health Hygiene, Violence Against Women and Children, Reproductive Health, Early Childhood Marriage, and Mental Health. They were founded in 2020 and in just ... more »
Issues in your tissues? Let’s talk Chiropractic Care, Physical Therapy, and more with entrepreneur (and killer athletes) Dr. Kurt Barnhill and Dr. Chelsea Hollingsworth-Barnhill. This episode not only walks you through the basics of chiropractic care and physical therapy, including explanations of ART, Graston, Taping, and more – it shares the story of starting a ... more »
Some people run to clear their minds, others for fitness…there are so many reasons to run (or not), but have you heard of “historical ultra running?” In this episode you meet Todd Aydelotte is an ultrarunner and race director living in New York City. Todd’s unique approach to running long distances, historical ultrarunning, has been ... more »
When you think “massage,” what comes to mind? A relaxing splurge? A fancy spa? What about an opportunity to simply feel better, move better, and live better? That’s exactly why Darren Colvil became a licensed massage therapist. In this episode, Darren shares his journey to the massage table, why “massage will help you move,” and ... more »
Meet Justin Bristol, the Safety Education Programs Manager for Georgia Bikes! As Safety Education Programs Manager, Justin oversees bicycle safety educational programs for Georgia Bikes. This includes hosting youth and adult bicycle events, training law-enforcement officers, distributing educational materials, and assisting with activities that support the growth and development of local bicycle advocacy and safety ... more »
Can you imagine going to school with no electricity? Or quitting your job at Google to move to Uganda? Today’s guest took a sabbatical from working for Google in ads sales to move to Uganda and had a vision to bring light to rural communities without electricity. Jay Patel is social entrepreneur who co-founded two ... more »
Adrianne Haslet just completed the Boston Marathon! Adrianne is a Boston bombing survivor and has had an incredible journey to get to the start line of the 2022 Boston Marathon healthy. Though she lost her leg in the bombing she set out with determination and perseverance to one day complete the Boston Marathon. This was ... more »
Your eyes really are the window to the soul…and your overall health…and this episode explains why! Join passionate eye-care specialist, Optometrist, Dr. Erika Morrow as we talk all things eye health. In this conversation, you’ll learn how your eyes can give you clues for bigger health issues as well as how to take care of ... more »
Shiri Reuveni-Ullrich is the founder of Rising Above Bakery in New York. Shiri is a speech therapist and an avid baker and noticed the dramatic effect that baking cookies had on her nonverbal, autistic young adult students. The kitchen filled with chatter, singing, laughter, and verbalizing as students became more comfortable with the work. At ... more »
Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting a woman-owned business, Third Monday in April and creator Amie Kurian. Amie is the Founder and Designer of Third Monday in April, which is an online run shop created to spread the joy of running and grounded in the belief that running should be a path open to ... more »
Hey friends!! Today we are re-airing our very first episode. If you missed this episode or haven’t listened in awhile I assure you that it will drum up some inspiration for your day today! We hope you enjoy this re-air with social entrepreneur George Srour! George Srour is the Chief Dreamer for Building Tomorrow, a ... more »
How you can find good reviewers online for any product you’re thinking about buying? This episode shares the story of Drew Whitcomb, cofounder of WearTesters, a leading shoe, apparel and sporting goods review website and YouTube channel. Before WearTesters, Drew worked in sales and marketing at various startups, PayPal and General Mills. In this conversation, ... more »
Kalela Williams is the Director of Writing at Mighty Writers. Mighty Writers is a nonprofit organization where they work with more than 3,500 kids annually to write with clarity. All of their programs are free to the kids that they serve. Kalela has worked with non-profits for more than a decade, instituting literary, artistic, cultural ... more »
Sarah Lacey is the founder of Linking Indy Women which is an amazing community and networking group where each month men and women gather to hear inspiring women in business around the city share the story. You leave all of these events feeling connection, encouragement, having advice and strategy and most importantly you leave inspired. ... more »
Molly Lieberman is the Founder and Executive Director of Loop It Up Savannah, a community arts and enrichment non-profit which provides art, STEAM, yoga and mindfulness, gardening, cooking, and other enrichment workshops and experiences to children and families throughout Chatham County. Loop it Up programs give young people opportunities to explore and express who they ... more »
Composer, conductor, equity coach, and nonprofit strategist committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – meet this week’s guest and Black History Month episode, Arreon A. Harley-Emerson. Mr. Harley-Emerson is the Director of Music and Operations of the Choir School of Delaware where he is responsible for the musical components of the renowned Choir School ... more »
Sara Miller is an education advocate and has spent the majority of her career serving high school kids as they apply to college. She worked in the admissions department for Purdue University for five years before shifting to working for a tutoring company. She now works for Green Halo Scholars and that tutoring company is ... more »
