I Want Her Job

In this episode, we talk about the value of work with David Bahnsen, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a wealth management firm based in Newport Beach, California overseeing $4 billion in client's assets,  David is also a  thought leader, and author of Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. David wants to challenge one of society's most accepted myths: that success means eventually not working. David makes a bold, and deeply personal case for why work isn't just a way to earn a living, but a core part of living well. Drawing from his career in finance and his passion for theology, philosophy, and purpose, we discuss how our jobs can become powerful expressions of dignity, identity, and meaning. We talk about imposter syndrome, identity crises, midlife pivots, and why so many people feel lost in careers that don't reflect who they truly are. David offers a different way of looking at work, especially for those feeling stuck or pressured to “have it all figured out.” We also get real about the unrealistic expectations placed on women juggling ambition, family, and careers. Favorite Quotes from David: "The dignity of work is completely egalitarian." "It is absolutely untrue that AI can ever replace virtue." Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG

Ada Palmer, is a sci-fi writer, historian, and someone who sees the world with an incredibly rare, long lens. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the headlines, this episode might help. Ada believes we're not living in a uniquely apocalyptic time—just a normally apocalyptic one. “We're living in a moment we must rise to, work hard on, do well where what we do matters,” she told me. “We have the ability to reduce 100% harm to 70% harm. We have that responsibility.” That line really stuck with us—because it's so easy to feel powerless right now. But Ada's message is the opposite: we do have agency, and what we do does matter. She also reminded us that fear isn't new. “We are not more scared than our predecessors were 50 or 100 years ago. They were just as scared as we are. The stakes were just as high. The rewards of hard work were just as real. The penalties of messing up were just as disastrous.” Ada sees change not in election cycles, but in centuries. And that shift in perspective is powerful. We talk about why we need to stop chasing “total wins” and start celebrating the small, meaningful steps forward. Progress is almost always incremental, but that doesn't make it any less real or important. From ancient Rome to climate policy, Ada brings in vivid historical parallels that made us see our moment differently. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges—we talk about the real stakes—but she offers something many of us arel craving: perspective, hope, and a reminder that we've come through hard things before. The part of our conversation that keeps echoing for us is this: Every generation has been called to save the world. They rose to the challenge. Now, it's our turn.  

Jenny Wood, former Google executive, leadership coach, and author of Wild Courage, joins us to talk about what it really takes to grow your career, whether you're in the early stages or navigating a mid-career reset. With her candid approach, Jenny shares how to apply your experience and find your courage. In this episode, we cover practical, no-nonsense strategies for standing out at work, communicating with your boss, building a network that actually supports you, and tapping into the kind of courage that deepens with age. If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or simply ready for more—this conversation is for you.   Careers: Looking for career clarity, inspiration, or a reset? Check out our other caereer related podcasts  

Natasha Sizlo was having a terrible year. Fresh off a divorce, bankruptcy, the end of a passionate relationship, and then the news came about her beloved father's devastating terminal illness. When a friend suggested an astrology reading, Natasha's first instinct was a hard pass. But, Natasha relented, and the reading led her towards a year of magic, the kind of year that turns into a romantic comedy on the big screen and a best-selling book. All Signs Point to Paris by Natasha Sizlo. Hire Natasha to be your real estate agent Favorite Quotes from the podcast: "I just have to go to find everybody with his exact same birth chart because the one has to still be out there." "Once I started believing, I started seeing." "To live an authentic life, that's a beautiful thing." "If it's mentionable, it's manageable." "Sounds like you're going to Paris. I'll meet you there."  

Are you living a psychologically rich life? In this episode we discuss what it means to be psychologically rich and how you can generate more richness. In "Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life", Shigehiro Oishi, Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago,  shares his research and the ways leading a psychologically rich life can transform how you prioritize your days and goals. As Shige shares, “a  psychologically rich life is a life filled with diverse, unusual, interesting experiences that change your perspective; a life with twists and turns; a dramatic, eventful life instead of a simple and straightforward one”. For those of you who feel that something is missing from your lives, or that your dreams and goals don't fit with societal expectations, this conversation is for you. Shige Oishi has given us the language and concept for living our lives in search of experience, adventure, learning and connection.  Please share this episode with a frriend and follow us on Instagram at @meantforyoupod You can Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforitpod@gmail.com Get Shige's book  Topics Discussed: 05:07 - The the three pillars of a happy life  14:13 - How narrating your experiences enriches the experience 20:12 - A psychologically rich day involves a wide range of emotions 22:18 - Happiness used to be good luck and fortune, but now happiness is personal success 25:41 - Happiness is more like a batting average 32:03 - Happiness is not the intensity but the frequency of positive emotion 36:13 - As we age, curiosity and, and exploration wane, and how to balance it 39:09 - psychological richness mindset can help deal with difficult life situations  

Filmmakers Courtney and Ted Balaker discuss their latest documentary surrounding the mental health crisis among Gen Z.  Their film based on the  book, The Coddling of the American Mind, by Jonathan Haidt   and Greg Lukianoff, was made to spark critical discussions, including conversations across college campuses. We discuss the alarming trends in Gen Z's mental health, the role of social media, and the impact of educational environments that often prioritize emotional safety over intellectual freedom and critical thinking. Please listen to this enlightening and alarming discussion that will alert you to Gen Z cultural trends. Please share this episode with a friend!  Follow us on Instagram at @meantforyou  Sign up for our newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com  Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforyoupod@gmail.com  

Yardena Shwartz, an award-winning journalist and Emmy-nominated producer, joins us to discuss her book, Ghosts of a Holy War. Yardena's book focuses on the 1929 Hebron massacre, allowing us to see the shocking parallels between the historical events of 1929 and the October 7th massacre in Israel. Hebron, an ancient city with archeological finds going back some 5,000 years, is in the controlled territory of both governments. For thousands of years, Hebron has had great religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. Despite Yardena's credentials, and her book's relevance to the current news cycle, “Ghosts of a Holy War” book has been largely ignored by mainstream media and literary circles. It is not a stretch to assume that the historical information revealed in this book goes against the dominant stories in mass media, that seek  sources that support their simplified oppressor and oppressed narrative.  As history repeatedly shows us, if we don't understand the past, we are doomed to repeat it. The misinformation leading to the 1929 massacre, and the way the massacre was interpreted by the world, is a repeat of what we have seen since October 7. We have seen denials of the recorded atrocities on October 7, misinformation and marches praising the violence as glorious resistance. How can we end the cycles of violence in the region if we don't understand the root causes? It feels like we are trying to cure cancer by taking an Advil and screaming about the pain. Yardena's book shares the historical root causes of the cancer of violence that has plagued the region since 1929. Yardena's book also recounts stories of friendship and muslim families that protected their neighbors. The Jewish families and students in Hebron were not prepared for the violence because they lived peacefully and happily with their neighbors. In 1929, just as today, misinformation from leaders with bad intentions, fueled horrifying fury, and religiously driven violence.  This overwhelming violence makes us wonder, what can be done? As Yardena shares in conversation, if the UN's program and billions in aid had been used to actually educate students and teach fact based history, instead of teaching them to hate and murder their Jewish neighbors, maybe there would not have been an October 7. We hope that more people decide to learn the history of the region through credible journalists and historians, instead of keeping the flames of violence alive by repeating misinformation and lies. For the sake of every innocent child, please make time to find the historical truth.  PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforitpod@gmail.com  

When we discuss topics related to our government, we often ask ourselves, what would Sharon say? We decided to ask Sharon McMahon,, America's favorite government teacher,  to help us understand why teaching students about how the US Government works has been defunded and de-prioritized. Sharon shares her insights on the reality that many students graduate without a proper understanding of how their government operates, often having only a single semester of civics education. We discuss the dangerous consequences of this knowledge gap, not just for individual citizens, but also as a national security threat and a threat to our democracy. How can we make America great again when we don't know how it works? How can we expect to see change when our students don't understand how our government functions or the importance of local elections, and what it actually takes to make meaningful and lasting change. If we don't educate our citizens we shouldn't be surprised by a divided and cynical populace that opts out and screams why bother when it's all rigged. We explore the benefits of a stronger civics curriculum that is consistent across states and the challenges  in getting there due to our decentralized education system. Did you know that education requirements are left to each to decide or that we have 50 separate state school boards including 14,000 local boards?   Please listen to and share with your community. Quotes: "We have under-educated our citizens for existence in a very complex democracy." "We need to understand the problem before we can make meaningful change." "The civil rights movement didn't just happen because a bunch of members of Congress were like, what the right thing to do?"  -Sharon McMahon "How are we supposed to make America great again if we don't understand how it works?" ----Polina Rubin Zoom In: 06:49 Why aren't people saying in government that maybe we should prioritize civics education 08:10 The United States has an incredibly decentralized education system compared to other democracies 13:27 Whether the federal government should be involved in curriculum decisions is hotly debated 20:37 Elimination of Department of Justice or Department of Education could negatively impact students 23:23 Thoughts on the costs of education in the US compared to other countries 29:31 Every other developed nation takes far more steps to abate childhood poverty than we do 31:51 If you have two parents, you're more likely to not be in poverty   PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit https://www.instagram.com/meantforit/?hl=en Sign up for our newsletter here: https://meantforit.substack.com/ Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly meantforitpodt@gmail.com

