Audacious with Chion Wolf

Remember how fun roller skating was as a kid? Well, the adults you’ll meet this hour are still having a good time on roller skates, but they take that fun to the next level! Takina Pollack Shafer brings pop-up skating events to her hometown of Bridgeport, CT, where she creates space for people of all stripes to forget their worries and experience the joy of roller skating. It’s a pop-up with a purpose. You'll also meet the 2024 Men’s National Jam Skating Champion, LeRoy Mcsmith, and the designer known as “Rollerman.” He invented a full-body suit covered in wheels: hands, elbows, chest, back, even his butt. He puts the suit on, lays down and bombs down mountains at speeds around 70 miles an hour. Suggested episodes: Extreme ironing, cheese rolling, and shin kicking: The world of weird sports From wingsuit BASE jumping to record-breaking South Pole expeditions with Ellen Brennan Frat and Liv Arnesen GUESTS: Takina Pollock Shafer: Owner of Skateport in Bridgeport, CT, a pop-up designed to spread and support the culture of roller skating in Connecticut LeRoy Mcsmith: Athletic skater and the Men’s National Jam Skating Champion 2024 Jean-Yves Blondeau aka Rollerman: Inventor of the Buggy Rollin wheel suit, a full-body armored jumpsuit outfitted with dozens of small inline-style wheels placed on the major joints, the torso, and the back Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was part birthday party, part storytelling spectacle, and 100% Audacious! We threw a live Show & Tell at Dead Language Beer Project in Hartford, and invited public radio fans to bring an object they love, and the story that makes it matter. From a PEZ dispenser with family ties, to a holy (literally) beer mug, to walnut shell art that has mesmerized a family for generations, the night was full of big laughs, tiny treasures, and extraordinary moments. Suggested episodes: Audacious Live! Show & Tell in Stamford Five years of Audacious: Where are they now? GUESTS: Chion Wolf: host of Audacious with Chion Wolf, who brought a Gracie Award Emily Tracy: Manchester resident, who brought one of many PEZ dispensers collected by her mother, Caryn Dr. David Shapiro: West Hartford resident, who brought a copy of a Hasbro comic book with a depiction of himself, in recognition of his work with Stop The Bleed Meg Fitzgerald: Senior Manager of Projects and Radio Programming at Connecticut Public, who brought a walnut that folds open and holds tiny art inside Larry Klein: Meriden resident, who brought a puzzle mug made by a potter named Guy Wolff Pamela Morrison-Wolf: Farmington resident (and Chion's mother!), who brought a framed greeting card from her late husband, Guy Wolf Christy Kovel: Middletown resident and Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association's Connecticut Chapter, who brought her cell phone containing two memorable images from the previous day Dave Mourad: Windsor resident, who brought a metal newspaper stand Robyn Doyon-Aitken: Deputy Director of Audio Storytelling and Talk Shows at Connecticut Public, who brought the cast her late mother had on her wrist Ashley Cook: Hartford resident, who brought a shadowbox of her hand x-ray and pins that the surgeons removed Michelle Horsley: Hartford resident, who brought her conductor's baton Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate five years of Audacious, we reconnect with a few unforgettable guests. Ari Cobb, now 13, reflects on how his relationship with stuttering has evolved since we first met him at age 8. Toby Dorr shares how the death of her former partner, whom she once broke out of prison, reshaped her purpose. Jeffrey Marsh returns with powerful insights on self-acceptance. And we meet Hannah Joyner, wife of Dr. David Meyers, who joined us before his death from glioblastoma. It’s a heartfelt look back at stories that changed us and the people who continue to inspire us. Suggested episodes: People with speech disfluencies have a lot to say Why'd You Do It: I snuck my incarcerated boyfriend out of prison in a dog crate Jeffrey Marsh loves you After the fire: Stories of what the flames couldn’t destroy Views from the end: David Meyers GUESTS: Ari Cobb: a New Haven resident, who was eight when he first spoke with Chion on the third episode of Audacious in 2020, “People with speech disfluencies have a lot to say.” He is joined by his parents, Michelle and Kei Toby Dorr: a guest on our 2023 episode titled “Why'd You Do It: I snuck my incarcerated boyfriend out of prison in a dog crate.” Toby is the author of several books, among them a forthcoming memoir titled Beyond Conviction: A Love Story Jeffrey Marsh: an author, coach, and digital creator known for their advocacy of nonbinary and LGBTQ+ visibility, as well as for promoting radical self-acceptance. They first connected with Chion for the “Jeffrey Marsh loves you” episode in 2021. They're the author of How to Be You: Stop Trying to Be Someone Else and Start Living Your Life and Take Your Own Advice: Learn to Trust Your Inner Voice and Start Helping Yourself Hannah Joyner: a historian, author, and book critic, and the wife of Dr. David Meyers. David, a physician diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2018, appeared on the episode titled “Views from the end: David Meyers.” He died on July 2, 2023 Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know how sometimes you look outside, see a bird, and think, “Oh, hey! A cardinal! A blue jay! A robin!“ Happens all the time. Now imagine what your life would be like if you traveled the world as part of a lifelong quest to become the first person to see 10,000 bird species. Get to know Peter Kaestner. He shares the surprising story of how he came excruciatingly close to missing that once-in-a-lifetime shot. And find out why he believes there are a million ways to be a birder. This episode originally aired August 23, 2024. Resources: eBird online database of bird observations, a project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology IOC World Bird List, an open-access resource maintained by the International Ornithological Committee Merlin bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a free global bird guide with photos, sounds, and maps Suggested episodes: Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world of uncommon emotional support animals We, The Dog GUEST: Peter Kaestner: First person to catalog 10,000 bird species, discoverer of the Cundinamarca antpitta, is an ambassador for the American Bird Conservancy, and leads tours with Rockjumper Birding Adventures Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you hear “philanthropy,” you might think of millionaires, black-tie galas, or buildings named after donors. But what if you could be a philanthropist without being wealthy? In this episode, you’ll meet people who donate small amounts to hundreds of places, hand out cash on city streets, and send money directly to people in poverty, no strings attached. Explore the