Brittani Hunt is the Co-Founder and Creative Director for HerSpace Co. HerSpace Co. is a lifestyle brand for the modern woman who desires to live and evolve intentionally. They create a beautiful annual planner called the Layered Living Planner. It is a tool designed to challenge the modern woman to make her whole self – ... more »
Show notesToday’s guest is Jane Houng. Jane is an author, classically trained viola player, former teacher, and most of all mother-determined to build her daughter’s legacy. Jane’s daughter was murdered while working as a humanitarian in Lebanon in 2017. Through this unimaginable tragedy Jane decided to build her daughter’s legacy and continue her work to ... more »
What better time than the start of a new year than on some personal development! In this episode, speaker, trainer, facilitator, coach, and author/poet, Carrie Addington, shares the four skills of “Daring Facilitation” based on Brene Brown’s Daring Leadership. As we explore vulnerability, values, trust, and failure related to facilitation, life, and work, we get ... more »
Today’s guest is Neelab Yousafzai. Neelab was born in Afghanistan and shares what life was like under the Taliban rule for her family and as a woman. Neelab and her family (which includes 6 kids!) fled the Taliban, eventually making their way to the US. She shares of the harrowing journey, not only of escaping ... more »
Becca Stevens is an author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur, and mom of three boys. After experiencing the death of her father and subsequent child abuse when she was five, Becca opened a residential community, which offers women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction the time, space home and community they need to heal. She founded ... more »
Katherine Furman is a writer and editor. She co-founded Tandem Books, a publishing studio, where she was the editorial director. She has recently moved away from that space to focus more on writing and is currently writing a novel. She has published several journals, including The Gratitude Journal for Women and Progress Not Perfection. In ... more »
Ready to talk about Dr. Maya Angelou, Ben and Jerry’s, and Patagonia all in one dynamite conversation? In this conversation with Rachelle Kuramoto, a brand and content guru who is committed to “bring out the best in other people” through brand development, innovation, and leadership, we explore how to tell your story, why it is ... more »
Hi friends! In this episode of the Illuminate Podcast your hosts are bringing you a book club discussion on the book “Educated” by Tara Westover. We are really excited to bring you this monthly book club series that will be published on our new patreon page and wanted to give you a taste of it ... more »
In 2016, Ellie’s world was forever changed when her daughter was born without the chromosomal disorder doctors had told her to expect. When her second daughter was 6 months old, Ellie and her husband began the adoption process to adopt a child with Down syndrome. A little while later, they adopted their son, Finn, who ... more »
Dr. JB is a board-certified emergency medicine physician who recently started Hope4Med, a private membership company to combat burnout among healthcare professionals. Through her YouTube channel and podcast, she seeks to educate anyone who has visited or may visit an emergency room for themselves or a loved one – helping to illuminate the lives of ... more »
Make-A-Wish Georgia grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. As the Southeast Development Director, today’s guest, Meghan Lowe, is responsible for fundraising, relationship building, and assisting with wish-granting in the Chatham, Effingham, and Bryan Counties. In this episode, you will learn more about the Make-a-Wish mission and how you can help their cause, but ... more »
Pam Ahern is the founder and director of Edgar’s Mission. Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary is a not-for-profit farm sanctuary in Australia. Pam is a lifelong animal lover and started the sanctuary in 2003, starting with her first rescue animal – Edgar Alan Pig. From there, the sanctuary grew as Pam created outreach and education programs. ... more »
Heather Demetrios is a critically acclaimed author, writing coach, and certified meditation instructor. She’s published books in multiple genres and today she’ll be talking to us about her latest book, Codename Badass: The True Story of Virginia Hall, one of the CIA’s first female spies and a WWII hero. Heather shares how we can apply ... more »
Episode 100: A Supper Club Style Celebration with all 5 Illuminate Hosts Pull up a chair and join us for a “Supper Club” style celebration. Back at the beginning of the podcast, the original hosts would share episodes from their supper club. We bring back that tradition to celebrate 100 Episodes! Dive into some “deep” ... more »
Sociologist, Dr. Bertice Berry, is an innovative storyteller, story curator, community builder, author, lecturer, and more! At 26, Berry completed her Ph.D. and started her career as a professor, but by showing up every day, “walking with purpose” she “collided with destiny” and become an award-winning entertainer, lecturer, and comedienne – including winning the coveted ... more »
Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin is the CEO of Gaia Project Consulting, LLC. which is a world-wide executive coaching and consulting firm. She is also the founder of the Gaia Project for Women’s Leadership. Her work has been featured on CNN, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, and The New York Times. Elizabeth is also the author of Becoming ... more »