Like both of us (your co-hosts Polina and Yelena) Viktoria was born in the Soviet Union and immigrated to Chicago with her parents when she was 10. Her story of being raised in the former Soviet Union has influenced Viktoria in countless ways including being the source of inspiration for her dedication to sharing the realities of life under communism. In our conversation we discuss the deep appreciation Viktoria feels for the same freedoms that many of us take for granted today. We hope that Viktoria's thoughts on the striking differences between life in the Soviet Union and the opportunities available in the U.S. encourage you to apply a critical eye when you come across communist and anti-capitalist propaganda. We discuss how the children of immigrants are often more likely to see the importance of being politically engaged. If you have experience of living under an oppressive regime, and when you grow up listening to the stories of how your parents and grandparents struggled, you are more likely to treasure the  immense privileges that come with freedom. We feel this perspective is particularly relevant in today's heated climate, where many college students in the West are expressing hatred for their own country without a basic understanding of  the historical realities and struggles that led to their freedoms. When she is not fighting communism tendencies in society, Viktoria helps people apply gradual change to improve their health through her work as an integrative nutritionist. Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear from someone who has lived through the realities that many only read about in textbooks.  Viktoria on Instagram   PLEASE HELP US  OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our  newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at contact@meantforit.com   Notable Quotes: "Being a Communism survivor is something that definitely molds you into a certain way of being." "We won the lottery because we were able to not only come here, but we have the relativity of the two worlds that make us so grateful and so patriotic." "If you're not involved in politics, politics is going to get involved in you." "The problem with communism is that it doesn't take human nature into account."  Topics Discussed: 02:35 The Telepathy Tapes 03:59  Adolescence on Netflix 05:55 Intro to Viktoria 16:20  Communism will never work with humans because it's incompatible with human nature 21:27 Most people in the west don't recognize the patterns of anti-government protests 21:53 Victoria started Communism Survivor after becoming passionate about politics 25:35 Advice for those trying to grow their Instagram accounts 33:22 Being banned on Instagram several times 39:50 Trump's treatment of Ukraine 50:12 Vktoria's career in integrative nutrition

We are thrilled to share our conversation with respected broadcaster Erin Molan. Throughout the world, many people have discovered Erin for fearless commentary and stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.  As she does in her videos,  Erin discusses the importance of condemning Hamas and standing against terrorism, emphasizing that true support for children in Gaza means advocating for the eradication of the group that endangers their lives and future. We discuss the erosion of Judeo-Christian values in Western society and how the erosion of these principles can lead to moral confusion and the acceptance of violence.  Erin shares why she does this work for her daughter's future, and the future of all children. We discuss the role of the media in shaping narratives, and the responsibility we all have to protect the values of freedom and safety for future generations. This is not just a conversation about politics; it's a call to action for everyone who believes in a just world. Erin's new show on X A few of Erin's videos: Failure on a global scale… more hostages freed but the sh_t show rolls on… Erin Molan's take! Erin Molan unloads on UN official Francesca Albanese over 'insane' response ‘Unrelenting idiocy': Erin Molan calls out the West's ongoing insanity on Israel   PLEASE HELP US  OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our  newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at contact@meantforit.com ************************** Show Notes: 00:00 Why condemning Hamas and standing against terrorism is the best gift any of us can give 04:55 Moving away from Judeo Christian values 07:14 How is it controversial to be against terror 10:40 No Other Land won for Best Documentary despite being full of falsehoods 14:25 The two side narrative  18:55 You are allowed to change your opinion when more information is presented to you 24:17 This is an existential fight 

Jeannie Ralston is the founder of Next Tribe, a travel company that offers transformative retreats for women over 45. Jeannie shares how she leapt from adventure to adventure starting as a journalist in New York City to a lavender farmer in Texas, and eventually to a globetrotting entrepreneur. Her adventures have taken her from the rolling hills of rural Texas to the vibrant streets of San Miguel Allende, where she homeschooled her children while exploring the world with her husband, a National Geographic Photographer. Jeannie shares how she chose to deal with the unexpected challenges of rural Texas life and became the Lavender queen through her thriving lavender farm business, while also creating the community she desperately needed. All of Jeannie's life experiences have shaped her vision for Next Tribe, where she curates retreats that go beyond typical travel experiences. On a Next Tribe retreat participants engage with local women and immerse themselves in the culture of their destinations. Listen in as Jeannie shares her story,  favorite travel destinations, including Turkey and Morocco, and how her retreats create lasting bonds. https://nexttribe.com/ PLEASE HELP US  OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our  newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, email us directly at contact@meantforit.com We want to hear from you! Guest suggestions? Partner with us?  Drop us a note. 

This conversation is about reversing the trend of cynicism and erosion of trust in our government through education. Lindsay Cormack, an associate professor of political science and author of "How to Raise a Citizen”, joins us to discuss the state of US Government education in our schools. You may be surprised to learn that every state decides how much time to devote to this topic, and how to test students. Due to the inconsistent and often insufficient government education for millions, our students are leaving high school without a solid knowledge of our government functions and how to be a part of it. How will there be social changes if our young adults don't understand our government, opt out and believe that the system is rigged? Our government was designed to change slowly to ensure stability. We need to ensure our students understand how they can be forces of change through their votes and by joining coalitions and groups that they believe in.  Today, many high school graduates have not read the constitution, aren't aware of who represents them , and they lack the most basic understanding of the division of responsibilities in our government. If our students don't understand the brilliance of our constitution, we can see why they would take it for granted and not do their part as active citizens. Lindsey's book gives parents a framework for having discussions about government and politics with their children. In this conversation, Lindsey shares recommendations for how parents can teach their kids to be good citizens with easy to follow tips  for every age group. This episode is an urgent call to action for all parents to prioritize civic education and to help their children learn how to make a difference in their communities.   We want to thank all teeachers who dedicate themsevlves to our students. *************************** PLEASE HELP US  OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our  newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, email us directly at contact@meantforit.com We want to hear from you! Guest suggestions? Partner with us?  Drop us a note.  Thank You, Mr. Armstrong, an extraordinday 8th grade History teacher, for educating students to become good citizens and changing lives every day. We wish for every student tio have their own Mr. Armstrong.

If you have ever felt insecure about your education, or if your lack of a degree has held you back from pursuing the life you wanted, this conversation is for you. Christopher Zara, Eenior Editor at Fast Company and author of the book "Uneducated." is proof that traditional paths aren't the only routes to success. Despite being labeled as "emotionally disturbed" in high school and dropping out, Christopher defied the odds and carved out a successful career in journalism without a college degree.   Our conversation explores the educational requirements that prevent many from pursuing work they meant for , and the unattainable  expectations surrounding higher education. In addition to the absurd costs of college degrees,the extreme  competition is making college out of reach for the majority of students. Although a college degree is almost always a hiring requirement  for a top media organization, this was not always the case. Earlier in our country's history, journalists came from a variety of blue collar backgrounds. While no one is arguing against the value of a college education, there are also unfortunate trade-offs to the public when journalists don't represent the majority of Americans, Christopher was lucky that his teachers noticed  and encouraged his skills in writing. At age 35 when Corstoopher realized he wanted more from his life, he pitched  his first article to a magazine, which was accepted. This pivotal moment set him on a path that would eventually lead to his role at Fast Company. Christopher's story is an example of following the path that feels right to you even when you dont fit into the conventional path. Don'smiss Christopher's inspiring story and join us in rethinking the role of education in our lives. Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone considering a career change, this episode will encourage you to forge your own path. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/christopher-zara   *************************** PLEASE SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND  Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our  newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, email us directly at contact@meantforit.com We want to hear from you! Guest suggestions? Partner with us?  Drop us a note.  Timestamps: 6:21 Christopher Zara says teachers encouraged him to pursue journalism 7:22 About 10% of working journalists at that time did not go to college 13:53 How did you, how did you know writing was your thing 21:47 In the past, journalists typically were not highly educated 28:13 If you're an overtly conservative person in a newsroom, you might feel inhibited 31:35 over imposter syndrome after writing a book 35:36 What do you read to stay up to date on current events 39:05 Do you think the value of education is going to start declining in near future 45:29 What advice would you give to aspiring journalists without a college degree 47:47 Christopher Zara: A lot of hiring managers are relying on resume filters

Kat Timpf ,a writer and comedian, is best know for her appearances on the Gutfeld show. 14 years ago, Kat was working at Boston Market when she told her friend she would be on Fox's Red Eye show (and that is one hell of an example of manifestation combined with hard work and focus). Through her writing, Kat scored an appearance on Redeye, which eventually led to a recurring role on Gutfeld.   In her new book, "I Used to Like You Until, How Binary Thinking Divides Us”, Kat seeks to break down the mental barriers that lead to binary thinking. Kat shares many of her personal struggles, including mental health challenges and an abusive relationship. Although Kat was scared about sharing so much, she decided that if sharing her vulnerability helped people relate to her, then the cringe and fear was worth it. Kat's goal with her book, and with sharing her personal stories is to  bridge the divides created by political partisanship, encouraging readers to look beyond assumptions and engage with others one on one. Kat also explains her libertarian views and the significance of being intentional about having meaningful conversations across ideological lines. Kat challenges binary thinking and inspires us to approach people with curiosity rather than judgment. Don't miss this important discussion about the dangers of binary thinking and the opportunities that open when people stop judging each other on party lines. We also discuss research that shows how people often have incorrect assumptions about the opposite party. https://www.therealkattimpf.com Notable Quotes: "Binary thinking is the enemy of critical thinking." "Politics makes us fight with people we know in our real lives over these politicians who don't even know or care that we exist." "I approach people with curiosity instead of with preconceived notions or judgments." "Vulnerability is going to be a huge way for us to get out of this mess that we're in." "I'm a writer who wound up on TV and not the other way around." *************************** PLEASE SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND  Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our  newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, email us directly at contact@meantforit.com We want to hear from you! Guest suggestions? Partner with us?  Drop us a note. 

