The Illuminate Podcast

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The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Steven Covey

Episode 139: Helmi Ansari – Choices that determine the course of our lives Dec 10, 2022

Helmi Ansari and his business Grosche International are changing the World through business. Groshe is a brand built with the purpose to raise money to fund clean water projects. This business grew from the laundry room, to the living room, garage and now on to their 8th warehouse expansion.

After being on the trajectory of living the corporate dream he was challenged to talk on a new sustainability project at work and a couple of years later his family had a life changing experience when they almost loosing his 10 month of daughter. This changed how he looked at everything he was doing in his life.

Moments of sparks where we make certain choices that determine the course of the rest of our lives. From a small start up in his laundry room, Grosche is now a leading BCORP organization committed to sustainability, paying employees fair wages AND providing clean water to those in need.

Show Notes:

Grosche International

Start with Why – Simon Sinek

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Episode 138: Do the Thing! with Jess Hofheimer Nov 23, 2022

Have you ever had to practice something? There’s nothing quite like taking the time to practice and reaping the benefits – but what about when that journey of practicing becomes boring, we lose motivation, or worse, it just stops happening?

In this conversation we talk to artist, runner, entrepreneur/owner of “Pace of Me” and “We Run on Art,” Jess Hofheimer about her incredible (and inspiring business) Pace of Me. Specifically, we look at how running and art are both practices – paths to self-discovery and self-belief and how we can find ways to celebrate all along the process of practicing.

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show Notes:

http://www.paceofme.com

About

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Episode 137: Erin Tarr – Equipping Young Girls with Confidence Oct 26, 2022

Erin Tarr is a Confidence Coach for teen and tween girls and creator of the fierce&flourish empowerment program and a thought leader in the youth confidence space.

Erin’s twenty year career in education and personal development serving tweens, teens, and moms led her to be named among Central Illinois Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40. She has led countless Confidence Building workshops with girl scout troops, athletic teams, and youth groups.

Erin’s leadership programs have impacted more than a thousand girls and young women of all backgrounds across the country by helping them overcome self-doubt and everyday anxiety, while discovering their most authentic self. As a coach she empowers tween girls, helping them overcome their negative self talk and discover the unique ways they can change the world through her FIERCEST Framework.

Photo credit: Holly Birch Photography

Show notes:

Big Magic

Rising Troublemaker

Erin’s Website

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Book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Episode 136: Elevate, No One Gets There Alone with Crystal Auguste Oct 12, 2022

With a mission of “Building long-term life-changing relationship with urban youth equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community,” Elevate programs are popping up across the country and making a big impact! Elevate Savannah’s unique, relationship-based approach employs full-time staff who represent the community they serve. Part teacher, part mentor, part life coach, our dedicated team members make themselves available 24/7 to build relationships with students. The strength of these relationships is developed through four key program components: Accredited classes, Mentoring, Adventure, and College and Career preparation.

In this conversation, we talk with Elevate Savannah Executive Director, Crystal Auguste as she shares ways we can all make a positive community impact. Together, we explore the Elevated ways and impact and how you can learn from their approaches and get involved to “elevate” your community as well!

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show Notes:

www.elevatesavannah.org

www.elevatetheusa.org

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Healthy New Albany Website

Episode 135: Hollie Hughes – 50 Miles with Jonah in his Team Hoyt Chair Sep 28, 2022

Today on the podcast is a crossover from my podcast for runners, the I’ll Have Another Podcast. My guest is Hollie Hughes. Hollie is an incredible woman. She is the mother of four and she pushes her son Jonah, who has Cerebral Palsy, in a Team Hoyt chair. He is 12 now and she has been pushing him since he was a baby. Jonah and Holly run so many miles and races together. It is such a unique relationship and way to experience races. Holly runs really fast running Jonah and Jonah is her biggest cheerleader. She has run a sub-3 hour marathon while pushing Jonah. Most recently, Jonah and Hollie ran a 50 mile race and ran it in 7 hours and 53 minutes. We cover a wide range of topics in this episode.

Trigger warning: at the beginning of the episode, we do discuss some pretty severe mental health struggles and the topic of suicide attempts does come up in this episode.

What we talked about:

4:20- Breaking the Guiness Book of World Records for the half marathon while pushing a chair

6:10- Who Jonah is and what Hollie and Jonah do together

7:55- What the Hoyt chair means to Hollie and Jonah

12:25- Hollie’s diagnosis with Addison’s disease

18:15- Being present with all of her kids

23:40- Sending her daughter off to college

28:45- Walking through a divorce

35:15- Hollie’s career

36:20- Advocating for Jonah

42:05- Her strength training routine

47:15- Hollie’s training and the recent 50 miler

1:08:20- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Do Hard Things

Hollie on Instagram

Episode 134 – Music Therapy 101 & How We Can Utilize the Power of Music with Kourtney Tigner Sep 14, 2022

Have you heard of the benefits of music therapy or just interested in listening to an inspiring story? This episode features Kourtney Tigner, a board-certified music therapist who most recently worked for Hospice Savannah. Kourtney finds her passion in providing comfort and compassion to those facing end-of-life issues and their families through music.

In this episode, we talk about her journey to music therapy, defining the job, what it looks like, and how everyone can benefit from this field.

A rebroadcast from @DrEmmyB music pod, “Music (ed) Matters.”

Other links and things from this episode:

hospicesavannah.org

musictherapy.org

Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy by Russell Hilliard: https://www.amazon.com/Hospice-Palliative-Care-Music-Therapy/dp/0977027813

Dying Well: Peace and Possibilities by Ira Byock: https://www.amazon.com/Dying-Well-Peace-Possibilities-Life/dp/1573226572

Episode 133: Angela Douglas – Importance of movement and showing the way by doing the thing Aug 31, 2022

Angela Douglas is the Executive Director for Healthy New Albany which is an organization that promotes wellness in Ohio. They have toddler in nature programs, nourish cooking lessons, a food pantry, and five races throughout the year that help fund their programming. They also have a virtual kids marathon where you do 26 miles over an 8 week period. She started the food pantry in her garage when she was pregnant and had a 1.5 year old. It is really cool to hear how all of that evolved. She also served in the army for 4 years and in this episode she shares how that shaped how she views life everyday and feels a pull to make an impact in what she does.

In this episode, we get to hear about finding ways to give our kids perspective, kids in sports and athletics and the importance of moving our bodies.

Photo credit: James Decamp

What we talked about:

3:10- Introduction to Angela

4:15- Her inspiration to join the army and how her experience inspired her to give back

9:40- Teaching your kids about having a perspective on their life

10:25- How she started the food pantry

15:45- How the food pantry process works

21:15- Her work with Healthy New Albany

24:30- Healthy New Albany race series

26:05- The kids marathon and encouraging kids to be active

29:15- Kids and sports

33:30- Encouraging people to exercise daily

44:35- Communicating with her kids about the importance of movement

49:10- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

The Piano Teacher

Stone Soup

Connect with Lindsey:

Lindsey on Instagram

Lindsey on Twitter

Lindsey on Facebook

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SandyBoy Productions Shows:

I’ll Have Another Podcast

Ready to Run Podcast

Episode 132: College Football Officiating — A Life of Stripes: A Look Beyond the Gridiron w/Greg LeFils Aug 17, 2022

With college football starting up in a couple of weeks, this episode couldn’t come at a more perfect time! Meet Greg LeFils; he has been involved in football officiating his entire life, since his father, Greg Sr., was also a high school and NCAA FBS official for 40 years. Greg currently works as a Center Judge for a prominent football conference in the Southeastern United States. He has served in that capacity for 6 seasons and has been selected for four Bowl games and one Conference Championship. Prior to his current post, he has officiated NCAA Div. 2, NCAA FCS, and NCAA FBS football since 2008 and officiated High School football for the Central Florida Officials Association in Orlando, Florida from 2000-2009.

In this episode, we not only talk about the journey to becoming an official, how it works, and lessons (or transfers) we can all apply to life – especially as we near college football season – but we get a behind the scenes look at all the things happening between plays, call reviews, and more! This is a great episode for those who love football as well as those wanting to learn a bit more before the season.

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show Notes:

Volusia County Music Teachers: https://www.vcmta.org/

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Episode 131: Hawa Kipilili & Ruth Meriki – Educating One Girl Educates the Whole Community Aug 04, 2022

Hawa Kipilili & Ruth Meriki are the founders of the organization, Elle Peut Naidim (EPN). EPN exists to deal with the issues most likely to hinder students’ ability to complete school: Menstrual Health Hygiene, Violence Against Women and Children, Reproductive Health, Early Childhood Marriage, and Mental Health. They were founded in 2020 and in just 2 short years that have made a huge impact across Tanzania.

Show notes:

EPN Website

Donate to EPN

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SandyBoy Productions Shows:

The Up and Running Podcast

The Herban Farmacy Podcast

The Ready to Run Podcast

I’ll Have Another Podcast

Episode 130: “Issues in your Tissues” – Chiro, PT, and so much more with Dr. Kurt Barnhill & Dr. Chelsea Hollingsworth-Barnhill Jul 20, 2022

Issues in your tissues? Let’s talk Chiropractic Care, Physical Therapy, and more with entrepreneur (and killer athletes) Dr. Kurt Barnhill and Dr. Chelsea Hollingsworth-Barnhill.

This episode not only walks you through the basics of chiropractic care and physical therapy, including explanations of ART, Graston, Taping, and more – it shares the story of starting a business, working with your partner, loving your career, and tying it all together with your hobbies and passions.

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show Notes:

https://precisionchiroandrehab.com/about-us/

https://precisionchiroandrehab.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Precisionchiroandrehab

Instagram handle: @precisionchiroandrehab

ActiveRelease.com

United Way of Martin County: https://www.unitedwaymartin.org/

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New York Burning by Jill Lepore

Episode 129: Todd Aydelotte: A Historical UltraRunner…tracing history on foot Jul 06, 2022

Some people run to clear their minds, others for fitness…there are so many reasons to run (or not), but have you heard of “historical ultra running?” In this episode you meet Todd Aydelotte is an ultrarunner and race director living in New York City. Todd’s unique approach to running long distances, historical ultrarunning, has been covered by media outlets all over the world. Todd has completed numerous 40, 50 and 80 mile runs to trace unique historical events and personalities — whether Edgar Allen Poe, Teddy Roosevelt, Walt Whitman, and others.

This episode specifically looks at the only underground urban chase, which started in 2019 when Todd staged his first underground group run, the first-ever The Warriors UltraRun, which has now grown into one of the world’s largest events for fans of the iconic cult film by Walter Hill. We dive deep into that movie and more, especially since one of the Illuminate co-hosts, Emmy, will be participating in it this July. From fantasy runs to incredible history, the episode ends with a new course Todd made in 2021 when he founded the NYC Black History 50, a 50-mile run that takes runners across all five boroughs in a single day, where they can participate in live historical experiences.

Listen to learn what can happen when you deliberately cross running with experiences, especially history.

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show notes:

Bowery Mission – https://www.bowery.org/

Harlem Run – http://www.harlemrun.com/

Black Men Run – https://blackmenrun.com/

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SavannahGlassRecycling.com

Episode 127: Darren Colvil Licensed Massage Therapist and Movement, Medicine, and Massage Jun 08, 2022

When you think “massage,” what comes to mind? A relaxing splurge? A fancy spa? What about an opportunity to simply feel better, move better, and live better? That’s exactly why Darren Colvil became a licensed massage therapist.

In this episode, Darren shares his journey to the massage table, why “massage will help you move,” and how you can get the most out of your massage, where to start, what to ask for, and more! We talk definitions, benefits, and more!

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show notes:

DandelionDock.org

@Darren_A_Colvil_LMT on Instagram

http://linkedin.com/in/darren-colvil-8796651ba

DAColvil.LMT@gmail.com

Life Itself

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https://www.bikeleague.org/

Episode 126: Justin Bristol and everything you didn’t know you needed to know about bikes, traffic, and epic stories May 26, 2022

Meet Justin Bristol, the Safety Education Programs Manager for Georgia Bikes! As Safety Education Programs Manager, Justin oversees bicycle safety educational programs for Georgia Bikes. This includes hosting youth and adult bicycle events, training law-enforcement officers, distributing educational materials, and assisting with activities that support the growth and development of local bicycle advocacy and safety organizations in Georgia.

In this conversation, we discuss bike safety, awareness, and the importance of “humanizing” pedestrians and cyclists through the epic story of Maggie Evans. Listen to learn, listen to discover, listen to be inspired.

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show notes:

www.georgiabikes.org

Follow Maggie Evans and her Recovery on Instagram @maggieevansart

The Enlightened Cyclist by BikeSnobNYC

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

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Join the I’ll Have Another Facebook Group

Episode 125: Jay Patel — Acts of Good Power the World May 12, 2022

Can you imagine going to school with no electricity? Or quitting your job at Google to move to Uganda?

Today’s guest took a sabbatical from working for Google in ads sales to move to Uganda and had a vision to bring light to rural communities without electricity. Jay Patel is social entrepreneur who co-founded two startups: Enlight Institute, which provides solar recruitment, training, and assessment services for companies hiring rural youth, and Village Energy, which does last-mile solar distribution in off-grid communities. Jay shares his personal and professional journey that led him to Uganda and then through the launching, growing and evolving of these organizations he founded.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Episode 378: Adrianne Haslet, Boston Marathon Special Episode May 02, 2022

Adrianne Haslet just completed the Boston Marathon! Adrianne is a Boston bombing survivor and has had an incredible journey to get to the start line of the 2022 Boston Marathon healthy. Though she lost her leg in the bombing she set out with determination and perseverance to one day complete the Boston Marathon. This was her second time completing the race but the first time completing it with a full training cycle. She completed the race in 2016 coming in last place in over 10 hours and this year completed it in 5 hours, placing fourth in the brand new Para Division that she has been a HUGE advocate for.

Over the years since the 2013 Boston Marathon, Adrianne has had massive setbacks, including getting hit by a car in 2019 which left her with some serious injuries.

In this episode Adrianne shares with us what this race meant to her, training with Shalane Flanagan and running the race side by side with her, and most importantly she reminds us to celebrate our lives – the big and the small. It all matters. It was a joy and an honor to talk with Adrianne for this podcast. What a gift she is to us all!

What we talked about:

5:00 – Adrianne’s story growing up
10:00 – Why this Boston Marathon was so important to Adrianne

23:00 – Importance of raising Iron levels for marathon training
27:00 – How Adrianne and her boyfriend Harry met
30:00- Adrianne’s dog Fred Asstair
37:00 – Ad Spot
40:00 – 2013 Boston Marathon
44:00 – 2019 Boston Marathon Training/Car Accident
52:00 – Not playing small in life
1:08 – Crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon for the third time
1:12 – Playin running and having fun in the process – Training with Shalane
1:15 – Para Division at the Boston Marathon
1:26 – Boston being the best day of Adrianne’s life
1:28 – Creating more Para
1:30 – Limbs of Love
1:38 – End of Podcast Questions

Show Notes:
The Soul of an Octopus

Follow Adrianne:

Adrianne on Instagram

Adrianne’s Website

Connect with Lindsey:

Lindsey on Instagram

Lindsey on Twitter

Lindsey on Facebook

Support the I’ll Have Another Podcast on Patreon

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SandyBoy Productions Shows:

The Up and Running Podcast

The Herban Farmacy Podcast

Sponsors:

Black Knight Donna Mother’s Day 5k

Use code “Lindsey10” for 10% off

InsideTracker

Use code “another” for 20% off your order

Episode 124: Dr. Erika Morrow and Everything Eyes Apr 27, 2022

Your eyes really are the window to the soul…and your overall health…and this episode explains why! Join passionate eye-care specialist, Optometrist, Dr. Erika Morrow as we talk all things eye health.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how your eyes can give you clues for bigger health issues as well as how to take care of your eyes after hours in the sun or in front of computers. Having issues with night driving? We talk about that too! Have perfect vision, that’s awesome, we cover that as well. Come along for the fun as we illuminate eyes through a whole new lens!

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show notes:

www.forsighteye.net

https://www.instagram.com/forsighteye/

About Us

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision

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Rising Above Bakery Website

Episode 123: Shiri Reuveni-Ullrich – Founder of Rising Above Bakery Apr 13, 2022

Shiri Reuveni-Ullrich is the founder of Rising Above Bakery in New York. Shiri is a speech therapist and an avid baker and noticed the dramatic effect that baking cookies had on her nonverbal, autistic young adult students. The kitchen filled with chatter, singing, laughter, and verbalizing as students became more comfortable with the work. At that moment, she knew that a bakery must be created to help individuals with disabilities find their voice and live meaningful, independent lives.

Now, Rising Above Bakery sets out to help develop independent, empowered bakers who possess the skills and self-confidence needed to live independent, fulfilling lives. They are hoping to open a storefront to further develop their vision.

Show notes:

Rising Above Bakery on Instagram

The Full Montezuma by Peter Moore

Pfeiffer Center

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https://thirdmondayinapril.com/

Episode 122: Amie Kurian and Third Monday in April Mar 30, 2022

Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting a woman-owned business, Third Monday in April and creator Amie Kurian. Amie is the Founder and Designer of Third Monday in April, which is an online run shop created to spread the joy of running and grounded in the belief that running should be a path open to all. She proudly claims her company seeks to put “equality running gear into the world, with a side of Boston” (as in the Boston Marathon!).

With over 20 years of designing and over 20 marathons under her belt, Amie has declared Third Monday in April her dream job. You might find her sketching new shirt ideas on the shower door, obsessing over fabric samples – all while wondering, once and for all, how many “last marathons” can one person do?

In this episode we talk about how the business got started, the “why” that is even bigger than her original dream, and she shares some incredible insider stories behind Third Monday in April’s Collections. As Amie says, “there are 100 reasons not to do it…” so forget those excuses and enjoy this episode as we illuminate Third Monday in April’s incredible story.

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show notes:

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Building Tomorrow on Instagram

Episode 121: George Srour, Building Tomorrow (Re-Air episode 1) Mar 16, 2022

Hey friends!! Today we are re-airing our very first episode. If you missed this episode or haven’t listened in awhile I assure you that it will drum up some inspiration for your day today! We hope you enjoy this re-air with social entrepreneur George Srour!

George Srour is the Chief Dreamer for Building Tomorrow, a non-profit organization bringing access to inclusive, transformative education to children in underserved areas.

In this episode we learn about George’s vision for Building Tomorrow and how the dream became a reality after a small fundraiser that turned into something much bigger. I loved to hear about how his parents raised him to be curious about the World and not just the community he grew up in.

George is humble and kind and shares with us about the importance of having a strong team to work alongside of when you are building something great. I am honored to call George my friend and am so thankful I get to share him with you all today!

Show Notes:

Host: Lindsey Hein

Building Tomorrow

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The Comfort Crisis By Michael Easter

Episode 120: Drew Whitcomb and WearTesters Mar 02, 2022

How you can find good reviewers online for any product you’re thinking about buying? This episode shares the story of Drew Whitcomb, cofounder of WearTesters, a leading shoe, apparel and sporting goods review website and YouTube channel. Before WearTesters, Drew worked in sales and marketing at various startups, PayPal and General Mills.

In this conversation, we talk about how to find your niche, follow your gut, and turn passions into things – whether they remain hobbies or become your full-time thing. We also talk some incredibly fun details about shoes, shoe/product testing, and why it’s important in today’s world of mass consumerism…including the coolest and “most interesting” things testers get sent…

This episode was hosted by Emmy (@dremmyb).

