Sylvia & Me: Recent Episodes
Sylvia Beckerman
Sylvia & Me, conversations with extraordinary women who are changing the world by making a difference in their lives and the lives around them. Life changing events can be frightening, exciting, overwhelming; a range of emotions. They are usually followed by decisions made by some bold, strong, independent, persevering women who open the door to a new journey. We’ll be taking journeys through conversations with these women. ‘Sylvia & Me’ can be found on most popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play and iHeart Radio. And our website, https://lifeapres.com/podcast Listen, subscribe for free and take us with you wherever you are.
For the Season 2 finale of The Women's Current, Sylvia Beckerman and Molly Wadzeck turn the microphones toward themselves for a conversation about identity, motherhood, visibility, curiosity, and what they've learned from their guests, from each other, and from the lives they're living while these conversations unfold.At four. At thirty-nine. At seventy-four.We're all still learning.We're all still becoming.
Author and journalist Danielle Crittenden joins The Women's Current for a deeply personal conversation about motherhood, grief, identity, marriage, and what remains after profound loss. Drawing from her memoir Losing You, Danielle reflects on continuing bonds, enduring love, and learning to carry grief while moving forward.
What happens when your identity becomes performance? Retired U.S. Navy Captain Jenn Donahue joins The Women's Current for a conversation about fear, self-doubt, leadership, and redefining strength. From Afghanistan to self-belief, this is a powerful discussion about authenticity, resilience, and the women who come after us.
Climate isn’t only about science or politics. It’s also about motherhood, responsibility, fear, hope, and the generations that will inherit what we leave behind. Harriet Shugarman joins The Women’s Current for a conversation about activism, anxiety, community, and how women are helping shape the future.
We didn’t question it. We absorbed it.The quiet rules that shaped how women think about food, sex, and desire—long before we had language for them.
We weren’t taught. Not in school. Not in doctors’ offices. Not even by the people we trusted most.And yet—we were expected to know.
Health inequality isn’t abstract.It shows up in real lives—every day.This week on The Women’s Current, we’re joined by journalist and author Irin Carmon, whose latest book Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America reveals what happens when pregnancy collides with policy, politics, and power.Through the stories of five women, Irin exposes a system that too often fails the very people it was meant to protect.What emerges is not a collection of rare tragedies—but a pattern.
What happens when women are seen — but still not heard?Linda Villarosa exposes how systemic bias shapes women’s health — and why telling the truth is the first step toward change.
Erin Gallagher: Hype Women & VisibilityVisibility. Voice. Power.In this episode of The Women’s Current, we’re joined by Erin Gallagher — founder of the Hype Women movement and author of Hype Woman: Breaking Free from Mean Girls, Patriarchy, and Systems Silencing You.Erin has sparked a global conversation about something many women recognize but rarely name: the cultural conditioning that teaches women to compete rather than amplify one another. Through her work, she invites women to reclaim their visibility — and to celebrate the success of others as if it were their own.Together, we explore what it means to be a “hype woman,” and why that idea is about far more than encouragement. It’s about shifting how women use influence, access, and voice to create opportunity for one another.This conversation asks a deeper question:What becomes possible when women stop shrinking — and start amplifying?
Transformation isn’t a moment. It’s a practice.In this season-ending episode of The Women’s Current, Paula Stone Williams joins us for a conversation about empathy, truth, and the courage it takes to live honestly — especially when change is ongoing and public. We talk about what authenticity actually asks of us, and why listening deeply may be the most radical act of all.
Education doesn’t just open doors — it restores dignity.In Episode 9 of The Women’s Current, Sylvia Beckerman speaks with Lindsay Wyman of Mercy Learning Center about adult education, second acts, and what happens when women are supported with trust, structure, and belief.
Raising girls to lead starts early. In this episode, Ms. President US leaders Amanda Cordano and Sofia Sahai discuss confidence, ambition, and why leadership training can’t wait.
Laura Kaplan — member of The Janes and author of The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service — joins Sylvia Beckerman and co-host Molly Wadzeck for a powerful conversation about courage, secrecy, and the collective action that saved thousands of women before Roe.
The Pad Project’s founder Melissa Berton and Gen Z advocate Jana Gandhi join Sylvia and Molly to explore how period equity became a global movement. They discuss girls helping girls, dismantling stigma, and the power of intergenerational activism. A hopeful conversation about access, dignity, and global sisterhood.
Bestselling author Alka Joshi joins Sylvia and Molly to talk reinvention, resilience, and the women whose stories shape our own.
Sylvia and Molly sit down with Illana Raia of Être Girls to explore how mentorship, access, and visibility can shape girls’ confidence and ambition across generations.
Photographer and filmmaker Jona Frank joins Sylvia Beckerman to explore how her work — from Cherry Hill to her cinematic portraits — challenges how women are seen and how we see ourselves. Together they reflect on art, identity, and the courage to redefine the female gaze.
Historian Paulina Bren joins The Women’s Current to revisit the iconic Barbizon Hotel — where generations of women found independence, ambition, and themselves. Hosts Sylvia Beckerman and Molly Wadzeck explore what it means to carve out space, redefine ambition, and ask if the tide is finally turning.
Join Sylvia Beckerman and Molly Wadzeck for a powerful conversation with Letty Cottin Pogrebin—writer, activist, and founding editor of Ms. Magazine. From the early days of second-wave feminism to the challenges women face today, Letty reflects on what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why she remains—still feminist, still fearless.
This year has been a whirlwind, hasn't it? For Sylvia & Me, October marked a huge milestone – our 5th anniversary! Five years of conversations, stories, and connections. Five years of incredible women sharing their wisdom, their laughter, and sometimes, their tears.Over these past five years, I've had the privilege of interviewing just under 200 women. Each one with a unique story to tell, each one inspiring and empowering in their own way. This podcast has always been about giving women a platform to share their experiences, their triumphs, their challenges, and their wisdom.
When I decided to retire, I said now I'm going to do the little things that have been tucked away.Just in time to celebrate the holidays…Mary Barneby is back! Forget rocking chairs and bingo! Mary Barneby is rewriting the rules of retirement. She's 'rewiring'! This former CEO is trading boardrooms for book launches and wedding vows. Join me as I catch up with Mary, one of our first-ever guests, and discover how she's embracing her "life après" with energy and enthusiasm. Get ready to be inspired to live your best life, no matter what stage you're at!Former CEO of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut and Regional CEO of the American Red Cross, Mary shares her secrets to finding purpose and passion in this new chapter. Plus, we delve into the fascinating fact that both organizations she led were founded by women in their 50s and 60s – proving it's never too late to make a difference!
Join me with fellow podcast host Lucy Meggeson, the host of Spinsterhood Reimagined. Lucy debunks myths about relationship bliss and celebrates the freedom and fulfillment of being single and childfree.In this insightful podcast, Lucy Meggeson delves into the myths surrounding relationships and challenges societal expectations placed on women. Listeners will be empowered to take control of their lives. Believing and loving yourself is key to being happy. Spinsterhood is no longer the old, lonely woman sitting by the window. Whether you're happily childfree or seeking liberation from societal norms, this episode will leave you feeling positive and excited about your life on this vast, spinning planet we call home.
Join me for an inspiring conversation with Phyllis Ayman, author of Dignity & Respect: Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve?, who coined the empowering term "Evolving Elders." Phyllis challenges the negative connotations associated with aging and champions a person-centered approach to care and caregiving.
The nonprofit Mercy Learning Center empowers low-income women, including immigrants and those who haven't completed high school, through education. They provide free childcare, ensuring mothers can focus on achieving their goals. "When you give a woman the tools to believe in herself, the possibilities are limitless," says CEO Lindsay Wyman.
'Every day of your life is an improv scene.'Erin “Big” Diehl is a business improv edutainer, 'failfluencer', and keynote speaker. Founder and CEO of improve it! Erin created a unique professional development company. Erin uses improvisational comedy and experiential learning to thrive in ever-changing environments. And she does it with a whole lot of laughs along the way.Erin combined her eighteen years of leadership experience with her improvisational comedy expertise to create a mindset shift for busy, stressed out leaders in her newest Amazon Best-Seller and Top New Release, I SEE YOU!
In her memoir Golden Handcuffs: An Immigrant's Pursuit of Happiness, Varuni tells her story. From gilded life to 'golden handcuffs' Varuni shares a story that is not readily known. An immigrant's story and the hoops that were necessary to navigate. Her home was India, she met her husband in India, an American living in America. Varuni's journey through immigration and visas, school, work, social isolation and family. How resilience and strength got her through.
Who knew ... really, she had no idea but her 'why not' attitude made Annie Korzen an 'accidental influencer'. Who would want to watch an eighty-something on Tik-Tok? Turns out over 435,000 would. Annie calls herself 'a comedic storyteller', a term she coined as we spoke. She'd appeared in the hit series Seinfield because she said 'why not'. That attitude has led her to take risks, to live life with humor and not be afraid to face life. Annie is a writer, teacher, speaker, actress and sensation. And author of The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart, and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer.
Live from Noble Salon we celebrate the 5-year anniversary of "Sylvia & Me' with Women of a Certain Age. Our first live, in-person podcast and a conversation with a group of Women of a Certain Age. Sharing stories, insights and experiences, these ladies are not going to be 'aged out'! Friendship, trust, overcoming fear and having each other's backs! With more than 30 years on various stages, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional Theater and more, ladies let's kick up our heels. Going past their comfort zone, anything goes. The ladies: Ann Alford, Lynne Colatrella, Tracey Marble, Ellen Krinick-Porto and Gail Yudain and their musical director Jerold Goldstein.A huge shoutout to all who have had my back and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. And a big thank you to all the women who have shared their stories.
“Gay dares to write for me, for women – things we can never say.”Jacqueline 'Gay' Walley's latest novel, "The Waw," takes readers on a mesmerizing journey from New York to the serene English seaside. Through her insightful storytelling, Gay uncovers the innermost thoughts of women. She leads us on a captivating quest to explore 'The Waw,' the ultimate oasis.
Women in Politics – Don’t Tell Her She Can’t!It was 1973, East Hampton needed a Town Supervisor. She was told 'no one will elect a woman.' Those words would keep with her forever and blazed a future she hadn't thought of. Judith Hope ran, won and became East Hampton's first female Town Supervisor serving three terms. Turns out, Judith was the first female town supervisor in all of Long Island. Local politics and women are quite the combination. Judith ran on an environmental ticket. She got the 2% transfer tax passed which has raised over a billion dollars and is responsible for saving more than 5,000 acres of open space,
Award-winning author Kathy Picard returns to the podcast. A survivor of sexual abuse as a child, Kathy has been a children's advocate for over twenty years. When we first met Kathy her book Life with My Idiot Family: A True Story of Survival, Courage & Justice over Childhood Sexual Abuse had just been published. It started when Kathy was only seven. She thought the abuser was her father. At seventeen Kathy learned that her abuser and rapist was actually her stepfather.
Sally Baker, a London-based therapist with over 25 years of experience, shares her journey of resilience after childhood trauma. At the age of seven, she was sexually assaulted, taking her 30 years to process this experience. Sally, who initially worked with women facing sexual abuse and domestic violence, emphasizes the importance of overcoming negative self-judgments and societal barriers.In her latest book, "The Getting of Resilience from the Inside Out: A Practical Guide to Learning Resilience at Any Age, No Matter Your Upbringing," Sally delves into strategies for developing resilience from within. She highlights the need to re-assess unhealthy coping mechanisms to effectively navigate life's challenges. Resilience, as Sally suggests, stems from empowering oneself and learning to be strong in the face of adversity.
Her novel The Barbizon: The Hotel That Set Women Free could have been the precursor to her newly released 'She Wolves: The Untold History of Women on Wall Street.' As author and historian Paulina Bren told me, she 'followed the women out of the Barbizon Hotel in New York to Wall Street' from the late 1950s and 1960s to 9/11, Women looking for interim work, found their way to Wall Street. Out of the three jobs that were available to women: receptionist, secretary or clerk, Wall Street paid the most. And so began the entry of the She Wolves of Wall Street. The men were the brokers making the money, the women were their support staff. The women were watching and learning. Wall Street was being manned by women!
he 'Witch of Wall Street' breaking through the 'glass ceiling'. That would be Patricia Walsh Chadwick. When we last talked with Patricia in 2020 her first book "Little Sister, A Memoir" had just been released and we were left with the idea that there was more to come. A woman of resilience and determination, Patricia's story continues. At the age of seventeen she had been ejected from the only home she'd known since she was five. Turns out it was a cult, a cult that had cut her off from the outside world.How did this teenager who had never even used a phone, turn into a dynamo on Wall Street? Patricia's new book "Breaking Glass, Tales from the Witch of Wall Street" tells the story of a woman who didn't take no for an answer and broke through the old boy's club. Her career started in 1972 at a time when a woman's role on Wall Street was mainly administrative. How then did Patricia work her way up to becoming a portfolio manager overseeing $6 billion dollars of client assets? Listen to a fascinating conversation with Patricia.
September is Classical Music month so let’s start with one of the greatest musicians, Maestro ArturoToscanini. For seventeen years Samuel Antek was first violinist for Toscanini. This Was Toscanini was written by Samuel Antek. His sudden death in 1958 never gave him the chance to finish. His daughter Lucy Antek Johnson expanded on her father’s story with This Was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father, and Me. In 2021 the hardcover was published with pictures, and the audiobook has now followed. Swapping out pictures for music, from rehearsals to performances, Lucy allows the listener in to hear the passion and dedication of a genius. Listen and you will hear an excerpt from the first rehearsal of Brahms. Yes – in this episode!
Orange is the New Black – reality or just a TV show? Dr. Stephanie S. Covington, an internationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant, and lecturer. Stephanie sheds light on the realities faced by incarcerated women in her new book “HIDDEN HEALERS: The Unexpected Ways Women in Prison Help each Other Survive.” The book highlights the brutalities these women endure within a system not designed for them. In our conversation she emphasizes the kindness they offer each other to navigate their challenges. It’s essential to recognize that the majority of women in the criminal justice system have themselves been victims of harm.
New York Times Bestselling author Joyce Maynard’s latest novel How the Light Gets In is a story of family dynamics. Marriage, divorce, motherhood, raising children and letting go and the realization that ‘We don’t tell our children who they should be. They tell us who they are and what they believe. And it may not always be what we want to hear.’
The Other Side of Broadway and the AIDS EpidemicChristine’s dream had come true, she was a dancer, the ‘Third Girl from the Left’ in the cast of the Tony Award-winning show A Chorus Line, first in London and then Broadway. Unfortunately it was the early 1980s and the onset of the AIDS epidemic. A conversation with Christine Barker, author of Third Girl from the Left, her story of what life was like for her, a young woman having to make impossible choices. Her start in New York, her dream job, and eight shows a week. In the middle of it all was the AIDS epidemic and its impact on those around her affected by this unknown. Among them was her brother Laughlin. Christine’s choice was to take care of her dying brother and others she was close to. When asked why she wanted to write this, Christine answered ‘Because sometimes the story is all that is left.’Christine retired from her theater career and has turned her sights to another dream – writing. She holds an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She is currently working on her next project.
September is Classical Music month so let's start with one of the greatest musicians, Maestro ArturoToscanini. For seventeen years Samuel Antek was first violinist for Toscanini. This Was Toscanini was written by Samuel Antek. His sudden death in 1958 never gave him the chance to finish. His daughter Lucy Antek Johnson expanded on her father's story with This Was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father, and Me. In 2021 the hardcover was published with pictures, and the audiobook has now followed. Swapping out pictures for music, from rehearsals to performances, Lucy allows the listener in to hear the passion and dedication of a genius. Listen and you will hear an excerpt from the first rehearsal of Brahms. Yes - in this episode!
Orange is the New Black - reality or just a TV show? Dr. Stephanie S. Covington, an internationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant, and lecturer. Stephanie sheds light on the realities faced by incarcerated women in her new book "HIDDEN HEALERS: The Unexpected Ways Women in Prison Help each Other Survive." The book highlights the brutalities these women endure within a system not designed for them. In our conversation she emphasizes the kindness they offer each other to navigate their challenges. It's essential to recognize that the majority of women in the criminal justice system have themselves been victims of harm.
New York Times Bestselling author Joyce Maynard's latest novel How the Light Gets In is a story of family dynamics. Marriage, divorce, motherhood, raising children and letting go and the realization that 'We don't tell our children who they should be. They tell us who they are and what they believe. And it may not always be what we want to hear.'
The Other Side of Broadway and the AIDS EpidemicChristine’s dream had come true, she was a dancer, the ‘Third Girl from the Left’ in the cast of the Tony Award-winning show A Chorus Line, first in London and then Broadway. Unfortunately it was the early 1980s and the onset of the AIDS epidemic. A conversation with Christine Barker, author of Third Girl from the Left, her story of what life was like for her, a young woman having to make impossible choices. Her start in New York, her dream job, and eight shows a week. In the middle of it all was the AIDS epidemic and its impact on those around her affected by this unknown. Among them was her brother Laughlin. Christine’s choice was to take care of her dying brother and others she was close to. When asked why she wanted to write this, Christine answered ‘Because sometimes the story is all that is left.’Christine retired from her theater career and has turned her sights to another dream – writing. She holds an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She is currently working on her next project.
This week an eye-opening conversation with beauty journalist Jessica DeFino. Beauty standards have an impact on our lives, often without us even realizing it.‘The beauty industry reels us in by calling it 'beauty' and assigning it metaphysical powers. I really think we would be better off if we called the beauty industry the appearance industry.’
Joining the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and the Flame Bearers, celebrating women athletes changing the Sports Industry. This year is the first Olympics with gender parity. And it's only fitting to have a conversation with Jamie Mittelman, Founder of Flame Bearers. Jamie doesn't want to tell the stories of these trailblazing female athletes. No, she wants to empower these women to share their stories by telling them in their own words.Media coverage of women athletes represents just 15% of sports coverage. Of that 15%, the majority 'look just like me' as Jamie says...white and able-bodies from the global north. Jamie and Flame Bearers is on a mission to change that by also telling stories of brown and black, LGBTQ, and women and girls with disabilities. Providing diverse role models so that little girls know that they can do it too. The first media production company dedicated to 'elevating the best women athletes in the world', Flame Bearers has worked with over 135 Olympians and Paralympians from 65 countries.
Maryjane Fahey is aging Imaginatively & Unapologetically. Founder of GLORIOUS BROADS, Maryjane defines a Glorious Broad as independent, unconventional and fearless. She's a woman who is funny, has had a few 'restarts' over the years and likes her wrinkles. A woman who is proud of her age and who's not done yet.Our conversation covers everything from living life on her own terms, why GLORIOUS BROADS, the women who inspired her, sex at 60+ and more. Maryjane's motto: 'It's never too late.'
Taking risk as a path to grow is exactly what Dr. Mimi Zieman believes and did. In her memoir Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure, Mimi takes us through her journey. As a 3rd year medical student Mimi joined an expedition attempting a new route on the East Face of Mt. Everest as the doctor. Mimi would be the only woman.A conversation about a coming of age story and the risks we take to become our truest selves. A child of immigrants, her father a Holocaust survivor, Mimi delves into the struggles she faced as a young woman. She is candid about her eating disorder, feeling small and how tap dancing helped her find her voice.
This week, I had the privilege of engaging in a fascinating conversation with Dr. Meg Lowman. Known as "Canopy Meg," she is a globally-renowned forest canopy scientist. The Wall Street Journal dubbed her the "Einstein of the treetops". Meg has dedicated her life to the conservation of trees and forests worldwide.A pioneer in forest canopy ecology, Meg has conducted extensive research in forests spanning 46 countries across all seven continents.. Her work has earned her the title of one of the world's foremost "arbornauts" — individuals who study the intricate ecosystems of forest canopies. Meg refers to them as the Earth's "eighth continent."
Health or happiness - why do we assume married people are healthier and happier? Pro-marriage and haves and have nots - let's get into this. Where is the raw data? What was the control group? The promise that marriage is a happy place - is that reality? Are marrieds healthier?I needed to bring back and bring together two women, Jaclyn (Jackie) Geller, Ph. D. and Joan DelFattore, Ph. D. Jackie is an expert in the field of marriage research and marriage history. Joan is a retired professor and single by choice.
The hidden children of the Holocaust was a story that author Jennifer Rosner had not heard about. In her latest novel ONCE WE WERE HOME, she tells their story. Throughout her journey, she became captivated by the intricacies of finding a sense of belonging and identity. Jennifer encountered a woman who worked on a post-WW2 mission to recover Jewish orphans hidden in Christian settings for safety. Jennifer's exploration of this lesser-known aspect of history highlights the moral complexities of displacing children who had already endured the trauma of losing their original families.
A Missouri girl in a New York world is slaying dragons. Susan L. Combs, author and founder of “Pancakes for Roger” is on a mission. This week a conversation with Susan and ‘Pancakes for Roger: A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons’. With a drive to ‘Do more, better’ we discuss the three facets of life that her late father taught her: 1. The person you’re with 2. The thing you do for a living and 3. The place you live. And the lessons she learned from her Midwestern upbringing to the two-plus decades in New York City. Susan reminds us that it’s the little things in life that can make a huge impact.