Ron Alvarez, a CNN Hero finalist, musician and educator is transforming lives through teaching kids to play music in The Dream Orchestra.. Ron shares he went from a childhood in Caracas, Venezuela to changing the lives of refugee children in Sweden. Ron's story begins when he joined  El Sistema, a musical and social program in Venezuela, which awakened his passion for music and set the course of his life.  Ron realized he wanted to pay it forward by becoming a music teacher. Eventually, Ron grabbed an opportunity to teach music to kids in an orphanage in Greenland. After the incredible experience in Greenland, Ron moved  to Sweden for a teaching job. Witnessing the influx of unaccompanied minors from Syria and Afghanistan, Ron felt compelled to make a difference with the most powerful tool he had to change lives, the power of music. The lack of funding and language barriers did not keep Ron from starting  Dream Orchestra, a sanctuary for young refugees and asylum seekers, offering them a sense of community and belonging through music. Over  400 children have had their lives transformed  but also enriched through the magic and language of music. Join us as we explore Ron's extraordinary path, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his dreams for the future of the Dream Orchestra. Ron is an example of the ways following what you were meant to do  CNN Hero video and article Quotable Moments: "Music and food always bring you back to your place and to your family." "Music can transform the life of people. When you feel completely lost or alone, music can empower you." "I always wanted to make good music. But I also remember... I didn't want to do this the rest of my life. I really wanted to make change." "We scientifically know that music can provide more oxytocin to your brain and to your body. It makes you more happy." Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our  newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, email us directly at contact@meantforit.com  - we want to hear from you! Guest suggestions? Partner with us?  Drop us a note.    00:12:54 " Dream Orchestra started in January 2015 with unaccompanied minors from Syria and Afghanistan 00:23:02    How often did the orchestra practice and how is it evolved today 00:23:57    Dream orchestras is changing lives through music 00:30:45    Music brings an emotion unique compared to other things in life 00:35:55 " Dream Orchestra has grown from 13 kids originally to over 400 members now 00:42:04     What is it like to live in Greenland

Since October 7, we have added more political content with a focus on the  war in Israel. We didn't plan on making our podcast political but we couldn't be authentic without having the conversations we feel are so important, As we think about leading the lives that were meant for us, alongside careers, purpose, relationships and the things that make up a good life, politics is a part of our daily lives. Some weeks it's the appetizer and sometimes it is the main course.  As we share in this episode, the  war in Israel and the tsunami of lies and hatred towards Jewish people galvanized thousands of activists, including us.  In this episode, we spoke with Jonah Platt and Dr. Logan Levkoff about their advocacy stories. We discussed challenging conversations about the war and the impact of activism on our personal and professional lives. As Sharon McMahon reminded us in a previous episode, no effort toward liberty is ever lost. Whatever contribution we can make towards the truth is worth every effort. We hope this conversation will encourage you to advocate for the cause closest to your soul. https://www.jonahplatt.com Listen to Jonah's podcast Dr. Logan Levkoff  

In this episode, we are honored to speak with Dumisani Washington, the founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel Dumisani Washington is a gifted Pastor, musician, author,  speaker and a passionate advocate for the unity and solidarity between the Church and Israel. His  book, "Zionism & the Black Church: Why Standing with Israel Will be a Defining Issue for Christians of Color in the 21st Century," has sparked important conversations and inspired countless individuals to explore the connections between these communities.  Dumisani shares his story, from a  devout Christian upbringing in Little Rock, Arkansas, to becoming a prominent voice in the intersection of Black and Jewish communities. Dumisan's transformative experience during his first trip to Israel in 2012, which inspired him to establish his organization. This conversation  reminds us  of the  historical and spiritual ties between African American churches and Zionism, highlighting the deep-rooted connections through scripture, civil rights and music. We discuss the historical alliances between Black and Jewish communities, particularly during the civil rights movement, and the current state of these relationships.  We dip into the geopolitical landscape, examining the overwhelming influence of Soviet propaganda that led to the avalanche of  misinformation and anti-Semitic rhetoric we are seeing today across most media platforms and our college campuses.. Dumisani passionately advocates for a renewed sense of patriotism and unity among Americans. Follow Dumisani here and on Instagram   Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our  newsletter here  Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, email us directly at contact@meantforit.com  - we want to hear from you! Guest suggestions? Partner with us?  Drop us a note.  Quotes from our converation: "The less we know, the more bondage we actually walk into." "The spiritual nature of things remains alive, even long after the Pharaohs and Hitlers have passed." "We are in a fight for global religious freedom." "The immediacy of the hour is what really brought the whole black Jewish synergy to light." "Our national security is at stake. Our religious freedom is at stake."

Sharon McMahon, America's favorite government teacher and bestselling author of "The Small and the Mighty." shares how she went from a classroom government teacher to a social media success with over a million followers on Instagram. Once you hear this episode you will understand why Shaon's  nonpartisan videos on the electoral college and other political processes captured the hearts and attention of her followers and mass media. You may not know that there is currently a  lack of standardized civic education across the United States. Each state decides how much time to allocate within their schools to teach about US Government and Civics. Yes, read that again and stop for a minute to consider the consequences of inconsistent and insufficient government education for American students. If students are not taught how to make change locally, statewide or nationally, or that their vote and participation matters, perhaps that explains a lot including why so many of us complain that the system is not representing us? We talk about Sharon's brilliant book,  "The Small and the Mighty," which profiles twelve unsung American heroes who made extraordinary impacts on history. One of the  heroes is Clara Brown, an enslaved woman who became a pioneer in Colorado, through sacrifice, faith and decades of hard work.  We also discuss the current election and why the majority of Americans feel they are not represented by either candidate. Sharon offers suggestions for  electoral reforms and a multi-party system that would drastically change election outcomes.  Sharon recommends FairVote,  an organization working to  improve election systems at the state level. Do not miss this episode that will challenge you to think critically about your role in democracy and we guarantee will inspire you to get poltically engaged in what matters most to you. Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit and sign up for our newsletter here  https://sharonmcmahon.com Sharon's Podcast Sharon's newsletter Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, email us directly at contact@meantforit.com  Favorite Quotes from this episode: "I think that you can love something while also knowing the truth about it." "No work for liberty is lost; it changes the fabric of what the country is." "Just do the next needed thing." "We are reaping the harvest of what we have sown."

Practicing Judaism was the last thing Miriam Raquel Feldman ever wanted. In fact, it was something she denied, preferring instead to be a free spirit, and a citizen of the world.  After repeatedly rejecting her Jewish roots, Mriam found herself reluctantly following the love of her life to retrieve him from an “orthodox cult”. But that is not the fate that awaited Miriam. In Miriam's memoir, “God, Said What?”, you will follow the story of how a letter from a former boyfriend, who had joined a religious community in Israel, set Miriam on her life's path.  Miriam shares the day-to-day stories and moments during her studies at a women's yeshiva, as she was slowly captivated and  drawn towards the beauty of an orthodox Jewish life. Miriam also addresses some common  misconceptions about the role and treatment of women in orthodox Judaism as was portrayed in several popular Netflix dramas over the last couple of years. We discuss meanings behind some of the Jewish laws and traditions she practices, and the universal message of peace and kindness that transcends religious boundaries. Whether you're Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, or of any other faith, Miriam's story offers encouragement for anyone seeking a deeper connection to their spiritual path. Drop in and say hello to us on Instagram @meantforit. Sign up for our free newsletter here on substack. to get a curated list of things we loved during the week to read, watch or listen to. Email us directly at contact@meantforit.com  - we do a happy dance  when we get listener emails . Visit our website at www.meantforit.com   Top quotes from Interview: "I went to a rabbi and showed him this letter. The rabbi looked at it and said, "Your boyfriend's in a cult."" "I had totally rejected my Judaism. I thought if Jews blend in with non-Jews, there won't be antisemitism." "I love having this spiritual way of looking at the world that is just beyond what I see with my physical eyes." "Jewish prophecy says there will come a time of peace, and I believe we are evolving towards that." "Chabad is very not insular. It's very out there, out there, out there all the time."

Tracy McCubbin is a professional declutterer, but what she really does is help people manage their relationship to stuff. When Tracy realized she had a talent for helping people organize their stuff, she turned it into dCluttefly, a thriving business.  In our part 2 of our conversation with Tracy, we discuss the 7 emotional clutter blocks people us to  avoid their emotions or problems. We discuss some of the ways our society is rigged against our desire to buy less and how your home can become a more peaceful and joyful place when you remove the things that you don't need. Whether  you are hanging on to the past, creating a fantasy life, feeling guilty about your purchases or feeling shame for not using the stuff you bought, Tracy can help. After 18 years helping people declutter their homes, Tracy has seen it all and can help people move past common emotional mistakes. Tracy's book, Making Space Clutter Free: The Last Book on Decluttering You Will Ever Need

Hear how Tracy McCubbin took her biggest pyschic wound and turned it into her life's work. Tracy helps people destress, save money and. precious time.. If you want to focus on what you can control, buying less stuff is something you can immediately start doing to mprove your life. We aren't saying you shoudn't buy those shoes, or that item that makes you happy (yes, buy the shoes)  but be intentional about the things you buy so you can free up more of you precious time and money for things you will enjoy. That means don't get things you don't need because they are on sale, learn about the common clutter and shopping traps most of use to avoid loneliness, boredom or to seek joy in the wrong places.    Also, on a macro level, when we buy less junk, or things that we don't realy need, we add less garbage to our planet.  Collectively, we can shift how we spend our resources!

In one of the most important and timely conversations on our podcast, Izabella Tabarovsky shares her research in tracing the roots of anti-zionism rhetoric to the Soviet Union. Izabella's article,  “Zombie Anti-Zionism” for Tablet magazine shares the striking similarities between today's anti-Israel language and Soviet propaganda from the 1960s to the 1980s, revealing a dangerous connection that many are unaware of. Izabella explains how this rhetoric, which demonizes Zionism and Israel, has been meticulously and expertly transmitted to the West and passionately adopted by the global left.  We discuss Izabella's process of tracing the origins of anti-zionism to the communist party of the Soviet Union and cover some of the channels, major players, publications and methods that allowed it to infiltrate American society. Izabella's research shows the explosive growth of this rhetoric after the 1967 Six day Arab-Israeli war.  When Israel won the war, the Soviet Union started to see that there was an Israeli and US alliance, with Zionists firmly aligned with the West against the USSR and its allies. Izabella shares the significant influence of Soviet propaganda, the role of third-world publications, and the geopolitical chess moves that led to the widespread, and highly successful adoption of anti-Zionist rhetoric as a “peace movement”. Similarly to the discredited and fraudulent Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the anti-zionist rhetoric coming from the modern left, is an echo of Soviet led propaganda that equated zionism with fascism, colonialism, and portrayed zionists as traitors to their homeland.  If you want to know the historical context of the propaganda around the Israel-Gaza war, and the origins of today's anti-Israel, anti-zionist movements, do NOT miss this conversation, and please share it with a friend.  https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/zombie-anti-zionism (08:26) Why did the Soviets invest such an incredible amount of resources into propaganda (14:23) More people from the former Soviet Union know about Angela Davis than Americans do (19:30) Mahmoud M. Abbas and the Soviet Union Connection (24:21) How Anti zionist language came  from the Soviet Union (31:51) Today's language is even more radical than we had in the seventies and eighties Please stop by and say hello to us on Instagram @meantforit.   Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here on substack. or email us directly at contact@meantforit.com  - we do a happy dance  when we get listener emails .   Quotes: "What we hear on college campuses is not criticism, it's demonization of Zionism in Israel." "The Soviets invested an incredible amount of resources into this propaganda." "The Soviets had geopolitical interests in targeting Israel, and in targeting Zionism as an ideology." "So today, essentially, the dividing line is that Zionists are people who believe that Israel has a right to exist." "The Soviets completely redefined the word Zionism." "For us, the United States most certainly was a force for good."  

