Leading Lights

Welcome back! After a short break, we are introducing a new co-host, Rudra Joshi, who will be joining Soumya in exploring a new avenue: the vast world of medicine. With so many healthcare-oriented careers, the upcoming episodes are intended to continue what we've been doing before—interviewing professionals, gaining knowledgeable insights, and taking up some guidance—with a bit of a medical twist. Stay tuned, and make sure to follow us on all socials (@leadlinglights_pod).

In this episode, we get to talk to Lisa Morton about her work as an interior designer and how she connects holistic approaches to self-care through her career. Ranging from private aircraft interiors to kitchens and baths, Lisa shares her experience with the wide array of opportunities that come with being in this field. She adds that a fulfilling part of her career is being able to support women going through major life events by helping them create a safe environment in their homes. Be sure to take a listen! Follow us on Instagram: @leadinglights_pod

In this episode, we talk to Wren Valentino about his growth as a writer, film producer, and critic. His works range from romance novels to web series to playwriting, and we dive deep into how his love for writing brought him to such a multifaceted career. Wren shares advice for aspiring writers and creative artists, encouraging them to stay dedicated and have faith in where their creative talent may lead them. Be sure to take a listen! Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter: @leadinglights_pod

In this episode, we spoke to Karsten Moran, a photographer who has contributed to several publications, including the New York Times. From his upbringing in many parts of the world to the impact photography has left on his profession and perspective, our conversation covered all things photography in the journalistic world. Take a listen! Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod

In this month's episode, Jimmy Evans shares his insights and experiences as a sales and account manager in the cafe industry. Jimmy has been involved in the cafe industry for many years, starting out as a barista and later working to curate marketing content for Artisti Coffee Roasters. He discusses the role of social media in his role and the various career opportunities available in the cafe industry. Take a listen to learn more! Follow Artisti Coffee Roasters and Jimmy on Instagram: @artisticoffeeroasters @jimmy.e.coffee Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod

In this episode, we talk to Ruksana Hussain about all things journalism: freelance journalism, opportunities that journalism offers, and the path toward becoming a successful journalist. From overcoming the taboo around pursuing journalism as a career to struggles with finding her place as an immigrant, Ruksana has had her fair share of twists and turns before finally establishing herself as a successful and diverse freelance journalist. We cover Ruksana's ever-changing day-to-day schedule, exciting travels, and advice in this episode. Take a listen! Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod Check out Ruksana's website: http://www.ruksanawrites.com/

In this month's episode, Mark Wilkinson joins us to share his journey through the performance arts industry. With significant support, Mark has pursued a career in acting and singing prior to becoming a vocal coach. After completing a certification in Singing Health from Ohio State University, he found a balance of all his interests in vocal coaching. He shares his experience with the intersection between the arts and science in vocal coaching and provides fascinating insights into the overlooked aspects of the music industry. Take a listen to learn more! Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod

Today's guest is Alessandra Ciuffo, a versatile chef personality who has made appearances on several Food Network TV shows and has explored a unique career through school and social media. We speak to her about all things cooking, including its several paths to success and the opportunities that have come out of this passion. Alessandra details her launch into media as an off-shoot pursuit of her experience in culinary school and in recipe development, explaining its role as an impressive and far-reaching platform that inspires herself and others to find their love for cooking. Take a listen to hear more! Alessandra Ciuffo's website: https://alessandraciuffo.com/ Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod

In this episode, we talk to Jason Bay who has found his place in the gaming industry as a developer. After being exposed to gaming technologies in his early years, Jason discovered his passion for the nuances and creative aspects of programming video games. He shares his experience in being a tester, game designer, and entrepreneur. He also works for Amazon Web Services as a Senior Product Manager. Currently a career coach for those interested in the gaming industry, Jason designed and launched his site: GameIndustryCareerGuide.com to promote collaboration and creation. Take a listen to hear his insights! Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod

In this episode, Nina Hobson joins us to share her experience in the detective and policing field. She speaks about her early interest in the world of investigating as well as her job's impact on her and her family. Nina also talks about her shift from being a detective (and at one point, a private investigator!) to a TV/radio personality. Take a listen to hear how different detective and police work really is from what you see in the media! Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod Nina Hobson's podcast Code Name Siren: https://instabio.cc/codename

In this episode, we talk to work-from-home voice actor, Gina Scarpa. Having worked with major brands like Xfinity, L'Oreal, the Portland Trail Blazers, and many others, she shares her insight on the prevalence and value of voice acting. We discuss the evolution of the voice acting industry, the profession's function as a creative outlet, and her background in the entertainment industry. Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod Gina Scarpa's Socials: @ginascarpa on Instagram

Former salesperson, Matt Javit decided to shift his career toward traveling, going around the world for 27 months with just one backpack and his wife. In doing so, he learned about various people, cultures, and human relationships, all while volunteering, pursuing photography, and developing projects. In this episode, Matt shares his journey from his job in sales to seeing the globe to settling down in Honduras. We cover everything from language barriers to advice related to travel. Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on new episodes: @leadinglights_pod Matt Javit's socials: @mattjavit

Rikhi Roy shares her experiences as a woman of color in aerospace engineering. After completing high school in Singapore, she came to the United States as a foreign national to attend Georgia Tech. She has completed the Brooke Owen's fellowship and is a founder of Singapore's first Women Leaders in Aerospace Conference. Alongside her career, Rikhi shares her mental health journey through her social media. In this episode, she shares her insights with students on how she was able to create a better mindset going into her career. She also details her journey with dance and the importance of community. Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter: @leadinglights_pod Rikhi's Socials: @rikhiroy