Racism and conventional diversity workshops, are they the solution? Educator, activist and sociologist Sarita Srivastava, Ph.D challenges conventional ways of dealing with racism. Sarita's debut book "Are You Calling Me A Racist?": Why We Need to Stop Talking About Race and Start Making Antiracist Change reveals why these efforts have failed to effectively challenge racism.This week an in-depth conversation with Sarita analyzing the emotional and historical roadblocks that anti-racist efforts have faced. Instead of ‘Feel-Good racial politics', we need to make concrete, collective changes to our practices and spaces. And answer the question: Why does antiracism flounder where it seems it should be most likely to succeed?
This week, with Award-winning and New York Times-Bestselling author Caroline Paul. Caroline had been an outdoor adventurer her whole life. In her newest book, "TOUGH BROAD," Caroline explores how outdoor adventure can improve our lives as we age, defying societal norms and expectations.Caroline delves into the positive impact of outdoor adventure on brain health, physical vitality, mindset, and overall well-being. Through inspiring stories, she urges women in their fifties, sixties, and beyond to embrace the outdoors, redefining their futures.
This week a conversation with Dr. Dana Sinclair, Performance Psychologist and author of Dialed In: Do Your Best When It Matters Most. From Olympic champions to a teenager performing in a school play, we all perform, it's part of who we are. Does confidence in ourselves mean that we're going to perform well? As Dana explains, confidence is overrated, it's a feeling, but performance is about what we do. Performance means focusing, being there in the moment. 'Talent will not ensure success without focusing; being there in the pressure moments.' Positive self-talk is a key component to successful performance. And courage is a great word.Dr. Dana Sinclair is a registered psychologist. She holds doctorates from the University of Cambridge and the University of Ottawa. Dana is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, and a member of the American Psychological Association.
What happens after we survive and experience something life-changing and traumatic? Award-winning young adult author Veera Hiranandi’s new historical fiction Amil and The After addresses this question. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, Veera also asked herself how can we heal as individuals and as a society? Written in part through the drawings of young Amil, the story follows the aftermath of the partition of India and Pakistan. It’s a journey like the one members of her family had made. ‘We as humans keep finding ways to divide ourselves and attack marginalized communities.’ Although her books are called ‘young adult’, adults need to read them. Veera’s novels gives us an understanding of a child’s perspective. And a boy’s longing for stability and hope during a tumultuous time.
Mix grit, resilience, cheerleading, persistence, passion, compassion and style and you get Risa Kostis. From a very young age a stage and cheerleading was in her future. That is until a car accident at 17 had her navigating a different course. One that would take all of her ingredients and push her to a place she could never have imagined. The accident had left her with a traumatic brain injury and reconstructive facial surgeries. Self-taught, and determined, Risa is no longer the underdog. She is a celebrity stylist, stylist, and personal shopper. Risa helps women tell their story through what they wear, giving them confidence and letting them shine. She is also the CEO and Co-Founder of The Rescue Kit Company, a fashion emergency kit company.
Ashton Applewhite is a pro-aging advocate and author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism. She began blogging about ageism in 2007, speaking about it in 2012 and hasn't stopped. Aging is not a problem to be fixed or a disease to be cured. We live in a world that encourages us not to think about aging. It's time for a radical aging movement against ageism. And we need to start by confronting our own bias. Let's ask ourselves how do we feel about age and aging? It's difficult to go a day without seeing an ad for an anti-aging product or a new lifestyle to keep us young. We can't stop getting older, but we sure can embrace it. As Ashton says, we're all 'Old People In-Training'.
Ann Batchelder is the author of Craving Spring: A Mother’s Quest, a Daughter’s Depression, and the Greek Myth That Brought Them Together. Ann shares her story of her daughter’s journey with mental health and addiction. As mothers we are always looking for ways to be a ‘good’ mother. What if who we need to be is a ‘skilled’ mother? And learn how to ask for help.
New York Times Bestselling author Lyz Lenz is 'reframing' divorce and getting rid of the stigma. Her latest book, This American Ex-Wife: How I Ended My Marriage - and - Started My Life is a memoir/manifesto. Lyz debunks the myth of the 'happily ever' marriage scenario and gives us the straight talk about divorce. 'The stigma exists because everybody is afraid of a liberated woman'.
Just a girl from the Bronx. That’s Francine Farkas Sears, the first American businesswoman invited to China after President Nixon re-established trade relations. The groundbreaking trip included twenty-five men and Francine.Francine's first leap into entrepreneurship began in her teens with a babysitting business. Her second was revolutionizing a salon armed with an idea, $1,000 cash, 7th Avenue and Pucci-like dresses. Next an entry level at Alexander’s Department store followed by a stint as a famed Wall Street stockbroker leading the path for women. Alexander’s called her back where she worked her way up to become Fashion Director and Vice President. Francine was simultaneously raising a young family. Today she is the proud mother of five grown children.That girl from the Bronx turned herself into one of the most influential, successful women.
Frances Perkins is a woman I’ve come to know, admire and am in awe of through Stephanie Dray’s newest novel Becoming Madam Secretary. The first female cabinet member in U.S. history, she was Labor Secretary to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In a political time dominated by men, Frances Perkins was America’s leading advocate for workers’ rights and industrial safety. Fair Labor Standard Acts, Social Security…thank you Frances.
Retail pioneer and global trendsetter, Liz Lange, transformed maternity wear in 1997 and gave women the empowerment to shine. Her brand, Liz Lange Maternity, became a game-changer for celebrities and regular women alike.In the early 2000s, Liz Lange became a household name as a retail pioneer and global trendsetter. Her licensing deals with Nike, Target, and HSN established her as a fashion icon, with her maternity collaborations and ready-to-wear line becoming wildly popular. Lange's book, "Liz Lange's Maternity Style: How to look Fabulous during the Most Fashion-Challenged Time," published by Random House in 2003, further cemented her status as a fashion expert.
It started with a piggy bank, well sort of. Among Amanda's late husband's passions was financial wellness. Not finding anything but plastic children's piggy banks, Amanda made her own, a solid wood piggy bank. A piggy bank with three compartments: giving, saving and spending. Her son's financial education was not going to start in a plastic piggy bank. It was part of his father's legacy, the Enduring Legacy Bank. And it turned out to be the start of Small Legacies.
March is Women's History Month. Let's take a moment to acknowledge the forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War- the women veterans. Approximately 10,000 women served in Vietnam as nurses, medical personnel, and military intelligence in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Award-winning author Kristin Hannah's newest historical fiction, The Women, sheds light on the untold stories of these brave women.
Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood. The title is quite powerful as is its author, Gretchen Sisson, PhD. Gretchen has been making waves with her groundbreaking studies on abortion and adoption in the US. Her work sheds light on the experiences of women who have relinquished their child for adoption since Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court's dissent in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health from Justices Breyer, Kagan, and Sotomayor cited Gretchen's research. The stories of relinquishing mothers reveal a larger societal problem of our country's refusal to care for families at the most basic level.
What ingredients do you need? It really doesn't take a lot for this particular recipe, the Recipe for a Good Life. Bestselling Canadian author Lesley Crewe is making her American debut and we could all use this recipe. This may be her 15th novel for her Canadian readers, but I can definately say, her new American readers will catch up.For Lesley her writing started as an exercise for understanding her world and in doing so, we get an invitation to look into ours. How many of us think that only writers get writer's block like the protagonist in her latest novel? And how many of us get into the weeds while trying to find that 'grand, elusive goal? Lesley's recipe is a simple one that comes with huge victories from within ourselves. In our conversation she lets us in to one of the most unthinkable time of her life. And shows us how even from our darkest moments, we can shine a light.
Dr. Brooke Grindlinger, Chief Scientific Officer of the NY Academy of Sciences didn't take the conventional female scientist’s route. Instead of the traditional, academic path, Brooke pursued her passion of science communications. Brooke is breaking barriers faced by women in STEM and works with young female scientists pursuing their own 'unconventional' paths. By leveraging her voice and platform, Brooke engages and educates audiences, emphasizing the importance of science in shaping the future.
The First Amendment and freedom of speech are being battled daily. But the First Amendment is not just the written or spoken word, it's also the freedom of expression. Lynn Greenky started her professional career as a lawyer. Ten years ago Lynn began teaching an undergraduate course about the First Amendment. She was disturbed about the lack of civics education in the U.S. Lynn is the author of When Freedom Speaks: The Boundaries and Boundlessness of Our First Amendment Right.
This week a fun, interesting, warm conversation with author and fellow podcaster Fern Bernstein. 2019 saw her debut memoir Mah Jongg Mondays: a memoir about friendship, love and faith. And this past October her second book Staunch: The Edies of Grey Gardens. Fern hosts the podcasts Mah Jongg Mondays and Grey Gardens: Don’t Just Be A Lady…Be A Legend.
Medical bias and discrimination come along with living single in a couple’s oriented society. Dr. Joan DelFattore is single by choice. She had never been moved to do anything, until they tried to kill her. That got her attention.‘Diagnosed with stage 4 gallbladder cancer, I went to a well-known highly regarded medical oncologist and he really got on a tear about my family situation. When I said no to having a husband, children, siblings or living parents, he questioned how I would manage. I explained about the friends and extended family who had been very supportive through my surgery. My social support was more than many married people get from their spouse.’
Megan Nix is the author of Remedies for Sorrow: an Extraordinary Child, A Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother’s Pursuit Of The Truth. Her daughter Anna was born very small and deaf. Anna has CMV (congenital cytomegalovirus). CMV is the leading cause of birth defects in the U.S., a virus contracted through a toddler’s saliva. The medical system doesn’t disclose the existence of CMV to the public. It believes that additional stress during pregnancy could cause harm. A secret kept from pregnant women.
Making love, porn and sex education.Add access to porn with society's reluctance to talk about sex. The result, porn becomes sex education by default. In comes Cindy Gallop founder of MakeLoveNotPorn. ‘Pro-sex. Pro-porn. Pro-knowing the difference.’ A candid conversation on knowing the difference.At the 2009 TED conference, Cindy launched the MakeLoveNotPorn web site in a 4-minute TEDTalk. Her talk has been described as "one of the event's most talked about." She later published a TED book, Make Love Not Porn: Technology's Hardcore Impact on Human Behavior.
Debut short story author Kelly Sather's 'Small in Real Life' explores the complexities of the human experience. The collection of nine short stories set in LA, Southern California, blends intensity and humor, invoking the myth and melancholy of L.A. glamour. Each story follows characters searching for power, fame, love, and redemption, no matter the consequences. Kelly Sather is a former entertainment lawyer and screenwriter. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Santa Monica Review, Pembroke Magazine, J Journal, PANK, and on ZYZZYVA.
Sharing voices with a fellow podcaster. A few months ago, I was invited to be a guest on Jackie Tantillo’s podcast. The topic was one that I’ve often mentioned in passing but never delved into…my mom. Should Have Listened To My Mother … wonder what my boys would have to say?‘Are you here today because of or in spite of your mother?’How many of us have asked ourselves that question? How many of us are able to answer that question?I became curious about Jackie and why she had chosen the name and subject. And so I invited Jackie to be my guest on 'Sylvia & Me'. The great thing about hosting a podcast is being able to share our voices and our listeners. In today’s world, being able to explore and expand together is a wonderful feeling.‘Are you here today because of or in spite of your mother?’How many of us have asked ourselves that question? How many of us are able to answer that question?I became curious about Jackie and why she had chosen the name and subject. And so I invited Jackie to be my guest on 'Sylvia & Me'. The great thing about hosting a podcast is being able to share our voices and our listeners. In today’s world, being able to explore and expand together is a wonderful feeling.
A Trilogy, 3rd Time Around and we have Internationally bestselling author Alka Joshi. The Jaipur Trilogy to be exact: The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris. 2020 saw the publication of Alka's debut novel The Henna Artist, 10 years in the making. The last of the trilogy was released this past October. The rest is, as they say, history.Named one of Forbes 2023 Women 50/50, Alka says 'Life takes unexpected turns, and some only take place in your 60s.'Alka Joshi is a graduate of Stanford University and received her MFA from the California College of the Arts. She has worked as an advertising copywriter, a marketing consultant and an illustrator. Alka was born in India, in the state of Rajasthan. Her family moved to the USA when she was nine, and she now lives on California’s Monterey Peninsula with her husband and two misbehaving pups.
Molly Wadzeck Kraus is a freelance writer with ADHD who is always looking for an exciting topic or idea to spark her next hyper-fixation. She writes about mental health, parenting, politics, animal welfare, reproductive rights, pop culture, and dabbles in poetry & creative nonfiction. Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Molly currently resides in the Finger Lakes region of New York with her husband and three children.When there’s so much to talk about, how do you choose? Molly caught my attention on Instagram. Reading her poem ‘Now that I have a son’ urged me to contact her. I knew there was a great conversation to be had. Turned out, I was right.For our conversation I wanted to take a few of her essays and expand on each topic.
Ana Homayoun's latest book Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission explores erasing the faulty finish line. Explaining how we can help children build their own blueprint for success, Ana discusses important skills.Executive functioning skillsBuilding social capital and fostering genuine connectionsBuoyancy – the ability to bounce back from disappointments
SOLD by Patricia (Patty) McCormick is one of the most banned books for the 2022 - 2023 school year. It’s the story of a 13-year-old girl in India who is sold into sexual slavery. The book addresses the global issue of child trafficking. There is no graphic dialogue in the book.Patty writes for the YA (young adult) audience. She is the author of several critically acclaimed novels. Her novels vary in topic including genocide, self-harm, and child trafficking. Banning books on such topics does a disservice to our youth. When Patty speaks at schools, young adults realize they are not alone.
Jaclyn Geller, Ph.D. - Embracing Nonmarital HistoryJaclyn Geller, Ph. D. is an expert in the field of marriage research and marriage history. She is the author of Moving Past Marriage: Why We Should Ditch Marital Privilege, End Relationship-Status Discrimination, and Embrace Nonmartial History.A person can be in a committed relationship and not want to get married. And it’s not because they are against marriage. The bonds that create a family are there. They just don’t want to get married.
For most of us (especially women), our relationship with food is complex, as is our perception of what we should look like. To break it all down, I spoke with Cole Kazdin, Award-winning journalist and author of What’s Eating Us: Women, Food, and the Epidemic of Body Anxiety.Women of all ages and backgrounds struggle with a preoccupation with food and body anxiety. Cole was one of those women. She suffered from disordered eating. People would tell her how great she looked and asked for her secret. Her secret was quite a secret…she purged after eating.
‘Troublemaker: A Memoir of Sexism, Retaliation, and the Fight They Didn’t See Coming’ written by Lisa along with Tucker Booth. Lisa tells her story of a toxic working environment. It’s a story that so many have lived through. A story that not many have the courage or the ability to take the repercussions that come along with using your voice.
Lisa Cornwell is an Award-winning on-air sports media reporter. The trouble came to a head after seven years with the Golf Channel. December 31, 2020 was her last day at the Golf Channel. So on January 1, 2021 Lisa was ‘free to speak up for the many women who have been marginalized, belittled, berated and treated like second class citizens’. She had been one of those women. Now she was giving a voice to women. And not just in the field of sports media, but to all women working in a toxic environment.
We're Back! It's almost the end of summer. Labor Day is around the corner and so our hiatus is coming to an end. And a new season of my podcast is upon us.
Tuesday, September 5th, Sylvia & Me is back with more extraordinary and inspiring women:
Lisa Cornwell - Award-winning on-air sports reporter and author of Troublemaker: A Memoir of Sexism, Retaliation, and the Fight They Didn't See Coming
Cole Kazdin - Four-time Emmy winning television journalist and author of What's Eating Us: Women, Food and the Epidemic of Body Anxiety
Jaclyn Geller, PHD - Associate Professor of English at Central Connecticut State University and author of Moving Past Marriage: Why We Should Ditch Marital Privilege, End Relationship-Status Discrimination, and Embrace Nonmarital History
And this is just the beginning. There's nothing I love more than having conversations with extraordinary, inspiring women.
What better way to give thanks to being able to use your voice. International bestselling author Wendy Walker sets out to interview me, Sylvia Beckerman, CEO & Founder Life Après and Après Divorce. Author of psychological thrillers, Wendy has been a guest on the podcast numerous times and a speaker at several Life Après and Après Divorce events. So the question is...who better to uncover the story behind the story?
Why the journeys? And what was the beginning? 135 episodes later...135 extraordinary women and now for some answers. How a shy, divorced, single working mom of two found her voice and in turn, created a platform for so many women. A journey that started at the age of 65 and I'm still going strong six years later. Who knows what's next.
Tova Friedman, 'Daughter of Auschwitz', is one of the youngest survivors of the Holocaust. She wants us to never forget. Never forget the innocent children who were murdered during the Holocaust. Together with Malcolm Brabant, Tova is the co-author of 'The Daughter of Auschwitz', her story of resilience, survival and hope.
From the age of one, Tova lived through the Holocaust. In 1945 at the age of 6, along with other children in her barrack in Auschwitz, Tova entered the crematorium. A glitch took place and the children were told to get dressed and return to their barracks.
We continue our conversation with Laura Kaplan, author of The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service. A member of the Abortion Counseling Service, code name Jane, Laura recounts the evolution of the organization. And the power of women helping women. Jane was a feminist underground of diverse women who provided low-cost abortion services, counseling and referrals before abortion was legalized in 1973. With the Dobbs decision and the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the story is one that we are reliving.
Part 2 of our conversation...how the women took control after learning the doctor wasn't a real doctor. The arrest of 7, the passing of Roe v. Wade and the underground.
Laura Kaplan was one of the members of the 1970’s underground abortion service, Abortion Counseling Service of Women’s Liberation. Code name ‘Jane’, the Chicago based organization was a place for women seeking an abortion. There they could find a level of protection and financial help. Laura is the author of The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service.
Cindi Bigelow is the 3rd generation President and CEO of the family-owned Bigelow Tea company. She was born with the name. But name alone does not make for sustainability at the top. It takes the skill and determination to make themselves better every day. For over 25 years, Cindi has made sure that she’s better and better every day.
Bigelow Tea is the national market leader of specialty teas. Cindi’s initiatives have included leading the company’s greening efforts. Conserving water and natural gas earned Bigelow Tea’s 2012 designation of being a ‘Zero Wat to Landfill’ company.
Reimagining Jane Austen's 1813 Pride & Prejudice, New York Times bestselling author Sayantani DasGupta gives us her debut YA novel - Debating Darcy. Sayantani moves the story to the 21st century. It's set in the ultra competitive world of high school speech and debate tournaments. Debating Darcy explores the class conflict between private and public schools and the diverse world of American high school culture. Pride vs persistence. Sayantani allows her female characters to do all the things that their 1813 counterparts couldn't.
Sayantani DasGupta is the author of the critically acclaimed, Bengali folktale and string theory - inspired Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond books. She is also the author of She Persisted: Virginia Apgar, a part of Chelsea Clinton’s She Persisted series. A pediatrician by training, Sayantani currently teaches at Columbia University.
Rachel Vail's latest picture book's explore the power of Big Feelings. The pandemic has turned the lives of children and parents upside down. We're in the midst of a mental health crises. For some children the start of the school year across the United States can be terrifying, Most have been out of the loop of social interaction with other children. Rachel's latest picture book Sometimes I Grumblesquinch explores in a few words with the emotional metamorphosis of growing up.
It's a book to be read by parents to their children with parents learning the complexity of helping children dealing with big feelings by exploring the key to Socio-Emotional Skills (SEL). It's okay to share thoughts and seek comfort from adults. A must read for parents as they read to their children.
For more about Rachel visit http://Rachelvali.com. Rachel the author and illustrator of many acclaimed picture books.
Lisa Bradshaw - author, storyteller, cancer survivor, TEDx speaker, mom and TV host. Lisa is the founder of The DON’T WAIT Project®, a nonprofit organization. Its purpose - raising community awareness about the impact of positive life choices. Lisa is all about empowering youth through positive media. She has built a career as a storyteller by searching for the balance between loss and trauma and what can be gained from the lessons learned before, during and after these experiences. She is the author of Big Shoes: A Young Widowed Mother's Memoir.
Lisa hosts a television talk show and travels throughout the country meeting people who have their own Don't Wait story. She's been a guest on national television and radio. Lisa's story has been featured in multiple print media outlets and online, including Oprah.com, The Rachael Ray Show, Oprah Radio, The Good Life, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms and more.
Swimwear and women. Let's go to the archives with Melanie Travis, co-founder of Andie Swim. Melanie had a need to find a swimsuit that made her feel empowered. It was for a business weekend. She needed empowered, awesome and appropriate all rolled into one. And so the beginning of Andie Swim. A recent collaboration has taken place with actress Demi Moore. A new swimsuit line of glamor, vintage and sexy has been added. Challenging the way we view aging women with swimwear.
That episode was #60 having aired January 20, 2021. I’d read about Melanie’s vision to create a positive experience for women and swimsuits. Her vision turned out to be a winner and so the creation of Andie Swim. You know, swimsuits for all women, all shapes, and sizes. Suits that were suitable for lounging, company parties or just feeling good about yourself.
Take a listen. If you have a vision, go ahead and try to make it happen. And if you’re dreading the swimsuit experience…
Robin Benoit, Sorority Alumna, Author, Sisterhood
Robin's first-two books were non-fiction. The Eighty-Year-Old Sorority Girls is her third book, a novel. Based on sisterhood, Robin Benoit’s inaugural work of fiction is rooted in reality. Reality of her mother’s Alzheimer’s and her knowledge of the necessity of support and sisterhood. There are many stereotypes of what a sorority is. Sorority = friendship, sisterhood, support and always showing up.