Jessica Tarlov, the co-host and democratic voice on Fox Channel's "The Five" is back to share her insights on the current political landscape, the election cycle, and the recent DNC.  We discuss the importance of moderate voices in today's polarized political climate, her optimistic outlook, and the key issues shaping the upcoming election. Whether you agree with her or not, Jessica's informed and balanced perspective is  informed and refreshing.  Join us as we cover everything from foreign policy to domestic issues and the future of American politics. Our first podcast with Jessica from April 2024 Watch Jessica on The Five Please stop by and say hello to us on Instagram @meantforit. visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here on substack. or email us directly at contact@meantforit.com  - we do a happy dance  when we get listener emails .   A few topics we covered: (03:53) Democrats are feeling relief about the candidate switch (16:01) It feels like the entire election is really a  personality vote (22:37) “Baruch” Shapiro came out early for Obama in 2008 (25:37) How big money is corrupting democracy (32:16) Immigration issues (37:36) How Kamala is injecting optimism into the Democratic presidential campaign

In this life deeply soulful conversation we speak with  Nicole Avant to discuss her  tribute to her mom in her new book  "Think You'll Be Happy." We explore themes from Nicole's book including living a life centered around  love of family, community, the arts, gratitude and serving others. Nicole's mindset is an example of the power of  positive energy and the importance of being a blessing to others, no matter the circumstances. Nicole talks about her upbringing in a household filled with love, wisdom, and how she learned from so many wonderful people that were friends with her parents. Nicole's parents, Clarence Avant and Jacqueline Avant were both extraordinary leaders in the music industry and in their communities. The Avant  home was a meeting place for some of America's greatest artists and leaders such as Ella Fitzgerald, Maya Angelou, the Clintons and the Obamas. Despite her glamorous and successful life, Nicole remains humble and grounded, attributes she credits to her mother's teachings. We discuss how Nicole intentionally turned a tragedy into a source of inspiration, the importance of traditional values and the impact of small acts of kindness.  We know you will not forget the lessons Nicole shares on being good, spreading good, supporting people who are grieving and choosing to  be the blessing every day of your life.  Nicole Avant https://thinkyoullbehappy.com Nicole's father Clarence Avant Clarence Avant, Mighty Engine Behind Black Superstars, Dies at 92 Please stop by and say hello on Instagram @meantforit. visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here on substack. or email us directly at contact@meantforit.com. Zoom in: (00:00) Nicole Avant's new book is about love and gratitude (05:22) The book is focused on grit, grace, and gratitude (09:10) How your mother taught you to be the blessing (16:20) This book really made me want to be a better friend (22:13) You left your ambassadorship in the Bahamas to support your family (27:08) In your book, you talk about bullying among children in today's society (34:00) Your mom taught you to always be grateful. What are some of your favorite life lessons (38:26) You talk a lot about energy and intuition in the book (42:27) You talk about learning from your ancestors, and your father had incredible life story (46:11) Investment in the arts (51:35) Lessons from Nicole's mom (55:25) Paying it forward (59:47) Lead with generosity. Really is the message out of this book  

Are you tired of the constant stream of bad news? Angus Hervey shares his story of being a depressed news junkie overwhelmed by negativity to a source of hope through his good news site,  Fix the News. Angus discusses the negativity bias in the media and how it skews our perception of the world. He explains that while the news often focuses on what's wrong, there's a wealth of positive progress happening globally that goes unreported. Angus's Ted Talk We discuss the importance of  shifting the narrative from problems to solutions, particularly in areas like climate change, where positive developments are often overlooked. Angus explains how a deliberate pursuit of good news changed his outlook on the world, improved his mental well-being and his approach to parenting. Teachers and parents are using his newsletter to have more balanced and hopeful conversations with children. Angus' work is filing overwhelming gap in mass media. Since most people don't have the time to search for good news, buy subscribing to Fix the News newsletter, you can also have a more accurate picture of the world. When you balance the negative with the positive it is more likely to inspire action since the world doesn't seem so hopeless.  Subscribe to Fix the News here Memorable Quotes "Optimism isn't a reaction to the world around me. It's a choice by which you can navigate the world around you." "For every story of death, disaster, and destruction, I can very easily tell a story of kindness, connection, and hope." "The future is going to be messy and unpredictable and chaotic, but I don't think that we're all doomed." "We need to shift our focus now and start talking about the solutions as a way to get more action."   (00:00) Introduction and the concept of Fix the News (05:20) The negativity bias in media (10:45) Finding good news: sources and strategies (15:30) Personal transformation through positive news (20:15) Impact of positive news on society (25:50) Challenges of running a good news media outlet (30:10) The role of good news in education and parenting (35:00) Angus' early influences and personal background (40:15) Final thoughts and future goals for Fix the News Find us on Instagram @meantforit. You can also visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here or email us at contact@meantforit.com.  

Sophia Khalifa, an engineer, working on AI at Amazon AWS, has a story we need to hear. Sophia is a muslim Bedouin Arab,  born and raised in Israel. In Sophia's culture and community,  girls traditionally do not receive an education, but Israeli policies mandating schooling for all children, changed her entire life. Sophia graduated from Tel Aviv University with a BS in Electrical Engineering, moved to the US, worked as an engineer for Intel, received her MBA from Stanford, and started working at Amazon leading trust and safety for generative AI. SInce October 7, Sophia's life changed again when she added activism to areas where she excels.    Sophia says, “ ​​if ​Israel ​was ​not ​established, ​I ​probably ​would ​be, ​ ​illiterate, ​married ​to ​my ​cousin ​and ​herding ​sheep, ​somewhere ​in ​Galilee. ​Because ​that ​was ​ ​generation ​after ​generation. ​That's ​the ​culture ​that ​we ​had ​but ​Israel ​actually ​up ​leveled ​the ​field ​for ​the ​Arabs. ​And ​if ​you ​look ​at ​the ​number ​of ​like ​20% ​of ​the ​population ​of ​citizens ​and ​the ​population ​in ​Israel ​are ​Arabs. ​Most ​of ​them ​are ​Muslims. ​ And ​in ​universities ​today, ​the ​percent ​of ​Arabs ​pursuing ​bachelor ​degree ​is ​20%, ​same ​as ​their ​percent ​of ​the ​population.”   As a muslim Arab who grew up in Israel straddling two cultures, Sophia speaks from first hand experience about the  cultural divisions in Israel. In our conversation, Sophia dispels the damaging lies against Israel as an apartheid state guilty of genocide and oppressing Arabs. Sophia breaks down how each of these lies is absurdly false and how the repulsive jew hatred that is poisoning our society and hijacking the social justice movement should concern all of us. Sophia tells us that the real problem is not Israel vs Hamas, it is the western world vs. radical Islam.    Sophia emphasizes the importance of identifying Islamist antisemitism, and the need for honest conversation about this global threat. Sophia says, “​The ​second ​part ​of ​the ​medina ​and ​the ​jihad ​is ​actually ​a ​political ​movement ​ ​that ​has ideology, ​and ​all ​ideologies ​have ​some ​utopia ​of ​what ​the ​society ​should ​be. ​And ​according ​to ​the ​islamist utopia  ​is ​you ​should ​have ​the ​Sharia ​law. ​All ​should ​be ​abiding ​by ​the ​Sharia ​law. ​You're ​either ​muslim ​or ​you're an ​infidel. ​And ​if ​you're ​infidel, ​you ​don't ​deserve ​to ​live. ​So ​we ​really ​need ​to ​understand ​what's ​happening ​here.”   When we talked about those who try to attack Sophia's honesty  because her experience doesn't match up with the story they believe about Israel, Sophia had wise words, “first ​they ​try ​to ​spread ​lies. ​ ​And ​then ​when ​you're ​able ​to ​fight ​against ​it ​because ​you're ​sharing ​the ​facts, ​the ​truth, ​then ​they ​try ​to ​discredit ​you.”   Must Read Quotes from this episode: “​​And ​then ​I ​think ​that ​as ​long ​as ​you're ​using ​this ​social ​justice ​language, ​you ​are ​kind ​of ​like ​protected, ​you ​are ​righteous,  ​and ​then ​that ​gives ​you ​the ​legitimacy ​to ​say ​anything. ​But ​no ​one ​comes ​and ​tries ​to ​question ​what ​you're ​saying. And ​what ​is ​happening ​is ​that ​we ​have ​the, ​•, ​islamist, ​anti ​Semitism. ​And ​I'm ​not ​saying ​Muslim. ​I'm ​saying ​islamist, ​extreme ​Islam, ​antisemitism ​that ​is ​exploiting ​that ​language ​and ​using ​that” “​They ​try ​to ​be ​for ​the ​oppressed, ​for ​women's ​rights, ​for ​LGBTQ ​rights ​and ​all ​that they're ​trying ​to ​be ​on ​the ​right ​side ​of ​history. So ​they ​hear ​that ​social ​justice ​lingo ​about ​like, ​ah, ​genocide, ​colonialism, ​white ​supremacy  Which ​is ​like, ​if ​you ​went ​to ​Israel, ​you ​would ​laugh ​to ​think ​that ​this ​is ​like ​white ​supremacy. ​You ​cannot ​tell ​the ​difference ​between ​a ​Jew ​and ​Arab ​in ​Israel.” “But ​all ​of ​a ​sudden, ​your ​teacher, ​someone ​that ​you ​look ​up ​to, ​come ​to ​you ​and ​tells ​you ​you ​don't ​have a ​future. ​ ​I ​felt ​like ​so ​helpless ​in ​those ​moments. ​But ​then ​luckily, ​I ​have ​this ​critical ​thinking ​that ​today ​is ​missing ​from ​our ​college ​students a​nd  ​I ​saw ​that ​my ​experience ​with ​the ​jewish ​people ​is ​different. ​It's ​not ​what ​he's ​saying. ​So ​he ​probably ​doesn't ​know ​what ​he's ​talking ​about, ​or ​maybe ​he ​knows, ​but ​he's ​like ​lying ​to ​us. ​And ​I ​just, ​just ​ignored ​it.” "The hate to the Jews is more important and stronger than the love for their own future." "We need to understand that this is the thing that is going to take our liberty, in the name of being liberal or tolerating other people." "The problem here, it's not Israel versus Palestine. It's really about extreme Islam, who is trying to take power and control all over the world." "I stand for my truth, and I don't care what people think about it."   (00:00) Sophia is grateful that Israel made education mandatory for all children (05:55) People are using this word to label Israel as an apartheid state (08:34) I think that antisemitism is not something that ever disappeared (17:57) Sophia: Americans have a lack of understanding of fundamentalism (19:37) Sophia's growing up in Israel (25:21) Sophia's experiences in Israel on 9/11 happened (29:25) A turning point for Sopha when your friend told you she wanted to a suicide bomber (57:29) Arab Israelis support of a two state solution (01:00:37) Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2005 (01:03:19) Everyone should be united against Hamas (01:05:31) First step in solving problem is being explicit about what the problem is   Find us on Instagram @meantforit. You can also visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here or email us contact@meantforit.com.  

