AwareNow™: The Official Podcast for Causes

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

Rachel Leyco is an award-winning filmmaker, actress, and activist whose stories unapologetically merge vulnerability with empowerment. Her latest project, Thank You for Breaking My Heart, recently premiered at the LA Shorts International Film Festival, exploring love, loss, and the will to keep going in the face of heartbreak. Through her production company, Empowerhouse, Rachel continues to push boundaries as a queer AAPI storyteller determined to create space for voices too often left unheard.Featured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Rachel LeycoHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Max H.Produced by: AwareNow Media

Sekond Skin Society wasn't built as another fitness platform. It was born from Lee-Anne Reuber's conviction that movement should feel like home for every body… disabled, fully able, or anywhere in between. In this conversation, we talk about the moments that shaped her mission, the courage it took to build something new, and the community she's creating where belonging comes first.Featured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Lee-Anne ReuberHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Greg McKayProduced by: AwareNow Media

Some stories don't begin with purpose. They begin with loss, with questions too big for a child to carry and grief that quietly grows alongside them. When Addison Fraizer lost her mother to metastatic breast cancer at just six years old, it was not the end of her story. It was the beginning of a life shaped by love remembered, pain transformed, and courage learned over time. This is the story of a young woman learning who she is by honoring who she lost, and choosing purpose not despite her grief, but because of it.Featured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Addi FraizerHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Assaf AyalonProduced by: AwareNow Media

Recycling is not just about waste. It is about responsibility, opportunity, and the story we choose to write for the place we call home. In Shiawassee, that story is being shaped with purpose, collaboration, and a vision that stretches far beyond today. Featured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Tom CookHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Ardie SonProduced by: AwareNow Media

Some lenses capture moments; others ignite movements. Allison Norlian has done both, from personal narrative on screen to empowering inclusivity in the gym, reshaping how disability is represented and experienced. This isn't just about creating space; it's about demanding it, filling it, and refusing to let the world look away.Featured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Allison NorlianHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Jonas KolbergProduced by: AwareNow Media

At just seventeen, Lars Westra speaks with the clarity of someone who's spent a lifetime being underestimated. At twelve, he stood before a room full of adults to ask them to take children seriously and was told to go play football. Instead, he chose to play a different game: one that challenges the rules of who gets to speak and who gets to be heard. With gratitude not for what he's been given, but for what he's discovered, which is the power of persistence, perspective, and voice, Lars reminds us that change doesn't wait for permission. It begins the moment we decide to listen.Featured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Lars WestraHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Ardie SonProduced by: AwareNow Media

This conversation takes place not across a table, but on two yoga mats, where listening matters more than performance. Sarah Thomas joins me in a shared, embodied space to talk about yoga, multiple sclerosis, and what it means to stay connected to your body when it does not always behave as expected. What unfolds is not a lesson in poses, but a quiet reminder that wellness begins with compassion, presence, and permission to adaptFeatured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Sarah ThomasHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Paper PlanesProduced by: AwareNow Media

Trigger Warning: This content contains discussions about emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as shared by an adult survivor from his childhood experiences. The aim of this conversation is to promote healing for survivors of childhood abuse, primarily men.Some stories are carried in silence because speaking them seems impossible. For twenty-five years, Nathan Spiteri lived with a secret that began when he was eight years old, reshaping his life through trauma, addiction, and survival. Now, through his book ‘Toy Cars' and the documentary ‘If You Tell Anyone', Nathan shares the truth he once feared to speak, so others might find the courage to reclaim their own.Featured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Nathan SpiteriHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: BorrtexProduced by: AwareNow Media

Some people spend their whole lives searching for courage; Joseph Kibler was born into it. His first breath came with a diagnosis, a prognosis, and a path no child should have to walk, being born with CP and HIV. Yet he found a way to rise, one determined step at a time. Today, as a father, artist, and advocate, his story is no longer about survival but about the quiet, steady truth he carries in his blood and the love he now passes forward.Featured in 'The Courage Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Joseph KiblerHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Lior SoltzProduced by: AwareNow Media