With a degree in Journalism/Public Relations, Robin established her career in public and community relations for non-profit agencies and corporations. Robin’s first book followed the success of her daughter Jillian’s vision therapy, Jillian’s Story: How Vision Therapy Changed My Daughter’s Life. Her second Robin co-authored with her daughter, Dear Jillian: Vision Therapy Changed My Life Too. Both books are stapes in optometry offices across the country and around the globe.
Award-winning author Annie Hartnett and UNLIKELY ANIMALS. Annie's first novel, RABBIT CAKE was listed as one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2017. RABBIT CAKE is currently under option with Amazon Studios. Annie's second novel, UNLIKELY ANIMALS published this April, was Good Housekeeping magazine and Amerie's Book club April selection. And an April Indie Next pick.
Annie is a writer with a passion. Sometimes you stumble across the unexpected. For Annie that stumble resulted in UNLIKELY ANIMALS.
Annie has been awarded fellowships and residencies from the MacDowell Colony, Sewanee Writers' Conference, and the Associates of the Boston Public Library. She holds degrees from the MFA program at the University of Alabama, Middlebury College's Bread Loaf School of English, and Hamilton College. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Mary Ann Jacob, a library clerk at the school, lived the horror of Sandy Hook 10 years ago. There was an announcement over the school’s public address system. Not hearing it clearly, Mary Ann called the office. From under her desk, the secretary said: ‘There’s a shooter in the building.’ Boom, boom, boom! Mary Ann and a colleague sheltered 18 children in a closet.
It’s a public safety issue, not a political one. Mary Ann is a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, the grassroots arm of Everytown for Gun Safety. She is also a Survivor Fellow with the Everytown Survivor Network. Her husband is a hunter and a sports shooter. Their two boys were required to take a gun safety course with him. Their guns are in their house under lock and key. The gun owners that Mary Ann knows believe that gun ownership comes with a grave responsibility.
There is a ripple effect of the mental destruction to survivors, educators, first responders, communities and the children and educators whose lives include lockdown and active shooter drills.
A conversation with Mary Ann Jacob that advocates for public safety – gun safety. It’s not political. Hear why we need to act.
'Girlhood' and the unending assaults that young women face. What is the story that we tell about ourselves? Is it our own or is it what someone else has told us? Award winning author Melissa Febos, gives us first hand insight into what happens when we learn to adopt stories about ourselves. A physical metamorphosis at the early age of eleven changed how the world around her perceived her.
Melissa Febos is the author of four books, including the nationally bestselling essay collection, GIRLHOOD, which is a LAMBDA Literary Award finalist and won the National Book Critics Circle Award in criticism. GIRLHOOD was named a notable book of 2021 by NPR, Time, The Washington Post, and others. Her craft book, BODY WORK (2022), was also a national bestseller and an Indie Next Pick.
Her essays have won prizes from Prairie Schooner, Story Quarterly, The Sewanee Review, and The Center for Women Writers at Salem College. She is a four-time MacDowell fellow.
Rachel Linsky has found a new way to keep the history and the story of the Holocaust alive through dance…one step at a time. Using stories from survivors, Rachel choreographs and performs their stories. Her dancers come from all backgrounds and religions and their own interpretation is incorporated in the dance.
‘We hold this history of the Holocaust and the importance of keeping it alive. But if we all remain in our own community bubbles, studying only our histories how can we learn and keep the histories alive?’
Society tells us that we love our mothers. But what happens when that love isn’t there? Justine Cowan felt no love for her mother. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t feel that emotion. What Justine felt for her mother started out as fear. Over time the fear turned to anger and the anger turned to hatred. Hatred that held her back from learning a secret that her mother had tried to tell her. A secret that Justine’s mother had kept for decades.
Justine was in her 50’s when her mother died. She had grown up knowing a couple of things about her mother: her mother was illegitimate, and she came from aristocracy. Throughout her life, there was never any discussion about family. Her mother’s death changed all that. The woman who was known as Eileen Thompson was in fact Dorothy Soames. For the first 12 years of her life, Dorothy had lived at the Foundling Hospital short for London’s Hospital for the Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children. Established in the 18th century, its mission was to save “bastard” children from death or a life on the streets. In reality, they were treated to a life of physical and emotional abuse.
Justine Cowan is the author of The Secret Life of Dorothy Soames – A True Story.
A Mother's Day Special with Kate Swenson, a very special mom.
Kate dreamed of being a mother from a very young age. While other young girls dreamed of being a ballerina or president, being a mother was hers. And that dream came true 11 years ago with the birth of her son, Cooper. Kate and her husband now have two more sons and a daughter. Her dream though came with an unexpected path. At the age of three, Cooper was diagnosed with nonverbal autism.
Kate is the creator of the blog and Facebook page Finding Cooper’s Voice and the author of the newly released Forever Boy: A Mother’s Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy. Yes, the word is JOY. Listen to a woman who exceeds our expectations of what motherhood is. Cooper now has a vocabulary of 20 words.
Dr. Klodas is a cardiologist who is looking to put herself out of business, as she would say. Why? Because, according to the CDC, 80% of all heart disease should not exist. It’s proved by people who live in what’s called ‘Blue Zones’ around the globe. They’re home to some of the oldest, healthiest, and happiest people. A large reason comes from how they manage what they eat.
After years of treating her patients with statins, she noticed that the overarching cause of their heart issues were not because of a deficiency of the right drugs, but deficiency of eating the right foods. With tenacity and willpower in her blood, she decided to go out on her own and do something about it.
With her passion for helping entrepreneurs and small business owners for over 30 years, Liz Sara shines in her new position as President of the SCORE Foundation. SCORE is a national free network of mentors for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of SCORE. And Liz is the right person supporting its mission of mentoring and educating America’s small business owners.
When Liza Sara was a guest last year, she was just appointed by the President as the Chairperson of the National Women's Business Council. The council is a non-partisan federal advisory committee that makes recommendations to Congress and The US SBA.
Mary Barneby finds herself among very notable women, Juliette, and Clara. The Girl Scouts and the American Red Cross share some history. Both are over 100 years old, and both were started by women. Clara Barton was 60 when she founded the American Red Cross in 1881. Juliette Gordon Low was 52 when she founded the Girl Scouts of the United States of America in 1912. And back then, that was considered quite old. Did I mention…Mary is the Regional CEO of the American Red Cross, a journey she started in the mist of the pandemic, September 2020. For eight years prior to joining the Red Cross, Mary had been CEO for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut.
Our conversation covers so many areas - from disasters to mental health and healing, to helping find those who are missing. During the pandemic, it helped many stay up-to-date in their career by volunteering in a variety of different areas.
Nearly four years ago, Eugenia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Eugenia made the choice to be positive. A choice few can make.
Upon hearing the diagnosis, Eugenia returned home, stared at the wall, and started writing. The result, a book of poetry Like Falling Through a Cloud. It follows her journey through her gradual cognitive impairment and memory loss. Writing has helped Eugenia process the emotions that she has been dealing with since the beginning of her diagnosis.
Thinking, thinking, thinking…we can't stop thinking. When we talk about selfcare it usually contains words like diet and exercise. But what about our emotional care?
Nancy Colier is an author, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher. Her books include Can't Stop Thinking and The Power of Off: The Mindful Way to Stay Sane in a Virtual World. Her newest book, The Emotionally Exhausted Woman: Why You’re Feeling Depleted and How to get What You Need will be released this fall. Nancy has been featured on Good Morning America, The New York Times and countless other media. She is also a regular writer, blogger for Psychology Today and Huffington Post.
Ruta Sepetys hadn’t known the depths of 1989 Romania, the maniacal dynasty of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and the brave young Romanians who fought for their freedom. Being the daughter of a victim of communism, Ruta thought she knew about post-war communist systems and their history. On tour in Romania with her publisher promoting her first novel Between Shades of Gray Ruta had a rude awakening. Their translator was searching for listening devices. She was checking the ashtray on the outside table they were sitting at in case the ‘blue-eyed boys’ were listening. That’s when Ruta learned about the more than 20 million Romanians who had suffered during Ceaușescu’s evil regime.
Women’s rights, we sometimes forget the long journey that it has taken to get here. What we are presently faced with is a chipping away of what we consider our fundamental rights. Why is this happening and what can we do? For some answers I turned to Lauren Leader. Lauren is passionate and obsessed with ensuring that women get the voice they deserve.
Lauren is an activist, thought leader and co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit All In Together (AIT). AIT is one of the only national, nonpartisan organizations empowering and mobilizing women across the political spectrum to become advocates and leaders at work and in their communities.
Art and problem solving, I can’t imagine what one has to do with the other. I never thought that looking at art could help solve a problem. That is, until I had a conversation with Amy Herman, a recovering attorney, author, and art historian, amongst other things.
Remember when ‘Where’s Waldo’ was a thing? Or looking for where caricaturist Al Hirschfield hid the name of his daughter, Nina in his drawings? We were looking to solve a problem in a way. Maybe we were waging a bet to see who could find Waldo and Nina. There were times when I knew I couldn’t find either. But what if we took a step back and instead of knowing what we were looking for, we needed to find figure out what we didn’t see?
Today we're celebrating International Women's Day, March 8, 2022. With a number of themes running through today, I thought I would pick a few and spotlight some of the extraordinary women I have had the privilege to have on this podcast. A clip of conversation is included.
Ahri Golden asked me how I came upon her and why I wanted to have a conversation with her. My answer was simple…I had read one of her posts about motherhood and being a woman. Then I learned about her, and Birth and Born and Delve and Shades of Gray and Stillpoint and I listened to the beautiful melody and words of Smitten.
Lean into change, lean into life – it’s a powerful act. Realizing we’re not alone. Interweaving of conversation leads to a conversation that is so needed. And there’s not one right way.
‘Misinformation goes viral much quicker than the good old-fashioned truth.’
The first thing that jumped out at me as needing clarification had to do with birth control. It was the weirdest thing that was going viral – the idea that melatonin (quote-unquote) ‘cancels out your birth control.’
And so, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln went viral – viral with facts. Jennifer is a board-certified OB GYN who uses social media to educate and bust myths. She’s the sex education educator who should be in every school. No shame, no judgment, Dr. Lincoln demystifies sex ed and breaks down stigmas. Her passion is helping girls, women and those assigned female at birth to understand their bodies and feel empowered to advocate for themselves.
Never Forget - The Holocaust - it really happened. Ariana Neumann uncovered the secrets that her father held tight. She put together the pieces of a puzzle he left behind. Ariana is the author of the When Time Stopped, A Memoir of My Father’s War and What Remains, a New York Times Bestseller.
Ariana tells a family memoir, a love story and the unbelievable heroism that members of her family had taken. Her father had actually hidden ‘in plain site’ during the Holocaust to escape the Nazis. Among her discoveries are family members that she had not known anything about.
Watches were something that her father collected. While hiding he would crack open his watch to make sure that time had not stopped. As Ariana write: ‘I realize that without having meant to search for them in particular, I finally have found my family.”
Mia Dillon made her Broadway debut in Hugh Leonard’s Da in 1978 and never looked back. Her work has included Once Upon a Catholic, Crimes of the Heart (Tony Award nomination), Agnes of God, The Corn is Green and Our Town. There are of course her screen and television credits throughout her career.
I had the pleasure of an interesting and fun conversation with Broadway actress Mia Dillon. What drew me to her? The story of a 10-year-old with a flute, a passion, positive attitude, and drive. Put that all together, add some realism and you have a Tony nominated Broadway actress. Oh, and did I mention, she is also a licensed acupuncturist with a Masters in Oriental Medicine. As Mia says...Life doesn't end at 40. Sometimes it's just getting started.'
Peter H. Reynolds is my guest on this week’s episode of ‘Sylvia & Me.’ That’s right, a MAN! You see, Peter is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author and illustrator. I received an advance copy of his latest picture book ‘Our Table’. Within five minutes of reading it, I realized that this book needs to be read to children because the adult reading it needs to learn what it offers. And then I went back and read Peter’s other books, including his award winning ‘The Dot’.
Dystopian and The Pandemic
What do they have in common? The word ‘dystopian’ comes to mind: ‘relating to or being an imagined world or society in which people lead fearful lives.
The difference: The last year and a half - real and full of fear. Matched was imagined. Ally's message to her audience, young and old: it's okay to not be okay.
Matched, a dystopian young adult novel has been read by a wider readership than the young adult population. The first in a series of three, it has been compared to ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Twilight’.
It's that time again - coming up on Thanksgiving. Yes, we're on hiatus but as promised, you've asked and we're re-airing some of our extraordinary women. And right now who better than Ida Morris, CEO of the Morris Family Kitchen. She's MacGuyver and Mary Poppins rolled into one amazing lady.
An inspiration for bringing food and family together, Ida is the perfect episode for right now. We originally aired this episode over a year ago during the height of the pandemic.
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy.
A year ago we aired a conversation with Harriet Shugarman about the climate crisis and children. The COP26 climate conference has just taken place. What better time re-air this episode? Known as 'ClimateMama' Harriet spoke about children and the crisis.
Abortion and a women's right to choose. Harmful legal decisions in Texas have brought a women's right to choose front and center. What will the Supreme Court decide? Can we save Roe vs Wade? Dr. Diana Greene Foster, PhD headed the Turnaway Study, a ten year study. She is the author of Turnaway Study: Ten Years, a Thousand Women, and the Consequences of Having - or Being Denied - an Abortion.
This week I’m Sylvia and I’m ‘Me’. Two years ago I spoke to an extraordinary woman. Since then, I’ve spoken to over 100 women. 100 ordinary women doing extraordinary things. I didn’t set out with a specific goal in mind. But it turned out that as smart as I may have thought I am, I learned something new and different from each of these women.
Women entrepreneurs and business owners, and the pandemic. For insight, we turned to an expert in the field, Elizabeth (Liz) Sara. Liz currently serves as the Chairperson of the National Women’s Business Council, having been nominated for the position by President Trump in 2018.
The Council is a non-partisan federal advisory committee serving as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, the U.S. Congress and to the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration on issues of importance to women business owners and entrepreneurs.
This week is all about a strong, inspiring woman. A horrid, nearly fatal car crash isn't keeping her down. I'm talking about Therese Plummer, a storyteller, performer of audiobooks and a woman who is an inspiration. In honor of Therese and wishing her a speedy recovery, here's our conversation from this past January.
A very candid conversation with an amazing actor, storyteller and all around extraordinary woman. Therese has helped many of us to be able to escape, even for just a little while during these wild times. Amazing, but it was her mother who pushed her into this field.
Today's guest is Jennifer Jelliff-Russell. Jennifer calls herself a military brat and spouse. An advocate for female veterans, Jennifer’s mission in life is helping them re-enter the workforce and civilian life. She realized this after working at Fort Campbell’s Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
And Jennifer didn’t stop there. She also took a position as an Employment Coach at Wounded Warrior Project. There she had the opportunity to work with both veterans and their caregivers.
Working moms have been hit hard during the pandemic and the resulting financial crisis. Some of the hardest hit have been moms of color. Chandra Sanders, a single mom of three lost her job during the pandemic. Turning to 'The Mom Project' as a resource to help her, she found more than just a job.
'The Mom Project’s' mission is to connect moms with world-class companies. And so as they say... ‘timing is everything’ and for Chandra the timing was perfect. 'The Mom Project' was hiring, Chandra applied and was hired. The result – Chandra is Director of their new program 'Rise'. Her goal is to provide economic opportunities to 10,000 women in the next three years. They just started and already have over 500 moms who have benefited from the program.
Chandra Sanders’ mission is to get moms back into the workforce. She’s committed to helping moms and specifically, women of color access to economic opportunities and influence. Flexibility, adapting skills to fit a need and training…all the tools that are needed for moms, Rise offers.
Dr. Alisa Stephens-Shields is an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a mom of an infant and a 5-year-old. The field of science has always been a struggle for female scientists to break into. On top f that, add being a mom to the mix and that struggle becomes a whole lot more challenging. A female scientist, mom and a woman of color and you’re looking at a very rocky path. And that was before the pandemic.
Alisa’s job is demanding. It is technical and detail oriented. It involves long uninterrupted hours of thought. How was she able to do her job and take care of her family during this unprecedented pandemic?
‘Intimate Violence’ is a term that is not well known. Tanya Selvaratnam is changing that in a big way. Her recently published memoir ‘Assume Nothing: A Story of Intimate Violence’ is her story. A story of a committed relationship and the 'intimate violence' she endured.
Meet the woman who helped bring down former NYC Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman. Tanya met Schneiderman at the Democratic National Convention. It started off as a fairytale romance that quickly turned into a nightmare.
A perfect way to start the fall season - Let's revisit and in case you missed it.
Maggie Smith is the award-winning poet and author of Good Bones. This week saw the release of her latest collection of poems, Goldenrod. Maggie is the author of the national bestseller Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change. In addition, Maggie is the author of The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, and Lamp of the Body, Maggie’s poems and essays are widely published and anthologized. They've appeared in Best American Poetry, the New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Ploughshares, the Washington Post, the Guardian, and elsewhere. Good Bones went viral internationally when Meryl Streep read it live at Lincoln Center.
Summer Break - Let's revisit and in case you missed it.
Sharon G. Flake is a multi-award winning young adult and children’s author. She is a three-time winner of the Coretta Scott King award. Her latest book, The Life I’m In follows her groundbreaking debut novel The Skin I’m In. The impact of her debut novel more than 20 years ago, is felt today. Sharon’s books withstand the test of time. It was a given that a sequel was needed, even if it took her 20 years to be convinced of it.
Summer Break - Let's revisit and in case you missed it
Linda K. Wertheimer is an award-winning education journalist, essayist and author. Specifically, she is an educator teaching about religion...Faith Ed.. Not preaching, but teaching. And Linda makes sure that we understand the difference between preaching and teaching. Public schools are allowed to teach about religion. Teaching about different religions goes side by side with teaching about different cultures.
‘God was not kicked out of the schools. What was kicked out of the school was illegal preaching. Teachers have always been able to teach about religion, as a part of world history, a part of geography and a part of literature.’
Summer Break - Let's revisit and in case you missed it
A summer story to end all all summer stories
My Babysitter, My Summers With a Serial Killer is a chilling true story, part memoir and part crime investigation. Based on Liza's summers as a child on the Cape, you won't be able to put it down. It was the 60’s. Her babysitter was a kind, handsome handyman who took Liza and her sister on adventures. Adventures which included visits to his ‘secret garden.’ A secret garden which turned out to be where some of his victims were buried. And a babysitter who turned out to be charming, brutal psychopath. Before the term 'serial killer' was used.
Summer Break - Let's revisit and in case you missed it
Life with My Idiot Family: A True Story of Survival, Courage & Justice over Childhood Sexual Abuse, Kathy Picard's story. 10 years of abuse by her stepfather.
The Abuse and Staying Silent
The abuse started when Kathy was 7 and lasted for 10 years. The grooming for the abuse took place at around the age of 5. Her abuser and rapist was her step-father, a person who she had been raised to believe was her father. He told her real bad things would happen if she told. At the age of 9 she told her grandmother who said’ we don’t talk about those things.’ And at the age of 28 she told her Aunt Judy who believed her but didn’t want to talk about it. Kathy promised her she wouldn’t until her Aunt died. Upon her Aunt Judy’s death, Kathy told everyone. Kathy wanted to make sure that if anything happened to her, he would be the first one they would look to.
Summer break - Let's revisit in case you missed it ‘A period should end a sentence, not a girl’s education.’
Accepting the 2019 Academy Award for producing the documentary Period. End of Sentence, Melissa Berton, founder of The Pad Project spoke those words. And so it was no leap to turn to New York Times bestselling author of The Red Tent and award winning journalist, Anita Diamant. With the foreword by Melissa, PERIOD. END OF SENTENCE. The Next Chapter in the Fight for Menstrual Justice, Anita explores menstrual issues and period poverty around the globe.
Maggie Smith is the award-winning poet and author of Good Bones. This week saw the release of her latest collection of poems, Goldenrod. Maggie is the author of the national bestseller Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change. In addition, Maggie is the author of The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, and Lamp of the Body, Maggie’s poems and essays are widely published and anthologized. They've appeared in Best American Poetry, the New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Ploughshares, the Washington Post, the Guardian, and elsewhere. Good Bones went viral internationally when Meryl Streep read it live at Lincoln Center.
New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi has done it again with The Secret Keeper of Jaipur. A sequel to her award winning debut novel The Henna Artist, Alka takes us on a journey with Malik. A street child in her previous novel, Malik is now a grown man living a life among the wealthy. As with The Henna Artist, Alka explores the culture among the classes in India.
Dr. Kate Biberdorf is the author of It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything. Best known as Kate the Chemist, Kate is a chemistry professor, author, scientist and ultimate Science Entertainer. A self-proclaimed pyromaniac, Kate’s is on a mission to show young girls that you can be a fashionista, wear makeup and be a brilliant scientist and chemistry nerd all rolled into one.
Life has a habit of throwing us curveballs. How we handle them can be the key to how we move forward. I turned to Judith Marks-White, for some wisdom. Judith is an award-winning journalist, freelance writer, and educator. Her award-winning column, ‘In Other Words’ appears monthly in the Westport News. Judith’s articles have appeared in magazines and newspapers throughout the country and she has contributed fiction articles to numerous children’s publications. Judith wrote two novels: Seducing Harry and Bachelor Degree and is the recipient of numerous writing awards.
Pam is the New York Times bestselling author of The Woman With The Blue Star, The Lost Girls of Paris, The Orphan’s Tale, The Kommandant’s Girl, The Diplomat’s Wife, The Ambassador’s Daughter, The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach, The Winter Guest, The Things We Cherished, Almost Home, and A Hidden Affair. She also authored a short story in the anthology Grand Central: Original Postwar Stories of Love and Reunion.
