Be The Good with Kate

“Infinite compassion”, “Pathological optimism”, “Storytelling”, How fashion, children's books, and augmented reality work together to help future generations learn, develop empathy, and more… I learned so much listening to Jonathan and am thrilled to welcome him to season five of Be The Good with Kate! Jonathan Joseph is the founder of Little Red Fashion, the first fashion education company focused on children K through 12, and author of Little Red Dress, the first augmented reality book about fashion in history. Jonathan wanted to tell the story of how clothes came to be. How fashion as an industry works. How it fits into cultures, history, our day-to-day lives. How to fill in gaps of empathy and understanding that are missed in other educational resources. Just some of the moments I was drawn to: -Jonathan's work to change “systemic issues” in the fashion world -Examples of fashion beyond what many of us often think of: for instance, NASA spacesuits needed specific seamstresses that ended up being found at Playtex due to their skills with tiny ‘seam allowances' and other fashion ‘inventions' -Facing the desire to write a book, and talking about the how of making it reality -Working in your passion without falling prey to workaholic tendencies -What is augmented reality in terms of a children's book? -How ‘fashion is for everyone' -Recognizing strengths in children opens up doors for future opportunities -If something didn't exist before but you see the need and value, you can learn the ropes and make it happen -Present the diversity, don't ‘be preachy', and messages come through -The power in the ‘not so obvious' places for teaching -How Jonathan encompasses principles from Buddhism into his life to find peace and balance Listen to the end for a most simple yet unique and oh-so welcomed answer to my final question. (We could have a whole episode just based in the last few minutes of our chat!) @therealjjoseph Littleredfashion.com Little Red Village podcast - diving into the when, where, & why of fashion for kids Therealjjoseph.com **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite #podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello.com/bethegood --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Wow! After four months of incredibly inspiring guests, it's time to wrap it all up with a finale episode. Here, let's take a mini dose of each episode, and I hope you are reminded of or introduced to these people doing so much good in so many different, unique ways. I further hope you are inspired to follow your passions and help your own heart as well as others around you along the way. What is Be The Good with Kate? Need a reminder of the good in the world? In search of some inspiration as to how one person can make a difference? Then you're in the right place. I'm Kate Cherichello, and I'm on a mission to share all the good news and good people as I can. Join me each week as I chat with someone being the good through following their passions and helping others along the way. Each of us has the power to make a difference. **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello.com/bethegood Follow & support the guests of this season: Avital Asuleen Aaron Smith Gillian Velmer Suzanne Orlando Devon Ogden Stacey Cook Indu Navar Marlene Sharp Mark Palm Maurelhena Walles Jonathan Asayag JJ Kells Ryan Burnet Joanne DiCamillo & Nikki Puzzo --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Today on Be The Good with Kate: The amount of people who need adaptive clothing is a lot higher than you may think. But, before Joanne DiCamillo and Nikki Puzzo founded befree Adaptive Clothing, there were no adaptive options on the market. Think: clothing that can fit around casts, clothing that is safe for people who have no feeling in their legs and may not notice a zipper digging into them, clothing that is created in a way so someone with tactile challenges is still able to have the independence of dressing his or her self. After seeing Nikki's daughter Stella struggle to get dressed while dealing with a massive surgery and cerebral palsy, then not finding any clothing that could work around these challenges, Joanne and Nikki set out to find a solution. They now work each day to fulfill this need, with their company befree Adaptive Clothing, an inclusive clothing line. I can't wait for you to hear their whole story. Find the link below, and feel free to send any thoughts or surprises my way! Maybe we can ask ourselves this week: Is there anything we are taking for granted in our daily lives? Follow befree: befreeco. com @befreeadaptive **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Sign up to be notified with the latest: katecherichello.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

My guest today is helping to reshape the outlook for hundreds of youth in "the hardest hit neighborhood in our state for poverty, crime,...and a lack of opportunity". Founder and Executive Director of Northside Boxing Club Ryan Burnet is on a mission to help inner city youth of North Minneapolis, MN, and be a safe haven for them. With a background in creating restaurants, Ryan noted it felt like it was a ‘selfish' career, regarding the amount of time and energy that was engulfing him. But Ryan had found boxing in his own life and realized what a change it made in him. He decided he wanted to use his restaurants to donate food to a local boxing gym. He found, however, he couldn't simply drop off the food. He ended up being pulled to stay longer, learning about the people and the gyms, yes gyms plural at this point, driving kids, and getting more involved. Ryan then realized that many of the kids were coming in from North Minneapolis but there was no gym in their own neighborhood. So that was when Northside Boxing Club was born. Ryan shares a beautiful story of one of the members of the gym who is now an adult doing well for himself with a family of his own about to turn pro in boxing. Ryan says this is one of many wonderful stories, and it is only the beginning. Six years in, he has plans for an amazing future ahead with the gym. He quotes one of the gym's pro boxers who is a trainer there, Phil Williams: "Each one teach one". From 8 years old to young adults who have now taken on leadership roles at the gym, youth are learning discipline, teamwork, commitment, and more. Listen to the end for Ryan's biggest surprise since opening the boxing club. Connect with Ryan: NorthsideBoxing.org Ryan@northsideboxing.org **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Last week Be The Good with Kate had a window into mental health from the eyes of a therapist, and so this week I'm grateful to have a guest giving us a point of view from the side of someone who is going to therapy, working through each day, and sharing her struggles and triumphs with others along the way. It takes a lot of strength to do that, and she is helping others by finding ways to incorporate this information and encouragement into her life, in addition to finishing grad school and exploring what's next... JJ Kells comes to us today from Chicago, and while most of us get anxious about not knowing what's next, JJ adds a unique perspective: "I actually don't mind not knowing what's next." She calls herself a "wanderer", and indeed has already had such an interesting, varied life despite a young age. JJ has obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD, and she has worked so hard to ensure SHE runs her life, not it. "It's a part of my experience all day everyday," but listen to how JJ explains her journey discovering so much about herself, therapy, tactics to cope with the stressors, and more. -- **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Follow JJ or reach out: @2jsvsvoldemort jjnicolekells@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Co-founder of Renew Wellness Psychotherapy, this week's guest shines a light on therapy: from his vast background working with people from all walks of life, to the ‘why' of volunteering your time, to finding this career path, to who therapy is for (spoiler: anyone). Meet Jonathan Asayag, who has been a therapist in the Lehigh Valley for over a decade. As a licensed clinical social worker, Jonathan also has a certification in advanced drug and alcohol counseling, and has worked with people in the criminal justice system, immigrants, foster children, college students, individuals in the hospital, and now he owns his own practice with his wife, Natalie, in Easton, PA. Jonathan did not start out with a plan to become a therapist! I love these stories of how people find their passions. Listen for more. Also, listen in on how therapy is so helpful for people of every background and life experience. Whether someone is currently struggling with a specific aspect of life, or things feel great, therapy is beneficial. Jonathan describes it like having a gym membership! And here in yet another episode there is a shout-out to ‘Silenzio Bruno' and naming your inner critic ;) (Gold stars for who can name the other episode where this topic came up!) Jonathan goes way beyond talking the talk-- he walks it, too. I really appreciate that he brings up having to take care of himself in order to be there for others. I could go on, but you should hear straight from the source. Listen or watch and let me know what resonates with you. I love hearing from you. Feel free to reach out to Jonathan as well. Follow Jonathan & Natalie: Renewwellnesspsychotherapy.com @renewwellness & @renewwellness_espanol **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome to episode 50!! This week, welcoming Maurelehena Walles, founder & CEO of Equity Design Inc. Equity Design Inc. trains teachers to use physical activity to enhance learning and positively impact the health of thousands of Bronx students. Maurelhena always knew that she wanted to give back and work in the non-profit or social entrepreneurship sector, but first she gives us insight into her upbringing and what led her to today. She describes her parents' strategic move to Manhattan's Upper West Side as “window shopping from a young age”, where she had the “access” but not the funds. Maurelhena talks about how a child's zip code dictates what resources are available to them. Gathering all this data and more, it put Maurelhena's wheels in motion for seeking ways to make opportunities both accessible and affordable to children no matter where they live. A career representing the United States in track and field happened along the way, too!