Today’s guest is our new host – Emmy Burch! We’re changing it up this week and I’m interviewing her so you can get to know her before she is on the other side of the microphone! Emmy is a woman of many talents and hobbies. Emmy is a musician, a connector of people, conductor, music ... more »
Sara Fenton is on the podcast today to talk all about Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest! Sara is the Southwest Washington Programs Manager for Girls Inc. This is a nonprofit organization that is working to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. They provide life-changing programs and experiences for youth ages 6-18 ... more »
Today’s episode is extra special because our guest, Mariam, will actually be joining us as a new host for The Illuminate Podcast! We as a team are so excited for her to join us and I am so sure that you will be too after you listen to this episode!! Mariam has worn so many ... more »
TinaMarie Hernandez is the Executive Director of Diveheart; a non-profit organization that provides and supports educational SCUBA diving, surface supplies gas (SSG), snorkeling and related experience programs which are open to any child, adult and veteran with a disability; with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person, while building ... more »
Susannah Wellford is the founder of Running Start, a nonprofit organization aimed to inspire young women and girls to pursue political leadership. They host training programs that that are focused on educating young women about leadership campaign strategy, and teamwork, without a partisan lens. Susannah is also the cofounder of an organization called Women Under ... more »
Neli Vazquez Rowland is the co-founder and president of A Safe Haven. A Safe Haven Foundation is a 501(c)3 not for profit, social enterprise that helps people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome ... more »
Shantae Smith is the Systems Transformation Advisor at Community Solutions. Community Solutions is a nonprofit organization that is working to create a lasting end to homelessness. They are proving that homelessness is solvable with their movement of Built for Zero. Through that they are working with more than 80 cities and counties using data to ... more »
Lia Valencia Key joins the show today! She is the founder of Valencia Key Jewelry where she creates beautiful wearable pieces of jewelry that are meant to inspire others to reach their full potential. She hand sketches each design with the intention to spread the message of empowering others to find their joy, love, dreams, ... more »
Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz are the authors of Fade Into the Bright, a Young Adult fiction book that was released in April. The novel is all about an 18 year old, Abby, who found out her estranged father is dying from a rare degenerative genetic disease called Huntington’s Disease. This gives Abby ... more »
Sasha Wolff is the founder of Still I Run. Still I Run is a community where people can share their experience of dealing with depression/anxiety etc. through running or any other type of physical activity. We encourage one another to take time out of our busy lives to run for our mental health. Through various programs we ... more »
Ivy Lawson is the founder and owner of Logwood Company and Ivyees “Everything Honey”. Ivyees “Everything Honey” produces honey based health and beauty products, toothpaste, condiments, as well as their delicious honey. Before starting her own company, Ivy spent nearly 2 decades in the corporate world before seeking out her true passions and becoming an ... more »
This week’s guest, Jolene Hart, is a holistic wellness expert. She coaches women on nutritional strategies to prevent and treat beauty concerns from acne to weight gain and aging, and educates consumers about natural beauty products through her company, Beauty Is Wellness. Jolene is a former magazine beauty editor and journalist. She shares her journey ... more »
Sarah Emerson was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2017 and documented her journey in a really beautiful and authentic way. She shared the hard but she also shared positive inspiration to others who are struggling. While Sarah was walking through her treatments, her neighbors stepped up to help her in a really beautiful way – ... more »
Gaby Rodriguez is a certified gender professional, Venezuelan lawyer, and social economy specialist. She is also the founder and chair of the Amazona Foundation where she hosts monthly events to build community around gender equality, raises awareness about gender equality, and advises other clients on the creation and implementation of their gender, diversity, and inclusion ... more »
Mary Grove is an entrepreneur, community-builder, mom of twins and Managing Partner of Bread and Butter Ventures. In today’s episode, you’ll hear about Mary’s remarkable career, inspired by her parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Thailand. Mary began her career at Google working on the Google IPO and later as the founding director of ... more »
Shayna Sangster is the director of marketing for the Indiana Fever at Pacers Sports and Entertainment. She is also the owner of Just Ride Indy. She was a gymnast growing up and she ran track and field in college as a 400m hurdler. In this episode, we get to hear how growing up as a ... more »