Show notes:

WearTesters: https://weartesters.com/

WearTesters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WearTesters

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewwhitcomb

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drewwhitcomb

Station Eleven By Emily St. John Mandel

Open Stories Foundation

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A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Episode 119: Kalela Williams; Always Aspire Feb 23, 2022

Kalela Williams is the Director of Writing at Mighty Writers. Mighty Writers is a nonprofit organization where they work with more than 3,500 kids annually to write with clarity. All of their programs are free to the kids that they serve.

Kalela has worked with non-profits for more than a decade, instituting literary, artistic, cultural and civic engagement programs for organizations such as Virginia’s Furious Flower Poetry Center and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Her writing has appeared in literary magazines and has been featured on the BBC 4 Channel.

Show notes:

Mighty Writers Website

Morris Animal Shelter

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Sandyboy Productions Website

Episode 118: Sarah Lacey- Empowering Women through Story and Connection Feb 16, 2022

Sarah Lacey is the founder of Linking Indy Women which is an amazing community and networking group where each month men and women gather to hear inspiring women in business around the city share the story. You leave all of these events feeling connection, encouragement, having advice and strategy and most importantly you leave inspired.

Sarah is also the mother of four, she works full time in tech. In this episode, we talk about why she launched Linking Indy Women, what it means and why it is important, what it is like to be a woman in business. Sarah also talks about walking through divorce and what it is like being a single parent. She shares with us about her heart for motherhood.

What we talked about:

6:05- Sarah’s career before starting Linking Indy Women

12:45- The evolution of Linking Indy Women and the power of connecting with other women in business

20:35- What Linking Indy Women looks like now

29:15- Being willing to not have a balance in your life when you are juggling multiple commitments

37:05- What it is like parenting adults and cultivating a friendship with your kids

44:55- What’s next for Linking Indy Women

46:35- Your purpose in life

50:20- Taking solo trips with each of her kids

51:40- Being a single mom and walking through divorce

56:45- Talking about divorce with her kids

1:00:30- Co-parenting Advice

1:02:00- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Linking Indy Women Website

Linking Indy Women on Instagram

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Connect with Lindsey:

Lindsey on Instagram

Lindsey on Twitter

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SandyBoy Productions Shows:

The Up and Running Podcast

The Herban Farmacy Podcast

Episode 117: Molly Lieberman – “Loop it Up” Feb 09, 2022

Molly Lieberman is the Founder and Executive Director of Loop It Up Savannah, a community arts and enrichment non-profit which provides art, STEAM, yoga and mindfulness, gardening, cooking, and other enrichment workshops and experiences to children and families throughout Chatham County. Loop it Up programs give young people opportunities to explore and express who they are, both as individuals and members of a community as well as fostering strong relationships, and building sustainable and interconnected communities where everyday needs are met with creativity and confidence. Loop It Up programs give students opportunities to participate in a variety of creative and hands-on activities, which engage their academic knowledge while accelerating learning through standards-based arts integration curriculum that nurtures and supports the whole child

In this episode, Molly shares the Loop it Up origin story and how her passion for creativity has developed from a one-room after-school program to a team of doers running a dynamite 501(c)(3) reaching 10,000 students a year! Learn how Loop it Up “closes the loop” through the power of listening and responding and keeping the real “why” at the center.

This episode is hosted by Emmy.

Show notes:

www.loopitupsavannah.com

Loop it Up on Instagram

Loop it Up on Facebook

Loop it Up on Twitter

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choirschoolofdelaware.org

Episode 116: Arreon Harley-Emerson – “Equity Sings” Feb 02, 2022

Composer, conductor, equity coach, and nonprofit strategist committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – meet this week’s guest and Black History Month episode, Arreon A. Harley-Emerson. Mr. Harley-Emerson is the Director of Music and Operations of the Choir School of Delaware where he is responsible for the musical components of the renowned Choir School program as well as the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Mr. Harley-Emerson has established a thriving consultancy to assist arts and culture nonprofit organizations in remaining relevant in the 21st century. His work includes longitudinal studies, strategic planning, board governance, resource and asset development, and board diversification – and we talk about it all in this incredible conversation! Specifically, we talk in this one about cultural scaffolding, The Gang Mentality of Choir (a 2015 TedxTalk of Mr. Harley-Emerson), Maslow, Kirk Franklin, and the “Peabody voice,” the history that led to ADEIBR and how to define and use it as a tool for change and action, and the power infusing joy in all the things!

This episode is hosted by Emmy.

Show Notes:

Learn more about and connect with Mr. Harley-Emerson

equitysings.com

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The Truth about College Admissions – Brennan Bernard & Rick Clark

Episode 115: Sara Miller – The power of mentorship Jan 26, 2022

Sara Miller is an education advocate and has spent the majority of her career serving high school kids as they apply to college. She worked in the admissions department for Purdue University for five years before shifting to working for a tutoring company. She now works for Green Halo Scholars and that tutoring company is one of the community partners for the nonprofit organization!

Sara now serves as the Program Director for Green Halo Scholars. Green Halo Scholars was founded by two women who saw a need for college access programming for first-generation and low-income high school seniors in the western suburbs of Chicago. Over four years, they’ve grown from a homegrown operation helping a handful of students to having Sara on staff. They now serve a class of about 30 scholars with the support of 20 volunteer mentors.

In this episode, Sara and I discuss the power of mentorship, what makes a college application stand out and the impact the team at Green Halo is making for the students they serve!

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein

Show Notes:

Green Halo Scholars

Book Recommendation:

Person or Organization to Illuminate:

Tori Totlis – Women’s Golf Advocate

Sponsor:

Ana Luisa

Episode 114: Brittani Hunt – Setting Intentions for the New Year Jan 20, 2022

Brittani Hunt is the Co-Founder and Creative Director for HerSpace Co. HerSpace Co. is a lifestyle brand for the modern woman who desires to live and evolve intentionally. They create a beautiful annual planner called the Layered Living Planner. It is a tool designed to challenge the modern woman to make her whole self – her layers – a priority.

Brittani shared in this episode about setting intentions around all aspects of your life in the new year, being a female entrepreneur, going after your goals and dreams, living unapologetically, and so much more!

Show notes:

HerSpace Co. Website

HerSpace Co. on Instagram

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

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Sandyboy Productions Website

Episode 113: Jane Houng – Transforming Trauma Jan 12, 2022

Show notes
Today’s guest is Jane Houng. Jane is an author, classically trained viola player, former teacher, and most of all mother-determined to build her daughter’s legacy. Jane’s daughter was murdered while working as a humanitarian in Lebanon in 2017. Through this unimaginable tragedy Jane decided to build her daughter’s legacy and continue her work to give back to refugees through the non-profit Becky’s Bathhouse in Lesvos, Greece. In this episode Jane talks through how she’s worked through her pain and the projects she’s working on now to empower vulnerable women around the world. And how she plans to keep Becky’s passion of giving back alive.

The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
Beckys Bathhouse

Episode 112: Carrie Addington and Daring Facilitation Jan 05, 2022

What better time than the start of a new year than on some personal development! In this episode, speaker, trainer, facilitator, coach, and author/poet, Carrie Addington, shares the four skills of “Daring Facilitation” based on Brene Brown’s Daring Leadership.

As we explore vulnerability, values, trust, and failure related to facilitation, life, and work, we get the opportunity to really define the Annie Dillard quote, “How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” What will you do to illuminate the world today? This episode can help you define that!

This episode was hosted by Emmy.

Show notes:

www.carrieaddington.com

@CarrieAddingtonPoet

To learn more about Daring Leadership, please reach out to Carrie’s co-presenter Carla Illiescu, founder of potential. Leadership. Development. Workshops. Coaching.

http://potential.partners

Equilibrium: A Collection of Poems

The Advise Trap

The Coaching Habit

The Art of… (book series)

Luster: A Novel

Places I’ve Taken My Body

Camp Taylor: Kids Heart Camp

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Fresh Start Refugee Assistance Center

Episode 111: Neelab Youshazi – Appreciating Light Dec 29, 2021

Today’s guest is Neelab Yousafzai. Neelab was born in Afghanistan and shares what life was like under the Taliban rule for her family and as a woman. Neelab and her family (which includes 6 kids!) fled the Taliban, eventually making their way to the US. She shares of the harrowing journey, not only of escaping Afghanistan, but it what it was like to end up in a new country, with nothing and no familiarity of the culture or language. Neelab has a profound perspective on the world and always looks toward the light and how she can help others and keep moving forward. She has taken the learnings from her own journey and started an organization called Fresh Start Refugee Assistance Center serving refugees in the DC, Maryland and Virginia Metropolitan area. Neelab’s story, advice and perseverance are truly illuminating.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Show Notes:

The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Episode 110: Becca Stevens – Love Heals Dec 16, 2021

Becca Stevens is an author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur, and mom of three boys. After experiencing the death of her father and subsequent child abuse when she was five, Becca opened a residential community, which offers women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction the time, space home and community they need to heal. She founded Thistle Farms, which is a social enterprise employing women survivors. Thistle Farms is also a great place if you are looking for some Christmas gift ideas!

Becca Stevens’ is a leader in the movement for women’s freedom. She was also a CNN Hero in 2016. Becca’s message and work teach about how love and community have the power to heal and that there is hope for everyone.

This episode is hosted by: Kristin Srour

Show Notes:

Follow Becca:

Website: Becca Stevens

Instagram: @beccastevens

Follow Thistle Farms:

Website: Thistle Farms

Instagram: @thistlefarms

Snake Oil: The Art of Healing and Truth-Telling by Becca Stevens

Love Heals by Becca Stevens

Marcus Hummon

Song: Love Heals with Alison Krauss and Levi Hummon

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The Gratitude Journal for Women

www.theilluminatepodcast.com

Episode 109: Katherine Furman – Taking the Time to Appreciate Yourself Dec 08, 2021

Katherine Furman is a writer and editor. She co-founded Tandem Books, a publishing studio, where she was the editorial director. She has recently moved away from that space to focus more on writing and is currently writing a novel. She has published several journals, including The Gratitude Journal for Women and Progress Not Perfection.

In this episode, we talk about her journey as an entrepreneur, how she switched career trajectories to become an editor, pursuing her dreams and focusing more on her own writing, tips for starting a gratitude practice, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner

This episode was sponsored by Quip. Get your first refill free when you go to getquip.com/illuminate

What we talked about:

2:30- Introduction the Katherine

7:00- Why she decided to pursue a career as an editor

12:00- Starting her own business, Tandem Books

24:15- Tips for anyone wanting to start a business

28:40- The Gratitude Journal for Women and the importance of starting a gratitude practice

35:05- Progress Not Perfection

38:20- Goals that Katherine is working towards

43:20- Where you can find Katherine’s work

44:30- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Katherine’s website

Unsheltered by Barabara Kingsolver

The Popcorn Park Zoo

You’re Wrong About Podcast

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Sandyboy Productions Website

Sponsors:

Quip

Get your first refill free when you go to getquip.com/illuminate

Episode 108: Rachelle Kuramoto and “Keeping People at the Center of Purpose” Dec 01, 2021

Ready to talk about Dr. Maya Angelou, Ben and Jerry’s, and Patagonia all in one dynamite conversation? In this conversation with Rachelle Kuramoto, a brand and content guru who is committed to “bring out the best in other people” through brand development, innovation, and leadership, we explore how to tell your story, why it is important, and how it ties to purpose-led branding and skill-based volunteering.

In this episode, we talk about storytelling, branding, and the power of volunteering. You will walk away from this one with tools to develop your personal brand, why it is important, and how it can empower you moving forward.

This episode was hosted by Emmy.

Show notes:

dragonarmy.com

ripplesofhope.com

Find Rachelle Kuramoto on LinkedIn

“The Book of Joy”

New Story Charity

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Image Bearer Book Website

Episode 107: Book Club with The Illuminate Podcast Nov 24, 2021

Hi friends! In this episode of the Illuminate Podcast your hosts are bringing you a book club discussion on the book “Educated” by Tara Westover.

We are really excited to bring you this monthly book club series that will be published on our new patreon page and wanted to give you a taste of it here first!

To learn more about supporting our show on patreon you can head over to patreon.com/theilluminatepod!

If you’d like to join the fun- next month we will be discussing the book “I am a Girl from Africa” by Elizabeth Nyamayaro

Thanks for being her friends! Regularly scheduled Illuminate episodes will resume next week!

Episode 106: Ellie Sanazaro- Image Bearer Nov 17, 2021

In 2016, Ellie’s world was forever changed when her daughter was born without the chromosomal disorder doctors had told her to expect. When her second daughter was 6 months old, Ellie and her husband began the adoption process to adopt a child with Down syndrome. A little while later, they adopted their son, Finn, who has Down syndrome.

Ellie now has written the children’s book, Image Bearer which is a Christian children’s book that celebrates differences and spreads the message that every child is an image bearer. The characters in the book are inspired by children with disabilities that Ellie has gotten to know.

In this episode, Ellie talks about the adoption process, what life is like with Finn and her two daughters, teaching kids about people with disabilities, and so much more!

Photo credit: @sweetsmilesbysarahmichelle

What we talked about:

3:10- Ellie’s book Image Bearer and the inspiration behind it

5:00- Ellie’s first pregnancy

8:25- What came next after finding out her daughter didn’t have the extra challenges that they thought she would

9:10- The different feelings that she had during her pregnancy after finding out that her daughter was supposed to be born with special needs

11:40- The process of adopting her son Finn, a baby with Down syndrome

22:15- Meeting Finn’s birth parents

23:45- The experience of being in the NICU with Finn after he was born

26:50- What life is like with Finn and her two girls now

28:50- The biggest surprise of raising a child with Down syndrome

33:30- Finn’s sleeping schedule

36:35- Teaching your kids about people with disabilities

39:15- Thoughts on the friendships that Finn will form

43:50- Who the characters in the book are based on

45:30- The self-publishing process for her book

47:15- End of podcast questions

Connect with Ellie:

Ellie on Instagram

Finn on Instagram

When Charley Met Emma

Awesomely Emma

The Able Fables

Episode 105: Dr. JB – Combating burnout among healthcare professionals Nov 10, 2021

Dr. JB is a board-certified emergency medicine physician who recently started Hope4Med, a private membership company to combat burnout among healthcare professionals. Through her YouTube channel and podcast, she seeks to educate anyone who has visited or may visit an emergency room for themselves or a loved one – helping to illuminate the lives of others during particularly difficult times.

What we talked about:

2:15- Introduction to Dr. JB and her work

3:25- What Hope4Med is

9:05- How she suggests healthcare facilities and healthcare workers work together to avoid burnout

12:35- What Dr. JB likes the most about her career as an emergency medicine physician

13:40- What lead her to become a doctor

17:05- Branching into starting her YouTube and Hope4Med

17:45- How Dr. JB debriefs outside of work

22:35- How Dr. JB advocates for her patients

24:35- How to be an advocate for yourself when seeking medical attention

26:45- The practice of gratitude

31:05- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Dr. JB’s Website

Hope4Med

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

The Boys and Girls Club

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Sponsors

Nutrafol

Use the code “illuminate” for $15 off your order

Episode 104: Meghan Lowe and The Wonders of Wishes Nov 03, 2021

Make-A-Wish Georgia grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. As the Southeast Development Director, today’s guest, Meghan Lowe, is responsible for fundraising, relationship building, and assisting with wish-granting in the Chatham, Effingham, and Bryan Counties.

In this episode, you will learn more about the Make-a-Wish mission and how you can help their cause, but also how you can join in creating memories and the power of community the make a lasting impact on the world.

This episode was hosted by Emmy.

This episode was sponsored by Quip. Get your first refill free when you go to getquip.com/illuminate

Show notes:

Georgia.Wish.org

Find your local chapter at Wish.org

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Edgar’s Mission on Instagram

Episode 103: Rachel Scott; Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence Oct 29, 2021

Check back for show notes.

Episode 102: Pam Ahern – A heart for impacting animals Oct 20, 2021

Pam Ahern is the founder and director of Edgar’s Mission. Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary is a not-for-profit farm sanctuary in Australia. Pam is a lifelong animal lover and started the sanctuary in 2003, starting with her first rescue animal – Edgar Alan Pig. From there, the sanctuary grew as Pam created outreach and education programs.

In this episode, Pam shares all about how Edgar’s Mission started and grew to where it is today, the education programs that they have in place, her love for animals, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:25- What Edgar’s Mission is and the work that they do

3:20- The story of Edgar the pig and how Pam started Edgar’s Mission

9:15- The team of people that they have at Edgar’s Mission

12:20- Where the animals are rescued from that come to the sanctuary

14:20- The culture in Australia surrounding animals and sanctuaries

16:00- Rehoming the animals

19:40- Pam’s day to day role at the sanctuary

21:50- The educational programs that Pam hosts through Edgar’s Mission

28:50- The changes that Pam has seen animals make on people

31:00- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Edgar’s Mission Website

Edgar’s Mission on Tik Tok

Edgar’s Mission on Facebook

The Last Walk

Animals Australia

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https://heatherdemetrios.com/

Episode 101: Heather Demetrios-On writing, creativity, and doing right by the miracle Oct 13, 2021

Heather Demetrios is a critically acclaimed author, writing coach, and certified meditation instructor. She’s published books in multiple genres and today she’ll be talking to us about her latest book, Codename Badass: The True Story of Virginia Hall, one of the CIA’s first female spies and a WWII hero. Heather shares how we can apply lessons from history to our own lives, how to have a positive relationship with our creativity, and how we can all learn to “do right by the miracle.” This episode is hosted by Mariam Muzaffar. Show notes

Instagram @heatherdemetrios

Heather’s latest book Codename Badass: The True Story of Virginia Hall

Books Heather recommends

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

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Episode 100: A Supper Club Style Celebration with all 5 Illuminate Hosts Oct 06, 2021

Episode 100: A Supper Club Style Celebration with all 5 Illuminate Hosts

Pull up a chair and join us for a “Supper Club” style celebration. Back at the beginning of the podcast, the original hosts would share episodes from their supper club. We bring back that tradition to celebrate 100 Episodes!

Dive into some “deep” conversations with all 5 of your Illuminate Podcast Hosts. Learn where the podcast started from original hosts and creators, Kristin and Lindsey. Then Emma, Mariam, and Emmy join the fun through a series of questions you can totally borrow for your next supper club.

In this episode, you will learn all about your hosts, but you’re also going to walk away with some excellent “life nuggets” and a better understanding of each host and what they bring to the Illuminate Family – not to mention some fabulous questions for your next friend hangout. We are so glad you’re listening!

This episode was moderated by Emmy, but it took the whole host team!

Show notes:

Check out our new Patreon Page: Patreon.com/TheIlluminatePodcast

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https://berticeberrynow.com/

Episode 99: Dr. Bertice Berry – “When You Walk With Purpose, You Find Destiny” Sep 29, 2021

Sociologist, Dr. Bertice Berry, is an innovative storyteller, story curator, community builder, author, lecturer, and more! At 26, Berry completed her Ph.D. and started her career as a professor, but by showing up every day, “walking with purpose” she “collided with destiny” and become an award-winning entertainer, lecturer, and comedienne – including winning the coveted national Comedian of the Year Award. Through learning her best routine to show up every day, she created a niche as both a gifted speaker with a comic edge and a comic with a serious message.

In this episode, Dr. Berry shares the power of routine, sharing the story, and showing up in the day-to-day can and will create the space for you to collide with you destiny – of which there are many!

This episode is hosted by Dr. Emmy Burch.

Show notes:

Dr. Bertice Berry on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Bertice-Berry-1787520281515508/

Stories to tell with Dr. Bertice Berry on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/195276448890954/

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Gaia Leadership Project Website

Episode 98: Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin – Becoming Heroines Sep 23, 2021

Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin is the CEO of Gaia Project Consulting, LLC. which is a world-wide executive coaching and consulting firm. She is also the founder of the Gaia Project for Women’s Leadership. Her work has been featured on CNN, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, and The New York Times.

