Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women - podcast cover

Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Conversations With Creative Women captures the fire, energy, humor, heart, soul and impact of the female creative experience.
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Episodes

Debra Rapoport - Artist, Educator

I think it's fair to say that no one holds a candle to New Yorker Debra Rapoport. She always loved dressing up - studying textile design and creating textiles that are body coverings, not apparel. Many of her designs are wearable accessories or hats from re-purposed materials. We know you'll get a real kick meeting and getting to know this woman who marches to her own drummer!

Oct 04, 202222 minEp. 321

Julia Daily - Author, Podcast Host, Teacher

Julia Daily 's out with novel #2 - The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch. It finds life-changing big time for Emma Rosales - heiress of a million acres of the largest estate in the Lone Star State. Turns out, Emma discovers folks living on the property. Julia's debut novel is, No Names to Be Given. As for her podcast, Julia's focuses on fiction writing by women during mid-life. And there are plenty.

Sep 20, 202221 minEp. 320

Amal Ghandour - Author, Historian

Amal Ghandour has a lot on her mind. The author, historian, and memoirist lives in Beirut and writes about what the experience has been like. And…there’s plenty to talk about both personally and politically. Her book, This Arab Life: A Generation's Journey into Silence, draws from Amal's personal history, as well as larger political and cultural issues. Her riveting book shares what it means to be Arab in today's world - the feeling, for example, of being a tourist in her own country and craving...

Sep 13, 202228 minEp. 319

Lake Buckley - Director, Illustrator, Teacher, Guest Speaker

Lake Buckley is yet another award-winning, creative woman. Her clients include Google, What's App, Patagonia, and MTV, to name just a few. Her work has been described as “highly composed, conceptually sound, and delightfully strange.” Lake's goal is to find clients and collaborators who share similar synergies in order to make authentic and differentiated work. Does she? Tune in and find out!

Aug 30, 202226 minEp. 318

Judy Mandel - Author, Former Reporter and Marketing Executive

Judy Mandel’s essays, short stories, and articles have been published here, there, and everywhere. Her first memoir, Replacement Child, made the NYT bestseller list. It’s followed by WHITE FLAG, which also focuses on the trauma that has plagued Judy’s family. This is one no holds barred, riveting, look into the lives of a family forced to confront and deal with nightmare after nightmare.

Aug 09, 202224 minEp. 317

Elizabeth Ward Land - Broadway, Film/TV Actress, Singer, Musician

Elizabeth Ward Land is known for her standout roles on Broadway, most recently as a member of Sarah Silverman's off-Broadway musical, The Bedwetter. She's also been featured in numerous television and movie roles. Using her powerful and resonant voice, Elizabeth's new album, "Still Within the Sound of My Voice, - The Songs of Linda Ronstadt," is a powerful tribute to the 11-time Grammy-winning music legend, who was diagnosed with a medical condition that caused her to lose control of her vocal c...

Jul 19, 202239 minEp. 316

Cynthia Lowen - Filmmaker, Producer, Writer

Meet Emmy-nominated filmmaker and award-winning writer, Cynthia Lowen whose work uses the power of story to catalyze meaningful change and confront timely social issues. And to that end, her searing documentary 'Battleground,' penetrates the anti-abortion movement as never seen before. Completed before the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade, the film contains many surprises when it comes to those men, women, and children fighting to make abortion illegal. You won't want to miss...

Jul 05, 202239 minEp. 315

Zuzanna Surowy - Actress

Raised in a small town in southern Poland, Zuzanna Surowy stars in the powerful film, My Name is Sara, despite having no acting experience and competing against 350 other hopefuls during an open casting call. My Name is Sara tells the true story of Sara Goralniak, who is Jewish and manages to escape after her family was murdered by the Nazis in 1942. She finds refuge in Ukraine, posing as a Christian, and lives with a farmer and his young family. The experience of making My Name is Sara, ignited...

Jun 28, 202235 minEp. 314

Johanne Killeen - James Beard Award-Winning Chef/Owner of Al Forno Restaurant

Talk about a mouth-watering conversation! You're about to meet Johanne Killeen, who along with her late husband, opened the highly successful and respected Al Forno Restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island in 1980. It's credited with pioneering a number of recipes and is the birthplace of grilled pizza - pies flash grilled at high heat. The author of two popular cookbooks, Johanne has also mentored some of the most influential chefs in the business. She travels extensively working with food and wi...

Jun 21, 202237 minEp. 313

Deborah Mellen - Founder/CEO, The Impossible Dream

A horrific car accident on Italy's Autostrata in 1989 left newly married Deborah Mellen, whose husband was not injured, with a severe spinal cord injury. Not only did she lose the use of her legs, but many other vital life functions were also impacted as well. Two years later Deborah's husband died, and she moved back to the States - Florida, to be exact. That's where a surgeon turned her on to Shake a Leg - an adaptive sailing and water sport center. Hooked, Deborah bought a wheelchair-accessib...