Have you ever put much thought into how you get from place to place each day? Hop in a car, Walk to a subway, Call up a friend for a ride, etc. What if a canoe or walking were your only ways of travel? How far could you walk each day to find supplies you need? Nope, no deli on the corner in Papua New Guinea, where this week's guest on Be The Good with Kate helps hundreds of thousands of their remote residents. Until Mark Palm and Samaritan Aviation came to the island, getting to the only hospital took days. It had one of the highest maternal death rates in the Pacific. Cholera and other diseases spread quickly. Medical supplies often took six months to arrive. This episode certainly puts in perspective the gifts we have, and how fortunate we are in so many ways. With the focus of loving our neighbors as ourselves as SA's cornerstone, Mark and his team brought seaplanes to the island of Papua New Guinea. Such a specific need, such an immense life-saving addition to the people there. Six months down to one hour for delivery of medical supplies, A three day canoe ride down to a few hours to get to a hospital. Major disease outbreaks stopped in their tracks. Medical training for community members. Talk about something else to wrap your head around: This isn't a story about a man operating a nonprofit miles away from the comfort of a stateside office. Not at all. Mark, his wife, and their children moved to Papua New Guinea to start this mission. Mark highlights how it is the full family working together for this calling. They stayed for five years, each one helping in some way, and now families who are called to this work as well move to the island for two years at a time to directly serve the people there. Mark goes back and forth, as well as travels America sharing the story of Samaritan Aviation to others who may want to be involved in some way. An incredible story that challenges us to ask the question, “What if we could…” and then see what happens when we put the wheels (planes?) into motion and keep the faith. Follow Mark & SA: SamaritanAviation.org @SamaritanAviation FB & Insta If you are a part of an organization that would like Mark to speak, reach out to him! Youtube video referenced: https://youtu.be/ZGPTFLaQemk **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Through all of these episodes of Be The Good, I love noting the recurring themes. One of these is the aspect of a nonlinear, ever-adjusting ‘path'. Today's guest is an excellent example of following the doors that open, learning all one can, and creating a life around following passions: Entertainment multi-hyphenate to the ‘nth degree', Marlene Sharp is president of Pink Poodle Productions, with her right hand gal, rescue pup Blanche. Marlene's journey to where she is now includes working in so many facets of the entertainment industry, which has given her an incredibly well-rounded background. Marlene ended up immersed in the animation world, learning more than she ever thought she would about the kids' animation and toy markets! Highlights to catch: How Marlene credits temping for helping her to her current career. (Hint: She ended up working for the office that brought Power Rangers to the USA.) “Forced Entrepreneurship” aka how a full time job ending led her to her own full time production company If you like LinkedIn or want to dive in more, find Marlene there– she's even won awards for her work on the platform For the freelancers and entertainment industry professionals out there, hear how the ‘side hustles' along the way can be things you are passionate about and/or they can lead you to your biggest career step **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Follow Marlene: Pinkpoodleproductions.com LinkedIn, FB: Marlene Sharp --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Losing the love of her life to ALS was today's guest's impetus to create a non-profit with a goal to change the outcome for future patients. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It has been known for a hundred years, yet minimal progress has been made throughout this entire time. Indu Navar and her non-profit EverythingALS are making incredible strides to change that. There are no tests to diagnose ALS so patients suffer for years not knowing what is wrong. And even if they are diagnosed, there are no treatments. Life expectancy is only 2-5 years. EverythingALS is conducting research using AI technology to spot and track signs of ALS. The non-profit is also partnering with pharmaceutical and other companies to help promote accelerated development of digital trackers for neurological diseases, with the hope of one day having a test and a cure. With a background in software, Indu has been on the ground floor for years in making advancements in software and data. In 2014 she and her husband Peter decided to start their own consulting company. As she states, “Life was wonderful.”. Then a neurology appointment led to the doctor simply stating to ‘'wait and see how bad it gets.'' This is a huge issue with ALS: Often by the time it is finally diagnosed, it is quite progressed. How can there not be more to do along the way to help change the outcomes of this disease? So Indu and her team work each and everyday to bring more research, results, and hope for people with ALS. Hear Indu speak about the specifics on how this nonprofit works with scientists and medical experts to discover new ways to identify and treat ALS. She also shows a beautiful wisdom in commenting on death and the pain of losing her husband. Indu stresses what she is doing is “passion, not work.” **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Follow Indu and EverythingALS: EverythingALS.org EverythingALS YouTube @everythingals Social --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

This week's episode of Be The Good with Kate combines both my entertainment and fitness ‘worlds' as I get to welcome Stacey Cook, founder of Project Fit America, to the show. Over 30 years ago, at a prior job in fitness sales, Stacey noted how many donation requests for school fitness equipment the company was receiving, and realized there was quite a need to be filled. Budgets were and continue to be so limited for many schools, and unfortunately the difference in distribution of wealth in schools across the country is wide. "What if I were to sell the idea of adopting schools to corporate America?" At 28, Stacey quit her job to throw herself into this work -- and without a college degree. She explains she knew nothing about creating a nonprofit, nor did she have an education background, so she "lived at the library" and went out and started meeting everyone she could. This was pre-Internet: when she saw a potential donor in hospitals, she bought a book listing every hospital in the country and started calling… She called 600. 596 said have a good day. Four said yes. And that is all she needed. Thanks to these four hospitals, in just a year Project Fit America was already sending fitness equipment, training, and curriculum to 15 states. Today, Project Fit America helps students across America. Schools receive grants for training, equipment, and curriculum. Stacey says less than a third of certified physical education teachers have needed training in fitness education. Sports and physiology, yes, but fitness training, no. So Project Fit America works to fill in the gaps and help students create healthy lifestyles that will take them through life. Project Fit America works with schools to help students learn how moving the body is so important to each day, how to incorporate fitness throughout life, sportsmanship, and more– not just for the students, but for the teachers as well. For them to be the example and be aware of what is missing in a school's curriculum…There is so much interesting insight in my chat with Stacey. Enjoy, and check out the links below to learn more! **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Project Fit America: Twitter @fitamerica Facebook, YouTube: Project Fit America www.projectfitamerica.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Today's guest is the founder of Safi Life, a non-profit dedicated to female advancement in Africa. Devon Ogden's focus on devoting her life to how she can help others is remarkable, and she explains it is her daily motivation. She joins me from her home in California, where she somehow finds a way to balance career, motherhood, and running an international nonprofit! She studied Rwanda for her thesis degree, working with survivors of genocide through theater therapy, and her work spurred a passion for helping women in Africa. The name ‘Safi Life' came from her collaborator in Africa, an inspiring woman named Safi. The women Safi Life helps become businesswomen, and therefore help shift their communities and culture in a positive direction. The stories of the people Devon has interacted with really reminded me of just how fortunate we are, and how easy many parts of our daily lives are. Yet all these women Devon mentions are so filled with hope. **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello. com/bethegood Follow Devon & Safi Life, and reach out if you would like to get involved: Safilife.org @safi_life @devon.ogden --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