power of small, consistent giving, and how even modest acts of generosity can spark massive ripple effects. Suggested episodes: GOOD NEWS! That’s how we celebrate 100 episodes of Audacious Social media, the algorithm, and the state of our hearts "Negativity be gone!": Artists igniting joy on social media GUESTS: Rabbi Jeff & Mindy Glickman: creators of the “Giving Locally Everywhere” (GLeE) initiative, through which they donated to every NPR station and United Way branch in the country, as well as other organizations they value. Jeff serves as rabbi at Temple Beth Hillel in South Windsor, CT, and Mindy is a community leader and Hebrew instructor Peter Bond: a social media creator best known for his TikTok and Instagram accounts, @bondgives, where he documents acts of kindness and helps people in need across New York City. Since 2021, he has been using his platforms to inspire others to give back and make a positive impact in their communities Caroline Teti: a Vice President at GiveDirectly with decades of experience in almost all areas of the development sector, including the world’s largest and longest study on universal basic income. Her belief in direct cash as the most effective tool to end extreme poverty is also rooted in her upbringing in rural Kenya Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some rituals are spiritual. Some are silly. Some are inherited, and some are self-made. Casper ter Kuile, author of The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices, walks us through how we create all sorts of meaningful, grounding rituals. And you'll hear clips from past two years of Audacious guests who have shared the rituals that matter most to them, from morning journaling and bedtime affirmations to pre-show sign-slapping. Whether you've already got your rituals down pat, or are still developing your own special routine, this episode shows you how to honor the sacred in the everyday. Suggested episodes: Forgiveness: How we define it and how it defines us Life advice, one Audacious guest at a time Kitchen objects with a story. Listen at your own whisk Why you so salty? The anger episode Change Of Art: Stories About Tattoo Coverups Awe yeah! Exploring the magic of mind-blowing moments GUESTS: Casper ter Kuile: author of The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices. He holds Master's degrees in Divinity and Public Policy from Harvard University, and is a co-founder of Sacred Design Lab. He also co-hosts the podcast, Harry Potter and the Sacred Text Audacious guests who shared their personal rituals (in order of appearance): Dean Edwards, Jessica Jin, Kristen Geez, Anna Holland, Lena Khalal Tuffaha, Chris Crowe, Bruce W Brackett, Moon Ribas, Azie Dungey, Pony Tromper, Mary Elizabeth Kelly, Paul Marcarelli, Brad White, Begoña Gómez Urzaiz, Dr. Gale Ridge, Mehdi Hasan, Stephanie Courtney, Rosanna Ramos, Sonya Horton, Greg Viloria, Ronnie “Woo Woo” Wickers, Zarna Garg, Jada Star, Luis Mojica, RoseMarie Wallace, Mindy Glickman, David Roche, Paul Gladis, and Arwen, Aidan, and Willow Gladis Perez-Sauquillo Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if it wasn’t spiders, heights, or flying… but grass, buttons, or your own reflection that made your hands clammy and your heart race? Meet Bettina, a romantic comedy author who avoids lawns at all costs; Marcos, who dreads reflections and shaves in the shower to escape the mirror; and Mark, who hasn’t worn a shirt with buttons since he was a kid. Connecticut psychologist Dr. David Tolin helps us understand how these fears develop, how they affect daily life, and why some people choose to confront their fears, while others simply adapt. Suggested episodes: Full house: The line between collecting, clutter, and hoarding disorder Are you very superstitious or just a little 'stitious'? Snakes in their mouths and venom in their veins: Why two snake pioneers do what they do GUESTS: Dr. David Tolin: Founder and Director of the Anxiety Disorders Center at The Institute of Living in Hartford, CT. He is also Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine Bettina Hunt: a romantic comedy author based in the UK, who has a phobia of grass Marcos: a 24-year-old man from the Chicago area, who has a phobia of reflections Mark Cardia: a man based in Portugal, who has a phobia of buttons Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet people whose lives were upended by fire - and transformed by resilience. From the recent Los Angeles fires, we hear from Casey Colvin, who searched for days to find his beloved dog, Oreo, and 10-year-old Grayson Roberts, who lost his home, his Braille materials, and his drum kits - but not his spirit. We also talk to RoseMarie Wallace, who reflects on how losing everything made her stronger, and Leslie Wharton, who shares what 13 years of rebuilding and reflection have taught her after losing her Colorado home to a wildfire. Resources: American Red Cross: Recovering After a Fire Suggested episodes: We, The Dog Aftershocks: Life after getting struck by lightning The story of the first African-American face transplant GUESTS: RoseMarie Wallace: a Massachusetts woman who had a major house fire in 2014. She is also a Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at Tabor Academy, and a storyteller who honors identity, motherhood, and the quiet power of resilience Casey Colvin: a Pacific Palisades resident whose dogs, Oreo and Teeka Teeka, went missing after the fires in January 2025. He was ultimately reunited with both, and the emotional moment of Casey finding Oreo after a five-day search captured global attention Grayson and Terica Roberts: a mother and son from Altadena who lost their home in the fires in January 2025. Grayson is a 10 year-old drummer who has been blind since birth Leslie Wharton: author of Phoenix Rising: Stories of Remarkable Women Walking Through Fire, and a forthcoming memoir, Home Fires Burning. Leslie lost her home during the High Park Fire in Colorado in 2012, and is now based in Washington State Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before a sitcom rolls tape, someone has to turn a roomful of strangers into a laughing, clapping, totally-on-board studio audience. That someone? A warm-up comedian. Meet Mark Sweet, who’s spent nearly 40 years getting audiences hyped for shows like Cheers, Roseanne, and The Big Bang Theory. And Joyelle Nicole Johnson shares how warming up the crowd for Patriot Act was a part of what led her to a huge stand-up career. It’s part comedy, part crowd control, part emotional thermostat, and it might just be the most invisible job in showbiz. Until now. Suggested episodes: Why the world needs comedians with disabilities The meteoric rise of comedian Zarna Garg Actors Mary Elizabeth Kelly and Dean Edwards on the art of impressions GUESTS: Mark Sweet: a veteran warm-up comedian for scripted shows including The Big Bang Theory, Full House, and Two and a Half Men. He currently does warm-up for Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage and Leanne Joyelle Nicole Johnson: a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress, who was a warm-up comic for Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. She appeared on The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and has a Peacock special called Love Joy Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UPDATE: This episode originally aired June 28, 2024. Since its airing, Chion Wolf and the Audacious team were awarded a Gracie Award in the Portrait/Biography category for this episode. "The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment. They also acknowledge the individuals who have made inspirational contributions to the industry." Growing up, Pidgeon Pagonis was told a lot about their medical history: They were born with cancerous ovaries, so the doctors removed them to save their life. Except that wasn't true. In reality, they were born intersex. And those were not cancerous ovaries, they were undescended testes. And that was just the beginning of many truths coming out. Hear their story of discovery, and how they played a massive role in getting the hospital where they were born to reverse their policies on how they treat intersex children. Resources: interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth Intersex resource list by Pidgeon Pagonis Statements on Intersex Care at Lurie Children’s Hospital Recommended episodes: Conception deception: The fight for transparency in the fertility industry Jeffrey Marsh Loves You Being a trans woman in the trucking industry GUEST: Pidgeon Pagonis: Intersex speaker, filmmaker, and consultant; Author of the memoir, Nobody Needs to Know Jessica Severin de Martinez, Khaleel Rahman, Meg Fitzgerald, Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Meg Dalton, Catie Talarski, and Reinett Chefu contributed to this show. Audacious with Chion Wolf is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tune In, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and email.Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you regret? Explore the human experience of looking back with Daniel H. Pink, author of The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. Poet David Whyte offers his take on regret, drawing from Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. We’ll also reconnect with “Tracy” from Maryland and Stormi Huhn (“Anna” from Iowa), four years after sharing their stories of parental regret. Plus, Audacious listeners reflect on their own regrets - big, small, serious, and silly. Suggested episodes: I Regret Becoming A Parent Forgiveness: How we define it and how it defines us Look For The Helpers: The Anatomy Of A Death Change Of Art: Stories About Tattoo Coverups Nothing goes as planned: A first-time offender’s prison story from arrest to release GUESTS: Daniel H. Pink: Author of The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward Audacious listeners who contributed their regrets: Mary Ailes, Jennifer Crookes Carpenter, AmyLaBossiere, Susan Tilly, Steph MacGillivary, Brenda Kestenbaum, Theresa Cannavo, Wendy Gravely, Jonathan Graham, Ann Levie David Whyte: Poet, philosopher, and author of Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. Consolations II came out in early 2025 “Tracy”: Maryland woman who joined us for our show about parental regret in 2021 Stormi Huhn: Iowa woman who joined us for our show about parental regret in 2021 Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forget the typical meet-cute; this episode features individuals whose paths crossed in extraordinarily unique circumstances. Alex and Sue Tatham met each other on the globally televised dating show "Blind Date" in the UK, leading to a wedding watched by millions. Heather and Tony are Disney enthusiasts who found love across continents thanks to a dating site for fellow fans, MouseMingle.com And after three years of chatting online, Robbie Romu and Avichai Sofer finally met… Only to have their relationship immediately tested by the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war during their first in-person meeting. Suggested episodes: Audacious Love Playlist GUESTS: Alex & Sue Tatham: a couple who met on the British dating show Blind Date in 1988. Their wedding in 1991 was watched by 17 million people Heather & Tony Lash: Heather from Australia and Tony from Florida met through Mousemingle.com, a dating site for Disney fans, in 2015. They got married at Walt Disney World in 2018 Robbie Romu & Avichai Sofer: Robbie from Canada and Avichai from Israel met on a dating site in 2020. Robbie traveled to Israel to meet Avichai in person for the first time on October 6, 2023, a day before the Israel-Hamas war began Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the extraordinary impact of horses on our lives. From the unique community of Pony Play and the athleticism of hobby-horsing to the therapeutic power of horses, and a neuroscientist's exploration of life after death, this episode dives deep into how horses shape our lives. Suggested episodes: We The Dog Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world of uncommon emotional support animals Animal psychics reveal what our pets really think Snakes in their mouths and venom in their veins: Why two snake pioneers do what they do GUESTS: Pony Tromper: founding member of the Rocky Mountain Pony Herd, a community dedicated to Pony Play, where people embody the spirit of a horse, emphasizing connection, identity, and freedom Alisa Aarniomäki: Finnish hobby horse athlete and coach, notable as a dressage champion in Finland in both 2022 and 2023. Hobby-horsing is an activity where competitors perform dressage and show jumping on handmade stick horses Dr. David Eagleman: Neuroscientist at Stanford University and author of Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives, which features an essay about humans, horses, the afterlife, and beyond Nicole Welch, Emily Eschner, and Tonka: Staff at Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center in Bristol, Connecticut Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology is rapidly reshaping the world, but for people with disabilities, it’s doing something even more profound - it’s redefining what’s possible. Explore how cutting-edge assistive technologies are breaking barriers, restoring independence, and revolutionizing the way people navigate the world. Sam Seavey, creator of “The Blind Life” YouTube channel, shares how AI-powered tools are game-changers for people with vision impairments. And former stuntman Jonathan Goodwin introduces Kim-e, a self-balancing mobility robot redefining independence for wheelchair users. Suggested episodes: Revealing Our Blind Spots About Blindness MasterChef winner Christine Ha and poet Edward Hirsch on turning blindness into brilliance Hearing every color, feeling every earthquake: Life as a cyborg Stunt performers David Holmes and Jonathan Goodwin on life after paralysis GUESTS: Sam Seavey: founder of “The Blind Life” YouTube channel, where he provides tips, reviews of assistive devices, and interviews with visually impaired community members. Diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of 11, Sam has dedicated 30 years to researching and understanding assistive devices. Among the inventions Sam mentions during this conversation are Ray Ban Meta AI glasses, the Be My Eyes app, the WeWalk smart cane, and braille tablets Jonathan Goodwin: a retired stunt performer, screenwriter, keynote speaker, and hypnotherapist. In 2021, he was paralyzed while rehearsing a stunt for America's Got Talent: Extreme. He has been exploring a new piece of assistive technology called Kim-e, a self-balancing personal mobility robotSupport the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes your jaw drop? A celestial event? A powerful piece of music? In this episode, explore awe in its many forms, from a total solar eclipse to the psychology of wonder. Psychologist Dacher Keltner breaks down the science of awe, cellist Yumi Kendall shares how music transports us, and Audacious listeners share their most treasured moments of awe. GUESTS: Mara Suttmann-Lea, Joseph Dickerson, and Stefan Keller: Awestruck with Chion in Vermont during the April 8, 2024 total eclipse Dacher Keltner: Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center. He hosts The Science of Happiness podcast, and he’s the author of many scientific articles and several books, including Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life Yumi Kendall: Assistant Principal Cellist at the Philadelphia Orchestra. She founded and co-hosts the Tacet No More podcast Awestruck Audacious listeners who sent in voice memos (in order of appearance): Brenton Graveley, Carissa Teff, Levi Lomasky, Vinny Camire, Khaleel Rahman, Anne Mercer, Michelle Horsley, Erin Shapland, Pamela Morrison-Wolf, Maria Raviele, Carl Delmolino, Paul Gladis, Jane Carroll, Nell Codner, Catherine Shen, Maggie Downie, Brian Foley, Allison Durham, Jennifer LaRue, Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez Jessica Severin de Martinez, Meg Fitzgerald, Robyn Doyon-Aitken, and Meg Dalton contributed to this show, with help from our interns, Kathy Wang and Angelica Gajewski. Audacious with Chion Wolf is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tune In, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and email.Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine feeling an unbearable itch, convinced that tiny insects are crawling under your skin. But no doctor believes you. You try to prove it, collecting samples, documenting everything. But under a microscope? Nothing is there. That was Paula Cox’s experience with delusional infestation, a rare disorder where people are absolutely certain they’re infested with bugs, despite all evidence to the contrary. In this episode, Paula shares her harrowing experience, and experts - a leading entomologist and a psychiatrist-dermatologist - explain what’s really happening in the brain and how healing is possible. Suggested episodes: Body Integrity Dysphoria: When being disabled is a desire When every face you see is distorted: Living with PMO GUESTS: Dr. Gale Ridge: an entomologist and Associate Scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven. She oversees the daily activities of the insect inquiry office. She’s also the editor of The Physician's Guide to Delusional Infestation Paula Cox: a woman in Australia who experienced delusional infestation. She started a Facebook support group called “Delusional parasitosis help” Dr. John Koo: a Professor of Dermatology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center and Director of the UCSF Psoriasis Skin and Treatment Center. He is board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry and co-author of Morgellons Disease: High Yield Principles for Clinical Practice Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s it like to live in the shadow of legends and still shine? Meet Marshall Charloff, a Prince tribute artist with a personal connection to the artist himself. And Rick Torres, an Elvis impersonator whose two decades as the King has brought him to some surprising places. From the joy and empowerment of embodying their heroes to navigating the challenges of the work, they discuss the artistry behind keeping music royalty alive. Suggested episodes: Actors Mary Elizabeth Kelly and Dean Edwards on the art of impressions You Should Talk: Voices At Work What Happens When You Act Like You Belong GUESTS: Marshall Charloff: a singer, songwriter, and producer based in Minneapolis. Besides his solo career, he has been impersonating Prince as the co-founder of “The Purple xPeRIeNCE” since 2011 Rick Torres: a tribute artist and prominent Elvis impersonator based in the San Francisco Bay Area Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2022, Just Stop Oil protestors threw tomato soup on a Van Gogh painting in London. The world collectively gasped, but some UK lawmakers responded by supporting fewer investments in new oil projects. On this episode, meet one of those soup-throwers, and hear from two other people who have been part of creative protests: a spokesperson from an anti-circumcision group that wears all white with giant, red splotches on the groin area; and a woman who organized a college campus protest featuring thousands of sex toys to rally against Texas gun laws. GUESTS: Anna Holland: Member of Just Stop Oil, a nonviolent civil resistance group demanding that the UK Government stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects. In 2022, alongside Phoebe Plummer, they threw tomato soup onto Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers" painting in London's National Gallery Harry Guiremand: Spokesperson for the anti-circumcision group, Bloodstained Men and Their Friends. They protest wearing all white with red splotches of paint over their groin Jessica Jin: Organizer of Cocks Not Glocks, protesting Texas laws that allow concealed handguns on college campuses, while openly carrying sex toys is a Class C misdemeanor Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What drives someone to ski solo across Antarctica or leap off cliffs in a wingsuit? Meet Liv Arnesen, the first woman to ski alone and unsupported to the South Pole, and Ellen Brennan Frat, the ‘Fastest Flying Woman in the World.’ From battling -30°F winds to soaring at 100 mph, these women share their extraordinary journeys of courage, resilience, and pushing boundaries. Suggested episodes: Below the surface: The stories behind underwater world records What solitude does to you in the wilderness and in prison Extreme ironing, cheese rolling, and shin kicking: The world of weird sports GUESTS: Ellen Brennan Frat: a wingsuit BASE jumper and extreme sports athlete based in France. She has become known as the ‘Fastest Flying Woman in the World’ due to her exceptional performances in wingsuit competitions Liv Arnesen: a Norwegian polar explorer, educator, and lecturer. In 1994, she became the first woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. In 2001, she and American polar explorer Ann Bancroft became the first women in history to sail and ski across Antarctica’s landmass Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever had someone finish your sentence before you even opened your mouth? Now imagine they knew what you were going to say before you did. That’s what it’s like to experience Dr. Kruti Parekh in action. Through a mix of psychology, intuition, and age-old wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic traditions, Dr. Parekh believes we all have the potential to tap into this power. No magic wands, no crystal balls, just a deeper connection to the intuition you already have. Ready to see what your mind is really capable of? Suggested episodes: Animal psychics reveal what our pets really think Reincarnation, past life regressions, and you (whoever you are) GUEST: Dr. Kruti Parekh: Mentalist, motivational speaker, mind trainer, and entertainer based in India. She uses psychology, intuition, and creativity to explore the power of the human mind in front of audiences worldwide. Some of her work can be found on YouTube and Instagram Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can you gain when you lose your vision? Christine Ha was in her early 20s when she began losing her sight. Instead of giving up on her dreams, she taught herself how to cook - so well, in fact, that she became the first and only person who is blind to win MasterChef. Now, she’s a celebrated chef and author who’s proving that great cooking is about taste, texture, and trust - not sight. And Edward Hirsch, a poet who began losing his sight later in life, discovered something unexpected - exhilaration. He says that blindness has made him more alive, more curious, and more connected to the world in ways he never expected. Resources: List of resources for people with low vision by the American Council of the Blind Lighthouse Guild (as mentioned by Edward Hirsch) Suggested episodes: Revealing Our Blind Spots About Blindness GUESTS: Christine Ha: Winner of MasterChef Season 3. She has neuromyelitis optica (NMO), in which a person's own immune system attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord Edward Hirsch: Poet and president of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Wrote a guest essay in the NYT: “I am Going Blind, and I Now Find It Strangely Exhilarating.” He has retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disease that causes progressive vision loss Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We just aired an episode about blindness featuring the poet Edward Hirsch, and chef, Christine Ha. If you're a fan of Gordon Ramsay's cooking competition show, MasterChef, then you know exactly who Christine Ha is. But if you don't, she's the first - and only - person with blindness to win it! Now you'll hear so much more of our conversation in our podcast feed, but there was this one little bonus section that we wanted to share with you. It features one-of-a-kind questions from Chion's friend, Ashley Cook. Check out our entire Audacious interview - plus a conversation with poet Edward Hirsch, who got a LOT of responses to his New York Times opinion piece, entitled, “I am Going Blind, and I Now Find It Strangely Exhilarating. You can hear it right next to this post your podcast app! Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It all began with a single Reddit post: A Connecticut man, overwhelmed and uncertain, sought advice about what to expect as a first-time, non-violent offender facing prison. He invited us to chronicle his life before, during, and after incarceration, pulling back the curtain on a world most of us only glimpse in movies or headlines. Discover how his expectations clashed with reality in ways he never anticipated, and how his experience offers an unflinching look into the unexpected truths of life. Suggested episodes: Why'd You Do It: I snuck my incarcerated boyfriend out of prison in a dog crate Why’d You Do It?: I Committed Nine Armed Robberies Love without the possibility of parole GUEST: Mike West: An Uncasville, CT resident who was incarcerated from June 2023 until June 2024 for a gun-related felony Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delve into the extraordinary lives of two men whose worlds are centered on venomous snakes. Jackie Bibby, a record-setting daredevil, set multiple world records, including the astonishing feat of holding 13 live rattlesnakes in his mouth. And Tim Friede has spent nearly two decades intentionally subjecting himself to hundreds of bites from some of the planet's most lethal snakes, all in the pursuit of creating a universal antivenom. Suggested episodes: Scars To Prove It: Living Through Animal Attacks (Almost) Everybody Hurts: An Exploration of Pain Animal psychics reveal what our pets really think GUESTS: Jackie Bibby: Also known as the Texas Snake Man. His memoir is called, “The Texas Snake Man: A Very Nice and Kind... Gentleman“ Tim Friede: A self-taught herpetologist and venom expert from Wisconsin. His goal is to develop the world’s first universal antivenom Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past two years, at the end of every interview, I asked every guest to tell me their favorite piece of life advice. We took dozens of our favorite clips and brought them together in this very special episode. And we also hear from Connecticut Public employees! Email your favorite piece of advice: Audacious@ctpublic.org Suggested episode: Views from the end: David Meyers GUESTS (in order of appearance): First segment: Paul Gladis, AJ Wolfe, Christine Hazel Decker, Cynthia Zhou, Danielle Weisberg, Jonathan Goodwin, Kitao Sakurai, Mary Elizabeth Kelly, Stephanie Courtney aka Flo from Progressive, The Lim Family, William Harder, Lior Ofir, Martha Underwood, David Vance, Greg Viloria, Kristen Geez, Jessica Jin Second segment: Bianca L McGraw, Dean Edwards, Adriana Piltz, Dani Rabaiotti, Danielle Perez, Dr. Richard Gibson, Eve Wiley, Jayson Greene, Dr. Marc Feldman, Florence Early, LaNia Roberts, Luis Mojica, Robbie Romu, Anna Holland, Arianna Preuss, Carrie Cariello, Dawn Shaw, Katie Charter, Natasha Fischer, Rozy, Zarna Garg, Arwen, Aidan, and Willow Gladis Perez-Sauquillo, Cash Daniels, Gus Mcafoos, Samirah Horton, aka DJ Annie Red Third segment: Caryn Toriaga, Chris Massimine, Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, Guy and Yaruh First, Julie Millsap, Megan Peabody, Mehdi Hasan, Azie Dungey, Colin Nissan, Paul Marcarelli, Stacy Samuels aka Banjo Man, Tabitha Farrar, Neil Harbisson, Jada Star, Athena Walker, Timothy Schultz, Tony Cicoria, Kenley Byrd, John Graham, Jenn Carson, David Meyers, Blyss, Bruce W Brackett, Moon Ribas, Paperboy Love Prince, Jessica Severin de Martinez, Meg Fitzgerald, Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Meg Dalton, Vanessa de la Torre, Mark