Guests by Topic - Meet the person and the profession
Real people. Real stories. Real life.
“Pain tried to break me, but I turned it into purpose”
She had every reason to quit—grief, financial struggles, and the challenge of protecting her late partner’s dream. But instead of giving up, Abbey Tiu built Leilani Asian Fusion, a restaurant that honors Jason Morales’ legacy. She also runs a successful mental health practice dedicated to helping others heal. How did she turn tragedy into success, and what can you learn from her journey? Watch until the end to find out.
Publish Date: Feb 25, 2
"Embrace the Okay"
An Operations VP on leadership, fatherhood, marriage and overworking.
We talk about generational expectations, hiring retail workers, leading with ADHD, life's fair shake, embracing passions, identity politics & a warning for overworking spouses.
Publish Date: March 30, 2021
A Mother’s Hope: A Story of Self Love & Sovereignty.
Part 1: "Get Off Your Shaky Legs and Walk Straight"
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their partner at some point during their lifetime.
As ugly as this topic is it must be addressed.
This is my mom’s story of surviving domestic violence and the brave people and spaces that helped her through.
Part 2: "I Love You Enough To Leave”
Part 3: "Dignity in a Dump"
Part 4: "This One is Yours"
"Ask for the Answers & They Will Come"
Finding Peace: Growing up adopted & anxious.
Sarah's journey of finding her birth family, unlocking her identity and letting go of anxiety.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwongmg/
"Let the Fight Be Positive”
When blinders come off: Unleashing creative potential amidst retail struggles and job transitions.
Mike’s built his career helping customers and developing people as an assistant store manager for places like BestBuy, Target and Trader Joe’s. Now he’s focusing on developing himself and shares personal details of how being laid off helped him flex his creative muscles and sparked questions of how and where he spends his time.
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"Go Home and Straighten Things Out"
Meet JP Calkins, a professional medical device salesman and what he considers "the best sale" he's ever made. Hear about his former jobs at Tweeter, Circuit City and Best Buy; how he dealt with the loss of his high school girlfriend; and how he went from working that "retail life" to landing a lucrative sales position within the medical industry.
“Get Uncomfortable”
Inspiring Girlfriend: Be the Change
Lessons she teaches her kids, finding peace after losing her brother, pushing past comfort for growth, being a force for good, tenacity, supporting men and borrowing hope.
Publish Date: June 8, 2021
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"I Found My Purpose"
65% of U.S. inmates meet medical criteria for substance abuse and addiction yet only 11% receive treatment.
This is my dad’s story.
Finding hope and healing; my dad's journey towards recovery and breaking the cycle of addiction and imprisonment.
Agents of Massive Change
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“Who has Guts?”
Charting your own path and creating a successful living in real estate and entrepreneurship
In this episode, we talk about growing up with a Latino single dad raising daughters. The early career grind and finding success with Realty of Chicago. Sally also talks about having the guts to chart your own path and breaking out of fear and promoting yourself while focusing on the next chapter.
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“Reclaiming Lives”
Reclaim 13 Founder: Protect the Vulnerable and Don’t Look Away
A clinical psychologist set out on a path of radical change to address the unmet needs of vulnerable children. Reclaim 13 is the only specialized “safe” house in Illinois for minor victims of sex trafficking and exploited youth.
"Everybody has Something to Share”
She’s a rebel with a cause that taught herself to code and created a website that inspires millions of people around the globe. In this episode, we discuss being an early woman in tech, creating her website MotivateUs.com, meeting kindred spirits, lessons from bartending and honoring the stories of others.
Her message: Be a Rebel with a Cause
"Latinos Are Being Left Behind”
Executive Connector: Diversifying the Board Room
Librarian and research director on increasing Latino representation in 'the room where it happens' and building a pipeline of board-ready individuals.