Linda K. Wertheimer is an award-winning education journalist, essayist and author. Specifically, she is an educator teaching about religion. Not preaching, but teaching. And Linda makes sure that we understand the difference between preaching and teaching. Public schools are allowed to teach about religion. Teaching about different religions goes side by side with teaching about different cultures.
‘God was not kicked out of the schools. What was kicked out of the school was illegal preaching. Teachers have always been able to teach about religion, as a part of world history, a part of geography and a part of literature.’
Linda has traveled throughout the country finding out how teachers are teaching religion. Knowledge is key to how we act and live our lives among one another. 'In order to be a global citizen, you need to be religiously literate.'
A very educational and important conversation with Linda: A young girl, a teacher and that’s not my religion Mothering and speaking out Teaching vs preaching Public schools and religion Varying ways of teaching Becoming religiously literate Fighting religious bigotry Linda and Faith Ed
Linda is the award-author of Faith Ed. Teaching About Religion in an Age of Intolerance. Faith Ed focuses on public school’s ups and downs as they teach about world religions. Currently Linda is a Spencer Fellow in Education Journalism at Columbia University.
Linda is a veteran journalist and former Boston Globe education editor. During her nearly 30-year journalism career, she was a reporter at The Dallas Morning News and The Orlando Sentinel as well as for other publications. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Boston Globe Magazine, USA Today, Time, and many other publications. Linda has appeared on several NPR radio shows, including KERA’s Think in Dallas; Radio Boston; and LA’s Air Talk, as well a nationally televised program on CBS about religion and democracy.
30 Years Behind Bars: Trials of a Prison Doctor is Karen Gedney's story, from her first day at the prison to her last. This next chapter for Karen is advocating for prison reform and mentoring children at risk. Now out of the system, Karen is able to make herself heard about the criminal justice system.
It wasn’t until 1976 that prisons had to offer medical care if there was a serious medical need. Not only was Karen one of the first doctors in a prison, but she was also one of the first female doctors. A male prison with male inmates and male guards. Two years into her start, Karen was taken hostage and raped by one of the inmates. And yet she stayed. She stayed through the Aids epidemic, through changing of guards, through years of years of change in the system. Karen stayed because she felt she was making a difference. And she did make a difference for so many of the inmates and their families.
A riveting conversation with Karen: The beginning A kidnapping and rape and the decision to stay Rules, no rules and systems Being a female in an all-male environment She’s white, her husband is Black – they thought she gave preferential treatment to Black inmates Evening programs and mentoring The power of redemption Seeing the results Advocating for criminal justice & prison reform
From the start of her law education, Susan Bandes discovered that emotions and law are connected. She felt anger about the reasoning behind a decision that had been handed down by the courts. It was a case discussed in one of her first law classes. But Susan stayed silent. ‘I learned very quickly that if I said I was angry, I would be labeled as too emotional to be a good lawyer.’ On top of that, she was a minority of women in her class - ‘Emotion was going to be connected to my gender, women are just too emotional to be lawyers.’
Emotions come in all types. There’s anger, disgust, closure, fear, empathy, hate … just to name a few. Susan has spent the last 20 years examining the law and the claim that ‘it’s an emotion free zone.’ Can we really take our emotions out of decisions that are made?
For years Susan had been writing in the predominantly male fields of federal courts and criminal procedure. She was one of only two women on the list of the 20 most cited law professors in criminal law and procedure. But two Supreme Court cases flipped the switch and set her on the path she would follow for the next 20 years and counting: exploring the role of emotion in law.
A conversation with Susan and what we probably don’t think about Holding back the anger and questions A woman in a field of men The law and emotions Closure Fear A decision but no real data Can it be an emotion free zone Human behavior and all the assumptions A Pioneer
Susan is a pioneer in the emerging study of the role of emotion in law. Her legal career began in 1976 at the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender. She became staff counsel for the Illinois A.C.L.U. in 1980 where she litigated a broad spectrum of civil rights cases. Susan helped draft and secure passage of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Susan joined the DePaul faculty in 1984. She was named Distinguished Research Professor in 2003 and Centennial Distinguished Professor in 2012, Susan has authored over 50 articles and is among the most widely cited law professors in the field of criminal law and procedure. Her work appears in the Yale, Stanford, University of Chicago, Michigan and Southern California law reviews.
‘A period should end a sentence, not a girl’s education.’
Accepting the 2019 Academy Award for producing the documentary Period. End of Sentence, Melissa Berton, founder of The Pad Project spoke those words. And so it was no leap to turn to New York Times bestselling author of The Red Tent and award winning journalist, Anita Diamant. With the foreword by Melissa, PERIOD. END OF SENTENCE. The Next Chapter in the Fight for Menstrual Justice, Anita explores menstrual issues and period poverty around the globe.
Susan Granger, a product of Hollywood, born into Hollywood ‘Royalty’.
A little name dropping here is more than okay. Let’s consider that her father, S. Sylvan Simon was director/producer at MGM and Columbia. After his sudden death while filming From Here to Eternity, Susan’s mother remarried and her step-father was Armand Deutsch, and MGM producer. Her godfathers were Red Skelton and Milton Berle. Lucille Ball carried her out of the hospital after she was born. Her horse was given to Elizabeth Taylor. Milton Berle set her up on a date with a newly arrived Elvis Presley. He brought her flowers and sang a Frank Sinatra song to her. And Errol Flynn read lines from Romeo and Juliet with her.
Having been born into the business, Susan knows it inside and out. Therefore, who better to be a movie and drama critic?
A fun and entertaining conversation with Susan: Born in the Golden Age of Hollywood Playing ‘let’s pretend’ and working with her father King Charles, National Velvet & Elizabeth Taylor A date with newbie Elvis Presley Her stepdad and an honest conversation – actress vs journalist Journalism and Pierre Salinger Why an entertainment critic History of the movie business Women and them movie industry Pandemic and its effect on the industry Factors to look for when reviewing
‘What I looked for are films that would hold up over the years and be new to my children and grandchildren. And as the years go on, they would find them entertaining.’ (On how she chose the films for her book.)
For more than 25 years Susan has been bringing her unique perspective to the field of communication. Her commentaries, reviews and interviews are distributed around the world. Susan is also the author of 150 Timeless Movies where she reviews classic and contemporary timeless movies.
Susan has worked extensively doing speech and presentation coaching for top management and executives in several industries. Her articles have been published in WORKING WOMAN, PLAYBOY, THE NEW YORK TIMES, REDBOOK, LADIES HOME JOURNAL, FAMILY CIRCLE, TRAVEL AGENT, and COSMOPOLITAN…and many others.
Susan studied journalism with Pierre Salinger at Mills College. She then graduated with highest honors in journalism with a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Life with My Idiot Family: A True Story of Survival, Courage & Justice over Childhood Sexual Abuse, Kathy Picard's story. 10 years of abuse by her stepfather.
The Abuse and Staying Silent
The abuse started when Kathy was 7 and lasted for 10 years. The grooming for the abuse took place at around the age of 5. Her abuser and rapist was her step-father, a person who she had been raised to believe was her father. He told her real bad things would happen if she told. At the age of 9 she told her grandmother who said’ we don’t talk about those things.’ And at the age of 28 she told her Aunt Judy who believed her but didn’t want to talk about it. Kathy promised her she wouldn’t until her Aunt died. Upon her Aunt Judy’s death, Kathy told everyone. Kathy wanted to make sure that if anything happened to her, he would be the first one they would look to.
The stats are staggering: 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are sexually abused The average age of abuse is 12 Average disclosure age is 44 And the average years before disclosure is 32 The statute of limitations for criminal proceedings is 43 The statute of limitations for civil proceedings is 53 thank to Kathy. It had been 21 up until her fight to get it changed.
The day after the civil statute of limitations changed from 21 to 53, by a unanimous vote, Kathy, who was 53, filed charges against her stepfather. In 2015 Kathy won her civil suit. She had the courage to call him a rapist to his face in the courtroom. Kathy is now on a mission to educate children that it’s okay to tell someone and keep telling until someone listens. And to educate police departments on talking to children who have been abused. Teachers and parents, friends and family all need to listen.
Kathy Picard is an inspiring award-winning advocate. Advocating for the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Her work centers on increasing awareness of the harsh realities of sexual child abuse. She is a survivor, public speaker and public safety trainer. Kathy won an Unsung Heroin Award, the William Pynchon Award and the Zonta International’s Founder Day Award. All for her work and advocacy in the successful reform of the Massachusetts Statute of Limitations laws regarding sex crimes against children.
A very candid conversation with Kathy: The start of the abuse Telling her grandmother Not speaking out Finally breaking the silence Answering those who said ‘Why now? It was such a long time ago. Can’t you just let it go?’ 2002 the event that encouraged her 1-800 lawyer The fight for justice and the change in the statute of limitations Her day in court and finally saying the words to her abuser’s face ‘rapist’ Justice for that little girl Her advocacy work
Tzvia Bader and TrialJectory
Tzvia Bader is the CEO and Co-Founder of TrialJectory. She is an experienced entrepreneur with decades of experience in business development, product marketing and strategy. Prior to TrialJectory, Tzvia headed the global business unit at Amdoc building new product strategy. She was the founder and CEO of KIDDOapp, and IOS and Android based family scheduling technology strategy and Vocativ, a start-up aiming to identify fake news in social media using advanced analytics. Tzvia holds a Msc (Masters of Science) degree from the University of Nottingham, Nottingham,UK.
TrialJectory - Matching Cancer Patients to Clinical Trials
With a diagnosis of malignant melanoma in hand, for Tzvia Bader this was not a battle that she could lose. Having been a technology executive for many years, she did what she knew best and turned to the internet. In her mind she had pictured a scenario similar to searching for a new house, like Zillow. Tzvia quickly discovered that this did not exist.
Tzvia learned that the process for patients to gain access to advanced treatments through clinical trials was completely broken. She mentioned this to her husband. His response: build one. And so Tzvia went about building TrialJectory. TrialJectory is democratizing access to advanced cancer treatment. Tzvia built an AI-Powered decision support platform empowering patients to own their own cancer journey. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) system helps patients understand all treatment options. In addition, it gives pharmaceutical companies transparency into patients’ needs and wants. And allows them to effectively design and recruit for clinical trials.
A very informative and hopeful conversation with Tzvia: The cancer diagnosis and one oncologist ‘Zillow’ like search and the broken findings A caring oncologist and his limitations Clinical trials making choices Owning your journey Breaking through the boundaries of fear The formation of TrialJectory Opening doors for patients Research, technology and access to real data Access and cost of clinical trials – it’s not what you think
‘Let’s Talk Race: A Guide for White People'
Fern L. Johnson, PhD and Marlene G. Fine are the co-authors of ‘Let’s Talk Race.’ Both are specialists in race relations, ethnicity and gender in discourse. And 30 years ago a gay couple was not allowed to marry. Nor were they allowed to adopt. Wanting a family, Fran and Marlene started independently researching adoption avenues. There were a variety of restrictions that they would not be able to overcome.
Both Fern and Marlene thought they knew a lot about race. They made the decision to learn how to raise their sons and give them a healthy racial identity, and prepare them for life in a White world. And so they talked to all of their Black friends and colleagues to educate themselves as much as possible.
Fern L. Johnson, PhD., grew up in Minnesota. She focuses on race, ethnicity, and gender in discourse. Fern is currently Senior Research Scholar and Professor Emerita of English at Clark University (Worcester, Massachusetts). In addition to her position as Professor of English at Clark, she directed the interdisciplinary Communication and Culture Program. Earlier in her career, Fern was a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. She received her B.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and her M.A. degree from Northwestern University.
Marlene G. Fine, PhD, grew up in Belmar, New Jersey, a small resort community on the New Jersey shore. Marlene is Professor Emerita at Simmons University, specializing in cultural diversity, leadership, and dialogue. She authored Building Successful Multicultural Organizations, and her articles appear in a broad range of journals. She is a seasoned speaker and workshop facilitator. Marlene co-authored, with Fern Johnson, The Interracial Adoption Option, which draws on their experience as white parents of African American sons.
A very insightful and real conversation with Fern & Marlene: The decision to adopt A gay couple trying to adopt Why a Black child Identifying different needs Perceptions and the lack of knowledge Privilege isn’t what you think it is The conversation is getting difficult – why it needs to continue Prompts and let’s talk race
‘If you’re conscious you’re aware of something. The question is, what are you aware of?’ – Kashonia Carnegie
We don’t always think much about what it truly means to be conscious. Does it only mean that we are awake? Or that we actually see what’s around us and understand it? Are we truly conscious? Is there a difference between social consciousness and ethical consciousness? Kashonia Carnegie is a moral philosopher who has researched ethics and conscious change. And what is conscious change? It’s all about ethics. Looking for patterns, she studied her own life. Kashonia became her own life-coach, before life coaching was a thing. Her findings about her own life journey resulted in the realization that each step had to do with consciousness. They included conscious business skills and conscious leadership when she became Australia’s first female oil company representative. She then went on to become a radio broadcaster using conscious communication skills. And her entrance into academia led her to conscious intelligence competencies.
Meet Kashonia Carnegie
Kashonia is a Moral Philosopher with a PhD in Ethics of Conscious Change. She is the author of the ‘Conscious Change’ series of books. As a life-long learner, woven throughout all of her media and university work are extensive academic and independent studies. These studies include areas such as spirituality, religious studies, creative thinking, storytelling and positive psychology.
Her work includes leadership coaching; corporate and community workshop design and facilitation. In addition, Kashonia is a sessional mediator/conciliator for state government departments in the Australian states of Victoria and Queensland. She has conducted over 200 mediation/conciliation conferences with a successful resolution in excess of 90%.
A very conscious changing conversation with Kashonia: Growing up on a sheep and dairy farm Defying her mother Living under the stars ‘Road to Damascus’ experience and the awakening of her own consciousness Australia’s 1st Female Oil Representative & defying the male-dominated business Media career and the pre-#Metoo movement The conscious change movement and ethics Conscious change, Covid and the rise of feminine energy Having a purpose in life
Author Gabrielle Bluestone - Hype: How Grifters and Con Artists are Taking Over the Internet - and Why We're Following Them
Hype explores social media scams, influencers and why we follow and fall for them. While working as a journalist at Vice, Gabrielle Bluestone was the first to uncover the scam behind the infamous Frye Music Festival. Because of her reporting, con man Billy McFarland is behind bars for fraud. But it wasn't before many innocent people had been duped into giving him millions of dollars. Gabrielle went on to become the Emmy nominated executive producer of the Netflix documentary Frye.
The documentary and Gabrielle went on to receive an Emmy nomination. And then she dug some more. Her background as a reporter for Gawker, Jezebel and Vice, along with being a licensed attorney gave her the tools she needed. She had a lot of questions and was looking for answers. Although con artists have been around for a long time, this was new. Con artists are now being assisted by technology and social media.
Gabrielle Bluestone is a journalist and attorney from New York. Her writings have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, New York Observer, Sunday Times Magazine, Esquire, InStyle and Gawker. Hype is her first book.
A conversation and lots of questions with Gabrielle:
From attorney to journalist It looked like a dream festival One picture questioned it all That classic cheese sandwich Influencers and marketing 'The Joneses' made in 2010 - a prediction of the future? Influencers How scammers survive Seems like a pyramid scheme Playing to our dreams FOMO - Fear of Missing Out The continuation How do we stop it
Bold and gutsy are just two words that describe Jackie Botelho, a woman who is setting a new standard in the hospitality and event experience arenas. Jackie as never been afraid of stepping up and talking to people. She’s never been afraid to reach a goal that others told her was unachievable. Jackie has always wanted to do more. And Jackie has always known that she could do more. ‘The sky’s the limit’ is something that she has always believed in. The result was the building of Above and Beyond VIP Concierge (ABCVIP), a hospitality and event agency.
Covid changed the way that events were experienced and Jackie and her team were leading the way. Virtual gave her the opportunity to take off her heels and dig in. People who never would have attended in person events, were now experiencing them. Shy, introverted or just not wanting to be around others, Jackie gave them the opportunity to join. And let’s not forget the national exposure. No politics, no pandemic speak, just plain fun.
This week’s conversation with Jackie: • A bold move to California • Striking gold in California & bringing it back to NYC • Why hospitality • A gutsy plan and the creation of ABCVIP • A deal with the Marriott • Pandemic timing • Pivoting on a dime • Experiencing Covid • Virtual, all those introverts and a national presence • The naysayers – ‘I’m not listening’ • Expansion and more
Dorothy Wickenden and The Agitators
New York Times bestselling author Dorothy Wickenden's latest book - The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women’s Rights. The Agitators is the true story of Harriett Tubman, Martha Coffin Wright and Frances A. Seward. One a former slave, one a Quaker mother of 7 and one a politician’s wife. Although three very different women, they came together to fight for abolition and women’s rights in the mid-nineteenth century in Auburn, New York.
Much history has gone into the fight for abolition and women’s rights. Many have heard of Harriet Tubman, a former slave who was the conductor of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape into Free states and Canada.
But not many have heard of Martha Coffin Wright or Frances A. Seward. By introducing us to them, Dorothy shines a light on the story of three women who worked together. Yes, three women who worked together at a time when women had little control. So little that a married woman didn’t own anything. And yet somehow Frances, Martha and Harriet fought for the end to slavery and advocated for women’s rights.
Dorothy is the executive editor of The New Yorker and the host of its weekly podcast Politics and More.’ She is also the NY Times bestselling author of Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West. Dorothy edited The New Republic Reader: Eighty Years of Opinion and Debate.
A conversation and a lot of history with Dorothy: Why these three women The connection The women Upper and middle class women and their roles Witnessing abuse and feeling helpless Frances’ awakening and Martha’s aide Meeting Harriet Their families The bold move that allowed Francis to sell Harriet the house How Harriet established herself
Jean Shafiroff 'The First Lady of Philanthropy'
Jean Shafiroff has been called ‘The First Lady of Philanthropy’. She has spent a lifetime doing charitable work. And it all started when she was a child, learning from her parents.
After her first daughter was born, Jean made the decision to be a stay-at-home mom. As she says, she was lucky to be able to do so. And as a result, she volunteered at the school. This allowed her to spend time with her daughter and help out with school functions and fundraising. A start which turned into a career of philanthropy. At times you could find Jean on the boards of seven charities at once.
Philanthropist, author, human rights and animal rights advocate and socialite, Jean serves on multiple national and regional philanthropic boards. She is the ambassador and spokesperson for American Humane Feed the Hungry Covid-18 Program. Jean is the host of ‘Successful Philanthropy, a TV show on LTV. She is also the author of ‘Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give’.
Jean serves on the boards of the South Hampton Hospital Association, NYC Mission Society, French Heritage Society, Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, Global Strays, Jewish Board (Honorary Trustee), and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. She is a New York Women’s Foundation Board Alumna and remains very active with the Foundation and women’s issues.
Jean holds two degrees: a BS in Physical Therapy from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University and an MBA in finance from Columbia Business School at Columbia University. She resides in Manhattan and Southampton with her family.
A conversation with Jean: The beginnings of philanthropy Stay-at-home decision and volunteering Starting off small Making a difference Choosing what’s right for you But I can only give an hour… Fashion and parties and loosening up the crowd The fashion industry and the pandemic The pandemic and the change Feed the Hungry Covid-19 Program Daughters following in mom’s footsteps A message
My Babysitter, My Summers With a Serial Killer is a chilling true story, part memoir and part crime investigation. Based on Liza's summers as a child on the Cape, you con't be able to put it down. It was the 60’s. Her babysitter was a kind, handsome handyman who took Liza and her sister on adventures. Adventures which included visits to his ‘secret garden.’ A secret garden which turned out to be where some of his victims were buried. And a babysitter who turned out to be a charming, brutal psychopath. This was before the term 'serial killer' was coined.
Lifelong friend, investigative journalist Jennifer Jordan knew this was a story that needed to be told when she heard it. Together they took the pieces of the puzzle and turned them into a chilling, unimaginable story. A story where Liza learns to trust her voice.
Liza Rodman
Liza Rodman attended the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and received her Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Creative Writing from Vermont College. She has balanced life as a mother, stepmother, writer and tax accountant for more than thirty-five years. In 2005, she began researching the story of Tony Costa when she realized her personal connection to the infamous Cape Cod killer. She has gathered thousands of documents, testimonies, and interviews, perhaps more than any other investigator or journalist who’s worked on this case. She and her husband live outside Boston and have three children and five grandchildren. The Babysitter is her first book.
Jennifer Jordan
Jennifer Jordan is an award-winning author, filmmaker and screenwriter, with over 35 years’ experience as a reporter, journalist, and radio and television producer, working for NPR and PBS in Boston and Salt Lake City, as well as writing for several newspapers and magazines. She has written four books. Two of her books won the National Outdoor Book Award. In 2016 she created, directed, and produced the documentary 3000 Cups of Tea: Investigating the Rise and Ruin of Greg Mortenson, a documentary examining the deeply-flawed 60 Minutes report on the renowned philanthropist.