In a world of a lot of darkness, it is important to know of the many good people out there working to help others in some way, shape, or form each and every day. Today on Be The Good with Kate, I would like to introduce you to Suzanne Orlando, also known as The Anxiety Alchemist. Suzanne is a psychotherapist and anxiety strategy coach. She has worked for many years in this field, and her passion is apparent! She and her family live in New Jersey, and she also has rather accidentally, through her daughter taking riding lessons, been introduced to how equestrian work benefits those with anxiety. She now also works with therapy in the equine space in addition to her daily practice. Suzanne found therapy through a personal trauma, and found how crucial therapy was to her life. While she explains school did not come ‘easy' to her, when she started to do work toward becoming a therapist, it was a different story, and she became more and more passionate about this field. Additionally, listen to Suzanne discuss the importance of finding your strengths, searching for what you enjoy, and working through the challenges you will come across along the way. At the end, Suzanne tells you about a free offer as well! **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Follow Suzanne: www.suzanneorlando.com @anxiety_alchemist --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Founder and Director of Sing Aphasia, Dr. Gillian Velmer, joins me today on Be The Good with Kate. Aphasia is a language disorder that can occur after a brain injury, often stroke. Gillian, a speech language pathologist, saw how music so positively affects patients with aphasia and is now bringing together people dealing with communication disorders through music and community. Gillian tells us how people often have trouble with speaking and writing when they have aphasia, but their intelligence is still just as strong as it once was. It is a devastating diagnosis, as so much of our lives revolve around how we communicate. How incredible is the power of music: We often hear about left vs right sides of the brain, but music actually is found across the brain. When people engage in music in some way, it lights up the brain. Listen as Gillian tells us more about the benefits! **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. A share and a review go a long way in reaching more people with good news.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood @positively_kate Follow Sing Aphasia: singaphasia.com @singaphasia Video mentioned: Bit.ly/aphasiachoirpremiere Because we need all the good news we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Aaron Smith joins me from Chicago. And he has an incredible story of, as his company name states, Escaping The Odds. While in jail for nearly a decade, Aaron had a complete mindset shift, and, with God at the helm, is now an entrepreneur, podcast producer, and mentor working tirelessly to help change the narrative of the formerly incarcerated. I learned so much listening to Aaron, and he takes the word "inspiring" to another level. Always an ambitious person, education was a priority in Aaron's home, but growing up in the south side of Chicago, Aaron, as he says "always knew what I was facing on the other side of my door". Crime, gangs, and drugs surrounded his home. He would go to school but he also saw the ‘quick money' people around him were making. He graduated with a business degree, but "that thing you feed the most is gonna grow." Being pulled into the high income rewards of selling heroin, Aaron was eventually indicted, convicted, and sent to federal prison. But, Aaron explains that this was the best thing that happened to him. He took his nearly ten years in prison to learn all he could about business, and now he is spearheading the initiative to change the narrative of the formerly incarcerated. **If you enjoyed this episode, please do subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform.** Podcast platforms: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Find more information on Aaron's work and to reach out for speaking engagements: escapingtheodds.com @escapingtheoddsmedia @iam_aaronsmith Send in a voice message to say hi, share a story of goodness, or ask a question at any time. Because we need all the #goodnews we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

The first episode of the new season of Be The Good with Kate is here! Avital Asuleen is one of those people who just makes things happen. She is a Brooklyn based director, choreographer, and teacher. Artistic Director of Combustion Collective. Director of NYTB's Choreography Lab. As with many artists, she is involved in a variety of outlets and projects, but Avital is not one to take a passive role. She leads, creates, discovers, and connects. Avital's main focus is the power of dance in a narrative way. She loves delving into how dance can be used to tell stories. Listen to this episode to learn about many, sometimes more unknown, opportunities for artists, to be inspired to take the needed step out of your box, and for great advice for people trying to get their ideas out in the world. Many great organizations come about to fulfill a need. Avital felt there were not enough spaces to dive into new works as a choreographer. To explore. She created Choreography Lab in 2013, a literal ‘lab for choreography' here in NYC. It is a nonprofit within NY Theatre Barn with a mission to “expand and elevate the use of dance in contemporary musical theater". The first in-person lab since pre-pandemic is coming up on March 23rd. Link to more information below! @AvitalAsuleen @TheChoreographyLab Asuleen.com NYtheatrebarn.org/choreography-lab Link to episode mentioned about Collectus: https://tinyurl.com/shilohbtg **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Send in a voice message to say hi, share a story of goodness, or ask a question: Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello We need all the #goodnews we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Suzie Hicks “Climate Chick” creates climate-focused media and education and is an absolute force of an advocate. You absolutely have to hear from Suzie– especially if you are someone with varied interests and feeling like you don't know how they could possibly all fit together. They can! Suzie felt pulled to fight climate change in a big way. Now she is at Columbia studying climate science, as well as being fully invested in media, entertainment, and education for climate awareness and environmental justice. In undergrad, Suzie created an entire arts festival focused on mental health, she has worked at NPR, done an internship with the New England Aquarium doing presentations for thousands, created a CollegeHumor-esque show about sustainability for her university, and recently wrote a children's book….she seems to create wherever she goes, going above and beyond expectations. Suzie currently works with PBS as well, and I am a bit obsessed with what she did in California to connect PBS with the LA region's schools to help kids throughout the pandemic. Incredible examples of identifying a need, pivoting, and fully diving in to help to the best of your abilities. Be inspired by hearing from Suzie, both in this story and throughout the episode! Suzie loves getting people involved who thought they didn't have a voice– “because they actually do”. And, she stresses, “science is really cool, and it can change the world”. I mean, how has one 20-something done ALL of this and more already? **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Website: www.katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Because we need all the good news we can get. Follow Suzie: @suzie_hicks_climate_chick https://zaynabthegreat.com/ https://www.suziehicks.com/ Book she recs: All We Can Save Note from Suzie: “I'm living on Lenni Lenape land right now, and the work I do would not be possible without the tireless work of BIPOC organizers.” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Today's guest on Be The Good with Kate is Ashley-Lauren Elrod, who absolutely encompasses the word ‘multi-hyphenate' as CEO of Visionary Woman Productions, actor, director, coach, and more. I love this from her bio: “Faith-filled visionary. I help performers and creative beings create authentically, act audaciously, and book mindfully. “ Each of these aspects of her world influence the others. She comes at her work from a variety of perspectives given her diverse background. Part of why she created her own production company is because she loves helping artists see that they can do more than one thing and be more well-rounded. Ashley-Lauren certainly keeps a lot of balls in the air at once. "But I wouldn't have it any other way," she says. She has been a multi-faceted artist since she was a child. Two details that I have been seeing through so many of my guests: First, that whatever we learn throughout life, whether seemingly related to our careers or not, comes back around to contribute to our growth and inform us in some way. Second, how the arts do SO much for a child's confidence, how they interact with others, and overall growth. In between our conversation and this episode airing, Ashley-Lauren was on set as the lead in a film! So go ahead and follow her to be kept up-to-date on her latest happenings: @ashleylaurenofficial @visionarywomanproductions ashleylaurenonline.com **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello We need all the #goodnews we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back to Be The Good with Kate, where we are all about people doing good in the world while following their passions. Good for their own souls and for others. The founder of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, Rodney Smith Jr., started mowing lawns in Alabama as a way to give back— he now runs a nationwide nonprofit empowering youth to make a difference in their communities. I do not know how he found the time to chat with me today, but I am certainly grateful he did. Interestingly, this ended up being one of the shortest episodes, yet it is SO rich and full. Rodney has such an obvious passion, and he is so clear about his mission and his motivation. See a need, do something about it. That is the most simplistic yet powerful way to describe this episode. In 2015, Rodney saw an elderly man who looked like he was struggling to mow his lawn, so Rodney offered to help. Just a few years later, he has 3000 kids taking part nationwide in his 50 Lawn Challenge (see their great posts on Instagram), he has been on every major news outlet, and he has traveled the United States 10 times giving kids free lawn care equipment in every single state (plus two more tours of the US giving out Christmas gifts to kids in need!).. From the start, and then even more so since the start of the pandemic, he has been able to offer kids a chance to get outside, do something to help others, and interact safely with other members of the community. And each helps those members of the community who need assistance . If you have a child who wants to get involved, listen at the end as Rodney tells about what he's up to over the next couple of weeks to help give more kids access to lawn care equipment for free. Follow Rodney: https://weareraisingmen.com @rodneysmithjr Insta & FB @iamrodneysmith Twitter **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Website: katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello We need all the #goodnews we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Today's episode we celebrate you: the listeners and the guests. We look at what we have overcome this year, what we have done for ourselves and for others, and inspiration from the guests of Be The Good thus far. Notes to assist if you are working through your year review I mentioned: -Brian Patacca's What did you overcome within: -Career -Relationships -Fun & recreation -Health & wellness -Spirituality -Finances -Personal growth including family & friends I found that breaking down my year by each month and above category made me feel more accomplished and proud of the still-tumultuous-and-changing-by-the-day year we've had. The episode also revisits each of the prior episodes of Be The Good, with a brief dose of inspiration for each marvelous guest. I love them all and am so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to chat with me and to share their stories and inspiration with us all. (Do I say ‘inspiration' a lot? YES. And I don't think that's changing anytime soon ;) ) I am one of those people who LOVE Christmastime, but I know it is also a time of a lot of varied emotions. My wish for you is to find merry moments of love and joy with people you care about–whether in person or virtually– and enter the new year with a mindset of hope. Here's to being the good in the world each day, in any way, shape, or form. **If you are enjoying these episodes, please subscribe & review over on Apple podcast–many thanks!** Love what you hear from one (or many) of the guests mentioned here? Find all the episodes here: Website: www.katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Because we need all the #goodnews we can get. See you in January, and thanks for listening! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Never disregard the impact of care, love, and going the extra mile. Even all these years later, my kindergarten experience stays in my heart and mind. It was so filled with joy, and this stems from the teacher: Mrs. Joy Mackzo, who taught at Bloomsbury Elementary School for 32 years. Do you recall your kindergarten days? With a teacher who cared as much as Mrs. Maczko, it is impossible not to. And to recall it with memories of happiness, fun, and bright colors all around. So please indulge me this episode as we take a bit of a stroll down memory lane, and I hope you are inspired to keep in the forefront of your mind just how important the sometimes seemingly ‘small' gestures of going the extra mile truly are. Enjoy some funny and touching stories about kindergarten, retirement, and moving during my chat with Joy Maczko. Oh, and she brought photos so you may want to check out the YouTube video if you are used to only listening;) FYI: FL background noise means birds chirping (unlike NYC's car horns), so yes, that is what you are hearing! **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Website: www.katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello We need all the #goodnews we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