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"These Are My People"
Jessica Banta is a 25yr-old laid-off restaurant worker who found opportunity during a pandemic to help others impacted by Covid-19. In two months, the Relief Coalition, a local grass-roots initiative run by the people, helped 6,600+ locals. Jessica shares details about her journey to launch and how her team of "regular" people came together to advance their mission.
https://www.reliefcoalition.org/
"Will you Protect This House"
Raul Alvarado is an essential service working helping his community stay connected. He's also a trusted friend, respected peer and a championed leader. Married for 17 years and raising two teen boys he's learned a thing or two about life. In this episode we learn about the people who've inspire him and how he uses his favorite call to action on himself.
Warning: This episode might restore your faith in humanity.
Email: alvarado2370@gmail.com
IG: @raul2370
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
"Level the Playing Field"
How to Combat Corporate Racism: Driving Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Corporate America
Speaking the honest truth with Jeremy Nixon on how Blacks can move ahead in their careers and how corporate America can better support them.
"Latinos Are Being Left Behind”
Executive Connector: Diversifying the Board Room
Librarian and research director on increasing Latino representation in 'the room where it happens' and building a pipeline of board-ready individuals.
"There's plenty of good talent, find them."
Shannon is an HR executive leader navigating ‘work in the time of a global pandemic’. He's also one of my closest friends. We talk business continuity, diversity and inclusion, brave conversations, and how he puts his values into action in the workplace.
Listen as he hilariously shares his journey into HR and how a high school corporate internship program changed his life.
fullergogetter@yahoo.com
Artists and Creatives
“We All Have Soft Hearts”
Connecting People through Art
In this episode, Andrea sits down with mystery novel author, Eric Lodin about his book, We All Have Soft Hearts. Learn about the writing process and rituals that create environments of flow and ways to activate the energy within by tuning in to our strengths.
http://www.ericlodin.com; https://www.instagram.com/ericlodinauthor/; https://www.facebook.com/EricLodinMysteries/
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“Get in Tune With Who You Are”
Embracing Insecurities & Using Gifts
Getting kicked out of college, pursuing his craft, hiding our imperfections, using the superpowers within us, comparison, jealousy and working with rapper Twista.
“Empty Cups Overflow, Too”
Special Series: Helping a Hurting Nation Heal:
FOLLOWING FAITH
Shawndra's artistry inspires me to think critically and live authentically, and her ministry leading a citywide college outreach with her husband - intrigues me. How are they building faith, empathy and culture with students across Chicago? What is the voice of our young people? In this episode, she takes me back to church and talks about faith and reconciliation in modern times.
"Someone Took a Chance on Me"
Special Series: Helping a Hurting Nation Heal: Part 5/8
CREATING CREATIVE SPACES
As a visual storyteller, David captures the life and personality of people all over the world and as founder of True Chicago, he’s creating spaces to connect and encourage creatives.
This conversation focuses on David's photography journey, founding True Chicago, and what it means to be a black creator during this time.
Education
Stephen Caliendo, PhD, author, political scientist, dean, N. Central Colleg
“There’s So Much To Learn”
Special Series: Helping a Hurting Nation Heal: Part 3/8
LIFELONG LEARNING
The beauty of education is that it’s never ending. Insightful conversation with former professor, Dr. Caliendo, political scientist and Dean at North Central College. He reminds me that “we can criticize & love” and that we all have yet “so much much to learn”.
This discussion focuses on racism, politics and power.
“Choose Joy”
Alexandria advances equity within her district and is rehauling the learning experience for high school teachers and students. Launching today is volume II of her newest book: today's Inspired Latina!
Did I mention she's my twin?!
We also talk about mom guilt and when sisters fight.
Charles Eaton - CEO, Creating IT Future and EVP, ComPTIA
"No One is Better Than You"
This episode is dedicated to champion bosses! Charles is CEO of a national workforce nonprofit that is changing the game for tech education and helping people get tech jobs. He shares his experience growing up as a diplomat's kid in Hong Kong, his passion for fanatical learning, and his views on education, marriage, and parenting.
https://www.creatingitfutures.org/
“This Stops With Me”
Former educator with a passion for sharing cultural experiences talks about healthy diet and anxiety, depression after losing a student, breaking generational cycles, travels abroad and molding next Gen leaders.
