When Brenden Kumarasamy was 19, his life goal was to get a lucrative corporate job. When he learned about case competitions, which provided the opportunity to present to business executives, everything shifted. We talk about competition culture and how the experience led him to become an expert communicator with goals even greater than his corporate dreams.
Maynard Okereke was keeping his artistic pursuits away from his engineering job when one day he went into work and found his colleagues listening to his music. That moment sparked his pivot into entertainment and eventually led him to create the Hip Hop Science Show. We get into all things science as we talk about his road to STEM communication, what it means to find your passion, and why everyone should stay curious.
In 2016, Kate White was having a lot of pain but at the time she didn't think it was a lot. What happened a few months later made her realize she needed to take her pain seriously and that's when everything shifted. In the presence of her purring cat Penny, we talk about women's health, women's bodies, and how a series of diagnoses finally allowed Kate to understand herself.
In July 2016, Leilani was celebrating her sister's wedding in Pittsburg when she saw God- as in the actor who plays "God" in the television show Supernatural. A superfan of the show, running into the cast leaving a Supernatural convention ended up being an important sign. We talk family, religion, and the power of things we can't see.
Growing up in a rough area in Indianapolis, Kwazar Martin's grandmother kept him focused. But after she passed, he strayed from what she taught him. We talk about his journey from prison to art, life and light, and the never ending energy of his grandmother.
On episode 36, Brandon Saiz shared a moment about achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He's back to share a new moment that has altered his outlook and how he views his time in the Coast Guard: a recent diagnosis of ADHD. We talk about changing perspectives, new understandings, and finally getting validation.
After genetic testing early in her second pregnancy, Lorna Rose learned her baby screened positive for a serious genetic disorder. When told she didn't have to carry the baby, Lorna's reaction to that statement changed her outlook and beliefs. We talk about guilt, high risk pregnancy, and the complexities of motherhood. Lorna Rose is a Pacific Northwest writer and speaker. Her narrative nonfiction and poetry have been recognized by Pacific Northwest Writers Association and the Oregon Poetry Asso...
One Friday night, Jaimie Sherling was in bed when she got an Instagram message from a stranger that changed her marriage and home. We talk about all the brutal and beautiful aspects of her moment, from her battle with cancer to her journey becoming a drag queen aficionado.
Seeing the phrase "nothing about us without us" in action made Marinke van Riet question her actions as a person and as a leader. We talk about her subsequent resignation as director of Voice, why representation matters, the future of international development, and what it means to belong.
As a Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) volunteer, Big D was working with a child and realized he was where he belonged when he saw the light come back to her eyes. We talk about epiphanies, giving back to the community, and what bikers at B.A.C.A. to help empower abused children.
Melissa Panszi Riebe was at a crossroads in her career when she shared her jewelry making dreams with an acquaintance over dinner. The conversation that followed inspired her to launch A D'Zine. We talk about her transition from social worker to maker, the power of jewelry, and running a small business with purpose.
Susan was a high school junior in Great Falls, Montana when she was accepted into a vocal performance program at Tanglewood in Massachusetts. Being in a new place with fellow creatives changed what she thought was possible. We talk about broadening horizons, the road to writing, and why a teenage moment still matters today. Susan is the first two-time visiting guest on the show! Check out episode 19 for her other moment.
Welcome to Season Three! It's been a while since I've released an episode and there's a reason for that. So let's catch up and kick off the season with where I've been. It's a story about mental health, long recoveries, and a bit about my audio destroying cat.
Thirty episodes with guests from around the country and the world, Season Two has been quite the ride. A quick look back at the unexpected moments and a big thank you to the people who shared their stories, the listeners who tuned in, and to the incredible leadership at Voice for partnering with the show for And Then Suddenly; Rising Voices. And the season ends with a huge thank you to the healthcare workers who impact our lives, with special messages from previous guests Jack Ridl, Becky Curran...
After learning the fifth round of IVF didn't work out, Elizabeth Howard Phillips realized she couldn't keep putting her body through treatments. Less than two years later, Kenneth Phillips found himself nervously driving Elizabeth and their adopted baby away from the hospital. From their hotel room in Florida, we talk about their journey through infertility, the craziness that comes with adopting a baby during a pandemic, and their new bright light Eleanor. Additional Resources Connect with Eliz...
Ashley Lauren Rogers was working in the steampunk scene when she learned a friend and colleague was accused of nonconsensual relations with someone else in the community. Seeing how willing people were able to dismiss the claims, her decision to immediately step away from the scene changed everything. We talk about the fantasy of steampunk, what happens when you decide to take a stand, why it's important to believe survivors. Additional Resources Connect with Ashley: www.ashleylaurenrogers.com I...
From her grandfather's passing on January 2nd to a friend's death in February to a global pandemic in March, the year 2020 has been a slow moving fire for Katherine Cooper. We talk about how she is navigating this collection of sudden moments during an unprecedented time and what it means to grieve "the right way." Additional Resources Harvard Business Review: "That Discomfort You're Feeling is Grief" Katherine Cooper on Instagram...