A chilling and gripping conversation with Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan: Summers in Provincetown 1968 meeting Tony Costa – babysitter/serial killer Adventures and a secret garden 1968 – 1st known murder Years of nightmares then a face becomes clear Confronting her mother Obsession and investigation Working together Memoir and crime investigation – natural balance of writing Trusting your voice The story comes out and family reaction
For Pat Lynch, Founder WomensRadio(R) her former boss gave her a lifeline. Pat's immediate boss really liked her marketing ideas. The problem was, he could never answer the question as to when they would be implemented. So Pat went up the line to his boss who told her: ‘You know your boss has been here longer and he has a family. So maybe you should find another job.’ Words that eventually propelled her to where she is now.
By the age of 25, Pat had served as the Press Secretary for a U.S. Senator and Congressman. She then founded her first advertising agency in Atlanta, Georgia. Pat has been listed twice in The Worlds Who’s Who of Women. And she was the first person to use radio and TV to promote real estate.
In 1996, she began a broad-based company, Women’s Online Media and Education Network, to promote communication for and about women. It is currently producing WomensRadio® and a unique high quality and low cost tool called AudioAcrobat®. With streaming credits from Microsoft, the first programs began in 1998, making the site the first to stream for women! W.O.M.E.N. targets niche markets using the Web, wireless technologies, and social media and provides a platform for women leaders and also not-for-profits which serve women and issues that affect women, children and families.
‘It takes an overwhelming amount of courage to do something in the face of all opposition.’
My conversation with Pat Lynch:
Breaking into the man’s world of advertising How a nightmare of words turned into an opportunity A long journey Seeking advisement Competitors and sharing of ideas Overcoming fear of new ideas The beginnings and the why of WomensRadio(R) Women’s online media and education creation What women want to hear about So much more to do
Olivia Campbell, author of the non-fiction book, Women In White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine. Women in White Coats takes us back to the early 1800’s. Before there were any women doctors, it was a time when women were dying from treatable diseases. Dying because they avoided medical demeaning and painful examinations that were only given by male doctors. It sounds unbelievable, but a diagnosis of illness for a woman held quite a stigma. A stigma that could hinder her ability to marry, work or be received in polite society.
Enter Elizabeth Blackwell, Lizzie Garret Anderson and Sophie Jex-Blake. Three women who fought for a woman’s place in this male-dominated medical field. Olivia introduces us to these incredible women who led the way. Three very different women, different in personality and circumstances. How did they create the first time medical care for women by women? Based on extensive research, Olivia Campbell tells their compelling and courageous story.
A gripping and revealing conversation with Olivia Campbell: 2 similar riots and the spark – Philadelphia, PA and Edinburgh, Scotland 3 years of research – New York, London and Edinburgh Women and the dare Meet Elizabeth Blackwell and her journey Florence Nightingale vs Elizabeth Blackwell or Nurse vs Doctor 1st medical school for women The meeting Elizabeth, Lizzie and Sophia and the Women’s Medical School in London Medical school then and medical school now Why women needed women doctors Women, medical profession then and now Harassment, sexism and the medical profession The effects of the pandemic Meet Olivia Campbell
Olivia Campbell is an independent journalist, essayist and author. Her focus is on the intersections of medicine, women, history and nature. Olivia's work has appeared in publications like The Atlantic, New York Magazine/The Cut, The Washington Post, the Guardian, and the Smithsonian Magazine.
Women In White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine is her first book.
Olivia holds a master’s degree in science writing from John Hopkins University and an undergraduate degree in journalism from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers. Olivia lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, three sons and their cat.
'You just think it's one day after another but when you get a break and can reflect I feel like the perspective that it's given me has allowed me to reset.'
Zibby Owens is a very busy mom of four. The CEO of Moms Don’t Have Time To, Zibby founded the media company featuring podcasts, publications and communities. Zibby hosts the award-winning podcasts Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books and Moms Don’t Have Time to Lose Weight. She is the author and editor of the anthology Moms Don’t Have Time to: A Quarantine Anthology. All of the proceeds from the anthology go to the Susan Felice Owens Program for Covid-19 Vaccine Research in honor of her late mother-in-law.
She is the Editor in Chief of Moms Don't Have Time to Write, a Medium Publication, and founder of The Zibby Awards, celebrating the overlooked parts of books (such as best dedication, author photo, and publicist). She also founded the Moms Don't Have Time To Fellowship.
Named "NYC's Top Book-fluencer" by Vulture and on Oprah's list of top podcasts two years in a row, Zibby is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America, The Washington Post, Good Day LA and other media outlets.
Zibby lives in New York with her husband Kyle Owens and their four children ages 6 – 13.
Our conversation and moms' time:
‘There’s so much associated with having kids that you don’t even get to spend time with your kids.’
Taking the time Parenting Do I really need to…all those playdates and activities Essays, podcast and publishing Gatherings and all those authors Covid-19 and its effects A love for reading and writing The journey
This week’s ‘My Reading Corner’, I talk with bestselling author Tami Charles. Her newest YA novel, Muted has already received wide acclaim. Although considered a YA (Young Adult) author, her novels are meant to be read by parents and adults. With stress and social media, dreams and promises, Tami’s books are ones that help her young adult audience know that they’re not alone. For the older generation, they give insight into the minds of young adults.
Muted brought back Tami’s time tasting fame in her teens and early twenties. She was a member of an all-girl R&B trio. How about performing for Boys II Men, BET and Showtime at the Apollo? The main character of Muted had to be a young girl searching for fame as a songwriter. Once Tami realized that, the words flowed and a powerful story was written. It’s a story of ambition, music and exploitation. And it’s the story of innocence lost and young women regaining their voices.
Meet Tami
Tami is the New York Times bestselling author of All Because You Matter. She’s written numerous books for children and young adults. Like Vanessa, her middle school debut book earned a Top 10 spot on the Indies Introduce and Spring Kids’ Next lists, three starred reviews and a Junior Library Guild selection.
As a teen and into her early twenties, Tami unclicked the buttons, and was as loud as hell as a member of a 1990’s R&B singing group. Muted brought her back to the music industry and found her writing and singing her songs.
Tami herself has said: We had a song on the radio that played at like 2 in the morning when everyone was sleeping. We didn’t make it to the grand stage, but those were the times of my life!
‘If hard work was what it was going to take to make it to the top, then that's exactly what I'd serve up - black girl mixed with grit stardust spice magic.’
A powerful conversation with Tami Charles: The all-girls R&B, fame and music Teenagers, dreams and asperations Ambition and exploitation Workplace violence and women Putting a lens on the music industry Young women regaining their voice Writing for young adults All Because You Matter – a picture book with love and a lullaby Muted – a YA novel-in-verse The audiobook, her songs and her voice
When I started talking to Abby, I went into the conversation with the idea that I would be talking to someone who was funny. And for sure, she is. Funny, warm and able to talk candidly about herself. So candidly, that I knew this is exactly the conversation needed for so many. With much humor and humility, Abby speaks about her own struggles. Her struggles with an eating disorder, her intimidation of those who are supposed to be in the know and how improv and comedy helped her hide. And how she finally took control. Control that she is not letting go of.
“Anything I should know before I go home?” I asked the chief cardiologist, trying not to sound terrified.
“Just don’t lift stuff over 10 pounds for a few weeks.”
“My baby is over 10 pounds.”
Abby refers to herself as a performer, obsessive compulsive comedian, writer and mom. She wrote and performed with The Second City, The Upright Citizen’s Brigade, HBO, Nick Jr., and NPR. And the first all-female improv group found Abby among its performers.
Abby's essays have appeared in The New York Times, Self, Jane, and Elle. One was adapted for the television series Modern Love. Abby currently co-hosts the Chucklepath Comedy Show with Molly Reisner. She is the author of five books including Miss You Love You Hate You Bye, named a 2020 Buzzfeed Best Book for Mental Health Awareness Month. And Abby most recently co-authored Sanctuary, a YA (Young Adult) dystopian novel.
A candid conversation with Abby: The start of being funny Why improv – putting it out there Not being ‘precious’ about it 1st improv female group Performer, comedian and mom – how about SpongeBob Mental health issues A reckoning and getting help
Finding solace in writing Personal essays Young adults, rock bottom and friendship Miss You Love You Hate You Bye – friendship and mental health Finding confidence to speak up – knowing your own body
Judithe Little is the award winning author of two historical novels, ‘The Chanel Sisters’ and ‘Wickwythe Hall.’ She grew up in Virginia where she earned her B.A. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. Judithe studied at the Institute of European Studies and the Institut Catholique in Paris. Afterwards she was an intern at the U.S. Department of State. Judithe then went on to earn her law degree from the University Of Virginia School Of Law where she was on the Editorial Board of the Journal of International Law and a Dillard Fellow.
Judithe lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and three children and is presently working on her third novel.
'Coco's freedom translated into her clothing. She wore men's pants to ride in and realized how comfortable it was.'
Gayle Kabaker and Sonya Kitchell
Gayle Kabaker, mother and daughter Sonya Kitchell, one a world renowned freelance illustrator and artist, the other a two-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter. One a new grandmother, the other a new mom...mothers and daughters.
The bond between a mother and her children starts early on. For Gayle and Sonya the bond is even stronger. Five months ago, baby Mona made it a trio.
Gayle is a world renowned longtime freelance artist and illustrator. She's published over 5 New Yorker covers. Vitalvoices.org, an organization that invests in women leaders worldwide, commissioned Gayle to do 100 portraits. Gayle illustrated the book 'Vital Voices: 100 Women Using Their Power to Empower.'
Using her art to make a difference, Gayle's work is connected to equality, the environment and civic involvement. For the one-year anniversary of the 2017 Women's March, Gayle was among the artists who the Washington Post commissioned. Gayle's illustration was a takeoff on 'Wonder Woman' showing a caped young woman wearing a T-shirt that says 'Voting Is My Super Power.'
Sonya is a two-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter and teacher of music. At the age of 17, Sonya had her first international-selling record 'Words Come Back to Me.' Moving from her hometown of Ashfield, MA to New York City, Sonya spent time in Europe and Asia, She worked as a side musician and songwriter-for-hire. She also delved into photography and film. Sonya worked with many of the greats of our time, including the legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.
Mother & Daughter
Mom was her daughter's original manager, traveling with her throughout the U.S. and overseas. The fun didn't stop there. Mother and daughter have worked together on several projects. Gayle designed a series of animated illustrations for a client that included a short musical soundtrack composed by Sonya.
A conversation with Gayle Kabaker & Sonya Kitchell: 9 year old & her budding career Bonding and art Traveling mother and daughter Art and music The journey can be tough, the outcome worth it No stage-mom here Mom wisdom Daughter wisdom Grandma wisdom The 'Antidote Workshop'
Co-authors of the newly published What's You Story? A Journal for Everyday Evolution, Rebecca Walker and Lily Diamond give us an interactive roadmap for beginning a new life story.
Rebecca Walker is an award winning writer, feminist and activist. She has contributed to the global conversation about race, gender, power and the evolution of the human family. Rebecca has written, developed and produced film and television projects with Warner Brothers, NBCUniversal, Amazon, HBO and Paramount. And she has spoken at over 400 universities and corporate campuses.
Awarded the Women Who Could Be President from the League of Women Voters, Rebecca was also named by Time magazine as one of the most influential leaders of her generation.
Rebecca has authored and edited seven bestselling books. Black White and Jewish, Autobiography of a Shifting Self and Baby Love: Choosing Motherhood After A Lifetime of Ambivalence, a memoir, are among her bestselling books. She also teaches her masterclass, The Art of Memoir. Rebecca is a graduate of Yale University.
Lily Diamond is an award winning writer, educator and advocate. Her work is focused on democratizing wellness for accessible practices.
Lily is the creator of the internationally beloved blog Kale & Caramel. She is also the author of the bestselling memoir-cookbook Kale & Caramel: Recipes for Body, Heart and Table. And it was named one of the top cookbooks of 2017 by the New York Times, The Independent, and Cooking Light.
A graduate of Yale University, Lily's writings have appeared in VICE, Healthyish, the Huffington Post, Better Homes and Gardens and Eating Well.
A powerful conversation with co-authors Rebecca Walker and Lily Diamond: Finding the voice Writing your story - a transformative experience Encountering your mind Relationships with body, people, nature & technology Why interactive Moving through memories Journaling - what you remember or how you want to remember Seeking answers The need to belong Walking through a day in your life Giving yourself permission Creating the roadmap
What do you think of when you hear music? Does it bring back memories? Does it make you want to get up and dance? Let's add voice into the mix and think about the images that your mind conjures up.
Ilyana Kadushin uses both music and voice. And both manage to affect change, whether narrating or performing a book, producing music or co-hosting the podcast 'No, I Know.' Ilyana has delved into the world of performance, film, art and music melding these creative mediums. Always a part of the storytelling process, Ilyana wrote and performed the one woman "Devour the Apple" musical. She also performed the audio of Stephenie Meyer's bestselling Twilight novels and narrated the heartbreaking memoir of Nobel Laureate Nadia Murad, The Lost Girl.
Incredible as it may sound, something positive came out of Superstorm Sandy...the creation of Stories Love Music. Ilyana and her creative partner and husband, James Harrell, were asked to help with some of the displaced seniors. Not knowing what to expect or how they could help, they chose something they both did well...they played music and sang. Music tugs at the heart and can brighten up even the bleakest of times. The moment evolved into Stories Love Music, a nonprofit program for caregivers of seniors with dementia and Alzheimers.
Ilyana is an award winning film producer. She won HBO's 2011 Best Documentary for Separate, But Equal. She also won the Audi Award for audiobook narration and is an adjunct faculty of voice and public speaking at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.
As a producer and co-host of the podcast No, I Know, Ilyana and husband James, feature live music and spirited conversation.
A conversation with Ilyana Kadushin:
A little microcassette player A fascination with voices Landing in New York City & Tisch School of the Arts How about some 'voice watching' Twilight series and Edward's character Jeremy Irons inspiration Nadia Murad and The Lost Girl Storytelling and performing Superstorm Sandy The 'spell of music' A senior, a song (Shalom Aleichem), a memory and a voice Voice Performance Coaching Stories Love Music
Paulina Bren is the author of The Barbizon: The Hotel That Set Women Free. It's the fascinating true story of one of the first residences for women only. From its opening in 1928 to the present, Paulina brings us the evolution of both the place and the women who stayed there. Located in the heart of New York City, it drew women from all over the country. Each one brought ‘a suitcase and a dream.' Paulina delves into how the Barbizon was supposedly setting women free. And explains the reality of how it didn't. Some made it, others did not.
Known as a safe haven for the 'Modern Woman' seeking a career, the women all were expected to have the same goal. That goal being one of marriage, family and suburban living. Some of the famous among its residents were Sylvia Plath, Joan Crawford, Grace Kelly, Liza Minelli, Ali MacGraw, Cybill Shepherd and Joan Didion.
Meet Paulina
A writer, historian and professor, Paulina teaches International Studies, Women’s Studies, and Media Studies at Vassar College. Her previous books include the award winning The Greengrocer and His TV: The Culture of Communism after the 1968 Prague Spring. Paulina is also co-editor of a collection of essays entitled Communism Unwrapped: Consumption in Cold War Eastern Europe.
She alternates her time between the Bronx, Poughkeepsie and MetroNorth. Paulina was born in the former Czechoslovakia and lived in the U.K. before moving to the United States. She received her B.A. from Wesleyan University, her M.A. from the Jackson School for International Studies at the University of Washington, Seattle and her PhD in Modern European History from New York University.
My conversation with award-winning author Paulina Bren: The Bell Jar and Sylvia Plath’s inspiration The building of a ‘safe haven’ The many women The 30’s and restrictions on women Single women, hotels and no check-in after 6pm Ambitions and society Women, careers and goals Rich and poor The not-so glamorous modeling career Contests and summer internship The hidden stories, lost ambitions and suicides ‘The Women’ and standing their ground A timeline for the women’s movement The start of equality and the end of The Barbizon
A former actress (you may have spotted Judith in one of the original Star Trek series episodes), Judith Sherven coined the phrase The Fear of Being Fabulous. A clinical psychologist with more than 35 years’ experience as a psychotherapist, transformational executive coach and business consultant, Judith practices alongside her husband Jim Sniechowski, also a PhD Clinical Psychologist. Judith is an executive coach for a number of tech companies. She helps leaders overcome any insecurities they have about maximizing their leadership: Their Fear of Being Fabulous.
Both Judith and Jim are on retainer at both LinkedIn and Credit Karma. Judith writes for LinkedIn as an influencer. She inspires managers to engage their team members with their trademarked program: Overcoming the Fear of Being Fabulous. It's been called “the missing link in personal and professional development.”
Judith has been on over 3,000 radio and TV shows including Oprah, The View, 48 Hours and Canada AM as a guest expert. Together, Judith and Jim have written 7 LA Times bestselling books.
Both had been professional actors for a long time before they met in 1987. And both discovered that their Fear of Being Fabulous had prevented them from moving forward with their acting careers. This brought them on a 6 year journey of creating their program.
A conversation with Judith:
Self-sabotaging a successful acting career The Fear of Being Fabulous incubation The Barbizon connection Patterns identified and their connections Meeting Jim and their journey Owning your own excellence Asking for more with confidence Relationships of all kinds – personal and professional, family and friends Owning your uniqueness ‘You are a miracle’ Making yourself stronger
Sharon G. Flake is a multi-award winning young adult and children’s author. She is a three-time winner of the Coretta Scott King award. Her latest book, The Life I’m In follows her groundbreaking debut novel The Skin I’m In. The impact of her debut novel more than 20 years ago, is felt today. Sharon’s books withstand the test of time. It was a given that a sequel was needed, even if it took her 20 years to be convinced of it.
Sharon continues to take on the tough issues: race, self-esteem, self-protection and empowerment. Issues that teenagers can face on a daily basis. With the advancement of technology, these issues can be paralyzing. And she always reminds us that we are talking about children. Teenagers are not adults. They are still children and we need to protect them. With The Life I’m In, Sharon takes on the multi-billion dollar business of human trafficking, targeting venerable teens.
Prior to becoming an author, Sharon was a counselor for teens at a foster placement agency. Excelling as a counselor, Sharon garnered valuable insight into teens, adoption and foster parenting.
Sharon had literally exploded onto the literary scene with The Skin I’m In over 20 years ago. And she was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start. Since then, she has won multiple Coretta Scott King Author Awards. Many of her novels have received ALA Notable and Best Books for Young Adults citations from the American Library Association. You can visit her website at sharongflake.com.
This week’s ‘Sylvia & Me – My Reading Corner’ a conversation with author Sharon G. Flake
Teenagers and children Bullying Responsibility Social media and teenage pressure Remember – these are children Predators and human trafficking Survival and the power of human empathy Compassion and its powerful cure 1st question asked
It’s no longer taboo to talk about menopause. In fact, it’s one of the healthiest topics for women to talk about. Dr. Fatima Khan is the ‘Menopause Specialist.’ She is an expert in perimenopause and menopause. Using a holistic approach to women’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, Fatima is empowering women through the transition.
Fatima completed her medical training in the United Kingdom from Imperial College London in 2007 where she received a Bachelor in Medicine and a Bachelor in Surgery. She also received a Bachelor in Science in Pharmacology and Therapeutics with the publication of her research.
After extensive training at Kings College London, Fatima received an Advanced Menopause Certificate accredited from the British Menopausal Society and faculty of Reproductive and Sexual Health. Fatima undertook further training in the USA on optimizing hormonal health for anti-aging and longevity. She also sees patients at AGORA Specialist Centre. Fatima is involved in teaching medical students at the Epworth Clinical School at the University of Melbourne.
Fatima and her medic husband currently live in Melbourne with their daughter. She actively educates women on menopause awareness through her social media platform. https://instagram.com/menopausespecialist?igshid=2zg06ux1u11c
A very informative and much needed conversation with Dr. Fatima Khan:
Journaling and being aware of your body Mind-Body Connection Heart disease and dementia Hormone replacement Estrogen Perceptions and myths A continuing conversation
The debut of our special Thursday's segment 'Sylvia & Me - My Reading Corner' with author and portrait photographer, Jona Frank. Known for her portraits surrounding youth culture, Jona made a slight detour and wrote a memoir. Not one for doing what is expected, Jona’s memoir is done not with words, but with photographs. But if you’re thinking, great, a book of old photos…you're wrong. 'Cherry Hill: A Childhood Reimagined´ stars Laura Dern as her mother.
Jona grew up in the 60’s in suburban Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Her mother lived the life that a suburban housewife was supposed to live. The men went into the City, a grey background while the women stayed at home, tending to their house and family. The stereotypical suburban woman, Jona’s mother never deviated from the standards that had been set for her. She did what was expected of her, not what she may have wanted to do. But Jona rejected this way of life and went on to construct her life from within herself. The result - Jona is living her life freely, rejecting the standards that others have set.
Meet Jona Frank:
Meet Jona Frank, whose high school passion for photography led her to study at the University of California on a scholarship. Jona did go home after graduating, but returned to Los Angeles pursuing her personal dreams, not other’s expectations and standards.
Her works have been exhibited at such venues as the Smithsonian’s National Gallery in Washington, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, and the Kimbal Art Center.
Our conversation: A photo shoot in a small town in England and a connection with Cherry Hill Suburbia and the stereotypical woman Art class, a blank piece of paper, a phone call and tulips Doing it her own way Societal norms and individual desires Casting Laura Dern Staged pictures and the strain of maintaining an image Recreating the non-Kodak moments Creating images between reality and cinematic fantasy What’s next
Bunmi Laditan, is an award winning, Webby nominated writer. Most of you may know her by her moniker ‘Honest Toddler.’ Her debut novel, Confessions of a Domestic Failure, is a satirical, realistic look at motherhood. Bunmi has outdone herself with her latest book, : Honest Prayers to a God who Listens.