Elizabeth is also the author of Becoming Heroines which is what she is here to talk about on the podcast today! We dive into many of the stories that she tells in the book, her experience as a lawyer, dealing with fear, gaining confidence, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Photo credit: Marisa Leigh

Show notes:

Gaia Leadership Project on Facebook

Becoming Heroines

Elizabeth’s Website

Radical Hope by Jonathan Lear

Caste by Elizabeth Wilkerson

The Black Friend by Frederick Joseph

All About Love by Bell Hooks

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Mayor Johnson’s Inaugural Address

Episode 97: Emmy Burch – The Connection of Music Sep 16, 2021

Today’s guest is our new host – Emmy Burch! We’re changing it up this week and I’m interviewing her so you can get to know her before she is on the other side of the microphone!

Emmy is a woman of many talents and hobbies. Emmy is a musician, a connector of people, conductor, music educator, singing pacer(!), runner, writer, podcast host, and just illuminates pure joy.

This episode is host by Kristin Srour.

Show Notes:

Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Ray Greene

Deep Work

Episode 96: Sara Fenton – Empowering Young Girls Sep 09, 2021

Sara Fenton is on the podcast today to talk all about Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest! Sara is the Southwest Washington Programs Manager for Girls Inc. This is a nonprofit organization that is working to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. They provide life-changing programs and experiences for youth ages 6-18 that help them grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

In this episode, Sara shares about Girls Inc. and the work that they do, advice for parents to prepare for the challenges that their young girls may face, how we can all inspire young girls in our lives to be leaders, and more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

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Episode 95: Mariam Muzaffar – Joining The Illuminate Podcast Team! Sep 01, 2021

Today’s episode is extra special because our guest, Mariam, will actually be joining us as a new host for The Illuminate Podcast! We as a team are so excited for her to join us and I am so sure that you will be too after you listen to this episode!!

Mariam has worn so many hats in her professional career. She started out as a divorce lawyer for the super-rich in London and then went on to lead and grow a brand consultancy agency in NYC. She now is the Director of Customer Success at a performance marketing company.

She is also currently working on a thriller novel and we get to hear all about that work in this episode!

In this episode, Mariam shares all about following your heart and switching career paths, leading a team and making sure everyone feels included, how living in other countries has impacted her day to day life, how giving back brings positivity into your own life, why she is excited to be joining The Illuminate podcast team, and so much more!

I am so excited to welcome Mariam to the podcast team and I hope you all enjoy learning more about her today!

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Learn more about Diveheart

Episode 94: TinaMarie Hernandez – Imagine the Possibilities Aug 19, 2021

TinaMarie Hernandez is the Executive Director of Diveheart; a non-profit organization that provides and supports educational SCUBA diving, surface supplies gas (SSG), snorkeling and related experience programs which are open to any child, adult and veteran with a disability; with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person, while building confidence, independence and self esteem … enriching their quality of life and human spirit.

Diveheart is such an incredible program and we get to learn all about it in this episode!

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

What we talked about:

3:15- TinaMarie’s backstory and how she got involved in Diveheart

9:45- Why Diveheart was founded

14:50- The power of being underwater for people with disabilities

20:00- Challenging your fears

23:50- How Diveheart trains people throughout the US and world to carry on their mission

27:00- The trips that they offer

28:30- The services that they offer to veterans

32:05- TinaMarie’s journey to learning how to dive and how we can all try it out

35:10- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Follow Diveheart:

Diveheart on Instagram

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The Obstacle is the way – Ryan Holiday

Recommended Book:

Episode 93: Susannah Wellford – Founder of Running Start Jul 29, 2021

Susannah Wellford is the founder of Running Start, a nonprofit organization aimed to inspire young women and girls to pursue political leadership. They host training programs that that are focused on educating young women about leadership campaign strategy, and teamwork, without a partisan lens. Susannah is also the cofounder of an organization called Women Under Forty Political Action Committee which Running Start is designed to further the work of.

In this episode, Susannah shares about the work that she does with Running Start, how we can all encourage young girls and women to take up leadership and political positions, women in politics to be watching, her own female role models, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Show notes:

Running Start

Running Start on Instagram

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Homes on Wheels Alliance

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Episode 92: Neli Vazquez Rowland – A Safe Haven Jul 08, 2021

Neli Vazquez Rowland is the co-founder and president of A Safe Haven. A Safe Haven Foundation is a 501(c)3 not for profit, social enterprise that helps people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root causes of homelessness through a holistic and scalable model. A Safe Haven’s visible social and economic impact unites families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates vibrant, viable communities.

A first-generation American, the young Neli Vazquez Rowland, was a natural leader, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. For 13 years, as an investment banker, Vazquez Rowland lead several firms across the nation. It was during her time as an investment banker, Neli had to rise up to the challenging and emotionally-draining task of overcoming an issue of alcoholism in her family.

This incident fueled a strong belief in Neli that no family should have to suffer through an already-tragic situation and in 1994, she established A Safe Haven with her husband, Brian Rowland. An organization determined to join forces with the private and public sector to ensure an efficient and sustainable approach to battle poverty and homelessness, A Safe Haven was welcomed instantly by business, academia and public policy leaders for its innovative and ground-breaking approach to an issue that has long plagued economies.

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Show Notes: A Safe Haven Second Annual Run/Walk to End Homelessness Connect with A Safe Haven: A Safe Haven on Instagram A Safe Have on Facebook A Safe Haven on Twitter

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Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Self-Care for Sensitive People

Episode 91: Shantae Smith – Systems Transformation Advisor at Community Solutions Jun 24, 2021

Shantae Smith is the Systems Transformation Advisor at Community Solutions. Community Solutions is a nonprofit organization that is working to create a lasting end to homelessness. They are proving that homelessness is solvable with their movement of Built for Zero. Through that they are working with more than 80 cities and counties using data to change how they work and the impact that they can achieve, proving that it is possible to make homelessness rare and brief and achieving the milestone of functional zero, where homelessness is rare!

Shantae has many years of experience in various roles in the homelessness response system. As you’ll hear in this episode, she is incredibly passionate about this work and making an impact in the world. In this episode, Shantae shares about her role at Community Solutions, the backstory on why she is passionate about this work, some stories of people that she has worked with and helped out of homelessness, things that we can all do to help people experiencing homelessness, and so much more!

Show notes:

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Arizona Coalition for Change

Be Heard Clothing

Community Solutions Website

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Episode 90: Lia Valencia Key – Unlock your Purpose Jun 02, 2021

Lia Valencia Key joins the show today! She is the founder of Valencia Key Jewelry where she creates beautiful wearable pieces of jewelry that are meant to inspire others to reach their full potential. She hand sketches each design with the intention to spread the message of empowering others to find their joy, love, dreams, and more!

Lia has a story of humble beginnings where she grew up impoverished and homeless and experienced loss at a young age. In this episode, you’ll hear that story and how it inspired her to start Valencia Key and spread the message that her mother taught her – that your predicament does not determine your destiny.

Lia is such a light in this world and it was such a joy to get to talk to her! I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Lia and pull some inspiration from her.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Show notes: VALENCIA KEY gifts to you 25% Off valencia key wearable joy & VALENCIA KEY’S 5 Strategies to Handling Fear on Your Joy Journey to Success at this link: Illuminate Podcast | valenciakey Lia Valencia Key on Instagram Valencia Key Jewelry on Instagram

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Book recommendations: These Women by Ivy Pochoda

Episode 89: Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz; Fade Into the Bright May 19, 2021

Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz are the authors of Fade Into the Bright, a Young Adult fiction book that was released in April. The novel is all about an 18 year old, Abby, who found out her estranged father is dying from a rare degenerative genetic disease called Huntington’s Disease. This gives Abby and her sister a 50% chance of testing positive for the gene. The book follows Abby after she flees to Catalina Island after testing positive.

May is Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month and Jessica and Alyssa are hoping to raise awareness for Huntington’s Disease through this book. In this episode, they share about the book stacks that some of their readers have created to raise awareness and money for Huntington’s.

Jessica and Alyssa have a great story about the inspiration behind writing Fade Into the Bright and you’ll hear about that in this episode. You’ll also hear about how they work together on all of their writing projects, pursuing their dreams of becoming authors, some of their favorite books to read, the writing process, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:50- Introduction to Jessica and Alyssa

3:30- How Jessica and Alyssa met

5:20- Where their dreams for becoming authors came from

6:55- How they started working together on all of their writing projects and some of the projects that they have worked on

13:35- Their recently released book, Fade into the Bright

16:55- How writing this book has changed their perspective on life

20:05- The inspiration behind writing this book and their goal to bring awareness for Huntington’s Disease

24:00- The research that went into writing this book

24:55- The writing and publishing process

27:00- The process of writing a book together

29:30- The draw to writing young adult fiction

31:10- What’s next and the projects that they are working on

31:50- What a book release day looks like

33:35- The responses that they have gotten from the book and the Instagram challenge that is happening for Huntington’s Disease Awareness

36:15- How their writing process has changed since they have moved apart from each other

38:50- Where you can find Fade into the Bright

39:20- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Win by Harlan Coben

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Memorial by Bryan Washington

Missoula by Jon Krakauer

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Jessica and Alyssa’s Website

Jessica and Alyssa on Instagram

Jessica and Alyssa on Facebook

#StacksforHDAwareness

Huntington’s Disease Society for America

CASA

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This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Episode 88: Sasha Wolff- Running for Mental Health May 13, 2021

Sasha Wolff is the founder of Still I Run. Still I Run is a community where people can share their experience of dealing with depression/anxiety etc. through running or any other type of physical activity. We encourage one another to take time out of our busy lives to run for our mental health. Through various programs we offer, we hope to educate others about running for mental health, raise mental health awareness, provide encouragement to others, and help people experiencing hardship get started in their running journey.

Still I Run was founded by Sasha in 2016, however the idea for the group came to her a few years earlier. In 2011, she was hospitalized for anxiety and depression and one of the coping mechanisms she learned while getting help was the concept of creating healthy routines and habits. One day, shortly after discharge from the hospital, Sasha put on a very neglected pair of running shoes and decided to go for a short walk. That walk felt so great, that she kept doing it on a regular basis and eventually started to go faster and longer. She hasn’t stopped running for her mental health since.

Once she discovered the benefits of running for mental health, Sasha wanted to connect with others who do the same thing. Unfortunately, she couldn’t find a group anywhere.

Sasha is the mother of two, with one on the way, works full time and runs Still I Run in her spare time. She is so passionate about the mission of Still I Run and you’ll sense that in this conversation!

Show Notes:

Still I Run Website

Four Winds – Kristin Hannah

All Things Reconsidered – Knox McCoy

Let’s pretend this never happened – Jenny Lawson

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Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

Episode 87: Ivy Lawson- Becoming an Entreprenuer May 05, 2021

Ivy Lawson is the founder and owner of Logwood Company and Ivyees “Everything Honey”. Ivyees “Everything Honey” produces honey based health and beauty products, toothpaste, condiments, as well as their delicious honey.

Before starting her own company, Ivy spent nearly 2 decades in the corporate world before seeking out her true passions and becoming an entrepreneur.

In this episode, Ivy talks about being unhappy in the corporate world and what ultimately led her to become an entrepreneur, how she felt when she did not receive support from her family and friends when starting her company, the benefits of using honey in beauty products, hiring a team of employees as her business grew, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:00- Introduction to Ivy Lawson

5:05- What lead her to leave the corporate world and become an entrepreneur

8:40- The process of moving to Jamaica and starting her business

10:35- How she felt when she did not receive support from her family and friends when starting her company

14:55- Her message to people that want to make a change in their careers

16:40- Where she sources her honey for

19:35- Benefits of using honey in beauty products

21:25- The difference between honey in the United States and Jamaica

25:35- Hiring a team of employees

27:45- The most successful moment that she has had in owning the business

30:50- Where they sell their products

32:05- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Book Recommendation: I am a Girl from Africa

Ivyees Everything Honey

Ivy on Instagram

Ivy on Facebook

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Episode 86: Jolene Hart – Beauty is Wellness Apr 23, 2021

This week’s guest, Jolene Hart, is a holistic wellness expert. She coaches women on nutritional strategies to prevent and treat beauty concerns from acne to weight gain and aging, and educates consumers about natural beauty products through her company, Beauty Is Wellness.

Jolene is a former magazine beauty editor and journalist. She shares her journey of moving from this world to becoming a health coach.

Jolene has written a number of books including her Eat Pretty book series, which has become an international best-seller. Jolene’s health journey has not always been easy. In this episode, she talks about her challenges and tactics as someone who faces chronic illness with late stage Lyme disease and co-infections.

You will learn from Jolene some easy ways to embrace your inner beauty and how to use nutrition in your every day life!

Show Notes:
Unite for Her
How Healing Works by Wayne Jonas

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour

Episode 85: Sarah Emerson – Look for Opportunities to Pay it Forward Apr 14, 2021

Sarah Emerson was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2017 and documented her journey in a really beautiful and authentic way. She shared the hard but she also shared positive inspiration to others who are struggling.

While Sarah was walking through her treatments, her neighbors stepped up to help her in a really beautiful way – she shares about that in this episode. Sine her diagnosis and seeing the hardships so many people face with medical bills and other hardships, Sarah decided she wanted to do something to help those in need. She teamed up with two of her girlfriends and together they founded In This Together Funds. In This Together Funds inspires hope and strength in communities by providing financial support through charitable grants. Learn more about In This Together Funds! Book Recommendation: Bravey – Alexi Pappas Follow In This Together: In This Together Funds on Instagram

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Book recommendation: The Power of Now

Episode 84: Gaby Rodriguez- Building Community to Take Action for Gender Equity Apr 07, 2021

Gaby Rodriguez is a certified gender professional, Venezuelan lawyer, and social economy specialist. She is also the founder and chair of the Amazona Foundation where she hosts monthly events to build community around gender equality, raises awareness about gender equality, and advises other clients on the creation and implementation of their gender, diversity, and inclusion plan for their programs. The Amazona Foundation works on deconstructing harmful traditional gender roles attributed to men, women, and people of gender and sexual diversities in society.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:05- Introduction to Gaby Rodriguez

4:35- Why she started the Amazona Foundation

12:35- The programs and campaigns that the Amazona Foundation offers

20:15- Her experiences living in different countries

28:10- The differences and similarities of gender inequalities across cultures

33:35- Action steps we can all take to tackle gender inequalities in our own communities

43:10- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

The Amazona Foundation

National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice

Girl Up

Running Start

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When Life Hands You Cactuses, Make Margaritas by Adiba Barney

Episode 83: Mary Grove – Empowerment and Community Building through Entrepreneurship Apr 01, 2021

Mary Grove is an entrepreneur, community-builder, mom of twins and Managing Partner of Bread and Butter Ventures. In today’s episode, you’ll hear about Mary’s remarkable career, inspired by her parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Thailand. Mary began her career at Google working on the Google IPO and later as the founding director of Google for Startups, leading the company’s global efforts to support entrepreneurs in over 100 countries. After her time at Google, she was a partner of Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund where she led dozens of investments in a range of sectors across the Midwest. And now, she resides with her family in Minnesota as a partner of Bread and Butter ventures. She brings a wealth of knowledge to entrepreneurs, discusses the power of business in building communities and talks about how she balances it all.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Show Notes:

The Nest I/O

Episode 82: Shayna Sangster- The Other Side of Fear Mar 24, 2021

Shayna Sangster is the director of marketing for the Indiana Fever at Pacers Sports and Entertainment. She is also the owner of Just Ride Indy. She was a gymnast growing up and she ran track and field in college as a 400m hurdler.

In this episode, we get to hear how growing up as a serious athlete shaped her to who she is today, growing up as a gymnast, her career path, becoming a business owner, the importance of diversity in the wellness space, and so much more!

This episode is hosed by Lindsey Hein.

Show notes:

Shayna on Instagram

Just Ride Indy on Instagram

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Book recommendation: Lean In

Episode 81: Laura Hertz- Gifts for Good Mar 18, 2021

Laura Hertz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gifts for Good. Gifts for Good is an e-commerce site that sells gifts from over 40 nonprofits and social enterprises throughout the country and world. They encourage corporations to redirect their gifting from items that will just end up in a landfill to purchasing their employees gift from Gifts for Good where every gift purchased gives back. You can also purchase gifts from their site for any occasion as an individual.

Laura spent a year of her life doing service work for AmeriCorps right after high school and went on to study Business Administration at UC Berkeley. After spending a few years working in corporate America, Laura got her Master’s in social entrepreneurship at USC.

Laura was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Social Entrepreneurship category in 2020.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:50- Introduction to Laura and Gifts for Good

5:10- How they get corporations on board with their mission

8:30- How Gifts for Good gets connected with the various nonprofits

10:00- Highlighting some of Laura’s favorite products that they sell and nonprofits that they partner with

12:00- How she uses her experience in corporate America to make her business successful while still staying true to her mission of doing good and giving back

15:35- The evolution of Gifts for Good over the years

24:15- How corporate gifting has changed due to COVID

26:20- The sustainability side of Gifts for Good

28:15- The direct impact that Gifts for Good has on nonprofits and social enterprises

31:05- Her favorite part about being the CEO and co-founder of Gifts for Good

32:20- The team of employees that she has brought on to Gifts for Good

35:40- Where her passion for doing good stems from and her experience in AmeriCorps

46:35- What people can do in their daily lives to make an impact on others

50:10- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Gifts for Good Website

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Sseko Designs on Instagram

Episode 80: Liz Bohannon – Opportunity Lives out on the Dance Floor Mar 10, 2021

Liz Bohanan is the co-founder of Sseko Designs an ethical fashion brand that works to educate and empower women. She is also the author of the book Beginner’s Pluck and host of the podcast Plucking Up.

In this episode we talk about seeking opportunity to live a purposeful life, we talk about motherhood, communal living and so much more. It’s a good one friends.

What we talked about:

5:00- How Sseko Designs started

19:55- Seeking out opportunities

25:45- The balance between being humble and being honest about the hard work that it took

35:25- Her parent’s reaction when she quit her job to go to Uganda

37:05- What her parents taught her and what she hopes to teach her children

54:20- Community living and what community means to Liz

Connect with Liz:

Liz on Instagram

Connect with The Illuminate Podcast:

Connect with Sandyboy Productions:

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Episode 79: Gina Mulligan; Girls Love Mail Mar 03, 2021

Gina Mulligan is the founder of a nonprofit called Girls Love Mail, an author, and a breast cancer survivor.

Gina was working on writing a book of letters when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. After her diagnosis, she began receiving letters from others (including strangers) and realized the impact that handwritten letters can have on someone. This lead her to start the nonprofit organization Girls Love Mail. Girls Love Mail collects handwritten letters of encouragement for women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. They are a fully volunteer-run organization that collects letters from anyone and then distribute them to cancer centers.

Gina is such a positive light in the world and doing so much for women that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Gina!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

3:40- What Girls Love Mail is

4:20- How her own breast cancer diagnosis led to starting Girls Love Mail

7:05- Discussing her own cancer diagnosis and treatment

9:35- How Girls Love Mail gained attention and started to grow

15:05- Being a fully volunteer run organization

17:50- Some of the guidelines for letter writing

22:20- How they work with cancer centers to distribute these letters

28:45- Gina’s goals for Girls Love Mail in the future

36:05- The message/letter that she would send to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer

38:10- Her profession as an author

44:15- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Girls Love Mail Website

Girls Love Mail on Instagram

Girls Love Mail on Facebook

Book recommendation: Human Kindness by Brad Aronson

Book recommendation: The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields

Reconciliation Singers Voices of Peace

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Episode 78: Tara Shupe; Let Her Dream Feb 25, 2021

Tara Shupe is a humanitarian and outdoor photographer. She captures raw human stories, meaningful travel experiences, and focuses on women empowerment.