Jun 14, 202240 minEp. 312

Melanie Breault - Social Justice Communications Manager, Website & Social Media Specialist

Melanie Breault has been the Web and Social Media Specialist for Conversations with Creative Women since 2015. However, her professional life also includes social justice issues - supporting non-profit organizations as they build their profiles to expand their reach and make the world a better place. We cover a lot of ground in this honest and fascinating conversation. We know you'll feel the same after 'meeting and getting to know' this committed, passionate, engaging creative woman....

Jun 07, 202250 minEp. 311

Raena Ashley - Entrepreneur and CEO

Raena Ashley spent a good part of her teenage years getting in trouble while living in a tough East Las Vegas neighborhood. But all that changed when eyelash extensions entered the picture. When she was 18, Raena learned all about eyelash extensions. Three years later, she started her own beauty education company and in the years since, has generated more than 2 million dollars in sales, with 18 locations in the U.S. Raena has taught more than 2,000 young women 'the tricks of the trade.' Hear al...

May 24, 202259 minEp. 310

H.H. Leonards - Founder and Chairman of the O Street Mansion and Museum in DC

H.H. Leonards purchased the O Street Mansion 50 years ago as an art space, but the impact it had helping Rosa Parks is a story many may not know. Leonards got a call from Brother Willis Edwards of the Beverly Hills branch of the NAACP asking if Ms. Parks could stay in the mansion until she was able to heal emotionally and physically after being attacked in her Detroit home. Leonards, who said she didn't know who Parks was, agreed, and a beautiful 10+ year friendship between the two women was fos...

May 17, 202241 minEp. 309

Arriel Biggs - Entrepreneur, Founder/Executive Director of Young Biz Kids

As far as Arriel Biggs is concerned, you're never too young to be exposed to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, philanthropy, and problem-solving skills. And to that end, she is the Founder and Executive Director of Young Biz Kids, a non-profit that teaches those skills and more to the leaders of tomorrow. Arriel has quite the personal story to share. Her 15-year-old son Mikey is an entrepreneur - his business sense kicked in when he acquired his first vending machine at the ripe old age of.....

May 03, 202249 minEp. 308

Debbie Lum - Director, Producer

An award-winning filmmaker, Debbie Lum's projects give voice to the Asian/American experience and other unsung stories. Her documentary, TRY HARDER!, shines a light on San Francisco's iconic Lowell High School as it follows members of the senior class as they navigate the system and the pressure they feel applying to Ivy League colleges. It premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and was broadcast on PBS' Independent Lens, along with a campaign to promote student health and ...

Apr 26, 202241 minEp. 307

Anne Whitney Pierce - Author

Author Anne Whitney Pierce is a lifelong Cantabrigian (it's an adjective that refers or pertains to Cambridge University in England, or in Anne's case, Cambridge, Massachusetts). The author of several books, her most recent, DOWN TO THE RIVER, references Harvard Square in the 60s. It follows the privileged Potts family who falls apart during the raging uncertainty of the times. Anne's short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and reviews and has won several awards, including the Willa Cat...

Apr 19, 202231 minEp. 306

Warda Mohamed Abdullahi - Author

Warda Mohamed Abdullahi has one hell of a story to share and she does so in her powerful memoir, "Warda: My Journey from the Horn of Africa to a College Education." Her degree comes from a college in the U.S. How she got there is the basis of this riveting story told by a fierce young woman, who overcame endless obstacles to achieve her goals. We may say this often, but this is one conversation you shouldn't miss.

Apr 12, 202251 minEp. 305

Abby Epstein - Director, Producer

It's been a while, but former guest, Director Abby Epstein, is making a return appearance. Abby and Executive Producer Ricki Lake's latest collaboration, THE BUSINESS OF BIRTH CONTROL, examines the complex relationship between hormonal birth control and women's health and liberation. The documentary traces the feminist movement to investigate and expose the pill's risks alongside the racist legacy of hormonal contraception and its ongoing weaponization against communities of color. A lot to talk...

Apr 05, 202246 minEp. 304

Gabri Christa - Choreographer, Dancer, Filmmaker, Writer, Educator

Born in Curacao and trained in the Netherlands, Gabri Christa is an accomplished filmmaker, curator, choreographer, performer and writer. She's passionate about social justice, multiculturalism and personal stories that have universal appeal. Gabri, who is also an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Barnard College, conceived and curated MOVING BODY-MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL, a biennial presentation of dance films that focus on issues of social justice. This year's program centers on The...

Mar 29, 202240 minEp. 303

Shirley Woodson - Artist, Educator, Advocate

Shirley Woodson made her artistic debut in 1960 and in the decades since, her brilliant and intensely colorful paintings have been exhibited here, there, and everywhere. And at 85, her first one-woman show at the prestigious Detroit Institute of Arts, which happens to be her hometown museum, is the talk of ‘the town.’ The solo exhibition, “Shield of the Nile Reflections,” focuses on the river’s importance to civilization. We are so excited for you to meet and get to know this fascinating, accomp...

