Welcome to "is that cashmere?" – the podcast that is a unique blend of personal narratives, career wisdom, and cultural insights, offering listeners a chance to hear from voices as diverse as the fabric of society itself. From the boardroom to the studio, from the lab to the streets, hosts Becca Hoeft and Anna Kincannon, invite you into a world of insightful conversations and captivating stories, engaging with an eclectic mix of guests from every corner of the globe. But what makes "Is That Cashmere?" truly stand out are the Cashmere Confessions. In these moments, guests share the soft, often unseen sides of their journeys – the struggles, the triumphs, the lessons learned. The stuff they wish they knew when they were younger. Tune in for the storytelling, stay for the fascinating ideas, and perhaps discover a few threads of wisdom to weave into your own life. "Is That Cashmere?" isn't just a podcast; it's an experience. . It's a space where curiosity meets culture in a beautifully knitted tapestry of voices, inviting you to feel, learn, and perhaps find those rare threads of wisdom to interlace into the fabric of your own life. This is a production of the Morris Hoeft Group.
Becca Hoeft and Anna Kincannon
In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Chef Yia Vang, the James Beard Award nominee and force behind Vinai, Minneapolis's groundbreaking Hmong restaurant that has captured the culinary world's attention. Named after the Thai refugee camp where his family lived before moving to the U.S. Vinai has earned international acclaim — making Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List of the best new restaurants in the world, as well as prestigious nods from Time Magazine, the New York Times, and Esquire.Yia shares how his early life, shaped by family, resilience, and storytelling, inspired his journey from a kid who didn't like cooking to a national ambassador for Hmong cuisine. We talk about the power of food to build inclusive communities, the significance behind dishes like Vinai's Hill Tribe chicken and fried catfish, and how every plate he serves is a living tribute to the Hmong spirit of survival and celebration.This episode is a testament to perseverance, heritage, and the transformative power of sharing a meal. If you love stories of identity, grit, and cultural redefinition, you won't want to miss this conversation.
In this inspiring episode of Is That Cashmere?, Becca and Anna chat with Jen Nash, the "Connector in Chief" and author of The Big Power of Tiny Connections. Jen shares how small gestures, like reconnecting with old friends or sharing an orange on a plane, can transform your life and career. This episode will have you rethinking connections—and maybe packing an extra snack for your next flight.
It's our FIRST Cashmere Crash where experts come together to do a podcast take over! Branding titans Aaron LeMay and Patrick Hanlon take the helm. Aaron LeMay, renowned for crafting iconic game worlds like "Saints Row" and "Halo," now pioneers the future of digital interaction through behavioral design at Free Range Games and the //MEH Network. Patrick Hanlon, the world's leading brand evolutionary and author of "Primal Branding" and "The Social Code," has redefined how brands attract and build communities through shared beliefs.In this special takeover episode, LeMay and Hanlon delve into the art and science of branding, exploring how narratives and belief systems can transform brands into powerful cultural phenomena.
With the pandemic behind us, one family tells their story about how they worked with Boundless Life to work and live in another country.
Guest: Wendy Buck, Author of Is there a Triceratops on My Toe?Join Wendy Buck, senior marketing manager turned children's author, as she shares her inspiring path to literary success. From bedtime stories to published works, Wendy's story ignites the spark of following one's dreams.
Liz Hershfield, former fashion executive and now CEO and Founder of Greensih, talks about how sustainability and fashion are woven together.
Guest: Derek Mulhern, founder of Derek Mulhern Coaching & ConsultingJoin Derek Mulhern as he unpacks the profound impact of coaching, emphasizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for all. Explore how coaching transcends boundaries, empowering all individuals to reach new heights across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
Guest: Angel Uddin, Senior Director of the Equity, Diversity * Inclusion office at human resources at the University of Minnesota Listen to Angel Uddin's compelling narrative as she navigates her transition from banking to spearheading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Her story resonates with anyone seeking inspiration in the DEI space.
Guest: Melissa Joy, Founder of Pearl PlanningThe first of the Cashmere Confessions are out! Plus, Melissa Joy, President of Pearl Planning, shares invaluable financial insights tailored to meet you where you are in life. Dive into her pearls of wisdom, making financial planning approachable and achievable for all.
Guest: Andrea Markstrom, founder of i.WILLEmbark on a transformative journey with Andrea Markstrom, the visionary behind i.WILL. Discover how she overcame obstacles to create a thriving women's network, fostering inclusivity and mentorship, and breaking barriers in the professional world.
Join hosts Anna Kincannon and Becca Hoeft as they kick off their podcast journey, exploring the genesis of "Is that Cashmere?" Be ready for a tapestry of personal tales, career insights, and cultural musings, showcasing voices as diverse as society itself.
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