She works with various organizations, brands, and people around the world to share their personal stories, the positive impact they are making, and more! She hopes to use her work to cultivate awareness and be a positive person in the creative world.

Tara recently released a photo book, Let Her Dream, which shares some of the powerful stories, quotes, and photography that she has captured around the world on her projects.

In this episode, Tara talks about both of the photo books that she has published (Let Her Dream and The Alaska Photo Book), spending 96 days in a Dutch NICU after her water broke at 22 weeks, how she captures stories ethically across all cultures, using her photography and creative skills for good, and pursuing her passions of humanitarian and outdoor photography.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:25- Introductions to Tara Shupe and her photography business

9:40- The nonprofits that she works with and how she connects with the clients

12:45- Her recent birth story

18:05- Best advice for other parents in the NICU

20:40- The motherhood stories that she told on her blog from a project in Tanzania

23:35- How she ethically captures stories in various cultures

27:25- Various outdoor adventures that she has been on around the world

30:40- The recent photo book that she published, Let Her Dream

36:50- A place that she dreams to travel and do a project in

38:15- What work looks like now as a business owner in the middle of the pandemic and with a new baby

42:25- Details on The Alaska Photo Book that she published

44:35- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Tara Shupe Website

Tara Shupe Instagram

Let Her Dream

Book Recommendation: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Book Recommendation: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Grumeti Fund

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*As a Finley’s ambassador we do earn from qualifying purchase.

Episode 77: Chris Norton; Defeating the Odds Feb 17, 2021

Chris Norton was a collegiate football player when he mistimed a tackle and collided with the opponent’s legs and immediately lost all feeling and movement from the neck down. He was given the diagnosis that he would never be able to move again.

After incredible amounts of perseverance and dedication, alongside the support of his family and friends, Chris was able to walk across the graduation stage and down the aisle at his wedding with his wife Emily by his side. Chris’ story is one of perseverance, facing his challenges head on, and using his story and his experiences to make a positive impact on others.

Chris now has the Chris Norton Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps to fund the equipment, accommodations, and opportunities for others with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities to help them live their best lives. He also puts on the Chris Norton Foundation Wheelchair Camp where they provide a cost-free camp for youth and families with physical challenges to help them overcome their obstacles and discover all of their abilities.

Chris wrote his book, The Seven Longest Yards, with Mark Tabb who was on the podcast on Episode 55.

On top of all of that, Chris and his wife, Emily, are foster and adoptive parents.

It was such a joy to talk with Chris and hear all that he is doing in the world to change the lives of so many.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

4:15- Introduction to Chris Norton

12:00- The support that he received after his injury

16:05- Where he is at now in his recovery

18:15- Being a foster and adoptive parent

28:05-Some pivotal moments in his journey to walking again

30:55- What the Chris Norton Foundation and the Chris Norton Foundation Wheelchair Camp are

37:15- A transformational piece of advice that he received from a doctor while in the hospital

42:20- The film, 7 Yards, that he has coming out soon

47:00- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Chris Norton Website

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How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi

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Episode 76 – Kristen Howerton: Making Space for Empathy Feb 11, 2021

Today’s guest is a hilarious, social justice minded mom of four, writer and psychotherapist — Kristen Howerton. Her journey to motherhood was not easy and she became a mom of four in four years through both adoption and natural birth. You may know her for her book or social media “Rage Against the Minivan.” (BTW, yes, she does drive a minivan now.) In this episode, Kristen shares about her family and adoption, her activism around racial justice, talking to her kids about race and how she’s managing pandemic life. Kristen’s perspective on life is refreshing, funny and real.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour

Show Notes:

Luvvie Ajayi

DeRay Mckesson

Brene Brown

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

Episode 75: Erika Welsh; Wild Friends Feb 03, 2021

Erika Welsh is one of the co-founders of Wild Friends. Wild Friends is a female-founded natural foods company that specializes in nut butters. They are a B-Corp (Certified Benefit Corporation) and through their company have a giveback program called Fuel Her Future where they donate 1% of their sales to programs that help to empower women and girls to chase their dreams. Additionally, they partner with Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest as their non-profit partner.

In this episode, Erika shares the story about how she started Wild Friends in college with her best friend, going on Shark Tank, using Wild Friends as a platform to give back to women and girls, making products that bring joy to people’s day, and so much more!

I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Erika!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

3:25- Introduction to Erika and how she founded Wild Friends

12:45- How Erika and her co-founder, Keeley, created and grew the business without prior business experience

16:05- The turning point in the business when it started to grow

19:35- Going on Shark Tank and how that transformed the company

25:45- Being in business with her best friend and how they’ve kept a positive relationship throughout

32:45- The strengths that Keeley and Erika each bring to the business

36:35- Their giveback program; Fuel Her Future and the nonprofit that they partner with

41:10- Finding joy in their products bringing other people joy

43:45- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20”

Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest

Fuel Her Future

Book recommendation: The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes

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Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20”

*As a Finley’s ambassador we do earn from qualifying purchase.

Episode 74: Angie and Kyle Gallus- Creating Inclusion in the Pet Industry Jan 27, 2021

Kyle and Angie are two former special education teachers that founded the company, Finley’s, in 2016 when they saw an opportunity to make a big impact in the community. Finley’s is a pet treat company that creates paid employment opportunities for people with disabilities. They give 50% of their profits to initiatives that provide employment training, accessibility, health & wellness, and advocacy platforms for people with disabilities.

Kyle and Angie are so passionate about making a big impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and creating awareness throughout the community.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

As a listener of the show, you can get 20% off your Finley’s order by using code “ILLUMINATE20”.

We have a listener survey for The Illuminate Podcast that we would love if you filled it out. We want to hear from you to help better the show in the coming years and we would love if you took a few minutes to fill that out. Fill out the survey HERE.

What we talked about:

2:35- Introduction to Angie and Kyle and what Finley’s is

6:10- The business model of Finley’s and how the ambassadors play a role in the business

8:00- The hiring process of their employees with disabilities (their ambassadors) and the jobs that they do within the company

13:00- Their giving initiatives of giving 50% of their profits back to provide employment training, accessibility, health and wellness and advocacy platforms for people with disabilities

15:35- What they wish that every company knew about hiring individuals with disabilities

20:10- Their goals to be a stepping stone for the ambassadors to grow into roles in other companies and areas of the community

22:50- Challenges that they faced at the beginnings of their company

26:50- When they realized the business was going to take off and be successful

28:35- Learning curves that they have had as they’ve stepped into business and management roles

33:00- Each of their unique strengths that they bring to Finley’s while being in business as a married couple

36:50- Things coming up that they are excited about

38:30- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Finley’s Website

Finley’s on Facebook

Finley’s on Instagram

Joshin

Best Buddies Minnesota

Angie’s book recommendation: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Kyle’s book recommendation: So You Wanna Start a Brewery? by Tony Magee

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Choose2Include Disability Education Podcast

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Episode 73: Tina Beauvais- Be Kind, Live Kind Jan 20, 2021

Tina Beauvais joins the podcast today!

Tina Beauvais is one of the co-founders of Be Kind Live Kind and the Disability Inclusion Educator. She is on a mission to teach parents and children the best ways to include individuals with disabilities and special needs. Tina’s daughter, Noel, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at 5 months old, is the motivation and inspiration behind all of the work that she does.

Be Kind Live Kind is an online shop as well as a boutique in Greeley, Colorado. They sell various types of apparel, accessories, stickers, and jewelry with the intention of spreading the message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Through their shop, they dedicate the sales of specific designs each month to raise funds for a family that is caring for a child with a disability. At the time of this interview, they were still running the shop out of Tina’s home as solely an online shop but since the business got such a great response from the community, they have opened a brick and mortar location.

Tina’s work as the Disability Inclusion Educator is designed to help parents to raise disability inclusive kids as well as educate the general community on how to connect with individuals with disabilities and special needs. She does advocacy work through her online platforms and speaks to students, parents and educators on the message of inclusion.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

We have a listener survey for The Illuminate Podcast that we would love if you filled it out. We want to hear from you to help better the show in the coming years and we would love if you took a few minutes to fill that out. Fill out the survey HERE.

What we talked about:

5:20- What she does through her Disability Inclusion Educator work

8:45- Her family and having a blended family with her husband, Dustin

12:35- What her children have learned from having a sibling with a disability

16:45- The advice that she would give a family that has received a recent diagnosis that their child has a disability

18:30- How you can help a family that just received the diagnosis that their child has a disability

19:40- Misconceptions that people have about people with disabilities

21:00- Her reaction when she received the diagnosis that her daughter had muscular dystrophy

23:45- How they had a community of people running for Noel through their initiative “Steps for Noel”

28:10- The joys that Noel brings to her life

34:25- Noel’s involvement in the Be Kind Live Kind Shop and their monthly program to help other families that are caring for an individual with a disability

39:30- What Be Kind Live Kind is and the mission behind it

42:05- The vision that Tina has to hire individuals with disabilities for her company

46:55- The community response when the business was launched and how they have grown since

50:25- The message that she hopes to get across with her Disability Inclusion Educator work

53:50- Her 5-10 year plan and goals for her work as the Disability Inclusion Educator

1:03:20- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Be Kind Live Kind Website

Tina Beauvais on Instagram

Tina Beauvais on Facebook

Tina Beauvais on YouTube

Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20”

Book recommendation: The Ideal Team Player

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*As a Finley’s ambassador we do earn from qualifying purchase.

Episode 72: Amy Carver and RJ Heckelman- Trips For Kids Jan 13, 2021

Amy Carver is the Program and Development Manager and RJ Heckelman is the National ReCyclery and Resource Manager at Trips for Kids.

Trips for Kids is a national nonprofit organization with chapters in various parts of the country that provides transformative cycling experiences to promote healthy, recreational lifestyles, environmental awareness, and personal empowerment for young people of all communities, especially those in need. They are working to create a world where every kid has the opportunity to ride a bike.

In this episode, RJ and Amy talk about what Trips for Kids is, the work that they do for the organization, the transformational power that the bike can have on kids, some of the programs that they offer, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

We have a listener survey for The Illuminate Podcast that we would love if you filled it out. We want to hear from you to help better the show in the coming years and we would love if you took a few minutes to fill that out. Fill out the survey HERE.

What we talked about:

3:30- Introduction to RJ and Amy and their roles in the organization

6:50- What Trips For Kids is

14:00- Programs that Trips For Kids offers and how the chapters work

21:15- How they had to shift in 2020 and create new programs

27:55- How they provide bikes for each of their chapters

32:45- How they run the national organization so smoothly while being the only two employees

39:15- The holiday match that they received

42:25- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Trips for Kids on Instagram

Trips for Kids Website

Trips for Kids on Facebook

Trips for Kids Pedal Podcast

Documentary Recommendation: The Social Dilemma

Book Recommendation: The Secret Life of Houdini

Free Bikes 4 Kidz

People For Bikes

Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20”

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The Mission Makers Podcast

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Episode 71: Farah Nanji- Finding Your Own Way Jan 06, 2021

Farah Nanji is a DJ, journalist, TEDx Speaker, podcast host, and the founder of Regents Racing. As a teenager, Farah was diagnosed with Dyspraxia which is a developmental coordination disorder that affects 5% of the world’s population. Farah shares in this episode how she has never settled and allowed Dyspraxia to be a weakness of hers as she has created her own processes to become an entrepreneur in two industries, music and motorsport, that rely heavily on motor coordination.

Farah’s business, Regents Racing, is a business that explores leadership lessons from Formula One racing. Farah also recently launched her podcast, Mission Makers, where she interviews people involved in music, motorsport, business, and other industries.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

3:40- Introduction to Farah Nanji

5:00- What Dyspraxia is

6:30- The process of becoming diagnosed with Dyspraxia

12:10- Different ways that she thinks that the education system could change to help students in situations like hers

16:50- Her experience in Formula One Racing

23:15- What Regents Racing is

28:50- The popularity of Formula One Racing in the UK

31:55- Female involvement in Formula One Racing and motorsport

37:05- Farah’s DJ career and the impact that it has had on her life

44:20- How you find clients and gigs as a DJ

48:05- Farah’s Ted Talk- “Rewiring Dyspraxia from the Brain”

59:50- Her one message to individuals that have dyspraxia

1:00:45- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Farah Nanji’s Website

Mission Makers on Instagram

Farah on Instagram

Farah on Facebook

Farah’s Ted Talk- “Rewiring Dyspraxia from the Brain”

Book Recommendation: Business Lessons from Motor Racing by Mary Jenkins, Ken Pasternak, and Richard West

Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20”

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*As a Finley’s ambassador we do earn from qualifying purchase.

Episode 70: Tracy Quisenberry- Icing Smiles Dec 30, 2020

Tracy Quisenberry is the founder and executive director of Icing Smiles. Icing Smiles is “a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child.” They have cake artists across the country so they can serve children and families no matter where they are.

Outside of Icing Smiles, Tracy is the mother of two and works as a Senior International Tax Manager.

In this episode, Tracy talks about how she started Icing Smiles, her own experience with her son having health issues in his early childhood, balance a full-time career with being the founder and executive director of a nonprofit, the incredible support that she has from volunteers and corporate sponsors, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

We have a listener survey for The Illuminate Podcast that we would love if you filled it out. We want to hear from you to help better the show in the coming years and we would love if you took a few minutes to fill that out. Fill out the survey HERE.

What we talked about:

3:05- Introduction to Tracy Quisenberry

3:45- What Tracy’s work in International Tax Management entails

5:50- Her experiencing with having two babies face health issues

10:30- How she started cake decorating due to her kid’s health issues to bring joy to their family during that time

13:45- How Icing Smiles was created

18:40- The reason that she incorporated her nonprofit

20:20- How the organization works with providing cakes across the country

23:30- The types of people and families that Icing Smiles serves

26:30- The impact that these custom cakes have on children and their families

32:40- How she balances working full-time in International Tax Management with being the founder/executive director of Icing Smiles

34:40- Her team of administrative volunteers

37:30- Her volunteer base of “sugar angels” that bake the cakes

48:30- Some of the cake artists that she dreams of working with

53:25- The motivational speaking that Tracy does

56:15- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Icing Smiles on Instagram

Icing Smiles on Facebook

Icing Smiles on Twitter

Icing Smiles Website

Book Recommendations:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

One Way Love by Tullian Tchividjian

Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20”

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Episode 69: Molly Reeser- Camp Casey Dec 23, 2020

Molly Reeser is the founder and executive director of Camp Casey. Camp Casey is a nonprofit organization that provides cost-free horseback riding programs to children with cancer and life-threatening illnesses in Michigan. They offer four unique programs that they offer including horse house calls, cowboy campouts, outlaw outings, and their newest program Lone Star Getaways

Molly started Camp Casey as a one-day event to honor the life of a young girl named Casey who had cancer that Molly met at a horse barn in 2004. 16 years later, Molly continues to run the programs and impact the lives of so many children and their families. They reach 1600 participants a year.

In this episode, Molly shares the story about meeting Casey and the impact that she had on her life, how she started Camp Casey, the programs that they offer and why they started the Lone Star Getaways this year, the story of how Horsey House Calls started, goals and dreams that she has for the organization, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

We have a listener survey for The Illuminate Podcast that we would love if you filled it out. We want to hear from you to help better the show in the coming years and we would love if you took a few minutes to fill that out. Fill out the survey HERE.

What we talked about:

3:15- Introduction to Molly Reeser and what Camp Casey is

7:25- Who Casey is and how she inspired Molly to start Camp Casey

27:20- Where they put on events and leasing horses and renting barns for the day for events

30:00- How the Horse House Calls Program got started

45:00- The other programs that they have

56:15- How she sets up her and her staff’s schedules to allow for a good work-life balance

59:10- An organization that she partners with and volunteers for; The Buffalo Soldiers

1:01:20- Goals for the organization

1:05:30- Molly’s continue relationship with Casey’s family

1:12:50- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20”

Camp Casey Website

Camp Casey on Instagram

Camp Casey on Facebook

Follow The Illuminate Podcast:

Follow Sandyboy Productions:

Girls Positivity Club on Instagram

*As a Finley’s ambassador we do earn from qualifying purchase.

Episode 68: Sarah Hillware – Harnessing Power to Achieve Gender Equity Dec 17, 2020

Today’s guest is a woman who holds many titles — social entrepreneur, global health strategist, advocate for women and girls and former Miss District of Columbia. Sarah Hillware is a force who has overcome fear to take risks, escaped domestic violence as a child and is breaking down gender inequality. In today’s episode we talk about equity, equality, intersectionality, how she started Girls Health Ed and what she is doing now in her role as Deputy Director of Women in Global Health. Sarah’s background, tenacity, passion and willingness to take risks are all part of her story and have driven her to lead important global change.

This is episode is hosted by Kristin Srour What we talked about: 2:20- Introduction to Sarah Hillware and her career 9:30- Her experience escaping domestic violence and the resources that she wished she had 15:10- What lead her to start her own organization, Girls Health Ed, and what the organization does 23:15- The girls that Girls Health Ed serves in the United States 27:45- The work that she does now with Women in Global Health 41:20- Competing as Miss District of Columbia 45:20- The app that she launched called She Wins 54:00- End of podcast questions Show Notes: Sarah Hillware Girls Health Ed Women in Global Health Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Episode 67: Melissa Jones – Girls Positivity Club Dec 09, 2020

Melissa Jones, founder of the Girls Positivity Club joins me on the podcast today!!

Melissa grew up as an ordinary middle-class girl in Indiana who had loving and supportive parents. Over time, she lost her sense of self when she moved schools, when her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer, and when she stopped taking care of her body thereby losing any self-esteem and confidence she ever had in herself.

It wasn’t until she joined a community of women looking to transform their lives that she finally began to transform hers and she started asking herself why there wasn’t a consistent voice in the community pouring into teaching girls positive habits and confidence techniques while joining them together to form this bigger sense of belonging. There were programs, but nothing that was consistently teaching young girls how to be proactive in confidence and self-worth before adulthood.

Melissa created Girls Positivity Club where she works directly with girls through weekly virtual coaching groups and clubs teaching girls how to have positive habits in self-belief, confidence, and empowerment for themselves and in supporting other girls.

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

What we talked about:

2:50- Introduction to what Girls Positivity Club is and what lead Melissa to start it

12:50- How she became so passionate about working with young girls as a mom of a 12 year old son

15:20- How Melissa started Girls Positivity Club after having the vision and how it has continued to grow

21:00- The mindset and strengths that she hopes the girls in her programs leave with and stories of girls that she has worked with

26:40- The importance of having an outside person teach your kids about positivity

31:25- The purpose that working with girls gives Melissa

32:10- The research that she has found about girls confidence throughout their life

35:10- Goals for Girls Positivity Club

37:15- Where to find out more information on Girls Positivity Club if you want to learn more

37:40- End of podcast questions

Connect with Melissa:

Girls Positivity Club

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Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

Episode 66: Megan Myers- Limitless Sense of Wonder Dec 02, 2020

Megan Myers is a fine artist and illustrator based in Bend, Oregon. She has her own art business, Megan Marie Myers Art, LLC. Her work is inspired by the outdoors and the connections that we have to both the outdoors and those around us. Megan hopes that her work serves as an entry point into people’s own imaginations and to think about their own relationships to nature, each other, and ourselves.