Mar 22, 202238 minEp. 302

Vashti Cunningham - Athlete and Model

You're about to meet multi-talented, accomplished, determined Vashti Cunningham. A track and field athlete specializing in the high jump, this young woman has her share of impressive stats and then some. An important part of her coaching help and support has come from her dad, Randall Cunningham, retired NFL quarterback, and her mom, Felicity de Jager Cunningham, a former member of the prestigious Dance Theater of Harlem. Athletics aside, Vashti manages to balance her career with her other passi...

Mar 15, 202231 minEp. 301

Carol Lipnik - Singer/Songwriter

Singer, songwriter Carol Lipnik weaves together folk, traditional pop, world music, and art into a unique hybrid. Acclaimed for her multi-octave range and original songs, The New York Times calls Carol an “ethereal vocal phenomenon,” and Michael Musto of Out Magazine wrote that she "is a wonderful amalgam of Joni Mitchell, Lotte Lenya, Theda Bara, and Stevie Nicks, but totally original." So sit back and enjoy our conversation with the eclectic and versatile Carol Lipnik.

Mar 08, 202235 minEp. 300

Therese Shechter - Filmmaker, Writer, Editor

Therese Shechter is an award-winning filmmaker/writer and founder of Trixie Films, a feminist production company that combines humor, activism, and personal storytelling to 'upend' what's considered sacred about motherhood. Her most recent film, "My So-called Selfish Life,' focuses on one of society's biggest taboos - women who choose not to become moms. Lots to talk about? You bet! So join us for this 'no holds barred conversation.

Mar 01, 202243 minEp. 299

Katie Winter - Educator, Curator, Preservationist

Expanding our world, pushing boundaries, indulging our curiosity - Katie Winter's passion and personal mission. And to that, Katie's flagship program, The Museum of Education Foundations, takes a holistic look at schooling, exploring it in ways that combine history, philosophy and art. It does so through the Winter School, a one-room schoolhouse in Lecompton, Kansas that has been in Katie's family since it was built in 1870. We cover a lot of ground in this fascinating and important conversation...

Feb 15, 202232 minEp. 298

Crystal Berger - Media Tech Entrepreneur, Journalist, Podcast Host, Author

Crystal Berger is developing a product that makes it easier for digital platforms, local and national networks, and podcasters to discover, vet and book on-air talent. Her work has been featured on the FOX News Channel, Dr. Oz, and Trinity Broadcasting. She's the author of "Be Extraordinary: Claiming a Life of Purpose, Passion, and Prosperity. And that's not all. Crystal is the recipient of the NAACP's Freedom Fighter Award, UN Social Media Ambassador, and is a member of the National Association...

Feb 08, 202239 minEp. 297

Nix Klein - STEM Student, Identifies as Agender and Lesbian

Nix is an eighth-grader at R.J. Grey Junior High School in Acton/Boxborough, Mass. They participate in Destination Imagination with their STEM Team. Nix is also on the swim team. They are applying to a technical high school to pursue their interest in multimedia engineering. You're in for a 'tell it like it is' conversation with one engaging, bright, savvy 14 year old.

Feb 01, 202235 minEp. 296

Marin Alsop - Conductor, Musical Director, Violinist, Educator

You're about to meet and get to know one of the foremost conductors of our time, who just happens to be, the first woman to serve as head of a major orchestra not only in the U.S., but South America, Austria, the U.K. Born into a musical family, Marin Alsop took violin lessons as a child and says she knew at age 9 that she wanted to be a conductor. She graduated from Juilliard and in the years since, spent 14 years as Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony; serves as Chief Conductor and Curato...

Jan 25, 202236 minEp. 295

Deborah Feingold - Portrait / Celebrity Photographer

Deborah Feingold happens to be one of the world's most lauded, respected, iconic photographers. She's captured images of everyone from Mick Jagger, to Prince, to Madonna to Barack Obama to John Boehner, to Danny Meyer. Her work has appeared in The Village Voice, New York Times, Rolling Stone, Newsweek. Deborah's skill and talent putting her subjects at ease has resulted in the kind of rare moments of honesty and intimacy that have become the hallmark of her work. This creative woman has lots of ...

Jan 18, 202254 minEp. 294

Constance Stamatiou - Dancer & Member of the Alvin Ailey Modern Dance Company

Dance has been an integral part of Constance Stamatiou's life since she was a little girl. She began her training at Pat Hall's Dance Unlimited and the North Carolina Dance Theater in her home state. She eventually made her way East and was awarded a Fellowship at the Ailey School. A member of Ailey II, joined the Company in 2007...and rejoined in 2016. Constance has performed at the White House Dance Series, participated in a TED Talk with the brilliant Judith Jamison and has been a guest perfo...

Jan 11, 202245 minEp. 293

Lauren Hadaway - Writer/Director

Lauren Hadaway is an LGBTQ+ writer/director with a background in sound editing and mixing, who has worked on a roster of films. Setting her sights higher, Lauren's debut feature, THE NOVICE, premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival winning multiple awards. The film is a gritty, dark, coming-of-age story that follows a college freshman who joins her school's rowing team and obsessively pushes herself beyond her breaking point. You won't want to miss this honest, no-holding-back conversation wi...

Jan 04, 202243 minEp. 292
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