In this episode,  Susan Griffin-Black, co-founder of EO Products, shares her story.  Susan tells us about her path from her early days in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to becoming a pioneer in the natural products industry. Raised by a father who was an early feminist and advocate for women's economic empowerment, Susan's entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured from a young age. She recounts her experiences in the fashion industry, opening her first retail store in San Francisco, and eventually co-founding EO Products. In 1995, Susan founded EO Essential Oils, starting with a few essential oil blends. Her vision was to create a company that she would want to work for, one that prioritized sustainability, community, and holistic well-being. Over the years, EO has grown significantly, becoming a trusted name in the natural products industry. Susan's story is one of intentional living. Susan's dedication to holistic, sustainable practices has been unwavering. "Our premise was we wanted to create a company that we would want to work for. And so what does that look like?” Susan's Buddhist spiritual practice has also been a guiding force, helping her navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Susan has always believed in meeting people not for what they can do for you, but to understand their journey and learn from their experiences. As EO Essential Oils approaches its 30th anniversary, Susan is optimistic about the future. She plans to continue growing the business while staying true to its core values. New products are in the pipeline, and there are exciting plans to celebrate this milestone with the community. Susan Griffin's journey is a reminder and model  that success is not just about financial achievements but about values based living.  We hope Susan's story inspires you to stay committed to your dreams.  We also discuss the months when it was a struggle for Susan to make payroll and a living wage. It was not easy, but the alignment of values, purpose, great products and smart business decisions led to EO's success. Susan says, “You just have to collectively aim for the highest good for the most amount of people. Always, always, always." Memorable Quotes "I've had a Buddhist spiritual practice for 30 years. This is, I don't care what all of the external voices are saying, but if I go down this path, it's just not aligned with my values." "Our premise was we wanted to create a company that we would want to work for. And so what does that look like?  "Essential oils are like very, very distilled flowers and plants and bark and, you know, all sorts of plant material, but they have so much vitality." “You just have to collectively aim for the highest good for the most amount of people. Always, always, always." EO Products  

Steve Leder, Head Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, is one of the country's most influential rabbis and the author of 5 life changing books. Rabbi Leder joins us for second podcast to discuss topics such as the foundations of Jewish faith, fascinating historical anecdotes, the problems within DEI, the role of education in Judaism, mental health and addiction,  Did you know that the founding fathers of the United States considered adopting Hebrew as the official language? Or that Napoleon played a pivotal role in the emancipation of European Jews?  Whether you're deeply religious, spiritually curious, or simply a lover of history, there will be something for you in this discussion.  Topics Discssed (01:01) Differences between Judaism and Christianity, The Jewish emphasis on ethical behavior (09:00) The idea that Jews are white eastern european colonizers is absurd (18:23) The problem with diversity, equality and inclusion (31:14) Hate of Jews subordinates the rest of their entire identity (36:32) The democratic party no longer represents the working class (38:40) As it relates to God and religion, how much do you think our country has veered (56:13) I was not capable of balancing it, which is why I'm stepping aside (01:04:41) Painkiller addiction and how it changed your life (01:16:45) Spirituality is the sanctification of the ordinary  

Join us as Joan Barnes, the founder of Gymboree, she shares  her journey from a young woman seeking community into a powerhouse businesswoman. Gymboree started as a mommy and me play center in Marin County, California that eventually Joan led to a successful franchise business and chain of international children's clothing stores. At the time of Gymboree's blockbuster IPO in 1993, the company had annual revenue of $86.3M. In 2010, Bain Capital acquired the company for $1.8 billion!  In this truthful conversation, Joan shares her  unorthodox approach to business, motherhood, domestic life, her struggles with bulimia, and the personal sacrifices she made when putting her work first.  Joan's insights on the challenges of balancing professional ambition with personal happiness are as relevant today as they were during her time with Gymboree. This episode and Joan's book, Pay it Forward,  will be fascinating for entrepreneurs who like to hear behind the scenes stories about companies that made it to  the exhilarating  day of a successful IPO.  Joan shares the challenges of accepting VC funding and balancing a family life with a growing franchise This is not the story about having it all, partially because Joan knew she didn't want it all, and also because a complete focus on her business, resulted in sacrificing her marriage and spiraling deeper into bulimia. Today, Joan has found peace with her family, friends and knowing that  she made bold choices and stayed true to herself. So, sit down or take this podcast for a walk as we have a real conversation with a woman who despite the odds, always knew she was meant to be a trailblazer.    Notable Quotes from Joan Barnes: "Professional friendships are not the same when you don't have that job anymore." "I'm a cheerleader, not a caretaker." "We all know what to do. It sometimes takes us a while to, you know, uncover it all." "I wouldn't do anything differently because you kind of are who you are."   Topics Discussed: (00:00) Joan's early life and her path to entrepreneurship  (09:29) The societal pressures and personal challenges of motherhood  (13:40) The inception and global success of Gymboree  (25:20) Joan's battle with bulimia and her road to recovery  (44:00) Life after Gymboree: Embracing spirituality and letting go  (49:33) The importance of listening to your heart and making conscious choices Find us on Instagram @meantforit. You can also visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here or email us contact@meantforit.com We jump with joy when we hear from you. Unless it's negative, then we may stomp a bit..     

In this short podcast,  we talk about how to shift your perspective about making a difference in the world. It is so easy to compare ourselves with others and to feel that we aren' doing enough in our lives to make a difference in the world. What if we consider that the way we choose to live our day-to-day life is our personal activism  / impact.  Making a difference isn't only about huge professional achievements, it is also about the daily interactions and the kindness we share with our family, our friends and the people who cross our path. From opening a door, complimenting someone, be gentle and thoughtful with your family, to getting to know the people in our communities,  let these micro-acts of positivity fill you up.  If you also fall into the loops of feeling bad about your day job,, this is a reminder that our jobs don't define our impact on the world—it's the type of person we are from dawn till dusk that matters. If you are uncertain about your influence in the world, we hope this is a gentle nudge to feel good about the power and importance of your everyday actions Connect with us on Instagram @meantforit and share your thoughts via email at contact@meantforit.com. Don't forget to visit www.meantforit.com for more episodes that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the small yet significant victories of daily life. Want to contiune ths convesation?  Find us on Instagram @meantforit. You can also visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here or email us contact@meantforit.com      

If you decide to divorce a narcissist this is a must-listen episode.  Dr. Ramani, the world's leading expert on narcissism, joins us for a third episode to discuss what you can expect during a divorce. We cover the emotional landmines, legal traps and issues you are likely to struggle with even long after your divorce. Your ex may start to behave in ways you never expected, like suddenly becoming a father who is completely devoted to sharing custody. We cover the best and worst-case scenarios of ending a marriage with a narcissist, including a quick settlement to the torture of vindictive custody battles. Dr. Ramani also offers valuable guidelines for getting through the divorce. We cover the importance of choosing a divorce attorney who understands narcissism and why you must be prepared to be meticulous in your activities and always document your communication with your ex. Dr. Ramani suggest you use an app such as My Family Wizard to communicate so it is documented and admissible in court. We also discuss the emotional impact on children and the long-term consequences of growing up with a narcissistic parent. Doctor Ramani shares invaluable advice on supporting your children and there is a hopeful reminder:  Every child needs just one truly loving and  supportive adult to thrive, and the suffering they endure in a divorce can be transformed into strength and resilience. Previous Episodes with Dr. Ramani Dr. Ramani's Guide to Dealing with Narcissists at Work Dr. Ramani on Dealing with the Narcissists in Your Life Notable Quotes from Doctor Ramani "You're going to war, and you have to be prepared for that." "Narcissistic people are novelty seekers. They do tend to lose interest in situations, but as long as the kids represent a place of power, they will fight that right to the end." "Be present, be attuned, be loving, be all the things you want to be with that child." "The courts are about parental rights. It's not about child's rights." Topics Discussed: (00:00) Doctor Ramani offers advice on dealing with a narcissist during a divorce (09:29) You need to document everything that happens with your children (13:40) There are two mistakes people make when going through divorce proceedings (25:20) When you have a child with a narcissistic person, your kids are carrying legacy burden (44:00) Legal system for divorces involving children (49:33) Do narcissistic parents ever stop fighting over children?  Connect with us on Instagram @meantforit and share your thoughts via email at contact@meantforit.com. Visit www.meantforit.com for more episodes that offer guidance, light and community.