Before starting her own art business, Megan attended Seattle University and majored in Visual Arts. After graduation, she worked in art administration for a decade, including working for the world-renowned glass artist, Dale Chuhuly. Following that, she worked at Trader Joe’s in Portland, Oregon as a sign maker.

She has now worked with brands including Hydro Flask, Visit Bend, The Environmental Center, and so many more.

In this episode, Megan talked about taking the leap to start her own art business, her careers post college, what she hopes that people see when they look at her art, the joys that art brings her, her love for trail running and the outdoors, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

3:40- The outdoors culture in Bend, Oregon

5:40- Introduction to Megan Myers

14:40- The importance of providing art opportunities in schools and for kids

16:55- Her career goals growing up and while in college

21:40- Her work in art administration for Dale Chihuly

27:05- Her work as a sign maker at Trader Joe’s in Portland

34:45- How her career at Trader Joe’s lead to her starting her own art business

37:05- The journey of launching her art business and some goals she has going forward

43:55- The process of hiring an employee in her business

47:55- Megan’s dream company/brand to work with

50:15- What she hopes that her art represents when people look at it

53:45- Where she pulls her inspiration from for her art

56:25- Her favorite outdoor activities to do in Bend, Oregon

1:00:10- What her typical day looks like with her own art business

1:05:35- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

The Creative Pep Talk Podcast

American Civil Liberties Union

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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Episode 65: Amanda Ensor – The Lifeline of Education Nov 25, 2020

Some heroes wear capes, but today’s guest on the show is a quiet, local hero who has used her role as an educator and community leader to serve others. Most recently she has been working tirelessly behind the scenes serving an immigrant population on the eastern shore of Maryland as they face the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s guest is Amanda Ensor, a 17-year educator, who has used the power of education and the connection of schools to improve the wellbeing of and empower families within her community.

This episode is full of inspiration and a reminder of the power of education. Amanda talks about how living overseas inspired her to go into teaching. We discuss how schools serve as a lifeline for many families, and the impact of COVID-19 on that lifeline. She humbly shares about the work she has been facilitating during the pandemic, including food and supply drives and keeping families supported and connected. You will also learn about great children’s literature! Amanda’s wisdom, compassion, and leadership will leave you feeling that the future is bright because of heroes like her supporting the community and teaching our youth.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

What we talked about:

2:30- Introduction to how Amanda Ensor and Kristin know each other

4:00- Why Amanda chose to be a teacher

6:30- Various places that Amanda lived while growing up

7:15- What she saw in the education systems in other countries that surprised her

8:20- Why Amanda thinks there is a different value placed on education in other countries

10:20- How to instill a feeling of excitement and value on education in our children in the United States

13:00- Her experience as a teacher

15:30- Top books that she recommends for a 4^th grader

19:55- Her transition out of the classroom and what her new role as a Family Engagement Specialist is

36:00- How their school district handled food distribution to the community during COVID-19

45:30 – Advice that Amanda has for people that want to help their community in the current times

50:35- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

The Real McCoy series

The Mooncatcher Project

All American Boys By Jason Reynolds

Episode 64: Yuri Williams- A Future Superhero and Friends Nov 18, 2020

Yuri Williams is the founder of the nonprofit organization, A Future Superhero And Friends. Yuri started the nonprofit after his mom passed away from cancer in 2009 and in this episode, he shares all about what his mom taught him and the kind, compassionate and giving traits that she passed on to him. His nonprofit is really unique because it isn’t tied to just helping one group or community, he really strives to make an impact on the lives of many. This includes the elderly, children, veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, kids in hospitals, individuals with disabilities, and so many more! Within his nonprofit, he has put together so many projects and events including blood drivers, movie nights, toy drives, feeding and clothing the homeless, and he even has visited all 50 states while doing a good deed in each state along the way.

Yuri is one of those people that gives everything he has, time, money, resources, and so much more to help others and make this world a better place. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Yuri and leave the conversation ready to do your own acts of kindness in your community as well!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about

2:50- Yuri’s childhood and what his mom taught him growing up

3:30: The impact that Yuri felt from losing his mother

5:50- How he initially got involved with helping the homeless

10:30- Why he decided to start the nonprofit rather than continue to do what he was doing for people independently

12:55- How he decided on the name for the nonprofit

14:00- Why he is involved in helping so many different groups of people

16:00- How he fundraises for the nonprofit

16:55- Some of the projects that he has recently worked on

20:20- The work that he does as a correctional officer outside of running the nonprofit

21:40- Plans to work full time for his A Future Superhero nonprofit

22:05- Travelling to all 50 states to do good deeds in each state along the way

27:30- His goals for the nonprofit in the next 5 years

28:30- What he did to help others during COVID

32:15- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

A Future Superhero and Friends on Instagram

A Future Superhero and Friends on Facebook

A Future Superhero and Friends on Twitter

A Future Superhero and Friends Website

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One Thousand One City Website

Episode 63: Casey Crouse and Trevor DeWitt – One Thousand One City Nov 11, 2020

Casey Crouse and Trevor DeWitt are on the show today. Back in June they started a project called One Thousand One City and completed this September.

One Thousand One City started as a project aimed at connecting the city of Indianapolis by running 1000 miles through its neighborhoods in 100 days. The goal is to meet its citizens, listen to their stories, and share what they have to say.

When the world often seems too big and disconnected, sometimes the best thing a person can do is to set out on their own two feet and simply meet people where they are at.

At its core, OTOC is about taking on a difficult challenge in order to achieve growth towards a better sense of connectedness and understanding to those around us. Through OTOC, another project – New Shoe Day was formed and you’ll hear all about that and their vision for turning it into a non profit in this episode!

Casey is a passionate ultra runner, passionate about movement, self-betterment, connecting to people and sharing personal stories of impact. Both Casey and Trevor work for Edge Mentoring – an organization that pairs young professionals with community leaders, EDGE provides the space for whole-person development while connecting generations in meaningful mentoring relationships.

Trevor is the logistics guy and not only did he run every mile with Casey for this project but he mapped out much of it and made sure the planning was all figured out.

This is a Cross Over Episode- it is also being aired on I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein!

What we talked about:

4:15- When they started One Thousand One City and what drove them to do this

5:15- Introduction to Trevor DeWitt

16:50- Introduction to Casey Crouse

19:50- Casey’s running history

28:18- What One Thousand One City is and why it got started

34:50- The purpose and mission behind One Thousand One City

43:15- What the next steps are for One Thousand One City and what New Shoe Day is

49:50- Fundraising money throughout the project and where the money went

52:05- Their plans for their New Shoe Day nonprofit

1:00:30- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Edge Mentoring

Monumental Kids

We talked about A LOT of books – here they are:

Big Potential Shoe Dog The Ride of a Lifetime The 5am club Rules of Civility The Monk who sold his Ferrari The Alchemist The Great Alone

Music to Check Out:

Maggie Rogers

Connect with Casey & Trevor:

One Thousand One City on Instagram

New Shoe Day on Instagram

Casey on Instagram

Trevor on Instagram

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Indiana Recycling Coalition Website

Episode 62: Allyson Mitchell- Indiana Recycling Coalition Nov 04, 2020

Allyson Mitchell is the executive director of the Indiana Recycling Coalition. The Indiana Recycling Coalition is a nonprofit in the state of Indiana that was founded in 1989. They focus on the education and advocacy to inspire the Indiana community, businesses, institutions, and governments to encourage waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Their mission is “to strengthen the circular economy in Indiana through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting.”

In this episode, Allyson shares her path to becoming the executive director of the Indiana Recycling Coalition, some ways that you can improve your own recycling habits, how recycling impacts jobs, the economy, and the environment, and what the organization is currently working on.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:40- Introduction to Allyson Mitchell and what lead her to becoming the Executive Director at the Indiana Recycling Coalition

7:10- How her law degree benefits her work in the Indiana Recycling Coalition nonprofit organization

9:15- Current global events happening in the recycling industry that is causing the United States as well as local organizations (such as the IRC) to rethink and restructure how they recycle

13:50- The history of the Indiana Recycling Coalition

18:55- Creative ways to reduce your waste

22:50- The truth behind if and how items get recycled and how to maximize the chances of your items being recycled

33:15- How recycling can become contaminated and how to best clean your recyclables

36:50- How we can encourage people within our communities to recycle and what to say to someone that doesn’t believe that recycling works

40:05- Other things that recycling benefits beyond the environment

44:45- The obstacles that people face with recycling and what leads to people not recycling

49:45- What a day in the life looks like for Allyson as the executive director at the Indiana Recycling Coalition

52:40- How their organization is making structural and organizational changes to confront racism in the recycling community

58:45- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Indiana Recycling Coalition on Facebook

Indiana Recycling Coalition on Instagram

Allyson’s Book Recommendation: White Fragility

4Ocean

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Book Recommendation: Contagious: Why Things Catch On

Episode 61: AJ Wiley- Helping the Environment Through Design Oct 28, 2020

AJ Wiley is a graphic designer and illustrator who specializes in outdoor work. AJ majored in graphic design at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He recently launched a design brand, Kumawave, with his brother Justin. Through their brand they design and sell stickers and t-shirts that are focused around nature and the outdoors.

The Kumawave brand partners with environmental nonprofit organizations to take care of the outdoors. They choose a different environmental organization with the release of every collection. Most recently, they donated their proceeds from their California wildlife relief collection to reforestation efforts in California.

In this episode, AJ talks about the process of designing, the NFL “Nature Week” that he created, the fun that he has coming up with new marketing ideas for Tik Tok and other social media platforms, the backstory of starting a company with his brother, how he wants to give back to the environment and others through his brand, and so much more.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:00- Introduction to AJ Wiley

4:35- What he was doing before starting his design brand and how he started his brand

8:00- Brands that he is currently working with a designing for

10:35- How he started Kumawave and deciding to start the brand with his brother

13:20- How the brand has initiatives to help the environment

15:30- What NFL “Nature Week” is and how he came up with those ideas

22:10- What his days look like now that he launched his brand

24:00- How he separates work and life outside of work while owning a business

26:00- How he handles comparing himself to other brands and designers

29:30- The beginning of selling apparel and stickers and what it felt like to sell his first few

33:40- Companies that he dreams of designing for

34:40- What messages he hopes shine through his Kumawave brand

36:05- Goals of connecting with environmental organizations through the sales of his designs

37:10- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Kumawave Website

Kumawave on Facebook

Kumawave on Instagram

AJ on Instagram

Young Life

Jonah DeBoer Design

NFL “Nature Week”

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Episode 60: Laura and Phil Wentworth – Education in Belize Oct 21, 2020

Laura and Phil Wentworth are the Founders of a nonprofit called Lot 25. Phil is the Foundation Director has 15+ years of experience working in Belize, Phil is vested in the culture and community.

Laura serves on the Board of Directors and also has 15+ years of experience working in Belize. Twelve years of teaching experience, primarily in early childhood education. Laura served as a Head Start teacher and Administrator for five years before moving to Higher Education.

Lot 25 aims to provide opportunities for students in Belize who dream of continuing studies after primary school but are limited by financial and academic barriers.

What we talked about:

2:50- How Lindsey met Laura and Phil

4:55- Having a pilot’s license and how Phil initially got interested in that

8:50- How Laura and Phil met

11:30- What Lot 25 is and how it started

16:05- The sustainability of their nonprofit- Lot 25

21:00- How many students they are assisting in Belize with their nonprofit

24:15- What jobs and employment looks like in the community in Belize that they work in

28:25- Laura’s experience and career in education

34:35- What their student teachers do when they go over to Belize

37:15- How COVID changed their plans with the nonprofit and their experience of being in Belize when the shutdowns were happening

42:15- The meaning behind the name Lot 25

44:10- How they help each student financially

48:50- Where to find more information about Lot 25 and follow what they are doing

50:00- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Lot 25 Website

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Special Kneads and Treats, Inc. Website

Episode 59: Michael and Tempa Kohler- Special Kneads and Treats Oct 14, 2020

Michael and Tempa Kohler are the cofounders of the non-profit organization, Special Kneads and Treats in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Michael and Tempa have two kids, Bradley and Ashley. Their son, Bradley, was born with Fragile X Syndrome and when he was 22 years old and aging out of the county supported programs, they were trying to find a job for him. When they realized there weren’t many options, they started dreaming up starting a bakery that would employ adults with special needs. In 2014, they officially opened Special Kneads and Treats where they provide employment and training to adults with special needs. They sell sweet treats at their store front as well as cater for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, and other parties and celebrations. Additionally, they have a program called Cakes for Kiddos where they provide cakes to children, special needs individuals, and elderly who cannot afford a birthday cake.

Before co-founding Special Kneads and Treats, Michael worked in operations management. He also was the GAA Special Populations Assistant Director and Baseball Commissioner. Tempa previously baked and decorated cakes with The Bridal Kitchen and T.J.’s Sweets.

In the episode, Michael and Tempa talk about learning about Bradley’s diagnosis, the joys and challenges of having a child with special needs, starting Special Kneads and Treats, the behind the scenes of the organization, their goals for the organization going forward, why they think that everyone should employ people with special needs, and the challenges that they faced with the bakery during COVID.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:50- Introduction to Michael and Tempa; what they did for work previously and what they are doing now

4:30- How Michael and Tempa met

5:10- Sharing about their two kids and talking about their son Bradley’s diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome

8:50- Some of the challenges that they faced while raising a child with special needs

12:50- The biggest lessons that they have learned from parenting a child with special needs and being in the special needs community

14:40- How Special Kneads and Treats got started

23:05- Some of the people that helped and believed in them in starting Special Kneads and Treats

30:00- Their stance on employing adults with special needs and why they think that every company should too

36:10- Each of their roles in the organization

41:30- What a typical day at work looks like for each of them and for their employees

49:45- How COVID affected their bakery

57:05- How people can help and support their nonprofit organization

1:01:30- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Special Kneads and Treats on Facebook

Special Kneads and Treats on Twitter

Michael’s Book Recommendation: The Purpose Driven Life

Tempa’s Book Recommendation: Lord I Want to Know You

Southeast Gwinnett Food Cooperative

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Have A Little Faith in We

Episode 58: Jackie Bessette – Embrace the Mess and Find the Beautiful Oct 07, 2020

Today’s guest is a warrior, sister, mother, wife, Cystic Fibrosis advocate, community builder, and a courageous inspiration to so many. Jackie Bessette shares her beautiful and messy journey of being the spouse to someone with Cystic Fibrosis. In this episode, she walks through what it’s like to go through two double lung transplants, birthing her baby with her husband on FaceTime and not in the hospital room, what it’s like to “live with the disease” and be faced with challenging discussions around mortality, and how to make lots of plan Bs with grace, humor, and faith. Jackie is vulnerable, real, hilarious, brave, and should be teaching a course on marriage. She is light in this world and will inspire you with her courage and how she tackles life!

What we talked about:

2:30- Introduction to how Kristin and Jackie met

4:30- How Jackie met her husband

8:10- What Cystic Fibrosis is, her husband’s journey with Cystic Fibrosis and how it has impacted her life

19:30- The lung transplant process as her husband had two lung transplants

25:40- The strains on a relationship when going through a transplant

38:00- Different stages in his recovery from the lung transplant, their decision to get pregnant, and the journey of going through a second lung transplant

1:01:10- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

If Only You Know by Jamie Ivey

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

O’Connell Superdance

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Book recommendation: The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

Episode 57: Charlotte Simpson- Traveling Solo Sep 30, 2020

Charlotte Simpson joins the podcast today! Charlotte Simpson is a retired guidance counselor and solo traveler from Indianapolis. After losing her husband of 31 years, she decided to begin traveling solo and seeing the world. Charlotte traveled to all 50 states with her husband and since he passed away she has traveled around the world.

Charlotte started her Instagram page The Traveling Black Widow to share her solo travel photos with family and friends. She has now grown to over 13,000 followers and shares messages of positivity, book recommendations, and more along with all of her fun travel photos!

In this episode, Charlotte shares about some of her travel experiences, where she recommends traveling to, why she started traveling solo, what traveling has taught her about herself, her favorite things about her husband, and her work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Charlotte’s joy for life is contagious and you will come away from this episode feeling so much positivity!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:15- Introduction to Charlotte Simpson & how she got the Instagram name “Travelling Black Widow”

4:06- How her and her husband met

5:45- Charlotte’s work as a special education teacher and guidance counselor

8:40- Stories of travelling with her husband

12:30- When and why she started travelling solo

16:20-What drew her to travel to Italy for her first solo travel

22:35- Her favorite things about her husband

25:00- Favorite place that she has visited

26:15- What type of accommodations she likes to utilize when travelling

27:05- Her experiences using travelling companies when travelling solo and planning trips

29:40- Places that she dreams of travelling to

34:45- What she has spent her time doing since she isn’t able to travel due to COVID

36:45- Her volunteer work as a CASA

47:30- How she fits in her volunteer work with her busy travel schedule

53:45- Things that she has learned about herself from her travels

58:30- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Charlotte on Instagram

Charlotte on Facebook

NAACP

Information about becoming a CASA

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Register for the Drumstick Dash

Episode 56: Carrie Rickenberg – Wheeler Mission Sep 23, 2020

Carrie Rickenburg is the Director of Donor Relations at Wheeler Mission Ministries in Indianapolis, IN. Wheeler Mission is the largest homeless shelter in the state of Indiana – they provide Addiction Recovery, Residential Program, Emergency Shelter services to the Indianapolis community.

In this episode we talk about how the onset of COVID affected Wheeler Mission and how they operate, how they adapted and going forward, in light of our new normal. We also get to hear about how the Indianapolis community and restaurant community stepped up to help Wheeler during these trying times.

Coming soon is the 2020 Drumstick Dash which is Wheeler’s largest fundraiser of the year. They have a modified in person event planned but also have big things going on with the virtual option as well. Make sure you register because 100% of the proceeds go directly to Wheeler Mission.

Show Notes:

Wheeler Mission

Follow The Illuminate Podcast

Follow Sandyboy Productions

I’ll Have Another Interview with Lopez Lomong

Businesses in Indianapolis who have helped out Wheeler Mission during this time!

Donated food/meals without a business sponsor:
Foundry Provisions
Tinker Street
Capital Grill
Piazza Produce
Jack’s Donuts
Sushi Boss

Here are the restaurants who prepared meals with help from sponsors:
Chicago’s Pizza Arlington
Illinois Street Food Emporium
Jugs
Nameless Catering
Chicago’s Pizza Greenwood
Johnson’s BBQ ShackLLC 2
Bazbeaux Pizza
Movable Feast
Johnson’s BBQ Shack LLC
The District Tap
Roosters Kitchen
Love Handle
Old Major Market
Green St Pub (Brownsburg)
Shapiros

Here are the sponsors who provided funding so the restaurants could get a boost:
Chicago’s Pizza
Jabaal Sheard (Mike Nattis)
KSMC – Mary Catharine Grau
Shepherd Insurance
Starbucks
Tom Calhoun
Weas Engineering
Nick and Tracy Papas
Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling
Weas Engineering
Chorus
Evans Family
KSMC #2
Pacers Foundation
Schneider
Roche
Corteva
High Alpha
Edward Jones (Ted Burgoon)
Schoolhouse Insurance & Financial Services, LLC.

Episode 55: Mark Tabb- The Power of Storytelling Sep 16, 2020

Mark Tabb joins The Illuminate Podcast today! Mark is an author and has written his own books as well as been a co-author for over twenty books. Mark has worked with so many incredible people to co-author their books including YouTube stars Cole and Savannah Labrant, Olympian Lopez Lomong, actor Alec Baldwin, Superbowl champion Ben Utecht, and so many more! He was the co-author of the New York Times Bestselling book Mistaken Identity.