She had originally written this collection of poetry and prayers as a way of following her own spiritual journey. With candor, self-aware humor, and a profound insight, Bunmi saw that so many were struggling with similar journeys. And so with much humility, she agreed to publish Dear God. The book is for anyone seeking to reconnect as well as for those looking for a good word. Bunmi shares her journey, a journey of emotions that we all experience at different points in our lives – doubt, anger, love, desperation, gratefulness and more.
Dear God was featured on the Today Show and Bunmi is a contributor to Parenting.com, Mothering.com, iVillage.com, the New York Times and the Huffington Post. Bunmi lives outside of Montreal with her family. Her social media following is large. But more impressive is that there is communication between her and her followers, not just emoji’s. Bunmi relates and is not afraid of having a conversation, even with someone who disagrees with her.
A candid conversation with Bunmi: Childhood and faking it Marrying at 16 and converting to Judaism Culture not religion Identity as a Jewish wife and mother Divorce and becoming a seeker Struggles with depression and anxiety Journey to reconnect with God Raising her three children
Jenny Lecoat grew up in Channel Islands, 15 years after World War II. She knew her family’s history, but she didn’t know the horrors that they had experienced. Her curiosity peaked in her 30’s when Jenny saw photos of her family being shown in documentaries on national British television. Seeing them, Jenny realized that she had a responsibility to tell their story and the story of Channel Islands. Especially after having heard a variety of differing stories of the people and the islands’ occupation by the Nazis.
There are stories that need to be told and stories that should never be forgotten. Stories that tell the history of events that have taken place. And stories that need to correct the ones that have not been remembered correctly. One such story is the story of Channel Islands and its occupation by the Nazis.
She may never have written a novel before, but she had done quite a bit of writing. You see, Jenny had been a stand-up comedian writing her own material. She also wrote for sitcoms and soap operas. And then onto dramas and more serious historical subjects. In 2017 Jenny wrote the screenplay for ‘Another Mother’s Son’, the true story of her great-aunt who, during World War II, hid a young Russian war prisoner.
‘The Girl From Channel Islands’ is a historical novel based on the true story of Hedy Bercu and the woman who hid her from the Nazis for 18 months, Dorothea Le Brocq. The book debuted in February of 2021 in North America. It made the New York Times bestseller list its first week.
This week I talk with Jenny Lecoat: Transitioning from standup comic to writing a New York Times bestseller Her dad at 5 and the occupation What you don’t know about the Channel Islands The timing of the North American publication of The Girl From Channel Islands and the release of her movie, ‘Another Mother’s Son’ The untold stories of the heroes of the Resistance Why this story needs to be told and remembered How does it start Never forget What’s next Meet Jenny Lecoat:
Jenny is a New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter, former standup comedian, newspaper and magazine feature writer and teacher. Over the last thirty years Jenny has written for a wide range of formats including feature film, television drama, sitcoms and sketch shows. She has taught screenwriting courses and is a qualified teacher of English as a Foreign Language. Jenny has studied British Sign Language enabling her to work with D/deaf writers and actors. She lives in Essex Sussex, UK with her husband, writer Gary Lawson.
For Nikki Edmundson it all started with a single pair of her own boots - cowgirl boots that is. She cut them down to fit, folded them over and, as the saying goes: 'These boots are made for walking.' Turns out that everyone wanted their own pair with their own story. And so, in the small town of Harrison, Montana, Canty Boots was born.
‘I really had no option except to give them away, sell them or cut them and I cut them. So I cut and rolled them and when I wore them into town, everyone gave me compliments. I just figured why not, you know, why not start selling them. So that's how we started.’ – Nikki Edmundson, Founder Canty Boots®.
And that was how Nikki Edmundson started Canty Boots®. She opened an Etsy store and her first customer was from Australia. First sale and already Nikki was international!
Cowboy boots always make a statement. And boy, are they ever hard to part with.
Security vs Passion
Nikki had to make a choice - start her career as a teacher or design and handmake cowgirl boots. Teacher = stability...Boot Designer/Maker = passion and fulfillment. She made the right choice for her and it's been a great journey.
Who's Been in My Boots?
Try Victoria Secret's Models, Katy Perry, Tanya Tucker, Nahko Bear and Cam Newton, just to name a few.
This week's conversation with Nikki Edmundson: All it takes is the first Passion vs Security Her all women's team Rural and hot Bringing stories together Memories and walking He's a rancher Mom of four It's all in the name Finding the balance Keeping it close to home Turning Memories into Walking Stories
Nikki learned quickly that selling footwear, especially cowgirl boots online could result in huge returns. Not all boots fit the same. Having cut down and refreshed her own pair, people had started asking her to do the same for them. So she took it a step further. Now Nikki is giving people the chance to hold onto memories and turn their own boots into their own unique story. The result...boots that her customers know will fit and walk in their story.
This past November marked the 10 year anniversary of the release of Utah author Ally Condie’s Matched, #1 New York Times bestseller. Matched was on the list for more than a year. And the first in what would become a trilogy.
Last week marked the 1 year anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic lockdown. It didn’t seem possible that a year later we would have a chance to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Dystopian and The Pandemic
What do they have in common? The word ‘dystopian’ comes to mind: ‘relating to, or being an imagined world or society in which people lead fearful lives’.
The difference: The last year was real and full of fear. Matched was imagined.
Matched, a dystopian young adult novel has been read by a wider readership than the young adult population. The first in a series of three, it has been compared to ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Twilight’.
This week’s conversation is with Ally Condie
How did the idea for Matched come about? And why the young adult audience? I had the privilege to talk with Ally recently. Our conversation covered these questions and so much more:
Chaperoning a high school prom Best dresses, red carpet and the dark side Experiences of teaching and inspiration Society and choices Building a society around a character Good intentions taken to extremes ‘A nice girl’ wakes up Teenagers, women, choices and waking up The Pandemic – and yes there’s one in the 3rd book, written over 6 years ago ‘Suburban dystopian romance’ What’s next? Meet Ally Condie
The author of young adult and middle grade fiction, Ally's novel Matched was a #1 New York Times and international bestseller. The sequels to the trilogy, Crossed and Reached, are also on the NY Times bestsellers list. Matched was chosen as on of YALSA's 2011 Teens' Top Ten and named one of Publishers Weekly's Best Children's Book of 2011.
Ally is also the author of Atlantia, a New York Times bestseller, and Summerlost, a finalist for the 2017 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery.
She is the founder and director of the WriteOut Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) foundation that runs writing camps for rural teens.
Born in Cedar City, Utah Ally has a degree in English Teaching from Brigham Young University. Ally lives with her husband and four children in Pleasant Grove, Utah. In 2017, Ally graduated from Vermont College of Fine Arts with a Master's in Fine Arts Degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults. You can follow Ally on Twitter and Instagram (ally.condie).
The 1940s and 1950s saw changes to how women were portrayed in film. A change from the victim of the 1930s. Post World War II films introduced the ‘Femme Fatale’ and with it women characters who were mysterious and dangerously seductive, not victims. During the war, women had taken the place of men in the workforce, bringing an independence that for many, had never been experienced before. These movies were known as ‘Film Noir’ (French for ‘dark film’), classics of the 1940s and early 1950s.
'The Queen of Noir' Ann Chernow
So I turned my attention to ‘The Queen of Noir’, renowned artist Ann Chernow. Ann has been painting this genre for over a decade. She does paintings, prints and drawings always in the abstract capturing the essence of the ‘Femme Fatale’. Ann has gone from actual portraits of the films’ stars, to imaginary faces of film, to painting scenes from the films to inventing scenes from ‘Film Noir’ movies. Then came a night alone at an Italian restaurant in NYC and a bottle of wine. The evening resulted in creation of ‘Bad Girls’ – eight separate stories and eight separate images.
Film Noir and Femme Fatales have been with her ever since that evening.
‘The reason for women: everybody has a guess. It’s psychological. It has to do with the women in the films. The women in Noir movies all had fabulous clothing and the men just had gray suits and hats. There’s nothing to paint – just gray suits and hats, so the male figure is sometimes an abstract support.’
Meet Ann Chernow
Artist, ‘Queen of Noir’, Mother, Grandmother and Teacher. Ann has taught art for over 26 years. Born in New York City in 1936, Ann has been a resident of Westport, Connecticut, considered a haven for artists for the last 50+ years. Ann is a beloved leader in the extended arts community. She has worked in the mediums of lithography, silkscreen, etching and colored pencil as well as oil painting.
Ann’s second husband, Burt Chernow founded the Housatonic Museum of Art. He was an art historian and professor at the Housatonic Community College. Burt passed away in 1997. Ann later became the life partner of actor and documentarian, Martin West (d. 2020).
Ann’s work evokes a sense of veiled mystery. A veiled mystery that is the essence of Film Noir and Ann’s creativity.
I had the privilege of talking with Ann about our favorite genre of film, her beginning, her philosophy, the pandemic and her continued mining.
Age 3 ½ - the beginning The RKO theaters and going to the movies at 11 Victims and Heroines The ‘Queen and King’ of Noir Femme Fatales 1930’s and Post World War II Those clothes The abstract ‘That looks like my grandmother’ Miss Bette Davis How to get an invitation Artists and life Advice to young artists Keep on mining
Diversity and the 'Token'
How does one start with be diverse without having a ‘token?’ Meet Crystal Byrd Farmer. She teaches organizations who acknowledge the need for diversity but don’t know where to start. She works with organizations and people who are dedicated to social justice and the diversity of people they want to employ, across identities of race, LGBTQ, education, socioeconomics and disability.
In today’s atmosphere, the topic of diversity and inclusion has become a heated and often misunderstood conversation. Educators and employers have tried many ways to be what they would consider ‘diverse and inclusive’. There’s busing when it comes to schools. In business there’s a certain air of being diverse by having a woman employee, an employee who is a person of color, an older employee, etc. There are ratios of people of diverse colors and cultures, and rules and regulations that have been put in place. Unfortunately, these good intentions can have the opposite result of what was intended. For some, they become the ‘token’.
Crystal Byrd Farmer
Crystal knows firsthand what it is like to be the ‘Token’. Growing up in a lower income black community, Crystal was bused to a middle school in a middle class white community. Crystal became the ‘Token.’
Crystal Byrd Farmer is the author of The Token: Common Sense Ideas for Increasing Diversity in Your Organization. No punches pulled, Crystal wrote The Token which has been called provocative, humorous and an accessible guide for well-meaning people who acknowledge the need for diversity but don’t know where to start.
An engineer turned educator, organizer and speaker, Crystal focuses on cohousing Black, and polyamorous communities. Crystal founded the Freedom School in Gastonia, NC. She serves on the Editorial Review board of Communities Magazine and is passionate about encouraging people to change their perspectives on diversity, relationships, and the world. Crystal lives in Gastonia, NC.
This week's conversation with Crystal is candid and revealing:
Being a 'token' in middle school Asking a question that can be harmful Macroaggression Bias Privilege - both white and black Freedom School & Self-Directed Learning Doing "The Work' Norms Meetings and location, location, location Recognizing different cultures Ways to be inclusive
Bestselling Author and Psychological Thrillers
Wendy Walker is an internationally known bestselling author of psychological thrillers. This particular segment of novels suits her quite well in turbulent times. Especially when those times call for quick action. Her newest book Don't Look for Me, was supposed to be released on September 15th. As they say: 'timing is everything'. In early March preview copies had just been sent to bookstores and reviewers and then...Covid Lockdown!
When things happen un-expectantly – Bringing a community of authors together
The unexpected happens all the time. How Wendy handled it made all the difference. It took time, research and the use of what she had in front of her. Knowledge is power and Wendy used hers to commandeer her community of authors and lead them in taking the Bull by the Horns. With the power of the internet in front of her Wendy devised a very targeted and carefully executed plan. As a result, the release date of September 15th saw a flood of Wendy's book all over the book community on Instagram. Her plan not only benefited her, but also the community of authors who found themselves in the same predicament.
Meet Wendy Walker
Wendy Walker is a former family law attorney. While at home raising her three sons, Wendy began her writing career. Her latest thriller - Don't Look For Me deals with the bond between mother and daughter, guilt, blame and gaslighting.
She published two novels with St. Martin’s Press and edited multiple compilations for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series before writing her debut psychological thriller. All is Not Forgotten took her into the world of PTSD and memory suppression. Next was the thriller, Emma In The Night, taking her into the world of narcissism. And then came, The Night Before, taking her into the world of online dating.
Wendy earned her J. D., magna cum laude, at the Georgetown University Law Center where she was awarded the American Jurisprudence award for her performance in Contracts and Advanced Criminal Procedure. She received her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Brown University. As part of her undergraduate studies, Wendy attended The London School of Economics and Political Science.
Prior to her legal career, Wendy was a financial analyst at Goldman, Sachs & Co.. She has also volunteered at the ACLU, Connecticut Legal Services and Figure Skating in Harlem where she served on the Board of Directors for over twelve years.
Conversation, the Pandemic and a Community of Authors
The conversation ran the gamut - from the pandemic to challenges to new avenues:
Newly published and the pandemic Targeted strategies Getting the word out Bringing together a community of authors Oh the places we will go Discovering new avenues
With her passion for perfume, Jessica Murphy uncovers the history and empowerment of scent. Jessica is a Scent and Art Historian and a Museum Professional. She's always looking for new ways to connect art, fragrance, history and popular culture. Jessica shares the continuing results of her curiosity and research skills and along the way, she enriches the enjoyment of perfume.
Since 2006, Jessica has been a contributor for the leading perfume blog Now Smell This. And what better name for her website than 'Perfume Professor'. Since late 2015 Jessica has taught and lectured about the history and culture of fragrance at venues such as the Brooklyn Brainery, the Brooklyn Museum, The Institute for Art and Olfaction and the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.
Currently, Jessica is Manager of Visitor Engagement at the Brooklyn Museum. Before the pandemic, Jessica occasionally offered scent-themed tours.
Prior to the Brooklyn Museum, Jessica worked as a Research Associate at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has also worked as a Contractual Educator at the Met and as a Curatorial Assistant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Jessica received her B.A. from Fordham University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Delaware.
A conversation with Jessica Murphy...
The beginning - religion or incense Festivals and seduction Commercial use Luxury and class Studio 54 That iconic fragrance Memories and scent
Who do Michelle Obama, Nicole Kidman, Emma Watson and Serena Williams have in common? Shilpa Yarlagadda, Founder of Shiffon.
What do Michelle Obama, Nicole Kidman, Emma Watson and Serena Williams have in common? A Shiffon Duet Pinky Ring. They believe in the symbolism of the ring: the power of mentorship between women. Each of these women unite in showing the beauty behind this gem. And the 'Pinky Promise' to pay-it-forward.
What is Shiffon? A fine jewelry company Shilpa started in her dorm at Harvard University.
In 2017 looking for something to do in her downtime at Harvard, Shilpa started googling. The two areas that interested her the most were fine jewelry and women entrepreneurs. Two major discoveries took place: Discovery #1 - fine jewelry has a large markup. Discovery #2 - a large gender gap in the field of entrepreneurship exits. Armed with this information, Shilpa lowered the overhead by selling directly to the consumer. And embarked on a mission to close the entrepreneurial gender gap, 'one pinky at a time'. All while she continues finishing her studies at Harvard University.
The Four Events
Four events by Shilpa took place simultaneously:
Attending Harvard University Launching Shiffon and the Duet Pinky Ring Launching the non-profit, Start-Up Girl Foundation - funding women entrepreneurs Donating 50% of Shiffon's profits from the Duet Pinky Ring to the Start-Up Girl Foundation Featured
Forbes has named her in their list of '30 under 30'. The Wall Street Journal featured Shilpa in, 'The Crazy, True Story Behind the Pinky Ring Loved by Nicole Kidman, Michelle Obama and Serena Williams'. And CNBC did a story on her: 'How a 20-year old college student launched a jewelry company whose rings are worn by Michelle Obama'.
The Duet Pinky Ring - a symbol of female solidarity and a promise to pay it forward. Since launching Shiffon Co., Shilpa and Shiffon have funded 11 female entrepreneurs. And it doesn't stop with money, it continues with mentoring.
An Inspiring Conversation
Listen to my inspiring conversation with Shilpa and:
The entrepreneurial gender gap Why a spiraling ring Paying it forward Emma Watson and perseverance Doing one thing and doing it well Sustainable business model The network of powerful women supporting each other What's next
‘A huge part of my daily job is earning my patient’s trust – it cannot be demanded’. – Dr. Natalia Spierings
An honest, no-nonsense approach. Let's add tackling the myth behind perfect skin, 'anti-aging' and expensive skincare. The answer: Dr. Natalia Spierings. Dr. Spierings' approach combines European style and sensibility with the energy and quirkiness of London. Now add her positive American attitude. This combination provides her patients with a unique and holistic modern skincare prescription. Born in Europe, Natalia spent her childhood in the United States before heading to London for medical school.
With her technical skill, depth of knowledge, aesthetic sensibility and communication skills Dr. Spierings is a global leading dermatologist.
Dr. Spierings trained as a Consultant Dermatologist in London with a sub-specialty fellowship training in Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery at the Royal Victoria infirmary in Newcastle. She holds a Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Medicine from the University of London. Her subspecialty is the diagnosis and management of skin cancer. She has held a consultant post at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Leeds, UK. Dr. Spierings’ primary aim is to provide the best cosmetic outcome after successful surgical treatment.
Working closely with the renowned Fusion Apothecary in Dubai Healthcare, Dr. Spierings provides bespoke prescription skincare for her patients throughout the Middle East.
An in-depth conversation:
‘Perfect skin’ – is this really a thing Sunscreen – yes, it’s essential, but when, how much and what good is it if not applied correctly Trust and the correct information Correct information and using logic and evidence based explanations Ingredients, manufacturer, packaging, price – defining ‘good quality’ Vaseline – really? Social media – how and its impact on decisions It’s not criticism – let’s talk
The Power to Empower is key to the mission of Vital Voices Global Partnership and Alyse Nelson. For more than 20 years Alyse has worked for the organization. A Co-Founder, Alyse started as Vice President and Senior Director of Programs. Then in 2009 she took over as President and CEO. Under her leadership, Vital Voices expanded their reach to serve over 18,000 women leaders, across 182 countries.
'One of the things I've learned along the way is that a person's path to leadership is rarely planned out perfectly - it's an experience that begins with a conviction to do something.' - Alyse Nelson
Women are Rising
Women are rising and their voices are being heard. Vital Voices searches the world for women leaders with daring vision for change and partner with them to make that vision a reality. Vital Voices makes sure that women have the power to empower. And we just witnessed the inauguration of the First Female Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris!
Meet Alyse
Prior to Vital Voices, Alyse served as deputy director of the State Department's Vital Voices Global Democracy Initiative. She worked with the President's Interagency Council on Women at the White House. Alyse is a Member on the Council on Foreign Relations and serves as a Board Member of Running Start, RAD-AID and Black Trans Femmes in the Arts Collective. She is on the Advisory Board of Chime for Change and Global Citizen. Newsweek Magazine named her one of the 150 Women Shaking the World. Fortune Magazine featured Alyse as one of the 55 Most Influential Women on Twitter. Apolitical named her as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Global Gender Policy. Alyse's work has been honored with awards such as the Tribeca Disruptive Innovative Award and foreign Policy's Citizen Diplomat of the Year award.
Alyse is the author of the best-selling book Vital voices: The Power of Women Leading Change Around the World. She is the editor of Vital Voices: 100 Women Using Their Power to Empower. Alyse received her MA from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. She also has a BA from Emerson College.
This week, a conversation with Alyse and it couldn't be more timely. Women and voices, power and empowering.
It all started at a conference in Beijing Finding her passion Women have always had a voice - now they're being heard The search for women leaders with a daring vision How women lead differently The obstacles and barriers for women leaders What makes a leader Women tackling the world's greatest challenges The commonalities of women leaders The power of listening The 4 ways to measure a leader's impact Leaders and starting off locally Righting the wrong
Yes, a nightmare for most women is the thought of shopping for a bathing suit. Actually, it’s usually more like a hunt – hunting for one that you not only would wear, but would make you feel good wearing it. That hunt led Melanie Travis to Founder and CEO of Andie Swim. It had nothing to do with the garment industry or wanting to start a swimwear line. What it did have to do with was the frustration of trying to find one for a company retreat. The tiny dressing rooms, the lack of variety, her exasperating online experience all turned a lightbulb on for Melanie.
The Creation
The lightbulb turned into the creation of Andie Swimwear, a collection of bathing suits that women can feel good in,. The swimsuits are classic, high quality and affordable without the anxiety of trying them on in a tiny dressing rooms. A direct-to-consumer shopping experience. And the experience is empowering.
'Made for life's sunniest moments, so you can spend less time thinking about your swimsuit and more time making memories.' - Andie Swim. Andie Swim just made the Lead's 2020 FOREMOST 50 list of high-growth D2C brands that are reinventing the future of fashion and retail. https://the-lead.co/the-foremost-50-2020/
This week Melanie and I will chat about:
The hunt and the inspiration for finding the "perfect suit" The beginning of her Crowdfunding Campaign The start of the first collection The Mykonos and it's sellout E-commerce, technology and and the consumer The at-home-try-on shopping experience Why the D2C (Direct-to-consumer) model Perfect fit - how does this work Funding process Letting experts in without fear Some advice for others starting out Covid and swimwear What's next
Three best teenage girlfriends living in Bihac, Bosnia. They had grown up together - a Muslim, a Serb and a girl who was half Jewish. Best friends until the start of the Bosnian war and the Serbian military siege in 1992. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess was only 16 when it started. For 1,150 days Amra lived under the Serb’s siege and survived the ethnic cleansing. 1996 saw Amra emigrate to the United States with the help of four people – a Quaker, a Jewish Philanthropist, a Catholic Sister and a Muslim with some Serb.