Laura Hertz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gifts for Good. Gifts for Good is an e-commerce site that sells gifts from over 40 nonprofits and social enterprises throughout the country and world. They encourage corporations to redirect their gifting from items that will just end up in a landfill to purchasing their employees gift ... more »
Liz Bohanan is the co-founder of Sseko Designs an ethical fashion brand that works to educate and empower women. She is also the author of the book Beginner’s Pluck and host of the podcast Plucking Up. In this episode we talk about seeking opportunity to live a purposeful life, we talk about motherhood, communal living ... more »
Gina Mulligan is the founder of a nonprofit called Girls Love Mail, an author, and a breast cancer survivor. Gina was working on writing a book of letters when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. After her diagnosis, she began receiving letters from others (including strangers) and realized the impact that handwritten letters ... more »
Tara Shupe is a humanitarian and outdoor photographer. She captures raw human stories, meaningful travel experiences, and focuses on women empowerment. She works with various organizations, brands, and people around the world to share their personal stories, the positive impact they are making, and more! She hopes to use her work to cultivate awareness and ... more »
Chris Norton was a collegiate football player when he mistimed a tackle and collided with the opponent’s legs and immediately lost all feeling and movement from the neck down. He was given the diagnosis that he would never be able to move again. After incredible amounts of perseverance and dedication, alongside the support of his ... more »
Today’s guest is a hilarious, social justice minded mom of four, writer and psychotherapist — Kristen Howerton. Her journey to motherhood was not easy and she became a mom of four in four years through both adoption and natural birth. You may know her for her book or social media “Rage Against the Minivan.” (BTW, ... more »
Erika Welsh is one of the co-founders of Wild Friends. Wild Friends is a female-founded natural foods company that specializes in nut butters. They are a B-Corp (Certified Benefit Corporation) and through their company have a giveback program called Fuel Her Future where they donate 1% of their sales to programs that help to empower ... more »
Kyle and Angie are two former special education teachers that founded the company, Finley’s, in 2016 when they saw an opportunity to make a big impact in the community. Finley’s is a pet treat company that creates paid employment opportunities for people with disabilities. They give 50% of their profits to initiatives that provide employment ... more »
Tina Beauvais joins the podcast today! Tina Beauvais is one of the co-founders of Be Kind Live Kind and the Disability Inclusion Educator. She is on a mission to teach parents and children the best ways to include individuals with disabilities and special needs. Tina’s daughter, Noel, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at 5 ... more »
Amy Carver is the Program and Development Manager and RJ Heckelman is the National ReCyclery and Resource Manager at Trips for Kids. Trips for Kids is a national nonprofit organization with chapters in various parts of the country that provides transformative cycling experiences to promote healthy, recreational lifestyles, environmental awareness, and personal empowerment for young ... more »
Farah Nanji is a DJ, journalist, TEDx Speaker, podcast host, and the founder of Regents Racing. As a teenager, Farah was diagnosed with Dyspraxia which is a developmental coordination disorder that affects 5% of the world’s population. Farah shares in this episode how she has never settled and allowed Dyspraxia to be a weakness of ... more »
Tracy Quisenberry is the founder and executive director of Icing Smiles. Icing Smiles is “a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child.” They have cake artists across the country so they can serve children and families no matter where they are. Outside ... more »
Molly Reeser is the founder and executive director of Camp Casey. Camp Casey is a nonprofit organization that provides cost-free horseback riding programs to children with cancer and life-threatening illnesses in Michigan. They offer four unique programs that they offer including horse house calls, cowboy campouts, outlaw outings, and their newest program Lone Star Getaways ... more »
Today’s guest is a woman who holds many titles — social entrepreneur, global health strategist, advocate for women and girls and former Miss District of Columbia. Sarah Hillware is a force who has overcome fear to take risks, escaped domestic violence as a child and is breaking down gender inequality. In today’s episode we talk ... more »
Melissa Jones, founder of the Girls Positivity Club joins me on the podcast today!! Melissa grew up as an ordinary middle-class girl in Indiana who had loving and supportive parents. Over time, she lost her sense of self when she moved schools, when her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer, and when she stopped taking ... more »
Megan Myers is a fine artist and illustrator based in Bend, Oregon. She has her own art business, Megan Marie Myers Art, LLC. Her work is inspired by the outdoors and the connections that we have to both the outdoors and those around us. Megan hopes that her work serves as an entry point into ... more »
Some heroes wear capes, but today’s guest on the show is a quiet, local hero who has used her role as an educator and community leader to serve others. Most recently she has been working tirelessly behind the scenes serving an immigrant population on the eastern shore of Maryland as they face the COVID-19 pandemic. ... more »
