Here We Are: What Makes Us Human

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Welcome to the podcast where we are co-learners on a journey to uncover stories, concepts, and themes of what makes us human. Your host, Joy Bork, loves asking questions, learning more about people, and following wherever her curiosity leads.

Joy Bork


    • Aug 30, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 92 EPISODES

    5 from 18 ratings Listeners of Here We Are: What Makes Us Human that love the show mention: dive, joy, thought, life.



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    Latest episodes from Here We Are: What Makes Us Human

    70. Ella Featherstone [Empathy]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 25:31 Transcription Available


    Empathy is more than just a trend. It is a dedication to care - for yourself first, and then others. Tune in as Joy and Ella dive into this feelingful topic!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    69. Halee Raff [Do What You Want]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 21:23 Transcription Available


    Today's interview is with Chef Halee Raff, known in the Chicagoland area for her amazing gourmet pop-tarts. But there is so much more to Halee than pop-tarts! Tune in to learn more.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    68. Randi Slack [The Art of Nails]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 23:23 Transcription Available


    The art of Nails is SO much more than just polish on your finger cartilage. Today's guest is here to tell us that it's actually about connecting. Caring. Being with. You know you want to listen.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    67. Kam Yee [Equity in STEM Education]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 37:26 Transcription Available


    From a rocketry class taught by a health teacher to now being an advocate for equity in STEM education, Kam Yee is here to make a difference. Tune in to this week's episode to hear more of her story!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    66. Otter Aggio [Dog Grooming]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 29:31 Transcription Available


    With the seasons changing, it is definitely pet fur-shedding season! Today's interview came about because of Joy's two adorable, very sheddy dogs, and the groomer that now loves them. We're gonna dive into what it takes to groom dogs!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    65. Ashley Xu [Friendship]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 26:47 Transcription Available


    On today's podcast, Joy interviews one of her friends about friendship. Together, they uncover some beautiful truths about the link between self love and healthy friendships. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    64. Genesis Simmons [Stories]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 25:45 Transcription Available


    Today's episode is a heart-warmer! Join in as Joy talks with Genesis Simmons, a creator, barista, and all-around good human, about how we see story all around us.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    63. Chef Marta Sandini [Food, Fermentation, and Foraging]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 26:01 Transcription Available


    When I met Marta at her London restaurant, Naughty Piglets, in August of 2022, I knew immediately that we'd be nerd friends. And let me tell you. We are.This episode goes deep into the power of fermentation, how vinegars and acids impact food flavor, and the beauty of foraging. Enjoy the happiness!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    62. Leslie Marshall [Love]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2023 25:13 Transcription Available


    When Leslie told me she wanted to nerd out about love, I was a little skeptical. I greatly underestimated the number of words we could use to talk about this multi-faceted concept. Tune in this week to hear how Leslie Marshall shows love through who she is and how she interacts with the world.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    leslie marshall
    61. Eva Saha [Welcoming]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 23:07 Transcription Available


    Eva is one of those humans that when I met her, I just knew we were kindred spirits. We first interacted on the in-person set of a virtually broadcast conference. Next thing I knew, we were zooming across the floor in office chairs, talking deeply, and enjoying each other's personhood. And this is exactly what we're talking about today: being welcoming.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    60. Melissa White [Fish Virology]

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 23:04 Transcription Available


    Today's episode is brought to you by....SCIENCE! Put on your imaginary lab coats, and let's learn all about fish virology!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    Encore: 33. Chelsea Pribyl [Black Friday]

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 21:54 Transcription Available


    We're bringing back a fan favorite! Enjoy the resurrection of this amazingly fun and informational podcast with Chelsea Pribyl.

    59. Brie Blue [Going Outside]

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 29:57 Transcription Available


    One of Brie's first loves has always been going outside. From a young age, she has found belonging in the arms of Mother Nature. This week, Brie dives into her love of going outside, and provides super practical tips for staying prepared, dry, and warm, no matter what the weather. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    58. Shannon Downey [Art Activism]

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 22:59 Transcription Available


    Art and Activism have gone hand in hand for so long. But has it always happened through cross-stitch classes? It has now! Tune in to this week's episode to learn more about how cross-stitching builds community.Find out more here! Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    57. Jen Verruto [Openness]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2022 21:38 Transcription Available


    Approaching the world with open hands and curiosity sounds lovely. It's actually quite difficult to achieve. This week, we dive in with Jen Verruto as she shares all about her journey with openness.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    56. Tim Wolfe [Agency & Conformity]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 41:52 Transcription Available


    Sit down, buckle up, and put your listening ears on! Today's episode is a hard-hitter in the best way possible. Join us as Tim Wolfe shares his thoughts on conformity. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    55. John P Marovich [Creating Space]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 25:14 Transcription Available


    Creating Space. These two words encompass SO MUCH of the world around us. Spaces can be interpersonal connections, physical rooms, interactive environments, and so much more. This week, lighting and production designer John P Marovich shares with us all about the spaces he creates and curates. 