This week's guest on Be The Good with Kate is a self-starter and go-getter focused on alignment and giving back in all she does. April McKenzie-Griswold is CEO and Founder of Next Level Coaching & Consulting, helping people align in their personal and professional lives. Additionally, her work with the New York Foundling as the Senior Manager of Special Events helps her align the mission of the organization through various events, fundraising, and programming. She is nonstop, somehow finding the time to chat with me between her two careers– both of which she loves, puts her whole heart behind, and is so obviously very passionate about. From the above, you get the idea that ‘alignment' indeed comes up often in our chat, and I love that. Other great words that stand out in our conversation include ‘intentional', ‘mission', ‘support', and ‘mindset'. Also, the reminders to be proud of ourselves and celebrate our own accomplishments along the way is so important! With over 20 years in the nonprofit world, April talks of always choosing to work with organizations where she is very attached to their missions. In 2020, she took the plunge to create her own business, going through all the necessary education, prep, and the list goes on, and Next Level Coaching & Consulting came to be. April told herself at the start of 2020 she would be a different human being by the end of the year–Get this: she did not know what that was going to look like, but put it out into the universe anyway. AND at the end of 2020, she looked at the year and said YES I accomplished my goal. What do I and don't I want in my life? Listen and be inspired by April's words and story. **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Website: www.katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello Follow April: Email: april@yournextlevelinc.com LinkedIn Instagram FB We need all the #goodnews we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back to Be The Good with Kate. Today's guest, Liesl Ulrich-Verderber, is on a mission for good in a major way AND is such an intriguing individual. She is CEO of global media company The Goodness Exchange, focusing on good news and connecting those doing good, creator of Conspiracy of Goodness Network: “the first ever networking platform for making the world a better place,” education site EWCed, and Amazing World Media. You can see why when I came across Liesl, I knew we had to chat! And I am so grateful she was willing to share. Liesl is taking goodness into her own hands at a macro level. Her companies highlight and connect people leading the way in changing our world in major ways, inspiring us all to be the good however we can. From their website: “The Goodness Exchange is focused on bringing you more joy and less fear about the world by amplifying stories of goodness.” Liesl's path to this? As she puts it, "totally sideways". Her parents were about keeping humanity in healthcare. Her mom observed how the epic amounts of negative news was really affecting people's mental health. Originally Ever Widening Circles, a blog, it grew into a media platform, then even further with both an educational and a healthcare platform, now further still into The Goodness Exchange. I was so in awe of Liesl, her work, and the stories she had, that we talked for another half hour after the recording stopped! I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode. Let me know what parts inspire you the most. Follow Liesl & her work: @liesl.uv facebook.com/exchangegoodness twitter.com/goodnessXchange instagram.com/everwideningcircles https://goodness-exchange.com/ **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Website: www.katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello We need all the #goodnews we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

This week on Be The Good with Kate, Shiloh Goodin: an NYC-based artist who continues to dive into the unknown, face fears, and never give up pursuing her passion for creating. Shiloh mentions that it has been over 15 years of auditioning, and this coming year she will be finally making her Broadway debut in Paradise Square. That persistence and resilience alone is enough to light a fire within as you listen! But that isn't enough: Shiloh choreographs, taught dance in Hawaii throughout a majority of the pandemic, and co-founded COLLECTUS. All while keeping such a warmth and light about her always. Shiloh took the time to speak with me in-between Paradise Square's Chicago pre-Broadway run as well as the start of a new pod session with Collectus. Collectus was created to give artists a place to feel supported in their work. “At Collectus, we are dedicated to uplifting creatives through community. We are better together. You don't have to do it alone.” (from their Instagram) Hear about Shiloh's journey through NYC auditioning, collaboration, moving to Hawaii, booking Broadway, co-creating a company with Sara Brians, and how she finds connection in a solopreneur-based industry. Words like creating, vitality, connection, courage, and support come up throughout our conversation, and you will love hearing from a human being who is so filled with warmth and light, you can't help but feel uplifted and inspired. Follow Shiloh: @shilohlovesyou Collectus: @joincollectus JoinCollectus.com **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Website: www.katecherichello.com/bethegood Apple podcasts: Be The Good with Kate Cherichello We need all the #goodnews we can get. Do you have stories about finding or searching for community within your career? Let me know in the comments! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Vocal Ease is a nonprofit organization that provides live entertainment for senior citizens at hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers. Over 80 professional NYC singers perform with Vocal Ease throughout the city and, thanks to the power of technology, virtually beyond the city as well. Today's guest on Be The Good with Kate is the founder of this wonderful organization, Eva Swan. I love how Eva shares the story of founding Vocal Ease-- from her desire to stick to what she thought was her set plan, then stepping forward to address a need, and finding her true passion. Over 20 years later, Vocal Ease thrives throughout NYC, bringing so much joy to so many people. During our chat, she shares beautiful stories of people affected in wonderful ways by the power of music. Their virtual benefit is running right now, with the concert available to stream through this Sunday. If you would like to support Vocal Ease or sing with them, reach out to Eva at VocalEaseInc@gmail.com https://www.vocaleaseinc.org/ **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** www.katecherichello.com/bethegood We need all the good news we can get. Do you have stories about the beauty of music in your own life or those you love? Let me know @positively_kate! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