In this episode we discuss all things femtech with Healthcare Law Lawyer, Advisor and Portfolia FemTech Fund Partner Delphine O'Rourke. We get into what FemTech is, why it's so important for women to invest and support this sector, and how you can help. In case you haven't noticed, in the past, VCs have overlooked products designed for women primarily because they don't understand the needs or the market   When you invest in or support FemTech, your contributions help the market develop innovations that address issues like osteoporosis, menopause, fertility and many more opportunities that will help women live better and longer lives..  According to Market.us, the Global FemTech Market size is projected to surpass around USD 127.1 Billion by 2033! For example, have you ever considered why the dreaded speculum used in annual ob-gyn exams has not been updated since the 1800's? Neither did we until Delphine mentioned it.  Whether you're an experienced investor or just curious about how to get started, this episode may cause a paradigm shift in how you think about investing. As a Fund Partner at Portfolia, Delphine is part of a team that decides what start-ups to invest in. We discuss how you can also join a Portfolia fund with a minimum $10k if you are an accredited investor. if you enjoy this topic, don't miss our podcast with Portfolia founder and venture capital pioneer, Trish Costello, and our podcast with Ida Tin, the woman who coined the term Femtech! Want to talk more about this?  Find us on Instagram @meantforit. You can also visit our website at www.meantforit.com, and sign up for our newsletter here or email us. contact@meantforit.com. Notable Quotes from Delphine: "We need to move medicine for women out of the 1900's, 1800's into modern medicine." "We make 92% of consumer decisions, 82% of healthcare decisions." "Shifting the contraceptive burden is highly impactful and that's what we look for." "We want to make our money work for us and it's just sitting in a checking account. The financial gap, the pay gap, will just continue and compound." Podcast Chapters: (03:48) Femtech is where technology intersects with women's health (07:35) The stark reality of women's health innovation and the need for change (15:10) The potential of wearable bone technology and its impact on osteoporosis (18:59) Portfolia invested in a male contraceptive that is reversible (22:55) Maven's success story and the shifting role of employers in healthcare (29:29) Why investment education is critical for women (32:53) Exploring why men haven't invested in women's health historically (37:35) Every woman will go through menopause unless she dies (43:03) An accredited investor is someone who is eligible to invest in credit funds (49:56) We know we have a loneliness crisis in the United States (53:03) Maven provides women's health remotely through telemedicine  

Head Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles ( rabbi for a large congregation incuding many stars) is our guest for this episode.  Rabbi Leder, one of the country's most influential rabbis and the author of 5 life changing books,  joins us to discuss the radicalization and chaos on university campuses. We invited Rabb Leder to discuss his latest book, For You When I am Gone, but first wanted to address the Jew hatred inflaming US universities so we have split our conversation in two parts. In this episode,  Rabbi Leder breaks down the rise of Jew hatred on college campuses, tracing its roots back to a decades-long campaign of indoctrination. There was a very organized and well funded campaign leading to today's moment.  But, it's not all doom and gloom and there are huge reasons to be optimistic.  Rabbi Leder shares how  peace with Saudi Arabia can transform the world and shift the power away from the regimes choosing to make war and hatred their top priority. If you doubt that is possible, consider Israel's peace treaty with Jordan, Egypt and normalized relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. Despite the desperate attempts of Iran to keep the world inflamed with hate and war, we need to unite and stay focused on peace.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand what the f&^(&( is happening across the US.  And remember, in the words of Rabbi Leder, "Peace is an environment in which conflict can be addressed with civility and respect." Connect with us on Instagram @meantforit and reach out via email at contact@meantforit.com with your thoughts or suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.meantforit.com for more episodes that challenge, inspire, and drive us towards a world where understanding wins over division. If you leave us a review on iTunes, we'll be overjoyed with gratitude! Sign up for our newsletter here Topics Discussed: (03:22) The origins of campus protests and the 25-year groundwork (09:15) How economic disparity and victim identity fuel current unrest (17:40) The hope for peace in the Middle East and its implications (26:50) Addressing the conflation of Palestinian rights and extremist agendas (31:10) The importance of fighting for the rational middle ground in society Notable Quotes: Today's college anti-Israel protests are "The bearing of fruit of a tree planted 25 years ago." "This is straight up Jew hatred, and Jew hatred has been inculcated into this community to the degree that hatred subordinates every other value these people claim to live by." "Peace is an environment in which conflict can be addressed with civility and respect." "The greatest threat and the greatest enemy to a better life for Palestinians is Hamas and Hezbollah and Iran and Qatar and the Islamic brotherhood." "The news is not the world. The news is just the collection of stories that will sell the most commercials. It's entertainment."  

Have you ever wondered why scandals slide off certain politicians like water? Jessica Tarlov, co-host of Fox News Channel's The Five, cable's highest-rated program, actually did her PHD dissertation examining how scandals impact politicians' careers. As the lone, democratic voice on The Five, Jessica shares how she handles the daily debates and how she decides to pick her battles. Given our upcoming elections, Jessica has a lot of thoughts on this topic including the phenomena of teflon Don. Jessica loves her job on The Five and feels fortunate for the opportunity to bring alternative opinions and analysis to the most important news stories.    Topics Discussed (04:10) Political economy professor says none of Trump's scandals have affected his popularity (10:32) People reject the direction that the Democratic Party is going (19:29) 40% of Americans now identify as an independent (21:00) Thoughts on how Fox is covering the Israel war compared to other networks (24:49) What's going on on college campuses (40:25) What it's like to work on The Five   SIGN UP FOR OUR newsletter here Connect with us on Instagram @meantforit and reach out via email at contact@meantforit.com with your thoughts or suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.meantforit.com for more inspiring stories, and if you leave us a review on iTunes, we'll  do a little dance of joy.

Jared Armstrong, a professional basketball, is using his love for sports as a tool for uniting, educating, and creating social change in our kids and communities. Growing up in the vastly different environments of the Maryland suburbs and the inner city of Philadelphia, Jared learned to move between different cultures, ethnicities and religions. Jared's love for basketball, led him to play professionally in Israel, and Jared's desire to help others led to starting Jab Camp, a sports camp with a goal of connecting kids of different religions and backgrounds.  We love Jared's passion and commitment to using sports as a tool for positive change. We discuss the importance of introducing kids to diversity early on. While it's easier to send your kids to the same local camp where their friends are going, getting uncomfortable, and stretching yourself to be around people different than you is where the magic happens. https://www.jaredarmstrong.net/about-jared  

Grit, resilience, strong values and a work ethic instilled in her from a young age propelled Jane from her dirt poor Iowa upbringing to an executive role at Microsoft. We discuss Jane's new book, "Worthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft,"  and the story that led her to a life she never could have imagined. When a door opened, Jane leapt through it and went all in. When she felt like a fraud, and was flooded with fear and insecurity, she kept going. When she felt like she didn't belong among the upper middle ivy leaguers, she kept going. Jane wants you to know r that your background does not define your future. If you find it hard to relate to people who have all the answers, and don't have major issues they are struggling with, this is the book for you. Jane is open about all of it, including her recovery from the bulimia that nearly destroyed her.  From the Jane's Gottman Institute bio: "Unwilling to let circumstances, fear or others define her, Jane was penniless and married at 20, earned an MBA at 24, saw the ocean at 25, commuted to South America each week at 31, brought two sons into the world by 35, was a millionaire at 37, and one of the top 10 women at Microsoft at 40.  By 52, Jane had launched three billion-dollar businesses, been VP of the largest merger in the history of the US, forged global alliances, won lots of awards and left a legacy of strong leaders in her wake. Along the way to the corner office, Jane was hit on, spit on, shot at, yelled at, a zero and a hero. She's been called a bulldog, a bitch, an idiot and brilliant, all in the same week. Married to her high school sweetheart, Jane lives in Washington state and works to make a difference, serving on boards including Boys & Girls Clubs, writing, speaking, and consulting.    Connect with us on Instagram @meantforit and reach out via email at contact@meantforit.com with your thoughts or suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.meantforit.com for more inspiring stories, and if you leave us a review on iTunes, we'll celebrate with a happy dance! Favorite Quotes: "I never look at a no as a no. I always think of it as a not yet." "I'm no longer afraid to be afraid. And that being afraid means that I am stretching, I am growing, I am trying to do something I've never done before." "Nobody has the full meal deal. Know what you're good at, embrace that and own it." "If you don't claim what you're good at or take the time to know it, and you only think about what you're not good at, you stay small, you stay afraid." "The secrets that kill. In sharing your secrets and having the courage to share your secrets, that's when you heal." "It's okay to be great at things and to say that and to know it, because that enables other people to be great at things and to know that too." "You've had successes, whether it's in school or a job or something, and that is all translatable." "I worked my heine off and I took jobs that required me to travel overseas when my child was one and a half years old and commute." "Everybody has a secret. And it's the secrets that kill." ---