    54. Tim Almodovar [Questing]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 19:29 Transcription Available


    Questing. Not a word often heard without the accompaniment of the word, "huzzah!" But today, we're talking about questing in terms of being present. Mindful. Trusting yourself. And finding out what happens along the way. Join us!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    53. Chad Durren [Wooden Boats]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 24:28 Transcription Available


    Boats. Watercraft. Speedy things over the surface of a body of water. Or sometimes not so speedy. Today's guest loves all types of water vessels. And he loves making them look like new again. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    52. Janine Wetzel [Fresh Ground Flours]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 15:05 Transcription Available


    Just when you thought flour was just a white powder....Oh no. It is SO much more. Tune in today to hear all about what flour is, how to process it, and about many varieties of the glorious grain!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    51. Samantha Rowland [Food is Love]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 26:42 Transcription Available


    Join us this week as we dive headfirst into the concept of food as love. And also concepts like fried chicken being a sandwich? Macaroni and Cheese being a soup?? What is happening?Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    50. Hannah Bunn [Books]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2022 23:26 Transcription Available


    Books. A place of wonder. But also a place of expanding your mind. Creating space for diversity. And a place for exploration. Join us this week as Children's Librarian Hannah Bunn tells us all about her journey of loving books!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Amy Quinn [Live Graphics & Curiosity]

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022 21:08 Transcription Available


    Get ready for storytime, discovery, and a whirlwind of curiosity with Amy Quinn! We'll learn all about her vocational journey and have a few good laughs along the way. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    Hold Up.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 1:07


    The first quarter of this year has been wonderful, busy, and also hard! We're going to take some time to pause, rest, and gather new content. Here We Are will be back with you as soon as we can!

    Nerdlets: Questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 10:25 Transcription Available


    I love asking questions. And I've also realized asking questions is a privilege. This week, I share some of my favorite questions to ask - and I hope it'll get you started asking hard questions too!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    Nerdlets: Climbing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 8:16 Transcription Available


    My go-to activity of late - Climbing! I don't like lots of forms of exercise, but climbing engages me in ways other activities don't. It uses my mind, emotions, AND my body all while asking me to solve puzzles that lead me to the top of a wall. Tune in this week to learn more!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Donnie Williams [Glee]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2022 21:32 Transcription Available


    Glee. It isn't just a hit TV show. For today's guest, it has been a catalyst for dreams. Tune in this week to hear Donnie Williams unpack the goodness of Glee!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    tv glee donnie williams
    YFON: Bethany Simm [Jim Henson & Labyrinth]

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2022 18:30 Transcription Available


    If you're anything like me, you probably have no idea that Jim Henson has a different artistic style than the Muppets. And. It's dark. Prepare to enter into a Grimm world crafted by the mastermind of the puppeteer master Jim Henson. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Mikaila Ulmer [ASL & The Bees]

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 21:45 Transcription Available


    Prepare to meet a legend who leads with curiosity, learns deeply, and chooses to act upon what she cares about. You may know Mikaila Ulmer for her famous Me & The Bees lemonade, but there is so much more to her than just that! Tune in this week to learn about another one of her passions: American Sign Language!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Kate Lopatowski [Show Calling]

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 29:27 Transcription Available


    Show calling? What does that even mean? Well. I'm so glad you asked! Join us this week as one of my fellow show callers and I discuss the crazy world we work in. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Gary Wente [Creativity]

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 30:14 Transcription Available


    Do you ever hang out with a human that you're consistently fascinated by? Gary is one of those humans. His life is full of seemingly random experiences that all build on each other to craft the human that Gary is. And in this episode, we get a front-row seat to learn about how creativity has brought Gary to where he is. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Beverly Davis-Schuller [Dance]

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 19:58 Transcription Available


    Dance. It isn't just choreographed movements set to a form of rhythm or beat. It is embodiment. It is togetherness. It is being with yourself at a deep level. With or without others.  This week, Beverly Davis-Schuller tells us all about the deep beauty of her relationship with dance.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Jennifer Whiting [Choral Magic]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 25:26 Transcription Available


    Some people look at art or listen to music and see the surface level of what is presented. Jennifer Whiting dives deeper into the feeling of creative expression. Join us as we jump headfirst into the glory that is choral music.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Todd Elliott [Cemeteries]

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 20:54 Transcription Available


    Cemeteries. Most of us think they're creepy. But Todd Elliott is here to tell us otherwise. Join us as we learn about epitaphs, medallions, and even a little history!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    Nerdlets: Booch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2022 8:09 Transcription Available


    I. Love. Kombucha. It is another flavor of science and fermentation!!! This episode dives into Joy's nerd love of the fermented brew - and she hopes you'll come out loving booch too :) Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    Nerdlets: Making things fun

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 6:14 Transcription Available