The new season is here! Welcome to Be The Good with Kate, where I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk with people of a variety of backgrounds and career fields about how they are being the good in our world all while following their passions. Here's to inspiring us all to make a difference each day. Today's guest is Jennifer DiBella, the Director of Education at Roundabout Theatre Company, and I had the chance to work with her back when I was an intern for Roundabout during college. After my internship, she hired me to be a part of the education department's summer programming, and my mind was blown by all they were doing to be an immensely positive influence on the inner city high school students' lives with whom they work. Since then, the education programs with Roundabout have only continued to grow. Going into her 16th season with Roundabout, my conversation with Jennifer is filled with eye-opening information and insight into marrying the arts and education, advice on careers, and overall so much passion for what she gets to do each day in helping others. While some people might not know Roundabout's name, they will definitely know their Broadway shows: Cabaret, Holiday Inn, Kiss Me Kate, Sunday in the Park with George, and currently running shows like Caroline, or Change. Something I love about how Jennifer speaks about her team and the Roundabout leadership is how much they all support one another and are constantly reassessing: how can we better serve the needs of our community, how can we work better together, and so on. Jennifer has some great insight into taking the pathways presented and seeing where they go. You do not need to have your whole career planned at 22 years old, and even if you think you do, paths wind and weave and shift. But keep your passions in the forefront. Jennifer and Roundabout's Education Department work with students across NYC and beyond, with a lot of collaborating with the Department Of Education, and they pivoted at lightning speed to keep supporting students throughout the pandemic. You may still see some of the virtual projects on their website, as well as more information about their programming here: www.roundabouttheatre.org/education The incredible amount of programs, their reach, their connections with experts in the fields, Roundabout is nonstop: from technical theater, to administration, to directing, and more. Follow Roundabout: @roundaboutnyc Follow Jennifer & Education's happenings: @educationatrtc **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** www.katecherichello.com/bethegood We need all the #goodnews we can get. Do you have stories about arts education or perhaps a Roundabout show you saw? Let me know in the comments! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Be The Good with Kate mini episode #4. **If you are enjoying these episodes, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** Two words have continually come to mind recently. Okay, maybe I've been a bit obsessed with them even: Perception and Perspective. Do you have stories to share or want to sponsor BTG? Let me know @positively_kate or by voice message! www.katecherichello.com/bethegood We need all the #goodnews we can get. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Be The Good with Kate mini episode #3. **If you are enjoying these episodes, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** A reminder today that people see what you are doing, they hear you, and you never know when you're going to inspire someone. Go out and be you and remember, your words and actions make a difference. Do you have stories to share? Let me know @positively_kate or by voice message! www.katecherichello.com/bethegood We need all the #goodnews we can get. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Be The Good with Kate mini episode #2. **If you are enjoying these episodes, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** We all must rest sometimes. We spend a lot of time thinking about the work we need to do, are doing, or did... be it regarding working out, our jobs, or everything else in our lives. I'm guilty as all get out on that account. But do we think enough about rest? You are not a failure for not going 100% every single day. We need to refuel and recharge. We were not made to go at 100% all day every day. Here are some tips on what has worked for me in balancing work and rest. What tools have you found helpful? Let me know @positively_kate or by voice message! www.katecherichello.com/bethegood We need all the #goodnews we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Bringing you some mini episodes during our season break to keep the goodness going. I've been loving Ted Lasso so much, and his vibes need to be shared :) **If you are enjoying these episodes, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** www.katecherichello.com/bethegood We need all the #goodnews we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Today's guest on Be The Good with Kate is CEO and Founder of Good Girl Gone Green, Stephanine Moram. She is also the host of podcast Green Junkie (which premieres TODAY), has been featured on many television shows and news publications, and is “guiding humans to zero waste without complication.” Stephanie wants to empower people to live more green--and to not make this a complicated thing to do. Stephanie has such a passion for learning, as well as to pass that knowledge on to others. A huge takeaway: Ask questions. “Tell me why” her husband said to her when she brought up eating all organic, and she dove into that answer and continued from there-- asking all the questions she could. Why, where, what regarding food, the clothing she was wearing, and products she was buying. Becoming more and more passionate about all of this, she eventually started a blog, then social media, educating others, and growing into Good Girl Gone Green. Stephanie notes observing a shift since the pandemic began with regards to a general increase of awareness from people-- with more, it seems, paying attention to details in what we are consuming, putting out into the environment, buying, and so on. Another major takeaway: It doesn't have to be complicated. Find what shade of green you are -- “How can I help you get to the next color of green.” Love that. Also hear Stephanie's renewed focus on caring for herself the past year and a half. She started making changes. Walking every single day, cutting back on hours of working, getting back in touch with an old friend, and wouldn't you know, her business has grown through this shift in focus. Stephanie's Instagram and her website are both funny and educational. Find her at: @goodgirlgonegreen_ www.goodgirlgonegreen.com **If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform!** www.katecherichello.com/bethegood We need all the good news we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back to Be The Good with Kate. Hilary Truong is a mother-daughter dynamics coach and specialized relationships counselor. She absolutely loves what she does, and I am excited she is here with me this week to talk about spreading goodness in the world. Whether you are a mother, a daughter, father, or son, Hilary inspires us all to take a deep look into our relationships and seek out ways to strengthen those bonds. In addition to our chat here, check out Hilary's website and Instagram for lots of great resources and inspiration. Follow Hilary: @hilarymaeco www.liveandbloom.net Additionally, Hilary: -has a masters in counseling -is a certified Teen Girls Life Coach -is a certified Mother-Daughter Coach -is on the teaching faculty at Mother-Daughter Coaching International -hosts Women's Power Circles, Mother's Power CIrcles, and private weekend retreats **It would mean a great deal if you would follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site!** www.katecherichello.com/bethegood We need all the good news we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Be The Good episodes thus far have focused a great deal on being the good in work and the outside world, but what about being the good within your own family? An ideal guest came to mind, and I am just thrilled she said yes! I had so much fun talking with my very own aunt Lucille Ferrante for this week's episode. Lucille is all about taking care of those around her, and in return, she has not just the support of the family that is hers by name, but also those friends who become family throughout life. Enjoy her love of family, her infectious laugh, her description that at her house it's "laughing or screaming... It's very lively, we'll say that", and the importance of all types of ‘family'. Cherichello family tree in brief: NJ, first generation Italian siblings, in age order: Frank, Gabriel (my dad), and Lucille. Enjoy! It would mean a great deal if you would follow/subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site! @positively_kate Katecherichello. com/bethegood We need all the good news we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

This week's episode of Be The Good with Kate features such a neat insight into the performing world, the arts in South Africa, and the power of following your passions even through a pandemic. Meet Tarryn Steyn, host of I Hope I Get It the podcast, actor, and singer. She is an absolute delight. So much cheer and ‘good vibes', despite an industry that constantly requires adapting and being ready for anything. When the show she was filming stopped and South Africa (and most of the world) shut down, Tarryn found another way to continue being a part of the entertainment industry and helping others along the way. She took the advice of “don't wait, create” and started I Hope I Get It, chatting with actors around the world about auditions and other performing experiences. Whether you are an actor or in an entirely different profession, I love how relevant this all is-- to life and to career. How we interact with people, how we deal with rejection, how we interview...Tarryn delves into these topics as well as interesting insights into the performing world throughout our conversation. Enjoy! We need all the good news we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Like hearing about good news and being inspired by good people? Follow/Subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site! @positively_kate Katecherichello . com/bethegood Follow I Hope I Get It podcast: @ihopeigetitpod --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