If you have ever dreaded going to work because of a nightmare colleague or manager you are  not alone. Dr. Ramani joins us again to discuss a topic rarely discussed in corporate environments: narcissism in the workplace. Did you know narcissists are more likely to be found in certain professions and certain high-status jobs within competitive, elitist environments, such as finance, law, media, entertainment, and even certain medical fields.  From extreme competitiveness to gaslighting, Dr Ramani gives examples and  discusses the subtle tactics narcissistic bosses use to keep talented employees from advancing and creating a 'frozen talent' scenario that keeps high performers stuck in the same roles. Hiding information, stealing ideas, gaslighting, colluding behind your back are all examples of narcissistic behavior at work. What can you do if you find yourself in a toxic environment? Dr. Ramani has a few suggestions. If you've ever felt alone in your workplace struggles or unsure how to handle a narcissistic colleague or boss, this episode is a must-listen.  Quotes: "Narcissistic bosses absolutely sap people's talent." "Workplace bullying is actually not against the law." "Me Too was not a women's movement. Me Too was a narcissism movement." “It's almost like corporations are almost like cults, right? They have their messaging, they have their programming, they have their leader." Topics Discussed Introduction to the podcast discussion on dealing with narcissism in the corporate workforce. Dr. Ramani highlights the industries where narcissistic behavior is prevalent. Identifying narcissistic traits in the workplace, such as lack of empathy and secretive communication, gaslighting, colluding. Importance of documenting interactions for protection in toxic work environments.  Strategies for setting boundaries and handling confrontations with narcissistic individuals. Leveraging documentation to address HR concerns and ensure psychological safety in the workplace. Encouragement to find allies and mentors within and outside the organization. Seeking reality checks from mentors on industry standards and strategic decision-making support. Naricssism in other countries Why The Devil Wears Prada movie does not reperesent a narcissist    Connect with us on Instagram @meantforit and reach out via email at contact@meantforit.com with your thoughts or suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.meantforit.com for more inspiring stories, and if you leave us a review on iTunes, we'll celebrate with a happy dance! We use Fireflies.Ai to transcribe our podcasts and we love the accuracy of the transcripts, the summary, outline and chapters help us find key highlighs. If you need an AI notetaker to 5x your efficiency give it a try. Sign up here! (we promise that we only promote products we love)

Dr. Stanger works with families to help them recover and get their loved ones back from substance addiction. Dr. Stanger is also the mother of a previous guest, Shelby Stanger who shared how outdoor adventures shaped her life. Dr. Louise Stanger and Shelley Stanger are also our first mother and daughter guests on the podcast (how cool is that?!) In this episode, we discuss what an introductory call with Dr. Stanger is like and how to pay for interventions or how to find other resource options through SAHMSA for people who can't afford an interventionist.  Dr. Stanger has helped thousands of families with interventions and speaks with passion about her work,"I love it. Love it. I absolutely love it”, says Dr. Stanger.   Dr. Stanger's own family history with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide allows her to understand the pain families are feeling. Dr. Stanger's expertise and dedication remind us that even in life's darkest moments, there are people who have devoted their lives to helping others recover. To learn more about Dr. Stanger's work, visit her website and sign up for her blog. And if you know a family in need of an intervention, you can confidently refer them to Dr. Stanger. Dr. Stanger Shelby Stanger SAMHSA Dr. Stanger's Books on Amazon

When Graham Cochrane had to choose between his lifelong dream of being in a rock band or supporting his new family, he made the biggest pivot of his life. Newly married, on food stamps and between jobs, Graham had an idea to help musicians by sharing his knowledge of audio engineering and music. Shortly after Graham started creating online courses and videos to help people with audio engineering, his new career as an online sales rockstar was launched.  We love that even during Graham's most challenging times on food stamps, he and his wife committed to donating a portion of their income to charity. They have kept that practice and these days are ,giving an astonishing 50% of their earnings to charity. Graham says,"we committed to increase our standard of giving every year, not just our standard of living.".  If you want to capitalize and earn money in your online business or by sharing what you know. Listen in for tips on how to make it happen.  

Dana Perino, Fox News, Co-anchor America's Newsroom, Co-host The Five, host of Perino on Politics, Former Press Secretary to George W. Bush returns to Meant For It. In addition to learning about Dana's early influences and her career path, we touch on several issues of the day including news on social media, the Israel war and the time Dana met Putin. Dana also gives us the scoop on what hobby has been keeping her busy in the evenings. We're hoping Dana's new hobby leads her to a certain reality TV show for celebrities that has been on TV for over twenty seasons… Most importantly, Dana reminds us that there have been times in US history when the country has been just as or even more divided and we pulled through to greater days. So if you find yourself in a panic about domestic politics, remember these words from Dana, "our system is the best system of an imperfect set of possibilities, and it does correct itself." Dana Perino's advice on where to go for news: “So that's all to say that I don't know how people are going to get their news. All I can advise people is that I still think there are trusted news sources by the brands that you recognize. And even though you might say, I feel like they're biased one way or the other, thinking people can factor that in, maybe read both types of papers if you have time.” Our first podcast with Dana is here where Dana shares her career path.   Topics covered:: Dana's Attributes leading to success The power of gratitude and discipline in achieving success. Perspectives on national division and the role of social media. The disproportionate media focus on the Middle East. Dana shared experiences meeting Putin and interactions with President Bush. If you're inspired by Dana's journey and insights, please this episode with a friend and click “follow”https://www.instagram.com/meantforit/ Dana's Podcast Recommendations: Call me back with Dan Senior Podcasts Dana listens to: Three Martini Lunch Podcast Three Commentary Podcast Tim Dillon Podcast Connect with us on Instagram @meantforit and reach out via email at contact@meantforit.com with your thoughts or suggestions for future episodes. Visit www.meantforit.com for more inspiring stories, and if you leave us a review on iTunes, we'll celebrate with a happy dance!  

Ashira Solomon is an international Public Speaker and co-host of The Quad, Israel's version of “The View”, covering everything Israel and Jewish from the unique female perspective. In our conversation with Ashira, she offers an inside view into her journey, including how her grandmother's dying wish to go to Israel altered the trajectory of her life, leading her from Livermore, California to Jerusalem. Through her personal story, Ashira highlights her deep connection to Israel, her decision to live there after completing her degrees in California, and her conversion to Judaism.  Our conversation covers Ashira's experiences as a black woman in Israel, the evolution of her political views, what it really feels like to live and study in Israel,  and the difference in political discourse between Israel and the US. We explore topics such as identity politics, misconceptions about Israel, and Ashira's activism.    Zoom in to a topic you want tp hear first: 00:30-4:41  Childhood, conversion to Judaism, and decision to study in Israel.  Experience studying terrorism, peace psychology, and learning Hebrew. 4:41-6:51 - Deepening connection to Israel, language, and people. - The start of the conversion process and sense of homecoming. Influences and Evolution 06:51-10:05 - Influence of family, advisors, and educational experiences. - Struggles with beliefs and identity. 10:05-14:50 - Reflections on creating unity amidst diverse perspectives. - Importance of international experiences and understanding. 14:50-37:19 - Efforts to unite black and Jewish communities. - Participation in events, discussions, and initiatives for impact and dialogue. Communication and Media Engagement 43:28 Final thoughts and call to action for building bridges and creating a better world. If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. We are on Instagram @meantforit Reach out to us anytime: contact@meanforit.com to say hello or recommend someone for a future episode. We are impatiently waiting to hear from you...! Go to our website www.meantforit.com for past episodes. If you leave us a review on itunes we'l do a little happy dance ( maybe on video)  

We are thrilled to share part 2 of our podcast with Tough Titties author Laura Belgray. If you have years of your life you would prefer to forget, relationships or lifestyle choices that make you cringe when you look back at them, Laura will empower you to reframe your life story, and possibly share it with others. As Laura says, what is the fun in reading about other people's success, when you can read about the juicy details of their struggles before they finally made it. After laughing your way through the chapters of Laura's life, go to Talkingshrimp.com, where Laura will teach you how to write copy that people actually want to read. Laura has classes and online materials that teach you how to write email lines that people want to open, and how to stop boring people with your writing. If your writing is already dazzling and witty, then you will still appreciate reading a memoir from someone who is truly a master at sharing just about everything. Part 1 of our conversation with Laura  Laura's website Buy Toughtitties   If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend and follow us on IG @meantforit Reach out to us anytime: contact@meanforit.com to say hello or recommend someone for a future episode. We would seriously love to hear from you! Go to our website www.meantforit.com for past episodes. If you leave us a review on itunes we'l do a little happy dance

Dr. Ramani Durvasula,  a licensed clinical psychologist, Founder and CEO of LUNA Education and author of several books joins us to share her wisdom and expertise on the topic of narcissism. You may not know it, but chances are high that there is a narcissistinc persoanlity somewhere in your life. In our conversation, we discuss ways to identify narciessists, common personality traits and the need to accept that narcisists don't change. We also delve into discussing the ideas that society benefits from narcissists that drive innovcation  and business, and the emotional pain that is higly likely in close relationships with narcissists. Dr. Ramani has millions of followers on social media and her work has been featured at SXSW, TEDx, Today Show, and Investigation Discovery. On YouTube, Dr. Ramani's short and informative videos have millions of views . The focus of Dr. Ramani's clinical, academic and consultative work is the impact of narcissism and high-conflict, entitled, antagonistic personality styles on human relationships, mental health, and societal expectations. Get Dr. Ramani's new Book: It's Not You Follow Dr. Ramani here: Instragram Youtube  If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with a friend! Follow us @meantforit, leave us a review,  email us: contact@meantforit.com Topics Discussed: Does society need narcissists? Advantages and disadvantages,  Understanding, naming,and addressing narcisstic behavior, toxic relationships, and healing from narcisstic abuse. Challenges faced by individuals dealing with narcissistic parents or partners in family court systems that may not prioritize child welfare over parental rights. Dr.Romani recommends support groups as well as self-education through reading books about the subject. Making excuses for toxic behavior. Being careful about to to share your experiences with because others may not believe them or undermine their feelings. Teaching children and adults about unhealthy behaviors and giving them permission to step away from uncomfortable situations.  How empathy can sometimes enable toxic behavior.  Integrating naricissim education into curricula on gender-based violence, domestic abuse, etc.

The Zibbyverse, founded by Zibby Owens, includes the podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books, and Zibby Media, which includes a publishing house, online magazine, Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA, retreats, classes, and events. As a lifelong book lover who dreamed of becoming a writer, Zibby was over the moon excited when she was dubbed “NYC's Most Powerful Book-fluencer”. In our conversation, Zibby shares why she believes books have the to power to connect us and why Zibby fell in love with writing and publishing. We discuss events from Zibby's life that are shared in Zibby's  memoir, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, and we hear about Zibby's debut novel “Blank” that comes out in March of 2024. And if all that is not enough, Zibby is also the mom of 4! How did she do it? Listen in to hear how not having time to read led to everything else in the Zibbyverse.

