AwareNow™: The Official Podcast for Causes

Featured in 'The Beauty Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten by: Sonja MontielMusic by: MutedProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Beauty Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Paul S. RogersMusic by: Marshall UsingerProduced by: AwareNow Media

When my dear friend, Damian Washington, told me he was walking a 5K from his home in Paris to the Eiffel Tower and back—for me (Allié), for our film ‘Because I Can', and for our MS community—I was moved beyond words. I laughed through tears as I watched and listened to him narrate each moment with humor, honesty, and heart. This walk wasn't just his—it was ours, step by step, proof that together, no distance is too far when walked with purpose and love for your community. Here is what Damian shared on his walk…Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comNarrated, Filmed and Edited by: Damian WashingtonIntro by: Allié McGuireOpening/Closing Music by: RetrophonicBroadcast by: AwareNow Media

When we talk about equality, we often forget one of its biggest missing pieces: disability. For many, ableism is a word they've never heard, yet it shapes how millions of people live, work, and are treated every single day. Today, I'm sitting down with Celia Chartres-Aris and Jamie Shields, two unapologetic truth-tellers who are breaking the silence and giving us the language—and the courage—to finally unlearn ableism.Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Chartres-Aris & Jamie ShieldsHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Yehezkel RazProduced by: AwareNow Media

When life told Adam Powell to stop, he found another way to go. Living with multiple sclerosis, Adam learned early on that strength isn't about how far you go — it's about how you keep going. Now, with neural sleeves helping him move in ways once impossible, his journey continues as proof that hope is more than a feeling — it's a force in motion.Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Adam PowellHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Rosie ShpiglerProduced by: AwareNow Media

There are lives that unfold quietly — and then there are lives that shout. Yuly Grosman's story is the latter: a journey that began with an escape from the Soviet Union and evolved into a symphony of survival, risk, and revelation. In his book The Most Beautiful and Dangerous Business: Uncommon Lessons for Unstoppable Leadership, Yuly invites us to see that leadership isn't found in safety, but in the art of daring beautifully.Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Yuly GrosmanHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Rob MathesonProduced by: AwareNow Media

In a world that often confuses power with permanence, Roxanne Messina Captor reminds us that true influence is measured in impact, not applause. An Emmy-nominated writer, director, and producer—and a three-time breast cancer survivor—she has spent her life turning challenge into creation, and policy into possibility. From mentoring under Francis Ford Coppola to leading California's arts movement as Chair of the California Arts Council, Roxanne continues to prove that when creativity meets courage, culture changes.Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Roxanne Messina CaptorHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Dodo DanciuProduced by: AwareNow Media

Sina Sinbari's story is not defined by what cancer took from him but by what it gave him: perspective, purpose, and an unshakable faith in resilience. In the midst of hospital stays, loss, and relentless treatments, he discovered that battles can hold unexpected blessings. Today, he shares how struggle became the canvas for strength and hope.Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Sina SinbariHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: CTRL SProduced by: AwareNow Media

Food connects us all, yet so much of it ends up wasted—along with the resources, energy, and human effort that brought it to our tables. Make Food Not Waste isn't just tackling that problem; it's redefining how we think about what's possible when purpose meets practicality. At the heart of it all is Executive Director Danielle Todd, whose vision is turning leftovers into lasting change and proving that every bit truly counts.Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Danielle ToddHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: NobouProduced by: AwareNow MediaSupported by: Lionbear Ventures

What happens when one man refuses to accept the limits society places on others? For Jake Weiner, that question became the catalyst for ZOOZ Fitness—a space where people of all abilities are not only welcomed but celebrated. In this conversation, Jake opens up about the personal journey, the challenges, and the humanity behind creating an inclusive fitness revolution that's transforming lives and reshaping an industry.Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Jake WeinerHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Dodo DanciuProduced by: AwareNow Media

Beauty is often seen, but rarely felt—until empathy enters the frame. For actress and advocate Tricia Helfer, beauty is about more than appearance, it's about awareness. From portraying a woman rediscovering her worth after breast cancer in Hello Beautiful, to standing up for animals whose voices often go unheard, Tricia reflects a truth we often forget: empathy is the bridge between strength and softness. Here she opens up about the power of compassion and its ability to redefine what it means to live beautifully.Featured in 'The Beautiful Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Tricia HelferHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Alon PeretzProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Allié McGuireMusic by: Nocturne SamuraiProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Paul S. RogersMusic by: CTRL SProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Sonja MontielFeaturing: Dr. Victor RiosMusic by: Ardie SonProduced by: AwareNow Media