This week's episode of Be The Good with Kate features the most bubbly pair, with such a genuine passion for being the good! Bethany Van Pelt and Juanita Thome are the creators of Soul 2 Soul Life Coaching, helping people from all walks of life. As Bethany states, they are “growing some goodness in the world”. And this goes far beyond working just for their business. Bethany and Juanita spent more of this conversation sharing stories that showed me just how much joy they get from actively trying to make people's days better...people they know, as well as complete strangers. Listen for their ‘rubber ducky' idea that yes, brings eyes onto the business, but more so brings smiles to strangers faces. Hear their laughter and comments about how much fun they have every day working together in pursuit of helping others. Be inspired by their dedication and determination with their clients. And gain new ideas on how to make a difference to others in your daily life. Reach out to them directly at Soul_2_soul_2019@yahoo.com, or check out their Instagram, which is a flurry of positive photos and quotes @soul2soul_life_coaching Have the day you deserve;) We need all the good news we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Like hearing about good news and being inspired by good people? Follow/Subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site! @positively_kate Katecherichello.com/bethegood --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Today's guest on Be The Good is Shelley Brown, executive director of the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton, PA. Some takeaways: Life's path goes in many directions, Be open to opportunities and be YOU, Bring YOUR unique skill set to whatever you do, Give the people what they want in business This episode is for you if: -you are an artist -you enjoy the arts (who doesn't?) -your career path is not one tiny, narrow, straight line (whose is or wants to be, really?) -curious as to how theaters are working to open back up -want to be inspired by how one person can make a difference in a community Before heading to the State, Shelley was a television producer. Before that, a probation officer. Her multi-faceted background greatly shaped how she then took the State Theatre from nearing shutdown to the successful Center for the Arts it is today. The State is home to the Freddy Awards, has won Emmys, hosts countless national tours, concerts, weddings, and more. It is such a staple to the Easton community. And now, as Shelley says in this episode, “especially when times are tough, people want to feel good.” The State's first show takes to the stage September 10th, and they hope to have a full season ahead. Hearing about the theater is but one piece of our conversation. I love the deep dive into Shelley's career path: her courage in taking risks, how the community did not think she would be able to help the failing theater when she arrived, how she won them over and built so much, brought her own unique talents and experiences to the table, and put listening at the top of her priorities. I am personally grateful to Shelley and the State for bringing so much positive attention to the area's high school drama programs, the opportunity to perform on that stage as well as broadcast on television, and introducing me to friends I have to this day! As Shelley says, It is hard to be excellent, but it is so worth it, isn't it? :) Statetheatre.org @statetheatrepa We need all the good news we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Receive the good. Now go out and be the good. Like hearing about good news and being inspired by good people? Follow/Subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site! @positively_kate Katecherichello.com/bethegood --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

For this week's episode of Be The Good with Kate Cherichello, I had the pleasure of speaking with someone across the world about the GOOD she is doing. Madhurima Sappatti sat down with me from her home in India, sharing her work as a soul coach helping people overcome and prevent burnout, her podcast The Soul's Conquest, and what it has been like in India this past year and a half. Despite the many obvious terrible aspects of the pandemic, this time has given a lot of people an opportunity to step back and explore what their hearts were yearning to do, to be, to change. Madhurima recognized this in herself, but also found that helping others find their soul's work is a calling. She talks with me about the power of thought, perspective, and the importance of taking a step back in order to progress. She also flips the script on ME and gets me to answer a question! Madhurima talks about the feeling of her brain being a rock in a can, jumbling around...and the beauty in how the rock calms down when you set down the can. Stepping back from the information and stress calms down the brain. Whether we are in India or the USA or anywhere else in the world, 2021 has brought a lot of stress. We talk about using resources, taking the time to process, and accountability. I hope you find Madhurima's words inspiring, educating, and useful to your week. Find her podcast at The Soul's Conquest Insta: @madhurima_soulcoach linktr . ee/Madhurima_soulcoach We need all the good news we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Receive the good. Now go out and be the good. Like hearing about good news and being inspired by good people? Follow/Subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site! @positively_kate Katecherichello . com/bethegood --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back! Today's episode is the first under the new name, Be The Good with Kate Cherichello, and I am beyond thrilled to be delving into more and more stories about people being the good in our world. Still good news and good people, just with a name all my own. *** When you think about buying and/or renovating a home, what words come to mind? I'm taking a wild guess at what some of these words are, and they aren't all pretty. But how about humor, savvy, and community? If those did not pop into your head regarding mortgages and power tools, then you definitely need to hear from this week's guest, Noreen Eddy. Noreen grew up in a fixer upper, as she explains, her dad a master carpenter commuting to NYC each day. In his free time, her dad did and still does love to dive into home projects. I woke up on Saturdays in my childhood to the birds outside; Noreen woke up to construction sounds! Being immersed in this world set a foundation for her and her husband as they thought how beneficial it would be to have an investment property. Throughout, she has continued to navigate the New York entertainment industry as well. Skip to today, four and half years, covid, virtual auditions, and a baby later, Noreen and Derek have renovated their New Jersey two-family home, creating a home for themselves as well as an attached investment property to bring in rental income. They were blessed with so many generous people helping them along the way, and are now focused on paying it forward to others looking to buy or renovate. And yes, Noreen juggles this with being an actor, hand model, mom, and more, as well as having had a three-month struggle with covid last year. After listening, check out OurTwoFamily . com. I guarantee you will be delightfully surprised learning about all things home while relating to the millennial comments and laughing at Noreen's fun, digestible, and humorous writing style. Never has an article breaking down “how to buy a house” been so fun to read! From OurTwoFamily: “We are Noreen and Derek, your friendly neighborhood millennial homeowners. We empower people just like us to buy a home or an investment property, learn how stuff in it works, and roll up their sleeves to renovate.” We need all the good news we can get. Have stories of people being the good you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Receive the good. Now go out and be the good. Like hearing about good news and being inspired by good people? Follow/Subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site! @positively_kate katecherichello.com/bethegood --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Do you like the idea of self care? Feel you don't have time for it? Then you need to listen to this week's episode of Some (More) Good News with Ahnastasia Albert. Don't worry, you can listen while you commute or clean the house, too. Ahnastasia is nonstop, and yet she finds time to share practical self care tips with us all here on S(M)GN, and weekly on her podcast The Luxury of Self Care. She finds ways to take care of herself so that can be there for everyone and everything else. In addition to her podcast, she is a yoga instructor, Lululemon employee, performer, and more. If any of you are in the Lancaster area, be sure to keep your eyes out for yoga events led by Ahnastasia! Some key takeaways: Awareness of being in the present, actively listening, sitting with our thoughts to find the answer to the question: "What are my core values?". I am drawn to Ahnastasia's groundness and how she is so willing to talk about her challenges and how she moves through them-- what a gift that is to us as listeners to relate to and be inspired by. (My Pilates & HIIT folks will even hear the familiar comment about exhales to help engage that core!) If you don't know where to start in checking out Ahnastasia s podcast, might I suggest episode 60? Perhaps that's because yours truly was interviewed regarding my fitness and health coaching side of life and the importance of remembering that #EVERYBITCOUNTS ;) Hope you find some ways to make the "little things" luxurious this week! We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring short interviews with people following their passions, and helping others along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Like hearing good news? Follow/Subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site! @positively_kate Katecherichello.com/somemoregoodnews Ahnastasia's Links: Podcast: The Luxury of Self Care anchor . fm/theluxuryofselfcare Instagram: @rumor_in_stpetersburg Join the Newsletter: https://conta.cc/3h3YkVh --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back to Some (More) Good News with Kate Cherichello. Please do subscribe/follow and share. The more good news we can all share, the better :) The enthusiasm, warmth, and passion today's guest exudes is second to none. I am beyond thrilled you get to hear from Dr. Levester Johnson, aka LJ. Vice President of Student Affairs when I was at Butler, in 2016 LJ moved on to Illinois State University, where he is now their Vice President of Student Affairs. LJ is a master of connecting in person and online, and everything on his social media channels celebrates something, big or small, from a university-wide announcement at Illinois State to date night with his fiance or breakfast with his kids or a meeting with students. Listen to his bio. It is incredible to hear how much one person can do, and he is still adding on. We can all learn from the way LJ connects with students and faculty-- even if we don't work in education, we still interact with others on a daily basis. LJ knows the importance of making every person he encounters feel heard and accepted, and it has gone a long way. I am also inspired by how LJ has so obviously taken the time to identify his own strengths, tap into them, and remind himself of them each day. You will walk away from this episode with actionable inspiration to put into practice indeed! What are your strengths? Take some time to sit with those thoughts, get out your pen or note app, and write. If you were at Butler when LJ was there, or if you are listening from Illinois State, I would love it if you left a comment about your interactions with LJ over the years! We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring short interviews with people following their #passions, and helping others along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Like hearing good news? Follow/Subscribe and share on social, YouTube, and at your favorite podcast site! @positively_kate www.katecherichello.com/somemoregoodnews --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