‘The Cat I Never Named, A True Story of Love, War and Survival’ is Amra's story, a Muslim teen struggling to survive the Bosnian genocide. It’s a story that is told from Amra’s 16 year-old self. A story of love, survival and the power of education that is meant to be read by all ages. And a cat who gave her comfort and hope.
Only three years later, December of 1999, Amra had earned a BA in Economics from Brown University. She then went on to earn two Masters Degrees and a Doctorate from Columbia University. Today Amra is a professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College working on understanding how and why societies fall apart and what role education can play in rebuilding decimated countries. She has published on education-related issues and has lectured around the world to adult and adolescent audiences. Feedback from her students? ‘One of the most inspiring professors they have encountered.’
'Bringing what's written on the page to life with just your voice.' - Therese Plummer
This week's conversation is with a very inspiring woman, Therese Plummer. Therese has performed over 400 audiobooks.
The performance of audiobooks and a candid conversation
A very candid conversation with an amazing actor, storyteller and all around extraordinary woman. Therese has helped many of us to be able to escape, even for just a little while during these wild times. Amazing, but it was her mother who pushed her into this field.
But her mother was a librarian! Storytelling without using expressions or moving or using your hands? How can you tell a story with just your voice? A wild child and teenager - really? She's been to the bottom - how did she clean herself up? Crisis Center, Drama Therapy and conveying the emotional life and journey of each character. Bringing books alive for those who have trouble reading. What's next? Meet Therese Plummer
Therese Plummer is an actor and award-winning audiobook performer. She has recorded over 400 audiobooks for a variety of publishers. Therese won the 2019 Audie Award for her work on the Multicast Sadie by Courtney Summers. She was nominated for the Multicast Any Man by Amber Tamblyn and for her solo narration for the Rogue Planets Shaken by Lee W. Brainard. In addition, Therese was awarded for her work on Sourdough by Robin Sloan by the American Library Association as part of the 2018 Listen List: Outstanding Audiobook Narration for Adult Listeners.
You may recognize Therese as the voice of Maya Hansen in the Marvel Graphic Motion Comic Ironman Extremis, Dr. Fennel in Pokemon and various Yu-Gi-Oh characters. And let's not forget her Television Guest Star Roles on the Good Wife, Law and Order SVU and the Netflix series Virgin River.
Therese spent five years as an adolescent counselor where she used Drama Therapy techniques in individual and group settings. As a result of her years as a counselor, Therese is able to bring to characters to life in a very real way. She shares a passion of creating, helping and entertaining Therese recently adopted a rescue named Butterfingers. She now lives in Bloomfield, New Jersey with her husband and of course, Butterfingers.
Goodbye 2020...Hello 2021
The New Year is almost here. Yes, two days from today. The last few months have been tumultuous to say the least. Baking and jigsaw puzzling were among the craze. For me it was connections - old and new. Connecting with extraordinary and inspiring women - a diverse group of women from all over the world. And a diverse group of topics to have conversations about. Happy, sad, inspiring and candid, we were let into their lives.
What does 2021 hold for us? I'm going to predict that 2021 will bring us hope and inspiration from extraordinary and inspiring women - women who are making a difference in our world!
I want to thank all of you who have come along for this amazing journey!
Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!
CrunchyTales.com
Michela Di Carlo is the founder of CrunchyTales.com. A ‘Late Bloomers’ Advocate, Michela is on a mission to reset the meaning of middle age. And so many women get stuck thinking about the number instead of thinking about the opportunities. The opportunity to find their ‘sassiness.’
Meet Michela Di Carlo
A Manchester-based content producer and presenter specializing in lifestyle, food, arts and travel, Michela founded CrunchyTales.com , a digital lifestyle magazine, dedicated to bright women over 40. Michela is a Late Bloomers' Advocate. Her mission is to reset the meaning of middle age.
Michela is a former feature writer for the most influential Italian National Newspaper La Repubblica. Nominated twice for the International Journalism Festival Award (Travel Section), Michela has run several digital editorial projects including marketing campaigns. In addition, Michela is a speaker and hosts several 'road shows' around the UK promoting the Italian way of life.
A conversation
A conversation that women should listen to, because – hey – it’s never too late to bloom.
Crunchy Tales - A virtual playground for midlife Why a digital lifestyle magazine? Redefining middle age Browsing the gallery You're never too old There's so much to be discovered Menopause is not the end of the world Bring out your sassiness Melding sassy and classy
Just Hang On - that's what we're doing. I decided to release the Just Hang On webinar from last week because this discussion made such a phenomenal impact on me and the women who attended. These women really broke down what is important right now for us and how we need to remain positive as we live through these next couple of months.
I spoke with Elizabeth Bryan-Jacobs, Debbie Gravitte, Kristen Jensen and Kitt Shapiro, all Just Hanging On and staying positive. Artist, Performer, Content Creator and Small Business Owner. How the pandemic has affected them both personally and professionally. And the message - Just Hang On.
At 64, Renée is taking a 1956 Porsche 356A to Antarctica to raise awareness about child trafficking. Talk about a road trip of a lifetime! Her goal is to have raced in all seven continents. Antarctica will be the final continent for Renée to complete that amazing goal.
Renée turned her hobby into Valkyrie Racing and then launched Project 356 World Rally Tour, raising awareness about child trafficking along with money to help fight it. She has worked with aid groups around the world including Kenya's HAART Foundation in Kenya and The Exodus Road in Colorado.
And all of this started after raising her four children eight years ago.
Let’s combine the above with chance meetings, decisions that incorporate courage and a woman in her mid-fifties. After raising and homeschooling her four children, Renée remembered something that had been percolating in her head since she was 17 years old. 17 years old, her father and a VW Beetle. She figured it would be a one-time thing. What had been percolating? How about racing…Rally Car Racing to be more specific. And why not? The one thing that Renee could not fathom happening was to go to her death bed regretting that she had never tried.
Rally racing, one of the only woman Champion Rally Race Car Driver, working undercover with the FBI and advocating to stop child trafficking internationally and she’s 64.
That thought in her head led to helping so many.
This week I talk with Renée Brinkerhoff, a woman who didn't have to take the chances that she does at 64. A woman who is more than a little inspiring.
A VW Beetle The one liner in her head A chance meeting with an undercover FBI agent Her first race Winning as a woman Her Valkyrie racing team Why she chose advocating against child trafficking The treacherous terrain Her undercover work $1 million dollar goal One more continent to conquer Antarctica and what that means
Leslie Gray Streeter is Black and Baptist, her late husband Scott was White and Jewish. They had met back in 9th grade when they were both in the same high school. They reconnected some 20 years later through Facebook. It didn’t take them long for them to fall in love and marry.
We were both very respectful of each other's backgrounds and faiths because we respected our own and I think we saw that in each other. And it never seemed like a conflict. It never seemed insurmountable. So the differences made it all the more sweet. The difference made… this was something else to learn about; I could learn about Kugel and he could learn about gospel music and we learned about each other's things and that to me is exciting.
The Black Widow
They had only been married for five years when in 2015 Scott died suddenly of a heart attack. Leslie had been laying right next to him. They had also been in the final stages of adopting their son, Brooks.
A veteran journalist and writer, her story needed to be told. And so ‘The Black Widow: A Sad-Funny Journey Through Grief for People Who Normally Avoid Books With Words Like “Journey” in the Title’ was written, a heartwarming, love story that has all the real-life elements of love, heartbreak, and laughter.
It’s the story of the religious and racial obstacles that they overcame and how Leslie navigated grief after losing Scott so suddenly. And of course, busting stereotypes on how she was supposed to act.
Tender, true, and endearingly hilarious, Black Widow is a story about the power of love, and how the only guide book for recovery is the one you write yourself.
Meet Leslie
Leslie is an author, speaker and journalist who has written for O, The Oprah Magazine The Palm Beach Post, Modern Loss, The Sweet Midlife with Lynne and Leslie, and New Musical Express. She has been featured on Huffington Post, FoxNews.com, in the Miami Herald, The New York Times as well as other sites. Leslie is a playwright a well having written 'The Gift of the Mad Guy'.
'Black Widow', her memoir was released in March of 2020, right before the pandemic hit and has been named a top pick by Glamour, The New York Post and others.
Having just moved back to her hometown of Baltimore along with her son, Brooks, Leslie is currently Senior Director at Laurel Strategies, a D.C. based CEO and C-Suite advisory firm.
Candid and heartwarming This week I talk with Leslie Gray Streeter, candid and heartwarming... Navigating and embracing differences Busting stereotypes Overcoming racial and religious obstacles 'New Widow Lifestyle' Integrating tradition with her own need and belief Finalizing the adoption of their son The journey of writing her story James Patterson - a big fan
The Avid Gardener
Sue Stuart-Smith, is an avid gardener, a psychoanalytic psychotherapist and the author of The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature. Don’t let the title fool you; you do not have to be a gardener to read this powerful book, but you may want to become one after you have. You may discover the mental health benefits that come with tending a plot or just a plant.
Really, just a plant and your mental well-being?
'Nature's power of restoration and natural beauty is very sustaining.'
Sue Stuart-Smith is a prominent psychiatrist and psychotherapist and of course, an avid gardener. She took her degree in English literature before becoming a doctor. Sue worked in the National Health Service where she became the lead clinician for psychotherapy in Hertfordshire. Currently, Sue teaches at The Tavistock Clinic in London is a consultant to the DocHealth service. Married to Tom Stuart-Smith, the celebrated garden designer for over thirty years, the avid gardeners created the wonderful Barn Garden in Hertsfordshire.
Can growing something actually help one’s mental well-being? Does nature really have restorative powers? And does a garden need to be more than the plant that you can fit on your windowsill?
‘Long before I wanted to be a psychiatrist, long before I had any inkling that gardening might play an important role in my life, I remember hearing he story of how my grandfather was restored after the First World War.’ Sue’s grandfather had been a prisoner of war and had suffered tremendous trauma. She would learn that his recovery started in 1920 when he enrolled in a horticulture course.
Not just a gal from New Jersey. The Black Fairy Godmother.
The Black Fairy Godmother, Simone Gordon, is not just a gal from New Jersey. She's a community organizer in New Jersey for black African American and Latino families. Simone is a mother of an autistic child, motivational speaker, special needs advocate, and domestic violence resource specialist. She also serves as the Executive Director for the nonprofit organization House 581Inc based in East Orange, New Jersey.
Simone utilizes social media to provide emergency assistance to domestic violence victims, send groceries, emergency medical supplies, baby formula, low funded tuition, rental assistance and household essentials to help families get back on track. She regularly provides assistance for special needs schools/centers and support families to achieve their GED. Her proud moment is her inaugural event, The Purple Diamond Awards where she was able to honor fellow Domestic Violence survivors and activists championing this cause including Carol Maraj, Andria Mayberry & Luisa Diaz from Fox 5 and many more including the LGBT community. She is endorsed and receives support from many celebrities including acclaimed author Elizabeth Gilbert. Simone’s mission is to replace the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Replacing the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Simone and her team of volunteers do not just help with a specific emergency and then leave. They do so much more by helping these women get out of emergency mode. Even having them make a vision board. “I'm going to help you with this emergency. However, we're going to get you stabilized because you can't continue to be in the same predicament that you are in. Where do you see yourself? Do you need job placement? Do you need job training? Or do you want to go to school? Maybe you need babysitting services? Do you want a car? Would you like to open a business? So I just tried to dream with them.”
“So I make them think the same way these women had me think and I get them to stability and that's where the testimony comes; ‘Yes, she changed my life and made me think out the box.’ I'm not saying these women are rich, but they're stabilized. They have jobs. They’re in school. They're eating healthy, their children are healthy. They're housed.”
Soon it will be Thanksgiving and assisting women in need.
This week's episode is so right for this time of year. In a little over a week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving and what could be more appropriate than celebrating a woman who is assisting women in finding the missing pieces and self respect. And saving so many.
A candid conversation with a woman who is without question, a fairy godmother to so many Black and Brown women.
How 4 women changed her life and her path Instagram, getting noticed by acclaimed author Elizabeth Gilbert and the growth overnight to over 37,000 followers Not just a handout - how Simone gives women the self esteem and replaces the missing pieces of their puzzle On being a Domestic Violence Resource Covid hit hard - how is Simone managing
You can find out more about Simone here.
Hazell Jacobs goes by the saying ‘Keep Calm and Carry On.' Hazell lives in London. Over 80 years of travelling with her late husband, saw Hazell accumulating hundreds of scarves. Each scarf holds a story. When the pandemic hit, Hazel knew that there were many people having a difficult time adjusting to this new reality.
Finding herself stuck in lockdown back in March, Hazell made a plan to start blogging. Mind you, Hazell had never blogged before. At 87, living alone since the death of her beloved husband in 2004, Hazell hatched her plan with the help of her granddaughter, Ella, a graphic designer. Ella built her a website and on March 26th Hazell chose one of her scarves from her bottomless collection of scarves, and blogged her very 1st blog. And Hazell became Scarf Aid, Busy Bee Blogger Hazell.
The reaction could be heard around the world, literally. Comments came from all over. They were comments of joy, laughter and happy tears. Hazell has managed to touch people when they most need touching. One blog every day for 100 days straight. One hundred days of choosing a scarf and writing the true story behind it. Always with humor, always bringing back memories and touching so many. These days she has gone to one a week, with everyone waiting patiently for Sunday’s for her newest blog. You never know where it may take you. Hazell continues to 'Keep calm and carry on.'
Kara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water, and the author of Undaunted, Overcoming Doubts & Doubters. She is an active speaker & writer and hosts the podcast Unstoppable with Kara Goldin where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs and other disruptors across various industries.
Kara turned her unsweetened flavored water into one of the most successful beverage businesses of our time, as a result, she has been named one of six business disruptors. And let's not forget, she's also one of InStyle's Badass 50, Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business, Fortune's Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs and EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California.
Our conversation turns to her complete journey from going cold-turkey on diet Coca-Cola to her dislike of plain water to her search for flavored water. That is, flavored water with no sugar added. Becoming an entrepreneur was not a plan, figuring out how to disrupt the beverage industry and create an unsweetened flavored water resulted in Hint® water.
Were there setbacks? Were there fears to overcome? Was she told that it was an impossible goal? Yes to all of these questions, but that did not stop Kara who has forged a path for future entrepreneurs who may feel that simple can't make it. And there's more...sunscreen, deodorant, hand sanitizer and masks. All helping to put people on a path to healthier living.
Love, loss, healing, camping, adventure, misadventure and that RV
Laura Fahrenthold is a former NY Daily News crime reporter. She has worked as a government press secretary, private investigator and content editor at Woman's World Magazine for over two decades.
Her memoir, 'The Pink Steering Wheel Chronicles, A Love Story' has been ranked as a 'Top 20 Hot Pick' on Amazon. Laura has appeared on national television and her story has been featured on People.com and The New York Post in addition to other news, radio and internet outlets.
Laura Fahrenthold hadn’t given much thought to traveling across the country. That is until she and her two young daughters suffered an unspeakable tragedy, the sudden death of Mark Pittman, husband and father. As a result of looking to find a way to heal, Laura and her daughters embarked on a five year, 31,152 mile adventure across the country. Every summer vacation was spent in their 1993 RV with the pink steering wheel. 31,152 miles as they sprinkled his husband’s ashes across N. America.
The journey came with lots of adventure, misadventures, tears and laughter: Laura's husband - Mark Pittman The evening before Thanksgiving Finding the way and pitching a tent at the beginning 'HaRVey' the RV and a stray dog Spreading his ashes and McDonalds The people you meet Dealing and healing - each in their own way Finding his journal - the surprise
Laura has interviewed more than 60,000 subjects on topics from health parenting and motherhood to fitness and finance. She is a regular contributor to humor writer Erma Bombeck's memorial blog.
Climate change is a crisis and action needs to be taken now. This is not political. The science has been very clear about it. This is a crisis that even for adults, is hard to grasp. So how do we talk to our children about it without freaking them out even though for a lot of us adults, we ourselves, are ‘freaking out’?
I turned to Harriet Sugarman, Founder and Executive Director of “Climate Mama”. Harriet is the author of How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Turning Angst into Action. Harriet’s goal over the last many years is apolitical. And her book directly addresses this goal: to help parents have the conversation with their children about climate change and the fact that we are facing a crisis. Our children are facing a very different future than ours. How do we have the conversation and still maintain hope for ourselves and our children?
Founded in 2009, ClimateMama is an on-line community reaching individuals in over 110 countries and 50 states. Harriet is a professor of Global Climate Change Policy and World Sustainability and Chair of the Climate Reality Project, NYC Metro Chapter. She is a climate policy advisor with many years of experience when it comes to activism on the climate crisis. In 2017, Harriet received the Climate Reality Green Ring Award and she is featured in Al Gore's 2017 book, An Inconvenient Sequel, Truth to Power. Harriet was selected as a 2020 New York City Climate Hero and a 2019 featured speaker at the Global Engagement Summit at United Nations Headquarters. She spent 13 years working with the International Monetary Fund including 10 years as an IMF representative at the United Nations.
A sought after speaker on solutions to the climate crisis, here's a glimpse into this hopeful and inciteful episode with Harriet. Harriet's beginning and her journey It is a crisis Maintaining our own hope and that of our children Talking to children at various stages of life Actions do speak louder than words Truth is easier to deal with Actions that we can take to tackle the climate crisis together
All profits from the sale of How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change will go to support parent, youth and teacher projects on education, advocacy and outreach on the climate crisis. For more information on this program and how to apply you can find the information on ClimateMama.com.
Caroline McBride’s debut novel, Four Seasons at Angelino’s, is a modern day relationship story. It has all of the ingredients that are necessary for making the culinary wonder that we call love:: women’s empowerment, communication, chemistry and more.
In life as in cooking, following recipes doesn’t always give the results that we are looking for. A tweak here or there can add spice in our life. That’s never been truer than in the times we are currently living in. So this week I’ve decided to lighten things up a bit and talk about romance, finding the one and all of the ingredients that go into it.
Caroline McBride and her protagonist Charlotte, take us on a whirlwind escape through Japan, India, France, and Russia and of course, New York City. We follow the recipe for trying to find the one.
Caroline was encouraged by someone very dear to her before he passed away. She was encouraged to venture into writing fiction as a creative outlet influenced by her work experiences and personal escapades around the world.
A conversation with Caroline McBride. We talk about everything... Public Relations and restaurants Travel and escapades Inspiration and drive Journey into writing Empowering women Finding the one Communicating Confidence Ingredients
Caroline Alexa McBride is the Director of Public Relations and Business Development for Serafina Restaurant Group. She spent the past decade marketing, branding and launching restaurants across the globe, as well as consulting for private clients.
Caroline Alexa McBride grew up in sunny Southern California. She remained there for college to earn her B.A. in Political Science at Loyola Marymount University. Caroline holds an M.A. in International Relations from the Universiteit van Amsterdam in The Netherlands where she studied as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar.
‘It never occurs to a woman that she could possibly win and we’re seeing that changing now.’ – Patti Russo
Patti Russo is a nationally recognized leader focused on improving the quality of life for women. An advocate for increasing the number of women in elected office Patti explains that it's not a job for everyone. 2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment – 100 years of women having the right to vote. And 2018 saw an increase in elected women. For Patti, there is much to talk about and this is a very timely time... So we talk about:
The start of her passion for women in politics The vision 1992 - the year of the women - really? 2017 and 'I'm not going to take it anymore' A thick skin and so much more is necessary
MeToo Movement
Are passion and a pulse enough? The increase in younger women and women of color Women's biggest hurdle Golf, country club and the network AIN'T NO STOPPING US NOW
Patti is the Executive Director, Campaign School at Yale University - a non-partisan, issue neutral political campaign training program for women interested in running for public office or campaign management. Based at Yale Law School, the program attracts women from both the United States and internationally.
Patti is also a member of the council of women’s health research at Yale and chairs its Philanthropy and Communications committee.
For over 25 years Patti has held numerous leadership positions in public, private and not for profit organizations centered on increasing the number of women in the political arena. Patti has held leadership positions on federal, state and local political campaigns.
While an undergraduate student at George Washington University, Patti served as an intern to US Congresswoman Bella Abzug – who inspires her to this day.
Michelle Moran - Learning how to cope and faking it till she made it.
Michelle went from living in her car with her 6 month old son, to becoming the pioneer of wearable skincare and a multi-million dollar business. In the middle, she bet it all. Michelle Moran, Founder & Creator of Skineez®, CEO of Legends & Heroes. Skineez® Skincarewear®, which uses patented microencapsulation technology to deliver natural cosmetic ingredients to the skin to firm, tone, and slim.
Twenty years ago she was couch surfing – yes – it’s a thing. Her friends had no idea that she was actually living in her car, a single mom with a six month old son. Learning how to cope and faking it till she made it. Michelle wanted to be a newscaster but was held back from that goal by her dyslexia. She knew she had to be the best that she possibly could be. For Michelle that meant making sure that having dyslexia did not hold her back from a life of giving back. Hiding her literacy issue, Michelle forged ahead. Starting with the creation of Legends and Heroes T-Shirts from her car to the invention of wearable skincare, Michelle has been giving back. And so, even while living in her car, creating Legends and Heroes, Michelle donated part of her proceeds to the children in the inner cities. Did I happen to mention that Michelle’s son is on the autism spectrum?