In this episode, Mark shares about the collaborative writing process, what he loves about writing and storytelling, how he seeks out these stories, some of his favorite books that he has written, authors and books that he loves, and so much more! If you love reading and writing, you will love hearing this interview with Mark.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Show Notes

Mark Tabb Website

Follow The Illuminate Podcast

Follow Sandyboy Productions

Indiana Prison Writers Workshop

What we talked about:

3:00- Introduction and how he got started writing

10:00- Why he kept trying after 27 rejections of one book and how he finally got it published

11:45- What type of books he writes these days

13:30- He shares about his book Convicted: An Innocent Man, the Cop Who Framed Him, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship

18:10- The process of doing collaborative writing and working with other people

28:35- How he finds the stories to co-author

30:15-The length and time commitment of the writing process

31:50- What it feels like when he finishes writing a books

34:25- Authors that he looks to for inspiration and ideas he pulls from other authors

39:00- Negative reviews he has gotten and he uses them to help improve his writing

45:50- What he loves about writing other people’s stories and the power of storytelling

46:20- The marketing of his books

49:10- Working with Lopez Lomong to write his book Running for My Life: One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

52:50- The dream story to write about or person to work with

54:15- Favorite book that he has written

57:05- End of podcast questions

Episode 54: Debra Des Vignes – Indiana Prison Writers Workshop Sep 09, 2020

Debra Des Vignes joins us today on the Illuminate Podcast. Debra is the Founder of the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop. The nonprofit works to improve the lives of Indiana offenders through creative writing and expression.

Debra began her career in the News industry and moved to working in the Nonprofit sector before starting the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop. She is the author of Sunday Sweet Sunday and The Green Balloon.

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Show Notes:

Just Mercy – Bryan Stevenson

The Central Park Five – Sarah Burns

Solitary – Albert Woodfox

Lydia Davis

Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter – 50 Cent

Follow Indiana Prison Writers Workshop:

IN Prison Writers Workshop on Instagram

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Addict II Athlete on Instagram

Episode 53: Blu Robinson- Turning the Mess of Addiction into the Message of Sobriety through Addict II Athlete Sep 02, 2020

Blu Robinson is the founder of Addict II Athlete as well as a mental health counselor. Blu struggled with addiction early on in his life but when he found a passion for mountain biking he found the power in replacing his addiction with a new love and passion for endurance sports and the Wasatch Mountains. He shares that he found himself “erasing addiction and replacing it with a more excellent way of life.”

Blu became a therapist working with people struggling with addiction and found that some of his clients were not getting what they needed out of the traditional 12-step program so he started the free community group, Addict II Athlete. Addict II Athlete is a non-profit organization that helps individuals struggling with addiction to replace their addiction with things of greater value while maintaining sobriety. Addict to Athlete hosts group runs, practices and races to help individuals pour their energy into something other than their addiction. They offer free community support groups, online support and resources, service projects, races and events and personal training.

In this episode, Blu shares about his own journey through addiction and how he established sobriety, starting Addict II Athlete, their mission through their running and community service projects, some stories about athletes that he has worked with, and so much more!

Addict II Athlete is putting on a virtual race during the month of September for National Recovery Month. You can enter to win an entry to the race through The Illuminate Podcast by leaving a rating and review for The Illuminate Podcast and/or subscribing to the show and emailing a screenshot of it to emma@sandyboyproductions.com.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Show Notes

Addict II Athlete on Facebook

Addict II Athlete

Addict II Athlete Podcast

Addict II Athlete Virtual 5k Race

Broken Open by David Clark

Live on Purpose with Dr. Paul Jenkins

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https://www.elizabethfriedland.com/

Episode 52: Elizabeth Friedland – In the Arena as a Foster & Adoptive (Single) Mom Aug 26, 2020

Today’s guest is an 11-time mom. Elizabeth Friedland has been a foster mom to 11 children. One of her foster children became Elizabeth’s adoptive child. In this episode Elizabeth talks about what it has been like to be a single woman fostering children and the journey to adopting her son, Jack, in an open adoption. Elizabeth dives into the joys, challenges and realities of fostering, where there are challenges with the system, why she has decided to take this path and her advise for anyone considering fostering.

Elizabeth’s optimism, energy and humor are contagious and uplifting. She is a believer and builder of community. And her outlook on life is that we are here to help others and we all need to try to impact other people’s lives for the better.

You will leave this episode refreshed, with new knowledge on foster care and thinking about what you are doing for your corner of the world to make it better and to get “in the arena.”

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour

Show Notes:

Foster moms mentioned by Elizabeth:

Book recommendation:

Follow Elizabeth

Elizabeth on Instagram

Instant Mom Podcast

Follow The Illuminate Podcast

Sponsor:

Hello Fresh

Use code “Illuminate80” for a total of $80 off your order.

Episode 51: David Block – Health & Impact Aug 19, 2020

David is the Founder & CEO of Previnex. His passion for optimal health, wellness, and prevention started when he was a research analyst covering the health and wellness industry. David specialized in nutritional supplements, reading clinical studies, touring manufacturing facilities, meeting with various companies, and immersing himself in the supplement and wellness industry on all levels.

What I love about David’s story is his decision to change his career path after spending several years as a hedge fund manager. His passions and vision for how he wanted to spend his career changed and he pursued a new dream.

One of the coolest things about what his company previnex is doing is that for very customer order, they donate a bottle of our premium children’s multivitamin, Super Vites, to malnourished children. Get Health, Give Health®.

Show Notes:

Follow Previnex:

Previnex on Instagram

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Follow Sandyboy Productions”

Viva Wellness on Instagram

Episode 50: Rachel Gersten-Being Your own Healthcare Advocate Aug 12, 2020

Rachel Gersten joins the show today! Rachel is the co-founder of a mental health practice in New York City, Viva Wellness. She is passionate about helping others live their happiest and healthiest lives whether that be in their job, relationships, family or finding their passions. She describes herself as an “obsessed runner” having run over 150 New York Road Runner’s races. Rachel’s work is founded on the belief that a person’s mental, physical and social health are all very important.

In this episode, Rachel dives deep into how her own journey with chronic pain has lead her to encourage others to be an advocate for their own health. We also talking about how her and Jor-El became business partners and started their own practice, the behind the scenes of Viva Wellness and her passions within the therapy field.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Show Notes

Rachel on Instagram

Rachel on Twitter

Viva Wellness

The Viva Wellness Podcast

Jodi Picoult’s The Book of Two Ways

Follow The Illuminate Podcast

Follow Sandyboy Productions

Senda Success on Instagram

Episode 49: Hawa Kipilili-Educating the Next Generation Aug 05, 2020

Hawa Kipilili joins The Illuminate Podcast today! Hawa is from Arusha, Tanzania where she is the founder of the non-profit organization, Senda Success. She started this organization because she saw a disconnect between teachers, parents and children even while they were all facing big challenges. Hawa is very passionate about education and reforming education in Tanzania so she got creative in how to help her country and village. Senda Success provides teachers’ training and consultancy, parenting seminars, and after school and holiday programs. At the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdowns, Hawa was upset when hearing that children would not be attending school and not have the resources to continue learning during those times. She gathered teachers from around the area to put together a radio program where teachers would share a daily lesson that kids could use to learn from home.

In this episode, Hawa also talks about her tough upbringing where both of her parents and the rest of her family abandoned her and left her to raise her siblings by herself. She went on to attend university and become a school teacher all while raising her younger siblings. Hawa was such a fun guest to have on the podcast because of her passion for education and children, her love for everyone around her and the joy that she brings to everything that she does.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Show Notes

Follow The Illuminate Podcast

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

Episode 48: Jessica Honegger – Creating Opportunity and Finding Courage Jul 29, 2020

Today’s guest is a woman who is admired by many, is truly courageous and leads her life, business and family with a value system that strives to make the world a better place. Jessica Honegger is the author of the book Imperfect Courage, founder and CEO of the socially conscious fashion brand, Noonday Collection and host of the podcast Going Scared. Jessica shares her the windy career and life journey that included the adoption of her son from Rwanda and eventually led to starting her company. The remarkable mission of Noonday Collection is to create a flourishing world, where women are empowered, children are cherished, people have jobs and we are all connected. In this episode you’ll hear about Jessica’s courage, or how she puts it “courage cornered me”, how she chose vulnerability, her beliefs that we are meant to create and the power of community building. Jessica is a light in this world and you will leave today’s episode inspired!

The episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Show Notes:

Follow Jessica

Jessica on Instagram

Jessica on Twitter

Noonday Collection on Instagram

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Episode 47: Molly Huffman – The Moon is Round Jul 22, 2020

Molly Huffman joins us on the podcast today! She has a story of loss and grief but also a story of hope and peace. She is the author of the new book “The Moon is Round” which recounts her story. Over the course of 6 years she lost her mom, suffered a miscarriage, lost her 8 month old son and her marriage. It’s a lot. Yet through it all she clung to her faith (though it was hard a lot of times)… her faith carried her through. When her son Tage was sick she started a CaringBridge site to keep her friends and family informed and ultimately point people to God. Over 20,000 views and hundreds of messages sharing Tage’s story, Molly realized how much his short life was impacting lives in really big ways. In this episode Molly and I talk through her story and I hope it brings you feelings of peace and purpose for your own life! This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein. Show Notes: Molly’s Website The Moon is Round The Blessing of Humility Follow Molly: Molly on Instagram

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Viva Wellness on Instagram

Episode 46: Jor-El Caraballo- Viva Wellness Jul 15, 2020

Jor-El is a licensed mental health counselor trained in psychological counseling. His experience includes working with both the NYC Anti-Violence Project and LGBTQ young adults at the True Colors Residence of West End Residences, HDFC and educating about sexual assault prevention, healthy sexuality and consent, and mental health and stress management. Jor-El is the co-founder of Viva Wellness, a holistic health and wellness practice.

In this episode, Jor-El discusses finding a therapist that is right for you, the lack of representation of black individuals in the therapy field, having no shame in your feeling your emotions, his health and wellness practice Viva Wellness, and providing therapy and counseling for everyone, no matter their race, ethnicity, sexuality, or gender.

If you enjoyed hearing from Jor-El, he has a podcast of his own with his co-founder of his practice, Rachel, where they talk about wellness and share their knowledge, experiences, and interview bright and interesting guests.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Show Notes

The Viva Wellness Podcast

Follow The Illuminate Podcast

She Built This City on Instagram

Episode 45: Demi Knight Clark – She Built This City Jul 08, 2020

Demi Knight Clark is a self-professed “spitfire” and energy ball who envisions a world where #20PercentBy2020 is not only a smashed ceiling by thousands, but also women and men are equal in all trades. As the “only woman in the room” much of her career (and seeking out these situations), she is a passionate advocate for equal representation at the table in all things – from boardrooms to sports endeavors.

She is owner of Knight Clark Collective, a boutique consulting firm servicing all industries (primarily construction); & an avid Wattie Ink Hit Squad Ironman triathlete, mountain climber & marathoner supporting Kathrine Switzer’s #261Fearless movement engaging women in running. After climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro & the summits of Iceland in early 2019, she was accepted to Yale School of Management’s Global Executive Leadership Program & “said no more excuses” to starting She Built This City.

Show Notes:

She Built This City

Follow She Built This City:

She Built This City on Twitter

She Built This City on Facebook

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Rising Strong by Brene Brown

Episode 44: The Muzaffar Sisters – Owning this Moment Jul 01, 2020

Episode 44: The Muzaffar Sisters – Owning This Moment

This week’s Illuminate Podcast guests are three sisters – Amal, Zainab and Mariam Muzaffar. COVID-19 has devastated the world, but it has also brought some positivity to communities. The Muzaffar sisters are the perfect example of this positivity. They were raised in New York and decided to own this moment to give back to the New York community. They did this through fundraising and working with a supplier to bring personal protective equipment (PPE) to the hospitals around New York, when it was desperately needed and by working with a local food bank to address the hunger crisis. These sisters also started a lifestyle clothing brand called Beautiful And Delicious where they are designing clothing for the everyday woman that can transition from work to play to the gym. But the brand is so much more that – it has brought together a community helping empower women to be the best version of themselves and own their moment.

In the episode you’ll hear from all three sisters. Zainab is the Founder and CEO of Beautiful And Delicious. She is often laughing at her own jokes, singing loudly to 90s hip-hop, or working on her hook in the boxing gym! Mariam is the Managing Director of a brand consulting agency in NYC. She feels most at home, getting lost in the adventures of her characters’ in the novels she’s writing. Amal is a Product Manager on the AI team at Facebook where she owns the machine learning strategy for video. She loves to stay active in her community and spends her free time dancing, reading, or learning something new.

This conversation will make your day and make you wish you could have dinner with these ladies!

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Show Notes:

Beautiful and Delicious

The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav

Educated by Tara Westover

Follow Beautiful And Delicious

On Instagram

Website

Follow The Illuminate Podcast

Virtual Writing Workshops

Episode 43: Eileen Moskowitz Palma- Using your Gifts for Good Jun 24, 2020

Today’s guest on the podcast is Eileen Moskowitz Palma. Eileen was a teacher for many years until facing a life threatening condition, HELLP Syndrome, while pregnant with her daughter. After that, she faced auto-immune disorders that forced her to give up teaching. Leaving her teaching career lead her to begin working on her other life dream, becoming an author. Eileen has recently published the first of her two book series, Camp Clique, and was prepared to go on a book tour with many school visit stops on the way. When the shut downs began all of those plans were cancelled. She got creative to keep her mind busy and get through these disappointments and created virtual writing workshops to help parents that are homeschooling unexpectedly during these times. She has helped kids find their passion for writing and grow in their creativity while sharing their emotions during these times. Eileen will be releasing the second book of her series, School Squad, in October, 2020.

Throughout this episode, you will hear how Eileen has had many times in her life that she had to change her dreams and passions. This conversation is inspiring to see how she takes these setbacks and turns them into new goals, passions, and exciting new things. We can all learn from Eileen during these times where all of our plans are changing.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

Show Notes

Camp Clique

School Squad

Eileen Moskowitz Palma

Follow Eileen on Instagram

Find Eileen on Facebook

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Be the Bridge – Latasha Morrison

Episode 42: Faitth Brooks; Racial Reconciliation Jun 17, 2020

Faitth Brooks is an anti-racism educator. She is the Director of Programming at Be the Bridge. Be the Bridge. Be the Bridge empowers people and culture toward racial healing, equity and reconciliation.

Faitth is a passionate speaker, she’s an activist, writer and loves to travel. She has a masters degree in Social Work and also co-hosts the podcast Melanated-Faith.

In this episode we talk about racial reconciliation and what that process looks like. Faitth helps break down the book “Be the Bridge” written by Latasha Morrison.

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Show Notes:

Be the Bridge

Oh Happy Dani

Insecure

Follow Faitth:

Faitth on Instagram

Faitth on Twitter

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Episode 41: Jennifer Magley – No Shame in being Knocked Down Jun 10, 2020

Jennifer Magley is a speaker, former professional athlete, NCAA Division I head coach, entrepreneur, and owner of OPEN GYM. She has received national media coverage from USA Today, ESPN, Heart & Soul Magazine, BRIO Magazine, Active Life Magazine, The Kansas City Star, The Indianapolis Star, and IndyStyle TV among others. Currently Magley is a Make-A-Wish® America Honoree and Board Member at non profits The Patachou Foundation and COBURN Place in Indianapolis, IN. She is a single mother of 2 young boys.

In this episode we talk about life as a Professional athlete, career and Jennifer shares her story of walking through divorce, life as an entrepreneur, speaker, landing a dream job but getting laid off months later due to the pandemic and how there is NO SHAME in being knocked down. She recently wrote a linked in article that went viral with over 10 million views on the topic.

You are going to leave this conversation hoping that one day you will get the opportunity to sit in a crowd and listen to this woman share her gift with the World because when she speaks in front of a group of people, every last person will be moved.

Show Notes:

Jennifer Magley Website

Patachou Foundation

Story Genius – Lisa Cron

Follow Jennifer:

Jennifer on Instagram

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King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild

Episode 40: Deo Niyizonkiza – A Vision for Change May 27, 2020

Today’s guest brings a story of the kindness of strangers, peace building and the pursuit of dignity. Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza was born in rural Burundi. He fled Burundi during the catastrophic war that lasted more than a decade and took the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. He ended up in New York City, not knowing English or with a place to go. He found himself homeless in Central Park. Through the kindness of a stranger, Deo worked his way out of homelessness. He eventually enrolled at Columbia University, earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and philosophy. He then attended the Harvard School of Public Health, and completed his medical studies at Dartmouth Medical School. Deo had a vision for change and believed in the power of peacebuilding and community as part of the solution. He founded Village Health Works, which is providing quality, dignified health care while also addressing the root causes of illness, poverty, violence, and neglect within his home community of Kigutu, Burundi. This work has set an example for countries and organizations across the globe.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Show Notes:

Deo’s inspiring life story is told in Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Kidder’s book, Strength in What Remains.

Village Health Works

Village Health Works on Twitter

Village Health Works on Instagram

Episode 39: Wendy Snyder – Compassionate Discipline May 20, 2020

Positive Parenting coach Wendy Snyder returns to the show today!

Wendy is a Positive Parenting Teacher & Family Coach, helping families parent with great purpose and intention by creating healthy, respectful & cooperative relationships. She is a Certified Parent Educator of Redirecting Children’s Behavior (RCB) and an advocate for families.

A mother to two vibrant children, Wendy has been dedicated to the application of Positive Parenting in her home since 2009. Wendy discovered the work of Positive Parenting when she was challenged and overwhelmed with the many trials of parenthood early in her motherhood experience. The endless opportunities for practice, failure, learning and growth have created a deep fluency for Wendy in the language and curriculum of Redirecting Children’s Behavior.

Through her company Fresh Start Family, Wendy offers in-person and online seminars, coaching, classes & memberships to give parents the support and tools they need to raise their children with firmness, kindness, strong limits, compassion and empathy. Her delicate balance of encouragement, empowerment, and coaching inspires parents to take action and be the change they wish to see in their families, homes and communities.

Make sure you check out our first episode with her to get some more background on her story! (episode 15).

Hosted by: Lindsey Hein

Show Notes:

Fresh Start Families

Follow Wendy: Wendy on Instagram Wendy on Facebook The Fresh Start Family Podcast

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Long Walk Out of the Woods – Dr. Adam B. Hill

Episode 38: Dr. Adam B. Hill – Mental Health; and Honest and Hopeful Conversation May 13, 2020

Today’s guest is Dr. Adam B. Hill! “Dr. Adam B. Hill is a human being, a husband, a blessed father of two young children, an avid Butler University Bulldog, a native Indiana son, and a pediatric palliative care physician at Indiana University’s Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN.

Dr. Hill openly shares his own story of depression, suicidal thoughts and alcoholism while working in the field of medicine. Now, years into recovery, Dr. Hill shares his experience to help other individuals still suffering. In the midst of a national epidemic of caregiver distress, Dr. Hill reveals a rare, open and honest perspective, which has garnered national/international speaking opportunities and assisted in lifting the veil of secrecy regarding caregiver mental health. Dr. Hill’s voice is leading a cultural revolution for how we approach mental health conditions in the professional workforce.

Hill’s voice has been featured by USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Indianapolis Star, Medium, Thrive Global, Medscape and a cover story on Modern Healthcare magazine. Dr. Hill has also been named a National Mental Health Champion award winner for 2019.

In his lectures and writings, Dr. Hill shares the lessons learned during the course of his own successful mental health and addiction recovery. On March 23rd, 2017, these lessons were shared in the groundbreaking New England Journal of Medicine Article entitled “Breaking the Stigma: A Physician’s Perspective on Self-Care and Recovery”.