My heart is extra full with gratitude this week as I have compiled the previews of each of the incredible people who have chatted with me and shared their experiences and insight to bring us all good News. Some (More) Good News is now at episode 20! So please enjoy this short episode, and then a story about a pen pal-ship that is going on 28 years. All #goodnews and #goodpeople. So many thanks to all the guests thus far. Please follow them and see what they are up to. Including their handles here so you can follow, reach out with questions, thanks, or support. If you have missed any episodes, find them all here on your podcast platform. I can't wait to share what's coming next, too. And, as I write each week, if YOU have stories of good news that should be shared, please reach out to me. I would be thrilled to chat with you: @positively_kate Ep. 1: @andreamiyares 2: @lightforautismcorp 3: @meggerty224 & @butleru 4: @changeforkids & @dreamtravy 5: @_patrickevan 6: animalalliancenj . org & @trinkleanne 7: @jimcooneynyc 8: mawest@uso.org & @democratinjapan 9: @michaelmagrofoundation 10: @alvinhoughpiano & @museonline_org 11: @a.g.parks 12: @broadwayforartsed Insta & TikTok 13: @kellyeswray 14: acupuncture-newyork . com 15: @heidifriese & painfreewithheidi . com 16: @deannagiulietti Insta & TikTok 17: @directorsgather & @jillharrisonsnyder 18: Laura Michel Cooper on LinkedIn 19: @elizabethlp32 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back to Some (More) Good News with Kate Cherichello, episode 19! Elizabeth Kurpat (formerly known as Porcelli) is the school psychologist for Belvidere School District in New Jersey, wife, mother, friend, and if all that weren't enough, is also the BES play director, Improv and Drama Advisor, and BHS Technical Crew adviser. Wait, another-- She is also the managing director of the Phillipsburg Area Summer Youth Theatre. Actually, the list goes on. Ever since I've known Elizabeth, she has had her hand in many pots, and somehow appears to give 100% to all of it. Despite being in so many directions, she is grounded, calm, and gives such thoughtful insights into the students with whom she works. I have been spoiled to know Elizabeth since freshman year of high school in New Jersey, and it has been such a blessing to get to spend outdoor time with her quite a bit throughout the pandemic. Her little Walter is adorable, and if you see him this month, wish him a happy first birthday

Welcome back to Some (More) Good News, today with the delightful Laura Michel Cooper. Laura is a pediatric speech-language pathologist at Children's Hospital Colorado. Working with children with various speech and language needs, she talks to me about giving each and every child a voice, and the detail with which she cares about all her patients is so apparent. Hear how she felt the pull to lead a life helping others, how her path following her passions led her on the medical track, but then veered just enough to discover communication disorders, her constant love for helping the children she works with, and how the pandemic has helped her connect with families in a new way. In addition to her current work, Laura is working on a speciality in working with autistic children, she is involved in her community, and on weekends, she and her husband Nathan can usually be found hiking throughout stunning Colorado. Find Laura on LinkedIn at Laura Michel Cooper. We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their #passions, and helping others along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Follow @positively_kate for more and to reach out! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back to Some (More) Good News with Kate Cherichello! "Theater is humanity. Theater is the artistic expression of humanity." Meet Jill Harrison, of Philadelphia, who I have been blessed to know for many years: from performing alongside her, to being in shows choreographed by her, to watching her directing projects and witnessing the abundance she has welcomed into her life. Jill is a connector, director, mother, friend, supporter, advocate, professor, and so much more. She is the founder of Directors Gathering, which “builds a consistent community for regional theatre directors. We offer member directors resources of connectivity, development, and elevation to hone their art.” (from their website). Jill has such a way with words. I so loved hearing how she talked about various topics--be it the arts community or current events or anything in between. She brings up vulnerability and strength and how she is intrigued by the dichotomy between the two. She recalls this past year's humanity and kindness through her surroundings in Philadelphia and beyond. She gives a window into her role of mother and wife, virtual learning, teaching, interacting, and her 6 ¾-year-old Stella's growing up in this ever-changing world. Community: Jill keeps coming back to that word. With DG, Jill is creating a space for directors to grow, expanding nationwide (actually worldwide), and building a network of artists. Link for the upcoming event below. Jill's full bio may be found here: directorsgathering . org/who-we-are We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their #passions, and helping others along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Follow @positively_kate for more and to reach out! Directorsgathering . org Insta: @directorsgather & @jillharrisonsnyder FB & LinkedIn: Jill Harrison --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back to Some (More) Good News with Kate Cherichello. I know Deanna Giulietti thanks to sharing the stage in Jersey Boys. 1.3 million + others know her from @deannagiulietti on TikTok, where she spreads positive vibes to all who watch. From her hit “outfit of the day” videos, to engaging with fans, to dating stories, to being the A+ hype girl you need in your life, Deanna is there for you on social. She has worked insanely hard to build this community over the past year and a half, as well as continuing her career as a performer as well (hey, Six, we've got a queen for you!). Thanks to being vaccinated and in the same city, we were fortunate enough to be in person for this episode! It's not a regular episode, either…Deanna's great idea to leave some sparkly gift boxes throughout Central Park containing various notes of love and cheer helped create this week's fun episode. Guest appearance by the fabulous Coleman Cummings as well! Find Deanna @deannagiulietti Or www.deannagiulietti.com We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their passions, and helping others along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP. Follow @positively_kate for more and to reach out, and it would mean the world if you shared this episode with others! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