Where there's a will, there's a way. Rose's son Abram is on the autism spectrum. For Rose Morris, the will to make sure that her son had a safe place to sleep, showed her the way. That way led to the creation of the Safety Sleeper. As a result of her will, parents of children with special needs are sleeping better knowing that their children are safe. Rose did not wait for someone else to solve her problem. Because of her drive, so many families are feeling more secure. Rose created Abram's Nation, a company that with The Safety Sleeper has served over 1500 families.
Recognition for what Rose and her company have created and continue to create,is ongoing. In 2010 Rose received the 40 under 40 award from Pittsburgh Magazine. Abram's Nation has been honored for contributing to the special needs community. In addition to the Safety Sleeper, Rose Co-Founded Fund It Forward. Fund It Forward, is a non-profit Rose created to help families get adaptive equipment not covered by insurance. 2018 saw Rose appointed to the Western Pennsylvania District Export Council. The Pittsburgh Business Times honored Rose with the 2018 Women of Influence Award. And Abram's Nation was awarded the 2017 Exporter of the Year by the Small Business Association.
Rose has adapted and redirected life plans over the years. She has learned to focus on what is important, taking it one day at a time. Rose's mission is simple - providing practical products with real solutions for special needs problems. Rose's vision for Abram's Nation -to be devoted to special needs families around the world.
Find out how it all started and more. A conversation with Rose Morris, Founder & President of Abram's Nation and Co-Founder of Fund It Forward. The beginning, the middle and what's next.
Finding the right fit with Jené Luciani A bra is a very personal item. And the right fit can make all the difference. So how do we demystify the experience of finding the right fit? I turned to the ‘Bra Guru’ Jené Luciani. Yes, the ‘Bra Guru’, author of The Bra Book: An Intimate Guide […]
Theresa Carroll, is a successful business woman who balanced family and career. And she learned how to succeed in a male dominated business.Take a look at the top five women entrepreneurs in Greenwich, CT and you'll find Theresa's name.
Although a graduate of Western Michigan University, Theresa had grown up in an era where a woman's main job was to be good a wife. And so, that's what she set out to do. Two years after her first child was born, the National Organization for Women was founded. The following years saw more women entering the workforce and things were going to change. Itching to do something while her children were in school full time, Theresa made her debut into the world of entrepreneurship.
As a result, in 1991 Theresa became co-owner of Carrol & Calani, a casting company located in New York City. NYC was the ideal location because the commute allowed her to be home to make and enjoy dinner with her family. Career and family balancing act.
Then Theresa found her passion in the hospitality space. And with 1997 came the co-ownership and building of the award winning restaurant Thomas Henkelmann and the Homestead Inn. Theresa applied her business expertise and acumen along with her insight into the international luxury hospitality market. Then she added those skills with her decades of interior design experience and the result was spectacular. Theresa had and continues to create, a modern showcase of elegance, warmth and sophistication.
‘Boy, it’s been an interesting time to be a woman because we’re groundbreaking.’
So how did this mother of seven become a successful business woman?
A successful mother and a successful business woman...here's some of what you'll hear:
Balancing career and family Male aggression Fighting to be listened to Not being afraid to ask Passion Creating the Homestead Inn and Thomas Henkelmann Being assertive, not aggressive Reopening in the midst of the pandemic and what she has control over
Meet Persis ... She just turned 93!
She's taking her daily 2 mile walk! Persis drives her new 2020 pearl white Subaru to wherever she wants to go, pops the hatchback, pulls out her walker and off she goes!
Persis is a woman who keeps busy. She defies the myths - she's on social media, she texts and she Zooms. And yes - there's the 2 mile daily walks. These days she does divide them into two 1 mile walks, morning and afternoon. Her knee replacement less than two years ago slowed her down just a little. Or so she says.
We talked about how Covid has changed her life and how she makes sure to stay positive and engaged. Persis saw how so many single women in her retirement village appeared to be depressed during the three months that they were quarantined. She made it a point to reach out to them, to let them know that they were not alone.
To pass some of the time, Persis was on Facebook tracking down old friends and acquaintances. If they were no longer around, she found their relatives and delighted them with stories that she shared. In either case, they laughed, they cried and they connected. Persis keeps in touch with them, it's never a one-off. You'll hear how she tracked down one after a month long search. Because of her perseverance, she now has a new friend in Arizona.
Persis and her late husband Bill started Appplewild, an Independent elementary day school in Massachusetts. Persis taught in the Newtown Massachusetts public schools, the Chapin School in New York City and was the Director of Admissions at the Windsor School in Boston, A graduate of Vassar College, Persis is the proud mom of Liz, a physician in Maine, Bill, a venture capitalist in Florida and Tom, Director of Financial Operations at a NYC non-profit. And let's not forget that she is grandmother to seven.
Hear the rhythm. Feel the beat. Music has the ability to move you no matter what kind you listen to. On sunny days, rainy days, blue days, whether happy or sad, there is something to be said for hearing the rhythm and feeling the beat.
Debbie Shapiro Gravitte is a Broadway star, Tony Award winning actress, singer and dancer with both Grammy and Emmy nominations. Debbie is also a producer and Founder of the All-Female Production Company Group5Productions. And I am delighted to say, Debbie is my guest this week.
Debbie won her Tony for Jerome Robbin's Broadway and is one of Broadway's biggest personalities. She made her debut in the original cast of They're Playing Our Song and went on to appear in Perfectly Frank (Drama Desk Award Nomination), Blues in the Night, Ain't Broadway Grand, Zorba, Chicago and Les Miserables. Debbie has been in the Encore's series productions of 'The Boys From Syracuse', 'Tenderloin' and 'Carnival' at New York City's City Center.
She's performed her nightclub act worldwide, from New York's 54 Below to London's Pizza on the Park. Debbie is a favorite with Symphony audiences and has sung with over 175 Orchestras around the world. There's more. Debbie co-starred on the CBS series 'Trial and Error' and has starred in several PBS specials. Debbie also has four solo CD's to her credit. I almost forgot, you can find Debbie in the Bette Midler movie 'Isn't She Great'.
Daring to be different
For Martina Kwan, born in Hong Kong to a German mother and Chinese father, being different started right there. Martina was 8 years old when the sounds of war were surrounding her and her family in war torn Beirut, Lebanon. The next 2 years of her young life would be the defining years that have led Martina to living fearlessly.
Is it ever too late to try something new? Think again. At the age of 50 Martina took her hobby of race car driving up a notch, and became the world’s only Female Chinese/European race car driver. Did I mention that she is a three time champion? That’s 3-time champion in a male-dominated racing category in her Porsche 911.
By now you must know that this is not all that Martina has accomplished. She worked for some of the biggest finance and accounting firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG. And she was Senior Management for the Ian Schrager properties. Not finished yet…Martina became an entrepreneur, winning Telly and Emmy awards for the first company she founded, So! Animation. A candid conversation about daring to be different. Daring to be different and how an Arabian horse changed a hobby into a champion.
2018 was an explosion of women running for office, approximately 256 women candidates. And at least 90 of those women were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Among those women was a 32 year old woman named Katie Hill.
When Katie Hill was asked about running for Congress in 2017, it wasn’t something that she had been contemplating. She had a successful career as …… and she had no prior experience with politics. But after the 2016 election, she decided, Why Not?
Katie was among the youngest members of the historic freshman class that flipped the house and the first openly bisexual member of Congress. But that’s not all. Katie was elected by her colleagues to be the Freshman Co-Representative of Leadership. A position that meant that Katie worked directly with Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House.
And then the world came crashing down. Scandal, nude photos and a relationship with a campaign staffer had her resigning from office. The photos had been taken by her now ex-husband without her consent and published in what can only be called, revenge. The relationship with a campaign staffer was poor judgement, as Katie has admitted.
Schools all over the country are scrambling to figure out how to open due to the pandemic. Several months have passed since schools closed and went to online teaching. For many students and parents it has been a difficult transition. Now think about all of the parents with special needs children and their children. Regina Skyer has spent her career advocating for the education of children with disabilities. And the pandemic has brought even more attention to their struggles.
When does a parent start to advocate for their child? What can a parent do? Are there actual resources? I turned to Regina Skyer, founder of Skyer Law, a special education law firm. Their sole purpose: advocating, mediating and litigating on behalf of children with special education needs.
Regina is a leading special education lawyer. After a fifteen-year career as a social worker and special education administrator, she entered the City University of New York Public Interest Law School for the sole purpose of working with special needs children and their families. Prior to opening her practice, Regina worked as a pro-bono volunteer attorney at Advocates for Children. In 2015 she published a resource for parents of preschool age children, How to Survive Turning 5: The handbook for NYC parents of special needs children.
Patricia Walsh Chadwick's 'Little Sister' You can't imagine.
Imagine being a 6 year old girl and you and your siblings are no longer allowed to live with your parents. Now imagine not being able to call them Mom and Dad. How about not being allowed to speak to them even if they walked by you? Now imagine being cruelly punished because you spoke to a boy. Keep imagining – you are now 17 and “kicked out” of the only place you have lived. You’re thrown into a world you know nothing about. You're told its a world of sin and danger. No, you do not even know how to use a telephone. Imagine that as you are writing your story, it takes your daughter putting a word on that place you lived for those 17 years.
Did you guess it? The word is CULT. You won’t find that word in Patricia’s memoir. Listen as Patricia tells her story that at times can be impossible to fathom. The story of intelligent men and women and their children, Little Sisters and Little Brothers, and the cult-like community that was led by an excommunicated Catholic priest, Leonard Feeney and a very sadistic nun, Sister Catherine.
‘My story is about family that may have been separated but couldn’t be broken.’
Patricia Walsh Chadwick did learn how to make a phone call. By working as a teacher and taking out loans, Patricia graduated summa cum laude from Boston University and started her career in finance. Ms. Chadwick is the founder and president of Ravengate Partners LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to providing businesses and non-profit institutions with education and advice about the financial markets and the global economy. Patricia lives in Greenwich, CT with her husband of more than 35 years and their two children.
Everyone wants to get out right now (even if we can't), and the bestselling debut Life of the Party by Tea Hacic-Vlahovic is the perfect escape. It-girl Tea Hacic-Vlahovic's many hats include writer/columnist for Wired, Vice (among others), performer, comedian, TV host, and filmmaker.
Tea is a smart, fun, exciting presence, and her true-life adventures inspired a book you won't put down until you finish! A welcome respite, not to mention, some great stories! Think Fear and loathing in Las Vegas...
What are outgoing people--people who love being social--doing to manage isolation and shelter in place? Millions at home feel stir crazy right now and can't get out, especially people who love restaurants, parties and nightlife. Tea lets us in on ways to infuse some energy and fun into our nights at home. Social media and creativity- Tea discusses how creative people can survive using a variety of platforms from Instagram live to Zoom. Virtual social life- Everyone needs to connect with people, and Tea is a master at using every platform available to reach out to people. From Zoom parties to Facebook to Instagram and Snapchat, Tea illuminates the many ways to "see" people, stay safe and still have a good time. From party girl to professional, you don't have to wear sweats and look dumpy to be comfortable at home and online. Tea offers some easy tips to looking good and making the most out of your online visits.
Tea Hacic-Vlahovic is a Croatian-American writer based in Los Angeles. Formerly a columnist for Vice and Wired Italy, contributing editor of Wonderland Magazine, director of Bullett TV and contributor to i-D, Dazed, Oyster, Flaunt and Autre Magazine. She's the founder and creative director of a satirical art magazine based in Milan called STAI ZITTA.
Dr. Foster is the author of “The Turnaway Study: Ten Years, A Thousand Women, And The Consequences of Having – Or Being Denied – An Abortion.” The study compares the physical health, mental health, financial circumstances and family life of these two groups of women. And that the assumption that women feel regret, is not correct. In fact, the study showed that 95% of women who receive an abortion later reported that it was the right decision for them.
The author led a ten-year study of a thousand women, comparing those who received abortions shortly before reaching a state’s gestational limit with those who did not—because they didn’t learn early enough that they were pregnant, couldn’t travel to a provider, or couldn’t afford the escalating costs of a later abortion. Drawing on her research and on first-person narratives, the book illustrates how women denied abortions were more likely to struggle financially, suffer domestic violence, and experience short-term anxiety, while women who obtained abortions tended to experience better physical and mental health. One woman, reflecting on an abortion that enabled her to focus on her teen-age daughter and find a job, says, “It’s an ordinary life, but it’s an extravagant, wonderful ordinary life.”
Diana is a professor and demographer who uses quantitative models and analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of family planning policies and the effect of unwanted pregnancy on women’s lives. She leads the Turnaway Study, a nationwide longitudinal prospective study of the health and well-being of women who seek abortion including both women who do and do not receive the abortion. She is collaborating with scientists on a Nepal Turnaway Study. Dr. Foster has worked on the evaluation of the California State family planning program, Family PACT. This work demonstrated the effectiveness of the program in reducing the incidence of unintended pregnancy and the effect of dispensing a one year supply of contraception. Dr. Foster created a new methodology for estimating pregnancies averted based on a Markov model and a microsimulation to identify the cost-effectiveness of advance provision of emergency contraception. In 2017, Dr. Foster received the Robert A. Hatcher Family Planning Mentor Award by the Society of Family Planning; a transcript of her acceptance speech is available here. Dr. Foster received her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, her MA and PhD in Demography and Public Policy from Princeton University.
Women, Business and Entrepreneurship - Does everyone fit the description? So what does it take? What are the obstacles that women face? Fran answers these questions and much more.
Finding herself a single mom with very jobs available, Fran took the bull by the horn. Fran embarked on her own venture and founded Connecticut Business Development Center. And CBDC is a leading organization championing female entrepreneurship and women’s economic equity. The council provides training, education and access to capital for women entrepreneurs and business owners.
Fran’s background is quite extensive. She served a 3-year term as an appointed member to the President’s National Women’s Business Council (NWBC). In addition, Fran serves on the Board of Women Impacting Public Policy. In conjunction with the U.S. State Department and University of Connecticut’s Office of Global Affairs, Fran taught women entrepreneurs in rural Costa Rica financial management and business strategies. She has served as a US Delegate to the 2015 Istanbul Women’s Summit. Over the past two years Fran has testified before the U.S. Congress on multiple occasions and was instrumental in the passage of legislation benefiting women entrepreneurs.
Caroline Labouchere was living a fabulous life until she wasn’t. Always counting on her husband to provide, a rude awakening came the day that he was no longer employed. Caroline’s husband worked for the British Army which had always provided them with a secure lifestyle. He had taken a post in Dubai. All was great until the post no longer existed. Caroline had made the choice years before to be a wife and mother and leave the providing to her husband. Except now, through no fault of his own, he wasn’t providing. How did Caroline go from anger and fright taking control of her life? On this week’s podcast I talk with Caroline about taking control of your life. It’s possible at any age. Caroline had never been a model, but at 54 she became the grey ambassador and model who has been on the cover of British Vogue 8 times.
Olivia Wells has spent her life being an advocate for human rights. Specifically the human rights of women. Olivia advocates for survivors of genocide and sexual violence. She is the director of Programs & Impact Nadia’s Initiative. The initiative actively works to persuade governments and international organizations to support the sustainable redevelopment of the Yazidi homeland. Nadia Murad is the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and co-founder of Nadia’s Initiative. In 2014, Nadia was among the many kidnapped when ISIS attacked her homeland. Nadia did manage to escape.
Olivia Wells has her Master’s degree in Human Rights Law. Her expertise is in gender-based violence, international criminal law, and genocide prevention with a regional focus on the Middle East. Over the past six years, she has worked with several European and American NGOs. She has worked on the ground with marginalized communities in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southern Africa to help implement community led development. She has also worked with refugee aid programs in Southern Europe and is responsible for initiating several psychosocial support projects for refugees in Athens, Greece.
We talk about what drove Olivia to human rights, how she met Nadia Murad, the programs that they have planned and the affect of the pandemic.
Gayle Kabaker, is a world renowned artist and freelance illustrator. Gayle powerfully captures the essence of empowering women on canvas. And in 2019 she was asked to do just that. But it wasn't just one woman or even a couple of women. The project,100 women in just over a year. 100 portraits on canvas: ‘Vital Voices: 100 Women Using Their Power to Empower.’ The women are from all over the world. There's a mixture of household names and unsung heroines in the front lines of change. Among the portraits: Leah Lizarondo, co-founder of 412 Food Rescue, Nadia Murad, human rights advocate and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx.
Gayle is a freelance illustrator covering everything from fashion and general illustration, to animation, logo and brand development. Her work has graced the cover of New Yorker magazine four times. Gayle's first New Yorker magazine cover was, 'June Brides' celebrating gay marriage in 2012. In addition to painting, Gayle has written, directed and produced two award winning 5 minute movies – The Great Ashfield Pancaper and Pandcaper 2 – Mr. Jones Strikes Back. Gayle graduated from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. She moved to Western Massachusetts over 30 years ago with her husband artist Peter Kitchell.
What if we never had any expectations? How would we know what our limits were? Would we ever know if we had exceeded our limits?
And what if we stopped perceiving that we couldn’t? And now what if we stopped perceiving that they couldn’t?
Limitless possibilities is what No Limits Cafe is all about. Based on the belief that adults with Intellectual Disabilities can be successful and relevant, Stephanie Cartier and her husband Mark set out to prove just that. No Limits Cafe is a new-concept eatery, a 501 (c) (3) employing and training people with intellectual disabilities. Their motto: Eat Well – Do Good. By the time they opened, they had 33 trained and ready to go. All 33 are adults with intellectual disabilities.
How did a former portfolio advisor and stay-at-home-mom decide that this was her next chapter?
In this crazy world we seem to be connected 24/7/365. So what would happen if we took some time off? Maybe start with an hour or jump right to a day.
Sounds scary? Tiffany Shlain, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and author of '24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week' does just that. For the last 10 years, Tiffany and her family have unplugged one day a week, from Friday night to Saturday night. It's been a way for her family to make an oasis for themselves and focus on what matters.
Tiffany explains how this came about and why it is so important, especially in these times of unease and unknown. We talk about unplugging, her documentaries, Challah baking via Zoom and so much more.
Tiffany is the founder of the Webby Awards, and Co-Founder & Executive Director of Let It Ripple Film Studio. She has won over 80 awards and distinctions for her films and work, including selection for the Albert Einstein Foundation's initiative Genius: 100 Visions For the Future. And she's been named by Newsweek as 'one of the women shaping the 21st century.'
Four of her films have premiered at Sundance, including her acclaimed feature documentary 'Connected: An Autobiography about Love, Death & Technology.' Her film '50/50: Rethinking the Past, Present and Future of Women + Power' premiered live at TEDWomen. Her films and art installations have shown at museums including MoMA NYC and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
Tiffany lives in Northern California with her husband and collaborator Ken Goldberg and their two daughters Odessa and Blooma.
Alka Joshi’s mother married at 18 in an arranged marriage, as was the custom in India in the 1950’s. The choice was not hers. But what if she had fled and not married? What if she had been able to make her own choices? The Henna Artist is Alka’s story of what if. Ten years of research, ten years in the writing and we have the story of one woman’s journey to be self-made and discover herself. Choices that we have and those we don’t have or didn’t have, Alka expresses it all through the artistry in The Henna Artist.
Alka Joshi’s debut novel is on the New York Times Bestseller List, Reese Witherspoon’s May Book club pick and one of Ms. Magazine’s ‘8 Books That Will Transport You’. Born in the desert state of Rajasthan in India, her family immigrated to America in 1967. Alka has lived in India, Italy and France. She and her husband currently live in California. Alka earned her BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts in San Francisco. Alka has spent over 30 years in marketing and is the CEO of Alka Joshi Marketing.
This week I talk with two different women, each making an impact in these crazy times. One who is spreading Happiness and the other, Gratitude.
Donna VanderPoel, Creator of Stamford CT Rocks, Mother, Student, Former Teacher and 'I Spy'. 'I Spy this, I Spy that' was a game that Donna noticed so many parents were repeatedly doing with their children. The pandemic and social distancing were having parents pull from their childhood. An oldie and sometime goodie, Donna thought that there had to be something a little better. And so, Stamford CT Rocks was born. Yes, rock painting, hiding rocks, and finding the hidden rocks was not new. But this was different, it was taking place on social media for her New England town of Stamford, CT during a pandemic. Within 3 weeks Stamford CT Rocks had over 738 members. And its members now include people from near and far. Seems that spreading happiness and bringing smiles to people, is not a small thing.
Lauren Zajac, Chief Legal Officer for WorkHuman, single full time working mom of 3, stumbled at the beginning. Twin teenage girls and a fifteen year old son, home schooling, working from home and running the house, just a slight change to her her daily life. Lauren discovered the opportunity to gain a balanced perspective due to the pandemic. Her children were deputized, yes deputized. Life may not always be perfect and days may be different than planned but Lauren took a deep breadth and realized that this could be the time to take a pause, look around and be grateful for things that she taken for granted. Gratitude is what Lauren is spreading. Her journey has not always been easy and the house may be messy at times, but even when life is not all roses, gratitude is what has led to her success. She is sharing her journey.
Both women are spreading happiness and gratitude during these strange times. Two things that can sometimes make days easier, even for just a little while.