Narcolepsy is often misunderstood, reduced to punchlines about “falling asleep anywhere.” For Michelle Weger, it reshaped her life completely, rerouting her from the dream of becoming a neurosurgeon to building a multi-million-dollar business engineered around rest, resilience, and radical systems thinking. Alongside her Great Dane service dog, Quinn, Michelle is redefining what it means to live—and thrive—with an invisible disability.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Michelle WegerHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Veaceslav DraganovProduced by: AwareNow Media

Some houses whisper, but in Todd Brown's debut novel When Shadows Burn, the past doesn't whisper — it screams. Set in a small Southern town with secrets as heavy as its history, this Southern Gothic thriller explores identity, silence, and the cost of truth. Today, we step into the shadows of Raven's Cross with the author himself, to uncover the artistry and intention behind a story that feels hauntingly real.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Todd BrownHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Roie ShpiglerProduced by: AwareNow Media

When you sit down with Jenny Olson, you don't just hear a story—you feel it. A mother who's walked through the unthinkable, she's turned heartbreak into hope through her words, her book, and her voice on countless stages. Today, we speak not just about pediatric cancer, but about courage, love, and the fierce strength that comes only from being a mom.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Jenny OlsonHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Laurel VioletProduced by: AwareNow Media

Art often lives at the edge—between what's seen and unseen, past and present, concept and emotion. For Sima and me, that edge is also personal. We both share a love of art and the reality of living with multiple sclerosis. MS doesn't define us, but it does sharpen our perspective—on patience, on resilience, and on the value of spaces that hold more than meets the eye. This is Sima's story: where it began, how it shifted, and how she continues to curate both collections and meaning at the edge of art and life.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Sima FamilantHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Jupiter SandsProduced by: AwareNow Media

Creativity isn't always a straight line — sometimes it's a storm, sometimes it's a spark, and sometimes it's both at once. Today I'm joined by someone who knows that tension well: Nick Harauz, a creative technologist, educator, and storyteller who has spent over two decades shaping the way we see and share ideas.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.com

When a story about autism is told without autistic voices, it often falls flat or feeds stereotypes. Once More Like Rain Man changes that, with Bella Zoe Martinez not only writing the script but also bringing it to life on screen. In this conversation, Bella and I sit down for real talk about what it means to rewrite the narrative on autism, inclusion, and authenticity.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Ryan GuzmanHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: NobouProduced by: AwareNow Media

There are some stories that aren't just told—they're lived, rewritten, and embodied. Sitting down with Darwin Del Fabro felt less like an interview and more like a shared moment of reflection between two people who've spent time on the margins, now meeting in the middle with open hearts. In this conversation, Darwin speaks not only as an artist but as a trans woman who is still becoming—truthfully, powerfully, and unapologetically.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Darwin Del FabroHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Roie ShpiglerProduced by: AwareNow Media

From the shadows of his bedroom studio in Milwaukee to the vibrant music scene of Chicago, GREYISHERE has been building more than just a sound—he's been building a movement. With original production, fearless vulnerability, and a genre-blurring approach, GREYISHERE is pushing the boundaries as a music artist. At the heart of it all is his unshakable message: music is a lifeline for mental health and a rallying cry for those navigating the storm.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: GREYISHEREHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: GREYISHEREProduced by: AwareNow Media

Words are more than sounds strung together—they're colors painted across the canvas of our conversations. For Yrmis Barroeta, language is both a palette and a mirror, revealing not just how we communicate, but who we are becoming. In this dialogue, we explore the artistry of expression, the shades of selfhood, and the power of speaking with impact.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Yrmis BarroetaHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Yehezkel RazProduced by: AwareNow Media

Connection runs like a thread through Ryan Guzman's story—whether navigating his Mexican American heritage, building community on and off set, or stepping into the role of Eddie Diaz on ABC's drama series 9-1-1 with empathy and authenticity. In our conversation, my questions opened the door to reflections on identity, resilience, and legacy, and his responses revealed a man shaped as much by family and culture as by fame. What emerged was not just an interview, but an invitation to see greatness not in spotlight or status, but in the connections we hold and the love we share.Featured in 'The Edge Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Ryan GuzmanHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Laurel VioletProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Paul S. RogersMusic by: NseeProduced by: AwareNow Media