    Nary shall be the day when I am caught without some form of entertainment in hand! I'm always ready with some sort of way to entertain myself, which in turn entertains those around me. Check out this week's episode to learn more about how I learned how to do this!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Tabitha Bautista [Meditation]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2021 13:32 Transcription Available


    Meditation can come in many forms. In today's episode, Joy and her new friend Tabitha discuss how organization is a type of meditation, and what it feels like to be grounded and present. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Sherri Meyer [Spreadsheets]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 23:33 Transcription Available


    Contrary to popular belief, spreadsheets aren't boring. They're beautiful. They're practical. They're all things MAGICAL. Don't believe me? Tune into this week's episode and challenge yourself to see things in a new way!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Gretchen Harro ["Oh Help" Moment]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 25:43 Transcription Available


    I don't know about you, but I often make mistakes in relationships. I try to use my words well, but I end up creating rifts between instead of strengthening bonds with those I'm around. This week, Marriage Therapist Gretchen Harro takes time to chat with us all about the "Oh Help!" moment - when you realize you're in over your head. You're not gonna wanna miss this one!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Ted Harro [Bread]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2021 25:41 Transcription Available


    Water. Yeast. Flour. Salt. These ingredients create utter MAGIC. And this week, The Bread Dude himself tells us all about his love and nerd all around this beautiful alchemy: bread.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Ryan Pribyl [Video Games]

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 26:11 Transcription Available


    It's time to get down and nerdy! This week, Joy and Ryan Pribyl dive into the world of video gaming, how to still game with vintage consoles, and all other sorts of nerd. Here are the websites for the gear Ryan mentioned:https://www.retrorgb.com/http://www.gretrostuff.com/store/gscartsw/https://www.retrotink.com/product-page/5x-prohttp://www.curtpalme.com/ChromaPure_iScanDuo.shtmhttps://www.intl.onkyo.com/products/av_components/av_receivers/tx-rz730/index.htmlhttp://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL102506https://retrogamingcables.co.uk/ https://videogameperfection.com/https://insurrectionindustries.com/AND. If you want to watch the Donkey Kong Country VHS that Ryan mentioned, he found a link to it! Watch it here.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: James Direen [Glue & Adhesives]

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 28:17 Transcription Available


    This isn't just your normal sticky situation! Join us as we dive headfirst into all that is adherent and adhesive! You won't regret it!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Matt Swing [Disc Golf]

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 29:24 Transcription Available


    The land of disc golf is ever so worthy of being explored! This week, Matt Swing tells us all about how he learned to play, some great fundamentals of throwing discs, and even some of his major victories on his journey. Also, check out the work he's doing in Chicago at www.discgolfchicago.com!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Chelsea Pribyl [Black Friday]

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 21:18 Transcription Available


    If you're in need for some tips JUST IN TIME for Black Friday shopping, this is the place to go! Join us as Joy and Chelsea laugh and talk about Black Friday shopping adventures.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    Nerdlets: Tech Speak

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2021 12:33 Transcription Available


    Sometimes, I forget that the words I use at work don't translate well into normal life. So. This episode is all about bringing you up to speed on tech speak. Because learning is fun!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    Nerdlets: Crossword Puzzles

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 7:23 Transcription Available


    Though frustrating, crosswords are an outlet of calm for me. And a connection to my grandpa. Check out this week's episode to hear more of my short history with these puzzles!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Elie Dufour [Star Wars]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2021 34:20 Transcription Available


    Pew pew pew!!! Today's episode is all about the beautiful stories weaved within the Star Wars universe, lest ye think that Star Wars is only about shooting light rays and playing with laser beams that make whizzing noises as they go by your head, as I may have at some point...Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Sammy Marrco [Exploration]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 12:34 Transcription Available


    Ohmygoodness. This episode takes us from here, to there, to EVERYWHERE! All via digital means! Tune in as Sammy Marrco reveals the glory of exploring the world from the comfort of your own home!Want to learn more about Sammy's exploration? Check out his YouTube and Instagram!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Thomas Hewitt [Sports]

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 12:15 Transcription Available


    Sportsball! For some, the topic of sports is a definite nerdtopia. For Joy, not so much. Enter into the scene: Thomas Hewitt, sportswriter. Tune in to hear more about Thomas' journey into writing and loving sports! If you'd like to read his work, check out his substack page!Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Marie Dufour [Typefaces]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2021 25:40 Transcription Available


    Some things deserve to be fought about and opinions hard fought for. One of those things for my friend Marie and me is typefaces. Fonts. How letters are shown in the world. Sometimes it is good. Sometimes it is really bad. But above all else, NEVER use Comic Sans, Papyrus, or Bleeding Cowboy. Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

    YFON: Leigh Carlson [Connection]

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 14:13 Transcription Available


    Loving people well and creating spaces for connection isn't something that comes naturally to us all. But it is a HUGE part of how Leigh Carlson enters the world. Tune into this week's episode to hear more about Leigh's connection with connection.Check out Here We Are on Instagram, Facebook, or Patreon!

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