Contreras Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On past episodes of our Audacious Love series, we’ve talked with people who’ve been married for over 50 years, people who’ve fallen in love with synthetic companions, people who’ve fallen in love with objects, and today, you’ll meet four people who are married to spirits, ancestors, or gods. Listen to our past Audacious Love episodes: Married Over 50 Years: “Love Each Other Even When You Don’t” It’s not just a sex doll! What it’s like to be in a relationship with a synthetic partner Falling in love with objects: The experience of being an Objectum Sexual GUESTS: Dr. Megan Rose: An initiated ceremonial magician, a Shakta Tantric practitioner, and the author of Spirit Marriage: Intimate Relationships with Otherworldly Beings. She serves as an ordained interfaith minister and psycho-spiritual counselor and is the executive director of the Entheosis Institute Caroline Kenner: A professional Witch and Tarotiste, a teacher of visionary healing methods, and a spiritual healer also known as the Washington Witchdoctor. Caroline is a founder of The Fool's Dog, a Tarot app publishing company. She is married to multiple spirits Dr. Monica Mody: A transdisciplinary poet, writer, educator and spiritual practitioner whose border-crossing praxis lives at the intersections of earth-based wisdom, whole person philosophy, and embodied regenerative consciousness Orion Foxwood: A traditional witch, conjure-man, "Eco-Magical Activist", faery seer; author of The Faery Teachings, The Tree of Enchantment, Mountain Conjure and Southern Rootwork and The Flame in the Cauldron. He is the founder of the House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute, a co-founder of Conjure-Craft, and Witches in the Woods gatherings in California Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear a lot about the harm of social media. But what about the good? Meet two artists who started off on social media by showing their artwork… But once they revealed the hope and kindness and positivity in their hearts? The views, shares and likes piled up in ways they never expected. Hear how they both are grappling with the newfound pressure of inspiring hundreds of thousands of fans, and find out what Chion's favorite clips from their channels reveal about her. Listen to the first installment of this series, featuring Joel Cross, Scott Tatum, and Daníel Colón. GUESTS: LaNia Roberts: Internationally renowned artist, speaker, and positive social media influencer Bruce W Brackett: Artist and the author of How to Breathe While Suffocating: A Story Of Overcoming Addiction, Recovering From Trauma, and Healing My Soul Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family secrets are often kept to protect, but hiding the truth can sometimes cause more harm than good. When Michael Hainey’s father died, the explanation he was given never quite added up. Decades later, uncovering the real story changed his life, and inspired him to write a memoir. Melissa Daniels faced a different kind of revelation: the man she thought was her father wasn’t her biological dad. Her determination to uncover the truth became unstoppable. Hear their powerful stories of discovery, and what unfolded after the secrets came to light. Suggested episodes: Conception deception: The fight for transparency in the fertility industry Forgiveness: How we define it and how it defines us GUESTS: Michael Hainey: A journalist and author of the memoir, After Visiting Friends: A Son’s Story". It details how he uncovered the circumstances surrounding his father’s death decades later Melissa Daniels: Her father passed away when she was seven. As a teenager, she learned that she was conceived by a donor and set out to connect with her biological father Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine waking up one morning and seeing every face around you as demonic - twisted, distorted, and unrecognizable. Are you hallucinating? Would you think people were possessed? Should you call 911? Now, what if it’s not demons you’re seeing, but constantly shifting facial features on everyone, including yourself? And what if this has been your reality since birth? Meet two people living with this rare and perplexing condition, prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), and a researcher dedicated to understanding it. Hear their stories and learn about a simple, surprising treatment for this mysterious disorder. Suggested episodes: Revealing Our Blind Spots About Blindness What it’s like to be able to smell illnesses What is foreign accent syndrome? After a stroke, one man’s southern drawl turned British GUESTS: Brad Duchaine: Researcher at Dartmouth who studies face blindness and is a leading researcher on PMO Victor Sharrah: Clarkesville, Tennessee resident who discovered in 2020 that he has prosopometamorphopsia (AKA demon face syndrome or PMO). He found help on the Veronica Smith: PMO patient who sees facial features moving. They have been experiencing this since they were four years old, and the distortions appear mostly on themself rather than on other people Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine you're 16 years old, living in Lahore, Pakistan, and preparing for the adventure of a lifetime: A high school exchange year in Rockville, Maryland. Just as you're getting ready to leave, a public radio show in Connecticut asks to document your journey! This is the story of Salaar Muhammad - before, during, and after his transformative year in the United States. We explore how this experience changed his perspective, shaped his future, and touched the lives of those around him. Suggested episodes: Francesca Abroad: Following an American high school student's year in Sarajevo GUESTS:  Salaar Muhammad: a student from Lahore, Pakistan, who spent the 2023/2024 academic year in Rockville, MD through the U.S. Department of State's Kennedy Lugar YES program. He lived with a host family and went to a local high school Sarah Clapp: Sarah's family hosted Salaar during his stay in the US Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember the joy of “Show and Tell” at school? Now why should only the kids have all the fun? Listeners to Audacious (and staff members of Connecticut Public!) gathered at Third Place by Half Full Brewery on March 13th, 2024, for an opportunity to share their story! Special thanks to PJ Kennedy of HeyStamford.com for sharing our event, and for keeping residents and visitors of Stamford in the loop! For a full transcript of this show, click here. This episode originally aired on March 22, 2024. GUESTS:  Elaine Braithwaite: Electric violinist and City Librarian of Bridgeport Faisal Saleh: Founder of Palestine Museum US in Woodbridge, CT Paul Bluestein: Husband of Lynda Shannon Bluestein, advocate for LyndasPhones.org Chion Wolf: Host of Audacious Jessica Severin de Martinez: Producer of Audacious Khaleel Rahman: Producer of Audacious Lucy Nalpathanchil: Vice President of Community Engagement