Welcome to ‘The Resonant Mind'. Get ready to explore the hidden harmonics of the mind — where neuroscience, personality, music, and consciousness spiral into one unified pattern. This space is dedicated to the science of resonance and the human experience. Let's start with a “who, what, when, where, and why” introduction.Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comCreated & Hosted by: Dr. Rob Pace (@robpaceneuro)Music by: NobouProduced by: AwareNow Media#neurosciencetok #neuroscience #neurology #neurologytiktok #psychologyhacks

Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten by: Sonja MontielMusic by: Tristan BartonProduced by: AwareNow Media

Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazinewww.awarenowmagazine.comWritten & Narrated by: Paul S. RogersMusic by: Shahead MostafafarProduced by: AwareNow Media

From Thatcher to Bono, meet the woman behind A-List security. Nina Hobson has spent her life protecting others from royalty, to rock stars, and everyday citizens alike. But when corruption crept into the very system she served, she risked everything to expose it, turning her badge into a beacon for truth. Behind the strength of a protector lies the story of a woman who has faced danger, loss, and betrayal… and still chooses courage, again and again.Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Nina HobsonHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Yehezkel RazProduced by: AwareNow Media

Michael Burns is no stranger to heavy lifting—both in the gym and in life. After being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, he fought through chemotherapy and radiation, refusing to let go of his passion for powerlifting. Today, cancer-free and holding multiple records, he stands as living proof that resilience and faith can move far more than weight.Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Michael BurnsHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Shahead MostafafarProduced by: AwareNow Media

There's a rare kind of grace that comes from living with something that tries to take everything from you. Nicole Pedra knows that grace well. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she's learned that gratitude isn't just a feeling—it's a practice. A model, actress, and fierce advocate, Nicole has turned what could have been a closed door into an open invitation for others to find strength in vulnerability. Now, as one of the main cast members in ‘Because I Can', she's sharing her story so others might find pieces of their own strength reflected within it. Because when gratitude becomes your lens, even the hardest days hold their own kind of beauty.Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Nicole PedraHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Jupiter SandsProduced by: AwareNow Media

Most of us don't look at a plant and see a home — but Cody Ley did. As a farmer, chemist, builder, and founder of Hemp for Humanity, Cody is redefining what's possible when nature and innovation work together instead of apart. In this conversation, we explore how one seed can spark a movement, reshape a supply chain, and quite literally build a healthier way to live.Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Cody LeyHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Paper PlanesProduced by: AwareNow Media

At 23, Patti Bevilacqua's dream career as a PE teacher was cut short by a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. What felt like an ending became the beginning of a powerful new story—one that led her to earn a PhD, step onto the TEDx stage, and inspire thousands as a resilience educator. Today, Dr. Patti Bevilacqua shows the world that MS doesn't just mean multiple sclerosis—it means 'mindset shift'.Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Dr. Patti BevilacquaHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Michael ShynesProduced by: AwareNow Media

Peter Samuelson has lived a life that spans red carpets and real-world rescue, building stories on screen while rewriting the stories of children who were never given a fair beginning. From producing films to founding First Star, his path hasn't followed the script. It's been shaped by purpose, grit, and an unshakable belief in what's possible for young people. In this conversation, we go past the résumé and into the reason, exploring how a man who spent decades making movies discovered what it truly means to make meaning.Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Peter SamuelsonHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Assaf AyalonProduced by: AwareNow Media

Beyond a book, ‘Yumi and Monster' is a story that serves as a bridge between ability and disability. In the transition of former versions of ourselves to present versions, where we meet our monsters where they're at, not in confrontation but in companionship, this tale is one that brings new levels of comfort and compassion with bold advocacy and brilliant artistry from the one and only Kam Redlawsk. Featured in 'The Gratitude Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Kam RedlawskHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: BorrtexProduced by: AwareNow Media

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