Yuri Williams is the founder of the nonprofit organization, A Future Superhero And Friends. Yuri started the nonprofit after his mom passed away from cancer in 2009 and in this episode, he shares all about what his mom taught him and the kind, compassionate and giving traits that she passed on to him. His nonprofit ... more »
Casey Crouse and Trevor DeWitt are on the show today. Back in June they started a project called One Thousand One City and completed this September. One Thousand One City started as a project aimed at connecting the city of Indianapolis by running 1000 miles through its neighborhoods in 100 days. The goal is to ... more »
Allyson Mitchell is the executive director of the Indiana Recycling Coalition. The Indiana Recycling Coalition is a nonprofit in the state of Indiana that was founded in 1989. They focus on the education and advocacy to inspire the Indiana community, businesses, institutions, and governments to encourage waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Their mission is ... more »
AJ Wiley is a graphic designer and illustrator who specializes in outdoor work. AJ majored in graphic design at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He recently launched a design brand, Kumawave, with his brother Justin. Through their brand they design and sell stickers and t-shirts that are focused around nature and the outdoors. The Kumawave ... more »
Laura and Phil Wentworth are the Founders of a nonprofit called Lot 25. Phil is the Foundation Director has 15+ years of experience working in Belize, Phil is vested in the culture and community. Laura serves on the Board of Directors and also has 15+ years of experience working in Belize. Twelve years of teaching ... more »
Michael and Tempa Kohler are the cofounders of the non-profit organization, Special Kneads and Treats in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Michael and Tempa have two kids, Bradley and Ashley. Their son, Bradley, was born with Fragile X Syndrome and when he was 22 years old and aging out of the county supported programs, they were trying to ... more »
Today’s guest is a warrior, sister, mother, wife, Cystic Fibrosis advocate, community builder, and a courageous inspiration to so many. Jackie Bessette shares her beautiful and messy journey of being the spouse to someone with Cystic Fibrosis. In this episode, she walks through what it’s like to go through two double lung transplants, birthing her ... more »
Charlotte Simpson joins the podcast today! Charlotte Simpson is a retired guidance counselor and solo traveler from Indianapolis. After losing her husband of 31 years, she decided to begin traveling solo and seeing the world. Charlotte traveled to all 50 states with her husband and since he passed away she has traveled around the world. ... more »
Carrie Rickenburg is the Director of Donor Relations at Wheeler Mission Ministries in Indianapolis, IN. Wheeler Mission is the largest homeless shelter in the state of Indiana – they provide Addiction Recovery, Residential Program, Emergency Shelter services to the Indianapolis community. In this episode we talk about how the onset of COVID affected Wheeler Mission ... more »
Mark Tabb joins The Illuminate Podcast today! Mark is an author and has written his own books as well as been a co-author for over twenty books. Mark has worked with so many incredible people to co-author their books including YouTube stars Cole and Savannah Labrant, Olympian Lopez Lomong, actor Alec Baldwin, Superbowl champion Ben ... more »
Debra Des Vignes joins us today on the Illuminate Podcast. Debra is the Founder of the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop. The nonprofit works to improve the lives of Indiana offenders through creative writing and expression. Debra began her career in the News industry and moved to working in the Nonprofit sector before starting the Indiana ... more »
Blu Robinson is the founder of Addict II Athlete as well as a mental health counselor. Blu struggled with addiction early on in his life but when he found a passion for mountain biking he found the power in replacing his addiction with a new love and passion for endurance sports and the Wasatch Mountains. ... more »
Today’s guest is an 11-time mom. Elizabeth Friedland has been a foster mom to 11 children. One of her foster children became Elizabeth’s adoptive child. In this episode Elizabeth talks about what it has been like to be a single woman fostering children and the journey to adopting her son, Jack, in an open adoption. ... more »
David is the Founder & CEO of Previnex. His passion for optimal health, wellness, and prevention started when he was a research analyst covering the health and wellness industry. David specialized in nutritional supplements, reading clinical studies, touring manufacturing facilities, meeting with various companies, and immersing himself in the supplement and wellness industry on all ... more »
Rachel Gersten joins the show today! Rachel is the co-founder of a mental health practice in New York City, Viva Wellness. She is passionate about helping others live their happiest and healthiest lives whether that be in their job, relationships, family or finding their passions. She describes herself as an “obsessed runner” having run over ... more »
Hawa Kipilili joins The Illuminate Podcast today! Hawa is from Arusha, Tanzania where she is the founder of the non-profit organization, Senda Success. She started this organization because she saw a disconnect between teachers, parents and children even while they were all facing big challenges. Hawa is very passionate about education and reforming education in ... more »