Some stories stay with you—not because they're easy to hear, but because they change the way you see the world. Brett Staples was more than his diagnosis. He was a son, a friend, a light in the room… and when that light dimmed, his father, Bob, refused to let it go quietly. This is a story about love that refuses to fade, grief that refuses to stay silent, and a mission to make sure that what happened to Brett doesn't happen in vain.Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Bob StaplesHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: DaniHaDaniProduced by: AwareNow Media

Some people design experiences you see. Bobby Chang designs experiences you feel. As VP of Design and Business Development for Ark Dynamics, he's reimagining what motion simulation can do—not just for entertainment, but for emotional resonance and therapeutic breakthroughs. Today, we meet for the first time to explore how the fusion of movement and emotion might just change the way we play, heal, and connect.Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Bobby ChangHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Yehezkel RazProduced by: AwareNow Media

Captain Zachary "Zac" Singer is the founder of Sail MS, a nonprofit born from his own journey with multiple sclerosis. A licensed tugboat captain with a life spent at sea, Zac transformed his diagnosis into a mission—using the power of sailing to offer freedom, connection, and healing to others with MS. Through Sail MS, he merges maritime skill with deep purpose, helping others navigate their own uncharted waters.Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Zac SingerHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Yehezkel RazProduced by: AwareNow Media

Desmond “Dez” Clark is a former NFL tight end turned visionary entrepreneur and motivational speaker who now leads Bear Down Logistics with the same relentlessness that defined his football career. Embracing a top‑1% mindset, Dez believes that true impact isn't measured in applause—it's forged through relentless preparation, process, and purpose.Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Desmond ClarkHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Sparrow TreeProduced by: AwareNow Media

We've all been told to "find our voice"—but what if we were never taught how? CC Rice, a master voice and body language expert, invites us not just to speak louder, but to speak truer. In this conversation, we explore the power, pain, and possibility of what it means to reclaim the voice we were born with—and how doing so might just set us free.Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: CC RiceHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: MutedProduced by: AwareNow Media

For more than a decade, Tri Bourne chased greatness on the beach—rising through the ranks as a professional beach volleyball player and representing Team USA in the Olympics, and redefining what resilience looks like in sport. But this isn't just a story about volleyball. It's about grit and grace, about the power of choosing your moment instead of letting the moment choose you. In this conversation, we look back on the climb, sit with the weight of the goodbye, and look ahead to what comes after the game—fatherhood, freedom, and the fire that still burns.Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Tri BourneHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Ardie SonProduced by: AwareNow Media

Aaron Taylor is a College Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, and one of the most respected voices in the game. A two-time All-American at Notre Dame and Lombardi Award winner, he went on to play in the NFL before injuries ended his career early. But Aaron's most powerful work began off the field—becoming an advocate for mental health and redefining what strength looks like beyond the helmet and pads.Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Aaron TaylorHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Ardie SonProduced by: AwareNow Media

Santia Deck doesn't just break records—she breaks barriers, builds businesses, and redefines what it means to be a modern athlete. From her days as a collegiate track star to becoming the highest-paid woman in professional football, and now a founder, author, and advocate, her journey is as dynamic as it is disruptive. In this conversation, we talk about what sports taught her, what success means now, and how she's using her platform to create space for other women to rise.Featured in 'The Sports Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Dr. Santia DeckHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: DaniHaDaniProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Allié McGuireMusic by: Yehezkel RazProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Paul S. RogersMusic by: idokayProduced by: AwareNow Media

In a world where the unhoused are often unseen, Cathy Bryant makes it her mission to look deeper—and act harder. As one of the founding forces behind Streets of Paradise, Cathy leads with heart, healing, and hands-on leadership, transforming a grassroots dream into a movement of dignity, shelter, and second chances.Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Cathy BryantHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: The David Roy CollectiveProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comNarrated by: Dr. David PrestonInterview by: Sonja MontielMusic by: Max H.Produced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Allié McGuireMusic by: Roie ShpiglerProduced by: AwareNow Media

Damian Washington knows there's nothing funny about multiple sclerosis — and that's exactly why he brings the jokes. With a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a heart rooted in advocacy, he uses humor to disarm the fear and deliver the truth. Because when MS gets serious, Damian gets real — and in doing so, gives others the permission to be real too.Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.com

Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Elizabeth Blake-ThomasMusic by: Yehezkel RazProduced by: AwareNow Media