(Quoted from Dr. Hill’s Website)

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Show Notes:

The Wounded Healer on Twitter

Dr. Hill on Twitter

Love Lives Here – Amanda Jett Knox

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Badass Womens Council Podcast

Episode 37: Rebecca Fleetwood Hession – Community and Connection May 06, 2020

Rebecca Fleetwood Hession is the CEO and founder of WEthrive.live a company to Ban Burnout, Build Community and Boost Business.

Rebecca writes, speaks, coaches and consults on those topics she has knowledge, empathy and experience. This includes decades of experience in leadership, sales, strategy, leading change, execution, team building, consultative selling, transforming HR and training professionals to become business consultants. She also speaks on parenting, especially those parenting children with ADHD/ADD.

She is currently authoring a book based on her personal experience and her work helping women RISE and THRIVE.

As a writer and speaker she has nearly 100k views on her TEDx talk ADHD as our Innovators. She was chosen to speak an original piece at a Listen to Your Mother event and has blog posts with over half a million readers. Rebecca uses storytelling to engage audiences with humor, vulnerability and practical take aways. She connects well with the executive team as well as the front line employee.

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Show Notes:

We Thrive.Live

Rebecca on Instagram

East of Eden

Dove Recovery House

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Katie’s Memoir: How to Get Run Over by a Truck

Episode 36: Katie McKenna – Aggressively Chasing Joy Apr 29, 2020

Today’s guest is a woman who is a beacon of light and hope. Her beautiful story and message come at time where the world faces so much uncertainty. More than 10 years ago, on a sunny morning bike ride in Brooklyn, 24-year-old Katie McKenna was forever changed when she was run over by an 18-wheeler. Being crushed under a massive semi wasn’t something Katie should have survived. After 10 hours of emergency surgery, she woke to find herself in a body and a life that would never be the same.

In today’s episode she shares her personal story of this trauma, her recovery and her incredible outlook on life. She has chosen the path where she celebrates small bites and little victories. And feels she is living life for all people who didn’t get a second chance. For Katie, this translates into living in the present moment and aggressively chasing joy.

Katie uses her story as a parallel to what the world is facing today and asks some tough and beautiful questions and challenges us to live fully present and find joy, despite uncertainty, fear, and a new “normal”. You will leave this conversation inspired, hopeful and ready to dream and aggressively chase joy.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Show Notes:

Katie McKenna

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Alison Roman’s Spiced Chickpea Stew

Alison Roman’s Garlic Braised Short Ribs

The Illuminate Podcast

Follow The Illuminate Podcast on Instagram

Episode 35: Courtney Hoyle and Amanda Stevenson- Open Adoption Apr 22, 2020

This week we are talking to Amanda Stevenson and Courtney Hoyle. Amanda and Courtney share a daughter through open adoption, Courtney the birth mother, and Amanda the adoptive mother. They share their story about creating a family for Margot their daughter that is filled with love. They, along with Amanda’s husband Micah, have chosen to raise Margot in a way that supports family, adoption and loving each other through hard places.

Hosted by Emily Reddington

Episode 34: Colleen Stine- Creating a Legacy of Kindness Apr 15, 2020

This week we are talking to Colleen Stine. Colleen is the co-owner of EVERYKIND, a t-shirt shop aimed at spreading a message of kindness to kids and adults, mom to 5 kids and one of the most positive people I’ve met through the midst of some pretty awful life circumstances. We talk a lot about starting her business with her online friend and business partner, the mission and passion behind her business, and she shares the tragic story of her sister’s death and how Colleen and her husband have stepped in to raise her sister’s kids along with 3 of her own. I hope that Colleen’s life experiences, her outlook on life and her passion for her business encourage you to look on the bright side, even when that seems so difficult to do.

Hosted By Emily Reddington

EVERYKIND

Episode 33: Jennie Weiner – Engaged Compassion Through the Uncertainty of COVID-19 Apr 08, 2020

Episode 33: Jennie Weiner – Engaged Compassion Through the Uncertainly of COVID-19

Dr. Jennie Weiner authored the viral New York Times Op-Ed, I Refuse to Run a Coronavirus Home School. Today on the show, Jennie talks about the narrative that led her to write this piece and how she’s approaching having her kids home full time (hint: it doesn’t involve color coded schedules). Jennie is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at University of Connecticut with a focus on Kindergarten through 12th grade. We talk about how the school systems are handling the shut downs, how coronavirus has further illuminated inequities in schools that need our collective attention and advocacy, and how to show engaged compassion and grace during this unprecedented time.

Jennie asks two important questions that got me thinking: Who do you want to be to your kids? Who do you want to be in the world right now?

This conversation is insightful, real and looks toward how this time can lead to positive change.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Show notes:

Jennie Weiner

Jennie on Twitter

The Teaching Wars by Dana Goldstein

WEALF

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Episode 32: Sarah and Mark Canney – Encouragement Based Parenting Apr 01, 2020

Sarah and Mark Canney are on the show today talking about encouragement based parenting! Most of us are spending a lot more time at home and if we have kids, a lot more time in the house with the kids. I wanted to talk with Sarah and Mark because I have heard them discuss their parenting style for a couple years now and I personally aspire to bring some of the core values they talk about into my own home.

Mark became interested in a better way of parenting right from the start of the adventure of having three kids who they now home school. Reading lot’s of books on the topic, he eventually went on to get a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Sarah runs her own business connecting and empowering women through her retreats – Rise Run Retreat and Mark, a retired plumber is the full time home schooling parent in their home. Wait until you hear about the meditation practice they do with their kid every morning. It sounds intimidating but it’s not!

This is a great conversation- no perfection here, just helpful ideas we can all implement into our lives. If we want. I hope you take some helpful information here and more than anything I hope you walk away feeling encouraged to take one small step!

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Show Notes:

The Time Timer

Beneath the Scarlett Sky – Mark Sullivan

The Denial of Death – Ernst Becker

Follow Sarah & Mark:

Sarah on Instagram

Mark on Instagram

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Episode 31: Peter Dunn – Financial Expert Mar 25, 2020

What is going to happen with the economy over the next few months? Should I invest now? Should I wait? Should I have cash on hand? What should I do if I do get a stimulus check from the Government?

These are all questions, Peter Dunn, also known as Pete the Planner answers for us today amidst the financial strain some are facing during the COVID19 outbreak.

Pete is an award-winning comedian and an award-winning financial mind. He’s a USA TODAY columnist and the author of ten books. He is the host of the popular radio show and podcast The Pete the Planner Show . Pete has appeared regularly on CNN Headline News, Fox News, Fox Business as well as numerous nationally syndicated radio programs. In addition to his work educating the public, Pete is also the CEO and Founder of Your Money Line and Hey Money. Pete lives in Carmel, Indiana with his wife and two young children.

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Show Notes:

Pete the Planner Website

Hey Money

Pete the Planner Podcast

Shoe Dog – Phil Knight

Follow Pete:

Pete on Twitter

Pete on Instagram

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Episode 30: Fred & Milton Ochieng – Humanity, Community and a Father’s Dream Mar 18, 2020

Episode 30: Fred & Milton Ochieng – Humanity, Community and a Father’s Dream

Today’s episode will take you to a community in rural Kenya and tells a story of struggle and despair turned to hope. You will hear the amazing journey of Fred and Milton Ochieng. Who came from a community in Kenya called, Lwala, and both found their way to Dartmouth College and then to medical school in the United States.

It was Fred and Milton’s father’s dream to open the region’s first health clinic, and he was instrumental in organizing village elders and convincing them to donate land, resources, and labor to make that dream a reality. Tragically, both of Fred and Milton’s parents died of AIDS while Fred and Milton were studying in the United States and before the clinic was built. Fred and Milton resolved to fulfill their father’s dream of bringing health to their community — finishing the clinic and founding Lwala Community Alliance.

The themes of today’s episode include humanity, community and connectedness of the globe and I promise you’ll leave inspired.

And in the scary time we’re in right now with COVID-19, it’s a good reminder about the importance of health care and the heroes who are our health care providers and workers.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

Show Notes:

Lwala

Lwala on instagram

Lwala on Twitter

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Allison Moore – Yoga Instagram

Episode 29: Chrissy Vasquez – Breaking Down Barriers Mar 11, 2020

Chrissy Vasquez is the kind of person who will be ready and willing to help even when it may be inconvenient and uncomfortable. She is an advocate who those who most vulnerable and in this episode we talk about loosing the stigma around illiteracy, depression and other mental health issues.

Chrissy is the Chief Development Officer for Indy Reads – an organization who’s mission is to build the literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential.

Prior to working for Indy Reads, Chrissy served as executive director and vice president of operations for Back on My Feet. She also served as director of membership and corporate sponsorship at the Indiana State Museum.

I met Chrissy when I worked for Back on My Feet and she was a volunteer for the organization. I was immediately drawn to her positive and welcoming personality. I admired her tenacity to do hard things and do things her way. She once set out to complete a full ironman and even though she didn’t make the time cut off, she continued the race and finished in just over 18 hours.

There is a lot of inspiration to gather up in this conversation – soak it in friends!

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

Show Notes:

Sausage in a Wetsuit

Indy Reads

Back on My Feet

Frangipani Body Products

Down the Rabbit Hole – Holly Madison

Brave not Perfect – Reshma Saujani

Follow Illuminate:

Twisted Sisterhood Podcast

Episode 28: Ashley Mitchell- Advocating for Birth Mothers Mar 04, 2020

This week we are talking with Ashley Mitchell. She is the owner of Big Tough Girl, Founder + Executive Director of Lifetime Healing Foundation and co-host of the podcast Twisted Sisterhood. She has set out to seek increased care, understanding, and resources for birth mothers. Ashley is a birth mother herself, placing her now 13 year old son at birth and proceeding with an open adoption. But her journey started long before her adoption story and now has continued long after. She shares so much about her life and the path that has led her to where she is today. Ashley and I talk about her story, supporting birth mothers after adoption, the current state of some adoption programs, and what she hopes for in the adoption community.

Ashley is brave and vulnerable when talking about her journey, touching on pain points and healing points with so much transparency.

Listen this week to hear a voice from a population that has historically been silenced. I promise you will learn and you will be challenged.

Hosted by Emily Reddington

Show Notes

On Your Feet Foundation

Episode 27: Maria Baer- Organize Your Everyday Feb 26, 2020

We are almost through February which means spring is around the corner! For many of us, spring means warmer weather! No matter where you live, though, spring also often means a fresh start. If spring cleaning is on your to-do list, today’s episode is for you! And even if spring cleaning is the furthest thing from your mind, this episode may change your perspective. Today we are talking to Indianapolis-based organizer, The Baer Minimalist. Maria Baer helps clients reorganize their spaces, declutter their lives and find a better way to be organized and styled. The topic of organization and minimalism is a hot one in today’s society. We’ve seen this ring true with popular shows like, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Our guest today sheds some light on the trend of organizing and she also encourages us to think about not only what we’re getting rid of, but what we’re buying in first place. Do you need it? Do you really need it? What would life look like if we bucked consumer-driven society? Episode Hosted By: Sarah Holsapple Show Notes: National Society of Productivity and Organizing Nuuly, Clothing Rental The More of Less by Joshua Becker Savory Bread Pudding Recipe

Episode 26: Kim Holden – Taking Birth Back Feb 19, 2020

What do architecture and birth have in common? For one, in both cases you can design an experience. But in this case, it’s this week’s guest, Kim Holden!

Kim was a founding principal of the world-renowned architecture firm SHoP. After more than 25 years of design and of cultivating and fostering the culture of the firm, she embarked on a new path as a doula, starting her business Doula X Design. She brings her design expertise and business acumen to the birthing space.

In today’s episode, Kim talks about her decision to leave her 25 year career in architecture to follow her passion of supporting mothers in birth. She talks about the process to making this big change and reminding herself “This is my one life, what do I want it to look like?” Her new calling is to give mothers, their partners and families the emotional and physical support and the safe space that is critical to having an empowered, loving birth and postpartum period. She discusses how we can take back birth, the Frida Mom ad and postpartum. There’s so much to learn from Kim in today’s episode, not only about birth, but about career changes and when to know it is time for a change.

Hosted by Kristin Srour

Show Notes:

Kids of Kathmandu

Frida Mom Ad

Your Birth Plan by Megan Davidson

Nurture by Erica Cohen

Babies are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered by Rebecca Dekker

Follow Kim Holder and Doula X Design on Instagram

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Ronald McDonald Video about Elena’s Story

Episode 25: Emmalee Hinton- Finding Hope in Tragedy Feb 12, 2020

This week we have the privilege of talking to my friend Emmalee Hinton. Emmalee is a stay at home mom of 3 young kids and a wife to Chad. She tells us about her and her family’s journey recovering from the devastating injury of her 4 month old daughter. Sweet Elena had a non-accidental brain injury while at daycare that left her clinging to life and forever changed.

Emmalee walked through this time with such bravery and grace and she shares with us how she has found good in such a horrible and tragic circumstance— she has truly found hope in darkness.

Our Shining Light Blog

Episode 24: Judge Sarah Evans Barker- US District Court Judge Feb 06, 2020

Imagine being the first woman or man in your profession, ever! And then imagine you were appointed to that position by the President of the United States! No pressure, right? That’s the story of Judge Sarah Evans Barker.

Judge Barker was the first female to be appointment U.S. District Court Judge. She was appointed by President Ronald Reagan more than 30 years ago and serves the Southern District of Indiana. Being a female judge was so rare when Judge Barker was appointed, she often had attorneys in her courtroom slip up and call her “sir!” One time, she even had a male defendant read a passage to her from the Old Testament where it mentions how women should not be in a position to judge men!

In this interview, Judge Barker shares more stories like that one in addition to talking about the call she received from President Reagan and the unique partnership she and her husband, Ken, found while raising their three children. She even shares details of some of her most difficult cases and describes how those sentencing decisions still weigh heavy on her mind.

We also discuss Judge Barker’s time moderating the Stanley K. Lacy (SKL) Executive Leadership Series®. If you have interest in learning more about SKL, click here. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Judge Sarah Evans Barker.

The episode is hosted by Sarah Holsapple.

Episode 23: Kari Moore – Welcoming Refugees Jan 29, 2020

Kari Moore is the Director of Self Sufficiency at Exodus Refugee Immigration in Indianapolis. She oversees education, employment, and youth programs. In this episode Kari talks about what it looks like for individuals to resettle here in America and how we can help welcome them here. We also talk about how we can teach our kids to be includers and Kari gives a great book recommendation for anyone looking to learn a little bit more about what it’s like to be a refugee. (Refugee by Alan Gratz)

About Exodus Refugee Immigration: Exodus has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylees from many countries, cultures, languages, faiths, and political opinions. They began in 1981 with the mission to serve the legal needs of immigrants and Cuban refugees, who had arrived as part of the Mariel boatlift in 1980. Since that time, Exodus has helped thousands of refugees establish their lives in Indiana.

Show Notes:

Exodus Refugee Immigration

Refugee – Alan Gratz

Books to help kids understand what it’s like to be a refugee

Diverse Books

Follow Exodus Refugee on Instagram

Follow The Illuminate Podcast on Instagram

Sponsor:

Feals

Episode 22: Molly Cantrell-Kraig – Building Resilience Jan 22, 2020

Molly Cantrell-Kraig has an extraordinary story going from a single young mother of three living on welfare to not only surviving, but thriving and showing resilience. In this episode, Molly brings wisdom around resilience, emotional intelligence and mindfulness. You will leave this episode with new ideas, words to live by and a few habits to consider for your daily life!

An author, media consultant, life coach and speaker, Molly has been recognized as one of CNN’s Visionary Women and profiled by the Christian Science Monitor, and the Shriver Report.

Molly has published a book call “Circuit Train Your Brain” where she shares her own personal experiences and writes about daily habits to develop resilience.

I hope you love my conversation with Molly and maybe you’ll pick up one of her life mantras or habits!

Hosted by Kristin Srour

Show Notes:

Book recommendation: The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir by Jenifer Lewis

Tofu Lasagna Recipe:

-Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a medium sized bowl, use a pastry tool to crumble tofu, salt, garlic and pesto into fine crumbs. Set mixture aside.

-In a glass 9×9 baking dish, arrange three of the noodles. Cover with red sauce. Layer cheeses, tofu mixture, pine nuts and spinach leaves. Repeat layering process three times, topping with shredded cheese. Pour about one finger’s worth of water into glass jar from the red sauce; swirl to clear remaining sauce, pour into glass pan.

-Bake for 45 minutes; remove from oven. Let stand five minutes before cutting and serving. This recipe has fooled omnivores, freezes and reheats well.

Follow Molly

https://www.mollycantrellkraig.co/

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

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Dominique’s Ted Talk – Relationships: The Tool that was Never Taught

Episode 21: Dominique Smith – Restorative Practices in Education Jan 15, 2020

Dominique Smith is the director of student services at Health Sciences High & Middle College, where he also serves as a culture builder and student advocate. He is also social worker, school administrator, mentor, national trainer for the International Institute on Restorative Practices, and member of ASCD’s FIT Teaching^® (Framework for Intentional and Targeted Teaching^®) Cadre.

He is passionate about creating school cultures that honor students and build their confidence and competence. He is the winner of the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council.

Smith is the coauthor of Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management and Building Equity: Policies and Practices to Empower All Learners. He holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.

Show Notes:

Dominique’s Ted Talk – Building Student Identity and Agency

Episode 20: Pantsuit Politics with Sarah and Beth-Grace Filled Political Conversations Jan 08, 2020

This week we are talking to Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, hosts of podcasts Pantsuit Politics and The Nuanced Life and authors of I Think You’re Wrong but I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace Filled Political Conversations. We talk about how to have grace-filled political conversations and why it’s really so important to continue to have them even if we need space or they have some hard moments. Sarah and Beth really have such a unique lens on talking through hard and sticky topics. They are pros at handling divisive topics with others by focusing in on our values and treating each other like thoughtful human beings. These conversations are such great reminders as we head into a new year and an election year. Incredibly thankful for the work that Sarah and Beth do each week!

Hosted by Emily Reddington

Show Notes

Pantsuit Politics:

Instagram

Website

I Think You’re Wrong but I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations By Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers

How To Do Nothing By Jenny Odle

The News Worthy

Start Here
The Daily

Beyond Guilt

These Truths By Jill Lapore

Episode 19: Angela Stuesse – Activist Anthropology Jan 01, 2020

Episode 19: Angela Stuesse – Activist Anthropology

Angela Stuesse is an activist anthropologist who currently is a professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She studies the globalization of the rural U.S. South and social inequality. Angela has done significant research and work on the poultry industry in rural Mississippi.

In this episode Angela shares about her work as an anthropologist, how Latino migration has transformed the U.S. South, and about supporting workplace justice.

This episode is very educational and will make you think about cultures coming together, how we can gain perspective by looking into our own communities and neighbors and our buying power as a consumer.

Angela is the author of Scratching Out a Living: Latinos, Race, and Work in the Deep South

Hosted by Kristin Srour

Show Notes:

Angela Stuesse

Paella by Penelope Casas

Separated: Family and Community in the Aftermath of an Immigration Raid by William D Lopez

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/08/09/poultry-industry-recruited-them-now-ice-raids-are-devastating-their-communities/

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Snake Oil: The Art of Healing and Truth-Telling by Becca Stevens

Episode 18: Christy Turlington Burns, Every Mother Counts Dec 25, 2019

Christy Turlington Burns, founder of “Every Mother Counts” joined host Lindsey Hein on her podcast “I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein” and we couldn’t think of a better cross over episode for The Illuminate Podcast!