Today’s guest is a woman who is admired by many, is truly courageous and leads her life, business and family with a value system that strives to make the world a better place. Jessica Honegger is the author of the book Imperfect Courage, founder and CEO of the socially conscious fashion brand, Noonday Collection and ... more »
Molly Huffman joins us on the podcast today! She has a story of loss and grief but also a story of hope and peace. She is the author of the new book “The Moon is Round” which recounts her story. Over the course of 6 years she lost her mom, suffered a miscarriage, lost her ... more »
Jor-El is a licensed mental health counselor trained in psychological counseling. His experience includes working with both the NYC Anti-Violence Project and LGBTQ young adults at the True Colors Residence of West End Residences, HDFC and educating about sexual assault prevention, healthy sexuality and consent, and mental health and stress management. Jor-El is the co-founder ... more »
Demi Knight Clark is a self-professed “spitfire” and energy ball who envisions a world where #20PercentBy2020 is not only a smashed ceiling by thousands, but also women and men are equal in all trades. As the “only woman in the room” much of her career (and seeking out these situations), she is a passionate advocate ... more »
Episode 44: The Muzaffar Sisters – Owning This Moment This week’s Illuminate Podcast guests are three sisters – Amal, Zainab and Mariam Muzaffar. COVID-19 has devastated the world, but it has also brought some positivity to communities. The Muzaffar sisters are the perfect example of this positivity. They were raised in New York and decided ... more »
Today’s guest on the podcast is Eileen Moskowitz Palma. Eileen was a teacher for many years until facing a life threatening condition, HELLP Syndrome, while pregnant with her daughter. After that, she faced auto-immune disorders that forced her to give up teaching. Leaving her teaching career lead her to begin working on her other life ... more »
Faitth Brooks is an anti-racism educator. She is the Director of Programming at Be the Bridge. Be the Bridge. Be the Bridge empowers people and culture toward racial healing, equity and reconciliation. Faitth is a passionate speaker, she’s an activist, writer and loves to travel. She has a masters degree in Social Work and also ... more »
Jennifer Magley is a speaker, former professional athlete, NCAA Division I head coach, entrepreneur, and owner of OPEN GYM. She has received national media coverage from USA Today, ESPN, Heart & Soul Magazine, BRIO Magazine, Active Life Magazine, The Kansas City Star, The Indianapolis Star, and IndyStyle TV among others. Currently Magley is a Make-A-Wish® America Honoree and Board Member at non profits The Patachou Foundation and COBURN ... more »
Today’s guest brings a story of the kindness of strangers, peace building and the pursuit of dignity. Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza was born in rural Burundi. He fled Burundi during the catastrophic war that lasted more than a decade and took the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. He ended up in New York City, ... more »
Positive Parenting coach Wendy Snyder returns to the show today! Wendy is a Positive Parenting Teacher & Family Coach, helping families parent with great purpose and intention by creating healthy, respectful & cooperative relationships. She is a Certified Parent Educator of Redirecting Children’s Behavior (RCB) and an advocate for families. A mother to two vibrant ... more »
Today’s guest is Dr. Adam B. Hill! “Dr. Adam B. Hill is a human being, a husband, a blessed father of two young children, an avid Butler University Bulldog, a native Indiana son, and a pediatric palliative care physician at Indiana University’s Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Hill openly shares his own ... more »
Rebecca Fleetwood Hession is the CEO and founder of WEthrive.live a company to Ban Burnout, Build Community and Boost Business. Rebecca writes, speaks, coaches and consults on those topics she has knowledge, empathy and experience. This includes decades of experience in leadership, sales, strategy, leading change, execution, team building, consultative selling, transforming HR and training professionals to become business consultants. ... more »
Today’s guest is a woman who is a beacon of light and hope. Her beautiful story and message come at time where the world faces so much uncertainty. More than 10 years ago, on a sunny morning bike ride in Brooklyn, 24-year-old Katie McKenna was forever changed when she was run over by an 18-wheeler. ... more »
This week we are talking to Amanda Stevenson and Courtney Hoyle. Amanda and Courtney share a daughter through open adoption, Courtney the birth mother, and Amanda the adoptive mother. They share their story about creating a family for Margot their daughter that is filled with love. They, along with Amanda’s husband Micah, have chosen to ... more »
This week we are talking to Colleen Stine. Colleen is the co-owner of EVERYKIND, a t-shirt shop aimed at spreading a message of kindness to kids and adults, mom to 5 kids and one of the most positive people I’ve met through the midst of some pretty awful life circumstances. We talk a lot about ... more »
Episode 33: Jennie Weiner – Engaged Compassion Through the Uncertainly of COVID-19 Dr. Jennie Weiner authored the viral New York Times Op-Ed, I Refuse to Run a Coronavirus Home School. Today on the show, Jennie talks about the narrative that led her to write this piece and how she’s approaching having her kids home full ... more »