In this episode, we're joined by Penny Abeywardena, a member of the board of directors of the Center for Reproductive Rights and the former NYC Commissioner for International Affairs. We discuss the effects of Dobbs v. Jackson and how the coming generations play a role in broadening women's access to healthcare. Penny emphasizes that "this is not a fight that we have lost" and offers suggestions on carrying productive conversations among family, friends, and officials around this polarizing topic. As abortion rights become a highly contested topic among people of this nation, the gradual retrogression of women's fundamental access to healthcare is becoming clearer, as is the need to make a change. Here are a few helpful resources related to abortion rights: Learn more about abortion bans: https://reproductiverights.org/maps/abortion-laws-by-state/ Donate to protect worldwide reproductive rights: https://secure.reproductiverights.org/a/stand-with-us Donate to remove financial and social barriers to abortion: https://abortionfunds.org/ Donate to independent clinics: https://keepourclinics.org/ Find abortion care near you: https://www.abortionfinder.org/  Find abortion referrals and financial assistance: 1-800-772-9100 Share your story: https://www.together.plannedparenthood.org/articles/6-share-abortion-story Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter: @leadinglights_pod

TW: Discussions of Death In this episode, we talk to Victor M. Sweeney, who some of you may recognize from his viral Wired videos, including "Mortician Answers Dead Body Questions from Twitter." Not only does Victor share his journey in becoming a mortician/funeral director, he also offers his outlook on the opportunity of life and death alike. He squashes misconceptions of the character of morticians as he brings on his personable personality to the podcast. Join us in our conversation to get a glimpse into his world as someone who is constantly surrounded by death, yet has developed a meaningful approach to life. Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter: @leadinglights_pod

TW: Discussions of Death In this episode, we talk to Victor M. Sweeney, who some of you may recognize from his viral Wired videos, including "Mortician Answers Dead Body Questions from Twitter." Not only does Victor share his journey in becoming a mortician/funeral director, he also offers his outlook on the opportunity of life and death alike. He squashes misconceptions of the character of morticians as he brings on his personable personality to the podcast. Join us in our conversation to get a glimpse into his world as someone who is constantly surrounded by death, yet has developed a meaningful approach to life. Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram and Twitter: @leadinglights_pod

Today, we take a career test together and discuss our take on the questions. You can take the test with us at: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder/test. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @leadinglights_pod

As licensed psychotherapists and authors who have navigated their way through life coaching, Dean Del Giudice and Gay Matheson share their experience with finding the right balance between practicality and passion. Guidice and Matheson encourage students to take their time in discovering their path in life while also offering insight into their field of work. Be sure to follow Leading Lights on Instagram: @leadinglights_pod

**TRIGGER WARNING This episode contains graphic depictions of suicide and mental health illnesses. Please be advised while listening, as some listeners may find this triggering.** In this month's episode, we discuss how to spot signs of mental illnesses with mental health comedian, Frank King. He guides us through recognizing these indications and how to help when a loved one is struggling. Frank, a successful comedian turned mental health speaker/TedX coach, shares his experience with a suicide attempt and starts the conversation of suicide awareness. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 Frank King's website: https://www.thementalhealthcomedian.com/ Be sure to follow us on Instagram: @leadinglights_pod + all streaming platforms

In this episode, we talk about what success means to us. Having glossed over this term many times in our previous episodes without other professionals, we thought it was time to talk about the significance of this single world and its impact on our perspective on life and career. What does success mean to you? Be sure to follow us on Instagram: @leadinglights_pod And all streaming platforms!

From filmmamker to standup comedian to hypnotist/entertainer, John Moyer has found what it means to follow your passions. He joins us on this episode to share his journey through it all: his ups and downs, obstacles and achievements. Tune in to hear his unique take on hypnosis and the nuances that come with this profession. John Moyer's website: https://www.johnmoyer.com/ Leading Light's Instagram: @leadinglights_pod

Jyoti Chand, more famously known as mamajotes on Instagram and TikTok, has navigated her way through social media as a comedian and mother. She joins us to share her journey and some life lessons she's learned along the way. Tune in to discover what it takes to be an influencer while balancing a busy home life. Jyoti's instagram: @mamajotes Leading Lights instagram: @leadinglights_pod

Christian Straka started off as a professional tennis player alongside some of the greatest players, including Roger Federer! After an injury, he found his passion in coaching for soon-to-be world-famous tennis players like Victoria Azarenka. Now, he is a mindset coach with Adidas and is sharing what new knowledge he's gained from his career journey. Christian Straka's website: straka.la Leading Light's Instagram: https://instagram.com/leadinglights_pod?utm_medium=copy_link

Today we talk to Nic Hyl about her journey through fashion design as she shares her advice and experiences for aspiring designers. Nic Hyl's Website: https://nichyl.com/ Leading Lights Instagram: https://instagram.com/leadinglights_pod?utm_medium=copy_link

Alongside other bewildered students attempting to find their calling in life, these high schoolers hope to find the answers in the leading lights of the more unorthodox careers. While most of us are aware of more common occupations like doctors, engineers, and lawyers, we are rarely educated on the more specialized undertakings. Soumya Joshi and Hema Vikram use this podcast as a platform to find their journey through the future and to help others through theirs by choosing a new profession every episode. With conversations and guest speakers, the world may finally meet its leading lights.