This episode was recorded on August 12, 2021.
Watch episode: https://youtu.be/XbFUrlnrBbQ
Sandra Gonzalez
“What Equity Can Look Like”
This episode features teacher, community organizer and doctoral student, Sandra Gonzalez and her quest to bring the student and faculty voice back to the forefront in education governance. Join the conversation as she talks about transparency, equity and governance in higher education.
More information about Sandra Gonzalez can be found at: https://www.sandrag4wcc.com/
Entrepreneurship
"Go and Find Your Happiness"
>> Shop Local & Support Small Businesses <<
In the episode, we talk about opening up her e-commerce local shopping platform, supporting small businesses, living and working in organized chaos, power moves for women, and getting out of the comparison trap.
"Women Supporting Women"
Mompreneur: Creating Purpose through Passion
Marketing and business development professional on growing a thriving network of empowered women in business.
www.wesossouthaurora.com www.multiprintanddigital.com www.facebook.com/Moms4MomsVendors
"Take the Leap"
Bar Owner with a Vision: Get Social and Leap Forward
Marketing director takes a leap of faith into the world of craft beer. His message: get butterflies in your stomach, every day!
"Dance With Your Ego"
Andrea McMillian sits down with serial entrepreneur Perla Tamez to talk about scaling and operating her businesses. This conversation focuses on entrepreneurship, scaling businesses and building culture.
“Pilot In Command”
Jackie unleashes the amazing in young Latinas. across the globe. Founder of The Fig Factor Foundation and creator of the international movement and book series, Today's Inspired Latina, she shares her entrepreneurship journey and her 'responsibility to land' as pilot in command.
"Give Grace When Needed"
This episode is dedicated to badass moms!
Ericka is modern day superwoman unapologetically carving her own career lane as creator of the multimedia brand Sinking Heels of Motherhood blog and podcast while also being a full-time stay-at-home mom to a blended and special needs family of 7.
Topics: coparenting, special needs, career navigation, and being teen moms.
Entrepreneurship
"The World is Waiting for You"
Free-spirited Solo Traveler: Create Amazing Experiences
From bartending to Cirque Du Soleil, she's led 70+ teams in 17 countries and shares her unique take on exploring human connection and inspiring leadership from around the world.
Health & Fitness Owner on a Mission: "Do Better"
Friend a fellow NCC Alum on running multiple businesses, the sacrifice of success, derailments (that could end it all!) and opening the first high-end vegan, gluten-free restaurant in the midwest.
More information about Ron Anderson can be found:
"We're All Energy"
Registered nurse, aromatherapist and oncology certified aesthetician on toxins, weak guts and the common struggle many small biz owners are facing: marketing during a pandemic!
Healthcare
"Tough Enough"
Local healthcare hero on living your best life
----> now <----
This Polish immigrant is tough enough to handle hard problems! After the early passing of her mother she became a Nurse Practitioner and clinical instructor. Now she's focused on collecting memories and helping others do the same.
“I'm Proud to be Number Four”
Family Legacy: A Father’s Might and Mission. Facing loss and grief as a widowed dad and embracing a diverse, blended family.
**This was also the first podcast I recorded.**
His story of being an Asian immigrant, becoming a doctor, being a widowed father to two, finding new love, family and meaning.
Q&A: Healthcare Tips from Local Heroes
Primary Care Physicians from DuPage Medical Group share tips on how we can stay healthy & informed while sheltering in place.
https://www.dupagemedicalgroup.com/
“Rise to the Occasion”
Nurses around the world make huge personal sacrifices to help fight covid-19. Orlando shares what it's like managing acutely ill patients, dealing with death on a daily basis, and triaging patients during the pandemic. Also my younger brother, we talk about growing up Boricua, coping with loss, coming out, and bougie standards.