at Connecticut Public  Jennifer Reilly and Stephanie Convey: Wethersfield residents who brought a brass sculpture Cjet Raymond: West Haven resident who brought a jar of cat whiskers Cynthia Bowser: Stamford resident who brought her mother's hat Kristen Cusato: Director of Communications for the Alzheimer's Association of Connecticut, and host of the podcast, Speaking of Alzheimer's Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know people who love Costco or Trader Joe's. But what compels someone to devote their time and travel to visiting as many stores as possible, to wrap so much of their identity around these massive shopping chains? Meet three people whose lives brighten the moment they put their hands on a Trader Joe's or Costco grocery cart. For a transcription of this episode, which originally aired on December 14, 2023, click here. GUESTS:  David and Susan Schwartz: Authors of The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z. They have traveled over 220,000 miles visiting over 250 Costco warehouses in 13 countries Natasha Fischer: Runs the social media account TraderJoesList, where she offers product reviews and recipes to over two million followers. She also sells spatulas Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brains are weird. Bodies are weird. People are weird! Brains, bodies, and people together in a psychological or medical setting? Man, it can get REAL weird. Ethical conundrums abound, like navigating boundaries, bias in treatment, managing power dynamics… And that's just the tip of the iceberg! So who's in charge of figuring out the ethics behind all of this? Meet the Chief of Ethics for the American Psychological Association, Lindsay Childress-Beatty. And hear stories from the hospital from Andy Kondrat. He's the one that doctors call when they or the patients they serve are experiencing ethical medical questions..Suggested episodes: Body Integrity Dysphoria: When being disabled is a desire I downloaded my soulmate: Stories of love and AI TOPS: A woman summits Everest, a man considers a body transplant, and world-record hat-wearing Faking it: Munchausen syndrome and the compulsion to be ill GUESTS:  Andy Kondrat: Ethics consultant and Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. He's a member of the Bioethics Committee, and co-director of CSMC's Responsible Conduct of Research training course Lindsay Childress-Beatty: Chief of Ethics for the American Psychological Association Khaleel Rahman, Jessica Severin de Martinez, Meg Fitzgerald, Robyn Doyon-Aitken, and Meg Dalton contributed to this show. Audacious with Chion Wolf is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tune In, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Join the conversation on Facebook,Instagram, TikTok, and email.Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes it's like you and your pet are perfectly in sync, reading each other's minds… and other times, you're staring at them thinking, “Seriously? Why do you keep licking the couch?” But what if you could actually read your pet's mind? Would you treat them differently… or would you just confirm that dogs think every meal is their last, and that cats really are secretly plotting world domination? Today, meet two people who make a living as animal communicators. They'll share wild stories from their sessions, explain why they believe your pets keep hanging around even after they're gone, and give you tips on how to connect more deeply with your own beloved companions. Suggested episodes: We The Dog Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world of uncommon emotional support animals When wild animals become family: Thumbelina the squirrel and Walnut the crane GUESTS:  Nikki Vasconez: Animal communicator, teacher, and former litigation attorney based in Florida Laura Stinchfield: Animal communicator known as “The Pet Psychic” based in New York. Author of Voices of the Animals and Stormy's Words of Wisdom: An enlightened dog's profound insights on life Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incest is one of the most challenging topics to discuss, yet our guests are opening up about the truth behind their origin stories. Meet Steve Edsel, who always knew he was adopted. But when he set out to uncover the identities of his birth parents, he stumbled upon painful truths. Now, he and his wife work with an organization dedicated to supporting others with similar backgrounds. Then, hear from Jerri Harrell, whose discovery of her biological parents happened almost by accident. She shares how she transformed feelings of shame and rejection into a profound source of love and resilience. Resources: Genetic Genealogist CeCe Moore and The DNA Detectives GEDMatch.com  IncestAware Survivors of Incest Anonymous Time To Tell Suggested episodes: Think Before You Spit: The Pandora's Box of DNA Testing Conception deception: The fight for transparency in the fertility industry GUESTS:  Steve Edsel: Found out that his father is his mother's brother. He is joined by his wife, Michelle, who works with CeCe Moore to help inform people of their family history Jerri Harrell: Found out that the woman she thought was her sister was actually her mother, and the man who she thought was her step-grandfather is her father. She is currently working on a poetry chapbook titled Across the Bridge - Out of the Shadows and into the Light: The Journey to Healing Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all imagined holding a winning lottery ticket, but what happens next? Hear from a man known as The Lottery Lawyer, who shares the most common mistakes people make when trying to claim their winnings. Plus, a man who scored a $28 million Powerball jackpot at just 21 years old reveals what life was like after the win—the highs, the surprises, and some challenges you might not expect. Suggested episodes: Aftershocks: Life after getting struck by lightning  Welcome to the Punderdome! We're entering NYC's punniest pun competition The Guts & Glory Of Getting Into The Guinness Book Of World Records What it's like to win a Nobel Prize with Andrea Ghez and Martin Chalfie GUESTS:  Kurt Panouses: ‘The Lottery Lawyer & CPA', specializing in helping lottery winners claim their prizes and manage their money Timothy Schultz: Winner of a $28 million Powerball jackpot in 1999. Filmmaker, and host of the podcast, “Lottery, Dreams and Fortune” Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's 2 a.m.; the phone rings. The caller ID says Stockholm, Sweden. The voice on the other end of the line says, “Congratulations! You've just been awarded a Nobel Prize!” What goes through your mind in a moment like that ? Meet two people who received that life-altering call. Discover not only the incredible doors it opened for them, but the unexpected challenges that came with such a prestigious honor. Suggested episodes: Laugh and then think: What it's like to win the Ig Nobel Prize What it's like winning a little or a lot on The Price Is