On May 23, 2015, scientist Jad Mahmoud Halabi was at a mall when he learned his Dad passed away. As his constant support system, his Dad taught him to embrace failure, see the world, and take advantage of every opportunity. Something switched after his passing and Jad decided to live this advice. We talk about what this new outlook is teaching him about his Dad's life, how it is increasing his curiosity, and how it impacts his work in science communication. Additional Resources Jad Mahmoud Halab...
When theater artist Paola Irun's father became ill, she made the choice to end her visa, her time in New York City, and return home to Paraguay. His eventual passing changed everything and sent Paola on a journey to find that "something" that had always been missing. We talk about how grief led her into the worlds of boxing, yoga, and how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted her art and life in Paraguay. Additional Resources Paola Irun On Facebook On Instagram Her theater company Enborrador On ...
Carmel Fauci was working in insurance when she met her second husband. He was a charismatic, brilliant underwriter and she learned he was a violent alcoholic right before the wedding. We talk about their relationship, her experience with men as a successful businesswoman, and what happened when she finally met her soulmate. Additional links Carmel on Facebook
Jennifer Tan was working a demanding job at a management consultancy firm when she had the idea to create a business empowerment program for women. Through a series of events her idea developed into a financial literacy program for domestic abuse survivors. Now the Founder of the Shine Foundation, we talk about her unexpected journey to starting a nonprofit, how social impact work has changed her, and the financial pressures facing survivors. Additional Resources Shine Foundation Ladies Get Paid...
Jack Ridl was walking with his 7-year-old daughter when she said "with" was the most important word because people always have to be with something, someone, or themselves. When she added that it meant everyone has to makes sure they have a good "with," Jack's perception of the world changed. We talk about how a simple and profound concept has since shaped his life, health, and poetry. Additional Resources Jack Ridl ridl.wordpress.com on Facebook Saint Peter and the Goldfinch by Jack Ridl (Wayne...
In May 2017, Stacy Walsh (& then write podcast) was home sick on the couch when her Dad called to say her Mom felt like her legs weren't working in the shower. Later that day her Mom was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor and things rapidly changed. We talk about how her Mom became a different person, the stress of dealing with stage 4 glioblastoma, and how Stacy has worked to see the good in a bad situation. Additional Resources Stacy Walsh: Writer, Editor, Maker & then write &...
As a Deaf woman in Nigeria, Hellen Beyioku-Alase heard stories about the discrimination in hospitals towards the Deaf community but it wasn't until her first pregnancy that she experienced how bad the problem was. After being ignored in the waiting room and a difficult birth, she decided to advocate for Deaf women and girls. We talk about her work to get sign language interpreters into hospitals and what she is doing so all Deaf women know their rights. *This interview is conducted with a sign l...
Neema Tembele was bartending when she had her first panic attack. The painful physical sensations went away once she got to the hospital but the event set her on a new path. Now the Co-Founder and Data Analytics Director TEWWY, we talk about the challenges and unexpected benefits of her moment and how she is now on a mission to increase mental health understanding and access in her homeland of Tanzania. Additional Resources Thrive Global, "One Size Does Not Fit All…" Neema Tembele on Instagram T...
When Bwiite Lydia was a young girl, she witnessed her widowed grandmother have her land taken by a family member. The event sparked her desire to support people facing injustice, especially women. Now a human rights lawyer, we talk about what it takes to fight for her clients and her current role supporting marginalized workers in Uganda. Additional Resources Human Rights Day Platform for Labour Action (PLA) On Facebook On Voice Voice On Facebook On Twitter And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) Thi...
This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) Maureen Ava Mata was eighteen when she was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have her leg amputated. Her new life as a disabled woman changed her outlook, her family, and the views of her community. Now a cancer survivor, we talk about her mission to challenge misperceptions and advocate for fellow disabled persons in the Philippines. This episode is in honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities Additio...
This episode is part of a special series: And Then Suddenly; Rising Voice(s) About four years ago, Anna Xwexx Morena sought asylum in Denmark for her safety and the chance to freely express herself. But the experience was not what she expected and feeling unsafe and used as a transgender woman, she returned to Uganda. We talk about her mission to help other Ugandan transgender women with their mental health needs, her experience as a grassroots activist, and her vision for the future. This episo...
Mohamed Magassa was in 7th grade when he got a STEM magazine that showed a picture of a white surgeon. Without a second thought, he closed the page. Years later, when he was considering a career in medicine, he thought back to that moment. Now studying to be a surgeon, we talk about why representation matters and his mission to inspire others in his Bronx community through H.O.O.D. Productions. Additional Resources H.O.O.D. Productions on Instagram February-May 2020: H.O.O.D. workshops and progr...
At twenty-three weeks, Amelia Kent had a miscarriage and she was faced with an experience and grief people don't know how to talk about. Wanting to bring a common experience into the open, she shares how the event impacted her relationships, her farm, and why it's important in today's economy to be a farmer talking about personal issues. Additional resources Amelia Levin Kent Kent Farms on Facebook Louisiana Farm Life: Amelia Kent - Ivy League Farmer Discusses Mental Health...
