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  • Audio Episodes #41-55
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#15 “Take A Look At Yourself” with Anthony Kokalj, owner and therapist, Foxbend Counseling

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.

#14 “Someone Took A Chance On Me” with David Johnson, photographer and founder, True Chicago

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. Learn how his work continues to promote life and the empowerment of others.

This conversation focuses on David's photography journey, founding True Chicago, and what it means to be a black creator during this time.

#13 “Empower Them To Fight Back” with Emily Galvin-Almanza, founder and CEO of Partners for Justice

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.  

This discussion focuses on law, public safety and civics.

#12 “There’s So Much To Learn” Stephen Caliendo, political scientist & dean, North Central College

The beauty of education is that it’s never ending.

It’s been 15 years since I walked into his classroom and I haven’t left. 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. 

#11 "I Seek Out Help" with Adrienne Holloway, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Aurora

Adrienne is a social change maker on a mission to unite communities. Serving 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.  Discussion themes include the power of struggle, surrender, sisterhood and seeking help.

#10 "We're all looking for our people" with Kijuana Boulrece, therapist and activist

Kim is a fellow North Central College alumni with a master's degree from Northwestern University,  a marriage and family therapist in Naperville and a local activist with the NAACP. In this episode, she's sharing her 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.

#9 "I Found My Purpose" with Arturo Rios, recovering alcoholic & convicted felon

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.

#8 "I See White People" with Andrea McMillian, podcast creator & workforce development strategist

My thoughts on George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.  


As a minority I am always keenly aware of my "color" along with everyone else around me. And I see white people everywhere. Especially in areas of executive leadership, government and higher education. It's time we start seeing more black and Hispanic people in those places, too.  


YouTube video contains visual graphics that are not included in the iTunes format. 

#7 "These are my people" with Jessica Banta, restaurant manager & cofounder, the Relief Coalition

Jessica Banta, 25yr old restaurant worker, isn't letting this global pandemic crisis get the best of her or the people she loves. After being laid-off due to Covid-19, she co-founded the Relief Coalition, a local grass-roots initiative run by and for the people. They've since packaged 36,000 pounds of food for curbside pickup, helping 6,600+ locals. 


She shares details about the journey to launch and how her team of "regular" people came together to advance the mission.

#6 Healthcare Q&A with Dr Jason Dy & Dr Priti Amin, DuPage Medical Group

Q&A: Healthcare Tips from Local Heroes


My dad, Dr. Jason Dy, and our family pediatrician, Dr. Priti Amin - both from DuPage Medical Group - share tips on how we can stay healthy & informed while sheltering in place.

#5 “No One Is Better Than You” with Charles Eaton, CEO, Creating IT Futures

This episode is dedicated to the bosses who champion their people!   


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, parenting & more.

#4 "Give Grace When Needed" with Ericka Polanco Webb, Motherhood Journalist and Stay-At-Home Mom

This episode is dedicated to all the badass moms out there!     


Meet Ericka, a modern day superwoman who is unapologetically carving her own career lane as creator of the multimedia brand Sinking Heels of Motherhood while also being a full-time stay-at-home mom to a multicultural, blended family of 7 with special needs.  


In this episode we talk about balancing motherhood with career, our teen mom stories, and the importance of women sharing their story with others.

#3 "Will You Protect This House?" with Raul Alvarado, Comcast manager & former Best Buy colleague

Raul is a Comcast essential worker 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 find out who inspires him and how he uses his favorite call to action on himself.  Warning: This episode might restore your faith in humanity.  Spoilers: 1 - good people still exist, 2 -  making new friends is always possible, 3 - distance doesn't have to divide and 4 - somewhere out there is a good soul who's willing, ready and able to elevate your huddle

#2 "Go Home and Straighten Things Out" with JP Calkins, Professional Salesman

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.  

#1 The Power of Yes with Barbara Hernandez, Illinois State Representative

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.

Launch Day - Jitters and Updates

Podcast Announcement


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