Sally Wolf is one of the most inspiring people we have talked to. If you don't believe us you can ask her classmates from her Stanford MBA program who voted her the "most inspiring" member of their class or her nephew who said she was the most positive person he knows. Sally spent two decades rising in the corporate sector in  the media industry working at NBCUniversal and Time Warner before a series of cancer diagnoses changed her life and career focus. Today, Sally is the Founder and CEO of LightWorks, and a stage IV cancer thriver providing wellbeing consulting to corporate clients. After listening to this conversation, we think you will agree that Sally excels at positive psychology and making people feel like they can overcome all their challenges. We are in awe of Sally's ability to live with tremendous gratitude, to make meaning of her cancer struggle and to live with an abundance of joy and determination to help others. In addition to everything above, Sally is also an expert pole dancer. Bet you didn't expect that to be Sally's hobby. Don't miss this unforgettable conversation with a beautiful woman. If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend and follow us on Instagram @meantforit Reach out to us anytime: contact@meanforit.com to say hello or recommend somone for a future episode. We would really, really love to hear from you. Sign up for our monthly newsletter with a curated list of our recommendations on what to read, watch, listen to and more.  

Shelby Stanger's formula is living life with adventure. When Shelby realized that adventure gave her energy, joy and confidence, she intentionally scheduled and prioritized adventure into her life. By choosing adventure, Shelby found love, a career she loved and a way to bring other people the same gifts. Shelby's book, Will to Wild, Adventures Great and Small to Change Your Life, shares what she has learned in her years covering adventurers. Shelby reveals the stories of adventure seekers such as hikers, surfers, runners, on how they faced their fears, got unstuck and found meaning and life guidance through their adventures. What we love about Shelby's story is how her life transformed and her life path emerged with each leap and decision Shelby made to choose authenticity and happiness. Shelby's advice for those who want to have their own adventure is to put down the deposit, and get ready for your world to expand. 

For Giving Tuesday we are reposting our podcast with the founder of One Simple Wish. After fostering and then adopting a newborn, Danielle found her life calling. A 2013 CNN Hero, Danielle has devoted herself to finding ways to help more than 400,000 children in foster care. Danielle founded One Simple Wish in 2008 with the goal of granting wishes to children in foster care across the country and those who've aged out of foster care. On One Simple Wish, people can  view wishes from foster children and make contributions that make those wishes come true. Wishes range from toys to school supplies, music lessons or trips to a theater or pool.  In our conversation, Danielle shares the deeply personal story that led her to foster care, her experiences with the foster system and why children in the foster system need our attention and support. If you have been thinking of ways to contribute and help others One Simple Wish was started with the goal of giving people an opportunity to connect with foster kids and easily make meaningful contributions.  Danielle is asking us to go to One Simple Wish and read the stories. She says, “just by you acknowledging their existence and their journey  and maybe sharing it with somebody else, or becoming more aware, you then become part of their village.” Research studies have shown a strong correlation between foster care and so many other critical issues in our society. Danielle's vision is to connect people with foster kids while bringing light and awareness to the system, that in turn will hopefully lead to positive change. Danielle says, “We need more people recognizing that our foster system is incredibly broken and it is all of our problem.“ If you enjoy this conversation, please share it with a friend and help us share Danielle's message and goal of helping kids in foster care. Topics Discussed: Danielle shares the story of how she started One Simple Wish, discussing the moment or series of events that led her to start the organization. She talks about the challenges faced and the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of children in foster care. 16:43 - 34:38: Danielle explains the importance of understanding the needs of foster children and young adults. She discusses the process of learning about their needs, collaborating with other agencies, and architecting the database to facilitate support and collaboration. 41:12 - 47:52  Danielle talks about the importance of creating personal connections with foster children and young adults. She discusses the organization's efforts to connect volunteers with young people in a deeper way through mentoring opportunities or advice and guidance. 52:52 - 56:47 Danielle encourages people to read the stories of the young people they support. She highlights the power of storytelling and invites people to ask questions and engage with the organization to become part of the community effort to help foster children. 56:53 - 1:04:38 Danielle shares insights into her day-to-day life running One Simple Wish. She discusses reading emails, granting wishes, and engaging in conversations with donors and young people. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and sharing her own story.

Lindsay Pinchuk was meant to be a  marketer and community builder. Listen to hear how Lindsay used her marketing experience to build her own 7-figure company, Bump Club and Beyond, that reached over 3 million users per month.  Lindsay has experience working with and creating activations for brands such as Target, Nordstrom, The Honest Company, ULTA, Huggies, Unilever, and hundreds more.   Today, Lindsay uses her 25 years of experience in creating and growing brands to help others. As the CEO of Lindsay Pinchuk Marketing + Consulting, Lindsay's company offers consulting, coaching, and speaking services to businesses of all sizes and stages. Lindsay also started Dear FoundHer, a top 2% podcast that helps female entrepreneurs build, scale, and sell their businesses.    In our conversation we discuss some of Lindsay's signature marketing strategies, her startup story and why Lindsay is so committed to helping other businesses and entrepreneurs. What I love most about Lindsay is her authenticity. When you speak with Lindsay what you see and hear is what you get, and what are you are getting is decades of marketing experience and and a force energy for getting things fearlessly, https://www.lindsaypinchuk.com/   If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend and follow us on Instagram @meantforit Reach out to us anytime: contact@meanforit.com to say hello or recommend somone for a future episode. We would really, really love to hear from you. Sign up for our monthly newsletter with a curated list of our recommendations on what to read, watch, listen to and more. Topics Discussed: Lindsay's approach to community building through events and speakers The importance of personal connection and building relationships with the community The significance of hosting events for marketing purposes Engaging the community through knowledge sharing and small group interactions Addressing Anti-Semitism Lindsay uses an email management system called Flow Desk for targeted communication. Lindsay cautions against relying too much on AI-generated content and encourages personalization.

Meet Lauren McGoodwin, the founder of Career Contessa. Lauren generously  shares the story of how she started her business, her motivation and how she built Career Contessa from an idea to the  leading career site for millennials offering career tips, career advice, job listings and career coaching.  Lauren shares her story of how she struggled to find her place after graduating from college, and how a role in recruiting gave her the idea for Career Contessa. From day one, Lauren has been driven to help people find the opportunities she could not find and to have the career advice so many of us are missing. For those of us who lack connections or career mentorship, Career Contessa wants to be your trusted advisor. In our conversation we discuss topics ranging from Lauren's book Power Moves,  to common career mistakes, “watering your own grass”, entitlement,  and how a false narrative of the perfect job can hurt your future. This is the advice we wish we had when we started our careers.  https://www.careercontessa.com/ Power Moves by Lauren McGoodwin The Career Contessa Podcast If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend and follow us on Instagram @meantforit Reach out to us anytime: contact@meanforit.com to say hello or recommend somone for a future episode. We would really, really love to hear from you. Sign up for our monthly newsletter with a curated list of our recommendations on what to read, watch, listen to and more. Topics Discussed: Lauren shares the story of how she started Career Contessa and its purpose as a leading career site for millennials, offering career advice, job listings, career coaching, and job resources. Lauren discusses her struggle to find a job after college and how her experience in recruiting gave her the idea for Career Contessa. She emphasizes her drive to help others find opportunities that she had difficulty finding herself. Lauren explains her motivation for writing the book, "Power Moves," which aims to help people build fulfilling careers. She describes it as a comprehensive guide to building a healthy, successful, and fulfilling career on one's own terms. Lauren discusses the importance of reframing our perception of our careers and provides examples from her book on how to do so. Lauren explores the concept of the ambition trap and the feeling of entitlement that can hinder progress and success in careers. She highlights the challenges millennials face in managing their expectations and adjusting their narratives. Lauren shares the timeline of how Career Contessa grew, from its start as a school project to offering career coaching, creating online courses, and expanding through various media platforms. Lauren discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning from a predictable work environment to running a startup. She also offers advice on staying organized, establishing processes, and maintaining consistency. Lauren envisions the future of Career Contessa, aiming to provide the best resources and adapt to changing trends and preferences, such as creating content in different formats to reach a wider audience. Lauren provides advice for individuals building their own businesses, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing an email list, marketing strategies, and consistency.

As a lifelong book lover, author and book publisher, Andy Hunter knew he wanted to keep independent bookstores alive and thriving. Using his experience in the publishing industry, Andy had the audacity to come up with a successful idea for taking on Amazon.  Andy's idea was Bookshop.org, an online platform that  gives independent bookstores an easy to use, full service platform for selling books online. Bookshop handles the distribution marketing, and shipping of online book sales, and doesn't take a cut so bookstores keep all the profits. Since the majority of book stores cannot afford an online storefront, they can partner with Bookshop for online sales to add profits to their stores.  Since independent bookstores already have small margins, being able to sell online can be the difference between staying open or shutting down. Independent bookstores add so much value to communities. Research shows bookstores attract more business to other commerce and the property values rise since bookstore are a community gathering spots that bring people together. In our conversation, Andy shares how the challenges and adversities of his childhood fostered his love for books, and how his career in publishing led him to the path he was meant to pursue. We hope you will be inspired to shop from Bookshop and to encourage your local bookstore to sign up for Bookshop.org.  We wish for every community to have their own beloved local bookstore! https://bookshop.org/

We want you to know @lisanormanbooks General Surgical Pathologist, mother of four and children's book author. of the “Ellie Asks” series. Dr. Norman's books stress the importance of basic human virtues such as HOPE, LOVE, RESPECT, and JOY. Dr. Norman believes in giving back and paying it forward, instilling basic human virtues in children and maintaining Christian values in today's world.  If you are interested in a career in medicine, check out the path for Surgical Pathologists. Dr. Norman's career has given her the opportunity to help others, continuously learn and work a part time schedule so she can be a present mom for her kids. Seems like a beautifiul life path to us! Follow @lisanormanbooks