Human Resources
"There's plenty of good talent, find them."
Shannon is an HR executive leader navigating ‘work in the time of a global pandemic’. He's also one of my closest friends. We talk business continuity, diversity and inclusion, brave conversations, and how he puts his values into action in the workplace.
Listen as he hilariously shares his journey into HR and how a high school corporate internship program changed his life.
Law & Justice
"If You Don't See It, Be It"
Judge Bianca Camargo is one of five women, and first Latina, appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as a Circuit Judge in Kane County.
Bianca shares her experience growing up on the East side of Aurora, Illinois, the trickle-down effect of opportunity, people who shaped her career and being a former prosecutor for the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office.
https://www.judgebiancacamargo.com/
FB: @JudgeCamargo
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“We Needed A Voice”
First Hispanic Judge in Kane County: Strengthening the Judicial Bench
We talk about the sacrifice of military families and spouses, Latino identity, bringing diversity and community to the judiciary, servant leadership, pathway to judgeship, giving kids a voice and an open invitation to the public.
https://www.illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/
"Empower Them to Fight Back"
Helping a Hurting Nation Heal: Part 4/8
DEFENDING THE VULNERABLE
Emily is a gladiator defense attorney and fierce advocate of criminal justice reform. Learn how she's empowering others to fight back and her holistic approach towards practicing law. A graduate of Harvard University and Stanford Law school, Emily is Senior Legal Counsel at The Justice Collaborative, and Founder & CEO of Partners For Justice, a nonprofit committed to increasing access to justice.
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"Breaking the Barriers of Shame"
Dallas socialite, Nicole, was earning 200k as a sales executive at Oracle & At&T when sentenced to 10 years in prison for a DUI resulting in a death. In prison she became aware of the need to support women wanting to turn their life around & founded The Rusty Diamond Network offering re-entry services for returning women. Also a former 'student' of Provo Canyon School, Nicole sheds light on the abusive troubled-teen industry.
Law Enforcement
"Bending, Not Breaking"
Leading Courageously Crisis:
History-making police chief leads law enforcement response for the second-largest police department in the state. Reflections on the Henry Pratt mass shooting, Covid-19, civil unrest, why she's not afraid of the "c" word - compassion, and the self-talk that almost stopped her from being "the first".
Leadership
"Balance Your Balls"
Tough but fair: Developing champion people
Lisette oversees 45 Xfinity Stores and several hundred Xfinity retail sites. Learn how this fortune 50 vice president leads high-performing teams at work and at home.
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“I’m Not Afraid To Share”
Jenne is a power player among Chicago's professional elite. Learn how she's pivoting through Covid, connecting folks of difference & bringing her 'whole' self to the table.
Spoiler: It's with radical honesty, authentic connection, & lots of laughs.
"Look Forward, Think Ahead”
Special Series: Helping a Hurting Nation Heal: Part 8/8
LEADING FORWARD
Leadership lessons from CompTIA's president and chief executive officer, Todd Thibodeaux, on expanding emotional intelligence, stepping into leadership, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
Look Forward, Think Ahead”
Local Government
"We All Bleed Red"
Alderman Judd Lofchie on compassion, living a life of service, running for mayor, building wealth, real estate & Rotary club.
This episode is part of a special series: Aurora, Meet your Mayor. The series focuses on getting a deeper understanding of the men running for the city's top position.
"The Cycle of Empowerment"
This episode features mayoral challenger John Laesch, carpenter and activist on a mission to go green and create better jobs. We talk people-powered campaigns, green new deal, job training, democracy, leadership and the cycle of empowerment.
This episode is part of a special series: Aurora, Meet your Mayor. The series focuses on getting a deeper understanding of the men running for the city's top position.
"Dream Big"
We talk about leaving the gang environment, being a terrible high-schooler, dreaming big, becoming mayor, leading through crisis, vaccine equity and Aurora's formula for success.