This pandemic has been a time of a lot of changes. Many negative, but some positive. For performers, it was a full industry pause. But this gave performer Heidi (Friese) Saldana an opportunity to finally address the physical pain she had been experiencing for years through shows, classes, and daily life. In her research, she came across the Egoscue Method. Used by pro athletes as well as people who may not have a physically active career but are in pain, Heidi has found it to change her life. She decided to not just keep this finding to herself, but to become an Egoscue Method Certified Postural Alignment Specialist to share this work to greatly decrease pain with others. She explains how she now understands “how resilient the body is and that when it is breaking down and there is pain or you are getting injured, that there's a reason, and there's also a way to walk it back-- get the body back to the alignment it's meant to be in-- which allows it to be strong and allows it to take all that we ask of it”. Finding the root, then finding where the body deviated, and addressing from there. Additionally, we talk about the entertainment industry shutdown and how many people feel they haven't just lost a job, but part of their identity. But, as Heidi notes she has learned, "You aren't what you do, you are who you are.” Let's get that body in alignment so it can work to help you capitalize on being the most YOU you can be :) Reach out to Heidi at painfreewithheidi.com @heidifriese We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their #passions, and helping others along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP! Follow @positively_kate for more and to reach out! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Dr. Cindy Wong is a licensed acupuncturist, and she absolutely turned my world around after a concussion. It was night and day after Cindy treated me, and ever since then, as well as with multiple issues she has helped through since, I cannot recommend her and her practice more highly. Having had no knowledge of acupuncture prior to working with Cindy, mind was blown in learning of the power of healing through acupuncture. Cindy is someone who gets to help people feel better every day, and she is opening eyes to opportunities in healing beyond traditional ‘western' medicine. Additionally in our conversation, Cindy offers some quick and needed reminders and breathing exercises to help calm down our bodies and minds. Heed her advice, folks! Yin & Tonic Acupuncture, which Cindy owns, states on their, “Dr. Cindy has always been a firm believer in ‘leaving no stone unturned' in finding a treatment option that would allow a patient to return to their best selves,” and I know this from first-hand experience. You can find Cindy on LinkedIn at Dr. Cindy Wong, D.Ac., L.Ac. If you would like to schedule an acupuncture appointment or talk more with Cindy, head to acupuncture-newyork.com We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their passions, even if that means leaving behind a potentially more comfortable career path, and making the world better along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

I felt calmer and more centered after my chat with Kelly Wray. What an illuminating and inspiring conversation. And we didn't even get to the half of it. After listening, you must check out her website, where in addition to great resources and information on working with her, click on her About page. Her resilience through 18 schools before the age of 18, a fire destroying everything, marriage, divorce, career changes, and more is unreal. Here Kelly talks with me about her journey from NYC to Bali, discovering how to incorporate her passion for nutrition and healing the body through food into a career, and what it has been like to be a part of the Bali culture these past months (hint, they are a HAPPY people!). Additionally, she fills our conversation with actionable tips to becoming a more whole, calmer self. Follow Kelly: @kellyeswray www.kellywray.com We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their #passions, even if that means leaving behind a potentially more comfortable career path, and making the world better along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Welcome back to episode 11 of Some (More) Good News! Life is about having fun and being happy, while helping others throughout it all-- That is one of my main takeaways from today's passionate, heart-filled guest, Andrew Parks. An example of how one person can make a difference through their daily habits and awareness of what is going on in the world around them, Andrew shares his story of being an actor, teacher, advocate, and overall compassionate human (well he won't say that last one outright, but I will!).  He has followed his passions throughout his life, never having to take a job “just to pay the bills”, and that has led him to NYC with his family, where he is a bright light to all he encounters.   For performers out there, this episode is filled with nuggets to affect positive change in your mindset and audition skills.  For non-performers, these are lessons for many moments in life.  (There's also an incredible story about a female runner in Central Park who picks up trash as she runs that you have to hear…) Andrew also asks the tough questions and truly seeks to be a part of solutions.  “We have to be advocates,” he states. He applauds all the people speaking out and working to better the entertainment industry and the world.  There is a lot of change that still needs to come, we don't know how/where/when, but we can all work each day to take steps in a better direction. Ask questions, share people's stories, spark conversations...all of this and more in my conversation with Andrew Parks today.   “We only get one shot at this.  It's one time through.  And the people make the party...And being around people is important for all of us...Ultimately, we collaborate.  We feed off of each other.”   And as we all work to get back to a place where we can all be together again, let us be inspired by people like Andrew and ask the questions and make the positive changes we need to come out stronger and better than before.  Follow Andrew Parks: agparks dot com @agparks  We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their passions, even if that means leaving behind a potentially more comfortable career path, and making people feel better along the way.    S(M)GN episodes released each Friday.  Follow @positively_kate for more.  Please share if you enjoyed this episode

Get your Masters in meteorology and then go to Broadway.  Maybe not the most common path, but when you have multiple passions, work hard, and take leaps of faith, the most wonderful things can happen.  Today's guest, Alvin Hough Jr., graduated grad school, then through an inspiring chain of events, is now associate music director at Tina: The Tina Turner Musical on Broadway, as well as a husband and father of two.  Additionally, he is one of the founding members of MUSE: Musicians United for Social Equity.   An organization in its infancy already helping others and affecting change in the musical theater community and beyond, “MUSE is committed to creating diversity within the music departments of the theatre industry by providing access, internships, mentorships, and support to historically marginalized people of color.” (from their website, link below). Alvin has a contagious enthusiasm for making the theater a more inclusive place and extending opportunities to those with limited resources. His resume is filled, and it got that way because of his dedication and hard work to his craft, as well as always showing respect to those around him.  He emphasizes always doing your best--you never know who is watching.  And that very thing led to him getting the call to be music director of Once on This Island on Broadway. Alvin's chat is quotable, inspiring, and invigorating.  Such a story of following your passions, embracing the adventure of the journey, and looking beyond yourself to help others.  Alvin mentions multiple times the importance of sharing your knowledge and story-- being open-minded, connecting, and lifting up others. I am so excited for you to hear from Alvin.  Afterward, be sure to check out MUSE and the strides they are making already-- from workshops to networking events to an online directory of artists and more.   Thank you for what you do to bring goodness to the world, Alvin! Follow Alvin: alvinhoughjr.com @alivinhoughpiano MUSE: museonline.org @museonline_org We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their passions, even if that means leaving behind a potentially more comfortable career path, and making people feel better along the way.    S(M)GN episodes released each Friday.  Follow @positively_kate for more.  And please share if you enjoyed this episode! Have stories of good news you know should be shared?  Send me a message! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support

Take the risk.  That comes up multiple times in today's episode with the singular Ben Houghton.  His story is insanely inspiring.  After seeming to land a dream job, his heart said that was not where he was meant to make an impact using his gifts.  Taking an opportunity to teach in India for a few months, he left everything behind and followed this door to see where it would lead.  Thinking it was a temporary thing, he did not expect it to change his trajectory completely, establishing the now worldwide Broadway for Arts Education.   This astounding nonprofit seeks to bring quality and complete education to children who need it the most in India, Haiti, Galapagos, NYC, and more.  As Ben states, just one example is that the children they've worked with in India have made more money in five years post-graduation than their parents made their entire lives.  He also touches on how important #artseducation is in creating a well-rounded person: empathetic, confident, and with such a stronger set of skills in how to interact with others. I love his mantra, ‘Live in the orange.'  You need to hear him tell it, but know it encompasses taking risks, checking in with yourself, living outside of your comfort zone, going beyond ‘the green' but not in ‘the red'. Be sure to check out their website and Instagram pages. So much great info, inspiring stories, and joy.  For those of you in #NYC, I hope to see you at their silent disco on June 12th, where they are going to be closing down West 52nd St for a dance party for BAE.   broadwayforartsed . org @broadwayforartsed Insta & TikTok We need all the good news we can get. This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their #passions, even if that means leaving behind a potentially more comfortable career path, and making the world better along the way. Have stories of good news you know should be shared? Send me a message ASAP! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethegoodwithkate/support