I was so honored to sit down with her at the Every Mother Counts office in NYC to hear all about the work being done to support women and provide the opportunity for safe maternal healthcare around the World.

“Every Mother Counts envisions a World where all women have the opportunity to enter motherhood and not only survive, but thrive. Christy is the founder of the organization which she began after having her own childbirth related complications. Christy directed and produced the documentary feature film, No Woman, No Cry to highlight the challenges women face throughout pregnancy and childbirth around the world.

Under Christy’s leadership, Every Mother Counts has invested nearly $15
million in programs in Africa, Latin America, South Asia and the United States focused
on making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere.

Before founding Every Mother Counts, Christy received international acclaim as a model
representing the world’s biggest fashion and beauty brands. She was the Founder of
Nuala, a yoga lifestyle brand in partnership with Puma, co-founder of Sundari, a skincare
based on the principals of Ayurveda, and author of the bestselling book, Living Yoga:
Creating a Life Practice.

Christy has been featured on thousands of magazine covers, was one of Time’s 100 Most
Influential People, and Glamour Magazine’s 2013 Woman of the Year. In March 2016,
EMC was recognized as one of Fast Company magazine’s Top 10 Most Innovative Not-
For-Profit Companies.

Christy graduated Cum Laude from NYU’s Gallatin School of Independent Studies and
studied Public Health at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She
has served on the Harvard Medical School Global Health Council, the Harvard School of
Public Health Board of Dean’s Advisors and the advisory Board of New York
University, Nursing School. Christy lives in New York City with her husband filmaker, Edward Burns and their two children.”

Episode 17: Lindy Johnson with America’s Kids Belong Dec 18, 2019

Episode 17: Lindy Johnson with America’s Kids Belong⁠
⁠
This week we are talking to Lindy Johnson. She is a licensed therapist and trauma care trainer for America’s Kids Belong.
⁠
AKB mobilizes government, faith-based, business and creative leaders around the goal of permanency and belonging for every child. Combining grassroots and “grasstops” methods, America’s Kids Belong runs innovative initiatives in states to help ensure that every child is in a loving home by: recruiting more foster and adoptive families, engaging wrap-around support for at-risk, foster and adoptive families along the way, and helping youth who have aged out without a family reach their full potential.⁠
⁠
I really enjoyed learning from Lindy during our conversation. We talked about trauma and attachment within the foster care lens. We also talked about some of the initiatives that AKB is involved in! Hearing about these brought so much emotion up for me. Vulnerable children are waiting for families as we speak and the work that AKB does to bring these children permanency is so very needed.⁠
⁠
I know that this week isn’t a light hearted easy listen. This week will challenge you. BUT I know that this week will educate you and encourage you to speak out for the vulnerable around you. ⁠

Hosted by Emily Reddington

Show Notes

Lindy Johnson on Instagram

America’s Kids Belong

I Belong Project⁠

Dream Makers Project

This episode is sponsored by LOLA.

Episode 16: Becca Stevens; Love Heals Dec 11, 2019

Becca Stevens is an author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur, and mom of three boys. After experiencing the death of her father and subsequent child abuse when she was 5, Becca opened a residential community, which offers women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction the time, space home and community they need to heal. She founded Thistle Farms, which is a social enterprise employing women survivors. Thistle Farms is also a great place if you are looking for some Christmas gift ideas!

Becca Stevens’ is a leader in the movement for women’s freedom. She was also a CNN Hero in 2016. Becca’s message and work teach about how love and community have the power to heal and that there is hope for everyone.

This episode is hosted by: Kristin Srour

Show Notes:

Follow Becca:

Website: Becca Stevens

Instagram: @beccastevens

Follow Thistle Farms:

Website: Thistle Farms

Instagram: @thistlefarms

Love Heals by Becca Stevens

Marcus Hummon

Song: Love Heals with Alison Krauss and Levi Hummon

Follow the Illuminate Podcast:

www.reallifewomenshealth.com

www.theilluminatepodcast.com

Episode 15: Wendy Snyder; Positive Parenting Dec 04, 2019

Wendy Snyder is a Positive Parenting Teacher & Family Coach, helping families parent with great purpose and intention by creating healthy, respectful & cooperative relationships. She is a Certified Parent Educator of Redirecting Children’s Behavior (RCB) and an advocate for families.

A mother to two vibrant children, Wendy has been dedicated to the application of Positive Parenting in her home since 2009. Wendy discovered the work of Positive Parenting when she was challenged and overwhelmed with the many trials of parenthood early in her motherhood experience. The endless opportunities for practice, failure, learning and growth have created a deep fluency for Wendy in the language and curriculum of Redirecting Children’s Behavior.

Through her company Fresh Start Family, Wendy offers in-person and online seminars, coaching, classes & memberships to give parents the support and tools they need to raise their children with firmness, kindness, strong limits, compassion and empathy. Her delicate balance of encouragement, empowerment, and coaching inspires parents to take action and be the change they wish to see in their families, homes and communities.

Hosted by: Lindsey Hein

Show Notes:

Fresh Start Families

Follow Wendy: Wendy on Instagram Wendy on Facebook The Fresh Start Family Podcast

Episode 14: Robyn Nohling; Honoring Your Body with Intuitive Eating Nov 27, 2019

Robyn Nohling is a non-diet Dietician and Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems. Robyn and I talked a lot about intuitive eating, what that means for your body and what it doesn’t. We talked about hormones and what can affect them; how our everyday life stress is powerful and also how you can start to heal your hormones gently and with peace.

Robyn shares with such thoughtfulness and acceptance on the podcast. She truly has such a passion for women’s health. Her knowledge is deep and wide and she has created a platform where she helps as many people as possible find answers to their questions about intuitive eating, healing their cycle and creating peace with food.

Hosted by Emily Reddington

Find Robyn at:

Instagram: @thereallife_rd

www.thereallife-rd.com

Show Notes

No Period Now What: A Guide to Regaining Your Cycles and Improving Fertility

Taking Charge of Your Fertility

Supper Club: Episode 2 Nov 25, 2019

Bonus Episode!

We all got together to chat about life, our thoughts on our episodes, and what’s to come. Super casual and maybe a bit of rambling, but we love being together! Our hope for these episodes is that you get to know us a little better.

Let us know what you think!

Episode 13: Mica May; Embracing What Life Has Planned Nov 20, 2019

Today’s guest started a business, now a national lifestyle brand, found in Target and is one of Oprah’s Favorite things by creating something for herself! But it’s not an easy as this sounds, getting her business off the ground took, hustle, community and a problem solving attitude. Mica May of May Designs talks about how how her love for design and paper became a national brand and her journey to getting there. She offers great advice for entrepreneurs.

The second part of today’s episode, Mica talks about her amazing son, Jackson, who was born with Down Syndrome. She talks about the grieving process and how special he is to their family. You’ll also learn about the story of the #theluckyfew. Mica provides a powerful perspective for loved ones of someone with special needs.

Mica’s approach to life is that every day is a gift and that she is ready for whatever life has planned, will leave you uplifted and strong. There are so many life lessons in today’s episode. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mica!

Show Notes:

Host – Kristin Srour

Jessica Honegger

Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon

Peanut Butter Falcon

#theluckyfew

@themodernproper: Oat Scone Recipe

Follow Mica and May Designs!

Mica May

May Designs

Follow the Illuminate Podcast:

Edge X Mentoring Conference

www.theilluminatepodcast.com

Episode 12: Jordan Lee Dooley; Leaning into your Purpose Nov 13, 2019

Jordan Lee Dooley joins us for the podcast today! Jordan is a national best selling author, podcaster, keynote speaker, social media expert, multi-passionate strategist and founder of the Own it Academy. She is passionate about helping women find their purpose and live a life they love.

We were fortunate to meet Jordan at the Edge X Mentoring conference and get to know her a little more after she got off the stage talking confidently to thousands of people in attendance. Jordan has a message that encourages you to lean into your purpose and reminded me of the importance of not just going through the motions. She also opens up about marriage counseling and how that’s helped her relationship with her husband and how they run their business together as a team.

Show Notes:

Co-Hosts: Lindsey Hein and Emily Reddington

The Illuminate Podcast on Instagram

The Illuminate Podcast on Twitter

The Illuminate Podcast on Facebook

Episode 11: Kristen Newton; Friendship Nov 06, 2019

Episode 11: Kristen Newton

Friendship is an essential piece of how we were made to live with others and experience love and joy. But have you ever found yourself stuck in a pattern that you know is unhealthy in a friendship? Or have you been blindsided by a friend and felt incredibly hurt? Friendship can be painful and hard but friend is one the my most cherished roles. This week we are talking to Kristen “KB” Newton. KB has a passion for community, friendship, and strengthening our connections with those around us. She is a speaker, vlogger, coach, entrepreneur, wife and mother. She has created a platform called Heart Convos to help encourage millennial women navigate unhealthy friendships so they feel equipped to make, maintain and mend friendships intentionally.

Community is something that we are really passionate about here at Illuminate. KB shares her experience, expertise and passions so that we all can learn how to grow closer to others, by taking her tools and using them to become more comfortable with showing our true selves to others and allowing our friends to walk deeper into our stories and our lives. Creating and maintaining friendships is hard and brave work, but KB is here to help!

Show Notes

Host: Emily Reddington

Where to find KB:

Talking with Strangers By Malcolm Gladwell

Episode 10: Avery Bang; Bridges to Prosperity Oct 30, 2019

Episode 10: Avery Bang

Imagine that to get to school or the local health clinic you have to cross a river. And in order to cross that river, you have to risk your life to get there. Or imagine there was a way for you to cross the river for half the year, during the dry season, but in the rainy season, you can’t cross the river at all. This is the case for more than 1 billion people in the world. Is this a problem that could be solved in this lifetime? This week’s guest on the Illuminate Podcast, Avery Bang, thinks it is.

Avery is the President and CEO of Bridges to Prosperity. Avery is a soccer player from Iowa, turned engineer, with a vision to change the world. In this conversion you will hear about Avery’s incredible vision and work. We talk about what balance looks like for her, reflect on being born into the lives we were, and Avery’s creative penchant, which has included multiple house flips!

Bridges to Prosperity works with isolated communities to create access to essential health care, education and economic opportunities by building footbridges over impassable rivers. They have reached more than 1 million people through their work – literally changing lives and improving quality of life. This episode dives into this work and what the organization is doing under Avery’s leadership.

If you want to feel encouraged, inspired and learn something new, this episode is for you! Enjoy my conversation with Avery!

Show Notes:

Host: Kristin Srour

Krista Tippett On Being

Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder

Avery’s TED Talk!

Follow Avery Bang

Avery on Twitter

Avery on Instagra m

Follow Bridges to Prosperity

Bri dges to Pro sperity on Instagram

Bridges to Prospective on Twitter

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Episode 9: Ian Morgan Cron; Ennegram Oct 23, 2019

Ian Morgan Cron is a champion of the Enneagram, a powerful tool used for personal and collective transformation. The nine-pointed Enneagram symbol represents nine distinct strategies for relating to the self, others and the world.

In this episode, Ian breaks down the nine personality types of the Enneagram and their strengths and weaknesses. He explains how knowing your Enneagram type can help you navigate your marriage, friendships and even your career.

Ian travels around the country teaching workshops about the Enneagram. He’s also an author of the best-selling book, The Road Back to You and he hosts the weekly podcast, Typology. Coming soon, Ian will launch an online course called The Enneagram Made Simple. Ian believes the best way to discover your Enneagram type is by reading and learning more about it. He recommends taking his iEQ9 Test as a starting point

Show Notes:

Host: Sarah Holsapple

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Episode 8: Gary Brackett; Impact Oct 16, 2019

Gary Brackett is a former NFL lineman for the Indianapolis Colts. He is a motivational speaker, an entrepreneur, restaurant owner, husband and father to three.

Gary was a walk on at Rutgers University and by his senior year, he was captain of the defensive team. He then went on to play for the Indianapolis Colts, signing as an underrated free agent in 2003. He was then part of Super Bowl team XLI, winning that game over the Chicago Bears.

After retiring from football Gary went on to get a Masters of Business Administrating and stays busy speaking to large crowds, running his restaurant chain “The Stacked Pickle “and running his foundation “The Gary Brackett Impact Foundation.”

Big thank you to the Edge X Mentoring Conference and Holsapple Communications for allowing us the opportunity to sit down with Gary and have this conversation during their stellar conference!

Show Notes:

Host: Lindsey Hein

Follow Gary:

Follow the Illuminate Podcast:

Nutrition Facts.org Podcast

Episode 7: Stacey Heiny; Plant Based Wellness Oct 09, 2019

Stacey Heiny (@theherbanfarmacy) is a small business owner and wholistic nutritionist and mom to a sweet little boy. She and her husband own Green Growers (@greengrowersfarm), an organic farm that grows produce that they sell at local farmers markets and she makes pantry items from scratch such as nut butters and elderberry syrup. She and her family live a plant based life style and she has a passion for lifestyle wellness. We talk about her small businesses, lifestyle choices, infertility, and her future goals to serve her community through teaching plant based wellness.

In this episode, Stacey shares so many places to go for all the research and information on adopting a plant based lifestyle. If you’re looking for a primer on what plants can do for you, look no further! Check out this episode and let us know what you think! And be sure to look through the show notes that are linked above in our profile. I have linked everything that Stacey has referenced and it is FILLED with research to digest! It was so inspiring to get to know Stacey. She has such a joy for life and for caring for yourself; body, mind and spirit.

Thanks Stacey for sharing your story and passions with us!

Show Notes

Host: Emily Reddington

Green Growers

The Kind Diet

NutritionFacts.org

Nutrition Studies

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Daily Dozen App

Environmental Working Group App

Oh She Glows Cookbook

Warm Nacho Dip

Episode 6: Dr. Mitch Besser, Mothers2Mothers Oct 02, 2019

Dr. Mitch Besser is an an obstetrician and gynecologist, who has dedicated his career to the public health needs of women, in particular, women with HIV. He founded mothers2mothers (m2m), in which mothers living with HIV are employed to work in health centers and communities, educating and supporting pregnant women and new mothers with HIV. m2m was able to increase the effectiveness of interventions that reduce the number of babies born with HIV and keep mothers healthy and alive to care for their families. m2m has reached over 11 million women in 10 countries!

For those of you into the Royal Family, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited m2m last week in South Africa!

In this episode, we talk about Mitch’s journey to founding m2m, about safe birthing practices, our need as humans for three dimensional relationships and his newest venture, AgeWell.

Mitch is an inspiration to so many people and it was an honor to have him on the The iLLUMINATE Podcast. There’s so much to learn from him and this episode!

Show Notes:

Host: Kristin Srour

Mothers2Mothers

Mothers to Mothers on Instagram

Mothers to Mothers on Twitter

AgeWell

First Follower: Lessons in Leadership

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Mitch’s Simple Roasted Chicken Recipe:

-Rub olive oil over the chicken

-Stuff the cavity with rosemary and lemon, giving the lemon a good squeeze.

-Cover the chicken with cracked pepper and paprika

-Surround with portabella mushrooms, cloves of garlic, sweet potatoes and carrots

-Pour a cup of red wine around the chicken

-Roast!

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iLLUMINATE on Instagram

Episode 5: Julie Voris; Goals Sep 25, 2019

Julie Voris is a fitness and nutrition coach. She has spent over a decade working with Beachbody building a team of over 5000 women from around the World.

Julie is the mother of three – a recent empty nester, married to a College football coach with a passion for helping women set big goals and pursue their dreams. One of my favorite things about her is that she encourages others to live a life that is full by chasing after what excited them.

If you ever feel like you need a quick kick in the butt or someone to speak words of positive affirmation into your life- look no further than this conversation.

Show Notes:

Host: Lindsey Hein

Everything is Figureoutable – Marie Forleo

Follow Julie:

Julie on Instagram

Julie on Facebook

Follow The Illuminate Podcast:

Kristin Hodson
@kristinbhodson

Episode 4: Kat and Blair Cornell; JoyRide Sep 18, 2019

Kat and Blair Cornell founded the nonprofit organization, JoyRide, a car club exclusively for kids with special needs. Blair dreamed up the idea for JoyRide after seeing how much his son, Carter, who has special needs himself, loved cruising around in Blair’s convertible.

In this episode you’ll hear all about the grandiose things JoyRide events offer its members such as walk down a red carpet, sky divers, CO2 cannons and exotic cars! You’ll hear about Kat’s trying journey through her pregnancy with Carter and you’ll learn how a debilitating condition prevented her from eating for six months. Then, in the midst of that trial, Kat discovered Carter would have special needs and doctors weren’t even sure he’d survive.

You’ll hear an interview filled with heartache, trials, triumphs and lots of joy!

Show Notes:

Host: Sarah Holsapple

Blair mentioned a water bottle manufacturer who gave JoyRide a platform on the Walmart commercial. That company is 50 Strong and they’re run by Kat’s brother, Brendan, and his wife, Ashley.

When talking about the meaning behind JoyRide logo, Blair mentioned his logo designer, Seth Sampson.

Instead of sharing her favorite recipe, Kat shared her favorite life hack for surviving dinner with four kids: Kate’s Plate. Kate’s Plate offers prepped-to-cook healthy meal kits delivered to your doorstep.

To learn more about JoyRide, click here. You can also follow JoyRide on Instagram @joyridecarsorg or on Facebook at JoyRide Cars.

Episode 3: Kristin Hodson; Sex Therapist, empowering and improving your relationship Sep 11, 2019

Kristin Hodson is founder of The Healing Group and AASECT certified Sex Therapist empowering parents, partners, and people in their relationships + sexuality. Kristin and I talked about improving your relationship and sex with your partner through being more empathetic and creative. We also talked about talking to your kids about sex; where to start the conversation and some good reasons why as parents, we want to be the first to have that conversation with our kids.

Show Notes:

Host: Emily Reddington

Books:

Emily Nagowski PhD
Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life

Ian Kerner
Passionista: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Pleasuring a Man (Kerner)

He Comes First
She Comes First: The Thinking Man’s Guide to Pleasuring a Woman (Kerner)
Recipe:
Lemon Pasta Recipe

Golden Gate Movement

Episode 2: Jena Nardella; Blood Water Mission Sep 11, 2019

Jena Nardella co-founded Blood:Water, a nonprofit focused on equipping African organizations to overcome the HIV/AIDS and water crises. In this episode we talk about Jena’a incredible journey with Blood:Water and what she learned along the way. You’ll hear one of the best “how I met my spouse” stories and how being a mother has changed her. Jena is such an inspiring, insightful and beautiful person. You’ll learn so much from her, her story and her vulnerability.

Show Notes:

Host: Kristin Srour

Jena recounts her entrepreneurial and spiritual journey in her memoir, One Thousand Wells: How an Audacious Goal Taught me to Love the World Instead of Save It

Book Recommendations:

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

Two Part Invention

Follow Jena:

Twitter:@JenaLeeNardella

Episode 1: George Srour; Building Tomorrow Sep 11, 2019

George Srour is the Chief Dreamer for Building Tomorrow, a non-profit organization bringing access to inclusive, transformative education to children in underserved areas.

In this episode we learn about George’s vision for Building Tomorrow and how the dream became a reality after a small fundraiser that turned into something much bigger. I loved to hear about how his parents raised him to be curious about the World and not just the community he grew up in.

George is humble and kind and shares with us about the importance of having a strong team to work alongside of when you are building something great. I am honored to call George my friend and am so thankful I get to share him with you all today!

Show Notes:

Host: Lindsey Hein

Building Tomorrow

Follow Building Tomorrow:

Building Tomorrow on Instagram

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