He may be known for his breakout role in That ‘90s Show and his latest leap into the thriller genre with The Better Sister, but Maxwell Acee Donovan is doing something even more gripping behind the scenes. Alongside his sister Clare, he's co-founded Nature's Negotiators, a nonprofit movement created by Gen Z for Gen Z—raising funds and awareness for climate justice in real time, not just someday.Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Maxwell Acee DonovanHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Out of FluxProduced by: AwareNow Media

Reggie Hubbard is not your typical yoga teacher. With one foot in the world of wellness and the other in politics, he bridges the gap between personal healing and collective action. Through Active Peace Yoga, he's helping people reconnect with their breath, their purpose, and the possibility of a more conscious, compassionate world.Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Reggie HubbardHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Liron MeyuhasProduced by: AwareNow Media

Some stories don't whisper—they demand to be seen. In this unfiltered conversation, I sit down with Paige Billiot, a filmmaker, disruptor, and advocate who's turned what others once called a flaw into a full-on force. This isn't just a talk about beauty—it's a reckoning with identity, power, and the courage it takes to be unapologetically visible.Featured in 'The Marked Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Paige BilliotHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Yehezkel RazProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Legacy Edition' of AwareNow Magazine (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.awarenowmagazine.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠).Written & Narrated by: Sonja Montiel Music by: Noa OzerProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Legacy Edition' of AwareNow Magazine (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.awarenowmagazine.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠).Written & Narrated by: Paul S. Rogers Music by: Simon WesterProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Legacy Edition' of AwareNow Magazine (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.awarenowmagazine.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠).Written by: Deborah WeedNarrated by: Allié McGuire Music by: Lior SoltzProduced by: AwareNow Media

From leading major health insurance companies to launching Simple Mental Health, Adam Nemer has never been afraid to ask bold questions—and seek better answers. As someone who's wrestled with his own mental health, he's putting his personal and professional experience to work for the benefit of others. Adam is empowering leaders by providing a new lens to look through when it comes to mental health.Featuring: Adam NemerInterviewed by: Allié McGuireMusic by: Eva TiedemannProduced by: AwareNow Media

Saran Tugsjargal is a trailblazer—the first Mongolian American official in the U.S. and a national youth fellow for the U.S. Department of Labor's CAPE-Youth, representing over 2.3 million students with disabilities. Living with multiple disabilities, she's turned adversity into advocacy, leading education reform efforts across the country. At just 18 years of age, from mentoring dozens of families to helping pass state legislation, Saran is proving that disability doesn't diminish leadership—it can shape it in extraordinary ways.Featuring: Saran TugsjargalInterviewed by: Allié McGuireMusic by: NobouProduced by: AwareNow Media

Robbie Gillett didn't plan on becoming a poet. But after an MS diagnosis turned his world upside down, he found himself reaching for something to hold onto—something beyond the fatigue, the depression, and the invisibility of it all. Encouraged by his wife, Robbie began writing. What started as a private thought diary became public poetry—raw and resonant. Under the name “Beneath the Tracksuit,” he gave voice to the quiet battles many face but few speak of. Featuring: Robbie GillettInterviewed by: Allié McGuireMusic by: Simon OsterholdProduced by: AwareNow Media

From Siberia to the stage, Lolita Milena's story is one of unimaginable resilience and undeniable talent. Paralyzed at the age of two due to an act of abuse in foster care, she has never let her wheelchair define her path—only refine her purpose. Today, as an actress, author, dancer, and advocate, Lolita is breaking barriers in the entertainment industry and beyond. Through every role she plays and every story she tells, she offers the world a deeper understanding of strength, identity, and what it truly means to rise.Featuring: Lolinta MilenaInterviewed by: Allié McGuireMusic by: Alon PeretzProduced by: AwareNow Media

There's reality TV. And then there's reality. My guest today knows both worlds better than most. Rob Roman is more than a breakout contestant on Hulu's new adrenaline-fueled series Got to Get Out, where he held his own alongside legends like Spencer Pratt and Omarosa under the watchful eye of host Simu Liu. He's also no stranger to competition from his appearance on Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix. But beyond the screen, Rob's true legacy lives in the lives he touches every day. A decorated Police Sergeant and former SWAT officer, Rob is also the founder of HomeCare Roots, a Georgia-based home healthcare organization that provides free, compassionate, in-home nursing for medically fragile children under 21. For families in the Atlanta area who have faced the unimaginable, Rob's mission is personal: give every child the care they deserve and every parent the peace they need.Featuring: Rob RomanInterviewed by: Allié McGuireMusic by: idokayProduced by: AwareNow Media