Sarah and Mark Canney are on the show today talking about encouragement based parenting! Most of us are spending a lot more time at home and if we have kids, a lot more time in the house with the kids. I wanted to talk with Sarah and Mark because I have heard them discuss their ... more »
What is going to happen with the economy over the next few months? Should I invest now? Should I wait? Should I have cash on hand? What should I do if I do get a stimulus check from the Government? These are all questions, Peter Dunn, also known as Pete the Planner answers for us ... more »
Episode 30: Fred & Milton Ochieng – Humanity, Community and a Father’s Dream Today’s episode will take you to a community in rural Kenya and tells a story of struggle and despair turned to hope. You will hear the amazing journey of Fred and Milton Ochieng. Who came from a community in Kenya called, Lwala, ... more »
Chrissy Vasquez is the kind of person who will be ready and willing to help even when it may be inconvenient and uncomfortable. She is an advocate who those who most vulnerable and in this episode we talk about loosing the stigma around illiteracy, depression and other mental health issues. Chrissy is the Chief Development ... more »
This week we are talking with Ashley Mitchell. She is the owner of Big Tough Girl, Founder + Executive Director of Lifetime Healing Foundation and co-host of the podcast Twisted Sisterhood. She has set out to seek increased care, understanding, and resources for birth mothers. Ashley is a birth mother herself, placing her now 13 ... more »
We are almost through February which means spring is around the corner! For many of us, spring means warmer weather! No matter where you live, though, spring also often means a fresh start. If spring cleaning is on your to-do list, today’s episode is for you! And even if spring cleaning is the furthest thing ... more »
What do architecture and birth have in common? For one, in both cases you can design an experience. But in this case, it’s this week’s guest, Kim Holden! Kim was a founding principal of the world-renowned architecture firm SHoP. After more than 25 years of design and of cultivating and fostering the culture of the firm, ... more »
This week we have the privilege of talking to my friend Emmalee Hinton. Emmalee is a stay at home mom of 3 young kids and a wife to Chad. She tells us about her and her family’s journey recovering from the devastating injury of her 4 month old daughter. Sweet Elena had a non-accidental brain ... more »
Imagine being the first woman or man in your profession, ever! And then imagine you were appointed to that position by the President of the United States! No pressure, right? That’s the story of Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker was the first female to be appointment U.S. District Court Judge. She was appointed by ... more »
Kari Moore is the Director of Self Sufficiency at Exodus Refugee Immigration in Indianapolis. She oversees education, employment, and youth programs. In this episode Kari talks about what it looks like for individuals to resettle here in America and how we can help welcome them here. We also talk about how we can teach our ... more »
Molly Cantrell-Kraig has an extraordinary story going from a single young mother of three living on welfare to not only surviving, but thriving and showing resilience. In this episode, Molly brings wisdom around resilience, emotional intelligence and mindfulness. You will leave this episode with new ideas, words to live by and a few habits to ... more »
Dominique Smith is the director of student services at Health Sciences High & Middle College, where he also serves as a culture builder and student advocate. He is also social worker, school administrator, mentor, national trainer for the International Institute on Restorative Practices, and member of ASCD’s FIT Teaching® (Framework for Intentional and Targeted Teaching®) Cadre. ... more »
This week we are talking to Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, hosts of podcasts Pantsuit Politics and The Nuanced Life and authors of I Think You’re Wrong but I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace Filled Political Conversations. We talk about how to have grace-filled political conversations and why it’s really so important to continue ... more »
Episode 19: Angela Stuesse – Activist Anthropology Angela Stuesse is an activist anthropologist who currently is a professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She studies the globalization of the rural U.S. South and social inequality. Angela has done significant research and work on the poultry industry in rural Mississippi. In this episode ... more »
Christy Turlington Burns, founder of “Every Mother Counts” joined host Lindsey Hein on her podcast “I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein” and we couldn’t think of a better cross over episode for The Illuminate Podcast! I was so honored to sit down with her at the Every Mother Counts office in NYC to hear all ... more »
Episode 17: Lindy Johnson with America’s Kids Belong This week we are talking to Lindy Johnson. She is a licensed therapist and trauma care trainer for America’s Kids Belong. AKB mobilizes government, faith-based, business and creative leaders around the goal of permanency and belonging for every child. Combining grassroots and “grasstops” methods, America’s ... more »
Becca Stevens is an author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur, and mom of three boys. After experiencing the death of her father and subsequent child abuse when she was 5, Becca opened a residential community, which offers women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction the time, space home and community they need to heal. She founded ... more »