Right, Wheel Of Fortune, and Jeopardy! GUESTS:  Andrea Ghez: Along with Reinhard Genzel, she was awarded half of   the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics “for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the center of our galaxy”. She is a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Lauren B. Leichtman & Arthur E. Levine chair in Astrophysics, at the University of California, Los Angeles  Martin Chalfie: Along with Osamu Shimomura and Roger Tsien, he was awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and development of green fluorescent protein (GFP). He is a University Professor and former chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University. Prof. Chalfie is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a foreign member of the Royal Society Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh my gourd, do we want you to meet a man who set a world record for riding his giant pumpkin down the Missouri River! And hold your breath as you hear from two women who won an underwater pumpkin carving contest! And since it's officially decorative gourd season, meet the author of that McSweeney's essay whose enthusiastic profanity somehow brings us all together every single autumn. This episode originally aired on October 21, 2023. GUESTS:  Duane Hansen: Set a world record for traveling the longest distance in a pumpkin boat in August 2022. His pumpkin, Berta, was 846 pounds and together they sailed for 37.5 miles down the Missouri River. It took 12 hours Josephine Walker & Stephanie McClary: Mother/daughter duo who won the Underwater Pumpkin Carving contest at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in October of 2019. Their design was of moray eels embracing a heart Colin Nissan: Author of It's Decorative Gourd Season, Mother*@&!s, originally published in McSweeney's in 2009 Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The moment we meet someone – especially for the first time – we're sizing them up. We notice perceived gender, race, and one of the big ones: age. But what happens when you look much older than you actually are? Meet a man with progeria - a rare condition that causes accelerated aging; And a woman with cutis laxa - a rare connective tissue disorder where skin has less elasticity. Resources: The Progeria Research Foundation Cutis Laxa International Suggested episodes: (Almost) Everybody Hurts: An Exploration of Pain Total Recall: What It's Like To Remember Every Day Like It Was Yesterday Body Integrity Dysphoria: When being disabled is a desire GUESTS:  Michiel Vandeweert: A 26-year-old man from Belgium. He has progeria, a rare condition that causes accelerated aging Cécile Gueye: A 32-year-old woman who lives near Geneva, Switzerland. She has cutis laxa, a rare connective tissue disorder Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tired of seeing the same ol' politicians in headlines week after week? Maybe you're exhausted by the same ol' talking points and posturing. In this episode, we introduce you to two candidates running for president in truly unconventional ways. First, there's Literally Anybody Else (or Mr. Else, if you prefer), formerly known as Dustin Ebey. He legally changed his name to make a statement with his campaign. Then, there's Paperboy Love Prince - a candidate on a mission to become the first openly queer, non-binary president of the United States. Their platform is built entirely around the power of love. Resources: https://www.isidewith.com/ - a website offering a 2024 Presidential Quiz as mentioned by Literally Anybody Else during the interview Suggested episodes: A coffee-fueled celebration of passion, purpose, and pursuing an impossible goal The One Where All The Guests Are Named Pat Smith A conversation with Humans of New York creator Brandon Stanton GUESTS:  Literally Anybody Else: Formerly known as Dustin Ebey, he legally changed his name to run for President of the United States Paperboy Love Prince: Previously ran for Congress and Mayor in New York, decided to run for President of the United States as the first openly queer, non-binary candidate whose policies are centered around love Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The entertainment industry includes all kinds of people, but let's be honest: There is a Hollywood type. So where does that leave actors who don't fit the mold? Actor Adam Pearson has neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors to grow on his face and upper body. His latest movie is called A Different Man and it's centered around the power of his condition. Crystal Marshall has loved acting since she was a little kid. But when she developed cancer in her face at 18 years old, requiring multiple surgeries to rebuild her face, teeth, and upper jaw, that didn't stop her from applying to and graduating from the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art with a degree in Professional Acting. Hear how both of them have become powerful advocates for expanding representation of all kinds of faces in the entertainment industry. Resources: myFace - US-based non-profit support organization for people with craniofacial differences Changing Faces - UK-based charity advocating for individuals with a visible difference to the face, hands, or body Suggested episodes: Facing the world with visible facial differences Actors with facial differences discuss what it means to be seen The Story Of The First African American Face Transplant GUESTS:  Adam Pearson: actor, speaker, and disability rights campaigner. His latest film, A Different Man, was released on September 20, 2024. Besides his roles in movies, he made many documentaries, among them The Ugly Face of Disability Hate Crimes and Freak Show. His TEDx talks have covered topics like fear and the stigma of disability Crystal Marshall: an actress and facial equality advocate who graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in 2024 Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you leave your family, friends, home, and job to move over a thousand miles away to take care of a pet squirrel? Meet two people who did just that for 8 year-old Thumbelina. Then, meet a birdkeeper at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute who was chosen by an endangered crane to be her life partner for almost 20 years. Suggested episodes: Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world of uncommon emotional support animals Birdwatching legend Peter Kaestner's journey to 10,000 birds Audacious kids: Stories of courage, conservation, and compassion GUESTS:  Christina and Michael Reyes: The human parents of Thumbelina, an eight-year-old squirrel who has more than two million followers on social media Chris Crowe: Birdkeeper at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's campus in Front Royal, Virginia, and caretaker of Walnut, an endangered white-naped crane from 2004 until her death in January 2024 Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.