This episode is part of a special series: Aurora, Meet your Mayor. The series focuses on getting a deeper understanding of the men running for the city's top position.
"This is My Time"
Sam is a local servant leader answering the call to public action by running for Aurora Township Trustee.
We talk about the importance of local elections, advice for youth, his motivation for running and a local Boys II Men mentorship program.
"I Seek Out Help"
Helping a Hurting Nation Heal: Part 2/8
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Adrienne is a social change maker on a mission to unite communities. As a 'chief' in her city with a Ph.d. in political science and public policy, she has the smarts and authority to make massive impact. Learn how growing up in Harlem and the Bronx by first-generation Puerto Rican parents shaped her approach to building community.
Themes: struggle, surrender, sisterhood and seeking help.
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"The Sacrifices They Make"
Land of the free; home of the brave. Barbara is the youngest Latina in the Illinois House of Representatives and the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Learn how this 1st generation American became one of the youngest shining stars in the Democratic party and how she's leading through Covid19.
Mental Health
"We're all looking for our people"
Helping a Hurting Nation Heal: Part 1/8
FINDING OUR TRIBE
Kim is a fellow North Central College alumni with a master's degree from Northwestern University, a marriage and family therapist in Naperville, IL, and a local activist with the NAACP. She shares insight on gaining meaning from our past and the importance of having a community of elders. She also talks about protective factors used to guard our hearts during times of crisis and finding our tribe.
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"Take a Look at Yourself"
Helping a Hurting Nation Heal: Part 6/8
LOOKING INWARD
As a mental health provider, Tony is a professional at counseling people through problems. After earning the trust of my teenage son and husband, he's now someone I count on to 'tell me like it is'. In this episode, we talk about common challenges families and couples face, navigating interpersonal conflict, and self-improvement.
https://www.foxbendcounseling.com/anthony-kokalj-lcpc
Military
"Know Your Veteran"
She served two tours in Iraq, one in Kuwait, and 1 year in the reserves.
Learn this military patriot’s story of sacrifice and service.
Warning: A not-your-typical Veterans’ Day podcast from a not-so-typical army veteran on patriotism, equity in higher education, her year of yes & what civilians should know.
Politics
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"The sacrifices they make"
Land of the free; home of the brave. Barbara is the youngest Latina in the Illinois House of Representatives and the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Learn how this 1st generation American became one of the youngest shining stars in the Democratic party and how she's leading through Covid19.
"This is my time"
Sam is a local servant leader answering the call to public action by running for Aurora Township Trustee.
We talk about the importance of local elections, advice for youth, his motivation for running and a local Boys II Men mentorship program.
Social Change
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My thoughts on George Floyd and Black Lives Matter
As a Latina I am keenly aware of my "color" along with everyone around me. And "I see White people" everywhere. Especially in areas of executive leadership, government & higher education. It's time we start seeing more Black and Hispanic people in those places, too.
Note:
YouTube video contains visual graphics that are not included in the iTunes format. https://www.naacp.org/
Technology
Using the gift of technology and recognizing moments that spark opportunity.
"I Decided to Skill Up”
He went from GED to retail to corporate and is now a leading cloud operations technologist. Learn about the moments that sparked Johnny's career in tech and the mentor who changed his life.
Charles Eaton - CEO, Creating IT Futures & EVP, CompTIA
This episode is dedicated to champion bosses!
"No One is Better than You"
Charles is CEO of a national workforce nonprofit that is changing the game for tech education and helping people get tech jobs. He shares his experience growing up as a diplomat's kid in Hong Kong, his passion for fanatical learning, and his views on education, marriage, and parenting.
https://www.creatingitfutures.org/
Michael Migliacio - Lead Software Engineering Coach, Target
"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"
Software Engineer: Empowering DevOps Teams
Lessons from Japan, what the world needs more of, and connecting people through technology.
Learn more about Michael Migliacio at: https://www.angstygaijin.com/