Wendy Snyder is a Positive Parenting Teacher & Family Coach, helping families parent with great purpose and intention by creating healthy, respectful & cooperative relationships. She is a Certified Parent Educator of Redirecting Children’s Behavior (RCB) and an advocate for families. A mother to two vibrant children, Wendy has been dedicated to the application of ... more »
Robyn Nohling is a non-diet Dietician and Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems. Robyn and I talked a lot about intuitive eating, what that means for your body and what it doesn’t. We talked about hormones ... more »
Bonus Episode! We all got together to chat about life, our thoughts on our episodes, and what’s to come. Super casual and maybe a bit of rambling, but we love being together! Our hope for these episodes is that you get to know us a little better. Let us know what you think! ... more »
Today’s guest started a business, now a national lifestyle brand, found in Target and is one of Oprah’s Favorite things by creating something for herself! But it’s not an easy as this sounds, getting her business off the ground took, hustle, community and a problem solving attitude. Mica May of May Designs talks about how ... more »
Jordan Lee Dooley joins us for the podcast today! Jordan is a national best selling author, podcaster, keynote speaker, social media expert, multi-passionate strategist and founder of the Own it Academy. She is passionate about helping women find their purpose and live a life they love. We were fortunate to meet Jordan at the Edge ... more »
Episode 11: Kristen Newton Friendship is an essential piece of how we were made to live with others and experience love and joy. But have you ever found yourself stuck in a pattern that you know is unhealthy in a friendship? Or have you been blindsided by a friend and felt incredibly hurt? Friendship can ... more »
Episode 10: Avery Bang Imagine that to get to school or the local health clinic you have to cross a river. And in order to cross that river, you have to risk your life to get there. Or imagine there was a way for you to cross the river for half the year, during the ... more »
Ian Morgan Cron is a champion of the Enneagram, a powerful tool used for personal and collective transformation. The nine-pointed Enneagram symbol represents nine distinct strategies for relating to the self, others and the world. In this episode, Ian breaks down the nine personality types of the Enneagram and their strengths and weaknesses. He explains how knowing your ... more »
Gary Brackett is a former NFL lineman for the Indianapolis Colts. He is a motivational speaker, an entrepreneur, restaurant owner, husband and father to three. Gary was a walk on at Rutgers University and by his senior year, he was captain of the defensive team. He then went on to play for the Indianapolis Colts, ... more »
Stacey Heiny (@theherbanfarmacy) is a small business owner and wholistic nutritionist and mom to a sweet little boy. She and her husband own Green Growers (@greengrowersfarm), an organic farm that grows produce that they sell at local farmers markets and she makes pantry items from scratch such as nut butters and elderberry syrup. She and ... more »
Dr. Mitch Besser is an an obstetrician and gynecologist, who has dedicated his career to the public health needs of women, in particular, women with HIV. He founded mothers2mothers (m2m), in which mothers living with HIV are employed to work in health centers and communities, educating and supporting pregnant women and new mothers with HIV. ... more »
Julie Voris is a fitness and nutrition coach. She has spent over a decade working with Beachbody building a team of over 5000 women from around the World. Julie is the mother of three – a recent empty nester, married to a College football coach with a passion for helping women set big goals and ... more »
Kat and Blair Cornell founded the nonprofit organization, JoyRide, a car club exclusively for kids with special needs. Blair dreamed up the idea for JoyRide after seeing how much his son, Carter, who has special needs himself, loved cruising around in Blair’s convertible. In this episode you’ll hear all about the grandiose things JoyRide events ... more »
Kristin Hodson is founder of The Healing Group and AASECT certified Sex Therapist empowering parents, partners, and people in their relationships + sexuality. Kristin and I talked about improving your relationship and sex with your partner through being more empathetic and creative. We also talked about talking to your kids about sex; where to start ... more »
Jena Nardella co-founded Blood:Water, a nonprofit focused on equipping African organizations to overcome the HIV/AIDS and water crises. In this episode we talk about Jena’a incredible journey with Blood:Water and what she learned along the way. You’ll hear one of the best “how I met my spouse” stories and how being a mother has changed ... more »
George Srour is the Chief Dreamer for Building Tomorrow, a non-profit organization bringing access to inclusive, transformative education to children in underserved areas. In this episode we learn about George’s vision for Building Tomorrow and how the dream became a reality after a small fundraiser that turned into something much bigger. I loved to hear ... more »
The Illuminate Podcast is rooted in friendship and community and deepened through enlightening conversation with those around us, good food, wellness, coffee and life adventures. Each month Lindsey, Emily, Kristin and Sarah host conversations with people who are illuminating in their own lives through their business, work, community, family and world. Once a month the hosts come ... more »